EVERTON 2 - SAINTS 0
December 3 2001
The Southern Daily Echo
If only the PFA hadn't called off the proposed strike for this weekend, a lot of misery would have been spared! The small band of travelling fans could have stayed home in the warm instead of suffering and shivering through another desperately disappointing defeat. Even if they had not wiped out the fixtures but just banned the cameras, it might have helped. Saints never seem to do well on live television. Come to think of it, some of the highlights programmes have not been too clever either. The trouble with television is there are too many damned repeats - and this was yet another. Of the team's ten league defeats this season, six have been 2-0 - and have followed pretty much the same pattern. Saints generally get on top but fail to make their possession count and are forced to pay for missing chances when they go behind. They then chase the game and get caught on the break late on. And that's exactly how it was again. You have to question the decision to screen this game since the plot is all too predictable - and there never seems to be a happy twist at the end. Once they go behind, Saints do not have enough conviction or impetus or cutting edge to come back. Saints have now lost two games more than any other team in the division - and this latest setback was made worse by the knowledge that they could - and perhaps should - have won.
Certainly you could not argue against the result overall - but the fact is the game was there for the taking. Gordon Strachan's men dominated the first half. They had most of the possession and keeper Paul Jones had just one easy save to make. They also carved out two great opportunities. Paul Telfer's 20-yard blast produced a terrific fingertip save, albeit at a nice height. From the resulting corner, Claus Lundekvam's first-time sweep from ten yards was superbly tipped over.
So complete was the visitors' control that that toothless Everton were booed off at half-time.
Without their two first-choice strikers, they were forced to play defender Steve Watson up front and so looked woefully short of ideas and initiative. That all changed with the interval introduction of Paul Gascoigne and Mark Pembridge. With Gary Nayswmith switching to left-back, it gave the midfield a much sharper edge. The appearance of Gazza lifted the crowd and therefore the team.
But the biggest lift came from the early breakthrough just four minutes after the re-start.
Typically, it began with a Saints attack. Chris Marsden's cross was too deep for Paul Telfer and Pembridge cleared to Watson in the centre circle. He swept wide first-time to Tomasz Radzinski, who had got in behind Jason Dodd after he had pushed forward to help the attack.
Paul Williams was slow to get across, leaving the little striker room to cut in and steer past the unprotected Jones into the bottom far corner. Goodison was transformed and so were Everton, who built up a head of steam, inspired by Gascoigne showing he has lost none of his ability even if the legs do not carry him as far or as fast as he would now like these days. They did however carry him past Wayne Bridge and into the box for a shot which Jones beat away well to deny him a trademark goal. And they sent him darting through the inside left channel only to go down under a challenge from behind by Dodd, who was relieved not to concede a penalty. Jones made a other fine stop from Radzinski after Thomas Gravesen had muscled Matt Oakley off the ball in midfield.
Gravesen, anonymous in the first half, was now causing big problems. And he squandered two golden chances. The first saw him lift the ball delicately over Jones when in space to the right of goal but Bridge got back well to nod off the line. Four minutes later and in an almost identical position, he opted for power but slashed wide. However, he almost immediately redeemed himself at the other end when he was on hand to block Anders Svensson's header on the line.
Steve Simonsen was beaten but Gravesen's midriff took the full force, although there was a suspicion it may have caught one of his hands either side of the ball. With no strikers charging in hard, he was able to shepherd the ball on the line for the keeper to retrieve just before it crossed.
Encouraged by that, Saints thrust forward with increasing desperation, although even their 4-3-3 formation did not give them the fluidity of movement they needed to unhinge a solid defence.
There was little penetration from the midfield and no unpredictable darting runs. It was all one dimensional and easy for Everton to mop up. And, true to form, Saints were then caught on the break again. Watson swept out to Gravesen on the right and his cross was slid home by the unmarked Pembridge to complete a miserable day.

EVERTON 2 SOUTHAMPTON 0
Praise the lord for Gascoigne
Dec 3 2001 By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
'HERE comes the sun' echoed around Goodison Park as Everton paid a poignant tribute to the late George Harrison before kick-off. Given what followed 'My Sweet Lord' would have been much more appropriate. At half-time that was the more polite response to a quite dreadful first half display by Everton. On the final whistle it summed up the exclamation at the complete transformation engineered by Paul Gascoigne that saw the Blues sweep aside Southampton to elevate themselves back into the top half of the table. This was the archetypal game of two halves, the one without the mercurial midfielder living down to all the prematch expectations and the one graced with his presence delivering enough proof to suggest that a top ten finish is well within Everton's means. Injuries and strikers permitting of course. It was asking more of Everton just to stay awake rather than stay on level terms after a tepid opening 45 minutes that saw Walter Smith and Archie Knox strip the paint off the dressing room walls at the interval with a blistering verbal assault.
However, thanks to a double substitution and an inspired response from those fortunate enough to remain on the pitch the Blues banished painful early memories and earned a deserved first victory in over a month thanks to second-half strikes from Tomasz Radzinski and Mark Pembridge.
And if being one point behind champions Manchester United isn't good enough, Radzinski's much-maligned strike partnership with a full-back also displayed its first flourishing signs. With Smith's hunt for a forward now assuming Bin Laden proportions, the Blues manager again opted to stick with Steve Watson in attack even though his role alongside the £4.5million man had showed little sign of gelling in their previous two outings. Thankfully it did for one game-turning moment yesterday, despite initially increasing the Blues striking dilemma as the few options it presented placed an even greater emphasis on the defence which, at home to a struggling Southampton side, rightly infuriated the Goodison crowd. Despite a deflected Niclas Alexandersson shot looping over in the opening minute and Thomas Gravesen just failing to connect with a Radzinski cross, all the early impetus came from Gordon Strachan's modest team. Aided by a Blues midfield that wasted possession too often and a home defence that never looked comfortable dealing with the movement of Marian Pahars and James Beattie, the Saints were the more threatening team and would have established a deserved lead but for the excellent Steve Simonsen. Twice inside a minute the emerging keeper saved the Blues from even more misery when he palmed away Paul Telfer's 20-yard curler and then, when his defence failed to clear the subsequent corner, the 22-year-old produced an even better stop to tip Claus Lundekvam's closerange effort over. The game required no encouragement to sap the will to live but referee Jeff Winter tried his best with a trademark performance that almost brought the contest to a standstill with constant interuptions.
Even Mr Winter couldn't be blamed for a truly awful first half, however, with Everton's limited threat dissolving to Radzinski chasing lost causes down either channel and their opponents, unable or unwilling to stamp their authority on proceedings, reduced to a couple of 30-yard pot-shots that Simonsen watched go wide. Things got so bad that the fourth official's announcement of two minutes stoppage time threatened to start a lemminglike leap amongst the supporters in the Main Stand. Changes had to be made in an attempt to break the monotony and Smith duly obliged with a half-time reshuffle. On came Paul Gascoigne and Mark Pembridge for the ineffectual Alexandersson and the unfortunate Unsworth respectively, as the Everton boss resisted the temptation to change his attack and instead opted for more midfield creativity. And it was a policy that reaped its rewards just five minutes after the restart when Radzinski and Watson combined for the first and the most telling effect. Pembridge's long ball down the touchline was expertly flicked on by the Geordie and sent the Canadian sprinting for goal. Clearly the Southampton defence were unaware of the striker's blistering pace, and they backed off with disastrous consequences as Radzinski reached the sixyard area unopposed before slotting a confident finish under Paul Jones. Reinvigorated by the substitutions and buoyed by the goal Everton suddenly found themselves in complete command and should have had the points sewn up long before Pembridge struck for the first time this season.
Gascoigne's arrival and willingness to keep possession shifted the midfield battle in Everton's favour, and one vintage run through the Southampton rearguard deserved to finish with his second goal for the club only for Jones to parry his angled shot and Watson to sky the rebound under pressure.
Three minutes later Gascoigne again tricked his way into the area and though halted by a slight touch by Jason Dodd it was not enough to earn the penalty the Gwladys Street demanded.
Then, with the visiting rearguard torn to pieces by Everton's improved midfield play and Radzinski's intelligence, the chances arrived thick and fast. Unfortunately so did the misses. Gravesen sent Radzinski in at a similar angle to his goal, though this time the striker elected to cut inside and shot straight at the advancing Jones. The Danish international should have sealed matters himself moments later when given a free shot of goal by Scot Gemmill's neat pass. For some reason, however, the midfielder sent a weak chip over the keeper that was never going to trouble the three Southampton defenders on the line. Manager Smith was livid with Gravesen's profligacy and his mood darkened with 15 minutes to go when the same player again only had Jones to beat but, despite learning the lessons of his earlier miss, he blazed well wide. With so many opportunities wasted Everton anxiety naturally heightened as the clock ticked down and ironically it was Gravesen who rescued the home side when the Saints engineered their only decent chance of the second half.
Anders Svensson outjumped Gemmill to a corner and powered his header beyond Simonsen only for the Blues midfielder to block the ball on the line and allow his grateful goalkeeper to pounce.
That was to be Everton's only scare, however, as they gave the scoreline a more accurate reflection of their second-half dominance with four minutes remaining. Again Watson was involved in the build-up, indicating he is now warming to the role of creator supreme with an inviting ball out to Gravesen on the right. Not for the first time the Southampton defence was stretched too far and when the midfielder answered Pembridge's calls for a chip to the far post the little Welshman delivered to divert the ball into the bottom corner With the Blues playing to a different tune in the second half it was the least they deserved. It may not have been enough to bring the sun out, but at least it was something.

Gascoigne's back
by Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 3 2001
WALTER SMITH piled praise on Paul Gascoigne last night after the Everton midfielder helped the Blues back into the top half of the Premiership. A 2-0 win over struggling Southampton lifted Smith's side to ninth in the table after Tomasz Radzinski and Mark Pembridge struck second-half goals to give Everton their first win since October. But it was substitute Gascoigne who was singled out afterwards by manager Smith, who saw the midfielder revitalise the Blues after his interval introduction following a poor first-half display. Smith said: "Paul had a big influence on the game. He's always capable of doing that. He brings a bit of confidence to the team, and he threatened Southampton a few times when he went through. When he came on we got a grip of the ball in midfield for the first time in the game. "It was too comfortable for them in the first half but he upset them when he came on. "It was good to see him take the ball and take a chance. He upset the middle of the park, which in the first half Southampton had the better of." Gascoigne, who insisted he should have had a penalty after he was tripped by Saints' skipper Jason Dodd, hopes his display will push his claims for a starting role after a run of three substitute appearances. The midfielder revealed: "It wasn't nice in the dressing room at half-time. The gaffer and Archie went ballistic but we were all geed-up for the second half and I was pleased to play my part and pleased we got the points to get us up the table. "I know I've got to fight for my place at the moment, and I might not be in the team next week, but the important thing is I'm ready to do my bit for the club."
Smith's decision to continue with Steve Watson as an emergency striker alongside Radzinki paid dividends as the former Newcastle man had a hand in both goals. And the Blues boss said: "Obviously Steve isn't a natural striker but he works away for us up front and in the present circumstances that's the best thing for us. It's difficult for Joe-Max Moore just now but he's similar in stature to our other strikers. "It was an excellent ball Steve put in for the first goal. That goal was out of context with the way we had been playing but it changed the game. It was a good move, a good pass and a good finish." Smith added: "The second half was a reversal of fortune for us.
"Southampton were by far the better side in the first half and although they didn't create many opportunities it took two really good saves from Steve Simonsen to keep it goalless. "In the second half, we started to impose ourselves. We needed a change of emphasis. The two lads who came off were no worse than anyone else but we created a number of opportunities in the second half and from my point of view I'm delighted with how the game changed. "We had quite a few good opportunities to score a second and when they didn't go in there was a bit of concern we'd concede, which we nearly did when Thomas Gravesen stopped one on the line. "But on the second half I don't think you could argue we deserved to win, although it was not without a struggle."
* EVERTON'S Annual General Meeting takes place tonight at Goodison Park.

Praise the lord for Gascoigne
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 3 2001
'HERE comes the sun' echoed around Goodison Park as Everton paid a poignant tribute to the late George Harrison before kick-off. Given what followed 'My Sweet Lord' would have been much more appropriate. At half-time that was the more polite response to a quite dreadful first half display by Everton. On the final whistle it summed up the exclamation at the complete transformation engineered by Paul Gascoigne that saw the Blues sweep aside Southampton to elevate themselves back into the top half of the table. This was the archetypal game of two halves, the one without the mercurial midfielder living down to all the prematch expectations and the one graced with his presence delivering enough proof to suggest that a top ten finish is well within Everton's means. Injuries and strikers permitting of course. It was asking more of Everton just to stay awake rather than stay on level terms after a tepid opening 45 minutes that saw Walter Smith and Archie Knox strip the paint off the dressing room walls at the interval with a blistering verbal assault.
However, thanks to a double substitution and an inspired response from those fortunate enough to remain on the pitch the Blues banished painful early memories and earned a deserved first victory in over a month thanks to second-half strikes from Tomasz Radzinski and Mark Pembridge. And if being one point behind champions Manchester United isn't good enough, Radzinski's much-maligned strike partnership with a full-back also displayed its first flourishing signs. With Smith's hunt for a forward now assuming Bin Laden proportions, the Blues manager again opted to stick with Steve Watson in attack even though his role alongside the £4.5million man had showed little sign of gelling in their previous two outings. Thankfully it did for one game-turning moment yesterday, despite initially increasing the Blues striking dilemma as the few options it presented placed an even greater emphasis on the defence which, at home to a struggling Southampton side, rightly infuriated the Goodison crowd. Despite a deflected Niclas Alexandersson shot looping over in the opening minute and Thomas Gravesen just failing to connect with a Radzinski cross, all the early impetus came from Gordon Strachan's modest team. Aided by a Blues midfield that wasted possession too often and a home defence that never looked comfortable dealing with the movement of Marian Pahars and James Beattie, the Saints were the more threatening team and would have established a deserved lead but for the excellent Steve Simonsen. Twice inside a minute the emerging keeper saved the Blues from even more misery when he palmed away Paul Telfer's 20-yard curler and then, when his defence failed to clear the subsequent corner, the 22-year-old produced an even better stop to tip Claus Lundekvam's closerange effort over. The game required no encouragement to sap the will to live but referee Jeff Winter tried his best with a trademark performance that almost brought the contest to a standstill with constant interuptions.
Even Mr Winter couldn't be blamed for a truly awful first half, however, with Everton's limited threat dissolving to Radzinski chasing lost causes down either channel and their opponents, unable or unwilling to stamp their authority on proceedings, reduced to a couple of 30-yard pot-shots that Simonsen watched go wide. Things got so bad that the fourth official's announcement of two minutes stoppage time threatened to start a lemminglike leap amongst the supporters in the Main Stand. Changes had to be made in an attempt to break the monotony and Smith duly obliged with a half-time reshuffle. On came Paul Gascoigne and Mark Pembridge for the ineffectual Alexandersson and the unfortunate Unsworth respectively, as the Everton boss resisted the temptation to change his attack and instead opted for more midfield creativity. And it was a policy that reaped its rewards just five minutes after the restart when Radzinski and Watson combined for the first and the most telling effect. Pembridge's long ball down the touchline was expertly flicked on by the Geordie and sent the Canadian sprinting for goal. Clearly the Southampton defence were unaware of the striker's blistering pace, and they backed off with disastrous consequences as Radzinski reached the sixyard area unopposed before slotting a confident finish under Paul Jones. Reinvigorated by the substitutions and buoyed by the goal Everton suddenly found themselves in complete command and should have had the points sewn up long before Pembridge struck for the first time this season.
Gascoigne's arrival and willingness to keep possession shifted the midfield battle in Everton's favour, and one vintage run through the Southampton rearguard deserved to finish with his second goal for the club only for Jones to parry his angled shot and Watson to sky the rebound under pressure.
Three minutes later Gascoigne again tricked his way into the area and though halted by a slight touch by Jason Dodd it was not enough to earn the penalty the Gwladys Street demanded.
Then, with the visiting rearguard torn to pieces by Everton's improved midfield play and Radzinski's intelligence, the chances arrived thick and fast. Unfortunately so did the misses. Gravesen sent Radzinski in at a similar angle to his goal, though this time the striker elected to cut inside and shot straight at the advancing Jones. The Danish international should have sealed matters himself moments later when given a free shot of goal by Scot Gemmill's neat pass. For some reason, however, the midfielder sent a weak chip over the keeper that was never going to trouble the three Southampton defenders on the line. Manager Smith was livid with Gravesen's profligacy and his mood darkened with 15 minutes to go when the same player again only had Jones to beat but, despite learning the lessons of his earlier miss, he blazed well wide. With so many opportunities wasted Everton anxiety naturally heightened as the clock ticked down and ironically it was Gravesen who rescued the home side when the Saints engineered their only decent chance of the second half.
Anders Svensson outjumped Gemmill to a corner and powered his header beyond Simonsen only for the Blues midfielder to block the ball on the line and allow his grateful goalkeeper to pounce.
That was to be Everton's only scare, however, as they gave the scoreline a more accurate reflection of their second-half dominance with four minutes remaining. Again Watson was involved in the build-up, indicating he is now warming to the role of creator supreme with an inviting ball out to Gravesen on the right. Not for the first time the Southampton defence was stretched too far and when the midfielder answered Pembridge's calls for a chip to the far post the little Welshman delivered to divert the ball into the bottom corner. With the Blues playing to a different tune in the second half it was the least they deserved. It may not have been enough to bring the sun out, but at least it was something.

Skipper salutes Gazza
Dec 3 2001 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON skipper David Weir saluted the Gazza factor which inspired Everton to their first win in five games at Goodison Park yesterday. Gascoigne was introduced at halftime of a televised match against Southampton which must have had much of the nation reaching for the off switch.
But Gazza's enthusiasm and ideas plugged in the Blues and sparked a 2-0 win which lifted them up into ninth place. "He gives a lift to the whole place," said Weir. "You can feel the stadium start to buzz as soon as he comes on. He's always up for it and he gives the whole place a lift." Gascoigne, however, preferred to deflect the credit onto his boss, Walter Smith. "The gaffer and Archie gave us a right rollicking at half-time," he explained. "They said we could do a lot better than what we'd produced in the first half and what was said obviously geed the lads up. "I just came on played my part, which was to get amongst them really. "The ref told me to calm my tackles down a bit at one stage, but I told him I would have got there about five years ago! "I was a little late with a few of them, but I get tackled and fouled and just get on with it. "That was a definite penalty when I went down, but I just got up and got on with it. "I know the referee's job is difficult and I thought he refereed really, really well today. "But Radz took his goal well and there were a few more chances after that. I'm just glad we've won and gone up to ninth place now." Gascoigne added that he was happy to continue with his supersub role, for now. "I've got to fight for a place now and I'll carry on doing that," he explained. "Who knows, I probably won't be playing again next week, but I don't mind as long as when I come on I'm ready to do a job for the team. "That's what's important."

Smith salutes Blues' defence
Dec 3 2001 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON host their 122nd annual general meeting at Goodison Park tonight - expecting a more upbeat atmosphere than in recent years, after yesterday's 2-0 defeat of Southampton took The Toffees into the top half of the table. Paul Gascoigne received the plaudits after his half-time intervention inspired a dramatic transformation. But Blues' boss Walter Smith was equally pleased with the defensive contribution of his team. The last time the Blues kept three successive clean sheets was two years ago, while the last time they recorded a hattrick of shut-outs in Premiership matches was from the date Thomas Myhre made his debut in "In the first half I thought Davie Weir, Alan Stubbs and Steve Simonsen were our only really effective performers," said Smith.
"They helped keep us in the game. "There's no doubt that Weir and Stubbs have formed a good central defensive partnership in recent weeks. "But throughout this season our defenders have been steady - and that's not just the players who were involved yesterday. When Steve Watson, Abel Xavier and Gary Naysmith have been involved at the back they have looked solid, too."
Yesterday's win elevated Everton to ninth in the table, just a point behind Manchester United.
The bid to bring a new striker in on loan has moved no closer, but Duncan Ferguson is progressing in his bid to overcome an ankle operation. He will not be available for Saturday's trip to Fulham, but could step up his rehabilitation after that. Everton's reserves, meanwhile, entertain Bradford City at the AutoQuest Stadium tomorrow (7pm).

Everton sign up world cup firm
Dec 3 2001 By Mark Thomas, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have signed up one of the world's biggest developers to build its 55,000- seat home on Kings Dock. Bovis Lend Lease, who built the futuristic Sapporo Dome where England will play Argentina in next year's World Cup, has joined forces with the club in what insiders describe as "a massive leap forward" for the project. The news came as annual figures today revealed that the club's debts almost doubled last year, reaching £29.6m at the end of the 2000-2001 season.
Bovis, an Australian conglomerate, backed the £230m Pool of Life bid, one of six schemes beaten off by Everton in the battle to be chosen as preferred developers for the key Liverpool waterfront site.
The company worked on the Sydney and Atlanta Olympic Games venues and has built football, baseball and basketball stadia around the world. It was a partner in the construction of the Sapporo Dome in Japan and built the MEN Arena in Manchester. The multi-purpose Everton arena, with its retractable roof and soccer pitch, aims to provide a venue for a variety of sport and entertainment.
The Sapporo also has a retractable pitch, utilising hovercraft technology to move the grass in and out, with an indoor baseball pitch beneath it. A Bovis spokesman said: "I can confirm that we are part of the preferred consortium that is looking at the Kings Dock scheme. We are there to provide the construction skills. At the moment we have preferred bidder status, which runs until the end of January, and then it will be up to the client, English Partnerships, to look at what we have put on the table. "It will be a state-oftheart project. Other elements include 1,200 new homes and 400,000 square feet of retail and commercial space."
* Everton's latest accounts show the club made a pre-tax loss of £3.6m for the year to the end of May, an improvement on the £11m loss during the previous financial year.

Let's start rumour! Gazza to join the World Cup party
Dec 3 2001 by Tommy Smith, Liverpool Echo
WE have been reading all weekend about England's so-called "Group Of Death" which pairs them with one of the World Cup favourites Argentina, that solid European force Sweden and Africa's rising force Nigeria. I always smile when I see these labels. It's the media's way of hyping up an angle and giving it a real edge. There's no doubt that England have been been handed the toughest of challenges when they go to the Far East this summer. But I wonder what the Argentinian media has made of the draw? Let's put it this way. I bet they were not celebrating on the streets of Buenos Aires over the weekend when England's name came out alongside their own. And there are many reasons why the "Group Of Death" applies as much to them as us. For starters, we have three world class players in our ranks in David Beckham, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard. The Argies will have witnessed our demolition of Germany. In fact, we should produce a couple of dozen special copies and send them out to every prospective member of the Argentinian football squad.
But then they will already be well aware of the matchwinning qualities of Owen and Beckham in particular. I've got another thought to give the South Americans something to think about. Let's start a powerful rumour that one Paul Gascoigne, the Maradona of English football at his peak with skills that would light up any stadium, is Sven Goran Eriksson's secret weapon. For while Maradona is a shadow of his former glorious self, a roly poly figure who has destroyed his body with drug abuse, Gazza has come through his own personal crisis to prove that if you truly love the game, nothing will hold you down. I was thrilled to see the Everton midfielder coming off the bench at Goodison against Southampton and helping to transform a game that was going nowhere into a crucial victory for Walter Smith's men. Afterwards the inevitable questions about the World Cup were aimed at the Geordie. Can he achieve the impossible and make a sensational international comeback? Of course, the answer is no. But whisper that quietly in Agentinian circles. Let's keep pushing the Everton star and instead of talking about the "Group Of Death" let's start to call it the "Group Of Smiles." Certainly, if I was Sven Goran Eriksson, I would be thinking about calling Gazza up for a future get-together, not to play in a match situation, but to train with the lads and whip up their confidence and self belief. Let's face it, there are not many players in the game who can play with a spring in their step and a smile on their face like Gazza. Again, he has had major injury problems this season, but he has fought his way back and the only surprise for me is that Walter Smith has not used him more often in recent games. I bet the Southampton players feared the worst when they saw the Everton substitute in the tunnel at half time, stripped and ready for action. Sometimes it's not just what you do yourself. It's the impact you have on those around you.
Goals from Tomasz Radzinski and Mark Pembridge helped to move Everton five places up the table.
At the same time, the remarkable Michael Owen helped to keep Liverpool on the top of the Premier pile. As we look back on a tense seven days with all the controversy over the Robbie Fowler departure, isn't it nice to go into work on a Monday with a smile on your face, reflecting on victories for Liverpool, Everton AND Tranmere Rovers. Merseyside's passion for the game burns as brightly as ever, thanks to young men like Owen and former greats like Gascoigne. Remember what I said. Let's give that Gazza rumour real legs! And let's salute the heroes who are committed to the Merseyside cause.

Smith still Gascoigne fan
By Paul Walker, Daily Post
Dec 4 2001
PAUL GASCOIGNE has been paid the ultimate accolade by his manager and mentor, Everton boss Walter Smith. Smith, who is considering whether to risk giving Gascoigne one more year at Goodison Park, has no doubt of the former England midfield star's talent. Smith said: "Paul can stand still and be a great player." Gascoigne made a 45-minute cameo appearance on Sunday to change the game against Southampton and give Everton a platform for a 2-0 win that took them ninth in the table. Then came the obvious question. Can he still do it for 90 minutes? And the less obvious one. Is Sven-Goran Eriksson's England still an option? The answer from Smith to the first question is yes. Unfortunately, whenever Gascoigne has a microphone thrust under his nose and a camera to look at and the England question comes he smiles, tries to say the right thing but has not got the heart to say he has no chance. Everyone knows Gazza would just be happy to get a handful of full games for Everton under his belt. England is a broken dream that will never be mended now.
Smith, who has been indulgent with his prodigal son, knows decision time is coming from Everton's point of view. But can Everton risk another year for Gazza when his current deal runs out in the summer? The 34-year-old knows time is running out and has got himself fit. What he did at Goodison Park on Sunday was worth waiting for - but it will not get him back into the England squad.
Smith's view on Gascoigne is clear. He said: "With a few more games I believe he is still capable of doing that for 90 minutes. "But it has been difficult for him. He has just come back from injury and the team had been reasonably steady when he was fit again, so it would have been harsh to leave anyone out at that stage. "He can play for 90 minutes, his fitness is fine and will only get better now.
"He also has an ability to stand still and play well so he doesn't have to be running around all the time." Smith added: "Paul brings confidence to the team - he can take hold of ball in midfield. We hadn't had a grip until that stage and he changed all that. "He goes on runs into the box, it upsets the opposition's balance and creates problems that had not been there beforehand."
On England, Gascoigne said: "As far as I'm concerned, I have just got to keep playing well for my club - it would be a great achievement if I got back into the England squad. "But if I don't I will still be a great supporter of Sven and the England team. "I'll be trying everything but if I don't go there's no problem with that and I will be rooting for the guys."

Handle with care
Dec 4 2001 icLiverpool
PRUDENCE, caution and care were the watchwords of an harmonious 122nd Everton annual general meeting last night. And Evertonians seemed satisfied by the message they received from Chairman Sir Philip Carter. Walter Smith and Archie Knox were described as the club's "greatest assets" and the Board was urged to "take care of them," there were no questions after the thorny issue of the club's finances were outlined - and the formal proceedings of the meeting were completed in just 22 minutes. The question and answer session afterwards lasted four times as long, but the inquiries were almost exclusively directed at manager Walter Smith. Sir Philip Carter and Bill Kenwright were re-elected unopposed. Sir Philip said: "There has been a considerable reduction in our debt, which now lies below £20m. The Board are currently and almost daily addressing the financing of the club.
"We will continue to act prudently. We will not jeopardise the club's future or welfare by allowing the club's borrowing to return to previous levels." Debts peaked at £29.6m at the end of last season - to a current level of under £20m. Sir Philip added: "A new TV contract will be signed in 2004 - and there is great concern that Premiership clubs cannot guarantee current levels of revenue will continue. "We are considering refinancing the debt facilities with the benefits of a longterm funding scheme to protect the future of the club." A call for more information on the progress of the Kings Dock development was blocked because of due diligence. But deputy-Chairman Bill Kenwright urged Evertonians to trust the Board. "This is a sensational deal for Everton Football Club," he enthused.
"There is still an if behind all of this, but when, and if we get this, it will be the finest stadium in the world. "It is a fantastic opportunity for Everton Football Club for one reason --that site needs Everton. Everton wants it and we will continue working every solitary hour so that one day, hopefully, we will be sitting there at the Kings Dock. "Until then, just trust us. "The people on this Board have brains and have worked relentlessly to get the most sensational deal ever."
Director Paul Gregg added: "Arsenal and Leeds are looking at new stadia and would kill for the position Everton have got. "I personally believe, from all the meetings I've been to, that we will have one of the best stadia in Europe and one everyone will be envious of. "The ambition behind the project is amazing. I'm proud of where we've got so far and I'll be even more so when we kick the first ball there." Everton intend to kick off the 2005-2006 season at their new home.

Cleansheets vital to Blues
Dec 4 2001 Kevin Ratcliffe in the Blue corner
SPEAKING as a former Everton defender, it was hugely satisfying to watch the Blues keep their third successive clean sheet on Sunday. As long as you are grinding out clean sheets, you don't need to score a million goals to climb the table. So much responsibility has been placed on the shoulders of Simonsen, Pistone, Weir, Stubbs, Unsworth and co since Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell were injured, but they have responded brilliantly. So, too, have the new striking firm of Watson and Radzinski. It would have been easy for Radzinski to have sat back and sulked with no recognised forward to play alongside. I can think of a few during my time at Goodison who might have responded that way! But he has kept plugging away, working hard, and was rewarded on Sunday with an excellent goal. It was also fitting that the opportunity came from a sure Steve Watson pass.
I always tend to look at goals from an opposing manager's viewpoint. In that respect you would have to say what a poor goal it was for Southampton to concede. But the Everton players involved, from Pembridge through to Radzinski, deserve the highest praise. Pembridge's pass was excellent, so too was Radzinski's run and finish, while Watson's pass opened up The Saints spectacularly.
A lot of what Watson tried throughout the game didn't come off, but he kept plugging away and was eventually rewarded. We all know that centre forward is not his natural position, but he is a solid type with a good attitude and vindicated his manager's decision to use him there. Pembridge deserves his own slice of Gazza-style credit PAUL GASCOIGNE was rightly creditted with inspiring a second half transformation against Southampton on Sunday. But Gazza's impact meant that the equally valuable contribution of Mark Pembridge wasn't given the praise it deserved. Pembridge is one of those players who you don't really appreciate until he is not playing. He does a steady, reliable job, gives you balance on the left and rarely gives the ball away. That is something he has probably learned from his international experiences. Admittedly Mark does not play for one of the leading international sides, but at any level of international football retaining possession is vital and he does that very well. If he has to make a 10-yard pass rather than an ambitious 20 yard one to keep possession, he will do that, but that isn't to say he always looks to play safe passes.
You know he will always bust a gut for the side, and the goal he scored shows the technical ability he has. That chance was probably the hardest of the second half, bouncing up awkwardly, but he converted it with the minimum of fuss. He also had a huge hand in creating the first goal for Tomasz Radzinski and it could be time to bring him in from the start now.

Bobby dazzled
Dec 4 2001 by David Prentice, icLiverpool
WALTER SMITH has itemised a shortlist of striking targets to see Everton through their current striker shortage. But top target Bobby Zamora remains tantalisingly out of the Blues' price bracket.
Despite the club's near £20m overdraft, deputy Chairman Bill Kenwright has made some funds available to his manager for short-term forward cover. Smith watched 20-yearold Zamora score for the eighth successive match on Saturday for Brighton, his 14th of the season. But the player's value is rising with every goal and sources on the south coast suggest he would now command a fee in the region of £3m. Smith has already made enquiries for Crewe Alexandra's Dean Ashton and Blackpool's Brett Ormerod. Crewe are adamant Ashton, watched by Archie Knox on Saturday, is not for sale, while Ormerod joined Southampton today for £1.75m. Zamora's recent run of goals has alerted a host of clubs, including Bolton Wanderers, whose boss Sam Allardyce was also at Gigg Lane on Saturday to watch the Brighton striker. The goal Zamora scored equalled a Brighton club record, but he said: "I don't feel there is any pressure to break the record. The main thing is to keep winning." Blues' boss Smith is desperate to relieve the pressure on lone striker Tomasz Radzinski and restore Steve Watson to his natural defensive berth. Argentinian striker Gonzalo Luis Belloso arrived at Bellefield yesterday for a four day trial, but is unlikely to remain long term. The 28-year-old plays with Strasbourg in France and spent a period on-loan at Mexican club Cruz Azul earlier this year. He will not play in tonight's reserve match against Bradford City.

Kenwright calls for trust
Dec 4 2001 icLiverpool
BILL KENWRIGHT last night urged Evertonians to trust the Blues board in their fight to turn the Kings Dock dream into a reality. Speaking at the club's 122nd annual general meeting, Everton's deputy chairman revealed that while a final agreement on the £300million development has yet to be reached, he was confident the Blues would kick off the 2005-6 season in one of "the finest stadiums in the world". Everton currently hold preferred bidder status to redevelop the prestigious waterfront although calls were made at the AGM for more information about the project and its chances of succeeding. Chairman Sir Philip Carter explained the current due diligence procedure - expected to end next May - placed all groups involved under strict confidentiality rules.
However, Kenwright (pictured) and fellow Goodison director Paul Gregg showed they remain confident the stadium switch will take place. Mr Kenwright said: "There is still an if behind all of this, but when, and if we get this, it will be the finest stadium in the world. "It is a fantastic opportunity for Everton Football Club for one reason - that site needs Everton. Everton wants it and we will continue working every solitary hour so that one day, hopefully, we will all be sitting there at the Kings Dock. "Until then, just trust us. "The people on this board have brains and have worked relentlessly to get the most sensational deal ever." And Mr Gregg added: "It is amazing the opportunities that have come out of this project from where we where 12 months ago. From Everton's point of view, we've had fantastic support and it is a fantastic opportunity."
Mr Gregg continued: "Leeds and Arsenal are looking at new stadiums and would kill for the position Everton have got. "I personally believe, from all the meetings I've been to, that we will have one of the best stadiums in Europe and one everyone will be envious of. "The ambition behind the project is amazing. I'm proud of where we've got so far and I'll be even more so when we kick the first ball there." Both Mr Kenwright and chairman Carter, who announced the longawaited Youth Academy will be addressed this financial year, were re-elected to the Goodison board at one of the most harmonious AGMs in recent years. Once again the majority of questions from the floor were directed at manager Walter Smith rather than the board, namely over the club's youth and scouting systems.

New Evertonian out now
Dec 4 2001
A MUST for all Blues fans is the latest edition of The Evertonian. Out on Tuesday, December 4, the latest for the Goodison faithful is available from all good newsagents, priced at £1.20 (overseas postage on order form). You can order a copy now by printing out, filling in and posting the order form here.
This month's edition includes:
My life in the spotlight - the real Gazza: EXCLUSIVE interview with Paul Gascoigne on his career, from England to Everton.
EXCLUSIVE: Jesper Blomquist: The European Cup winner who's desperate to bring back the good times at Everton
Taking over the reins - Steve Simonsen: We take Everton's newly installed number one to Aintree, to find out about his second love, the world of the turf.
2001, the year in focus: A look back over the past 12 months with the best pictures from a rollercoaster year - vote for your favourite pictures and you could win a new kit or signed photo!
EXCLUSIVE: Tomasz Radzinski - going for goal ... interview with the Canadian striker on how he's planning to put things right in front of goal.
Your best number 9 revealed.
David Weir answers 20 questions.
Christmas A to Z.
Clive Thomas and THAT derby goal investigated.
And, to get in the festive spirit, a chance to win bottles of Everton wine!

Chadwick secures a draw
icLiverpool
Dec 5 2001
A GOAL from young striker Nick Chadwick earned Everton Reserves a draw against a plucky Bradford City side at the Autoquest Stadium. The game wasn't even a minute old when the Blues took the lead. Idan Tal fed David Eaton who fired a curling shot into the bottom corner of the net.
A minute later the visitors were level. Former Barnsley striker Ashley Ward finished from close range past Paul Gerrard to square things at 1-1. Joe-Max Moore then tried a long range effort before Kevin McLeod went close. Bradford however always looked dangerous on the break. Robbie Blake saw an effort deflected wide and he then put the Bantams ahead on 38 minutes with a stinging drive from 30 yards. Swedish International Jesper Blomqvist failed to re-appear for the second half although manager Walter Smith may be hoping he can now play some part against Fulham in the Premiership at the weekend. Nick Chadwick began the second period lively and went close on 54 minutes after Joe Max Moore again did the ground work. Chadwick's hard work was to earn its reward on 69 minutes when he levelled for the Blues. Kevin McLeod's pace got him past Jorgensen and his cross was met cleverly by Chadwick who poked home from close range.
EVERTON: Gerrard,Hibbert, Valentine, Clarke, Blomqvist (Curran 46), McLeod, Pilkington, Tal, Moore, Chadwick, Eaton. Not used: Pettinger,Symes, O'Hanlon, Kearney.
BRADFORD CITY:Worsnip, Jorgensen, Emanuel,Molenaar, Bowler, Makel (Fishlock 46), Carricondo, Blake (Lee 46) Ward, Sharpe, Grant. Not used: Beach, Forrest.
Attendance: 682.

Jesper pushes for his debut
Dec 5 2001 by Ken Rogers, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S midfield options, already boosted by the increasing fitness and influence of Paul Gascoigne, will have another famous name pushing his claims on Saturday. Jesper Blomqvist will almost certainly be in the squad to face Fulham at Goodison Park, having come through another fitness hurdle yesterday. The former Manchester United winger trained yesterday and then surprised manager Walter Smith by asking to be included in the reserve team for the game against Bradford City at the Autoquest Stadium, Widnes. Blomqvist got 45 minutes of action under his belt and his half-time withdrawal was a signal that he could be named on the substitute's bench against the skilful Londoners this weekend. Blomqvist still needs to work on his match fitness, but you could recognise his quality against Bradford. He had good movement and showed quality on the ball.
Manager Smith said: "He is putting one or two little injury niggles behind him. He could be in the pool against Fulham." The Blues continue to look for potential attacking cover with captain Kevin Campbell likely to be sidelined for eight weeks and Duncan Ferguson out for the rest of the month. But Everton will not be drawn into an auction for Brighton's highly rated Bobby Zamora who is being watched by a number of Premiership clubs at present. Strasbourg striker Gonzalo Luis Belloso continues with his trial at Bellefield and Everton have also enquired about Crewe's Dean Ashton.
It was revealed at the club's agm that the club overdraft is now under £20m and heading on a downwards curve. Everton will be reluctant to push this back up again for short term cover although Bill Kenwright might be persuaded to find the manager some cash to help maintain the momentum which has seen the Blues rise into ninth place in the Premiership.

More Maradona, less Madonna
Dec 5 2001 by Len Capeling, Daily Pos
TRUST Everton to get it completely wrong once again. Given the chance to re-assure supporters that their crumbling team can be built up again, they instead get a load of men in suits to bang on about one of the architectural wonders of the world, something akin to the pyramids or one of the lost cities of the Aztecs. In my naivety, I thought the fuddy duddies from the shareholders association would dare to reflect unease among fans that the proposed Palace of Varieties at the Kings Dock was draining the club of all of its transfer cash, leaving the team to sink further into the void.
But no. If the headlines are to be believed, the only thing worth considering was a sculpted piece of concrete down by the riverside. Did no-one think to ask the only questions worth asking, namely: What of Everton as a football club and not as a venue for Madonna? What of Walter Smith being offered more than promises of jam tomorrow? Apparently not. Harmony was the key word, and cosiness the mood of the proceedings. Which is okay in a time of plenty, but not when the manager is starved of cash, the team is part veterans' hospital, part rummage sale and the faithful are left to whistle in the wind - or is that down the wind. Actually, I'm never too surprised at the docile nature of the shareholders. There are too many poodles and not enough rottweilers - and that's the way the board likes it. Hence the smiles afterwards. But when the club insists that the supporters have now embraced mediocrity and accepted that the Blues will never be great again Ð in a soccer rather than a showbiz sense - then you begin to wonder whether the battle for the soul of Everton hasn't already been lost. Fact is, the team is no longer the priority. And what the club really exists for has been conveniently forgotten in pursuit of attractions that will chill the hearts of soccer lovers.
When director Paul Gregg - personal fortune £132m - stood up and waxed lyrical, it wasn't about the boys and girls in Blue. It wasn't about investing money in players, as Liverpool, Leeds and Arsenal have managed to do while planning for new homes. It wasn't anything to do with football. No, what Mr Gregg wants you to know - yes, you in your Goodison strip Ð is that one day Everton will have a stadium that Leeds and Arsenal would kill for. But he is wrong from first to last. What the fans would kill for, the only thing they would kill for, is a team to equal Leeds, and Arsenal, and Liverpool and Manchester United and Chelsea, and any team with ambitions on the soccer field, not on the stage of some quasi stadium. Their desires will be shared by Walter Smith, who loyally has kept his thoughts to himself about the present dispiriting situation. Now if only Monday's love-in had been spoiled by one shareholder brave enough to ask Walter if he was happy that the new stadium was going to take all the club's cash and increase the debt burden, for the foreseeable future. That answer Ð if he'd been allowed to give it - would have been worth more than all the nonsense about a new, hi-tech pop arena whose hunger for borrowed money will ensure that Everton the team remains destitute. Is that your vision as a fan? Is that your vision for those who'll follow you? Let me know. Better still, let the club know whether you buy the ballyhoo. If you don't it may soon be too late to save your team from playing third fiddle to James Last. IS there good news? Yes there is, but only in memories of glittering times long gone. William Ralph Dean was one of the players who made the name Everton resonate, who helped create the original School of Science.
Even now, his goals seem staggering in their abundance. Forty-three hat-tricks, 60 goals in one incredible season, 383 in total from 433 senior games, plus 18 goals in 16 England appearances. We have the indefatigable John Keith to thank for producing the definitive book on the Goodison icon.
Strong on anecdote, superb on detail, it contains a marvellous story about Liverpool sculptor Tom Murphy struggling to get his statue of Dixie just right. There was some problem with the upper arms and as Murphy tried to reposition them, the whole thing suddenly toppled over.
Murphy said: "It wasn't right, so maybe it was fate that made it fall over. Perhaps even Dixie gave it a kick!" Dean the dynamic seldom toppled when Everton needed him. His story is one of achievement piled on achievement and in John Keith he's got the perfect biographer. Buy it and dream.
Dixie Dean by John Keith is published by Robson Books at £17.95.

Keeping tabs on Brighton hit man
Dec 5 2001 by Jonathan McEvoy, Daily Post
WALTER SMITH has placed Brighton hotshot Bobby Zamora at the top of his striker shortlist.
The Everton chief is tracking the 20-year-old as the Blues struggle on without injured duo Kevin Campbell and Duncan Ferguson. Smith's attempts to sign the £2.5million-rated youngster could be thwarted by the club's financial straight-jacket - though the board may yet be persuaded to fund the purchase if the present injuries persist. Everton's near-£20m overdraft means the club are reluctant to hurry into the transfer market but, with the team ninth in the Premiership, they could choose to bankroll the signing rather than let the on-field momentum slip. And, with captain Campbell likely to be sidelined for up to eight weeks and Ferguson out for the rest of the month, Smith is keen to strengthen his threadbare squad. He watched Zamora score his 14th goal of the season on Saturday - his eighth in successive matches. His recent goal run has alerted a number of rival Premiership suitors, including Bolton Wanderers' boss Sam Allardyce, who was also at Gigg Lane to see the second division leaders beat Bury 2-0 at the weekend. Zamora's strike equalled a club record.
Cash-strapped Everton, however, would refuse to be drawn into an auction for the player.
Smith was linked with a move for Blackpool's Brett Ormerod but he is out of the running after joining Southampton in a £1.75m transfer yesterday. Smith has also enquired about Crewe's Dean Ashton as he aims to provide a partner for his only fit frontline striker, Tomasz Radzinski, and restore makeshift forward Steve Watson to his usual defensive role. Strasbourg's Gonzalo Luis Belloso is at Bellefield on a four-day trial but the 28-year-old Argentinian is not a long-term option.

Chadwick secures a draw
Dec 5 2001 icLiverpool
A GOAL from young striker Nick Chadwick earned Everton Reserves a draw against a plucky Bradford City side at the Autoquest Stadium. The game wasn't even a minute old when the Blues took the lead. Idan Tal fed David Eaton who fired a curling shot into the bottom corner of the net.
A minute later the visitors were level. Former Barnsley striker Ashley Ward finished from close range past Paul Gerrard to square things at 1-1. Joe-Max Moore then tried a long range effort before Kevin McLeod went close. Bradford however always looked dangerous on the break. Robbie Blake saw an effort deflected wide and he then put the Bantams ahead on 38 minutes with a stinging drive from 30 yards. Swedish International Jesper Blomqvist failed to re-appear for the second half although manager Walter Smith may be hoping he can now play some part against Fulham in the Premiership at the weekend. Nick Chadwick began the second period lively and went close on 54 minutes after Joe Max Moore again did the ground work. Chadwick's hard work was to earn its reward on 69 minutes when he levelled for the Blues. Kevin McLeod's pace got him past Jorgensen and his cross was met cleverly by Chadwick who poked home from close range.
EVERTON: Gerrard,Hibbert, Valentine, Clarke, Blomqvist (Curran 46), McLeod, Pilkington, Tal, Moore, Chadwick, Eaton. Not used: Pettinger,Symes, O'Hanlon, Kearney.
BRADFORD CITY:Worsnip, Jorgensen, Emanuel,Molenaar, Bowler, Makel (Fishlock 46), Carricondo, Blake (Lee 46) Ward, Sharpe, Grant. Not used: Beach, Forrest.
Attendance: 682.

Blomqvist poised for Blues bow
Dec 6 2001 by Jonathan McEvoy Daily Post
JESPER BLOMQVIST could end his injury exile by being named in the Everton squad at Fulham on Saturday. Following the return to fitness of duo Paul Gascoigne and Mark Pembridge, Everton's midfield options could receive another fillip. If Blomqvist plays it will mark his Blues debut nearly six weeks after signing at Goodison Park. Boss Walter Smith will delay a decision on whether to involve the former Manchester United star at Craven Cottage, but the player is continuing to win his battle for fitness. He showed no ill-effects after 45 minutes of reserve team action against Bradford on Tuesday night. And the fact he was substituted at half-time is perhaps a sign that he may finally be ready to return to Premiership action. Smith said: "He is putting one or two injury niggles behind him and he could be in the pool against Fulham." Meanwhile, Steve Watson is poised to continue in attack against Jean Tigana's men. The defender has filled in as Tomasz Radzinski's partner in attack for the club's last three Premiership fixtures and is expected to be asked to continue in the unfamiliar role. With two of his main three strikers Ð Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell Ð out through injury, Smith is again likely to overlook the option of restoring Joe-Max Moore to the forward line. The American striker is aiming to restart his Premiership career but Smith favours using a physical presence such as Watson alongside Radzinski. Ferguson is out for the rest of the year while Campbell is sidelined for eight weeks.

Tommo's tops but Walter is the quiet hero
Dec 6 2001 by Ken Rogers, Liverpool Echo
I FOUND myself reflecting on two Merseyside characters this week as Phil Thompson deservedly won his first Barclaycard Manager of the Month award while Walter Smith took Everton into the Premier League's top 10. It's difficult to decide which achievement holds more merit. That may sound strange from a Liverpool point of view. There might even be a few Evertonians shaking their heads. But Walter Smith deserves his own manager accolade for his efforts over the past eight games in which Everton have suffered just one defeat to take ninth place in the top flight. Yes, there have been scrappy performances in this spell. The ECHO'S Everton correspondent David Prentice went so far as to describe the first half against Southampton on Saturday as "turgid."
But at times of strain and stress, it's results that matter. If you can keep things going through difficult periods in the season, you have a real opportunity to build powerfully when key players return from injury. And it should be noted that Smith is selecting a side at the moment without Kevin Campbell and Duncan Ferguson. People say Walter does not show any emotion during matches. The inference is that somehow he is not passionate about the Blues. I think the images of Walter, on his feet, beaming and punching the air as first Tomasz Radzinski and then Mark Pembridge put Everton into the driving seat against the Saints, told you exactly how the experienced Scot truly feels in side.
He doesn't often show it, but don't be misled by those normally dead pan expressions that are as far removed as you can get from the finger-pointing, animated Thompson. Smith isn't just passionate for Everton on the pitch. He has a complete grasp of the club's acute financial problems. I was surprised to hear someone describe the manager as the club's "greatest asset" during Monday's annual general meeting. The meaning was clear. Smith has acted with dignity and understanding while showing a remarkable patience, not just over a period of months, but ever since the club's new regime inherited a burgeoning debt that is gradually edging on a downwards curve, now below £20m after peaking at £29.6m at the end of last season. Everton are right to show continued prudence when you consider the worrying possibilities of a serious downturn in TV revenue in the years ahead. It was interesting to hear chairman Sir Philip Carter at the AGM talking about a possible long term funding scheme to protect the future of the club. This is part of a four-year blueprint that encompasses the exciting move to the King's Dock with all the benefits that will follow. Leeds United have spent £90m in the transfer market. The phrase is: "Speculate to accumulate". Both Leeds and Chelsea are reported to be close to £100m in debt. But the long term nature of their financial borrowing means they are not vulnerable to the whims of a nervous bank manager. The repayments are reduced because of the length of the agreement. The clubs know exactly what they have got to lay out every year and because they can predict their basic income, they can manage the situation. In Leeds case, they will earn £25-30m if they maintain their progress and qualify for the Champions League. This is income that is out of reach of the clubs lower down, caught in the same vicious circle as Everton. But you can only borrow that money from a position of stability. This is what Everton have been aiming for and it is one of the reasons why Walter Smith has been a gem, not pressuring the hierarchy for cash they don't have or moaning to the media about the vulnerability of his squad. In Leeds case, despite their present high position, you could say that they have taken a punt with their massive transfer spending. At present it appears to be paying off but, like Everton, they are looking to move. Unlike the Blues, they will not have the support funding that comes with the King's Dock site and this will ultimately stretch their resources. And so Everton are right to highlight the benefits that will flow from their stadium move, not least the new streams of revenue above and beyond the football side. The Blues still have a long way to go, but the stability that Walter Smith has fought for can help them to get there. Tottenham fans are treating Glenn Hoddle like a new football saviour right now. They are just one point ahead of Everton in the table. So are Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. So well done Walter Smith. And many congratulations to Phil Thompson who I backed in this column some weeks ago at a point when some high profile football personalties were suggesting Liverpool would collapse without the appointment of an experienced stand-in for Gerard Houllier. Tommo is on a whole new learning curve and this will add to Liverpool's backroom strength when Gerard ultimately returns, as he will, to continue with his exciting Red revolution.

Touch of the past master
by David Prentice, Everton Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Dec 7 2001
THE first significant touch of Gary Naysmith's Everton career was a ground-raking cross of laser-guided precision to gift Kevin Campbell a goal. That pass came just 10 minutes after replacing Idan Tal on his Everton debut at Newcastle. But a swift switch back to his more recognised role of left-back meant Naysmith wasn't witnessed as often getting in on the assister-act. Until this season that is. Used again in left midfield following an injury to Mark Pembridge, Naysmith showed his eye for a goalcreating pass shone as brightly as ever. He heads Everton's goal creating chart so far this season with four assists. He laid on Steve Watson's goal against West Ham with a dart which took him inside The Hammers' six yard box. And a fortnight later helped his Geordie team-mate to another in the 3-2 win over Aston Villa. A searching cross from the byline gave Tomasz Radzinski his second goal of the campaign in the same game, then at Bolton he whipped back another pass for Paul Gascoigne to ecstatically bury his first goal for 18 months. "This is really the first time I have played left midfield," Naysmith revealed. "I think most full backs prefer the attacking side of their game. I know I do. And I think Walter prefers that, too. "So when I get put into midfield with someone else behind me I am getting more of an opportunity to do that." The fans have also enjoyed the sight of an Everton team which has strung together a solid sequence of results ahead of tomorrow's trip to Fulham. "The arrival of Tomasz Radzinski has made a little bit of a difference," Gary explained "because I think when Duncan and Kevin play you are tempted, if you are struggling, to just knock the ball long and hope the big man will get on the end of it. "But the left hand side is working well, the right hand side is too, while, Alan Stubbs and Davy Weir are starting to click now having played a few games together. "The team is more or less settled now. For the last three games there have only been few changes. "When we have a settled team then you see a different Everton side.
"Just now, I wouldn't say the players are picking themselves but the options are there for the manager to pick the same team each week." It all helps Naysmith's progression. "I am playing in a better standard of league so I hope my game has improved and reached a better standard," commented the 23-year-old. "But I have still got lots to learn and lots to improve upon.
"But I am certainly happy with the way things are going at Everton just now."

Xavier has Goodison exit in sight
Report by Jonathan McEvoy, Daily Post
Dec 7 2001
EVERTON are bracing themselves to lose Abel Xavier as the Portugal defender drags his feet over a new contract. The Blues have offered terms to the 29-year-old - but Xavier has strongly hinted he is preparing his Premiership exit. Goodison boss Walter Smith admitted last night: "His contract is up at the end of the season. We've spoken to him and his agent and offered a new deal - but they have not indicated either way." Smith's tacit acceptance that the player, who can negotiate with any foreign club from next month, is on his way out comes amid renewed speculation linking Xavier with a move abroad. He said: "I have not renewed my Everton contract. But I am open to talks with the club on the subject. "But it is also true that I have to analyse other possibilities. "My situation is clear: I finish the current contract in June and am free to sign for another club, who will not have to pay for my transfer. "This is very interesting for those who want to give me a contract. But I prefer not to speak about other proposals out of respect to Everton. I also do not rule out the possibility to renew, except I don't have a meeting to discuss the subject." Xavier is keen to boost his chances of selection for Portugal's-World Cup squad and is on record as saying he favours a move to his first club, Benfica. The defender added: " Portuguese clubs are interested in me but I cannot say which ones. "It's an important decision. Very delicate. I am 29 and when I sign a new contract it will be for the next three or four years. "My decision will always have to take the international team into account. For me, it is very important to play for my country." The latest round of speculation claims Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and Hertha Berlin are interested in enlisting Xavier's services, along with several English clubs. Sources are even suggesting that the German clubs could attempt to pursue Xavier when the Bundesliga transfer window reopens in January. Xavier claimed: "My agent Peter Wolfram is talking with Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and Hertha Berlin. They are great clubs, with great fans. "Even before moving to England they were interested in me, but I preferred to join the Premier League at that time." But the player's desire to add to his 16 caps after serving a ban from UEFA competitions in the wake of his sending off during Euro 2000 is likely to take him back to his homeland. Xavier, signed from PSV Eindhoven for £1.6m two years ago, has racked up 42 appearances for the Blues, but has failed to hold down a regular place in the team since injuring himself against Newcastle United in October. He is struggling with flu and is a doubt for tomorrow's trip to Fulham. Meanwhile, Darlington are reported to be considering making Paul Gascoigne a big-money offer to finish his career in his native North East. The third division club are moving to a new 25,000-seater stadium next season and chairman George Reynolds is ready to offer the 34-year-old a £2m one-year deal.

Stadium switch isn't cure for all Blues' problems
by Phil McNulty, Chief Football Writer, BBC Sport Online
Dec 7 2001
EVERTON'S 55,000-seater King's Dock smokescreen cannot shield the club from the crucial questions forever. The AGM was not simply the annual declaration of love and peace between the board and an august body well-versed in compliance in the face of easy answers. It was public confirmation that many of the fans - faced with no other choice it should be said - now celebrate mediocrity as if it was the greatest of victories. And it was sad that Everton's board appeared to escape scot free from any serious interrogation of how they intend to rebuild the most crucial part of the club, namely the football team. This does not mean all fans settle for these meagre offerings. This does not mean all fans accept the words "King's Dock" as the answer to every ill they see in their beloved club.
But if silence is golden, the lack of dissenting noise from shareholders will have been precious indeed to those among the Everton hierarchy who throw their hands up in horror at the very idea of anything other than blind support and loyalty. The King's Dock is a magnificent scheme, and it has received no greater support than on the pages of this newspaper, but I believe we should still be allowed to question other important issues. In case I am accused of being unfailingly negative as opposed to brutally realistic, it should be stated the efforts of Everton on the pitch this season have been a very pleasant surprise. The much-maligned manager has turned a sow's ear into a silk purse by making a wafer thin squad difficult to beat - and capable of showing character and skill to turn their fortunes around, as we saw against Southampton last Sunday. The attendances bear magnificent testimony to the core support for a club followed by a huge majority of decent and fair-minded people, despite criticism aimed at them for the antics of the minority at Leicester City.
They still turn up, almost like family visiting a sick relative in the eternal hope they will rise from their sick bed, declare themselves fit and well, and crack open the champagne. And Everton's board can thank Smith for guiding the club to a timely position of Premiership wellbeing, enabling them to hide their deficiencies behind promises of jam tomorrow and a stadium that will be the envy of the world. No mention of the team being the envy of anybody except perhaps Accrington Stanley. Obviously. I have not the slightest personal axe to grind against Bill Kenwright - quite the opposite in fact - and I retain the utmost admiration for his dogged determination to wrest the club from the hands of the previous owner. But with power comes responsibility, not just for Kenwright but others in power at Everton it must be stressed, and the main responsibility of any board is to generate resources to put the best possible football team on the pitch. Just like Liverpool. Just like Arsenal. Just like Leeds United. All clubs currently discussing building a new stadium. It does Kenwright and Everton no service to avoid asking the question most of a fiercely loyal band of followers want answering most. It does him and Everton no service if they simply listen to staged and sycophantic voices thanking the board profusely for giving Smith no money to spend, then crossing their fingers and relying on the manager's experience and common sense to do the rest. That would be fooling Kenwright. That would also be fooling Everton - and enough of that has gone on at Goodison Park to fill a lifetime under previous regimes. It was pertinent to note that on a day Everton talked of a "£300m project" and "amazing" ambition, it was clear that the small and unspoken transfer pot available to Smith would be hard pushed to tempt a lower division club to part with a prize asset - and that is before you come to his wages. Everton are forced to target men like Bobby Zamora, Dean Ashton and Brett Ormerod. It is no disrespect to them that Everton should be aiming higher, but their names serve as evidence of the current financial climate at the club. Smith is cruelly treated when it comes to cash for team-building, while his board simply repeats the mantra of King's Dock. Of course we will be told the two things are not linked. The stadium and the team are separate issues. No they aren't - because this Everton team will play in that Everton stadium.
This is the strongest link possible. The team should always come first. And I believe it is right that Everton's board should be put on the spot about how they intend to untie Smith's hands and release 35,000 regular supporters from their current limbo. It is right - whether they like it or not.

Nev's back in the old routine
by David Prentice, Everton Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Dec 7 2001
EVERTON long-playing legend Neville Southall is back on a Football League teamsheet again - at the age of 43. The goalkeeping God will join his old Everton skipper Kevin Ratcliffe at Shrewsbury next week, but what he really wants is his big break in management. "I'm just going there as cover for a few weeks," said Southall, who is still employed by the Welsh FA as a youth team coach.
"But I'd love to work in a coaching or a managerial capacity. "I still believe I have plenty to offer and I'm always looking, but I'm still waiting for a breakthrough." Since leaving Everton in 1998 after a record breaking 750 appearances, Southall carried on playing for Southend, Stoke City, Torquay United - and a Premiership swansong for Bradford City. He continued to coach at Bradford, York and Tranmere, but is prepared to pull on his goalkeepers' gloves one more time for Shrewsbury, if required. He will join the upwardly mobile Third Division side on a noncontract basis.
The Shropshire side's assistant manager, Dave Fogg, confirmed that he is expected to move to Gay Meadow as cover for first-choice keeper Ian Dunbavin. Mark Cartwright, the club's usual reserve shot-stopper, is sidelined with a knee injury and Fogg believes the Shrews could not have found a better short-term solution. He said: "Neville's coming in to help us out with the goalkeeping situation. "I think he's coming in on Monday for a couple of days a week to get him back into it and it will probably be on a non-contract basis. "The good thing is I know him from his Everton days and I know his coaching skills so I think the goalkeeping coach could learn a lot from him as well as the young keepers. We're really pleased to have him."

I wasn't 'crazy' to quit Blues - Collins
by David Prentice, Everton Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Dec 7 2001
JOHN COLLINS took one step back to take two steps forward when he swapped Everton for Fulham.
Tomorrow at Craven Cottage he hopes to show that his decision was justified. The 34-year-old midfielder will face The Toffees for the first time since his £2m switch in the summer of 2000. And he says: "At the time most people said I was crazy to leave a big club like Everton to join a club like Fulham who, don't forget, were in the First Division. "But I saw potential here and a chairman who was putting a lot of money into the club. He wanted success and it was plain to see that the club was going from strength to strength. "Yes it was a risk but I saw it as taking one step back to take two steps forward." Collins was an integral part of Fulham's push for promotion and a start to this season which sees them currently lie in mid-table. The Londoners are just a point behind The Toffees and Collins is relishing tomorrow's clash. "I can't wait to be honest. I had two very enjoyable years at Goodison Park and although it wasn't as successful as I had hoped I thought the club made progress while I was there. "We did move away from the relegation zone which the club had flirted with the few years before. "It was a wrench for my family and I to leave the area. We were really settled there but I felt Fulham was the right move." Collins still keeps one eye on events at Goodison and believes Everton can be happy with their start to the season. "I think they've made progress this year despite once again being dogged by injuries," he explained. "They've had Big Duncan out again and Kevin also and it's always going to be difficult when your top players are missing. "It's very difficult to replace them, but there is now an opportunity for some of the other lads. "I sincerely hope that Everton can get back to the glory days of the mid-Eighties. "It's not easy but with the tremendous support they get the fans deserve success." "I remember in particular when I played there that their support away from home was phenomenal and I'm sure Saturday won't be any different. "It would be great for the fans if they were to taste success again but of course not against us on Saturday!" Collins is likely to come head to head with Paul Gascoigne in a golden oldie midfield show. With Steve Watson suffering from a slight hip injury, Walter Smith is considering using Gascoigne behind Tomasz Radzinski.

Gazza's attitude a credit to Walter
by Howard Kendall, Liverpool Echo
Dec 7 2001
PAUL Gascoigne and Walter Smith must have a very special relationship. Players who are not selected or are constantly named on the bench - especially individuals who have previously been the centre of attention - often kick up a fuss to try and pressure the manager by going to the newspapers. Even people caught up in the modern tactics of rotation often stir things up.
There has not been one ounce of dissent from Gazza. His body language is always upbeat. He still loves his football and shows the same enthusiasm whether he is warming up on the touchline or coming on to turn a game, like he did against Southampton. The harmony must stem from the player's respect for the manager and vice versa. It would have been easy for Gazza to make waves. He would have received support from the fans. You can imagine the media quotes. "I don't know why I'm not starting. What more can I do? He has not uttered a word. The famous smile continues to beam out at you. We have revealed before that Gazza was actually invited to Christmas dinner by Walter in the past when the player found himself at a loose end on a day that can be extremely lonely. The Everton manager has been like a father to him, a strong and influential voice whenever the Geordie star has faced a crisis. Gazza looks very slim at present. Possibly he's lost a little bit too much weight. Players trying to tackle him used to bounce off that powerful upper body frame. Maybe Walter should have him back for a second helping of Christmas pudding! Seriously, the player owes the manager a lot. He is repaying that with his tremendous attitude as he edges back to some great form.
* I'VE got some thoughts for those at UEFA who are trying to change our transfer system. They want a January only window during the season. That would suit Walter Smith. He's had no window at all in recent times and I'm sure he would be happy if UEFA went the whole hog and put a complete ban on transfers except for the summer. That would sort out the good managers from those who have the opportunity to try and buy themselves out of trouble. It is an important subject and UEFA should consider all the angles. Some smaller clubs argue that the new plan would reduce their opportunity to generate income through sales. The biggers clubs with small squads are complaining that it might prevent them from reacting to emergency situations like an injury glut. I'm sure the fans would prefer the status quo because they like nothing more than speculating on possible signings or transfers out. You would lose some of this intrigue with a short window. There are pluses and minuses. I think the big plus would be for those teams in the top flight with limited finance. They would welcome a situation in which the rich clubs would have to get on with it, unable to spend millions at will. A transfer window would test all managers in that respect. I'm actually for it.

Gazza's attitude a credit to Walter
Dec 7 2001 by Howard Kendall, Liverpool Echo
PAUL Gascoigne and Walter Smith must have a very special relationship.
Players who are not selected or are constantly named on the bench - especially individuals who have previously been the centre of attention - often kick up a fuss to try and pressure the manager by going to the newspapers. Even people caught up in the modern tactics of rotation often stir things up. There has not been one ounce of dissent from Gazza. His body language is always upbeat. He still loves his football and shows the same enthusiasm whether he is warming up on the touchline or coming on to turn a game, like he did against Southampton. The harmony must stem from the player's respect for the manager and vice versa. It would have been easy for Gazza to make waves. He would have received support from the fans. You can imagine the media quotes. "I don't know why I'm not starting. What more can I do? He has not uttered a word. The famous smile continues to beam out at you. We have revealed before that Gazza was actually invited to Christmas dinner by Walter in the past when the player found himself at a loose end on a day that can be extremely lonely. The Everton manager has been like a father to him, a strong and influential voice whenever the Geordie star has faced a crisis. Gazza looks very slim at present. Possibly he's lost a little bit too much weight. Players trying to tackle him used to bounce off that powerful upper body frame. Maybe Walter should have him back for a second helping of Christmas pudding!
Seriously, the player owes the manager a lot. He is repaying that with his tremendous attitude as he edges back to some great form.
* I'VE got some thoughts for those at UEFA who are trying to change our transfer system. They want a January only window during the season. That would suit Walter Smith. He's had no window at all in recent times and I'm sure he would be happy if UEFA went the whole hog and put a complete ban on transfers except for the summer. That would sort out the good managers from those who have the opportunity to try and buy themselves out of trouble. It is an important subject and UEFA should consider all the angles. Some smaller clubs argue that the new plan would reduce their opportunity to generate income through sales. The biggers clubs with small squads are complaining that it might prevent them from reacting to emergency situations like an injury glut. I'm sure the fans would prefer the status quo because they like nothing more than speculating on possible signings or transfers out. You would lose some of this intrigue with a short window. There are pluses and minuses. I think the big plus would be for those teams in the top flight with limited finance. They would welcome a situation in which the rich clubs would have to get on with it, unable to spend millions at will. A transfer window would test all managers in that respect. I'm actually for it.

FULHAM 2 EVERTON 0
Festive concern for ailing Blues
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 10 2001
IT IS debatable whether matters could have turned out much worse for Evertonians on Saturday when a dismal display delivered a deserved defeat capped by a dubious dismissal. But for those with a financial interest in the club the answer is most definitely yes. Walter Smith is still bringing all 11 men back into the box to defend corners. The Goodison manager's set-piece tactics may be one of the most pressing issues surrounding the club these days, as last week's question and answer session at the AGM indicated, but for those who had to endure the misery that was Everton at Craven Cottage there are now surely even greater concerns. One would be the mystery of where Everton's ability to pass the ball and move disappeared to in the space of six days. Another, more pertinent question, is how much longer are the Blues expected to sustain an initially promising campaign with a full-back leading their attack? This is in no way a criticism of Steve Watson, who once again battled gallantly and without complaint in an alien role at the weekend. Nor is it to suggest that the Blues would have secured only their second away victory of the season against Jean Tigana's team had a natural striker been in support of Tomasz Radzinski, such was the awfulness of the performance behind them where Everton must have set a new Premiership record for the amount of misplaced passes in one game. But it has been six weeks now since Smith's striking options were stripped to the core and there seems as much chance of the Lone Ranger and Tonto riding to the rescue at Goodison Park than a new forward at present. With Joe-Max Moore, finally handed an opportunity to show he's keeping well after 72 minutes on Saturday, not an option for the manager alongside Radzinski and no miracle cure found yet for Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell, the only alternative is to buy. And with approximately just £1.5m available to buy a new striker, wages and all, the immediate prospects do not augur well unless more funds are found from somewhere. Anyway, we shouldn't go on about the club's current malaise being a consequence of continuing financial constraints as that will only add more weight to the belief expressed at the AGM that the only negativity around Everton is that generated by a vicious media campaign. Presumably burying our heads in the sand is the order of the day. The current paraylsis was seen in its purest form out on the pitch at Fulham where Everton failed to show any penetrative threat to the home side. From the moment the PA announcer stated: "In goal for Everton ... Steve Watson!" the omens didn't look good for the Blues even if, in this instance, the gaffe was initially dismissed as just another strange tactical decision. The early exchanges were significant only for the alarming number of times men in a blue shirt gave the ball straight to a Fulham player or directly out of play. It was to quality what the first half against Southampton was to unbridled excitement, but unfortunately on this occasion there was no sign of the dramatic improvement that delivered the previous Sunday's ultimately convincing win. Smith rightly rewarded the finishing eleven who earned the 2-0 victory against Southampton but the faith shown by the manager and the sold-out travelling support was never reciprocated. Nowhere was the sudden downturn more evident than in midfield, source of the Everton resurgence against the Saints but the fountain of all frustration against Fulham.
The adventure that flowed down both flanks against Gordon Strachan's team from Mark Pembridge and Thomas Gravesen was non-existent, as was the tidy possession, strength and ingenuity showed by Paul Gascoigne and Scot Gemmill. And with the Everton rearguard showing few signs of the confidence and control that had kept three clean sheets before their arrival in London, the Blues allowed an ordinary Fulham team to stroll to three points. Deprived of support or service the flaws in the Radzinski and Watson partnership were graphically exposed as former Juventus keeper Edwin Van Der Sar was seriously tested only once throughout the contest, and that a low, 30-yard free-kick from Alan Stubbs. Despite being gifted the ball all game Fulham had rarely threatened themselves, but once they took advantage of a push by Stubbs just outside the Everton area on 36 minutes there was never any doubt their sevengame unbeaten run would continue. As the Blues wall waited for a direct strike from Steed Malbranque, the £4.5m midfielder switched the ball out wide to Rufus Brevett whose left-wing cross allowed Barry Hayles to escape any attention and divert a glancing header beyond Steve Simonsen's grasp. With no half-time reshuffle ensuing this time around, Everton were given another interval interrogation and a chance to redeem themselves in the second half. Four minutes later, they were two goals down and out. A sweeping Fulham move ended with Louis Saha's back post drive saved by Simonsen. The resulting corner swept past the keeper and his defenders, allowing Hayles a simple tap-in on the line to put the result beyond doubt.
The inevitable Everton changes arrived, Niclas Alexandersson for the subdued Gascoigne before Moore finally gave the Blues two strikers and better options to aim for, and yet despite a marked improvement in their approach there was still no cutting edge. In fact it was the mass brawl 15 minutes from time that really enlivened proceedings, though the ridiculous dismissal of David Weir and Luis Boa Morte had no influence on the outcome. Phil Dowd, in his first Premiership outing, had enjoyed a decent start to his top-flight career only to lose his way dramatically in the second half with a procession of bizarre bookings. The first shown to Weir for halting Boa Morte's run was harsh, but that was paled by comparison with the defender's second after a legitimate tackle on the same player sparked a melee that saw Van Der Sar race down the field to join. Weir's reward for being caught by Boa Morte after a clean clearance and then trampled on by two Fulham players was to become the first Everton player to be sent off this season. It was ridiculous in the extreme, as was the straight red for Boa Morte, but at least it meant he didn't have to watch the entire game.
There was still time for the PA announcer to make a second absurd remark before the Evertonians departed Craven Cottage when he wished them "Merry Christmas". Not very likely on this evidence.
FULHAM (4-4-2): Van Der Sar, Finnan, Melville, Goma, Brevett, Legwinski, Malbranque, Collins, Hayles, Saha (Davis 79 minutes), Boa Morte. Unused substitutes: Taylor, Clark, Ouaddou , Stolcers.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Simonsen, Watson, Weir, Stubbs, Pistone, Gravesen (Moore 72 minutes), Gemmill, Pembridge, Naysmith, Gascoigne (Alexandersson 57 minutes), Radzinski. Unused substitutes: Gerrard, Unsworth, Tal.
Referee: Phil Dowd. Bookings: Melville (19 minutes) foul, Legwinski (26) foul, Weir (55) foul, Pistone (63) foul, Stubbs (69) foul, Simonsen (83) dissent. Sendings-off: Weir (77 mins) second bookable offence; Boa Morte (77 mins) violent conduct. Attendance: 19,338

Blues keeper backs Weir's role in brawl
by Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 10 2001
STEVE SIMONSEN has launched a staunch defence of skipper David Weir after the dismissal that capped a miserable afternoon for the Blues at Fulham on Saturday. Everton are set to appeal to debutant Premiership referee Phil Dowd over his decision to send off Weir for a second bookable offence after a mass brawl towards the end of their 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage. The Blues have no immediate right of appeal to the FA over a sending off for two yellow cards, but they could free Weir from suspension for their trip to Sunderland on December 22 if the match official admits a mistake.
Both Simonsen and manager Walter Smith were adamant that was the case after the Scottish international won a tackle, was pulled down, stamped on and then awarded a free-kick before receiving his marching orders. Fulham's Luis Boa Morte was also dismissed, for allegedly biting Weir, after an incident that saw team-mates Barry Hayles and Sylvain Legwinski trample on the defender and striker Louis Saha throw a punch at a Blues player only to escape any action. And Everton goalkeeper Simonsen, who dragged Saha away from the brawl, insisted: "It was very harsh on both players to be honest. "Davie Weir cleared the ball and then one of their players came in on him. I couldn't really tell what happened after that when it all went off but it was very harsh to punish Davie. "I'm sure we'll be looking at the video evidence and see if there's anything we can do about it." Saha was immediately substituted by Fulham manager Jean Tigana after the incident and Simonsen added: "I was just trying to keep him away from what was going on. "I was trying to restrain Saha because it looked like he was about to go beserk." Blues boss Smith, who will also lose Alessandro Pistone at the Stadium of Light after the Italian picked up his fifth booking of the season on Saturday, raged: "It was a disgraceful decision." He said: "I can't understand how the referee would give a foul to a player - as he did - and then send him off. If you can tell me what it was for, I'd be delighted to enlighten the referee. It's a mystifying decision, among other mystifying decisions in the game. "He's the only player that has ever been sent off for clearing the ball, being pulled down and stamped on by the opposition. "He gave him a second yellow card after giving him a foul - and it's the first time in my career that that's happened. "There was nothing in it and, if we can appeal, we will. Boa Morte's wasn't a sending-off either - and Louis Saha stood on top of him (Weir) and walked away." Weir's 75th-minute exit had on influence on the outcome of the game, however, as Everton produced "as poor a performance as we have given all season." according to manager Smith. Simonsen, who saw Hayles shatter his run of three clean sheets with two goals from Fulham set-pieces, added: "We didn't put in the performance that would have been expected of us after the last few weeks. "It was the worst we've played for a while. We didn't create anything and it showed that we are missing Kevin Campbell and Duncan Ferguson up front. "We are trying our best in the face of the injuries we've got but we are short up front." The FA could add to Everton's capital punishment if referee Dowd's report mentions a second-half incident when a plastic bottle was thrown at Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque from the away section of the ground.

FULHAM 2 EVERTON 0
Blues look punch drunk (Echo)
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Dec 10 2001
HOW very Everton. After a week when the number of players pulled back at a corner kick seemed to be the hottest topic of conversation, they go and concede two from set-pieces. Mind you, all 11 players, the five substitutes, Walter plus Archie wielding his best baseball bat might have patrolled the penalty box at Craven Cottage and Everton would still have conceded two goals - because this was an abject afternoon. Fulham were sharper, more industrious, better focussed and tidier in their passing, and left Everton fretting about the ghosts of Christmas past. It was after the best run of results of last season that Everton embarked on a disastrous December run which yielded two points from seven matches. The similarities to this season so far are only a deserved 2-0 away win which sparked the slump, but with Alessandro Pistone and Davie Weir now banned and Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell no closer to fitness, there are reasons to be fearful. The upside is that Everton can't be as bad as this again . . . surely. It's been 34 years since The Toffees last stepped out in a competitive match at Fulham. Unfortunately that was the only unfamiliar ground they trod in a performance Walter Smith rightly labelled as their 'poorest of the season'. Smith is often castigated for being more cautious than an amorous porcupine, but his adventure couldn't be queried on this occasion. The 11 who started could easily have been assembled into a compact 4-5-1, with Gascoigne operating behind Radzinski as in the recent trip to Bolton. He didn't. Smith opted for a more open approach and handed Gazza the freedom of the midfield in a conventional 4-4-2. He never got a look-in, but he wasn't alone. Watson and Radzinski were handed scraps to forage on up front, and eventually starved through malnutrition. While the defence developed blind spots at several set pieces. Perhaps the decision to persist with Steve Watson up front is borne of necessity - or maybe Smith feels if he labours with the experiment long enough his board will get the hint.
A fresh-faced 20-year-old from the lower divisions with the potential to improve would give everyone a lift at Everton. But Brighton's Bobby Zamora and Crewe's Dean Ashton are out of their price bracket, unless they could somehow involve unwanted Danny Cadamarteri in a deal.
Everton are paying his wages until June anyway. Why not continue to pay them, but offer him in an exchange deal? Just a thought. The only thoughful stuff going on in West London came from Fulham. Their work ethic was exemplary. The number of times strikers Saha and Boa Morte chased down Blue defenders was critical. Fulham took the lead on 35 minutes. The source was a set-piece, but the real factor was docile defending. Malbranque slid the ball sideways for Brevett to clip in a cross. It was bread and butter stuff, but Everton looked stale and Barry Hayles was left unmarked to head past Simonsen. When the same player darted across a defender to divert Malbranque's corner in four minutes after the interval the game was up. There would have been nothing for Evertonians to talk about on the way home had David Weir not been wrongly red-carded 13 minutes from time.
Match official Phil Dowd had enjoyed a solid and impressive enough Premiership debut until an unexpected mass melee broke out. The easily identifiable Saha appeared to be the instigator. But while Mr Dowd plucked and punished two innocent parties from the 16-man brawl, the man wearing blinkers during the ID parade was his yellow and red flag assistant. He had apparently studied the incident closely enough to advise the official that David Weir and Luis Boa Morte were the chief aggressors. That was clearly rubbish. Even Jean Tigana had spotted that Saha was hurling more roundhouse hooks than Lennox Lewis and substituted him the second Mr Dowd had finished dishing out his dodgy justice. Fulham officials said afterwards they intended to appeal. By a quirk of FA legislation, however, Everton will be unable to do likewise. While Boa Morte was shown a straight red for lying prostrate on the ground throughout the fracas, Weir was handed a second yellow - and bizarrely a free-kick in his favour - for pretty much the same. FA rules prevent appeals on yellow cards, so Weir will have to sit and stew in his rough justice. The dismissals hardly altered the flow of a match Everton had never really entered, however. Radzinski cut inside onto his left foot and bent Everton's best effort of the day a foot wide of the post, then Pistone had a 92nd minute shot blocked, but it was hardly trumpets and the sound of the cavalry. The time for that is next Saturday. The two must-win matches for Everton in December are Derby County and Charlton - and The Rams are next up at Goodison.
FULHAM (4-4-2): Van Der Sar, Finnan, Melville, Goma, Brevett, Legwinski, Malbranque, Collins, Hayles, Saha (Davis 79 minutes), Boa Morte. Unused substitutes: Taylor, Clark, Ouaddou , Stolcers.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Simonsen, Watson, Weir, Stubbs, Pistone, Gravesen (Moore 72 minutes), Gemmill, Pembridge, Naysmith, Gascoigne (Alexandersson 57 minutes), Radzinski. Unused substitutes: Gerrard, Unsworth, Tal.
Referee: Phil Dowd. Bookings: Melville (19 minutes) foul, Legwinski (26) foul, Weir (55) foul, Pistone (63) foul, Stubbs (69) foul, Simonsen (83) dissent. Sendings-off: Weir (77 mins) second bookable offence; Boa Morte (77 mins) violent conduct. Attendance: 19,338

Something old, something new
Dec 10 2001 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
THE memory of the greatest team talk never given was revived yesterday when Everton were handed a potential FA Cup draw at Stoke City. The Potters drew at bottom of the league Halifax on Saturday and replay on Wednesday. The winners entertain the Blues on January 5.
In 1984 Everton's road to FA Cup glory kicked off at Stoke City, when manager Howard Kendall famously threw open the dressing room windows and allowed the travelling fans to inspire his team to victory. Both clubs were in the top division, and Everton were roared on at the old Victoria Ground by more than 14 , 000 away supporters. Before kick-off Kendall opened the dressing room windows to allow the singing to come through and said: "That's your team talk today. Don't let those fans down." Everton went out, won 2-0 and ended up FA Cup winners. Whoever Everton meet will break new ground. Stoke have since switched to the Britannia Stadium, where the Blues have never played, while The Shay, Halifax has never hosted an Everton match either. By the time the FA Cup tie is played, the Blues should have both David Weir and Alessandro Pistone available again.
Pistone picked up his fifth booking of the season on Saturday and will miss the trip to Sunderland on December 22. Weir, red carded on Saturday, will also be suspended, but Walter Smith was furious at referee Phil Dowd's decision. "It was a disgraceful decision," he said. "I can't understand how a referee who would give a foul to our player, as he did, would then send him off. "If you can tell me why I would be delighted to go in and enlighten the referee because it was mystifying, along with other mystifying decisions throughout the game. "David is the only player who has ever been sent off for clearing the ball, getting pulled down and being stamped on. "If anyone has seen it differently then please write to me." Smith admitted, however, that the decision did not affect the outcome of the game. "That's as poorly as we have played all season," he said. "It's difficult to understand because we have been playing fairly steadily in recent weeks. "It wasn't as though we were being over-run. We just didn't play at all and deserved no better than we got." * Everton's youth team have been rewarded for their excellent win at West Ham with a home draw against West Bromwich Albion in round four. The Baggies beat Millwall 1-0 and must go to Goodison Park before January 26.

Festive concern for ailing Blues
Dec 10 2001 By Andy Hunterm, Daily Post
IT IS debatable whether matters could have turned out much worse for Evertonians on Saturday when a dismal display delivered a deserved defeat capped by a dubious dismissal.
But for those with a financial interest in the club the answer is most definitely yes. Walter Smith is still bringing all 11 men back into the box to defend corners. The Goodison manager's set-piece tactics may be one of the most pressing issues surrounding the club these days, as last week's question and answer session at the AGM indicated, but for those who had to endure the misery that was Everton at Craven Cottage there are now surely even greater concerns. One would be the mystery of where Everton's ability to pass the ball and move disappeared to in the space of six days.
Another, more pertinent question, is how much longer are the Blues expected to sustain an initially promising campaign with a full-back leading their attack? This is in no way a criticism of Steve Watson, who once again battled gallantly and without complaint in an alien role at the weekend.
Nor is it to suggest that the Blues would have secured only their second away victory of the season against Jean Tigana's team had a natural striker been in support of Tomasz Radzinski, such was the awfulness of the performance behind them where Everton must have set a new Premiership record for the amount of misplaced passes in one game. But it has been six weeks now since Smith's striking options were stripped to the core and there seems as much chance of the Lone Ranger and Tonto riding to the rescue at Goodison Park than a new forward at present. With Joe-Max Moore, finally handed an opportunity to show he's keeping well after 72 minutes on Saturday, not an option for the manager alongside Radzinski and no miracle cure found yet for Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell, the only alternative is to buy. And with approximately just £1.5m available to buy a new striker, wages and all, the immediate prospects do not augur well unless more funds are found from somewhere. Anyway, we shouldn't go on about the club's current malaise being a consequence of continuing financial constraints as that will only add more weight to the belief expressed at the AGM that the only negativity around Everton is that generated by a vicious media campaign. Presumably burying our heads in the sand is the order of the day. The current paraylsis was seen in its purest form out on the pitch at Fulham where Everton failed to show any penetrative threat to the home side. From the moment the PA announcer stated: "In goal for Everton ... Steve Watson!" the omens didn't look good for the Blues even if, in this instance, the gaffe was initially dismissed as just another strange tactical decision. The early exchanges were significant only for the alarming number of times men in a blue shirt gave the ball straight to a Fulham player or directly out of play. It was to quality what the first half against Southampton was to unbridled excitement, but unfortunately on this occasion there was no sign of the dramatic improvement that delivered the previous Sunday's ultimately convincing win. Smith rightly rewarded the finishing eleven who earned the 2-0 victory against Southampton but the faith shown by the manager and the sold-out travelling support was never reciprocated. Nowhere was the sudden downturn more evident than in midfield, source of the Everton resurgence against the Saints but the fountain of all frustration against Fulham.
The adventure that flowed down both flanks against Gordon Strachan's team from Mark Pembridge and Thomas Gravesen was non-existent, as was the tidy possession, strength and ingenuity showed by Paul Gascoigne and Scot Gemmill. And with the Everton rearguard showing few signs of the confidence and control that had kept three clean sheets before their arrival in London, the Blues allowed an ordinary Fulham team to stroll to three points. Deprived of support or service the flaws in the Radzinski and Watson partnership were graphically exposed as former Juventus keeper Edwin Van Der Sar was seriously tested only once throughout the contest, and that a low, 30-yard free-kick from Alan Stubbs. Despite being gifted the ball all game Fulham had rarely threatened themselves, but once they took advantage of a push by Stubbs just outside the Everton area on 36 minutes there was never any doubt their sevengame unbeaten run would continue. As the Blues wall waited for a direct strike from Steed Malbranque, the £4.5m midfielder switched the ball out wide to Rufus Brevett whose left-wing cross allowed Barry Hayles to escape any attention and divert a glancing header beyond Steve Simonsen's grasp. With no half-time reshuffle ensuing this time around, Everton were given another interval interrogation and a chance to redeem themselves in the second half. Four minutes later, they were two goals down and out. A sweeping Fulham move ended with Louis Saha's back post drive saved by Simonsen. The resulting corner swept past the keeper and his defenders, allowing Hayles a simple tap-in on the line to put the result beyond doubt.
The inevitable Everton changes arrived, Niclas Alexandersson for the subdued Gascoigne before Moore finally gave the Blues two strikers and better options to aim for, and yet despite a marked improvement in their approach there was still no cutting edge. In fact it was the mass brawl 15 minutes from time that really enlivened proceedings, though the ridiculous dismissal of David Weir and Luis Boa Morte had no influence on the outcome. Phil Dowd, in his first Premiership outing, had enjoyed a decent start to his top-flight career only to lose his way dramatically in the second half with a procession of bizarre bookings. The first shown to Weir for halting Boa Morte's run was harsh, but that was paled by comparison with the defender's second after a legitimate tackle on the same player sparked a melee that saw Van Der Sar race down the field to join. Weir's reward for being caught by Boa Morte after a clean clearance and then trampled on by two Fulham players was to become the first Everton player to be sent off this season. It was ridiculous in the extreme, as was the straight red for Boa Morte, but at least it meant he didn't have to watch the entire game.
There was still time for the PA announcer to make a second absurd remark before the Evertonians departed Craven Cottage when he wished them "Merry Christmas". Not very likely on this evidence.

Blues sweating on FA reaction to Weir brawl
by Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 11 2001
EVERTON are still waiting on the Football Association's response to Saturday's brawl with Fulham as they step up their bid to get David Weir's red card rescinded. The Blues could be charged with failing to control their players - which brings a maximum fine of £250,000 - after trouble flared towards the end of their 2-0 defeat by Jean Tigana's team, who themselves may be in hot water with the FA if they act on video evidence of the incident. Weir (pictured) and Fulham striker Luis Boa Morte were both dismissed by Premiership debutant Phil Dowd, whose match report will determine whether further action is taken but it had not been submitted to the FA as of last night. Everton have confirmed they will ask the referee to reconsider his decision to dismiss Weir for a second bookable offence that will suspend the captain from the trip to Sunderland on December 22. A decision is expected by the end of this week. Chief executive Michael Dunford said: "We would like the match referee to take another look at the video evidence as we believe David Weir was hard done by and feel it would be rather harsh if he was to be suspended." The FA may also act on the incident when a plastic bottle was thrown at home midfielder Steed Malbranque from the away section of the ground, although that matter would be directed at Fulham and their crowd control policy.
Manager Walter Smith, meanwhile, is continuing his desperate search to bring striking reinforcements to his threadbare squad. Duncan Ferguson has now stepped up training after his ankle operation but is unlikely to figure before Christmas, while Kevin Campbell's comeback date from a trapped nerve in his back is still unclear. Smith, who rates Brighton's promising young forward Bobby Zamora but cannot afford him at present, said: "We have been looking for some weeks now and it hasn't been an easy situation. "We will continue, though whether we find someone who fits the bill is another matter."

Look to the basement for bargains
Dec 11 2001 by Kevin Ratcliffe, Liverpool Echo
WALTER SMITH has been scouring Europe for a short-term solution to his striker shortage.
The answer may lie a lot closer to home. There have been suggestions that the Blues' boss has a small pot of money available for a striking reinforcement. I believe that cash would be better invested in potential from this country rather than a more finished article from abroad.
Premiership clubs seem reluctant to take a gamble on Nationwide League strikers.
But there is definitely talent out there worth taking a chance on. Eyebrows were raised when Coventry City splashed out a huge sum of money on Robbie Keane from Wolves. Barely 12 months later he was moving on for twice that amount to Inter Milan. It was a similar story when Craig Bellamy moved to Highfield Road from Norwich City, but he is part of the reason Newcastle United are enjoying such a successful season so far. Plenty of Premiership clubs looked at Marcus Stewart but shied away from a bid until Ipswich Town took the bull by the horns and were rewarded spectacularly. And there are other players out there now. Brighton's Bobby Zamora seems to be attracting attention from numerous clubs, Everton included, while Southampton have just snapped up Brett Ormerod from Blackpool. Chris Greenacre at Mansfield has tons of potential, as does Dean Ashton at Crewe - and it would be remiss of me not to include my own Luke Rodgers in that list.
Zamora is the player on fire at present, and obviously I've seen plenty of him in the last couple of seasons. I rate him as a better player than Ormerod. He is not lighting quick, but he does have pace. He is tall, gets up well and can hold the ball too. But undoubtedly his greatest quality is the number of times he gets into the opposition He is certainly capable of scoring goals as high as Division One. Whether he can make what is a huge jump into the Premiership is a different matter.
But the point is it wouldn't be a gamble. He would not command huge wages - and if Everton had to pay as much as £3m for his services, they would get at least that money back again if he didn't make the grade and was sold. That is not the case if you bring players in from abroad. While a lower league player's reputation could be enhanced by gaining Premiership experience, a foreign footballer's reputation - and his value - would be tarnished by an unfortunate experience in England.
The problem always is that Premiership managers are under so much pressure they always seek an instant fix. But with just a little patience there are undoubtedly some gems in the English lower leagues just waiting to be polished.

Blues face battle for star
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 12 2001
EVERTON'S interest in bringing Bobby Zamora to Goodison Park is evaporating as Tottenham last night confirmed their interest in Brighton's prolific marksman. Blues boss Walter Smith is a known admirer of the 20-year-old, whose 18 goals this season have helped The Seagulls to the top of Division Two. But he is unlikely to be able to tempt Brighton into parting with their prized-asset with less than half of their £4million valuation to spend. Leicester and Southampton are also in the hunt for Zamora, and last night Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle admitted his interest although he insisted no deal has been made. Tottenham are currently riding high in the Premiership but are keen to bolster their ageing strike-force of Teddy Sheringham and Les Ferdinand with some young blood.
Hoddle said: "We have had him watched this season but I have not seen him play yet myself.
"We have been interested enough to send scouts to have a look at him on numerous occasions. However, we have not made a bid for him and there is no agreement in place." Everton are still waiting to hear whether the FA will charge them and Fulham with failing to control their players after the Craven Cottage bust-up on Saturday. The charge, brought out last summer but yet to be inflicted on a Premiership club, brings with it a maximum fine of £250,000. Meanwhile, Everton will offer 'Tickets for a Tenner' for this weekend's Premiership fixture with Derby County. The Blues are selling tickets for all parts of the ground for just £10.

Blues face £250,000 fine
Dec 12 2001 icLiverpool
EVERTON could be hit by a quarter of a million pounds fine should the FA decide to charge them with failing to control their players during last Saturday's match with Fulham. The Blues expect to hear within the next 24 hours whether the sport's governing body will hit them with the rare charge following the 22 man brawl in the closing stages of the Craven Cottage match. If they are found guilty then they could be subjected to a fine of anything up to £250,000. It is thought that no other Premiership club has been charged with this offence, although Football League clubs have fallen foul of the new rule in recent months. Jean Tigana's Fulham would also be liable to the charge.
The Blues also hope to hear shortly whether David Weir's second yellow card, issued for what referee Phil Dowd saw as his part in the brawl, will be rescinded. Weir would otherwise be ruled out of the Sunderland game the Saturday before The club, meanwhile, are hoping the 'Tickets for a Tenner' initiative will bring in the fans for Saturday's home match with Derby County.
The corresponding fixture for the same weekend last year, when Leicester City were the visitors to Goodison Park attracted just short of 30,500. Everton are hoping to see that figure rise by around five thousand. Said Blues' spokesman Ian Ross: "We hope that this initiative will help attract a new generation of fans to the club and give those who perhaps been unable to attend the match because of finance to savour the atmosphere at Goodison Park. "Any player will tell you that they much prefer playing in a full stadium."

Ticket ban to silence racists
Dec 12 2001 icLiverpool
EVERTON FC is threatening to ban the sale of away tickets to its supporters if they do not stop the racist chanting which has marred some games this season. After years spent successfully trying to combat the problem, it has recently returned, most notably during last Saturday's match at Fulham.
So concerned was the club by some fans' behaviour that manager Walter Smith issued a stark warning yesterday via the club's official website. He told supporters: "Quite simply, there is no place for either racism or violence at Everton FC and we shall do everything within our power to root out the culprits. "We shall take strong and decisive action in order to ensure that the reputation of our club is not tarnished by the reckless actions of people who have no place amongst our support."
Some of the chants at Saturday's game included: "Trigger, trigger, trigger shoot that n****r", "Hou, Hou, Hou, Hou's had a heart attack", "Oh Emile Heskey, I want to know will you be my slave" and "Oh no, Kopites are crying, Gerard Houllier is dying, what a wonderful way to spend the day, watching Gerard Houllier pass away." Mr Smith continued: "We feel so strongly about this that, if necessary, we shall even consider halting the sale of tickets for our away fixtures - a drastic step which we are desperate to avoid but one which may provide an unpalatable solution to a problem which cannot be ignored and which must be addressed. "We know that 99.9pc of our club's supporters are honest and honourable and we know that they will back us in this fight against a pernicious evil." Despite the problem of racism in British football being widespread, Everton has, over the years, been repeatedly singled out by the media for criticism. But more than any other club, officials at Goodison Park have worked tirelessly to try to rid themselves of the minority of racists. However, during several away trips this season, abusive chanting aimed at both home players and supporters has marred the games. The situation was said to have been bad at Leicester City's Filbert Street ground, although the visiting supporters were forced to endure a torrent of coins hurled by fans sitting next to them. But it was last weekend's trip to Craven Cottage which prompted the club to act. Mark O'Brien, editor of the website fanzine When Skies Are Grey last night said: "Fans are sick of this kind of thing happening. We commend the club on its stance, but it's ridiculous that Walter Smith and the board are having to talk about this when a minority of people can't handle their drink and are singing racist songs and using racist language.
"From what I've heard there is no sinister organisation behind this but it's simply louts who have got out of control. "It has escalated over the last few weeks. "The only way it will stop is if the police kick them out of the ground. If you travel all of the way to Fulham but are kicked out for singing racist songs you won't do it again." In his statement, Mr Smith continued-"In the wake of Saturday's events when a small group of individuals with no regard for common decency sought to tarnish our club's reputation, it is very reassuring to learn that the vast majority of Evertonians have been swift in their condemnation. "The foul-mouthed and dishonourable actions of what we know to be a very small minority has once again called into question the integrity of fair play, honour and equal opportunity. "The Goodison Park switchboard and e-mail system has been inundated with messages from our loyal, rightthinking supporters who wish to condemn those involved in Saturday's disgraceful, unforgiveable events."

I'll sit with fans to weed out racists - Kenwright
Report By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 13 2001
BILL KENWRIGHT is considering sitting with the Everton fans at Sunderland next week to experience at first hand the racist abuse that has shamed the club. The Blues' deputy chairman fellow directors and manager Walter Smith issued a terse statement on Tuesday, threatening to ban the sale of tickets for Everton away matches in response to the rise in racist chanting on the club's travels this season. Kenwright last night added his voice to the effort to weed out the racists amongst Everton's loyal travelling support by vowing to clamp down on offenders as he revealed the club's captain Kevin Campbell has even been a target. The Everton owner said: "I would ban any racist from any walk of life and, as it said in the statement, we are now thinking whether banning away fans is the answer. "Over the last few weeks my e-mail and post bags have got bigger and bigger and I know now there is undoubtedly a problem. That's why we decided to do something about it.
"The loyal, hard-working away fan doesn't want it and a lot of my mail-bag is saying 'Listen Bill, we aren't going in future because we don't want to look at that or experience that'. "I'm thinking of sitting amongst the away fans at Sunderland so that I can say what it's like, instead of from the directors box. I think someone has to go in amongst them and experience what these e-mails are saying." Goodison officials decided to act after trouble at their two most recent away games at Leicester and Fulham, when sections of the Everton support also mocked Gerard Houllier's life-threatening heart condition. And Kenwright admitted he despaired at the escalation at a club which has worked tirelessly in the local community and beyond in recent years to shed its racist image.
He said: "Our captain, Kevin Campbell, is black but there is a lot more to it that makes me want to despair. Even yesterday I had an e-mail from a supporter saying 'Everton are better white'. I mean, in the name of God, where does that kind of mentality come from? I can't understand it.
"Walter Smith did not appoint Kevin Campbell captain because he's black. He wanted the best man to lead Everton and he was the best man. "The fact that he's black is terrific for Kevin but it makes no difference to me at all. To me he's 'Super Kev' and he's our captain, whom I'll support through thick and thin, just as I would Davie Weir or Duncan Ferguson if they were captain."
Everton admit they have been overwhelmed by the reaction to their stance, with hundreds of genuine fans, and the Premier League, ringing and e-mailing the club in support. The Blues are to monitor the situation at their next few away games before deciding what their next course of action will be. And Kenwright added: "Everything about racism appals me. It would appall Kevin because I hear and I believe that some of those so-called fans have a go at him. But I do want to find a way of stamping out racism for every Evertonian and every football fan. "It's a terrible evil, which I abhore."

FA Cup warning for Blues
Dec 13 2001 icLiverpool
STOKE boss Gudjon Thordarson believes his side can inflict yet another giantkilling act on Everton next month. The Second Division high fliers comfortably saw off Halifax Town in last night's FA Cup replay - under the watchful eye of Archie Knox - to set up a Third Round clash with The Toffees on January 5. Everton have been knocked out of Cup competitions by lower division sides seven times in the last six years, and Thordarson insists he can add to that miserable run. "It will be a big game against Everton and if I can put out my strongest team we will have a chance," he said. "The beauty of football is everything is possible." Tranmere Rovers and Bristol Rovers ended Everton's interest in last season's Cup competitions, while Crystal Palace, Oxford, York, Portsmouth, Millwall and then First Division Sunderland have all embarrassed the Blues in recent years. Everton will have Stoke watched again before the Third Round tie but have six Premiership matches to negotiate before then - kicking off with Derby County at Goodison Park on Saturday. Walter Smith watched The Rams capitulate 5-0 at Old Trafford last night but must wrestle with ways of increasing his own side's firepower for the weekend. Duncan Ferguson is back in training but nowhere near fit enough to be considered for the weekend, while Kevin Campbell's progress from a back injury is painstakingly slow.
* The Blues expect to hear today whether their appeal to the FA to rescind David Weir's sending-off at Fulham last Saturday has been successful or not.

Gunning down the stadium doubters
Dec 13 2001 by Ken Rogers, Liverpool Echo
JUST a thought for those people who continue to argue that Everton should shelve their new stadium plans to focus their thoughts totally on building a team for the present. I was fascinated to hear Arsenal director Daniel Fiszman talking enthusiastically this week about his club's £300million Ashburton Grove project, which has finally received formal planning permission from Islington Council. Two elements of his statement struck a chord. The first was that Arsenal would have to find half of the stadium cash themselves. That's £150million. For those who have been complaining about Everton's world class vision, can I remind them that the Blues are stumping up a bargain £30million for a 49 per cent stake in a project that will not just provide improved football revenue, but also a new stream of cash from the many events that will unfold at the King's Dock.
Then there was Fiszman's second point. He said: "We are not only looking short term. When we see the casualties at managerial level, you can see why some clubs only think about instant success or survival. "But Arsene Wenger and Arsenal are looking to the future. This is about taking the club up two or three levels." Fiszman is predicting that Arsenal's new stadium will provide his club with an extra £30m per season in revenue, exactly the same amount that Everton are being asked to pay for a lifetime's stake in the King's Dock Waterfront Arena. He realistically admits that loan repayments will initially eat into that figure for a few years, but that without the investment and all the spin-offs that go hand in hand with a new venue, Arsenal will not be able to survive at the highest level, compete with the other giants of the Premier League and prosper. Those individuals who believe that the answer to Everton's present situation is to jettison their stadium plans while borrowing mega millions for some kind of early team fix with no guarantees and no long term vision are not the kind of people I would want anywhere near the Goodison Park boardroom. And the suggestion that those of us who embrace the King's Dock dream and who promote the wider picture are somehow blind to the present Everton situation and ready to accept mid-table mediocrity is not just folly, but an insult to those basic business instincts that are currently driving Arsenal and which must continue to focus the Goodison board. The pro King's Dock lobby are not the ones without any grasp of the situation. For Everton to begin the revivalist march that will lead the club back to the eminent position it held almost a decade and a half ago when it reigned from the summit of the Premier League, many things will have to happen. Certainly, the stadium project must be supported every inch of the way. Equally, it is true that Everton must consider the kind of long term re- financing that can remove the transfer strait-jacket that Walter Smith has been wearing. This is best achieved from a position of reasonable stability. In other words, if your credit card debt has ever reached its limit, the way to deal with it is not to go to a loan shark to solve one problem with an even bigger one.
The Everton board are considering the more sensible " securitisation" route which enables you to borrow money against future guaranteed revenues like season ticket sales. The logic is that you spread your repayments over many years and therefore never get out of your depth.
But having gone down this road, you can't take it again. Hence the need for the wider picture and the vision of clubs like Arsenal who are already in the position that Everton aspire to be in, but who still recognise the crucial importance of a new stadium development. As Gunners' director Fizman said, you cannot survive at the highest level, compete with the other giants of the Premier League and prosper without such a plan. The short term fix without the long term blueprint is a recipe for disaster.

Blues sweat on Xavier deal
Dec 14 2001 by JONATHAN McEVOY, Daily Post
ABEL XAVIER is in a race against time to face Derby tomorrow - as the Portugal defender keeps Everton sweating on his long-term future. The 29-year-old , whose Goodison career remains in doubt, is suffering from a virus and could be forced to stay on the sidelines against Colin Todd's visitors. He missed last weekend's defeat at Fulham, but boss Walter Smith said: "Abel trained this morning and hopefully he will be okay." Xavier has not started a game for Everton since the 3-1 defeat to Newcastle in November and has been linked with a move to several interested clubs.
The Blues have offered the former PSV Eindhoven a new three-year deal, but Xavier has not yet indicated if he wants to extend his stay beyond next summer, when his current deal expires.
Smith said: "We are hopeful we will have a decision shortly. "The player and his representatives are aware of the offer. We have been in discussions and we have asked them to let us know when they do make up their minds." Meanwhile, Fulham have appealed to the FA to overturn Luis Boa Morte's sending off for an alleged bite on Everton captain David Weir in the Londoners' stormy 2-0 win at Craven Cottage last Saturday. Fulham's Portuguese international clattered into the Blues' centre-back in the 73rd minute, sparking a 22-man brawl that resulted in Weir's second yellow card and a straight red for Boa Morte. Referee Phil Dowd allowed Fulham's Barry Hayles and Louis Saha to escape unpunished - despite appearing to kick and elbow opponents respectively. A Fulham statement read: "Fulham have confirmed that they have lodged an appeal against Luis Boa Morte's red card received at Craven Cottage last weekend against Everton." The Blues are still waiting to hear if their appeal to the FA to have Weir's red card overturned has been successful.
*EVERTON'S home Premiership fixture against Leeds United, scheduled for March 2, has been put back 24 hours to Sunday, March 3 (KO 3pm) due to Leeds' UEFA Cup involvement.

Sad episode that shames our club
Dec 14 2001 FanScene by MARK O'BRIEN, Daily Post
NOW WILL you listen?
After events at Leicester City, Everton made announcements at the Southampton game, over the tannoy and in the programme, to the effect that racist behaviour will not be tolerated. A pretty fair and reasonable message. However, a section of the support obviously don't respond to fair and reasonable. Craven Cottage saw the situation deteriorate further: more racist chanting and objects thrown on to the pitch, leaving the club little choice but to let the guilty parties know that their actions will carry consequences if they continue. Hence the bold announcement that if the racist behaviour doesn't stop, then the club will stop selling away tickets. If it actually reaches the point where the club have to take this course of action it will be a very sad day indeed. Make no mistake though, the blame lies firmly with the people doing the chanting. If they didn't do it - and let's not pretend they don't know any better - then the Everton pages would be full of talk about a poor performance against Fulham and the unlikelihood of us signing Bobby Zamora. The spotlight has to remain on the guilty individuals. The press can't be blamed for reporting it and it's unfair to try and spread the blame on to the vast majority of the travelling support who devote their time and money to following their team and do so in a manner that is perfectly respectable. The snidey 'Well did you stop them? No? Well you're just as bad' line is unrealistic and insulting. Most people go to watch the match, not to confront and probably fight with drunks. At the end of the day the police are the ones with the power to eject or arrest people involved in racist behaviour - after all it is a criminal offence. They're quick enough to throw you out for as much as sneezing at St James Park. If they'd have acted at Filbert Street or even the Reebok and thrown a few of the culprits out then the whole thing wouldn't have reached this point. After paying for your travel and match ticket only to be lashed out, the Emile Heskey song probably wouldn't seem so humourous in future. Hopefully this threat by Everton will make those responsible realise that the club and the vast majority of Evertonians will not tolerate their behaviour and we will be able to put this whole tawdry episode behind us and get back to supporting our team.

Everton 1, Derby 0
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 17 2001
IT WAS with a wonderful sense of irony that a man lacking the physical presence to lead Everton's attack should bring the first Christmas presents to Goodison Park this year. But the Blues' festive cheer started on Saturday when the reward for incredible patience and perseverance paid off for both the team and Joe-Max Moore. After waiting so long to break down a dreadful Derby County team, there was a tangible sense of relief around the old ground when one of Everton's 26 efforts on goal finally went in 14 minutes from time. And fittingly, it was the striker who has suffered in silence since the 'Bruise Brothers' took one knock too many who shattered the frustration. In the time since Kevin Campbell and Duncan Ferguson have retired to the Bellefield treatment room Moore has seen the adulation bestowed on him as an American hero after booking his country's place in the World Cup replaced by utter torment on Merseyside. Overlooked for six weeks by manager Walter Smith because of his physical similarities to Tomasz Radzinski, Moore has mostly sat on the bench through what he called "the hardest time of my career." Now, however, he can deservedly celebrate his release after his first Everton goal in 18 months gave the Blues their first points of a potentially dodgy December. Goodison was awash with irony at the weekend, the winner arriving just after one of Everton's brightest performers - Thomas Gravesen - was stretchered off following a sickening clash of heads with Darryl Powell. And the manner of the breakthrough would not have been lost on the American striker either. Smith himself has conceded Moore has been hard done by in his decision to put Steve Watson into the attack in a quest for more power. But even Andy Gray in his mid-80s pomp would have relished the brave back-post header that finally forced the ball over Andy Oakes' goalline. What he may lack in height, Moore makes up for in his natural predatory instincts, and it was to Goodison's unbridled relief that he rediscovered that goal-touch on Saturday.
Anyone holding his breath to see the Premiership's 10,000th goal scored by Everton would have been as blue as the home shirts by the time the USA international pounced. This was perhaps the most comprehensive one-goal mauling ever witnessed as the Blues' failure to finish saw them threaten to continue their ridiculously generous trait of giving points away, as at Blackburn, Ipswich etc, etc. The first five minutes saw Everton produce more good football than in the entire 90 at Fulham but without the accuracy to match. Add Oakes' jitters in the Derby goal and it was to prove an edgy afternoon for a healthy Goodison crowd. On and off the pitch it appeared the Blues had a point to prove on Saturday. Another hard-hitting statement concerning the club's confrontation with racism was met with wholescale applause from the home support as it finished: "The players, management, directors, staff and genuine supporters of this great football club have a very simple message for this handful of bigots - we do not want you, you are not welcome, you have no place here." The players too were intent to give manager Smith the reaction he demanded from them for their woeful display at Craven Cottage. Thankfully they were unrecognisable from the previous outing, with neat, crisp passing and support down the flanks putting Derby on the back foot. Continually weak crosses didn't help Everton's cause but they still created enough chances to have ended the contest by the interval. Alessandro Pistone has rarely displayed any goalscorer's instincts of his own but he twice hit the woodwork from midfielder Niclas Alexandersson corners in the space of 13 first-half minutes. Gravesen saw two shots tipped around the post by Oakes, Alexandersson undid his good work with three poor finishes and Watson saw a goalbound chip following a goalkeeping error headed just around the post by Chris Riggott as the home side set-up camp in the Derby half for the opening 45 minutes. Injuries to two Everton defenders, Pistone and Alan Stubbs, hardly caused a ripple in their rearguard such was the lightweight Derby attack deprived of the injured Fabrizio Ravenelli. It did, however, have a far greater effect on the Blues' shape. There was a strange David Attenborough-moment at the start of the second half as the rare species of an Everton side full of players in their natural positions kicked off. Moore and Radzinski offered the midfield better options and both had headers saved as the Blues stepped up a level and the chances went ever closer. Alexandersson, Pembridge and Gravesen all went wide before the latter's day ended in hospital and a date with a plastic surgeon after an aerial collision with Powell turned the Goodison grass red with blood. It was a horrible, sickening clash that saw medics race on to the pitch instantly and put both players in a neck brace. True to form, however, Gravesen managed a heroic wave from his stretcher as Goodison sang out his name. Paul Gascoigne, whose prematch fears about being dropped for his display at Fulham proved correct, entered the fray and gave more credence to the theory that late cameo roles are where he's at his most effective now. Everton were getting ever closer and Goodison must have sensed their patience was about to pay off when it raised the volume only a minute before Moore's moment arrived. Lurking at the back post the striker was perfectly placed when the excellent David Weir flicked on Watson's long throw, and despite the close attentions of Oakes and a Derby defender, Moore bravely headed home. There was absolutely no chance of a Derby comeback. Even though they raised their game after falling behind they presented no danger to Everton at all, one commanding claim by Steve Simonsen from an injury-time corner being the sum total of his worrying moments. Saturday, however, was all about a striker breaking his duck. What a worrying shame Robbie Fowler didn't do the same for Leeds yesterday...
EVERTON (4-4-2): Simonsen; Pistone (Moore, 46 mins), Weir, Stubbs (Unsworth, 15 mins), Naysmith; Alexandersson, Gravesen (Gascoigne, 62 mins), Gemmill, Pembridge; Radzinski, Watson. Subs: Gerrard, Blomqvist.
DERBY COUNTY (3-5-2): Oakes; Mawene (Kinkladze, 78 mins), Riggott, Elliott; Grenet (Boertien, 89 mins), Ducrocq, Carbone, Powell (Bolder, 64 mins), Zavagno; Burton, Christie. Subs: Valakari, Grant.
REFEREE: Mr C.Wilkes
BOOKINGS: Everton's Gemmill (foul), Derby's Riggott and Zavagno (fouls)
ATTENDANCE: 30,615

Moore delivers reminder to Smith
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 17 2001
EVERTON matchwinner Joe-Max Moore is desperate to put "the hardest time of my career" behind him after sinking Derby County with his first Goodison goal in 20 months on Saturday.
The American international came off the bench to end his goal drought and give manager Walter Smith a timely reminder of his talents after being overlooked in the Blues' prolonged search for striking reinforcements. Smith has stuck with Steve Watson in attack in the sevenweek absence of Kevin Campbell and Duncan Ferguson, due to Moore's similar lightweight physique to £4.5m striker Tomasz Radzinski. But after giving Everton the late breakthrough they deserved against the Rams, Moore now hopes for an extended run to show the diminutive duo can deliver in the Premiership.
Moore, whose last Blues goal came against Watford in April 2000, said: "It has been a long time coming, far too long for me anyway. I was just pleased to get 45 minutes up front but to get the goal is special. "It has been very frustrating. It's been the hardest time of my career. I haven't scored in a long while for Everton and I haven't been playing as much as I would like but hopefully this will change things. "We thoroughly deserved to win. We had a lot of chances and could have made the game safe by half time when we hit the post and the bar in the first half. "It looked like it was going to be one of those days but fortunately I was able to get on the end of Davie Weir's flick-on.
"I hope this gives me a better chance of playing in the future." Moore added: "Steve Watson has done a good job up front for us but it has been frustrating for me as a striker watching a defender put in attack first. All I've been able to do is keep working hard and now it's paid off. "I went to see the boss once to ask him what I could do to get involved more but in all honesty my style is to train hard and stay behind a bit more after training. "It has been a disappointing time for me but Walter said he wanted a more physical presence up front and I couldn't argue with that. "There aren't too many small forward partnerships in the Premiership. Most teams have a big guy up front, so I do take his point to some extent but it's good to prove I can do it. "Now I've got to wait and see what the future brings." Moore's last competitive goals came in a crucial World Cup qualifier against
Trinidad, when his brace booked the USA's place in next summer's competition. And he admitted: "It's important for me to be playing regularly with the World Cup coming up. "We got a reasonable draw, not as difficult as England's anyway, and I'm very confident we can reach the second round for the first time and I want to play my part in that." Everton's 1-0 win took them up to ninth in the Premiershipbut came at a price, with three players taken off injured. Thomas Gravesen was stretchered off along with Derby's Darryl Powell after a horrific clash of heads saw the pair taken to hospital with deep lacerations to their foreheads. Surprisingly, however, the Danish international has not been ruled out of Wednesday night's trip to Leeds United although both Alan Stubbs (thigh) and Alessandro-Pistone (back) are doubtful. Manager Smith said: "I don't think there have been many home games since I've been here where we've been in control so much and created so many chances. "It was disappointing and frustrating that we didn't score earlier but I'm pleased for Joe-Max. "That was the type of goal he was getting for us when he first came here," he said.

Crowd puller
Dec 17 2001 By David Prentice
EVERTON today expressed their delight at the success of Saturday's 'Ticket for a Tenner' scheme - despite the attendance being wrongly reported nationally as only 30,615. In fact, a gate of 38,615 watched the victory over Derby - a figure clearly advertised in the Goodison Press room - and the stadium was obviously close to capacity. "We were thrilled by the size of the gate," said Blues' Chief Executive Michael Dunford, after ticket prices had been slashed to £10 adults and £5 juniors and OAPs. "If we had left prices at their normal level we would have anticipated a gate of around 30,000. With the reductions we had hoped for 35,000, so to get almost 39,000 was astonishing, and we would like to thank all the fans who took advantage of the scheme. "Given its success we would anticipate trying it again some time towards the end of the season." Only the Merseyside derby has attracted a larger gate at Goodison so far this season.

Hardline Blues undercover to crack racism
Dec 17 2001 By David Prentice
UNDERCOVER policemen and stewards will sit with Everton's away fans as the next step in the club ' s anti- racism campaign. The Blues issued another powerful message before kick-off on Saturday saying "bigots, you have no place here" - and Chief Executive Michael Dunford explained he was delighted by the fans' reaction. But the club will now step up its bid to eradicate racism from the club. "There will be a number of covert initiatives implemented in the coming weeks, of which undercover officers and stewards travelling with our away fans will be merely one," said Mr Dunford. "They will work closely with the local police forces at the grounds we are visiting, but obviously other measures must remain secret. "We are determined to ensure that Everton Football Club does not suffer from the awful taint of racism." Ironically, Everton's next two away games are at sides who have no high profile black players. The Blues go to Leeds on Wednesday, where Olivier Dacourt and Lucas Radebe are both injured, then Sunderland on Saturday. Mr Dunford added that there were no problems at Goodison on Saturday. The Blues face Leeds at Elland Road - a ground where they have famously failed to win a league game since 1951- and again are struggling for numbers. Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell are still absent, while Alan Stubbs (thigh), Alessandro Pistone (back) and Thomas Gravesen (head injury) are all doubtful.
Gravesen had 15 micro stitches inserted into a head wound, which initially looked worse than it actually was. He could still be available for the trip to Elland Road, while Abel Xavier is also back in the reckoning. Jesper Blomqvist will not be risked in tonight's mini derby match at Haig Avenue, Southport, in case he is needed.

Moore's little bit Xtra pays off
Dec 17 2001 By David Prentice
JOE-MAX MOORE scored one of the scruffiest, but maybe the one of the most significant goals of his career at Goodison Park on Saturday. The man whose goals took the USA to next summer's World Cup Finals, ended a Premiership drought which stretched back to April 2000 to earn Everton a 1-0 victory over Derby County. He said afterwards: "It has been frustrating. Without a doubt it's been the hardest time I've had to endure throughout my whole career . . . not scoring too often and getting less playing time than I wanted. "Everybody looks forward to being in the starting line-up and hopefully that goal will change the manager's opinion and give me more opportunity to play in the future. But we'll have to wait and see. "Steve Watson has done a good job as a forward while we've had two or three strikers out injured, but it was frustrating for me. That was difficult watching a defender play in front of you. "I just kept working. Andy Holden and myself work in training on little things in front of goal and it's paid off. "I went up to see the boss once this year to ask him what more I could do and why I wasn't involved more, but in all honesty I'm just a player who works hard in training every day and does little bits at the end of training every other day, which fortunately has paid off today." Moore added that he understood manager Walter Smith's reasoning, even if he disagreed with the decision. "You look around the Premiership and there aren't that many small forward partnerships, so I see the manager's point to some extent," he said. "But I was happy to get on and prove that I can be a dangerous player. "I was fortunate to get on the end of it. I just took a chance on getting to the back post and the ball ended up right on my head a couple of yards out so I was delighted. "I came on against Tottenham to score a similar goal when I first got my chance here so hopefully something similar will happen again. The team throughly deserved to win. "It looked like it was going to be one of those days. It's been a long time coming for me. It's been far too long for myself not to score."

So near yet so far for Blues
Dec 17 2001 By Tommy Smith
I WATCHED Manchester United create a string of chances and put five goals into the back of the Derby County net at Old Trafford on Wednesday. I watched Everton create just as many opportunities, if not more, against the Rams at Goodison Park on Saturday. The fact that the Blues eventually scrambled home 1-0 with a 75th minute winner by Joe-Max Moore sums up the difference between those who will be challenging for honours at the end of the season and those who will be also-rans. It's all about class in key areas. United could call on the likes of Ruud Van Nistlerooy, Ole Gunner Solksjaer, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke to help try and undermine the worst side in the Premiership right now as well as fielding a string of midfielders who could weigh in with key strikes. Everton started once again with a right back at centre-forward as they struggled without injured front men Kevin Campbell and Duncan Ferguson. I listened to one of the radio phone-ins as I drove home. A number of Blues' fans were blasting the performance and the tactics. Yes, it wasn't pretty at times. Yes, a whole host of chances went begging. But I found myself supporting radio host Ian Snodin who pointed out the sheer volume of chances created which were in double figures. All it needed was a natural predator to give Everton the most comfortable of wins. The irony of all of this was that the eventual match winner has been overlooked time and again in recent weeks because the Blues have been fearful of putting out an attack that was too lightweight. I can see the reasoning in that. The logic would have been perfectly valid against any other opposition except Derby. But here was a side that was there for the taking, regardless of weight, height or any other considerations. All it needed was a natural goalscorer going into natural areas and while Moore's winner was a bit scrappy, they all count at the end of the season. And the importance of the win could be seen in the league table with Everton just one point behind Villa and just four points behind Manchester United and Tottenham with a game in hand on the latter two. Here lies the real frustration. The fans need to know when the next level of investment will be coming. Can the Blues take the next step forward and seriously challenge for a top six place that would be real progress? Not without that little bit of extra quality that will only come with a genuine financial kitty for manager Walter Smith. It's the difference between maintaining some sort of momentum or possibly dropping right back down, the narrow gap between success and failure that must be driving the manager crazy. All the Goodison boss can do is look on the bright side. There was another powerful and determined display from Thomas Gravesen before he was carried off injured. His imporvement has been significant in recent months. David Weir, at £250,000, is possibly the best bargain buy in the top flight of recent years. Steve Simonsen continues to look confident, particularly claiming high crosses, although he will not enjoy a quiter afternoon throughout the remainder of the season. Steve Watson is full of running and determination. And after a slow start, substitute Paul Gascoigne showed that there is no substitute for natural skill. He helped to lift the fans and his team mates. One supporter screamed angrily at Gazza when he drilled a clearance towards the Derby corner flag late on. But this was the experienced pro running down the clock and pressuring the opposition deep in their own territory. Everton have a great spirit. No amount of money can buy that. But the next step? Over to the board.

Ref rejects Blues appeal
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 18 2001
EVERTON have lost their appeal to have David Weir's red card at Fulham rescinded.
The Blues had asked debutant Premiership referee Phil Dowd to review the second yellow card handed out to the Scottish international at Craven Cottage, where he was fouled and then stamped on by two Fulham players in the subsequent brawl. However, despite the incident going to the FA's video panel, referee Dowd is standing by his decision to book Weir for an offence he gave the Blues defender a free-kick for. Weir will now miss Saturday's trip to Sunderland, when manager Walter Smith will also be without the suspended Alessandro Pistone. The Blues, who are still awaiting a decision from the FA over the mass brawl, are also facing defensive problems for tomorrow night's daunting trip to Leeds United, where they have not won a league game in 40 years. Pistone and Alan Stubbs are both doubtful for the Elland Road clash with back and thigh injuries respectively, meaning Abel Xavier will return to the fray for the first time since suffering concussion against Newcastle on October 27. Thomas Gravesen is also a major doubt after receiving 15 micro-stitches to the head wound he received against Derby on Saturday. Unwanted striker Danny Cadamarteri has begun a week's trial with first division strugglers Barnsley while Smith has dismissed reports linking him with Moroccan international striker Abdelilah Hadda. Meanwhile, undercover policemen and stewards will sit with Everton fans at forthcoming away games as the club steps up its efforts to identify and weed out the racists amongst their travelling support. Chief executive Michael Dunford explained: "There will be a number of covert initiatives implemented in the coming weeks of which undercover officers and stewards travelling with our away fans will be merely one.
"We are determined to ensure that Everton Football Club does not suffer from the awful taint of racism."
* EVERTON still have 1500 obstructed view tickets left for their Boxing Day clash with Manchester United, while the official attendance for Saturday's game with Derby was 38,615 and not 30,615 as previously published.

Honours even in mini-derby
Daily Post
Dec 18 2001
HONOURS were even after the first Merseyside mini-derby of the season as both the Reds and Blues fielded relatively young sides. Liverpool did, however, have four of the five substitutes on duty at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but neither they nor their opponents could find any real inspiration in a dull first half. Twenty two minutes had past before the large Haig Avenue crowd saw its first real effort on goal, supplied by Everton's Nick Chadwick. The Blues striker should have done better with a shot that went over Chris Kirkland's crossbar. Ritchie Partridge then went close for Liverpool, curling a lovely shot around Paul Gerrard but also the post. Chadwick then nearly capitalised on some uncharacteristic hesitancy from the Reds' England under-21 goalkeeper, who flapped at the ball. But again Chadwick failed to get any reward. The second half was a much brighter affair, which started with a speculative 25-yard chip from Kevin McLeod, which just cleared Kirkland's crossbar.
Two minutes later Ritchie Partridge crossed from the right and the ball hit the unsuspecting Neil Mellor. Amid the confusion, the Everton defence managed to clear the danger. Bernard Diomede's shot was then palmed away by Gerrard before the Reds finally took a deserved lead. Alan Narvarro, back in the Reds' midfield following a successful loan spell at Tranmere Rovers, floated a free-kick into the area. Frode Kippe headed the ball back into the box and Mellor powered his header past the diving Gerrard.

Super Kev set for New Year return
Dec 18 2001 By David Prentice
EVERTON have dismissed reports that Kevin Campbell may not play again this season.
The Blues' skipper has missed almost two months' football with a back injury, which has been slow to respond to treatment. But boss Walter Smith said today: "Kevin is improving and we are confident he will be back early in the New Year. "The problem has just taken longer to repair than we expected." The Blues must do without Campbell and Duncan Ferguson certainly for the next two testing away games at Leeds and Sunderland. The Blues go to Elland Road tomorrow seeking a first league win there for 50 years, with Joe Max Moore likely to be rewarded for Saturday's matchwinner with a starting place up front. Alessandro Pistone, Alan Stubbs and Thomas Gravesen are all likely to miss the match through injury. Rookie referee Phil Dowd, meanwhile, has refused to overturn his decision to award David Weir a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal, at Fulham recently.
As a result Weir will miss Saturday's trip to Sunderland through suspension. Weir was actually awarded a free-kick in the Craven Cottage incident, but after studying video evidence the match official refused to go back on his original decision. Danny Cadamarteri, meanwhile, travelled to Barnsley yesterday to have talks with the First Division club. The striker is currently carrying an ankle injury, however, so will not be on trial.

They wish it could be Christmas for a day
Dec 18 2001 By Kevin Ratcliffe
EVERTON have decided to ditch their annual Christmas fancy dress bash this year.
Liverpool have abandoned theirs, too, settling for a more sedate meal instead.
But before anyone breathes 'Bah Humbug!' - I have to say they've both got it absolutely right.
It's nothing to do with the detrimental effects of binge drinking on professional athletes - although these are clearly considerable. Players who like a drink will partake whether there's a Christmas party involved or not. The more worrying factor for footballers today are the number of individuals intent on making a quick buck by selling 'stories' of overenthusiastic revelry to tabloid newspapers.
The evidence was clear in the experiences of Robbie Savage, Dennis Wise and Robbie Fowler this week. Transfer window could be a pain REPORTS last week suggested the FA are currently investigating the possibility of bringing us into line with the rest of Europe - and introducing a transfer window. Like many aspets of the game the FA tinker with, I would have to say 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' The introduction of the Bosman rule simply ensured that the rich got richer, the best players went to the handful of top clubs and the poorer clubs got left behind.
The Leicester pair were involved in the kind of incident which every professional club probably sees on its training ground every week - and which is quickly forgotten. But some newspapers brandished it as page one news and forced Leicester into staging an embarrassing press conference.
Poor Robbie Fowler did nothing more than fall asleep in a taxi - and who hasn't done that at Christmas? --but he found himself the victim of unwarranted headlines again. I shudder to think what the press might have made of some of the antics the Everton squad of the 80s got up to.
Come to think of it a couple of incidents made big headlines even then --and it wasn't even Christmas! The more I think of it, players' Christmas parties are more trouble than any team spirit or bonding they may forge and both clubs are justified in calling time on them. A polarising of transfer opportunities would surely only do the same - pushing prices up even higher. You would end up with even more of an auction for the top names than we already have, which can't be a good thing.
Leeds jinx still on the cards HERE we go again . . . to Ell and back. Everton travel to Leeds United tomorrow, seeking a first League win since 1951, and I hate to say I can't see that run ending this season. It has little to do with jinxes or unlucky grounds, though. Everton are simply struggling for goals and numbers at present, while Leeds have a top quality squad to select from. And after giving up two late goals on Sunday to Leicester they will have had a real kick up the backside from boss David O'Leary. Having said that there are grounds that some clubs always seem to struggle at.
I remember we always seemed to have a problem at Nottingham Forest. No matter how well we played we always seemed to get a bad decision or two against us and lose the game.
It was a similar story at Arsenal, and it was significant than when we did win there in 1987, we went on to win the title. Leeds were in the old Second Division then, so the side considered the best the club has ever had never really had the opportunity to bury that bogey in a league match.
We did win there in an FA Cup tie, though, just to prove it could be done. Hopefully the Blues will take us all by surprise tomorrow and upset Leeds - but it would be a shock.

We fear Fowler threat
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 19 2001
DAVID UNSWORTH renews hostilities with Robbie Fowler tonight determined to stop the former Liverpool hero breaking his Leeds duck. Everton head to an Elland Road stunned by the transferlisting of Lee Bowyer yesterday looking to end one of the longest-running hoodoos in football. It is now 50 years since the Blues last triumphed in the league at Leeds and not only do they face a United side smarting from their draw with Leicester City on Sunday but an £11million striker yet to find the target for his new club. Fowler has not scored in three appearances for David O'Leary's side and now faces his boyhood team who have a habit of allowing barren runs to end, such as Blackburn's £7m striker Carrado Grabbi in September. Unsworth is one of the men charged with keeping Fowler and company at bay tonight and, though the pair were sent off for fighting in the 1997 Goodison derby, the Blues defender remains a firm fan. "We've had a good few battles down the years," said Unsworth, likely to retain his place in the side with Alan Stubbs and Thomas Gravesen out plus Alessandro Pistone doubtful. "And I think Leeds was a great move for him.
"There has been so much speculation that Robbie got sick of it. It doesn't matter who you are, if your not playing week in, week out you're going to get fed up and that's what it is about. "I disagree with people who say he will never be the player he was. "You never lose that instinctive ability and he is still the most natural goalscorer in the Premiership. "He's had a few injury problems but he's shown with England recently the quality he's still got. "Obviously he hasn't scored yet for Leeds which is very worrying considering our record over the years of giving strikers their first goals." Unsworth added: "Our careers overlapped a bit with England's under-21s and according to the rumours now he's left Liverpool he'll be coming to cheer us on in the derbies. "We were sent off a couple of years ago but it was nothing, it was not even handbags, more like purses at six paces." Pistone trained yesterday but is still feeling the effects of the back injury he picked up against Derby on Saturday.
Abel Xavier and Joe-Max Moore are likely to return to Walter Smith's starting line-up if the Italian joins the absentee list, as Unsworth predicts another tough away encounter for the Blues in Yorkshire. But he insisted: "Leeds are a quality team and we've got to be at our best defensively. We've got to take a leaf out of Leicester's book on Sunday when they worked their socks off and came away with a great point. "Our start to the season has been okay but we should have won four or five of the matches England's under-21s and according to the rumours now he's left Liverpool he'll be coming to cheer us on in the derbies. "We were sent off a couple of years ago but it was nothing, it was not even handbags, more like purses at six paces." Pistone trained yesterday but is still feeling the effects of the back injury he picked up on Saturday. Abel Xavier and Joe-Max Moore are likely to return to Walter Smith's starting line-up if the Italian joins the absentee list, as Unsworth predicts another tough away encounter for the Blues in Yorkshire. But he insisted: "Leeds are a quality team and we've got to be at our best defensively. We've got to take a leaf out of Leicester's book on Sunday when they worked their socks off and came away with a great point."

I want to take centre stage
Dec 19 2001 By David Prentice
DAVID UNSWORTH found himself in a strange position on Saturday - back in the central defensive berth he first rose to prominence. The Blues' defender replaced the injured Alan Stubbs just 14 minutes into Saturday's victory over Derby County. The switch saw him back at centre-half, the position he first broke into the Everton first team and where he won his solitary England cap in 1995.
But surprisingly - apart from a fleeting reacquaintance with the role on the last day of last season - it was more than a year since he last played there. He'd like to make the move more permanent.
"It was nice to play centrehalf again," he admitted "but to be honest you will play wherever the gaffer asks you to as long as you're getting a game. "Obviously I'd like to get in there on merit, but Stubbsy got an injury in the first 10 minutes which was unfortunate and you have to take your chance when you get it. "Centre-half is arguably my best position. It's my most natural position certainly, either that or left of a three. It's where I started my career and where I feel most comfortable. You don't really have to think about your positioning. It's natural."
Unsworth kicked off last season at centre-half - wearing the captain's armband at Elland Road - before a switch to left-back. Ironically he is likely to be asked to play full-back again tonight against a Leeds team anxious to bounce back from a disappointing draw with Leicester on Sunday.
Unsworth believes, however, that Everton can use that experience to their advantage.
"We just look at Leicester's experience there at the weekend," he explained. "They competed for 90 minutes, didn't play fantastically but had a go, matched Leeds' workrate and came away with a point. "If we do that and hopefully show a little more quality, then we could come away with a surprise result." It would be more like a seismic shock if Everton did win at Elland Road.
Their last matchwinner in a League game there, Tommy Eglington, celebrates his 79th birthday next month. September 1, 1951 was the date the Irish international scored a brace in a 2-1 away win - more than 20 years before Unsworth was even born. "I do know what it's like to win at Elland Road," he said. "It's just that Leeds weren't playing there at the time! "We beat Spurs there in the FA Cup semi-final in 1995 and that was a great memory. "It's a been bit of a hoodoo ground for us down the years, but these things have to change sometime. "Leeds are a quality side, and after dropping a couple of points on Sunday they will be really wound up to bounce back against us.
"But if we can frustrate them and create the kind of openings we were making against Derby on Saturday, who knows?"

Smith: Away daze must end for Blues
Dec 19 2001 By David Anderson
WALTER SMITH takes Everton to Leeds tonight more concerned with this season's travelling record than the club's Elland Road curse. The Blues have won just one of their seven away games this season, the opening day 2-1 victory at Charlton, and their last trip away from Goodison Park ended with one of their worst performances of the season at Fulham. Smith demanded and received a reaction to that 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage against Derby County on Saturday. But he insists an improvement is still required on the Blues' travels. The Blues boss said: "The basis for a team's season is your home form but I think we still need a reaction to the Fulham game. "This is a tough match for us, but it is one that if we are going to show any consistency we have to play as well as we can in. "Our performance at Fulham was a poor one and hopefully we can make amends for that and show the position we are in is not a false one." To that end Smith hopes Robbie Fowler will still be looking for his first goal for Leeds come 9.40pm tonight. Smith is well aware Fowler has yet to break his duck for Leeds as the Blues prepare to face David O'Leary's side. And the Everton manager knows it would give the former Liverpool hitman great pleasure to score that first goal against the club he supported as a boy. "We certainly hope that after the game on Wednesday he is still looking for that first goal," said Smith. "He's a lad whose goalscoring record speaks for itself and we will have to keep an eye on him." Fowler is not the only Leeds player causing Smith concern and he is worried that Harry Kewell could continue his recent purple patch against the Blues. The Australian is back to his best form and has scored four goals in his last three games for Leeds. Smith said: "Leeds have a few players who are capable of winning the game. "Harry Kewell on his own can turn a match. "Leeds just have something a little different when he plays. "They have missed him for a long spell, he gives them variety. "We will have to be aware of him and all these players tomorrow night. But we'll also be trying hard to give them a few problems of our own." The formbook points to a home win as Everton have not won a league game at Elland Road since way back in 1951.
Smith is sick about being told about this statistic and is undaunted about going to Leeds.
"It's a very difficult place to go and pick up points," he said. "There might have been occasions over this time when Everton have felt they were unlucky not to win, but the basis of it must be that we have not been good enough to win there and we have to go with that. "As long as we acquit ourselves well that's the main thing. "I've felt on the last couple of occasions that we've gone there, we've played well enough but haven't got a win so we will have to make that our target."

Leeds 3, Everton 2
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 20 2001
LEE BOWYER may have flashed a smile as he walked through the Leeds United press box but otherwise it was a night of few surprises for Everton at Elland Road. The Blues' run without a league win extended into its 51st year as Robbie Fowler, the boyhood Evertonian and former Liverpool striker - without a goal for his new club - scored twice and the pervading threat of a Goodison injury-crisis came to the fore. All in all then, a thoroughly depressing evening for the Blues' travelling contingent and the undercover policemen and stewards asked to sit among them, even if their team's late flurry gave the scoreline a suggestion of a close classic. But last night gave Walter Smith and the Blues' management team more to worry about than inevitable jinxes. This season's away form and record is threatening to become the club's newest curse for a start. Only one win away all season, and that at Charlton, the Blues are being brushed aside too easily outside their own domain for the progress being shown at Goodison Park to be sustained. The lack of self-belief shown on Everton's travels and the inability to turn attacking scraps into goals must also be high on the agenda. Consolation did come Everton's way in terms of a rousing final few minutes, when Joe-Max Moore volleyed home the goal of the night and David Weir's header raised David O'Leary's blood pressure, but in truth there was no disguising the relative ease of this Leeds victory. This was a night when all associated with the club seemed to have a point to make. O'Leary, in his programme notes, gave a fierce statement on the wrongs of professional footballers refuelling with alcohol and a staunch defence of his controversial, forthcoming book. The Leeds fans demonstrated their clear support for code of conduct rebel Lee Bowyer throughout, one banner reading "Lose Bowyer or the title. It's your choice." But it was the Leeds' players reaction to losing further ground in the title race against Leicester that was the most pressing concern for Everton. Manager Smith opted against giving Saturday's match-winner Moore his wellearned start alongside Tomasz Radzinski, and, facing the tall and powerful pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Dominic Matteo, you could see his point.
But how he must have wished for a man with a natural eye for goal in Everton's first attack of the game, when emergency forward Steve Watson reverted to his defensive instincts instead of giving the Blues a shock lead. Less than two minutes had elapsed when Niclas Alexandersson sent Radzinski scurrying clear down the right. The Canadian skipped past Matteo's challenge inside the box and pulled the ball across goal where Watson, unmarked and six yards out, scooped his sidefoot effort over the bar. Matteo meted out his own punishment on Radzinski with a hefty challenge from behind on the Blues striker. The Yorkshiremen had given Everton sufficient warning of their attacking approach as Mark Viduka twice headed Ian Harte set-piece deliveries wide before making it third time lucky for himself after 18 minutes. For the first, but not the last time, the Blues' left flank of David Unsworth and Gary Naysmith were dragged apart by Leeds' vision and movement.
Danny Mills gave Gary Kelly the freedom of Elland Road down the right, the Republic of Ireland defender chipped in from the by-line and there was Viduka to shrug off Alessandro Pistone and divert a header into the bottom corner. Any wildly optimistic hopes of Everton ending their 50-year Leeds hoodoo vanished, and, as if to confirm their curses, Fowler duly obliged with his first goal since leaving Liverpool only seven minutes later. Once again attempts to stop the supply from the right and then deal with the goalscorer were feeble, as Mills waltzed into space before chipping the ball in between Abel Xavier and Pistone for Fowler. The £11million man brought the cross under control on his chest and with no tackle forthcoming drilled past Steve Simonsen. Paul Gascoigne, given a warm reception from the home fans when he replaced the injured Mark Pembridge after only 22 minutes, tried to cajole a threat out of his shell-shocked team-mates but it was always Leeds who were the more likely to add to their tally. David Weir couldn't connect properly with a Gascoigne free-kick whipped over to the far post, while Alexandersson wasted an excellent Watson pass when failing to cross first time to the unmarked Radzinski. However, it was Simonsen who was beaten next when Fowler's daisy-cutter from 25 yards caught the Everton defence cold and thankfully for them, cannoned off the foot of the post. The visitors hardly had time to put a deteriorating first-half display behind them when they suffered a further, potentially long-term injury blow when Pistone became the second Everton player in two games to leave the pitch on a stretcher. The incident itself was innocuous, as the Italian was shrugged off the ball by Matteo as they chased to the by-line. But the consequences were horrific as Pistone, who suffered a cruciate knee ligament rupture last season, saw his left leg buckle underneath him and he was eventually taken away in obvious agony.
Supersub Moore took his place and Everton responded to the setbacks well. For the first time since the opening five minutes, the Leeds attack was subdued but, injury-time scares apart, there was no hard evidence the Blues would repeat Leicester's fightback, especially when referee Peter Jones waved away a strong penalty appeal 10 minutes after the restart. Not for the first time Radzinski spun away from Matteo and as the striker closed in on goal he was clearly barged off the ball by Leeds' other ex-Red. It should have been a penalty. It wasn't. Gary Naysmith's header drew Martyn's first real save of the night just after the hour as the Blues finally showed some menace, though all it drew was an immediate response from Leeds and a second of the night for Fowler. This time it was not defensive frailties but fortune that was against Everton as David Batty's shot deflected off Xavier straight into the path of the England international, who turned and fired under Simonsen.
Three minutes later Simonsen made an excellent save from a deflected Seth Johnson drive and then his team-mates matched that effort with an impressive late push of their own. Viduka seemed a certainty to add a fourth only to be halted six yards from goal by a superb Unsworth tackle. The visitors broke quickly through Watson, who chipped over the retreating Leeds defence for Moore to crash home a first time effort from an acute angle. In injury time Weir outjumped the static Leeds defence to head Idan Tal's corner past Martyn, bringing fear and fury from the home supporters in equal measure. Sadly there was no time for the Blues to complete what would have been an unbelievable comeback. Not that one was deserved, but it did make you wonder why they didn't start with the same conviction with which they finished.
LEEDS UNITED: Martyn, Mills, Ferdinand, Matteo, Harte, Kelly, Batty (Bakke 81), Johnson, Kewell, Viduka (Keane 88), Fowler. Subs: Robinson, Wilcox, Duberry.
EVERTON: Simonsen, Watson, Weir, Unsworth, Pistone (Moore 50), Gemmill, Alexandersson (Tal 75), Xavier, Naysmith, Radzinski, Pembridge (Gascoigne 22). Subs: Gerrard, Blomqvist.
BOOKINGS: Leeds' Batty and Everton's Gascoigne.
REFEREE: P Jones (Loughborough).
ATT: 40,201.

We got what we deserved
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 20 2001
WALTER SMITH admitted Everton were deservedly punished for a lack of self-belief at Leeds United last night - despite the Blues' late Elland Road flourish. Two goals in the final eight minutes from substitute Joe-Max Moore and skipper David Weir gave the scoreline a degree of respectability against the Premiership title challengers. But boss Smith conceded his team was distinctly second best to Leeds as the club's dismal run in Yorkshire continued. Mark Viduka opened the scoring for the troubled club on 18 minutes and Robbie Fowler struck twice, his first goals since his £11million transfer from Liverpool, before serious injuries to Alessandro Pistone and Mark Pembridge capped a miserable night for the Blues. Afterwards Smith said: "We were disappointing overall but it was a strange game. Leeds played very well to start with and we couldn't complain when we went three goals down. "But I was disappointed we didn't push harder after losing the first goal. "After watching Leeds lose two goals to Leicester on Sunday I always thought we'd have a chance of getting a few ourselves but we didn't show enough belief that we could punish them. "Overall we can't complain about the result because Leeds were the better side and we didn't play in the manner we have shown we are capable of in previous games. "If we had reached a decent level I felt we would have caused them more problems than we did do." Smith pointed to the poor defensive play that gave Leeds a comfortable half-time cushion as the root of the Blues' undoing. He said: "We didn't make Leeds work hard enough for their first two goals. We gave them away far too easily.
"But there were spells in the game when it looked as though we were going to impose ourselves on the game but failed to do so. There were opportunities for us to score but we didn't take them.
"When we did get two back it only served to highlight the fact that had we shown more belief we could have caused Leeds more problems. "As I say, it was a strange game. Leeds looked the better, more composed team but we had the chances to have done much better but a lack of belief and conviction stopped us imposing ourselves on the game more." Midfielder Pembridge hobbled off on 22 minutes with a recurrence of a calf injury, while Italian defender Pistone was carried off after his knee appeared to buckle under him. Smith explained: "We are not quite sure of the extent of Alessandro's injury yet. "His knee is badly swollen and it looks as though he has damanged ligaments but we'll have to wait for the swelling to go down before we get a clearer indication.
"This is when you need a squad. We are thin on the ground so we could do without more injury problems."
* EVERTON'S FA Youth Cup fourth round clash against West Bromwich Albion will be played at Goodison Park on Wednesday, January 23 (KO 7pm).

Robbie double was a banker (Echo)
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Dec 20 2001
SOD'S Law was surely invented for those poor sods who call themselves Evertonians.
It's the law which states that an illegal immigrant will score his only goal in English football against Everton before being deported. Step forward Esteban Fuertes. It's the same statute which makes Corrado Grabbi register his only strike - another matchwinner - against the Blues before deciding English football is not for him. And it's the same rule which dictates that Robbie Fowler would save his first goals for Leeds United until the visit of the side he first supported. Evertonians didn't just fear Fowler breaking his duck last night. They expected it - and he duly obliged not once, but twice.
His strike, coming just seven minutes after Mark Viduka's opener, firmly flattened a bright Blue opening and set the visitors on the path towards a now familiar Elland Road defeat. But it was the baggage which came with the customary Yorkshire disappointment - tempered only slightly by Moore and Weir's late strikes - which will have caused Walter Smith more anxiety than the actual defeat. Everton were always going to lose to Leeds, even though two late goals gave the scoreline a flattering 3-2 respectability. But Pembridge and Pistone joined a steadily growing injury list - the Italian with what seemed a serious problem - while Weir and Radzinski both spent periods of the game hobbling painfully. With five games looming in 15 days, and Everton's small squad of cut- price buys and thirtysomethings showing clear signs of strain, the need for reinforcement is growing.
But one-and-a-half million - the figure reportedly available to the Blues' boss - buys you one good player's wages these days. And Everton need more than one at present. The hack who asked Smith: "If you had the money, would you be interested in a player like Lee Bowyer?" was clearly ignorant of Everton's financial plight. "Where have you been?" he growled back. "On the moon?"
A late flurry which produced goals for Moore and Weir almost put the Blues' boss in heaven. But a point would have been far in excess of anything Everton deserved on a night when they performed well in patches, but still looked distinctly second best. Walter Smith had watched the consternation created by Leicester's two tall front-runners at Elland Road on Sunday, and Pistone's recovery from a back injury allowed him to persist with Steve Watson up front. But just two minutes after sending out that side, he must have wished for a more natural predator on the end of Tomasz Radzinski's incisive cut-back. It was a sharp chance, but a good one, which Watson hooked high over Nigel Martyn's crossbar. Everton had started the more dangerous and more penetrative side, forcing the home fans to swap songs of support for Lee Bowyer to howls of frustration. But this is Elland Road, of course, and 2001 is the 50th anniversary of the last time an Everton team won a league match there. Bad luck surfaced in the shape of an injury to Davie Weir, which left the skipper hobbling awkwardly. Mark Viduka took advantage of the space vacated to drift on to Gary Kelly's cross and angle a header past Simonsen. Weir recovered, but Pembridge was not so lucky and three minutes later he trudged off to bring Gascoigne into the fray half an hour earlier than he's been used to recently. Gazza barely had time to find the pace of the game before Fowler scored the goal every Evertonian had expected. Danny Mills drove forward from the back, clipped a pass into Fowler's path on the edge of the box and he chested the ball on before slipping a familiar finish past the exposed Simonsen. It could have been worse. As Leeds - and Fowler's - confidence soared, Everton's sagged.
Fowler drove forward from midfield three minutes before the interval and unleashed a fierce left-footed drive which beat Simonsen, but bounced off the goalpost to safety. The second half was only four minutes old when further calamity befell the Blues. Pistone had dashed down the right flank attempting to overlap, when he bounced off Matteo. The challenge was ordinary enough, but as the Italian landed he twisted his right knee excruciatingly. After spending six months of last season on the sidelines with knee cruciate damage, it was awful luck. He was stretchered off, and replacement Moore asked to reproduce Saturday's supersub heroics. Everton should have had a chance to claw their way back into the match when Radzinski was bundled to the ground deep in the Leeds penalty box. It looked a clear-cut penalty kick, but Peter Jones flatly waved away the appeals. Then Batty's hopeful shot was diverted unwittingly into Fowler's path by the stretching Xavier. This time the ball was on the striker's left foot and he drove it with a minimum of fuss past Simonsen.
It could have been worse, Viduka flashing a shot narrowly wide and Unsworth bringing down Viduka but escaping a penalty, before it got belatedly better. Watson clipped in a cross from the right which was hopeful rather than inviting, but Moore met it with a superb left-footed volley to register his second goal in five days. If Robbie Fowler had made his point, so too did the little American.
He may not offer as much physical threat as Watson, but he definitely threatens more goals, and while Campbell and Ferguson continue to grow bed sores, Everton will take them from wherever they can right now. They got a second from centre-half David Weir deep into injury time, a header invited by Idan Tal's excellent corner, but it was too late to spark a second Leeds collapse in four days.
LEEDS UNITED (4-4-2): Martyn, Mills, Ferdinand, Matteo, Harte, Kelly, Johnson, Batty (Bakke 80 minutes), Kewell, Fowler, Viduka (Keane 88). Unused substitutes: Wilcox, Duberry, Robinson.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Simonsen, Pistone (Moore 52 minutes), Xavier, Weir, Unsworth, Alexandersson (Tal 74) mins, Gemmill, Pembridge (Gascoigne 21 mins), Naysmith, Watson, Radzinski. Unused substitutes: Blomqvist, Gerrard.
Referee: Peter Jones. Bookings: Batty (36 minutes) foul, Gascoigne (88) foul.
Attendance: 40,201.

Injury agony for Blues
Dec 20 2001 By David Prentice
WALTER SMITH will wrestle with a now familiar festive injury crisis as three more players joined Everton's casualty list last night. Youngsters Tony Hibbert, Peter Clarke and Kevin McLeod will all be placed on stand-by for Saturday's trip to Sunderland, after Alessandro Pistone, Mark Pembridge and Niclas Alexandersson limped out of last night's 3-2 defeat at Leeds. Pistone's is the most serious injury. After missing six months of last season with a torn cruciate knee ligament, he fell awkwardly on his right knee last night and sustained suspected medial knee ligament damage this time.
"We can't put him through a scan until the swelling has gone down," said Smith this morning "but there is certainly ligament damage." Pembridge limped off with yet another recurrence of the calf problems which have plagued him for more than a year, while Alexandersson is also a doubt for the weekend after he sustained a calf injury. Alan Stubbs is unlikely to shake off a thigh strain in time to return, David Weir is suspended, Kevin Campbell and Duncan Ferguson are no nearer a return, Thomas Gravesen still has a badly swollen temple while even Jesper Blomqvist has been suffering from 'flu. "It's a nightmare," groaned Smith. "Idan Tal can come in and we will put the young lads on stand-by, but we had a similar situation a couple of times last season and I'm sure we can cope again. On two occasions last term, the Blues were down to just 11 fit senior players, but triumphed over Arsenal and at Coventry City. Unfortunately the Blues are about to enter the busiest period of the season with five games in 15 days. Danny Cadamarteri, however, will not be recalled to the Blues' squad for the weekend. He went across to Barnsley this week for talks about a permanent transfer, joined in a behind closed doors practice match - and scored. His salary is still likely to be a bar to him moving to Oakwell permanently, but the Blues have not had any official contact yet.

Winger in clear over Weir 'bite'
By Alistair Grant, Daily Post
Dec 21 2001
THE Football Association has overturned Fulham winger Luis Boa Morte's controversial red card for an alleged bite on Everton captain David Weir in the explosive Barclaycard Premiership match at Craven Cottage on December 8.Referee Phil Dowd told the Portuguese international's team-mates that he was sent off for a bite in the 73rd-minute, which sparked a 22-man brawl.However, video evidence yesterday proved the 24-year-old was guilty of nothing more than a late tackle on Weir, who was handed his second yellow card for treading on Boa Morte as he got to his feet.The Fulham man remained on the floor as every other player joined in the shameful scenes. An FA statement read: "Following an appeal hearing held at Soho Square, the FA can confirm the claim of Luis Boa Morte for wrongful dismissal against Everton was upheld by a Disciplinary Commission. Boa Morte will therefore not serve any suspension."The former Arsenal and Southampton player was preparing to serve a threematch ban, covering Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough, the Boxing Day London derby with Charlton and Manchester United's visit to Craven Cottage.Boa Morte's agent Amadeu Paixco revealed his client was delighted by the FA decision.Paixco said: "Luis phoned me when he came out of the hearing and was a very happy man."There's no penalty now and it shows everybody that it was the wrong decision."Fulham assistant manager Christian Damiano, who now has Boa Morte available for the date at the Riverside, insisted the winger was just protecting himself in the match against Everton, which Fulham won 2-0.He said: "We saw the Everton defender get up and touch Luis with his knee - and continue with his foot. Did Luis prefer to have blood on his face or react and protect his face?"Sometimes referees miss things and make one mistake. He refereed strictly and if a player just bumped into an opponent, it was a foul."The video was very interesting for the referee, and also for us. You can read a game through pictures, and the pictures spoke a lot. I had confidence in the decision the FA would come to."Boa Morte has done little this season to dispel his bad-boy reputation since last year's flurry of cards. Against Ipswich in October, he was dismissed after an attempted headbutt and a vain dive for a penalty and then in Saturday's 4-0 thrashing at Tottenham, he was booked again for a dive.But asked about those incidents, Damiano leapt to Boa Morte's defence, saying: "Luis was the victim in the Ipswich game, while when he was booked against Tottenham, did you see the pictures? The Tottenham defender never played the ball, he pushed the player (Boa Morte)."Damiano also revealed that he and boss Jean Tigana order their players not to cause trouble on the pitch."In my job, we work with referees," he added. "We played Everton and they committed 28 or 29 fouls and wecommitted 13. Who played for the referee? We don't put pressure on our players to play aggressively and tell them to always behave on the field."The FA also confirmed Fulham's Steed Malbranque has had a yellow card placed on his record after team-mate Louis Saha was mistakenly booked by the referee in Saturday's match at Spurs.Everton's David Weir was told earlier this week that his sending-off was not going to be rescinded.The Scottish international defender, who received a second yellow card for his part in the melee, was fouled and then stamped on by two Fulham defenders.The matter was referred to the video panel, but the referee stood by his decision to book Weir for a second time in the match even though he awarded a freekick to Everton.

Warning to Blues
Daily Post
Dec 21 2001
SUNDERLAND winger Julio Arca has dubbed tomorrow's meeting with Everton a "must win" clash.The Argentinian was on the sidelines as Peter Reid's side crashed to a disappointing defeat against Southampton.But he is desperate to return against Everton at the Stadium of Light."It is a very important match and of course I would like to be involved," he said. "I did not play against Southampton but I watched and things did not go our way - it was very disappointing."We have a lot of games coming up and it gives us the chance to get back in the top half of the table - but we must beat Everton."

Pistone blow as injury woes escalate
By Jonathan McEvoy, Daily Post
Dec 21 2001
ALESSANDRO PISTONE is awaiting a scan on an injured right knee in the latest setback to his injuryplagued career.The Everton defender was stretchered off with suspected medial ligament damage during Wednesday night's 3-2 defeat at Leeds.Pistone, who missed six months of last season with a torn cruciate ligament, could now face a long spell on the sidelines as boss Walter Smith's injury concerns mount up.The Italian's career has been punctuated by a series of serious injuries, having broken a leg during his spell at Newcastle United prior to his £3million move to Merseyside in the summer of 2000.Smith said: "We can't put him through a scan until the swelling has gone down but there is certainly ligament damage."The Milan-born star, 26, landed awkwardly during the Elland Road defeat.Smith has a number of selection worries ahead of tomorrow's trip to Sunderland. Midfielders Mark Pembridge and Niclas Alexandersson also fell victim to injury on Wednesday, both with calf injuries.Thomas Gravesen is still suffering from a clash of heads during last weekend's win over Derby while Jesper Blomqvist is struggling with flu.Smith is resigned to being without longer-term casualties Kevin Campbell and Duncan Ferguson until the New Year while David Weir is suspended for the Stadium of Light clash.Smith said: "It's a nightmare. Idan Tal can come in and we can put the younger lads on stand by."On the positive side Alan Stubbs is likely to throw off a thigh strain while reserve team regulars Tony Hibbert, Peter Clarke and Kevin McLeod are poised for a late callup.Meanwhile, Danny Cadamarteri's chances of a possible transfer to first division strugglers Barnsley moved a step nearer when the unwanted striker scored in a behind-closed-doors match.Everton have yet to receive any official approach from Oakwell.

Let's show some fight
Fanscene By Mark O'Brien, Daily Post
Dec 21 2001
GIVEN our record there, you can't blame Everton supporters for travelling to Elland Road expecting to see us lose.The players shouldn't go with that attitude though, and that's how it looked in the first half on Wednesday night.We know David O'Leary has spent the equivalent of the Gross National Product of Venezuela on players and that his side are viewed as genuine title challengers but that doesn't mean we have to roll over from the first whistle.Certain players seemed to be second to every loose ball, hardly moving off the ball and never looking like they believed in themselves at all. Leeds went two up without being anything more than competent.Bobby Robson told the press after Newcastle's game at Highbury that the Gunners need to learn how to lose. They could take lessons off some of our lot. However, most fans would prefer the angry antics of a Frenchman who hates to lose to the resignation that certain players in our side display when things aren't going their way.It was a far cry from Saturday when a spineless Derby were there for the taking; everyone wanted the ball and wanted to take their man on then.At least the players showed a bit more desire in the second half at Leeds, and the introduction of Joe-Max 'goal a game' Moore gave Tomasz Radzinski some much-needed support.Surely the American must start the game at Sunderland now. He can't really do much more than he has to convince the manager that he's worth a place ahead of Steve Watson.Look at the statistics and he probably merits a start before Radzinski. Perversely it's an injury to a defender, Alessandro Pistone, that could see Walter Smith's hand forced and Moore picked for the starting eleven.The players need to go out at the Stadium of Light tomorrow and compete with Peter Reid's side from the outset.They are a very ordinary team but they will work hard and see us as an easy touch.We've got to prove them wrong, especially with a resurgent Manchester United coming to Goodison on Boxing Day.Hopefully Thomas Gravesen will be recovered from his head wound soon as his competitiveness and ability on the ball have been missed since his clash of heads with Darryl Powell.Anyway, as we approach the end of the year, despite all the trials and tribulations that are par for the course at Everton we're in a relatively healthy position in the league - by our recent standards at least.If we keep with the present formation, stop playing defenders up front and just show a bit more belief at times, especially away from home, then there's no reason why we can't finish the season at least in the top half and without relegation ever being an issue. It's not much, but it's a start.
Merry Christmas.

Gazza a coach - what a boss idea for the lad
Dec 21 2001 By Howard Kendall
PAUL Gascoigne turned a few heads this week when he suggested that he wanted to be a coach and then a football manager when his playing days are over. Some people might laugh out loud at the suggestion because of Gazza's record in the past for stepping out of line and earning the wrong kind of headlines. Someone said to me: "How could you hold him up as an example to other players?"
I found myself disagreeing. I actually think Gascoigne can carve out a new career for himself within the game, simply because football is his life. I can't see Gazza going down any other route.
I feel he would be lost without the camaradrie of the training ground and the special challenge that football offers. And in recent times, he has demonstrated another side to his character, one that you have to admire. He has not been one ounce of trouble to manager Walter Smith. He has worked hard on his fitness, taken the disappointment of being left on the bench like a real professional and demonstrated time and again that he has the respect of players all over the country. Why do you think Everton tried to stop him giving away his shirt at the end of games. Every player he comes up against wants that special Gazza souvenir and it shows what his peers think of him. You must look at the pluses of which there are many. He is always enthusiastic and full of determination. He has very special skills which you instinctively want him to pass on to young players. He has great contacts within the game which would be useful to any club employing him as a coach or manager.
I know he is infectious in the dressing room and you need people like that. What will be important for him is to have an apprenticeship rather than being thrown straight in with all the obvious pressures that might take their toll. He needs to begin now, watching what goes on and studying the difference between a coach and a manager. It doesn't always follow that being a great player will guarantee you a successful managerial career. Look at the legends who led England to World Cup success in 1966. Jack Charlton was probably the most successful. But Alan Ball never quite made it. Geoff Hurst had a go at Chelsea without any success. Bobby Charlton and Nobby Stiles tinkered with it at Preston and realised it was not for them. Even great captain Bobby Moore didn't make the big step up. So can Gazza genuinely move into the management side? I think he can, with the right guidance and advice. If you are not prepared for it, you will be crushed. For starters, the time demands on a player and a manager are totally different. Players have loads of time on their hands. A manager's day never ends. I would advise people to work as a number two before taking that step up. For now, we want to revel in his skill as he reaches the end of an eventful career. He should play on as long as he can. But he should not shy away from the right kind of challenge on the other side when that moment finally arrives. The Wright way to be a striker THE big debate amongst Evertonians of late has been linked with the dilemma over striking cover. Walter Smith has been using defender Steve Watson up and ignoring the claims of striker Joe-Max Moore. That was until the second half against Derby County last Saturday when Moore finally came off the bench to score a crucial winning goal. Looking back, senior Evertonians will remember a spell when Harry Catterick used to play centre- half Mick Lyons at centre-forward, rather than give the obvious reserve a chance. That front man, of course, was Bernie Wright who became legendary at Goodison for all the wrong reasons. I remember one day when we found at that Mick had been selected once again at Bernie's expense. Gordon West was winding Bernie up, which wasn't hard. He was a big lad who used to do weights at his lodgings to keep fit. Gordon kept saying that it was the fault of our late coach Stewart Imlach, who sadly died earlier this year. "He rates a centre-half ahead of you," Gordon kept saying. Bernie, who was on a different planet at times, suddenly launched himself at poor Stewart. Gordon had to drag him off. I don't advise Joe-Max to attempt the same thing with Archie Knox. Not unless he borrows Bernie's old weights first and puts in some serious training! And even then my advice would be: "Let your feet do the talking." Reid's struggle
EVERTON travel to Sunderland tomorrow where my great friend and former player Peter Reid finds himself somewhat disappointed with his side's progress this season. Sunderland finished seventh last year and looked as if they could maintain that momentum. But it looks a tall order at the moment. They have just signed Claudio Reyna from Glasgow Rangers who is captain of the United States World Cup team. But from the outside, it appears they have struggled with a number of problems. Don Hutchison sought a move. Another ex-Goodison player, Gavin McCann, has asked for a transfer. The giant Niall Quinn, such a force for them in recent years, is reaching the end of a magnificent career. I had a good look at them at Anfield recently. There is not enough quality and it is showing. Sunderland's strength last season was in their ability to press teams with real organisation. They have lost their edge and cannot rely on Kevin Phillips to come up trumps all the time. He is a superb striker, but even he is falling that little bit short at times. He has become singleminded in front of goal and sometimes ignores other players in good positions to go for the pot shot. Let's just hope one of these doesn't go in against Everton.

Blues against racism
Dec 21 2001 icLiverpool & Daily Post
Take firm stand
I HAVE supported Everton all my life. I have always been asked why, as an Asian, do I support a racist club. I have always stood up for my club and I will continue to do so now, but the club need to take firm action with anyone they catch racially abusing players and fans. Until Everton get on top of this, many Asian fans like myself will not feel confident coming to watch the Blues play live.
Bal Siad, West Bromwich
Tough choices
EVERTON have always had a racial problem which gets worse when we are not doing well, but to ban us all from away games is not going to solve it. We need to ask ourselves as the majority when the chanting starts, who will be the first to stand up to the minority and risk a violent confrontation?
Tony Denton, Essex
Zero tolerance
THE TRUTH is that the only effective police are Everton fans themselves, confronting these morons directly. It's not always easy. I recall to my shame doing nothing when two black fans were attacked in the Gwladys Street End in the late 70s and being threatened when I objected to one guy yelling racial abuse at Vince Hilaire back in the 1980s. But when I had a go at some racists shouting abuse at Leicester City last year, I could tell the tide had turned. "Zero tolerance" is the only way otherwise these people will drag our club's name into the gutter with them.
Mike Allen (via e-mail)

Cleland - back from the brink
Dec 21 2001 By David Prentice
EVERTON'S forgotten man could come in from the cold tomorrow - as the club's injury crisis bites hard. Alec Cleland has played just two minutes of senior football this season, as a substitute at Bolton. He started only two matches during the whole of last season too, at the height of another injury crisis, in games which Everton won. He will travel to Sunderland tomorrow, where he will contest a starting place with youngsters Tony Hibbert and Peter Clarke. "Alec has been in our last few squads and he will come into contention again," said boss Walter Smith. Cleland figured against Arsenal and Coventry last season, where he suffered yet another recurrence of the calf injury which has blighted his time at Goodison. Signed by Howard Kendall in the summer of 1998 he played in the first nine games of Walter Smith's reign. He was filling in as an emergency centrehalf in an FA Cup tie against Ipswich when he was first stricken by a calf injury. He has not enjoyed an extended run since. With David Weir suspended and Alan Stubbs injured, Steve Watson will be asked to become the latest square peg in a round hole, at centre-half. That will finally give Joe-Max Moore the opportunity he has surely earned to start a game up front, after scoring in his last two substitute appearances. Jesper Blomqvist has recovered from 'flu and will travel, while Niclas Alexandersson also expects to be fit after straining a calf muscle on Wednesday. But Duncan Ferguson, Kevin Campbell, Alessandro Pistone, Alan Stubbs and Mark Pembridge will all be missing, while Thomas Gravesen remains doubtful. "The cut to Thomas' head is not a problem," said Smith "but there is still a substantial swelling which is causing some concern."

Radzinski happy to miss break
Dec 21 2001 By David Prentice
FOR the first time in his career, Tomasz Radzinski will spend Christmas and New Year playing football. But the former Canadian and Belgian League player insists he is relishing the experience.
The 27-year-old Everton striker, who faces Sunderland at the Stadium of Light tomorrow, has spent all of his professional career in countries which enjoy a mid-winter break. In England, however, the intensity of matches increases with games on Boxing Day and New Year's Day part of the country's sporting heritage. "I am looking forward to the Christmas programme. Really, I am," said Tomasz.
"Up until now we haven't really had any regular run of games. "With international breaks it has been once every two weeks or once every 10 days. The experience I had playing in the Champions League in Belgium has prepared me for the intensity of games. "Of course, nothing can prepare me for Christmas time football and New Year's football because that has always been a time for me to spend with my family and friends. "In Europe there is always a week's break where I would go and visit my parents or my family - or I would go on vacation somewhere sunny. "That is not going to happen this year but I am really looking forward to it because I feel I need more games.
"I need to get it going again because the last nine games I have played have been over two-and-a-half months, which is not really ideal for a striker." But Tomasz won't be home alone. "All my family are coming over to cheer me up," he said. "I think it is about a year since they have seen me play football, but it is only five hours from Canada and if they can fly into Manchester that will be just fine. "They aren't worried about flying. Actually they are worried more about me because I am doing a lot of flying at the moment, but that doesn't bother me. "Whatever has to be, has to be. Flying is still much safer than driving a car." Very philosophical . . . and the same attiude Tomasz attaches to his recent experience of playing up front with a full-back. "I am not going to complain about the situation," he said. "We have to do the best we can until Duncan and Kevin return and we have the choice of playing two from three. "It's not ideal, but it's been good playing with Dave Watson, and the longer it goes obviously the better we are going to play. "If Kevin had been playing regularly I think he would be up there in the leading goalscorers' table in the Premiership.
"That's what we have to look forward to, when he and Duncan get back. There will be competition for places again. When you have that, that's where you get sharper."

Sunderland 1, Everton 0
By David Randles
Dec 23 2001
EVERTON were unlucky to leave the Stadium of Light empty handed as Claudio Reyna's first goal for Sunderland was enough to steal the points. In what was a tight affair, with both sides looking to share the spoils, it took the the former Rangers man until the 76th minute to break the deadlock after David Unsworth failed to clear his lines.As the ball deflected off Unsworth's knee back into Reyna's path, the American international saw his first attempt saved well by Steve Simonsen before Jason McAteer pulled the ball back for the £4.5m signing to convert from close range.Commenting on a disappointing defeat, Blues boss, Walter Smith said afterwards: "It looked like we were going to get a point and that's the real frustration."There's not much between us in the table and that showed in the match."As the victory saw Sunderland move up to 11th spot on the same points as Everton, the Blues remain in ninth place.
SUNDERLAND: Sorensen , Haas , Thome , Williams , Gray , McAteer , McCann , Reyna , Arca , Quinn (Kyle ), PHILLIPS .
EVERTON: Simonsen , Watson , Xavier , Unsworth , Naysmith , Gravesen (Alexandersson ), Gemmill , Gascoigne , Tal (Blomqvist ), Moore , Radzinski (Chadwick ).
MANAGER RATINGS: Reid ; Smith .
REFEREE: B Knight .
ATTENDANCE: 48,013

Sunderland 1, Everton 0
By Jonathan McEvoy, Daily Post
Dec 24 2001
IT all started so promisingly. Keeping their shape perfectly, in harmony with their teammates, hitting all the right notes. And then the band marched off. As for the game, it was a depressingly discordant tune as Everton struggled on their travels once again - and still they haven't won away from home since beating Charlton 2-1 on the opening day of the season way back on August 18.Yes, they fought hard but ended up second best to a poor Sunderland side who relied heavily on the outstanding contribution of star performer Kevin Phillips.The match was only given the go-ahead to be played after an inspection at 12.30pm because the immediate surrounding area was caked in snow. Pity - for this was not a Christmas classic.Typified by misplaced passes, this disjointed game was short of goalmouth action, spoilt by swirling snow and, for Evertonians, ruined by American captain Claudio Reyna's first goal in English football.No wonder shots of whisky were served in the Press room afterwards. Anything to wipe a forgettable 90 minutes from the mind was gratefully received.What little of note there was during the first half began with ex-Liverpool man Jason McAteer - booed throughout by the travelling support huddled in the Arctic-hit South Stand - heading wide of the Everton goal from Michael Gray's probing cross from the left.Emerson Thome forced a save from Blues keeper Steve Simonsen, himself a boyhood Sunderland fan, in the fifth minute before Paul Gascoigne, surprisingly handed a starting role in response to a miniinjury crisis at Goodison, curled a 20-yard free-kick the wrong side of an upright.Sunderland were by no means playing any better than their position in the bottom half of the Premiership table suggests but, on the day, Everton at least let them shine slightly by comparison.Thomas Gravesen was living up to his 'Mad Dog' billing with a spitting, snarling performance.The Dane stated his intentions with a deliberate tackle on Julio Arca with the game just four minutes old. The Sunderland midfielder was hurtling forward but still 35 yards from goal - and presenting no immediate danger - when Gravesen brought him tumbling down.Again, the Argentine was the victim mid-way through the half as Gravesen brought him clattering to the ground.The referee generously let Gravesen off with a final warning - but Smith was taking no chances and hauled off his midfield firebrand before the inevitable red card came, with sub Niclas Alexandersson drafted into action.Such is the paucity of resources in Smith's threadbare squad that supposedly main players like Gravesen can hardly afford to put themselves out of action just because the red mist descends.The first half stuttered along with the most notable drama coming on the stroke of halftime when acting skipper David Unsworth's robust challenge on Phillips, which left the striker nursing his head, triggered vain shouts for a penalty.No doubt Smith wanted to ring the changes at half-time but his squad is down to the bones and, other than bringing on Jesper Blomqvist who is short of match fitness, there were no match-winning options open to him.It was Sunderland, in the form of Phillips, who had the best chance of the match just after the restart but, as the nippy frontman drilled his low shot towards goal, Simonsen was down quickly to repel the danger and Reyna's follow-up flew over. Everton finally took a foothold on the game in the first 15 minutes of a snow-swept second half.It took a timely Thome tackle to snuff out Tomasz Radzinski after the Canadian's run had taken him to the edge of the Sunderland area as he latched on to a long Simonsen punt.Radzinski, whose pace offered the Blues some hope as they laboured in vain, received treatment after the challenge.Former Newcastle favourite Gascoigne tried his luck with a long-range left-foot shot but it was easy meat for Thomas Sorensen.The game continued in a sloppy comedy of errors. It was too much for Gascoigne to bear and he allowed his bubbling temper to get the better of him and the veteran midfielder duly entered the referee's notebook for a foul on Reyna.Smith made the only plausible change he could, bringing on the fresh legs of Blomqvist - his first senior action since he won the European Cup final with Manchester United in May 1999 - for Idan Tal.His team had a mountain to climb when the home side finally broke the deadlock.Phillips' nimble footwork made a mug of Abel Xavier on the left and whipped in a dangerous cross which Unsworth could only chest down into Reyna's path.The former Rangers man rifled a shot at goal but Simonsen pulled out off an impresssive reflex save.Yet the danger was not over and as the ball was played back across goal by McAteer, Reyna got the final touch to divert the ball home.Everton continued to work hard but never looked likely to find a way through. Smith made one final throw of the dice by bringing on youngster Nick Chadwick for Radzinski but the seconds ticked away.
SUNDERLAND: (4-4-2); Sorensen; Haas, Williams, Thome, Gray; McAteer, Reyna, McCann, Arca; Quinn (Kyle 79), Phillips. Subs: Macho, McCartney, Thirlwell, Kilbane.
EVERTON: (4-4-2); Simonsen; Watson, Xavier, Unsworth, Naysmith; Gravesen (Alexandersson 27), Gascoigne, Gemmill, Tal (Blomqvist 74); Moore, Radzinski (Chadwick 89). Subs: Gerrard, Cleland.
BOOKINGS: Sunderland's McAteer and Everton's Gravesen, Naysmith, Gascoigne, Blomqvist.
REFEREE: Barrie Knight
ATT: 48,013.

Knee setback for Pistone
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Dec 24 2001
EVERTON defender Alessandro Pistone has not suffered a recurrence of his cruciate knee ligament injury - but is still expected to be out of action for the next six weeks. The Italian fell awkwardly during last week's defeat at Leeds United, sparking fears he had aggravated the injury that forced him to miss six months of his debut season at Goodison Park.But a scan has revealed Pistone has damaged medial knee ligaments, and it could be February before he is back in a Blue shirt.Manager Walter Smith confirmed: "Alessandro will be out for between four and six weeks."It's a big blow for us because he's been doing very well this season."The scan results have shown his cruciate ligament has not been damaged but he has sustained medial knee ligament damage."Tomasz Radzinski has also given the Blues an injury scare after complaining of a stomach strain after Saturday's defeat by Sunderland.However, the striker is expected to be fit to face Manchester United on Boxing Day.

Preview: Everton v Manchester United
December 24, 2001
Manchester Evening News
ROY Keane is battling to be fit for Manchester United's game at Everton as the Reds seek to keep an 11-season Boxing Day record going. United haven't lost the holiday fixture since 1989 and to keep their championship revival on track they need their fourth successive Premiership victory on Merseyside. Keane scored in Saturday's 6-1 walloping of Southampton but nine minutes from time there was some frantic waving to the bench as he suffered from a recurrence of a knee injury that has dogged him for the last three months. The Irishman was substituted and faces treatment and tests on his complaint to see whether he can lead the champions at Goodison Park. The inspirational skipper was missing for six matches during October and November with patella problems. The injury is said to eventually need surgery and it will concern Keane and the United camp that the problem returned against the Saints. Meanwhile, Wes Brown who has also been absent with knee ligament damage this term is to have further tests on his knee and may not now be back in late January as was first hoped. Losing Keane for the Everton fixture would be a blow for United's engine room which will already be missing the banned Paul Scholes, who'll serve a one-game suspension at Goodison. However, that could leave the door open for a midfield starting return for either David Beckham or Ryan Giggs or even both. Key opponent: Tomas Radzinski - The Reds know all about the threat posed by Radzinski, following his exploits for Anderlecht against United in last season's Europeans Champions League, where he scored twice in Belgium to help defeat the Reds 2-1. Last season: Everton 1 Manchester United 3

Blomqvist wings in
Dec 24 2001 By David Prentice
JESPER BLOMQVIST could be ready to wing in for his first Premiership start for two years on Boxing Day - against the side he last played senior football for. The Swedish winger came on for the final 20 minutes of Everton's disappointing defeat at Sunderland on Saturday. Boss Walter Smith said: "It was very difficult for him, but he did well and he has done well in training recently. We'll have to see about Boxing Day, but he's in our first team plans now." Blomqvist's last senior competitive football before Saturday was the 1999 European Cup Final for Manchester United - Everton's opponents at Goodison Park on Wednesday. The Swede has recovered from the knee injury which carved a huge slice out of his career after that - and would relish a comeback against his former club. Everton have precious few options to consider against the side which smashed six past Southampton on Saturday - with David Beckham and Ryan Giggs left on the substitutes' bench. Defender Alessandro Pistone faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines after it was confirmed he has suffered medial knee ligament damage. He will be missing for four to six weeks. David Weir is available again after suspension, but Kevin Campbell, Duncan Ferguson and Mark Pembridge are still unfit, even though both strikers have picked up their training in the past few days. Thomas Gravesen will be available, however, after Walter Smith admitted he substituted him at Sunderland on Saturday to save the Dane's bacon."It wasn't a tactical decison," confirmed Smith. "It was simply to get Thomas off before he was sent off."

Don't point the finger at Unsy
Dec 24 2001 By David Prentice
ONE mistake cost Everton a hard earned point at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Saturday.
But manager Walter Smith said afterwards: "Don't blame David Unsworth." Everton's captain for the day enjoyed a solid performance in his old centre-back berth, but then made the mistake which let in Sunderland for the matchwinner. Smith said: "We had a chance to clear the ball after that as well. "Sunderland always have a lot of balls dropping in or around the penalty area and we handled that quite well all game, apart from the goal. "It wasn't just the initial mistake which was disappointing, but the bits of defending around it after that. "It looked like it was going to end in a draw which was even more frustrating." The match was played in blizzard conditions, and survived two pitch inspections before getting the go-ahead at 12.30pm. The conditions didn't help a match which was scrappy throughout. "The goal that we lost was maybe the type of goal that was going to settle a game like that," added Smith. "There wasn't a great deal of clearcut opportunity for either side over the 90 minutes. "From our own point of view, it was disappointing to lose a goal like that when we had handled everything else so well up until then. "We're both sitting on the same number of games with the same number of points, so there's not much between us and it showed in the match. "We exerted a bit of pressure and a few half chances but there wasn't much for either side in the game." He added: "We have got a number of players injured, but teams have got to handle that over a season." Sunderland boss Peter Reid added: "The most important thing about today was the three points. "The fans have done well to get here. The conditions were difficult for the players. It wasn't a classic, but three points is the most important thing."

Smith: I feared Gravesen red card
Dec 24 2001 By Jonathan McEvoy
WALTER SMITH admitted he was forced to substitute Thomas Gravesen because he feared the competitive midfielder was going to be sent off. Gravesen lost his cool during Everton's 1-0 defeat to mid-table rivals Sunderland on Saturday. The 25-year-old was booked in the fourth minute of the error-strewn clash for a foul on Julio Arco and was fortunate to escape a second booking after another challenge on the Argentine 18 minutes later. Gravesen was given a final warning by referee Barrie Knight and was left walking a disciplinary tight rope. Blues boss Smith confessed: "I took him off before he was sent off." The Danish midfielder was replaced by Niclas Alexandersson as Everton continued to struggle with a long injury list. Yet Smith said: "We have more players out now that at any time this season but it is no excuse. It's a fact we have to deal with." Claudio Reyna struck the winner 13 minutes from time - the American's first goal in English football since his recent £4.5million switch from Glasgow Rangers. Smith added: "It was a hard fought game for both sides. There was not much in it. The goal was scrappy and it was the sort of goal that was going to be scored under circumstances. It suited the type of game it was. "There were not many clear-cut chances for either side and I am disappointed we lost. We had several opportunities to clear in the build-up to the goal and that is disappointing too." Jesper Blomqvist, signed from Manchester United, played his first top-flight football in over two years when coming on as a 73rdminute substitute. Smith said: "I think he is about ready now."

Everton 0, Manchester United 2
By David Randles, icLiverpool
Dec 26 2001
TWO late goals saw Everton succumb to their third consecutive defeat as Manchester United visited Goodison Park today.A couple of weeks ago, the Blues may have fancied their chances as the Premiership champions, struggling to find any cohesion, were squandering in mid-table.But a timely reality check, which has now seen United pick up maximum points from their last four outings - Everton have accumulated just one point - was a simple case of bad timing on behalf of the Blues.However, with a first half performance in which the Toffee's inflicted most of the potential damage, it was Scott Gemmill who came closest with a fierce shot from outside the box.The first half loss of Thomas Gravesen through injury was also a major factor in the Everton's downfall, and the lack of the Dane's steel in midfield, as Roy Keane began to dominate after the break, eventually saw the Toffee's come unstuck.After being dragged off 'for his own good' during the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland a few days ago, any lengthy absence for the midfielder will be a massive blow for the Blues and Walter Smith's injury headache. However, the appearence of Duncan Ferguson towards the end will go some way to curtailing such fears. Ironically though, it was shortly after Ferguson replaced the impressive Jesper Blomqvist - making his first start for over two years against the club he last played a competitive match for - that the visitors first struck.A pinpoint ball from substitute David Beckham picked out Ryan Giggs' run into the box and his header left Simonsen with no chance.As the Blues strode forth in search of an equaliser, United doubled their lead to secure the points with the classic counter.As Giggs turned provider, it was Ruud van Nistelrooy to coolly convert his 18th goal of the season from 6 yards out to send all three points back down the East Lancs.Walter Smith, who is yet to get one over on his old friend Alex Ferguson was resolute in defeat as he said: "We worked extremely hard but got a little bit tired at the end which they used to their advantage."But it was disappointing to come out of it with nothing after trying so hard, but that is down to the quality of players United have."The defeat sees Everton slip from ninth to 13th spot in the Premiership.

Everton 0 Manchester United 2
December 27, 2001
Manchester Evening News
JESPER Blomqvist just can’t rid himself of the haunting spectre of Ryan Giggs. And Premiership title rivals must feel the same way about Manchester United. Blomqvist allegedly needed some reassurances that he wasn’t being signed as insurance for Giggs before he completed his £4.5m move from Parma in the summer of ’98. The Swede was concerned that the Welsh left winger would bar his way to a regular role for the Reds. Before his two years of injury anguish, Blomqvist managed 29 starts for United in the treble season. That only eight appearances were in the same XI as Giggs, with 19 starts when Ryan was out injured, provided ample statistical proof that the Swede had every reason to be wary. Knee injuries, of course, proved to be an even bigger enemy and eventually was the cause of his Old Trafford downfall and free transfer in the summer. But on the day he made his first senior start since United’s Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich, it was Giggs again who ruined Blomqvist’s comeback. In terms of crosses and moments to delight, Blomqvist had outpointed a rather frustrated Giggs for 73 minutes. The ex-Red then ran out of steam and just five minutes after parking himself on the Everton bench, Blomqvist was given a seven-minute piece of evidence as to why even if his injury agony hadn’t thwarted him at Old Trafford then Giggs probably would have done. The Reds just couldn’t seem to bring Giggs into the game for most of the first half and much of an equally mind-numbing second. Frustration He ambled up and down his left flank territory for over an hour growing more frustrated. Even when he did wander off to see if he could do something about it Sir Alex Ferguson would occasionally pop up on the touchline and appear to order him back to his lonely post. The patience finally paid off as Everton opened up in the search for a winner. David Beckham’s sixth match sub exile had ended after 56 minutes and in the 78th he delivered a trademark inviting centre that landed plumb between Steve Watson and Abel Xavier to meet Giggs’ run perfectly. The flanker applied the touch needed to break the deadlock. In the 85th minute Giggs then sent over his own dangerous cross which eluded Scott Gemmill’s despairing lunge and Ruud Van Nistelrooy smashed in the Reds’ second. Blomqvist recognised the script. United had done it when he was watching from the Nou Camp bench in May ‘99 after he’d made way for Teddy Sheringham in Barcelona for the Reds to snatch the Champions League trophy from Bayern Munich. ‘‘For 75 minutes we were really in the game and deserved something from the game but the strength of United is to dig in and in the last few minutes they grab a goal,’’ said Jesper. ‘‘You have some ups and downs and United have had a really big down but now they are right back on track again and are looking more dangerous than ever. In the second half I thought we were the stronger side but then in the last 15 minutes they took over completely. ‘‘It is getting harder and harder every year to win the title but I think United have a very big chance of doing it again.’’ But Blomqvist believes his Old Trafford nemesis Giggs and Beckham must now remain fixtures in the Reds line-up for the title charge. ‘‘United have done fairly well without them recently but when Giggs and Beckham are at the top of their game I don’t think anyone can keep them out of the United side,’’ he added. Just as Blomqvist was haunted by Giggs so Premiership pace-setters Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool and Leeds are plagued by United. Sir Alex Ferguson reckons the log-jam at the top will help his side’s cause and the fight is back in the champions’ ranks now

Everton 0, Manchester United 2
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Dec 27 2001
IF the Tannoy announcement that boomed "The Box Office is now closed. No tickets will be on sale after the match"; was designed to halt the Everton exodus, it misread the depth of disappointment that existed inside Goodison Park yesterday. Thousands streamed away early, not because they were anxious to get a good seat for Saturday, but because they had seen their side take a match to Manchester United as effectively as at any time in the past five years - and lose.Two flashes of quality in the final 13 minutes whipped the points away from Everton - and it was as indigestible as cold Christmas pud.For long periods the Blues were the better, if not the dominant force in a compelling Boxing Day clash.It was heartening to hear sympathetic applause ring around the stadium for the home players as they trudged off following a 2-0 defeat. It had been earned.The seriousness of Everton's assault on Manchester United's anticipated superiority meant that Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to call on David Beckham with a full 35 minutes still remaining. Sadly his introduction did exactly what it was intended.With 77 minutes elapsed, the England captain delivered a cross of quite breathtaking quality, Ryan Giggs leaped to meet it on the full - and Everton lost a match they had taken to the champions for long periods.Of course the Goodison exodus didn't begin in earnest until Ruud Van Nistelrooy volleyed a second six minutes from time from another breathtaking Ryan Giggs cross.But Beckham's intervention had effectively punctured the Blues' bubble - and those flashes of class were the difference.But that didn't mean the Blues couldn't take anything from this match.In recent seasons Everton have extended a more respectful welcome to Manchester United at Goodison than that usually enjoyed by Santa at this time of year.Standing back in admiring awe at the pretty patterns woven across the midfield, they usually got what they deserved.Whether the surprise inclusion of David Unsworth in central midfield was a remedy to that, or a reaction to the frail midfield performance at Sunderland on Saturday, it was an effective switch.He added strength and solidity to that Blues' department and could so easily have been the hero.An ambitious Everton start had already seen Barthez backbreakingly tip over Scot Gemmill's dipping long range shot. Then Radzinski cut back a cross which Phil Neville slashed inches wide of his own goal.From the corner the ball bounced around dangerously until it fell perfectly for Unsworth six yards out. With a packed goal-line in front of him he tried to crash the ball through the crowd of players, but instead sliced it into the crowd.It was as good a chance as Everton created, despite another enforced reorganisation following Thomas Gravesen's early departure.The Dane - selected to start up front - departed the fray after just three minutes.Gary Neville's challenge looked innocuous enough, but Gravesen was calling for the physio as he was falling and managed to limp gingerly for 10 yards before exiting permanently.If Joe-Max Moore had been disgusted to see a midfielder selected in his striking place this time, it didn't show as he chased remorselessly. But the ball rarely stuck when it was played forward, showing why Walter Smith has been so reluctant to pair the two small men up front. Such was the appetite for work behind them, however, it hardly mattered for an hour.The defence performed creditably, while in Jesper Blomqvist, Smith appears to have unearthed another cut-price gem.Of course the winger's talent has hardly been a closely guarded secret. He was Sweden's Player of the Year in 1993, but his recovery from serious injury was a gamble which already looks worth the risk.He added quality, hard work and, dare we say it, width to Everton's line-up.United, of course, have quality and width in abundance and despite Everton's efforts they still conjured up one excellent first half opening.Steve Simonsen blocked Solskjaer's shot on the turn with his legs, while at the other end Radzinski's angled drive was smothered by Barthez. Then Moore saw an acrobatic overhead kick plucked spectacularly out of the air by the Frenchman.Everton may even have had a penalty.It would have been harsh on Gary Neville to have awarded handball after the ball was crashed at him, but then it was harsh on Leeds at the weekend too when Alan Shearer took ruthless advantage of a similar situation.By that time Beckham had been introduced and while the game was hardly getting stretched, United were beginning to ominously click their passing together.The ball which found Giggs dashing into the Blues' box was sublime, delivered from deep but plunging damagingly into the danger area. It deserved the header Giggs gave it.Duncan Ferguson had been introduced five minutes earlier in a bold bid to help Everton win the game.Instead he became the spearhead of a salvage operation. Even that evaporated when Van Nistelrooy buried a Giggs cross which was almost as classy as the one he had profited from.Blue brows sagged and Steve Simonsen superbly tipped over a dipping Veron shot which would have been simply too much to bear.It had been a largely expected result, but an unexpected performance.Evertonians will hope it hasn't taken too much out of the side before Saturday's visit of Charlton -a match they could win - and very much need to.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Simonsen, Watson, Weir, Xavier, Naysmith, Alexandersson (Gascoigne 82 mins), Unsworth, G emmill, Blomqvist (Ferguson 72 mins), Gravesen (Moore 7 mins), Radzinski. Unused substitutes: Gerrard, Tal.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-4-2): Barthez, P. Neville, G. Neville, Blanc, Silvestre, Veron, Keane, Butt (Beckham 56), Giggs, Van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer. Unused: Carroll, Yorke, Irwin, Wallwork.
Referee: Uriah Rennie.
Booking: G. Neville (30 mins) foul.
Attendance: 39,948.
Goals: Giggs (77) 0-1, Van Nistelrooy (84) 0-2.

Jesper faces burn-out blow
Dec 27 2001 By David Prentice
JESPER BLOMQVIST may have ruled himself out of Saturday's Goodison clash with Charlton, after putting so much into his comeback match yesterday. The Swedish winger made an impressive Everton debut against Manchester United --starting his first competitive football match for two years. But after lasting 73 minutes against his former club, Saturday's second successive home match may have come around too quickly. "The second game is always harder, " explained manager Walter Smith. "I wasn't surprised at how well Jesper did, because we already know what a good player he is and in training during the last 10 days or so he has looked ready to play.
"He has also been exceptionally keen to get back, but having just played his first match in two years it may be asking a lot for him to start another just three days later. "We will monitor him closely this week, but what did surprise me about his performance was how long he lasted. "That was testimony to his stamina." Smith doesn't have many other options to explore.
Thomas Gravesen limped off with an ankle injury just three minutes into yesterday's clash and is rated doubtful for the weekend. Kevin Campbell, Mark Pembridge and Alessandro Pistone will not figure either. Alan Stubbs, though, could be ready to return after recovering from a thigh strain.
Duncan Ferguson is still some way off match fitness and a starting place, despite his late appearance as a substitute, but Danny Cadamarteri is back from a brief stint at Barnsley and could make a surprise return to the Blues' first team squad. "We may need to look at bringing Danny back in on Saturday," said Smith. "We'll see how he does this week and who we have available."
After three successive defeats by a single goal, Saturday's visit of Charlton now assumes great significance. The Addicks drew 0-0 at Fulham yesterday.

Smith stays optimistic
Dec 27 2001 Liverpool Echo
WALTER SMITH refused to be downcast after champions Manchester United sent the Blues into the bottom half of the table with yesterday's 2- 0 victory at Goodison. After watching his side slip to their third successive defeat, Smith said: "We put a lot of work into the game and it is just a shame that we didn't get anything out of it. "We needed that little bit of extra quality and that's what beat us in the end. "We worked very hard and did well, in the first half hour especially. "When you put a lot of work it then you feel very disappointed when you get nothing." Smith was adimant that fitness played its part in the closing sategs, adding: "United play with good economy. We had to work very hard to stay in it. "That's where we suffered in the end when we got tired.
"When you're having a good period and you don't get a goal, that's when you end up being punished later. That was the story of the game for us. "When Manchester United got their superiority, they took their chances and won the game."

Dane blow saves Walter's bacon
Dec 28 2001 By Howard Kendall
THE injury to Thomas Gravesen in the opening minutes of the Boxing Day clash against Manchester United might have saved manager Walter Smith from a certain amount of criticism. I was surprised to see the Dane named in an attacking role again alongside Tomasz Radzinski. Gravesen has been played up there before and it hasn't worked. Regardless of the injury problems, I was still surprised with that particular selection decision. I found myself asking: "Why has Walter done that again?"
Joe-Max Moore was on the bench again, despite scoring against Derby and Leeds. So why was Gravesen preferred to the American who is the more natural option? You feel for Radzinski who must be saying to himself: "Who will my next attacking mate be?" Kevin Campbell is still injured and Duncan Ferguson lacking in match fitness, but these are separate issues. You can't do anything about it when key players are out or doubtful. But playing Gravesen up front potentially invites criticism. Okay, you try things in emergency situations. But Moore had scored a couple of goals and I would have started with him. Another alternative was to use Radzinski as a lone striker with Paul Gascoigne operating as the floater behind him. I'm sure Walter had his tactical motives, but I personally felt the early injury forced a better situation. I thought United were poor. Everton played well for 80 minutes and at that point we saw the difference between the sides. One piece of world class quality from substitute David Beckham and a great finish from Ryan Giggs undermined all the effort that had been put in by the Blues. Looking for pluses, the fans would have been impressed with Jesper Blomqvist. They would have been thinking: "Yes, he's got quality. He looks comfortable on the ball and has got a great first touch." Equally, Radzinski never stopped running. Until Ferguson and Campbell are fully fit, you wonder whether you should just leave him on his own to get on with it, asking the midfield to support him when they can. This would be better than playing someone up there who is not on the same wavelength and that includes Steve Watson. You can't man-mark Utd
DAVID Unsworth was played in centre midfield against United, presumably with a specific marking job to do. But it's difficult to do that against top quality. If you try to nullify the threat of Roy Keane, you leave Veron free. You mark him and Beckham can come on to undermine you. Against a side like United, you can't say to an individual: "Go out and mark him to stop them from playing."
Teams used to try that against our great Everton side of the late Sixties. One particular Crystal Palace player was wheeled out twice a year to try and stop Alan Ball. Bally used to whistle him like a dog and say: "Come on, follow me." The top sides simply prosper in other areas. Your best chance against United these days is to have a go at their back four which looks extremely vulnerable and which Everton came desperately close to exploiting. Reds might regret Fowler sale
ROBBIE Fowler's hat-trick for Leeds against Bolton confirmed my fears that Liverpool might have slipped up by selling him to one of their arch-rivals. Until recently, you would never have seen one Championship chasing team selling a star player to a rival. I know the Bosman Ruling has made clubs very nervous, but I feel Liverpool should have been very selfish on the Fowler front. Yes, alert clubs to his availability, but be make it absolutely clear to the player and the title chasing teams that nothing would be considered that might undermine Liverpool. Fowler could have gone to Spain, Italy, Glasgow Rangers or Celtic - even Blackburn. But not Leeds! The Mersey greats of the past were always despatched as far away as possible. Remember, Everton's Golden Vision Alex Young disappeared to Glentoran. In Liverpool's case, Ian Rush went to Juventus. But Fowler can come back to haunt the Reds. He's already started with that treble.

Blomqvist takes things step by step
Dec 28 2001 By David Prentice
THE last time Jesper Blomqvist heard a crowd chant his name, Manchester United were European champions rather than struggling to retain their domestic crown.
So when the Swede (pictured) left the Goodison Park pitch after 73 impressive minutes against his former club on Wednesday, he wasn't sure if the appreciative applause was meant for him or not.
"It was strange," he explained. "I didn't know if the reception was for me coming off or Duncan Ferguson coming on, but if some of it was for my performance I am very pleased."
Such was the increasing authority of Blomqvist's display that the ovation was - undoubtedly --intended for his ears. A Champions League winner with United on his last outing, his influence on games will increase with every appearance. But after spending so long on the sidelines he is cautious about when that next step will be. "I don't know how soon I can play again," he said. "I didn't feel too stiff on Thursday, but obviously it wouldn't be the wisest thing to play maybe four games in 10 days. "But my knee felt fine which was reassuring. "It was a relief more than anything, but I felt good all the way through the game. "I was a little nervous beforehand but I just tried to think positive thoughts. "I wasn't surprised to get the call on Boxing Day because I have been feeling good in training, but I knew I wouldn't last the full 90 minutes. "It's always hard to know, when you haven't started a game for so long, what level your fitness is at, but you never know until you try it and I was glad to get through it. "I felt it got better and better and I probably could have gone on for a few minutes more if necessary." It was ironic that after so long on the sidelines, Blomqvist's comeback match should be against his former club. "It was definitely strange," he smiled "playing against Manchester United and so many players who I know well, but it was also a good motivation for me. "When David Beckham came on I knew we would have to pay a little bit more attention to him but unfortunately he found just enough space to produce the quality we all know he has.
"But it was an important game for me and I hope I can get another one soon."

If you're not happy you can go
Dec 28 2001 By David Prentice
WALTER SMITH handed an ultimatum to dissenting midfielder Thomas Gravesen today - "If you're not happy at Everton, go!" The player told a newspaper in Denmark yesterday that he did not expect to see out his Goodison contract, because Everton could not afford to match his own ambitions. Gravesen is under contract until 2005, but Smith rapped today: "If the quotes attributed to the player are true and he wants to leave Everton, or does not see himself seeing out his contract, then obviously we will need to sit down because I don't want an unhappy player here."
Gravesen asked for clear the air talks with his boss first thing this morning - and spent halfan-hour in his Bellefield office. The player was reported to have told a Danish newspaper: "The problem here is that the club simply does not have enough money to create a decent team. "What is more, the management hasn't even told the players what the club is hoping to achieve this season.
"They have also indicated that in case new players shall come, some others shall be sold. It's obvious that Everton can get more for me if much time is left on my contract and I don't expect to stay with Everton until it expires. "For me personally Everton has been a good choice. I have taken one or two steps forward in my career and although Everton have not played internationally I have improved with the Danish team." Alan Stubbs has recovered from a thigh strain and will be included.
Duncan Ferguson is likely to continue on the substitutes bench, while Mark Pembridge, Alessandro Pistone and Kevin Campbell are all missing.

Radzinski to snub country for Blues
Dec 28 2001 By Claire Gray
TOMASZ Radzinski last night pledged to put club before country if Everton's injury woes up front fail to improve. The striker has been pencilled in to help Canada defend their title in next month's Gold Cup tournament in the United States, which would rule him out of the games at Tottenham, Aston Villa and the home game with Ipswich, as well as the fourth round of the FA Cup should the Blues progress. But Radzinski says he will not jeopardise Everton's progress if the Blues' striking options remain limited, despite having only just returned to the international fold. "Obviously the club comes first and as long as Kevin and Duncan are going to be sidelined with injuries I am not going to make the move to become the third striker Everton are going to miss," he declared. "I know the tournament in America is coming up but if until that time none of the guys can come back I will definitely play for Everton," said Radzinski, "because that is where I make my living and this is the club I have to play for right now. " It is good to be involved with Canada again but you have to take small steps with these things. "I can't really just go for the national team and lose everything that I have over here so I will take it step by step and see where it takes me." The 28-year-old ended his three year exile from the national team last month when he picked up his 14th cap in a friendly against Malta. But Everton have lost four out of the last five games and would be keen to keep Radzinski on board as they look to rediscover their place in the top half of the table. Duncan Ferguson returned at the weekend, appearing as a second half substitute in the defeat by Manchester United but the Scot is short of match fitness having missed the previous five games with an ankle injury. That problem will also beset Kevin Campbell when he returns. The Blues' skipper resumed light training this week, with the back injury that has kept him out for eight weeks finally eased, but he is still weeks away.

Weir is Blues star man
Dec 28 2001 Fanscene By Mark O'Brien
IT'S customary at this time of year, when your stuffed with food and permanently half boozed, to take the lazy option of doing an end of year review type thing. Never one to miss the soft option, here goes: Goal of the season: Thomas Gravesen's slalom through the West Ham ranks from his own half and ended with a low angled drive at the Gwladys Street just edges out Tomasz Radzinski's against Southampton and Scot Gemmill's volley against Villa. Blunder of the season: It has to be Paul Gerrard's kamikaze attack on Abel Xavier which paved the way for Newcastle's totally unjustified win at Goodison. Welcome change of the season: Walter Smith's finally relenting and switching to a flat back four after more than three of that god-awful wing-back system which never worked and never looked like working. Baffling decision of the season: Smith's determination to play anyone but Joe-Max Moore up front alongside Radzinski. Just the words 'physical presence' are now enough to send most Blues into a frenzy. Most predictable event of the season: There are several strong contenders. Robbie Fowler breaking his duck for Leeds is up there, along with Corado Grabbi getting his only goal for Blackurn and losing home and away to Manchester United. However, the early exit from the Worthington Cup, to first division opposition and on penalties was so obvious it was almost comical. Almost. Best performance of the season: At home especially we've looked half decent. We totally dominated West Ham, and Southampton for 45 minutes, but given that they're a decent side who led the league for a spell it would have to be the home game against Aston Villa despite some jitters at the end following Peter Schmeichel's goal. Worst performance of the season: Our away form has been pretty poor apart from a good win at Charlton, with some dreary displays. Leicester and Fulham were appalling, made worse by off the pitch events. Biggest disappointment of the season: Bolton's injury-time equaliser was horrible after we'd fought back from a goal down to deservedly take the lead with some fantastic passing football. However, the utter capitulation after taking the lead in the derby was very hard to accept indeed. Revelation of the season: At the start of the season the performances of Gravesen were definitely a revelation given how he struggled to impose himself last season. However, since his full debut at the Reebok Goodison's forgotten man - no, not Alec Cleland or Alex Nyarko either - Steve Simonsen, has been truly fabulous. Thank you Mr Johnson. Player of the season: A tricky one. Radzinski's looked promising - his pace and workrate have been invaluable - but he hasn't always looked that dangerous in front of goal, while Abel Xavier looks a world-class centre-half but has suffered with his fitness. Gravesen's also looked like a world-beater on his day, but the most consistent performer week in and week out has been David Weir. I'm sure he'll be talking about this for weeks.

Everton 0, Charlton 3
icLiverpool
Dec 29 2001
EVERTON fell to their fifth defeat in six games as Charlton strolled to a comfortable win at Goodison Park.The removal of an injured Tomasz Radzinski after just 10 minutes did little to help the Blues' cause as a half-fit Duncan Ferguson got an early call from the bench.But where Walter Smith can cry foul for an apparent lack of striking power due to injuries, his opposite number, Alan Curbishley can take pride in the fact that two of his side's goals came from midfield.After former Everton player, Graham Stuart's opener on the half-hour, Jason Euell doubled the lead on 68 minutes before Paul Konchesky popped up to make it three at the death.If Everton were short on recognised strikers, their lack of ideas was evident in abundance as the crowd vented their feelings of frustration.
Despite an early chance for Radzinski, and a long range effort from David Unsworth, the Blues' went closest through Niclas Alexandersson, but the Swede's frail attempts could not match the build up play.By the time Euell was released to score from 14 yards on the counter, the home side were torn between defending and trying to get something from the game. So much so, that with two minutes to go, Konchesky took advantage of some sloppy defending to give Charlton a comfortable win.
While Everton remain in 13th spot in the Premiership, this defeat leaves them just four points away from the relegation zone.
Everton: Simonsen, Watson, Xavier, Weir, Naysmith, Alexandersson (Gascoigne 69), Gemmill, Unsworth, Blomqvist (Tal 78), Moore, Radzinski (Ferguson 10) Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Stubbs.
Charlton: Kiely, Young, Fish, Costa, Powell, Jensen (Bart-Williams 86), Stuart (Konchesky 75), Parker, Robinson, Euell, Lisbie. Subs Not Used: Ilic, Johansson, Fortune.
Booked: Gemmill, Costa, Lisbie, Young.
Att: 31,131
Ref: G Barber (Tring)
FA Barclaycard Premiership (Full round-up)
Arsenal 2 - 1 Middlesbrough
Aston Villa 1 - 1 Tottenham
Blackburn 0 - 1 Derby
Bolton 2 - 2 Leicester
Everton 0 - 3 Charlton
Ipswich 5 - 0 Sunderland
Newcastle 1 - 2 Chelsea
Southampton 0 - 1 Leeds
West Ham 1 - 1 Liverpool

Unsettled Gravesen misses Smith's deadline
Dec 31 2001 By David Prentice Everton correspondent
THOMAS GRAVESEN'S Everton future hung by a thread today after the Dane ignored a deadline to return to training. Gravesen was allowed to go back to Denmark to visit his sick grandfather last week, but boss Walter Smith ordered him to be back at Bellefield by nine o'clock today.
The player did not comply and sources in Denmark say he does not intend to return until Wednesday. Gravesen would not be fit enough to play at Middlesbrough tomorrow because of an ankle injury - and has made a fresh plea to leave, despite claiming his original outburst was taken out of context. Gravesen is reported to have said: "I miss my pals in Denmark and had a terrible Christmas. I would much rather have been home with my parents and friends.
"Sell me to Hamburg, then I get closer to Denmark and can go home when I feel like it. I don't want to join another English club." The player's agent, however, former Manchester United star John Sivebaek, is trying to broker a move to Newcastle. "As a former overseas professional I'm trying to explain to him that his homesickness will pass," he explained. "And I don't feel it's right for a player of Thomas' class to go back to Hamburg. "Newcastle are an attractive proposition because they are a big club and near the top of the league. I would not necessarily say they are bigger than Everton, but in terms of ambition Newcastle seem to be at a higher level. "I hope to hear from them. If Everton want to sell and Thomas wants to leave, Newcastle would be an option." Everton fans will be appalled at Sivebaek's statement, but the club is likely to grant Gravesen's wish to leave. The problem is who could afford to buy him. The player's choice, Hamburg, have cash problems and would struggle to meet the £2.5m he was sold for. Everton, however, want more than that.

EVERTON 0 CHARLTON ATHLETIC 3
Smith facing break point
Dec 31 2001 Report by ANDY HUNTER
EVERTON are believed to be ready to axe manager Walter Smith if the Blues' mid-season slump continues over the next two games. The 3-0 home defeat by Charlton Athletic on Saturday extended Everton's losing streak to four consecutive games, leaving them only four points off the relegation zone in 13th place. Everton now travel to Middlesbrough tomorrow and face a tricky FA Cup third round tie at Division Two front-runners Stoke City on Saturday. Defeat in both of those fixtures is likely to make Smith the latest managerial casualty of the season, with Preston North End manager David Moyes already discussed as a possible replacement within the Goodison boardroom.
Smith, currently in his fourth season at Goodison Park, briefly led the Blues to the top of the table at the start of a season in which another summer of sales made Everton one of the favourites for the drop. But the run of four defeats in ten days over Christmas has stirred relegation fears once again.
The Blues boss has been given only £4.5million to spend all year and has recently seen his search for cover to cope with the loss of both Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell frustrated by the financial constraints he has endured for most of his time at the Goodison helm. Injuries will again deplete Smith's squad at the Riverside tomorrow, where Paul Gascoigne is likely to join Tomasz Radzinski on the sidelines due to a hip injury suffered in the weekend defeat. Adding to the club's problems is the injured Thomas Gravesen, now back home in Denmark on compassionate leave, who again expressed his disillusionment at Everton over the weekend. The Dane has twice attacked the club in newspaper articles in his homeland this week and Smith, having already had one showdown meeting with Gravesen, is likely to demand further talks. Gravesen said: "I'm having huge problems trying to find motivation at Everton. "I feel like it's an empty existence. It doesn't consist of anything other than playing football and watching television. Gravesen added: "Sell me back to Hamburg. Then I'll be closer to family and friends in Denmark and can go home when I want to." Gravesen continued: "I don't want to move to another English club." Former Denmark international John Sivebaek, Gravesen's agent, defended his client. He said: "This isn't about money but about satisfaction. It's a difficult job for me because I know Thomas well both on a personal level and as an adviser.
"As a former overseas professional I'm trying to explain to him that his homesickness will pass, because it's not about discontent with the sporting side at Everton." Joe-Max Moore will be Everton's only fully fit forward available for this week's now-crucial double as Radzinski suffered a groin injury after only four minutes of Saturday's defeat. Smith said: "Losing Tomasz didn't help but normally we would have a better reaction regardless. "He's had a groin problem for a while and played with it against Manchester United. He could be out for a few weeks now."
And the Blues boss, who saw his side booed off at half and full-time against Charlton, added: "We can have no excuses for that defeat. After Charlton got their first goal there wasn't a great deal of reaction from ourselves. "We've got no complaints. Charlton deserved to win and now we have to handle this situation. "We have done it in the past when we lost three league games earlier in the season and snapped out of it. Now we've got to do the same after losing four. "The fans' reaction at the end is only to be expected because we didn't do well enough but no-one's pleased after losing four games."