Everton Independent Research Data
Everton FC vs Sydney FC Preview
by Brendon Meynell Published on 01-07-2010
At the beginning of the 2009/2010 Hyundai A-League season Australian based football fans were treated with English Premier League team Fulham travelling to the land down under for a pre-season tour against some of the A-Leagues most recognizable teams including Perth Glory and A-League new comers the Gold Coast United. While for the fledging football competition in Australia that was a big marketing boost, and a great way to introduce the two newest teams to the competition the Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury and in a sign that the Hyundai A-League is growing from strength to strength the 2010/2011 Hyundai A-League season sees the premier competition in Australian football gain yet another notch in it's belt with English Premier League giants Everton FC heading to the shores of the land down under. The first pre season match involving one of the founding members of the English Premier League Everton will take place in just seven days time with 'The Toffees' taking on the 2009/2010 Hyundai A-League defending champions Sydney FC, in a match that is expected to be a sell out as Australian football fans flock to see the defending champions featuring a cameo appearance from inagural marquee player Dwight Yorke face off against some of the best footballers in the world led by Australia's own Tim Cahill. Competing in the top division of football in England for the past 107 seasons in a history that have seen them win a total of twenty-five top flight titles including the Championship (9), FA Charity Shield (9) and FA Cup (5) the Everton Football Club are one of the toughest opponents any Hyundai A-League club has come up against in the competitions short history. Boasting the player base which includes Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Diniyar Bilyaletinov, Mikel Arteta, Phillip Neville, James Vaughan, Louis Saha, Victor Anichebe and Australian football superstar Tim Cahill the Everton line up is one with form, class and sophistication and will let Australian football fans know how well local domestic teams compare to the worlds best. The Hyundai A-League defending champions to have a quality side to ensure the match is far from some pre-season one sided affaris they have played in the past with Liam Reddy, Shannon Cole, Hayden Fox, Terry McFlynn, Mark Bridge, and Alex Brosque lining up for the domestic champions who will also be bolstered by guest star Dwight Yorke who played for the club throughout their inagural A-League victory in 2006. While it is an exhibition match both teams will have much to play for with pride on the line as they ramp up their preperations for their respective domestic seasons. Everton star Mikel Arteta is excited to be coming to Australia to play speaking just hours before the team boarded their flight to join their Socceroo's team mate Tim Cahill in Sydney the mid fielder said:
“Tim is one of my closest friends and he always talks so passionately about Australia. “To be able to share the experience with him of being in Australia, and playing for Everton in Australia, is something that I will really enjoy,” Arteta said. “It always adds to pre-season when we have a destination that is exciting and somewhere the players look forward to visiting. “We have had some great pre-seasons at Everton because of the destinations and the training facilities. “The USA has been popular with the manager in the last four years for these reasons and Australia fits the same bill.” Arteta said that while he doesn’t know much about the A-League, he is familiar with some of the names and faces. “Of course, Dwight Yorke [Sydney FC guest player] is very familiar to us as is Jesper Olsen [Melbourne Heart assistant coach]. I also remember John Aloisi [Melbourne Heart] from his days playing in Spain.”
“I do know that if the players in the sides we face are all as competitive as Tim, then we are in for some intense matches but that is what pre-season is all about. “The Australian sporting mentality is something I really admire and I’m looking forward to experiencing it first-hand. Arteta will play in the Sydney and Melbourne matches with Cahill, before heading off to his long-planned wedding in Spain where Cahill is a groomsman. All of the news and views of the Everton Down Under 2010 tour can be found right here on the Sports Force Interactive Network, with media accreditation ensuring that you are kept up to date with Evertons plight for world dominance and the locally based Australian teams showcasing the best of Australian football.
Leighton Baines and teenage French striker both pen five-year Everton FC deals
July 1 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON last night completed a double pre-season signing.
Leighton Baines put pen to paper on a new five-year contract, then the Blues announced that the £1.5m transfer of young French forward Magaye Gueye from Strasbourg had been completed. Baines joins Jack Rodwell, Tim Cahill and Seamus Coleman in committing his future to the club this summer, then explained the new deal was a reward for his consistently outstanding performances last season which saw him earn his first England caps. “I still had two years left so wasn't really thinking about it but the manager said to me at the end of last season that I had done well and he wanted to reward me with a new contract, which was great,” he said.
“I'm more than happy to be staying here and committing to the club and it was nice for the club to want me to stay. " It was simple – it would have been done quicker if I hadn't been away on holiday. “It is nice to have it sorted before we go away to Australia because I can focus on the football and not have anything going on in the background. “I'm fully-focussed on the trip and hopefully it will lead to a good season.” Baines enjoyed an outstanding campaign for the Blues, both defensively and with his ability to weigh in with goal-creating crosses. A youngster who will be hoping to get on the end of some of those crosses during his Everton career is 19-year-old French fstriker Gueye, who also signed a five-year deal. After the switch was finalised Gueye declared: “I was over the moon when I heard that Everton had agreed a fee with my club. “I was so happy and I am looking forward to developing in the best league in the world." The left-footer can play up front or in midfield and scored nine goals in just 17 league starts in France’s Ligue 2 last season. Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, is included in the squad of players which flies Down Under later today for Everton’s three-match tour. The midfielder’s reluctance to commit his long-term future to the club is causing concern, but David Moyes and his coaching staff hope to convince the Spaniard during the next 19 days that he should stay at Goodison.
Phil Neville, Phil Jagielka, Louis Saha and Leon Osman will also travel on an extensive training camp which also includes fixtures against Sydney FC, Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar. Tim Cahill will join up with the squad following his World Cup campaign with the Socceroos in South Africa and is likely to appear in the opening two matches of the tour. Everton’s other World Cup players will not travel to Australia, however as they take a well earned break.
Leighton Baines signs new five year deal with Everton
Jul 1 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
LEIGHTON BAINES signed a new five-year contract last night – then explained it was a reward for his sterling performances last season. And Everton announced a double summer signing with the completion of the £1.5m deal for French under-21 international Magaye Gueye. Baines, who joins Jack Rodwell, Tim Cahill and Seamus Coleman in committing his future to the club this summer, explained: “I still had two years left so wasn’t really thinking about it, but the manager said to me at the end of last season that I had done well and he wanted to reward me with a new contract, which was great. “I’m more than happy to be staying here and committing to the club and it was nice for the club to want me to stay. It was simple – it would have been done quicker if I hadn’t been away on holiday. “It is nice to have it sorted before we go away to Australia because I can focus on the football and not have anything going on in the background. “I’m fully focused on the trip and hopefully it will lead to a good season.” Baines enjoyed an outstanding campaign for the Blues, both defensively and with his ability to weigh in with goal-creating crosses.
A youngster who will be hoping to get on the end of some of those crosses during his Everton career is 19-year-old French striker Gueye, who also signed a five-year deal.
After the switch was finalised Gueye said: “I was over the moon when I heard that Everton had agreed a fee with my club. “I was so happy and I am looking forward to developing in the best league in the world.” Mikel Arteta, mean- while, is included in the squad of players which flies Down Under later today for Everton’s three-match tour. The midfielder’s reluctance to commit his long-term future to the club is causing concern, but David Moyes and his coaching staff hope to convince the Spaniard during the next 19 days that he should stay. Phil Neville, Phil Jagielka, Louis Saha and Leon Osman will also travel on an extensive training camp which includes fixtures against Sydney FC, Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar.
New Everton kit is a big hit with Jack Rodwell
Jul 1 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
BLUES supporters gathered at Goodison Park last night as the club revealed its new home kit for the 2010/11 season. Fans turned out to watch Graeme Sharp, Everton’s record post-war goal scorer, unveil both the famous Dixie Dean statue and midfielder Jack Rodwell wearing the innovative new strip. Everton’s rising star Rodwell said: “The lads really like the new kit and it seems to have gone down well with the fans. I like the fact it’s simple and stylish. “Hopefully it will prove lucky for us and we will have lots of success wearing it next season. “It’s a little less controversial than the pink away kit but I like them both.” The Le Coq Sportif strip is described as ‘an evolution of the traditional Everton royal blue colour, technically advanced and engineered for success’. Everton will wear their new colours for the first time on July 10, when they face Sydney FC during the tour of Australia. The new kit is available from www.everton- direct.com.
Phil Neville: Re-think is needed on goal-line technology
Jul 1 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
CALLS for goal-line technology have become widespread since the weekend and perhaps the time has come for a re-think. I have never been a fan of the idea of having replays to assist every decision but the two incidents on Sunday – Frank Lampard’s wrongly ruled-out goal against Germany and Carlos Tevez’s wrongly awarded strike against Mexico – suggest otherwise. With offside decisions, I don’t think officials should have assistance; over the course of a season, things tend to even themselves out in the fact you will benefit on some occasions but feel hard done by on others.
I feel sorry for referees and their assistants these days, because of the pace the game is played at, but when you see mistakes like the one that robbed Frank of a clear goal you feel they could only benefit from some help. You wouldn’t need a big break in the game to check what happened – it could easily be done within three or four seconds – and that would eradicate calamities like the one that occurred in Bloemfontein.
Sadly, though, that incident involving Frank did not cost England; we were beaten by a superior German side on the day and while you can argue England might have gone on to win had the goal stood, you have to say we were lucky not to be four goals down at that point.
Jack Rodwell is relishing Australian pre-season tour with Everton FC
July 1 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
MOST players dread the start of pre-season training. All that fitness work and not a ball in sight. But when Everton’s players reported back to Finch Farm this morning Jack Rodwell couldn’t wait to get started. Sitting and watching the world’s greatest kick around the Jabulani in South Africa in recent weeks has whetted the appetite for the talented 19-year-old midfielder. And tonight he will fly off on the biggest adventure of his blossoming career when the Blues head for their tour of Australia.
“I’m raring to go and can’t wait to get my boots on again,” said Rodwell, who ended speculation about his future in May when he signed a new five-year contract.
“I’ve had a good rest and I needed it after a long season. I went to Cyprus on holiday to meet a few friends and I’ve just been putting my feet up and chilling out.
“To be honest, in the last few weeks I’ve been watching the World Cup games and just itching to get back and put my boots on. “Six weeks off was long enough for me and it’s exciting pre-season is here now. We’re having a training session at Finch Farm on Thursday morning before heading to Manchester to get our 6pm flight.
“With a 22-hour flight ahead of us I’d like to think the boss won’t make it too tough but he might have other ideas!” Rodwell is relishing his first trip Down Under but knows boss David Moyes will ensure there is plenty of hard graft ahead of their opening game against Sydney on July 10. The Blues will also play Melbourne Heart on July 14 and Brisbane Roar on July 17. “The boss is big on his fitness work and there will be plenty of running,” he added. “We were all given a set programme over the summer as he didn’t want anyone coming back in terrible shape.
“The lads are sensible and I’m sure everyone has looked after themselves.
“I can’t wait to get out there and it should be a great experience. It’s going to be hard on that flight but hopefully I’ll sleep for a lot of it. “The furthest I’ve been to before is Dubai or America, and I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. I’m looking forward to fitting in some sightseeing.” Rodwell has heard plenty about the vast nation from clubmate Tim Cahill, who is set to join up with the Blues for their first two games against Sydney and Melbourne after Australia’s early exit from the World Cup.
“Tim is always telling us what an amazing place it is,” he added. “Obviously he’s a big hero over there and if Tim gets to be with us for some of the tour it will be a massive bonus.“A trip like this is great for team spirit. It’s a bit different from the usual tours and getting away will enable us to focus on preparing for the new season.”
World Cup stars like John Heitinga, Yakubu, Joseph Yobo, Steven Pienaar, Tim Howard and Jan Mucha aren’t travelling, but Evertonians will get their first glimpse of former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford. Rodwell is looking forward to seeing him in action. “The manager has made some great signings from lower league teams before,” he said. “Tim is a prime example of that and I think this is another one.
“Hopefully Jermaine will do the same as Tim and get plenty of goals for us. I saw him play a few games last season and he looked very sharp. He will add a goal threat for us.” Speculation continues to surround the futures of key duo Pienaar and Mikel Arteta. Rodwell is hoping they spurn the advances of rival clubs and help Everton build on what they achieved in the second half of last season. “They are both big players for us and it would be a massive boost if they do stay,” he said.
“If they decide to go I’m sure we would cope and the manager would bring in quality replacements but we want to keep this squad together. “We’ve got real depth here now and if everyone can stay fit then we will have some really healthy competition for places come the start of the league. We proved last season that with a fully fit squad we were a match for anyone in the Premier League.” Rodwell is also planning on playing a starring role in the push to bring European football back to Goodison Park.
He finished: “Europe has to be the goal for us and it’s going to be a massive season for me. I want to keep progressing and I know with more experience I’ll get better and better. “Last season I had a more defensive role to start with and then the manager took the shackles off me. I was able to get forward more and chipped in with a couple of goals. Whatever position he plays me, I’ll be ready to go.”
Everton FC in Australia: Greg's Down Under Diary
Jul 2 2010 By Greg O'Keeffe
Echo Everton FC writer Greg O'Keeffe is the only reporter with the Blues on their Australian pre-season tour. Here is his first Down Under Diary entry, while you can also follow him on Twitter I HAD been on Australian soil for less than two minutes when I spotted the first sign of Tim 'The Antipodean David Beckham' Cahill's popularity in the land of his birth. midfielder's mug was being used to flog something in duty free at Sydney airport, and it's quickly become apparent just what a marketing force the Cahill brand really is. I'm sure his eventful World Cup, from being sent off controversially to planting that trade-mark header against Serbia, will only fuel his super-star status further. It will be interesting to see just quite what we're dealing with first-hand. Will gaggles of screeching teenage girls follow him at every location?
Will he attract his own trail of local media? Will we see locals in Everton shirts with CAHILL 17 on the back? We saw one at the airport this morning waiting with his mates just in case the Blues turned up. It's heartening to hear of a solid Aussie supporter base here which can only get bigger after this tour. Meanwhile, the Sydney-sider is already back in Australia, fitting in some break time and fitness work before the touring squad arrives on Saturday. There will be no Marouane Fellaini unfortunately, his ankle still not match-ready, but we will get to see new boys Jermaine Beckford, Joao Silva and Mageye Gueye in action. I'm off to try and walk off my jet-lag (or postpone the inevitable when I crash at about 6pm and hopefully sleep like a Champion). Stay with this blog for all the off-beat news, observations and insight on Everton's 2010 Down Under tour.
Everton new signing Magaye Gueye out to make his mark on pre-season tour of Australia.
July 2 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo EVERTON new boy Magaye Gueye is determined to make his mark on the clubs pre-season tour of Australia.
The French striker, who completed his switch to Goodison from Strasbourg this week in a s1.5million deal, was in the Blues squad who flew off Down Under last night.
Gueye has signed a five-year contract and is confident he will be a success in the Premier League. I feel I have a good technique, a good left foot and I can be effective in front of goal, he said. I can play as the main striker but where I feel I do my best work is as a support striker. Im delighted to sign for Everton and Ive received a very warm welcome. Everyone has been really kind. I knew it was an extremely big club in the Premier League. I knew it was a very family-orientated club as well and thats one of the big reasons why I chose Everton. The coach, the staff, everything Ive heard about the cliub has been positive. The France Under-21 international was a product of Strasbourgs youth system and made his debut in November 2008 at the age of 18.
Gueye, who scored nine goals for the French second division outfit last season, trained with his new team-mates for the first time at Finch Farm yesterday prior to their flight from Manchester. The players were put through their paces and the 19-year-old was joined by fellow new signings Jermaine Beckford and Joao Silva. The Blues are due to touch down in Australia late tonight UK time and the first of three friendlies is against A-League champions Sydney FC on July 10. Tim Cahill, Tim Howard, Steven Pienaar, Yakubu, Joseph Yobo and new keeper Jan Mucha, who officially became an Everton player yesterday after his contract with Legia Warsaw expired, are resting following their World Cup campaigns. However, Cahill will join up with his Blues team-mates next week and is expected to play some part against Sydney.
The Aussie returned to his homeland last week after the Socceroos bowed of the World Cup at the group stage.
Everton FC’s Australian star Tim Cahill thrilled the Blues are touring his native country
July 2 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
TIM CAHILL has admitted that Evertons pre-season tour of his native Australia is like a dream come true. Despite the disappointment of crashing out of the groups stage of the World Cup in South Africa and picking up a red card along the way Evertons talisman will turn out for the Blues Down Under. Cahill has revealed he will cut short his holiday plans to join up with the squad and is likely to appear in the opening two matches of the pre-season tour. Cahill said: Its a dream for me that my club, Everton, is visiting my country as part of the pre-season preparations for the next Premier League season. Its massive. Its non-stop football and its great for fans, and great for the A-League too. Evertons other World Cup players, however, will not travel to Australia, as they take a well-earned break. While Johnny Heitinga is still involved with Holland, Yakubu, Joseph Yobo, Steven Pienaar, Tim Howard and Jan Mucha have all seen their respective nations drop out of the World Cup and will return to Finch Farm once the tour is over. Down Under, the sternest test is likely to come in the opening game from Hyundai A-League champions Sydney, who will also have a familiar face among their ranks having invited former Aston Villa and Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke to take part in the match.
Yorke was part of the Sydney FC team that won the inaugural A-League title in 2005 and the forward will face old teammates Phil Neville and Louis Saha.
I had a fantastic time with the club and the other lads in the team and, of course, Sydney is a fantastic city, said Yorke, who spent a season in Australia before joining Sunderland.Its a great thrill to play for Sydney again and to have a chance to say farewell to all of Sydneys fantastic fans and supporters. It will be a terrific game against Everton. Ive seen their squad list for the tour. In addition to Aussie favourite Timmy Cahill, it includes my good friend Phil Neville and others such as Louis Saha, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines, who only just missed England selection for this years World Cup. A-League clubs are stepping up their own pre-season preparations ahead of the 2010-11 campaign and Sydney view Evertons visit as a huge boost to their schedule. The pre-season is a very important part of football. We are excited to play against Everton in Sydney, said coach Vitezslav Lavicka. This will help us be ready for the A-League season and will be a good experience as we have many young players. Sydney CEO, Edwin Lugt also highlighted Cahill as a big draw for Australian football supporters. This is an exciting opportunity for football fans in Sydney to see the A-League champions take on one of the English Premier Leagues leading teams and one that is headlined by Australian Tim Cahill, said Lugt.
The fixture at ANZ Stadium forms an important part of our pre-season campaign and we expect to continue the success we had last season here against Everton.
Jan Mucha makes his Everton FC move official
Jul 2 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
JAN MUCHA has finally completed his move to Everton from Legia Warsaw
The Slovakia international goalkeeper was secured on a pre-contract in January and officially became an Everton player yesterday when his contract at Legia expired.
The 27-year-old helped Slovakia reach the last 16 of the World Cup in his country’s first ever appearance at the tournament. After finishing second in Group F behind Paraguay, Slovakia were knocked out by Holland, 2-1. Mucha played in each of Slovakia’s four games in South Africa and will now take an extended break before linking up with his new teammates after Everton’s pre-season tour of Australia.
The former Inter Bratislava and MSK Zilina stopper joins new signings Jermaine Beckford, Joao Silva and Magaye Gueye at Goodison Park. Meanwhile Tim Cahill is waiting for his team-mates in Australia. The Everton squad will arrive Down Under later today and Cahill is excited by the prospect of playing for his club on home soil.
“I think it is fantastic that Everton are going to Australia,” he said. “It is fantastic for Australian football as well as Everton. “Over in Australia there’s a massive following because there’s a lot of Everton supporters out there. This is also a great chance to visit the country and a great opportunity for Everton. “I think the Australian fans will be excited about Everton’s visit.” Cahill will miss Everton’s first game against Sydney FC but is expected to figure against Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar.
Everton FC’s two tours of Australia - 1964 and 2010
July 3 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
ON Thursday evening Everton flew out Down Under with almost an entire Jumbo Jet’s worth of players, coaches and associated support staff. A squad of 26 players were joined by manager David Moyes, assistant-boss Steve Round, several coaches, two kit-men, various sports scientists, three fitness coaches, a performance coach, club secretary, chief executive and six members of the media department. Plus our own little boy blue Greg O’Keeffe. It’s a far cry from the Blues’ first trip Down Under in the summer of 1964, when even manager Harry Catterick didn’t bother travelling.
The five week trip was undeniably significant – it installed Everton as the first team to play football on the six continents where football is played (we’re still waiting for an Antarctic League!) But the fascinating minute books featured on the Everton Collection website underline how little regard the Blues themselves seemed to pay to the trip. The minutes signed off by chairman John Moores for a board meeting of April 13, 1964 carried the following note: “Mr Catterick reported that he could only name 15 players for the Tour at the moment and the other three would be named after the FA list was available. It was agreed that it would be better for Mr Catterick to remain in England and that R. Lewin be included to assist the trainer.”
The almost cursory mention of the club’s first trip Down Under was perhaps understandable, given the nature of the other business the Blues board members had to deal with that day!On the same page Tony Kay’s suspension for “allegations of having fixed the result of a match whilst with Sheffield Wednesday” was recorded, the club’s “pattern of football” for the following season was established, trustees were appointed for the W.R. Dean fund, a liaison committee was set up to oversee the forthcoming World Cup fixtures to be staged Goodison Park, an offer for the installation of an illuminated scoreboard at a cost of £20,000 was turned down – and it was reported that a club legend had handed in a transfer request! “It was reported that Alex Young had requested to be placed on the transfer list and this was agreed to unanimously,” read the minute. “It was agreed to ask for a fee in the region of £40,000. It was also reported that he had been fined £25 for failing to report for treatment as requested.” He was taken off the list on July 1st, after “Brentford had made a tentative offer of £25,000” which was “not sufficient” and Stoke City had also made an enquiry.
Rather worryingly it was also recorded that “In future no player be allowed to write for a local paper permanently.” The Collection minute books are an intriguing and previously unseen insight into the workings of Everton Football Club.
Sadly 1964 is where they end. Every page of every minute book from 1887 to 1964 is free to view and every page of the first 20 volumes has now been transcribed, making it possible to do keyword searches (e.g. names of players, teams, directors, etc) for information in each volume. Some of the most recently transcribed minute books include the building of the Bullens Road Stand – 5 January 1926, the forbidding of players from riding motorcycles after Dixie Dean's crash – 12 April 1927, and a shareholders vote of no confidence in the Board of Directors - 6 May 1930 . . . shortly before the club won an unprecedented Division Two title, Division title and FA Cup treble!
Everton announce recession busting ticket prices!
July 3 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have announced some recession busting prices for the match they can’t lose later this summer. The Premier League Everton take on CD Everton from Chile in a mouth watering pre-season friendly on Wednesday August 4. And fans who get in quick can buy tickets for a bargain price. Tickets cost just £3 OAPs and juniors and £10 adults anyway, but season ticket holders can buy their tickets for just £7 in a special one-week window starting on Monday. It means a fella can take two youngsters to the game for just £13. And grandad can come along as well for £20.
Check Everton’s website.
Everton FC club website top of the digital league
July 3 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON are top of the Digital Premier League! A recent survey carried out by the Premier League reckoned the official Everton website is the most regularly visited site by fans in the Premier League. Evertonfc.com has been ranked first out of 20 in terms of the proportion of fans who visit their club’s website at least two or three times a week. Apparently 88 per cent of Everton fans visit its site each week – the highest proportion of fans compared to all of the other top-flight clubs. Burnley came second with 82 per cent and Manchester City a close third with 80 per cent, with Liverpool scoring 68 per cent of its supporters visiting their site at least two or three times a week. The survey also identified the reasons why fans visited their club’s site and the Blues came out on top in almost every category compared to the rest of the league.
On average more Everton fans went to the club’s official website for transfer, ticket and club news, merchandise, social networking, match reports and other digital services than any other Premier League club’s fans. Mark Rowan, Head of Media and Communications at Everton, said: “This result reflects the passion our fans have for Everton.”
Tony Cottee tells of his donation to the Everton Collection
Jul 3 2010 by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
AFTER plundering nearly 100 goals in his Everton career, Tony Cottee continues to deliver. The self-confessed “geek” is donating a vast haul of Blues memorabilia to rival his impressive club goal tally as part of the Everton Collection.
From his six hat-trick balls when wearing the Royal Blue shirt to badges, medals and even every Goodison pay-slip, Cottee’s slice of Everton history will now be there for everyone to see. Cottee recalls how a dedication to chronicling his football career started as a youth with Essex youngsters Romford Rolls; from there it snowballed.
“Being the sort of geek and collector that I am, I’ve just built up quite a big collection over the six years I was at Everton,” said Cottee. “Players come in different categories; some would get stuff and generally give it away to their brother, auntie or uncle or even just throw it away but I was the complete opposite and hoarded everything. “I’ve never really known what to do with all my Everton stuff – I’ve got a similar situation with my West Ham and Leicester stuff – but have just recently moved house and sorted it all into all different boxes. “Around the same time I came up to the Everton versus West Ham match in April last season where Jim Buckley and Lord Grantchester spoke to me about the Everton collection. “We had a further meeting in London about six weeks ago and here we are. I have decided to donate as much as I can but obviously want to keep some things; I’ve got 12-year-old twin boys now and one day they’ll be asking ‘Where are your England caps?’ “The hat-trick balls are my favourite things because any footballer, any goalscorer, you want to score hat-tricks. They don’t come along that often; I managed to get 13 in my career; seven for West Ham and six for Everton, so I think it is great to have the balls and to be able to donate them. I’ve got my Dixie Dean trophies for top goalscorer so they are special to me as well. I’ve got the shirts I exchanged when I played for England, one of which is Pat Nevin’s. “A lot of it all goes back to the scrapbooks which a lot of people talk to me about and I think from the moment I got interested in doing them, I tended to keep things rather than throw it away. “We flew all around the world with Everton Football Club and I kept all the stuff that was given to me whereas a lot of players would forget the things given to me or just leave it in the hotel where we were.
“I started at the age of seven and my Dad, Clive, was the manager of my team, Romford Rolls, and it was literally was a book where we just wrote the team down, the date, who we played and the score. I was fascinated by it all and like any six or seven-year-old I just wanted to get my hands on anything football. I continued to do them, taking over from my Dad at age 11 or 12 and kept them going throughout my career. The Romford Recorder was the local paper for me in those days and even though it was only a small mention like you would still get in the ECHO up here, it was great to see your name in the paper. Via the scrapbooks I can pretty much recall how many goals I scored a season throughout my career.”
Tony Cottee backs Jermaine Beckford to succeed at Everton
Jul 3 2010 by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
TONY COTTEE knows only too well how to handle the expectations of signing for Everton. Arriving at Goodison Park with the weight of a British transfer record on his shoulders, the man signed from West Ham United in 1988 fired a hat-trick on his debut against Newcastle United. The Londoner would go on to claim a further five trebles in the days with the Blues as part of the 99 goals he finished on before a return to Upton Park in 1994. Cottee dealt with the £2.2 million price tag in emphatic style and though summer signing Jermaine Beckford arrives on a free transfer from Leeds United, pulling the Royal Blue shirt brings pressure regardless of fee. But Cottee has lent his backing to the 26-year-old to carry the predatory instincts which saw him take League One by storm into the Premier League. “Of course it’s a gamble when you sign any player from a lower division whether it’s Championship or League One in this case” said Cottee. “But what I would do is point to David Moyes, who is fantastic manager, as someone who has already done well with players like Tim Cahill and Phil Jagielka. “There is a real pool of talent in the lower leagues and in my work for Sky I go all round the country and I see a lot of good players who are not given the chance, so I think it is fantastic that David and Everton are doing what other clubs are not; others will go and get a free signing from Norway for example because it’s the cheap option. Jermaine has cost a little bit of money in terms of his wages but it is great Everton are willing to take a chance on him.” Cottee not only points to Beckford’s talent and Moyes’ proven record of player development but also to the calibre of team-mate the former non-league player now finds himself alongside. Feeding off the Mikel Arteta supply line or working in tandem with Louis Saha will only better Beckford, says Cottee who has also urged Everton’s top stars to pledge their futures to the club. “I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen of Beckford” added Cottee.
“He’s scored against Manchester United and against Tottenham last season so has proved he’s capable of scoring against the big teams. What people must remember is that by signing for Everton, he will be playing with better players. He’s not playing in the Leeds team in League One, he’s playing in the Premier League alongside Mikel Arteta, Steven Pienaar and Tim Cahill. If he plays up front with Yakubu or Louis Saha then he’s going to playing with much better players. If you are good enough then you’ll step up to the plate and who knows Jermaine could really push on, be Everton’s top scorer next season with 20-odd goals and everyone will be saying what another masterstroke by David Moyes. It’s a calculated gamble from the manager and I’m really, really pleased for Jermaine. “If you can finish and are a natural goalscorer then you can play at any level. Some players start at the top and stay there as I did coming through at West Ham and remaining in the top flight my whole career. Other players, like Les Ferdinand, were playing non-league football and then bang, they’re turning out for QPR and then England. It can happen, if you’ve got the talent to score goals then you will score goals. We will find out over the course of the next two or three years. He’s a good talent and I wish him all the best.“I would like to see Steven Pienaar to stay at the club and I’m a massive fan of Mikel Arteta. These are top players that for the sake of Everton must stay at the club. It is such a shame Everton couldn’t beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final in 2009 because then David Moyes could have pointed to silverware as well as the side competing for Champions League spots. There is no doubt in my mind that if Everton had not had the injuries they had at the start of the season then they would have given Tottenham a run for their money.
“If you start letting your best players leave then it can only lead one way, downwards. I know both David and Bill Kenwright are working extremely hard to keep these players at the club but everyone wants to play in the Champions League and win silverware, which you have got to respect. I hope all the players we’ve mentioned will give Everton at least one more season by which time the club will have hopefully won one of the cups or be challenging really hard for a top four finish.” Cottee has also urged England to hand Jack Rodwell a first senior cap saying the time is right for an international overhaul. Rodwell will be coming into the start of his best years believes Cottee in time for 2014 tournament in Brazil. “I think we are very short-sighted in this country” added Cottee. “After a very disappointing World Cup, people immediately look to the Euros in 2012. I disagree with that, we should be looking to 2014. And with that England should be looking at players like Jack Rodwell who will be 23 by that time and coming into the prime of his career. Jack needs to gain the experience from now to get ready for the World Cup. We need to give these players their chance now. I’ve always felt after every World Cup you need a clearout of all the players who are going to be too old.”
Everton FC buzzing over Johnny Heitinga’s World Cup progress
July 3 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
PHIL JAGIELKA says the progress of Everton team-mate Johnny Heitinga to the semi-finals of the World Cup has given everyone a boost at the start of their Australia tour. Heitinga shone at the heart of Holland's defence in yesterday's stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil in Port Elizabeth. The Dutch trailed at the break but hit back in the second half with Felipe Melo's own goal and a header from Wesley Sneijder extending their proud unbeaten run to 24 games. Fellow Blues defender Jagielka is now hoping Heitinga can go all the way. “It is good to see Johnny still flying the flag for Everton,” he said. “Holland normally seem to do something wrong in World Cup’s but they have some fantastic individuals and they are playing well as a team.
“It's hard to pick a winner from the countries remaining but they all have a chance of picking up the trophy.” Jagielka, who was harshly overlooked for England's World Cup squad, admits Fabio Capello's men got what they deserved after their miserable performance against Germany in the second round. “England lost a few key individuals and a few others didn't perform as we thought they would so we quite rightly got beaten,” he added. “When it gets to the knock-out it is all about who performs on the day and unfortunately we didn't and Germany did.”
The FA confirmed Capello will keep his job and Jagielka is hoping he can force his way into contention ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers. “I've always said the only way I will be picked by England is by playing well for Everton,” he adds.
“I just want to play games because I missed a lot of games last season. I want to start the season as well as I can and wherever it takes me, it takes me.”
Leighton Baines was another Blues star left at home while England toiled in South Africa. The left-back, who signed a new five-year contract with Everton before he jetted off Down Under, saw his World Cup dream shattered when Capello dropped him from his provisional 30-man squad is favour of Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock.
“It has been a strange summer,” Baines said. “Last season went quite well but then not being involved with England was disappointing. The new contract means something positive has come out of the summer. “It is going to be exciting to see Australia, but we have some tough training to do because the first few weeks of pre-season are always hard. “Sometimes in pre-season you train three times a day and when you are not training you are recovering. If we get to see any sights it is just a bonus.”
Everton close in on Azerbaijan wonderkid Araz Abdullayev after fighting off late approach from Serie A
2nd July 2010 Daily Mail
Everton are closing on a deal for teenage Azerbaijan midfielder Araz Abdullayev.
The 18-year-old from Neftchi Baku made his international debut at 16 and shot to prominence after scoring against Scotland U21s. Sticky Toffee: Araz Abdullayev has caught the eye of English, Italian and Russian clubs He has had trials with Rubin Kazan and in Italy but is hoping to join Everton subject to a work permit after being shown around the club last month. Everton, meanwhile, remain keen on a permanent deal for LA Galaxy's Landon Donovan.
Greg's Down Under Diary part three - mankinis and the appliance of science
Jul 4 2010 By Greg O'Keeffe
AT FIRST glance it seemed like the most ludicrous training kit ever made.
Perhaps, I thought, Le Coq Sportif had even out done their fluorescent pink away kit, and taken things onto a whole new level of campness. We were assembled on the tidy pitch of a local grammar school on the outskirts of the city for training day one, and fitness coach Steve Tashjian was dishing out skimpy orange vests for the squad.
When I say vests, I mean more like Borat-style bikins mixed or a young girl’s bikini.
As the lads dutifully struggled to get on these preposterous things, Tashjian was setting up what looked like a mini rocket launcher on a tripod connected to a laptop.
Puzzled? I certainly was. In fact, this was Catterpult technology; a new system which ensures Everton’s coaches have information on player performance and fitness levels in the most precise detail. The vests, which cost about $3,500 each, contain a mobile phone style GPS card in their lining which conveys data on ground covered by each player during a session, their rates of acceleration, pulse rates and speed of turning.
Pioneered by Aussie AFL teams in the mid noughties, it is the latest trend in top football clubs. So there was method and science behind the dainty vests the lads slipped into with varying degrees of success. Today was mainly about running. The team did some ball-work but it was limited to sharpening their touch and a bit of turning based on Coerver methods - . New-boys Joao Silva and Magaye Gueye seemed to fit in well, Silva gravitating towards the Portugese speaking Arteta and Gueye finding an opportunity for some conversation with Sylvain Distin.
Watching the session with me was former Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland player Tony Canning. Derryman Tony emigrated to Sydney in 1994 and is now director of football at the ultra-posh Scot College in the city’s affluent Bellevue Hill area.
When I say posh, I mean Russell Crowe’s son is a pupil as is Lachlan Murdoch’s boy Callum. It costs $25,000 a year for an ordinary day pupil and $50,000 for a boarder. And they take their sport seriously – hence Tony’s role. He is pals with the football coach at the school where Everton are training, and provided amiable company despite having stayed up to watch Germany’s destruction of Argentina AND the Spain game which kicked off at 4.30am over here. Also prowling the touchline was director Keith Tamlin. There are not not many directors who show up for their club’s first day of pre-season and hang around for a few hours, offering encouragement and bon mots.
The morning flew by with the boys in high-spirits as they headed back to our hotel for interviews with the Aussie media. Later on they’ll be doing some weights in a local gym and after that there’ll likely be some serious Playstation battering and banter.
I swear I saw a few of them trying to take their orange vests back to the hotel too.
No Socceroo rift - Cahill
By Tom Smithies From: The Sunday Telegraph (Australia Newspaper)
July 04, 2010 12:01AM
Team player...Socceroo Tim Cahill poses for photographs in Sydney. Cahill will be playing with his English Premier League club side Everton, in a series of matches with local and visiting teams. Picture: Dan Himbrechts Source: The Sunday Telegraph
THE World Cup is already history, and Tim Cahill is looking forward.
He's hungry to play again, thinking about where the Socceroos will go from here and proud that his Everton team-mates are about to take on Sydney, the A-League champions. But over coffee in Pyrmont, he also had more time than usual to talk over the drama of the past month, and set the record straight on a couple of pressing matters - with a surprising verdict on Australia's World Cup campaign and the Dutchman who oversaw it.
RIFTS IN CAMP
Cahill isn't so much angry as resigned at the rumours of unrest within the team.
He is also puzzled at how the Socceroos could have produced battling performances in the second two games if they were at each other's throats. And he points out that teams with divisions tend to struggle to hide them. "We weren't the French camp!" Cahill said. "During the Socceroos camp there are always discussions - but between us as players, not with the manager. "The biggest thing is at the end of it all we work for each other. We have the bond you saw against Ghana, you saw against Serbia. Among the players, we tried to stay together. "If there had been this rift, there wouldn't have been that connection and you wouldn't have seen those performances. "It's sad because sometimes people don't have anything else to write. I don't know a working place where you can't have a discussion, but if there were real arguments people would have known about it."
THE FUTURE
What hurt Cahill most about his spurious red card after just an hour of the World Cup was the way it cut him out of the opportunity to put things right against Ghana.
There is pride in the way he talks about the Socceroos' efforts to reverse the damage of that loss to Germany. As Football Federation Australia searches for a heavyweight coach from Europe to succeed Pim Verbeek, he thinks there are lessons to be taken on. In short, there has to be a figure advocating an Australian mentality and explaining the culture within the coaching set-up. "We need some European experience [in the new coach], but also I think it's important we keep an Australian voice at the heart of it," Cahill said. "Ex-players who have done something, having someone like Craig Moore around to influence the players and bring the Australian breed through as well.
"We're looking overseas in Europe for the quality, but they'll know nothing about Australian football or Australian attitudes. "What Graham Arnold did for the game as assistant coach was fantastic. He knew us in Europe and he knew the A-League."
WORLD CUP
It would be hard to depict a more diametrically opposite run of fortune for a player who scored Australia's first-ever goals at a World Cup in Germany, and came to South Africa as a Premier League star. Yet the end-of-term report he offers is surprising, given that almost vindictive red card. "Going into the competition with hopes of getting through the group and trying to do something special for the country - and then to suffer one of the rashest decisions I've seen awarded, getting a red card so soon - I just thought my World Cup was over," he said. "We had good chances against Ghana. H [Harry Kewell] was unlucky to get sent off, but even with 10 men we were unlucky not to win the game. With that and the Serbia game, I think you couldn't have asked for a better effort from the players and fans. "So, overall, I'm very proud of the whole competition. "The way we held ourselves on and off the pitch, and the way the fans did, in the end I see it as an achievement. "In any other groups four points might have got us through. So I'm sad but I'm not disappointed. "In the end we showed our fighting spirit."
PIM VERBEEK
The Dutchman is history now, but Cahill wants him filed in the collection of positive influences for the game, defending Verbeek's tactics at the World Cup. "The coach was fantastic, over 2 1/2 years he became very close to the players. He got to know us, asked about our lives off the pitch and families, asked our thoughts on the team and how we can take Australian football forward. Not many managers do that, and it might surprise you lot [the media] because he was a manager who never showed his cards. "At media conferences people expect reaction, controversy and so on, but he gave them the minimum and gave us the maximum." Cahill insists the introspection Australia showed first up against Germany was necessary, and not even with hindsight does he buy the verdict that Verbeek bottled it and made the wrong selections. "We knew the way we had to play. At a World Cup, every single team's tactics are not to concede. Sometimes you pick the team on the way the players train, their attitudes and so on. "The first thing the media do is pick the team on paper they think is the best for the job, but circumstances matter. In the three weeks leading into that game, whether it was injuries, or decisions that had to be made, the manager picked his best team.
"People say we were defensive in the first half but, come on, it was the first game of the World Cup. We had no choice. If we'd attacked and been slaughtered, afterwards people would have asked why we didn't sit back for the draw.
"Pim changed it at halftime, we went out in the second half to score. We went on the attack, but then I got sent off and the plans had to change again."
PLAYING SYDNEY
"Ever since I joined Everton I've been trying to get them to come here for pre-season, as we always go somewhere," Cahill said of next Saturday's match. "It's fantastic that it's finally happening and although it means I cut my holiday short, I wouldn't want to miss these games. "It's good for A-League teams to be able to test themselves."
Everton FC's Phil Jagielka says its Blues' strongest squad yet –
Jul 5 2010 Liverpool Echo
AFTER a season of what-ifs for Everton, it was an early summer of what might have been for Phil Jagielka. The defender’s 2009/10 campaign was largely ruined by a knee injury, yet he returned to club colours with enough conviction to remind the Goodison faithful what they had been missing, and edge into the frame for Fabio Capello’s World Cup Squad. Yet frustratingly, the season ended before Jagielka had time to recapture the true form that saw him lauded as one of England’s best central defenders prior to his cruciate ligament set-back. The England boss opted for Ledley King, who delivered only a patchy 45 minutes in South Africa before bowing out through predictable injury, and Jamie Carragher to provide cover centrally and at right-back.
So, while Jagielka could have been forgiven for wondering why Capello did not call upon his fresh legs even after Rio Ferdinand’s own injury departure, he has no time for recriminations. A philosophical soul, the 27-year-old concentrated on enjoying an extended summer break, and savouring the World Cup as a fan. He is already feeling the benefits of his prolonged rest, radiating freshness after Everton’s first day of pre-season training in Sydney yesterday. “I thought there was an outside chance I might get into the final 30 but probably knew I wouldn’t make the final 23 because of my injury; as it was the manager phoned me and said I hadn’t made it at all, so there wasn’t much I could do", he said. “Hindsight is an easy thing to play with. I’m sure there are a lot of world beaters who commentate on games and say they’d have done this or that. I can see why he took Ledley King after he had a fantastic season, and I don’t think he even played that badly but unfortunately there was always going to be a risk. “With taking Jamie Carragher, first and foremost it was more cover for right-back without too many other options and I don’t think he did badly either. “Rio was a big loss. Not only because he was captain but the partnership he had with John Terry as well. Unfortunately it didn’t happen. They say you keep learning until you retire in football, so hopefully the players will take what happened out there and use the experience going into the European championships. “I just enjoyed spending some time with the family and the long break. Now mentally I feel so refreshed, and I’m looking forward to a strong start to the season. “Even if I had made the squad, the fact of the matter is that my game time would have been limited, and it’s a long way to travel and be away from home for probably not a lot of football.” As the nation continues to sift through the ashes of England’s demise, Jagielka has some sympathy with the players who complained of an overly strict regime in the Three Lions Camp.
“It’s hard. When Mr Capello came along he did change things around and it became a bit more restrictive, but nobody was arguing when they won eight or nine straight games in qualifying,” he says. “ “I don’t really know because I wasn’t there, but maybe when it got to a tournament where you are away from home for a lot longer – and away before it began as well, maybe the harshness of the camp went on for a bit too long.” But while the former Sheffield United player did not sit scowling in front of the television during England matches, he did struggle to adapt to being a supporter.
“The whole nation goes berserk,” he says. “You see flags everywhere and everyone is so geared up. If we actually managed to win a major tournament I think the nation would shut down for three weeks. But then as soon as we start to lose it’s suddenly so negative, I guess maybe it’s because we’re so football crazy as a nation. “I found it hard watching it. I went with my friends into the pub to try and get the atmosphere and it was awkward because people start asking your opinions and you can hear comments getting thrown at players. “I found myself watching the games at home with my missus in the end. Everyone has their opinions, but you hear some of them and some just don’t like certain players. “It’s hard to think that if I ever got the opportunity to play for England again it might be me getting that abuse. “We’re just totally into it as a nation. You’ve got to expect that. There are people that purely buzz off being able to hammer a player and get one up on them. “With the Slovenia game I was delighted to get a win. I was watching it in a golf club but as soon as someone had a bad shot or wayward pass the comments started. Maybe that negativity needs addressing as well.
“Look at the USA. It’s all positive. I’m sure the Germans aren’t as negative as us either. “It feels like every England game is a derby match. Any sense goes out of the window and you go beyond normal thinking. As a nation we become one team and every game is then like a derby. It’s why people pay good money to watch football I guess, but it’s not ideal.” The immediate future for Jagielka is the three-game tour Down Under, an event he insists which is brimming with positivity. Everton have already started making big headlines in Australia, fuelled largely by the homeland popularity of Tim Cahill. “Tim is a major player in that,” he says. “He gets around. Switch on the TV here and he’s on all the time. It’s a fairly new football nation and Tim is leading the way. It’s nice to be here and have their main player on our books.
“The gaffer told us there would be media interest here and it was quite strange. When we go to the US there isn’t usually that much interest. Maybe a quick interview after the game, but here we’re doing stuff every day. “If we can get a hardcore of supporters here we can benefit financially and hopefully get a few future players out of it.”
The first day of training, which took place on the sports pitches of a local grammar school in unseasonal warmth, offered the chance for Jagielka to watch new recruits Jermaine Beckford, Joao Silva and Maguye Gueye in action for the first time. “Becks has fitted in straight away and the others seem polite, nice, funny young lads,” he says. “It’s funny how much English they understand, and we’re an easy bunch to get along with. “If you’re a sound guy you’ll get along okay. It’s not the type of squad where someone will say, you can’t sit here I’m saving a seat for someone. I found it easy to settle and I’m sure the new boys will too. “It’s nice to see the boys again after my break. “Everyone’s in good spirits, even a bit giddy and we’re looking forward to getting going. It’s the strongest squad for pre-season we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
Leon Osman today vowed to convert a generation of Australian youngsters into Evertonians with top-class football
Jul 5 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar 300
LEON Osman today vowed to convert a generation of Australian youngsters into Evertonians by providing top-class football during the club’s tour down under.
The midfielder hopes that the Toffee’s high-profile tour of Australia will help persuade the nation’s enthusiastic young football following to back the Blues as their European heroes. Osman and his team-mates take on Sydney FC in the opening game of the tour next weekend, and the impact of Tim Cahill has not been lost on his fellow Everton stars. He said: “I knew Tim was big out here but the intensity is crazy. He’s on billboards and adverts, it’s really big. I expect it’s mad for him, he says he can’t go out anywhere over here so that must be difficult. “Hopefully though all the fans come to watch Timmy Cahill and go home Evertonians. We want to put on a good performance and hook a lot of young fans.” The touring party have already been encouraged by the sight of ordinary Australians wearing Everton shirts, and Osman is excited about taking on the best of the A-League, starting next Saturday. He said: “Their league is improving, and the Aussie national team has improved a lot so the league teams must also have improved, and just one week into our pre-season – they will be a challenge. Three games in a week will be a big test.” Osman is determined to savour the experience of playing foreign teams in pre-season, with the Bundesliga’s Wolfsburg also in store, but admits he will miss the regular buzz of European football in the forthcoming campaign. He said: “We will miss Europa league footy. The last two years we’ve enjoyed playing in Europe so it will be disappointing when we see other teams playing there instead of us. But you have to take the positives, and the fact you don’t have the Europa league means you can concentrate on the league and the domestic cups.” Meanwhile, a deal has been negotiated for Everton to have the first option on signing highly-rated starlet Araz Abdullayev. Abdullayev, a highly rated 18-year-old from Azerbaijan, currently plays for Neftchi Baku in his homeland. But he recently travelled to Merseyside where he underwent a medical, with the Blues agreeing a deal which allows them to sign him during the next two years, subject to a work permit. The skilful midfielder made his full international debut aged just 16 but is best known for a spectacular goal he scored against Scotland Under-21s in March. His first professional game was on October 5, 2008 and he was playing for the full national team just six days later. He remains Azerbaijan’s youngest ever international, and signals David Moyes’ emphasis on youth recruitment this summer following the capture of Joao Silva and Magyue Gueye.
Cahill ready to put on a show
ADRIAN WARREN July 5, 2010 (The Age Tabloid) (Australia paper)
Everton coach David Moyes has hinted he will release Australia midfielder Tim Cahill for next year's Asian Cup finals and predicts his dynamo can make it to a third World Cup. Cahill is part of an Everton squad playing three pre-season matches in Australia' starting with a fixture against A-League champions Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium on Saturday. While Cahill's short term goal is playing for Everton, the Socceroos will be back in action in the three-week Asian Cup finals in Qatar next January. Asked if Cahill would be available to Australia for the tournament running from January 7-29, the English club boss said: "If it comes in under the FIfA regulations we always abide by the FIFA regulations." It is believed the tournament does enjoy FIFA patronage and falls at a similar time of the year as the 2010 African Cup of Nations during which top English clubs like Chelsea lost a number of star players. Cahill was non-committal about the Asian Cup, but stressed he enjoyed a great relationship with Moyes. "It's all about being sensible and I'm lucky that I've got the right people around me to talk to and assess that situation when it comes to it," Cahill said Moyes, who described Cahill's red card against Germany as a "terrible decision", believed the Australian would still be strong enough at 33 to play at the 2014 World Cup, if Australia qualifies. "I think Tim is fit enough to see another World Cup as well, I think he'll be strong enough and be able to go for another one," Moyes said. Everton's first trip to Australia in over 20 years has given Moyes and his players a greater appreciation of Cahill's efforts to represent the Liverpool club and country. "We have to say how much we admire Tim because we've all travelled out here from England if you see our players they are all still in their beds, a little bit jet-lagged," Moyes said. "For Tim to travel out here and then return to play in the Premier League is an incredibly hard thing to do, and that should never be underestimated, how difficult that is. Cahill has brushed off suggestions of potential burnout despite having just a brief break. He will line up on Saturday just 17 days after Australia's last World Cup game. "I think I'm lucky the gaffer (Moyes) is not putting me through my paces too much, this is my country and I want to represent my country as (much as) possible as I can. "There's a program in place for me that I'm not getting flogged and they are very sensitive to me and I just need my time, so I am getting my break and getting my right time."
Everton FC get first refusal on Azerbaijan midfielder Araz Abdullayev
Jul 5 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
Araz Abdullayev
EVERTON have negotiated a deal that grants the club first refusal on Azerbaijan midfielder Araz Abdullayev. The highly-rated 18-year-old has attracted the attention of David Moyes who has now moved to put the exclusive deal in place that will allow Abdullayev to switch from hometown club Neftchi Baku to Goodison Park any time in the next two years, subject to a work permit being awarded. Abdullayev made history in Azerbaijan when he became the country’s youngest ever senior international aged just 16 in October 2008. He recently underwent a medical on Merseyside and Everton will now monitor his progress closely before deciding whether to exercise their right to invite Abdullayev to join the club on a permanent basis. Everton have already signed four players so far this summer. Strikers Jermaine Beckford, Magaye Gueye and Joao Silva will all be put through their paces on the pre-season tour of Australia. Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha is the only one of the quartet not to have travelled Down Under due to his exertions at the World Cup in South Africa. Assistant manager Steve Round will get a first opportunity to work with the attacking trio this week but is urging patience as they continue their development at Everton.
“It’s early but we have done our research on the players and we know what they are going to be capable of,” he said. “Jermaine is a bit more experienced but the other lads are young and it will take them a while to break through, but we hope eventually they will do. “They have settled in well and they will enjoy the tour.” Round also revealed provisions put in place to help the players deal with the effects of jetlag. The squad touched down in Australia on Friday where they are set to undertake a three-week tour and play against A-League teams Sydney FC, Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar.
A gruelling 24-hour trip was punctuated by a brief transfer in Dubai, but Round has explained how the club had sought advice from rugby and cricket teams who are more used to travelling down under to face teams from Australia and New Zealand.
“We did a lot of research, and spoke to a lot of organisations who come here on a regular basis, the rugby people and the cricketers,” he said. “We have tried to put into action a plan that will limit the jetlag as much as possible. “They will have jetlag, there’s no doubt, but if we can keep it to a minimum we will be fine by the middle of the week.”
Canaries sign keeper
05/07/2010 Norwich Evening News
Norwich City have signed goalkeeper John Ruddy from Everton on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Ruddy, born in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, came through the youth ranks at Cambridge United, where he made 43 appearances in all competitions after making his debut as an 18-year-old in the 1-0 away win over Leyton Orient in May 2004. The 23-year-old joined Everton in the summer of 2005 for a fee of £250,000 and benefited from loan spells at Walsall, Rushden & Diamonds, Chester City, Stockport County, Wrexham and Bristol City, making a further 43 appearances.
His Everton debut came in February 2006, after 'keeper Iain Turner - deputising due to injuries to Richard Wright and Nigel Martyn - was sent off in the ninth minute for handball outside his area against Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park. Ruddy replaced James McFadden and went on to keep a clean sheet as they beat Rovers 1-0. The 6ft 4in stopper spent the end of the 2008-09 season on loan at Crewe Alexandra and made 19 appearances in League One. Last season Ruddy was on loan at Scottish Premier League side Motherwell, who finished fifth. He made 37 appearances there, including the goalless draws against both Celtic and Rangers.
Phil Jagielka praises Tim Cahill
July 6 2010
Heraraldsun (Astralia newspaper)
EVERTON defender Phil Jagielka says Australians should be proud of superstar midfielder Tim Cahill.
Jagielka is part of the Everton side which is in Australia for pre-season friendly games against Sydney FC, Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar. The central defender said Socceroos midfielder Cahill, who cut short his off-season break following the World Cup to play for Everton, was a hugely important to the English Premier League club, both on and off the field. "Timmy has been a big player for us for the last three or four years,"" Jagielka said in Sydney today. "He pops up, the right person a t the right time, for very important goals. "But it's not only his performances on the pitch, it's off the pitch. "He's a great lad to have around the changing room and he'll do anything for you "If you need anything he's the first person you'll go and speak to, so as a nation you should be proud of Timmy C and we are to have him playing for us.''
Jagielka said he was proud as punch of all six of Everton's World Cup representatives, although only Dutch defender John Heitinga was still involved in the competition. "Timmy Cahill was obviously a bit unfortunate, what a ridiculous sending off (against Germany),'' Jagielka said. "But I think he showed what he is about, his mental strength and character What a goal he scored against Serbia.''
Jagielka, who has three caps for England, was measured in his reaction to his own country's performance in South Africa, where they were thrashed 4-1 by Germany in the round of 16. But he backed embattled coach Fabio Capello to restore the slumbering soccer giant's fortunes. "We've got some fantastic players, it might just be a case of Mr Capello taking a little bit more time finding the exact team and the exact squad that he wants,'' Jagielka said. "He's not been in the job that long.
I think obviously with the fantastic qualifying campaign we had we set our standards really really high, but unfortunately didn't meet them. "I've no doubts with the qualification for the (2012) European championships, Mr Capello will get them all right again and the nation will be excited once more in a couple of years.''
Italian Capello has pointed out only about 38 per cent of players in the Premier League are English and Jagielka's fellow Englishman and Everton teammate, Leon Osman, admitted it was getting tougher for local players to make the grade.
"I'd probably say it's getting more difficult each year, the influx of foreign players is massive,'' Osman said. "You really have to be determined and practice your technique as often as you can and if you keep on doing that hopefully your ability will come to the forefront.'' Jagielka played several years in the second-tier Championship before finally getting his chance at the big time with Everton. "If you're good enough you are still going to come through,'' he said. "It's just maybe the ones that are a little bit late developers are maybe going to have take one step back and come back maybe a year or two later.''
Greg's Down Under Diary - computer games save Leighton Baines from
Jul 6 2010
EVEN in glamorous and exotic locations like Sydney, pre-season camps can occasionally become monotonous for footballers. The constant cycle of training, eating, and trying to fill down-time in a foreign country represents a challenge to even the most adept at staving off boredom. I asked Everton’s resident muso Leighton Baines about how he keeps himself from going stir crazy. Still beating the lingering effects of jet-lag, Bainsey said the most effective way is to play Fifa on the playstation with Phil Jagielka. “Computer games is definitely a popular way,” he said. “I keep waking up at mad times at the moment and Jags will text me asking if I’m up and want to play Fifa. I think he just sends out blanket texts to all the lads. “Being around the boys is a good way to stop boredom, being on your own gets dull quickly. Apart from that it’s listening to my Ipod. “I’m not really listening to much new stuff at the moment. I’ve been listening to a lot of Bob Dylan. And I’ve had a rebirth on the Beatles and John Lennon because I was in Vegas on holiday and I saw the Beatles show which was amazing. It’s called Love and it inspired me to dig out all their stuff.
“Apart from that I whack it on shuffle and something like Kings of Leon might come up. The newsest stuff on my Ipod is the last Gorillaz album. I liked the recent Vampire Weekend album ‘Contra’ too. “I caught a glimpse of them on TV playing at Glastonbury and they looked really good. I’d have loved to have gone but I only got back from holiday the day before and I was wiped out. By the time I’d driven back from London there was no way I could have driven straight back down there and gone camping. “I suppose other than playstation and music the training keeps us busy. That and kipping!”
Sky pick Liverpool FC and Everton FC matches for televised Premiership games
Jul 6 2010 By David Prentice
LIVERPOOL will kick-off the 2010/11 season on Sunday, August 15 after Sky selected Roy Hodgson’s first match in charge against Arsenal for live screening.
The Reds second match of the season at Manchester City has also been selected for Monday night coverage. Everton also get early exposure with their trip to Villa Park on the third weekend of the season put back to Sunday, August 29.
The switches mean Liverpool have just two Saturday, 3pm kick-offs in August and September, both at Anfield against West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland.
The month of November will see no 3pm kick-offs on a Saturday for Roy Hodgson’s side. Sky Sports will show 115 live Premier League fixtures this season and have confirmed the first 44 games to be covered up until the end of November.
The season starts with Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, live on Sky Sports HD2 on Saturday August 14. The first Ford Super Sunday of the season will be Liverpool v Arsenal, live on Sky Sports HD1, followed by the return of Ford Monday Night Football between Manchester United and Newcastle United on Sky Sports HD1 on August 16.
SKY FIXTURES
AUGUST
Saturday 14: Tottenham v Man City (12.45pm); Sunday 15: Liverpool v Arsenal (4pm); Monday 16: Man Utd v Newcastle (8pm); Saturday 21: Wigan v Chelsea (5.15pm); Sunday 22: Fulham v Man Utd (4pm); Monday 23: Man City v Liverpool (8pm); Saturday 28: Blackburn v Arsenal (12.45pm); Sunday 29: Bolton v Birmingham (1.30pm), Aston Villa v Everton (4pm).
SEPTEMBER
Sunday 12: Everton v Man Utd (1.30pm); Birmingham v Liverpool (4pm); Monday 13: Stoke City v Aston Villa (8pm); Saturday 18: Stoke City v West Ham (12.45pm); Sunday 19: Man Utd v Liverpool (1.30pm), Chelsea v Blackpool (4pm); Saturday 25: Man City v Chelsea (12.45pm); Sunday 26: Wolves v Aston Villa (2pm); Newcastle v Stoke City (4.10pm).
OCTOBER
Sunday 3: Chelsea v Arsenal (4pm); Monday 4: Wigan v Wolves (8pm); Sunday 17: Everton v Liverpool (1.30pm); Blackpool v Man City (4pm); Monday 18: Blackburn v Sunderland (8pm); Saturday 23: Tottenham v Everton (12.45pm); West Ham v Newcastle (5.30pm); Sunday 24: Stoke City v Man Utd (1.30pm); Man City v Arsenal (4pm); Sunday 31: Bolton v Liverpool (1.30pm), Newcastle v Sunderland (4pm)
NOVEMBER
Monday 1 : Blackpool v West Brom (8pm); Saturday 6: Bolton v Tottenham (12.45pm); Sunday 7: Arsenal v Newcastle (1.30pm), Liverpool v Chelsea (4pm); Tuesday 9: West Ham v West Brom (8pm); Wednesday 10: Man City v Man Utd (8pm); Saturday 13: Aston Villa v Man Utd (12.45pm); Sunday 14: Everton v Arsenal (2pm), Chelsea v Sunderland (4.10pm); Sunday 21: Arsenal v Tottenham (1.30pm), Fulham v Man City (4pm); Monday 22: Sunderland v Everton (8pm); Saturday 27: Aston Villa v Arsenal (12.45pm); Sunday 28: Newcastle v Chelsea (1.30pm), Tottenham v Liverpool (4pm).
ESPN FIXTURES
August
Saturday 14th Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion 5:30pm
Sunday 22nd Newcastle United v Aston Villa 1:30pm
Saturday 28th Manchester United v West Ham United 5:30pm
September
Saturday 18th Sunderland v Arsenal 5:30pm
Saturday 25th Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United 5:30pm
October
Sunday 3rd Manchester City v Newcastle United 1:30pm
Saturday 16th Aston Villa v Chelsea 5:30pm
Saturday 30th Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur 5:30pm
November
Saturday 13th Stoke City v Liverpool 5:30pm
Saturday 20th Liverpool v West Ham United 5:30pm
David Moyes challenges Everton FC squad to hit ground running in Sydney FC match
July 6 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES has challenged his touring Everton squad to hit the ground running this weekend. The Blues will play their first pre-season friendly on Saturday morning against Sydney FC, barely a week after the players returned to training.
And Moyes admits that the rapid scheduling of the fixture is not ideal.
Adding to the pressure, the opening friendly of the tour is against the toughest opposition the Blues will face Down Under and the match will be televised live by satellite TV channel ESPN (kick-off 10.30am GMT). Moyes admitted: “Normally I would train the boys a lot longer before we start but this has been pushed in a bit quicker so we’re doing what we can to be ready for the games. “I’m not sure what condition or form we’ll be in but the key for us is to use these games to get ready for the Premier League. “When people come to see you they want to see you hit the ground running. But you must remember that we only started training last Thursday and we’ve done a little bit over here.” Moyes added, however, that the trip had already been beneficial for the three new players who are with the travelling party. Jermaine Beckford, Magaye Gueye and Joao Silva are with the squad for the first time following their summer signings and Moyes added: “They’ll get to see the spirit amongst the lads, which they’ll have already seen because they’ve all settled in well.
“Don’t forget that two of them are young boys and they’ll be given time.
“Jermaine’s different because he’s older and we’ll see how he goes but the other two shouldn’t be considered as starters for the first team just yet.” Everton’s reserve ‘keeper John Ruddy, meanwhile, has signed a three-year deal with Norwich City after the clubs agreed an undisclosed transfer fee. The 23-year-old started his career at Cambridge United, playing 41 times, before joining the Toffees for £250,000 in 2005.
Ruddy has featured on loan at eight different clubs, spending the whole of last season at Motherwell. His only Premier League appearance came during Everton’s dramatic 1-0 win over Blackburn with 10 men in February 2006, replacing Iain Turner who was sent off in the ninth minute.
Greg's Down Under Diary - Tim Cahill is still centre of attention
Jul 6 2010 By Greg O'Keeffe
MIKEL Arteta is no wall-flower – but the gifted Spaniard certainly never craves publicity. It’s just as well, because the man Evertonians love to love was largely unnoticed during a press conference at Sydney’s ANZ stadium yesterday.
The reason was the man sitting to his far left – Tim Cahill. The Crown Prince of Aussie football is the main attraction and questions for Arteta were something of an after-thought. David Moyes did his best to impress upon the local journalists that they were in the company of footballing genius. This is a man, he insisted, who has missed out by the narrowest margin on going to the World Cup with Spain.
A group of schoolboys from Marconi FC, one of Sydney’s oldest footy clubs, were invited to the conference and will provide half time entertainment on Saturday. Watching them have an impromptu kickabout outside was a pleasure, all talented kids who light up with the ball at their feet. They are staggeringly polite too, greeting Everton’s press team and the ECHO with hand-shakes and pleasantries which belied their age. Bristling with excitement, the boys must wait three long days before playing on the pitch where Australia qualified for the 2006 World Cup, and Cathy Freeman won 400m Olympic Gold. Realising what avid students of the game they were, I encouraged them to watch Arteta on Saturday. "Try and watch his movement and passing," I said. "A lot of people back home believe he is one of the best in the league. Keep your fingers crossed he takes a free kick." Elsewhere, the afternoon session was shuttle sprints at another part of this outstanding Olympic Village. Some of the lads surprised me with their pace. James Vaughan has always been quick, but Sylvain Distin is faster than I thought. Steve Round is in good shape too, and took part in the session himself as the gaffer barked out orders and encouragement from the centre of the track. The skimpy orange vests were out again, and the Toffee’s American fitness coach Steve Tashjian was up to his eyeballs in technology as ever. Today we’ll do some interviews at lunchtime, and then a hardy few may steel themselves to stay up until 4.30am for the Spain versus Germany semi-final. Let’s hope the result brings some comfort for the nearest thing I’ve seen in my lifetime to The Golden Vision.
Everton FC playmaker Mikel Arteta speaks out about his Spanish future
Jul 6 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
MIKEL ARTETA has not found it easy being an armchair Spain supporter during the World Cup. The sublimely gifted midfielder has enjoyed his nation’s progress in South Africa, but cannot help the bittersweet feeling that he could be there having a direct influence upon it. A severe cruciate knee ligament injury wrecked his chances of finally being involved in the Spain squad last year, and he believes he was on the brink of inclusion again before missing the end of Everton’s season with a groin problem. Arteta met the media for the first time since the Blues arrived in Sydney yesterday, and revealed he is finally feeling over his injury problems, and ready to channel the frustrations of missing out on the World Cup into his club football.
Although speculation continues to link Manchester City with a big-money bid for his services, questions about the 28-year-old’s future were ruled off limits.
But the man dubbed the ‘Best Little Spaniard’ Evertonians know, stressed he is focusing solely on Saturday’s friendly with Sydney FC. After that, he added, a strong start to the season is imperative. “It’s been hard for me watching the World Cup. I was so close to getting into the national team before it and I didn’t,” he says. “Even though I respect the terrific players we’ve got it was tough. “I knew Mr Aragones wanted to give me a chance before my injury, and even before the World Cup I was really close. It was just unlucky. I am not ruling myself out for the European Championships. That’s in two years time and I’ll be 30 so that’s the perfect age. I’m going to go for it. “Now I’m feeling fine. I’ve been training here and we’ve been training hard. It’s important to get in shape.” Arteta surprised himself with his successful goalscoring return to the Everton side last season and wants to carry on where he left off. “Obviously when you come back from that type of injury it takes time. “I didn’t expect to get back to the level I did in such a short period of time. I was surprised. “I know how much I struggled to get there because of all the problems. I just want to be fit now and forget about the rest. “It’s too early to talk about targets but we need to be ambitious. “When we have everyone back, the manager is going to sit down and say ‘listen lads this is what I’m expecting.’ ” Evertonians have long relished the prospect of seeing Arteta combine in midfield with Marouane Fellaini, and it is something both men are also looking forward to. “It took Marouane time to find the right position but when he did, he was superb,” says Arteta. “He played some terrific
games and really helped them because of his physical presence and comfort on the ball. He had a really bad injury but I saw him last week and he is doing okay.”
Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell is in the swing at new Fiddlers Ferry course
Jul 6 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
JACK RODWELL has provided a ringing endorsement of the True Fit golf course at Fiddlers Ferry. The Everton and England Under-21 midfielder was guest of honour at the official opening of the 18-hole course and driving range in Cuerdley, signalling the completion of seven painstaking years of planning and construction. The first nine holes of the par 70 course opened three years ago, but severe weather conditions and contractor issues delayed completion of the 120-acre site until last month.
With the finishing touches now applied to the 6,491-yard designed course, Rodwell was only too happy to oblige an invitation to cut the ribbon. “I’m impressed with the facilities here, they’re brilliant,” said Rodwell, who was linked up to a Max Out system to gauge his swing and dimensions. “I teed off from the first and it went all right. It’s a nice course. “True Fit have offered to custom make my clubs so hopefully that will improve my game a lot. It needs it! “I hope to come back and get a few games here. “Hopefully during pre-season some time. It would be good to get a few more games of golf under my belt.” The Fiddlers Ferry course represents the realisation of the dream of owners Mark and Elaine Overton. With a hefty £1.5million investment in the project it is no surprise when Director of Golf, Darren Chapman, explains that a few tears have been shed along the way. “Between the wet summers and then snow in January, plus the dry spell we’ve had recently, the elements have often been against us,” said Chapman. “There have been highs and lows, plus tears from the owners at times. It’s been a battle but we’ve got there in the end. We must have spent in excess of £1.5million to construct the course. We’ve got 18 USGA greens, 18 USGA tees, all the machinery costs, irrigation. It’s a big project.”
The ethos at Fiddlers Ferry is for the course to offer pay and play but with championship standards.
Chapman has also introduced a tiered version of membership at the club to encourage all levels of usage of the course. “We think there’s a massive gap in the market where you can offer a great product with good greens and tees at pay and play prices,” he said. “I was previously at St Michaels course in Widnes that closed down five years ago. “We’d get in excess of 35,000 rounds a year there. If we get anything close to that here we’ll be delighted. “We’ve seen the footfall increase at a nice, steady rate and the feedback’s been fantastic. We think we’ve got something a little bit unique here.” Chapman was delighted to welcome rising star Rodwell to the course and revealed he is not the first Premier League footballer to tee off there. “We’ve had a few of the Liverpool players down too,” he said. “Daniel Agger has been down a few times, plus Jermaine Pennant used to come over when he was still at the club. We had Robbie Fowler on the driving range and John Arne Riise used to come down and use the range too.”
Jermaine Beckford can’t wait for Everton FC v Liverpool FC derby
July 6 2010 by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
JERMAINE BECKFORD admits he cannot wait to feel the frenzied passion of a Merseyside derby. The summer signing from Leeds United is preparing for the new Premier League season with Everton in Australia this week but is already longing for his home debut. Twenty-six-year-old Beckford has sampled the Goodison Park atmosphere before but is now champing at the bit to be in the Royal Blue shirt – particularly when facing Liverpool. Refusing to set himself any goalscoring targets for the 2009/10 campaign, Beckford was in buoyant mood despite the gruelling pre-season training regime manager David Moyes was putting the squad through.
Beckford said: “I am looking forward to every single game, all the boys have been saying that the derbies are special. I am looking forward to hopefully playing and sampling the atmosphere because I’ve heard it’s electric. “It’s (Goodison) amazing. I’ve been there once a couple of years ago for a game and the atmosphere was special. I can’t wait to play there. “It is a club I feel I can learn a lot from and I hope I will be able to bring something different to the team. “I’m not setting any real targets at the moment, I’m just looking forward to trying to establish myself here. “There has only been one session with the ball so far. We’ve done a lot of running but that is what you expect at this time of the pre-season. “But everybody has been very welcoming and I’ve had a great time in the few days I have had so far and I can’t wait to get started properly.” Meanwhile, goalkeeper John Ruddy has left the club to join forces with Championship side Norwich City. Signed by Moyes in 2005, Ruddy made one first team appearance for Everton in 2006 when replacing the dismissed Iain Turner against Blackburn. Moyes’ men clung on for a 1-0 victory. Penning a three-year-deal with the Carrow Road side, Ruddy could face the Goodison men in a pre-season friendly on July 31. Last season, Ruddy played a major role in Motherwell securing a top five Scottish Premier League as the 23-year-old spent a season-long loan at Fir Park.
Moyes has admitted Everton’s three friendlies Down Under have come sooner than he would have liked. The side’s first pre-season match of the tour arrives on Saturday when Everton take on Sydney FC before next Wednesday’s test against Melbourne Heart and then Brisbane Roar on July 17. Naturally the manager is looking forward to the clashes but has voiced concerns the fixtures are a little premature. “Normally I would train the boys a lot longer before we start but this has been pushed in a bit quicker so we’re doing what we can to be ready for the games,” he said.
“I’m not sure what condition or form we’ll be in but the key for us is to use these games to get ready for the Premier League. “When people come to see you they want to see you hit the ground running. But you must remember that we only started training last Thursday and we’ve done a little bit over here.”
Dirk Kuyt and Johnny Heitinga reach World Cup final with Holland
Jul 7 2010 Liverpool Daily Post
THERE was double Dutch pride for Merseyside last night as Dirk Kuyt and Johnny Heitinga helped Holland reach the World Cup final. Bert Van Marwijk’s side beat Uruguay 3-2 in Cape Town to book their place in Sunday’s Johannesburg showpiece.
Holland will face either Spain or Germany who play the second semi-final in Durban tonight. Everton’s Heitinga and Liverpool’s Kuyt both played for the full 90 minutes. Reds winger Ryan Babel was on the bench. Heitinga and Kuyt have figured in each of Holland’s six games in South Africa. Should they play in the Soccer City decider this weekend it will be the first time since 1966 that both Everton and Liverpool have been represented in a World Cup final. Forty four years ago it was Everton’s Ray Wilson and Liverpool’s Roger Hunt who helped England to a famous 4-2 win over West Germany at Wembley.
Everton's Sylvain Distin expresses his disappointment over France’s World Cup campaign
Jul 7 2010 Liverpool Daily Post
SYLVAIN DISTIN has spoken of his dismay at France’s disastrous World Cup campaign. The Everton defender could only sit and watch as Les Bleus imploded in South Africa. Two defeats and a draw saw the 1998 world champions finish bottom of Group A having scored just a solitary goal. Talk of unrest in the French camp then came to a head when Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home early for reportedly abusing manager Raymond Domenech. The squad then refused to train in protest at Anelka’s expulsion before captain Patrice Evra had a bust-up with fitness coach Robert Duverne. French Football Federation managing director Jean-Louis Valentin subsequently quit his post citing his ‘disgust’. “It is a shame,” said Distin.
“I didn’t expect France to win the World Cup but I didn’t expect what happened either. “I don’t think anyone will ever know what happened except the players and staff who were there. At the moment it is a big mix of feelings and no-one really understands what happened. “When they took the decision not to do the training session I don’t think they realised what was going to happen after. When they realised it was too late.” Distin also suggested that France lacked a leader to step in and help prevent the situation spiral out of control. He said: “I think if they had a player, like Patrick Vieira for example, he might be a player who said ‘think about this first, it’s not going to change anything’ - and it didn’t. “But I can’t judge because I wasn’t there. Maybe there is also stuff that we don’t know about that caused them to take the decision.” Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta is determined not to let his personal World Cup disappointment hinder his international ambitions. The Spanish midfielder has been consistently overlooked by his country and again missed out on Vicente Del Bosque’s squad that has made it to an historical semi-final where they face Germany in Durban tonight. Nonetheless, the Everton playmaker has not given up hope of one day being capped and has set his sights on the 2012 European Championships in Poland and Ukraine. “It’s been hard for me watching the World Cup,” said Arteta, who is on Everton’s pre-season tour of Australia. “I was so close to getting into the national team before it and I didn’t. Even though I respect the terrific players we’ve got it was tough. “I am not ruling myself out for the European Championships.”
Sylvain Distin feels so at home with Everton FC – his ‘best ever club’
Jul 7 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
SYLVAIN DISTIN has built a fine reputation as a reliable, top-class centre half in England – albeit one who tends to get itchy feet after a while with each club.
The 32-year-old defender has played for five sides, including Paris St Germain, Newcastle United and Manchester City. He even lifted the FA Cup during a happy spell on the South coast with Portsmouth. But now the amiable Frenchman finally feels like ending his wandering days at Everton. The towering and athletic defensive lynchpin joined Everton in August 2009 as a replacement for Joleon Lescott. He made his debut in a 2–1 victory over Wigan Athletic, and scored his first goal for the Toffees the following month during a Europa League clash with AEK Athens.
But despite a mixed start to his Everton career, Distin has flourished and believes he has found his footballing home at Goodison Park. “It makes my other clubs look bad to say I have found my roots now because I’ve only played one year here.
“But I’ve learned so much and altogether it’s the best club I’ve been to. That’s a big thing to say because I’ve been to some great clubs. “Newcastle was my first club in England and I can’t forget that. It had a great atmosphere and great fan-base. I had great players around me, and for me to go there and play every day with men like Alan Shearer, it was like ‘wow!’ “I remember I even went to him and told him one year I was watching him on TV and now I was playing alongside him. He was a really great guy, composed and calm. “City is the club I was at the longest and I had a lot of ups and downs. I have a lot of love for them, and at Portsmouth I won the FA Cup and then everything went downhill very quickly. “I enjoy going back there. But I feel like Everton is the club which has suited me the best. It’s a family club. I need that and love that. “Everyone thinks the same way and everyone works hard.” It is that quota of hard work, demanded by his perfectionist manager, that has given Distin a new outlook on his lifestyle as a professional footballer. It is only day three of Everton’s pre-season training camp in Sydney, and already the players are being asked to push themselves hard. “It is totally different here. I worked hard at other clubs but this is something different. It’s another step,” he says. “It’s about mental toughness and the manager’s personality and getting us used to pressure and the maximum of our limits.
“By doing that, and people might not like this, but for the first time I’m not ashamed about playing football and earning the money we earn. I feel like, today, that I deserve it. “I feel completely relaxed about it and I do not hide it, whereas before I would apologise for it. Right now, I have no problem. I earn what I earn and I can challenge anybody to come and try it. It’s tough. “I can learn mentally here – not necessarily football technique wise. It’s the way you can focus on your own job. “My first few months at Everton were difficult physically because I wasn’t used to that intensity.
“I struggled a bit and on the Friday I didn’t feel fresh for the Saturday game and I sometimes wondered how I was going to get through that. “But then I got injured and when I came back I felt like I came back stronger. I had a second wind.
“I feel like I am playing better now. I don’t know what it looks like to the outside world but I feel that. “Everyone has a job to do and you stick to that. It works. You have less to do and the less you do, means you can do it better.” As he bedded in at Goodison, Distin admits there were times when he got crossed-wires with central defensive partner Phil Jagielka on the pitch. “There was one game I recall. I played with three or four centre halves last season and some you need a lot of talking with and others you don’t because there’s just chemistry and an understanding.
“Me and Jags didn’t need to talk too much. But I remember one game the ball bounced between us and it went towards the keeper. I think he said something to me like “Get it home” or “Kick it home”, and I was ready to do something. But then I thought “what does he mean?” The three of us were stopping in the middle but Tim got the ball in the end so it was OK. “I said to Jags, ‘What did you mean my friend? I don’t get it.’ It was a fun moment and we laughed about it for two or three minutes during the game. “I’ve been in England for quite a while but it was the kind of phrase I didn’t understand.” Distin is being modest about his English though. In fact, it is fluent and he has already taken new £1m signing from Strasbourg, 20-year-old Magaye Gueye under his wing. “He is doing well,” he says. “He is going to learn quickly because he is trying. I can see him sometimes with the English guys and I’m on the side and he is still trying to speak. “He comes and asks me questions and it reminds me of when I arrived in England. I can’t just leave him on his own, that’s not my personality. “I don’t protect him because he doesn’t need that but I help him settle in and feel part of the team. “Everything is new. He never flew first class before we came to Australia. He was in France playing in a lower division and at the moment he has to contend with the language barrier and the level of training which is totally different. “What I have seen football-wise, he has got the talent so if he keeps his feet on the ground he can do well.” As a French footballer, Distin is already resigned to having to field a token question about his country’s self-destruction at the World Cup. The questions rankle, especially as Distin has been unfairly overlooked by Les Bleus for most of his career. But with the national team in such a shambles, would anyone even want to represent them anyway? “You always want to play for your country and I’d be really proud to play for France,” he says. “But there was a time two years ago when they picked two teams. An A team and a B team. Nearly 60 players, and I wasn’t on that list. “So from that day I just didn’t expect it to happen. I had just had a great season with Portsmouth and I’d been injury free so what more could I do?
“From that time I realised there was no point waiting on it. Now I have a completely different feeling. I feel good where I am and I’m enjoying it. “When I think about it I’m happy with the career I’ve had and I’ve done that without international football. If it comes great, I’ll take it gladly – but if it doesn’t I’m not going to let it bother me too much. “The only thing I’ll have is the question why? That’s the only little thing that bothers me. If they said ‘We don’t pick you because of this,’ then at least I’d know. But they have never talked to me or explained anything. “On the whole though I’m cool. I’m happy.”
Fans’ forum: Everton FC
Jul 7 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
WHILE it is admirable Jack Rodwell wants to be considered for an England call-up, he fundamentally needs to establish himself as a first-team regular with Everton Football Club. He undoubtedly has the potential to reach that level, but at present he is a long way from achieving this goal. Sadly, the rumours surrounding Mikel Arteta are inauspicious with the miasma of Eastlands encroaching Goodison yet again.
If Arteta sees his future away from Goodison, then David Moyes needs to be totally pragmatic and sell quickly and for as much money he can get, and appropriate this fund to bring in young and up-and-coming players. The Blues do not need another Joleon Lescott saga.
David, Aintree
REGARDING the situation with Steven Pienaar, if he wants to go then we won’t get as much for him now as we would have before the World Cup. He has been as anonymous as he was playing for Borussia Dortmund in Germany. Does this mean that he fits in with our team and especially certain players around him like Leighton Baines, Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini? Has he failed to appreciate that the club and its fans give him 100% support, even through his bad days? If he feels that the grass is greener, then get shut and bring someone in right away before we have another mess up to start our season. David Moyes is apparently looking at other midfielders so maybe he is prepared to cash-in. Pity Pienaar never had a decent World Cup and we would have got a lot more wedge. Meantime, it looks like we've signed another gem for the future in Joao Silva. (Let’s hope he's better than Anderson de Silva!) Stdomingo57
IT would be in all parties’ interests for Steven Pienaar to remain at Everton.
He was player of the season and shouldered the brunt of the creative responsibility for the team when Mikel Arteta was injured. Also Pienaar should note that Everton has also been good to him, and although there is a chance to earn more money at the likes of Spurs and Arsenal, he is unlikely to play week in week out, and could very easily end up in the same situation he was when Everton rescued him from Borussia Dortmund. Everton could not get a better replacement with £7m-£9m.
Mlyness GREAT to read Greg O’Keeffe’s reports in the ECHO of our pre-season trip to Australia. Let’s hope the visit acts as a great team-building exercise for the lads ahead of the new season now just a few weeks away. ParkEnder
Leighton Baines pleads with Steven Pienaar to stay at Everton FC
Jul 7 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
LEIGHTON BAINES today admitted he has been on a summer mission to persuade team-mate Steven Pienaar to remain at Everton. The Toffees defender has formed a successful partnership with Pienaar on Everton’s left flank, and believes the skilful South African is the perfect player to link-up with on the pitch. Pienaar, 28, has been frequently linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal this summer, but speculation has lessened since the Bafana Bafana failed to qualify from the group stages on home soil. Now Baines, who narrowly missed out on being at the tournament himself, has revealed that he has been urging Pienaar to sign a new deal at Goodison. Pienaar has already turned down one lucrative new contract offer from the Blues, but there is growing optimism that he could yet stay on Merseyside.
Baines said: “We’ve been texting each other. I’ve got a decent relationship with Steven and he’s been sending me his holiday pictures while I’m here.
“It’s awkward discussing his future with him, because you want to leave him to it. But then at the same time I’m like my mate who is a season ticket holder and asks me what is happening. “I start saying to him “What’s happening? Hurry up and get it sorted”. I’ve tried to get into him a few times about it and he just laughs it off. I am desperate for him to stay.“He is a dream to play with. Not just for me but for all of us. You see how important he was last year to the way we play. I’m so desperate for him to stay and hopefully it will get done soon. “Everyone was thinking if he has a good World Cup it could be harder to keep hold off him. Sometimes the host nation plays a little bit beyond their potential and you think, “If they do well and he does well that could be it”. “I was hoping for him to do well. I have been the same for all our lads and watched all their games. Now I’m confident he will stay because I’m just trying to have a positive mindset about it.” Baines also insisted he has put any lingering disappointment about missing out on a place in Fabio Capello’s England World Cup squad out of his mind. He said: “There’s two ways to look at it. I could say I’m gutted to have missed out but then on the other hand it’s mad to feel like that. If I think back to two or three years ago I wouldn’t have even been thinking about that.
“It might have been once in a lifetime so I might have missed that boat. But I got in because I did well for Everton and I feel like the door isn’t shut. “If I do well enough I’ll be able to get in the squad again. I’ve just got to leave it now and move on. Even the lads who went will be doing the same thing.”
Dan Gosling keen to quit Everton FC
Jul 7 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
DAN GOSLING is ready to leave Everton for nothing after he dragged the club to a Premier League inquiry to prove he is a free agent. The £4m-rated midfielder wants to quit Goodison Park after delaying new contract talks, and is now believed to be considering a move to newly-promoted Newcastle United. Representatives for the England Under-21 star claimed Everton failed to offer him an extension to his initial deal in writing, meaning they could expose a legal loophole. Gosling, who joined from Plymouth Argyle in 2008, has enraged Goodison officials over his conduct during the acrimonious affair, which meant chairman Bill Kenwright and David Moyes had to give statements to the inquiry. The Blues had wanted Gosling to sign a new deal, with a verbal offer believed to have been agreed, but a failure to put that in writing by the mid-May cut-off point meant he could walk out for free if he so chose.
The versatile youngster, who scored the FA Cup replay winner over Liverpool two seasons ago, is thought to have deliberately stalled on a new deal because he wants first team football in his preferred central midfield position. It is understood Everton are aggrieved that Gosling has chosen this way to leave, after the club gave him his break in top-flight football and supported him to the half way point of his cruciate knee ligament rehabilitation. Gosling is clear to speak to any club and negotiate his own terms, which are likely to include a huge signing on fee, but he is still three months off fitness. Sunderland are also rumoured to be interested in his signature, while West Ham have also been alerted about his availability. The scenario is a double blow for David Moyes, who has supported Gosling throughout his Goodison career and recent long term injury woes, and who would at least have been able to use a £4m fee to further his own summer transfer budget.
Socceroo star Tim Cahill returns to junior club
By Phil Jacob
July 7 2010 Daily Telegraph
King of the kids...Socceroos and Everton star Tim Cahill with players from his former club the Marrickville Red Devils. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
HE'S just signed a multi-million-dollar contract with Everton but Tim Cahill remembered his roots when he visited the Marrickville Red Devils yesterday.
As Everton prepared for their encounter with Sydney FC on Saturday, Cahill spent an afternoon with his junior club. I really enjoyed my time here and I just want to show the kids that, like me, they too can fulfil their dreams if they work hard enough," he said. lub president Ron Royston said Cahill was an inspiration at the club.
"His whole family have played with the Devils over the years, his mother, his father and his brothers," he said. "We tell our kids that they, too, can one day be like Tim if they work and train hard enough." Janine Saunders, 17, was thrilled to get some tips from the Socceroo."It's just inspirational to meet someone who has just played at a World Cup." When asked by 12-year-old Ty Johnson whether he would ever play in the A-League, Cahill replied: "There's a massive possibility that I could come back and finish my career in the A-League. "For the time being, I've just signed a new contract with Everton, but who knows after that?"
Ruddy has winning feeling
PADDY DAVITT
07/07/2010 Norwich Evening News
Norwich City's new keeper John Ruddy admitted yesterday it was a 'no brainer' to join the Canaries. The 23-year-old St Ives-bred stopper is relishing the chance to replace players' player-of-the-year Fraser Forster after calling time on his Premiership career with Everton. “As soon as I realised the situation with Fraser it was a no brainer,” said Ruddy. “I made sure my agent was on the case every day because it is a massive club. It might be slightly unfair to say but unless you are from around this area you probably don't realise just how big a set up is here for it to be a Premiership club - and I believe we can achieve that ambition. “You can sense a good feeling still around the place from last season and that was a massive achievement to win the league, especially after what happened at the start of the season. To turn it around and be so consistent means the basis was already there. I think we can achieve anything we want to because the club has brought in some good players, the manager is ambitious and we can get another promotion. Really, it's in our hands.” Ruddy is adamant dropping into the Championship marks a step forward in his career after a string of loan spells culminating in a successful stint at Motherwell. “No, I don't see it as a step down,” he said. “I played a season in the SPL and the worst thing for me would have been to go back to Everton and sit and do nothing. I need to be getting 40, 50 games a season under my belt for the next few years to get that consistency which enables me to be a level I feel I should be at. “Playing every week is a different mentality. I used to go training at Everton and have nothing to work towards because there was no game on a Saturday. I've settled in brilliantly, training has gone well and the lads have made me feel welcome so I can't wait to get the season started. At my age and my time of life I just want to play and there are also family reasons. I have a young son who needs to settle down and start school and nursery so coming from St Ives this was too good an opportunity.”Ruddy bears no grudge towards former Toffees' mentor David Moyes after being restricted to one senior outing at Goodison Park in a five-year spell.
“Maybe at the time he signed me with potential in mind but I wasn't given a chance or perhaps he didn't feel I warranted a chance,” said Ruddy. “That was his decision to make. I know I went in every day and worked 100 per cent and if you ask all the players and Chris Woods the goalkeeping coach they would say the same. Don't get me wrong, it was a fantastic spell. I loved it at Everton and made some great friends but coming here enables me to push on.”
Everton FC unhappy as Dan Gosling set to leave
July 8 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON are fuming that Dan Gosling is set to walk away from Goodison Park for nothing. The Goodison Park outfit insist they had a verbal agreement with the youngster to extend his contract on improved terms. However, it is thought that after becoming aware of interest from other Premier League clubs, the England under-21s international has now rejected a pay deal in the region of £15,000-a-week from Everton and will leave the club as a free agent. Newcastle United, Sunderland and West Ham are leading the chase to snap him up. A Premier League hearing ruled that Gosling was free to leave because Everton failed to put their offer of a new deal in writing before a cut-off point in mid-May. Everton will now lose out on a substantial compensation fee for the £4million rated player. The 21-year-old was set to double his money at Everton but, after initially indicating he saw his future on Merseyside, is thought to have had a change of heart and has now told Everton he wants to leave.
Although Everton claim they had a gentleman’s agreement with Gosling they failed to tie him to the club by official means allowing him to exercise his right to move on.
Gosling joined Everton from Plymouth Argyle two-and-a-half years ago on a three year deal. Everton wanted to hand him a longer contract but players under 20 are not permitted to sign five-year deals. It was alongside the initial three-year deal that a verbal agreement between all parties was said to be put in place that would offer Gosling a two year extension on much improved terms. Since then, Gosling has made a relative impact at first team level as manager David Moyes patiently oversaw his development. Often used from the bench as a wide midfielder or full-back, he scored the winning goal in extra-time against Liverpool in an FA Cup replay the season before last. Gosling scored three goals in 20 appearances last season–- against Hull, West Ham and the second in a 3-1 win over Manchester United.
Everton’s Tim Cahill puts his World Cup woes behind him to concentrate on getting ready for new season
Jul8 8 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
TIM CAHILL is putting his World Cup woes behind him and turning his attention back to Everton. The Australian international has waived his full post-World Cup holiday entitlement so he can turn out for his club on their pre-season tour down under. For Cahill, that is the best way to get a disappointing tournament out of his system in which he was harshly sent off in Australia’s first match that brought a suspension to force him out of the second group game. FIFA then decided his red card was worthy only of a one game ban and Cahill was recalled for the Socceroos’ final group game against Serbia. Cahill scored in a 2-1 win over Serbia but defeat to Germany and a draw against Ghana saw Australia finish third in group D, narrowly missing out on the last 16 by goal difference to the African nation.
It all amounted to a frustrating campaign for Cahill but Everton manager David Moyes believes the 30-year-old can feature for his country at the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014. For now, though, Cahill is thinking only about Everton and preparing for the forthcoming Premier League campaign. “My main focus now is Everton,” he said. “The best thing for me is to concentrate on this pre-season and the big season that follows it. “We put in so much time and effort every year to be as good as we can be. “As long as I stay fit and keep playing consistently that is the most important thing and we will see where we are in four years.” Moyes was critical of Cahill’s dismissal against Germany and hopes to see his talisman in World Cup action again.
“I had seen all my players at the World Cup live except Tim and when I saw the tackle I thought it was a terrible decision to send him off,” said Moyes, who was working as pundit for BBC Radio Five in South Africa. “I think Tim is fit enough and strong enough to see another World Cup. “Hopefully this wasn’t his last one and he will get a chance to play in some more games.” Meanwhile, Leighton Baines has been trying to persuade Steven Pienaar to commit his future to Everton. The South African international has been offered a lucrative new deal to remain at Goodison Park but is yet to agree terms. Pienaar is attracting interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City but Baines is desperate for him to stay on Merseyside. The pair have forged an impressive understanding on the left side of the team and the England full-back has been texting Pienaar, urging him to sort out his future. “We’ve been texting each other,” said Baines. “I’ve got a decent relationship with Steven and he’s been sending me his holiday pictures while I’m here. “It’s awkward discussing his future with him, because you want to leave him to it. But then at the same time I’m like my mate who is a season ticket holder and asks me what is happening. “I start saying to him “What’s happening? Hurry up and get it sorted.” “I’ve tried to get into him a few times about it and he just laughs it off. I am desperate for him to stay. “He is a dream to play with. Not just for me but for all of us. You see how important he was last year to the way we play. I’m so desperate for him to stay and hopefully it will get done soon.”
Dwight Yorke looking forward to facing Everton FC in pre-season match in Sydney
Jul 8 2010 Liverpool Echo
EVERTONIANS watching their side’s first pre-season friendly in Sydney can be forgiven for not recognising many of the opposition line-up. But the beaming grin on one player in sky-blue at least will be unmistakable. Dwight Yorke was a flamboyant goalscorer who earned widespread respect during his Premier League years, and led a high-profile life off the pitch. But he left a good impression Down Under too, after his switch to Sydney FC for the A-League’s inaugural season in 2006. Having a former Manchester United treble-winner on-board helped fill seats and boost this growing sport in Australia, and he subsequently captained Sydney. Although he’s now 38, and played in a midfield role before he retired from the professional game last year after a stint with Sunderland, Yorke is still in good shape. And his presence on the pitch at the ANZ Stadium on Saturday should help, once again, to make the rugby-league loving residents of this city switch their attention to the round ball game – for 90 minutes at least. Yorke has not long landed in Australia from the UK, and has spent most of the last month as a media pundit in South Africa. The newly titled Trinidad & Tobago ambassador for sport was smartly dressed all in black, but admitted he was battling to stay awake with jet-lag. But as he faced the media in the panoramic restaurant of the Star-City Hotel & Casino which gazes out over Sydney’s magnificent skyline, he was all smiles at the prospect of pulling on his boots once again.
“I’m looking forward to playing,” he said. “It’s always exciting to play against a big Premier League team when you’ve retired from the game, and obviously it’ll be good to catch up with some old faces. “I’ve managed to do all right against Everton throughout my career; my record’s not so bad, and it’s a team I’ve always respected.
“As we all know Everton are one of the most established teams in the Premier League and within British football. Their history goes a long way back. It’s nice to have that one more opportunity, and I do mean one more opportunity to have a game against you guys.”Yorke might have played under Alex Ferguson, Graham Taylor and Roy Keane, but he saves special admiration for the man in charge of Saturday’s opponents.
“David Moyes is the second longest serving manager in the Premier League and he’s kept his job,” he said, shaking his head in admiration. “It’s not easy in itself to do that, and he’s done a fabulous job. At one stage he had struggled a bit but what’s he’s doing there. The players he’s recruited and the way he has them playing shows why he is so respected. Players, ex-players and pundits respect him and he deserves the plaudits he gets.” It is not just the manager Yorke looks up to. He is happy to be able to see ex-teammate Phil Neville again. “With Phil what you see is what you get. He wears his heart on his sleeve and gives you everything – he gives whatever he’s got,” Yorke said. “It doesn’t surprise me to hear how popular he is. He’s really well liked among the players and fans and he’s had a great career. “He’s a pleasant person with a lovely family.” As someone who knows all about the improving standard of A-League football, Yorke warned Everton to expect a tough opening game. “Sydney will be very competitive,” he said, before adding with his trademark wide smile. “They were champions this season and will be wholehearted. They will respect Everton but will give their all. Both teams will be very fit and I’ll be the unfit one I’m afraid.
“It will be a good spectacle.” Ex-Premier League star Yorke happy to meet Everton pals
Phil Neville: My FIFA World Cup 2010 dream team
Jul 8 2010 Liverpool Echo
AS we have almost reached the end of the tournament, there is plenty of chatter as to which players have done the best and who would be in your dream team. With a number of the stronger nations flattering to deceive, a few players have sneaked in to various pundits’ selections and the same can be said of my team – see what you think of this line-up, the formation would be 4-3-3. At the back I’ve gone for Tim Howard (USA): Philipp Lahm (Germany), Pet Mertesacker (Ger), Diego Godin (Uruguay), Ashley Cole (England); Tim carried on his great club form while the two full-backs are the best in the world. In midfield, I’m going for Thomas Muller (Ger), Mesut Ozil (Ger) and Wesley Sneijder (Holland); you might wonder who would protect the defence but don’t worry about that – it would create a phenomenal amount of chances.
Then, to covert those opportunities, up front I would have Arjen Robben (Hol), Miroslav Klose (Ger) and Diego Forlan (Uruguay); people might be surprised I have not included Spain’s David Villa but I don’t think those three would be short of goals.
It’s been a funny tournament in that we haven’t seen a glut of spectacular goals or vintage games but it has been absorbing nonetheless; and, as always, a raft of players will come out of it with their reputations well and truly enhanced.
Phil Neville says Johnny Heitinga is living every boy’s dream
Jul 8 2010 Liverpool Echo
RARELY, if ever, do the dreams you harboured in childhood come true in your adult life – particularly when you are a footballer. Let me explain. When you were growing up, if you were anything like me, you would have raced out into the back garden after every major game on television had finished to recreate the action that had just unfolded. The big one, of course, was the World Cup. You would imagine what it would be like to get hold of that famous trophy or score the winning goal but, really, you always knew your involvement in the World Cup final would be solely as a spectator. With that in mind, then, I can’t even begin to imagine what Johnny Heitinga is feeling at this moment in time; all I can say is that every single person at Everton Football Club would want to be in his shoes on Sunday evening. Quite simply, it will never get any bigger or better for Johnny; the World Cup final is the pinnacle for a footballer and you have to salute what is an astonishing achievement.
Yes, he is playing in a good team – Holland have impressed me more and more the longer the tournament has gone on – but you don’t just get to feature in a World Cup final if you are a good player. You have got to have the right attitude and the right mental strength and, happily, Johnny has both those qualities in abundance; you have to remember that when he signed for Everton, there was a question as to whether he could do ‘it’ in England. We all knew that he had talent – he had come through the ranks, remember, at Ajax – and he had done well for Atletico Madrid but I know some people were wondering why the Spanish side wanted to sell him on. But he banished any doubts almost immediately here, becoming a firm fans’ favourite with his no-nonsense approach. I got to know Johnny quickly as he stayed not far from me when he first joined the club and I’m delighted that he has got the opportunity to make his dreams come true. What’s more, I wouldn’t be surprised if he returns to Finch Farm with a winners’ medal. Holland were ruthlessly efficient in qualifying for South Africa, winning all their games, and have carried the trend on in the tournament itself.
You look through their squad and you can see strength all the way through it and in Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart and Robin van Persie, they have got the best attacking quartet. People keep saying they haven’t played really well but I don’t see it; they progressed into the knockout stages with ease, came from behind to beat Brazil in the last eight and looked to be coming to the boil when seeing off Uruguay in Cape Town. Now all that remains is 90 nerve-shredding minutes in Johannesburg; they will be the biggest 90 minutes Johnny and his compatriots ever play – all we can do is wish him the very best of luck and hope his dreams turn into reality.
Phil Neville: 2010 World Cup not vintage but hosts have been brilliant
Jul 8 2010 Liverpool Echo
WHILE history is littered with momentous World Cups – think Mexico in 1970, Argentina ’78, Italia ’90 – I don’t think anyone would say this one has been a vintage.
One thing that everyone will surely be unanimous on, though, is the fact South Africa have been brilliant hosts and quickly dispelled fears that they would struggle to stage an event of such magnitude. It was a shame Bafana Bafana didn’t get out of their group but Ghana’s continued progress united the African continent and gave a lift to the tournament when it was needed; with better fortune, they could even have finished third. Hopefully long-term the World Cup finals will help South Africa continue to flourish although I am not so naïve to think that it will eradicate all forms of poverty in the country; clearly – and sadly – it won’t. Now all that remains to be seen is who will be crowned champions – then we can start looking forward to Brazil in 2014.
World Cup finalist Johnny Heitinga 'proud to be an Evertonian'
July 8 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
JOHNNY HEITINGA will walk out in Sunday’s World Cup final “proud to be an Evertonian.” The Dutch star – ever present throughout his country’s South African campaign – has thanked the Blues for making him a better player. And ahead of his country’s biggest match for decades he found time to deliver a heartfelt message to Everton’s fans, officials and players. “It is a great club and I am playing in a World Cup Final as an Evertonian,” he declared. “The Premier League has made me a much better player. Coming from Spain to England has helped me so much and Everton have assisted with that. “The fans were very good to me last season. We struck up a good relationship. I have signed a five-year contract and I am proud to play for Everton.” With doubts over Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar’s long-term future and Dan Gosling having delivered a sensational snub, Heitinga’s words will be warmly received at Goodison. He will become the first Everton player to grace a World Cup final for 44 years on Sunday – after Ray Wilson in 1966 – and only the second ever.
As well as making Dutch football history, Heitinga is also on target to match a slice of World Cup history. The great Brazilian side of 1970 are the only team to go through an entire World Cup tournament with a 100 per cent record of victories, but Holland can match that figure with a seventh successive victory in Johannesburg on Sunday.
Heitinga’s performances in central defence have provided a platform for those successes and he added: “We have won all six games here and that is a big victory for the players because we are writing history now. “I was aware of the criticism (of Holland’s defence). It was something that was talked about in Holland.
“We just concentrated on doing it on the pitch and the fact that we arrived in the World Cup Final shows we did a good job. “Of course, the final will be difficult, but we are determined to complete the journey.”
Everton FC's pre-season games will not be screened by ESPN
Jul 8 2010 by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S opening pre-season fixture, against Sydney FC on Saturday, will not be shown live on ESPN as originally planned. The Toffees are currently on tour in Australia, and are set to take on the Sky Blues in the first of three warm-up games, with further fixtures with Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar to follow. Each of these matches were due to be screened live by ESPN. However due to issues with the host broadcaster in Sydney, these plans have been shelved. ESPN wish to apologise to its viewers for this issue.
EVERTON FURY OVER ‘GREEDY’ DAN GOSLING
Everton fans branded Dan Gosling greedy and ungrateful
Thursday July 8,2010 Daily Express
By Richard Tanner
EVERTON fans last night branded Dan Gosling greedy and ungrateful after he allegedly reneged on a gentleman’s agreement with the club to force through a free transfer. Gosling, 20, rejected the offer of a two-year contract worth more than £1.3million – with more to come depending on first-team appearances – and told manager David Moyes he felt he should be a regular central midfielder, despite having had only 18 senior starts. Everton chairman Bill Kenwright is understood to have thought he had a gentleman’s agreement with Gosling, who cost £2m when he moved from Plymouth two and a half years ago. But the club’s failure to put their contract offer in writing six weeks before the end of his deal means they will now not receive a compensation fee for development costs for a player under the age of 24. Everton would have expected around £1.5m in compensation, but Gosling will now pocket that from his new club as a signing-on fee. Newcastle are favourites to snap him up after a Premier League tribunal ruled in his favour, leaving Everton furious.
A club insider said: “We feel very aggrieved. We gave him his chance in the Premier League and have supported him while he recovers from a long-term knee injury.”
Gosling free to leave Everton
July 8 2010 Daily Mirror
Everton's Dan Gosling is free to join another club after an independent hearing ruled the midfielder no longer has a contract with the Merseysiders. The 20-year-old's deal expired at the end of last month and although the Toffees had made a verbal offer to the player they had not put it in writing. That meant Gosling could leave Goodison Park without Everton being entitled to a fee despite him being under 21, which usually triggers some sort of compensation for the work the club have invested in his coaching. The case went to the Premier League and a panel ruled in the player's favour. "An independent hearing, convened under Premier League Rules, was held last week to look into the contractual status of Dan Gosling," said a statement released by the Premier League. Having looked into the matter, and considered the arguments of both Everton and the player, it was determined that the player is unattached and entitled to a free transfer. "This is subject to a right of appeal by Everton which must be brought within 14 days of the decision." Everton refused to comment on the case or their next course of action.
Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford to miss out on Everton debut
Premium Article !
Yorkshire Evening Post
09 July 2010
Injury may force new Everton striker Jermaine Beckford to miss out on his club debut tomorrow. The centre-forward, signed on a free transfer from Leeds, has a slight leg injury which could keep him out of the first game of their Australia tour against Sydney FC. Captain Phil Neville is definitely out as he is still recovering from the knee surgery he underwent in May. "We've got a few players who might not play," said manager David Moyes. "Phil Neville is carrying his knee injury so he won't be considered and we've got two or three others that I'll make a decision about on Saturday. "So we could be without three or four of our players but none of them are serious."
David Prentice: Johnny Heitinga tells Everton FC fans just what they want to hear
July 9 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
JOHNNY HEITINGA’S words came like soothing balm at the end of a particularly irritating summer. While Pienaar prevaricated, Arteta hedged and Gosling dropped a bombshell, Heitinga chose the eve of the biggest match of his life to declare: “It is a great club and I am playing in a World Cup final as an Evertonian. I am proud to play for Everton.” Heitinga has guaranteed a right Royal Blue reception when he steps out at Goodison in August regardless of whether he wins the World Cup.
Jermaine Beckford will look to Ian Wright for inspiration
Jul 9 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
JERMAINE BECKFORD wants to emulate his boyhood hero Ian Wright by taking the step from the lower leagues to top flight goal machine. The 26-year-old striker only started playing league football four years ago, after Leeds United plucked him from obscurity at semi-professional outfit Wealdstone. Like Arsenal legend Wright, who also made the step-up from non-league football aged 22, Beckford continued his habit of hitting the back of the net in the Championship and earned his shot at the big time by helping Leeds win promotion. Now he hopes to be as prolific as the England international, but is focussed first on breaking into the star-studded Everton team.
He said: “Ian Wright was one of my favourite players because he came into the game quite late and he managed to achieve a lot in the relatively short time he was playing.
“I was 15 when I went to Chelsea and was there for about a year. Then I went to non-league and playing for Sunday league clubs. I went to Wealdstone and scored quite a few goals and I was noticed. Then Leeds took an opportunity, they took a chance.
“I know I’ve now got to carry on working hard, carry on learning and keep my eyes and ears open. Hopefully soon I’ll get my chance. It’s another big step up and I’m just grateful I’ve got an opportunity to work with the management and players we have here.” Beckford has already provided evidence he can rub shoulders with the best, by scoring against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in Leeds’ dramatic FA Cup run last season. He said: “When I play football my aim is just to score goals. That’s what I get paid to do. Playing against teams like Man U when you’re from a lower league team you have nothing to lose and nothing to prove to anybody so you just go for it. To score goals is instinctive for me.” Meanwhile, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is raring to get his second season in blue underway. The midfielder’s switch to Goodison 12 months ago meant he joined the Toffees directly from the Russian league, which runs in the summer - meaning he has effectively played back-to-back seasons. But after six weeks off and a long holiday he feels refreshed and excited about the coming season. He said: “I had a nice holiday. I had just over two weeks back at home then I went to Dubai for a few weeks. “Bainesy, Joleon Lescott and (Karim) Benzema were all in the same hotel” “I had a big season, and I have never had a break in the summer before, that was my first time. “I feel refreshed; six weeks off is enough. I want to work hard to go into next season with a great start.” The winger is desperate to help fire the Blues back into Europe. He said: “We want to get back into Europe quickly. “I feel more comfortable, my teammates have helped me and I am looking forward to next season. I think it will be harder than last season.”
David Prentice: Dan Gosling wins the jackpot but loses friends
July 9 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
CAPTAIN Mainwaring said it best. “You stupid boy.” Dan Gosling is too young to remember the pompous leader of Walmington-on-Sea’s Home Guard unit, but he could be hearing that famous catchphrase more and more in the coming weeks.
Gosling (nicknamed Goose) is the remarkably self-assured young footballer – some might say headstrong – who took his manager and his chairman to an FA tribunal.
And won. But did he, really? While Gosling will make plenty of money from having won the right to be considered a free agent, he’s lost an awful lot of friends and admirers in the process. Like his employers at Everton, who coached, trained, developed – and gave him expert medical treatment – for the past three years. Like Plymouth Argyle, the club which discovered, nurtured and developed the youngster and will now receive no cut of any sell-on fee. And like a host of appalled Evertonians who have, not for the first time, seen a promising young footballer decide that the grass might be greener elsewhere. But while the decision of disaffected youngsters like Wayne Rooney, Francis Jeffers and Steve McMahon was based on a desire to win silverware, Gosling’s motives appear less ambitious. He has apparently decided that a paltry £16,000 per week wouldn’t keep him in Louis Vuitton washbags and he was worth much more. And he claimed he was worth a run in central midfield – a position where Everton currently have Jack Rodwell, Mikel Arteta, Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill jostling for pitch-time. The irony is that Gosling actually came on in that position when he sustained the serious knee injury at Wolves which he is currently recovering from. Provided he proves his fitness, Gosling can presumably demand a move to a club who will play him in that position permanently – and offer him a huge signing on fee. But who will that club be? Before this week’s remarkable decision, Gosling was at a football club which has consistently featured in the top six of the English Premier League. He has made 37 first team appearances, played in Europe is – or perhaps that should read was – universally liked by the fans following his dramatic derby match winner, and was well supported by his peers. After his first senior goal against Sunderland in 2008 he was given a standing ovation by his team-mates in the dressing room. Wherever he ends up, will he still boast that level of backing? The greatest moment of Dan Gosling’s fledgling football career was missed for a Tic Tac advert. I hope he hasn’t missed a marvellous career opportunity for the sake of a few shillings elsewhere.
Greg's Down Under Diary - Locals surprised when Everton FC's Tim Cahill hosts charity event in Rooty Hill
Jul 9 2010 By Greg O'Keeffe
LOCALS were surprised when Tim Cahill chose to host his cancer charity fundraiser in the Sydney suburb of Rooty Hill. It has a ramshackle charm but is an hour’s drive from the city centre where Everton’s team have been staying opposite the grand Hyde Park. Yet, it soon became apparent why we’d made the trek to the suburbs for the event which was to support the Australian Cancer Council (similar to Cancer Research UK). As a ‘Westie’ himself, born and bred in the similarly insalubrious Fairfield, Cahill as determined his team would not just focus on the wealthy metro district, and instead would come and see a bit of the world outside the Harbour and the surrounding swanky Rocks area full of expensive bars and restaurants. So the team bus duly arrived last night and the whole squad trotted out in their tracksuits to enjoy a three-course meal and an evening of entertainment at a hotel next to a 10-pin bowling alley. They were entertained by Tim’s favourite stand-up Bruno Lucia, a guitar-playing rapid-fire comic who had most people grinning, and an auction which raised thousands for children fighting cancer. The video about one particular little girl, Mia, showed the stark truths of how childhood cancer can push a family to its limits and why it is so important high-profile figures like Cahill fund research which has pushed cure rates here from 40% to 80%. As ever the team went down a storm. Locals, lots of ex-pats with that peculiar scouse/Aussie hybrid accent, were delighted to meet their team on home soil. Jack Rodwell was particularly popular aside from the main draw who, as ever, was Cahill. A question and answer session on stage, compered by Everton’s media and publications manager Darren Griffiths gave the audience a chance to learn more about Mikel Arteta, Phil Neville and David Moyes, while also making them resemble Everton’s answer To Westlife – seated in rows up on stage with mics in hand. I was told how impressed the organisers (who did a terrific job – Nice one Araf and Reenie!) were that Everton went out of their way to be there. Not many visiting teams do apparently. What more could they expect from the People’s Club?
New Everton FC striker Jermaine Beckford throwing tough times out of the window
Jul 9 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
JERMAINE Beckford has a perspective on ordinary life which is increasingly rare among many modern Premier League footballers. While most of his peers were graduating from the academy systems of top clubs, or on the fringe of Premier League football biding their time until stardom, Beckford was mired in a variety of low-paid day jobs while turning out for various teams in the mud and bluster of a London Sunday league. After a schoolboy move to Chelsea fizzled out, the Ealing-born striker was forced to roll up his sleeves and find employment where he could; in restaurants, sport shops and even slogging it out in a warehouse. Meanwhile, he spent his weekends playing in front of paltry crowds in that local semi-professional league, his only ray of hope a consistent and prolific habit of scoring goals. Indeed, it was that in-built ability which finally proved his saviour. Well, that and having the bottle to take a pivotal sick day. “I’ve certainly seen the highs and lows. It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride,” says a relaxed Beckford in the lobby of Everton’s plush hotel near Sydney’s Hyde Park, a million miles from his early days in the less glamorous parts of West London “I worked all over the place. I worked in warehouses, restaurants, sport shops. I even worked for the RAC (as a window fitter). I was playing non-league football during all those jobs. “It was when I was working at the RAC that Leeds showed an interest. That was interesting because I asked my manager at the time for some time off, but she didn’t give me it, so I decided to take a sick day and I didn’t look back.”
Indeed, Beckford took Leeds United by storm, becoming a hero for the Yorkshire club’s supporters and ultimately firing them to promotion last season. However, when Everton came calling, the 26-year-old saw his opportunity and was not about to sit still and let the chance pass him by. “It was time for me to move on,” he says of the free transfer which saw him become David Moyes’ first summer signing in June. “I felt like I learned a lot from everyone at Leeds. “From the ground staff, to players, to fans but I felt like the time was right. I wanted to play at the highest level, and for me to go out as the captain, and scoring one of the goals that won a game which got us promoted was the perfect way to go out. “I had an amazing time there and hopefully I’ll be able to bring that success onto Everton. I know I’ve now got to carry on working hard, carry on learning and keep my eyes and ears open. Hopefully soon I’ll get my chance. It’s another big step up and I’m just grateful I’ve got an opportunity to work with the management and players we have here. “Hopefully the gaffer will see I can bring something different to the team and he’ll be able to use that in some way.
“There were one or two other clubs floating about when Everton came in for me, but I thought they were the club I could learn the most from with the squad they have. Everything I’ve heard back about the management and the players was positive.”
Beckford insists he can handle the change in pressure of suddenly being asked to play against some of Europe’s best defenders, especially because he has already experienced taking giant strides all at once in his career. “It was a huge difference for me when I went pro,” he says. “One week I was playing football in front of just under 100 people, and the following weekend I was coming off the bench in front of 35,000 people. “At first I found it quite difficult because I’d only been training once or twice a week and playing a game a week as well and now it’s a lot more intense but I love it. I take it in my stride now my body is used to it. “When I play football my aim is just to score goals. That’s what I get paid to do. Playing against teams like Man U when you’re from a lower league team you have nothing to lose and nothing to prove to anybody so you just go for it. To score goals is instinctive for me. “ I’ve always been a striker. You come from having no pressure in non-league, then to Leeds where nobody was expecting anything, so I can make the transition. “The guys around me now are internationals and some of them I used to watch when I was younger and pretend I was them in the playground. It’s an amazing place and an amazing feeling.
“I really like Liverpool. I’ve had a look around Liverpool One, and the reception I’ve had has been amazing. Not just Everton fans but Liverpool fans as well. I’m looking forward to every single game, every single training session, and just taking each day as it comes.”
Everton FC's Jermaine Beckford will look to Ian Wright for inspiration
Jul 9 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
JERMAINE Beckford wants to emulate his boyhood hero Ian Wright by taking the step from the lower leagues to top flight goal machine. The 26-year-old striker only started playing league football four years ago, after Leeds United plucked him from obscurity at semi-professional outfit Wealdstone. Like Arsenal legend Wright, who also made the step-up from non-league football aged 22, Beckford continued his habit of hitting the back of the net in the Championship and earned his shot at the big time by helping Leeds win promotion. Now he hopes to be as prolific as the England international, but is focussed first on breaking into the star-studded Everton team.
He said: “Ian Wright was one of my favourite players because he came into the game quite late and he managed to achieve a lot in the relatively short time he was playing.
“I was 15 when I went to Chelsea and was there for about a year. Then I went to non-league and playing for Sunday league clubs. I went to Wealdstone and scored quite a few goals and I was noticed. Then Leeds took an opportunity, they took a chance.
“I know I’ve now got to carry on working hard, carry on learning and keep my eyes and ears open. Hopefully soon I’ll get my chance. It’s another big step up and I’m just grateful I’ve got an opportunity to work with the management and players we have here.” Beckford has already provided evidence he can rub shoulders with the best, by scoring against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in Leeds’ dramatic FA Cup run last season. He said: “When I play football my aim is just to score goals. That’s what I get paid to do. Playing against teams like Man U when you’re from a lower league team you have nothing to lose and nothing to prove to anybody so you just go for it. To score goals is instinctive for me.” Meanwhile, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is raring to get his second season in blue underway. The midfielder’s switch to Goodison 12 months ago meant he joined the Toffees directly from the Russian league, which runs in the summer - meaning he has effectively played back-to-back seasons. But after six weeks off and a long holiday he feels refreshed and excited about the coming season. He said: “I had a nice holiday. I had just over two weeks back at home then I went to Dubai for a few weeks. “Bainesy, Joleon Lescott and (Karim) Benzema were all in the same hotel” “I had a big season, and I have never had a break in the summer before, that was my first time. “I feel refreshed; six weeks off is enough. I want to work hard to go into next season with a great start.” The winger is desperate to help fire the Blues back into Europe. He said: “We want to get back into Europe quickly. “I feel more comfortable, my teammates have helped me and I am looking forward to next season. I think it will be harder than last season.”
Everton FC not the only club unhappy with Dan Gosling
July 9 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
THE fall-out from Dan Gosling’s acrimonious Everton departure has extended to his former club, Plymouth Argyle. After Gosling won a Premier League tribunal last week enabling him to leave Everton as a free agent, Plymouth are set to miss out on a possible £1million windfall. The England under-21s international instigated the action last week on the premise that Everton failed to follow up a verbal agreement of an improved contract with a written offer. The Premier League found in favour of the player’s claim enabling Gosling to expose a legal loophole and leave the club he joined from Plymouth for an initial £1m in January 2008. That figure could have doubled for the Pilgrims depending on appearances and international honours.
Gosling made 37 first team appearances for Everton and was just three more games away from triggering a £250,000 payment to Argyle. Like Everton, Plymouth – who recently appointed Goodison legend Peter Reid as their new manager – are said to be unhappy about the episode. Gosling can now free to talk to other clubs with Newcastle United, Sunderland and West Ham all interested in capturing him on a free transfer.
That is unless Everton opt to appeal against the Premier League’s decision in the next week. A Premier League statement read: “An independent hearing, convened under Premier League rules, was held last week to look into the contractual status of Dan Gosling. “Having looked into the matter and considered the arguments of both Everton and the player it was determined that the player is unattached and entitled to a free transfer. “This is subject to a right of appeal by Everton which must be brought within 14 days of the decision.” Meanwhile, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov says he is feeling refreshed after his first break from football for 18 months. The Russian winger joined Everton last summer from Lokomotiv Moscow who were midway through their season. Bilyaletdinov went straight into a hectic Premier League and Europa League campaign with Everton. Now, after six weeks off, he is raring to go again and is aiming to help Everton return to Europe after just missing out last season, finishing just a point behind seventh placed Liverpool. “I had a nice holiday,” said Bilyaletdinov. “I had just over two weeks back at home then I went to Dubai for a few weeks. I had a big season, and I have never had a break in the summer before, that was my first time.I feel refreshed. “Six weeks off is enough. I want to work hard to go into next season with a great start. We want to get back into Europe quickly. “I feel more comfortable, my team-mates have helped me and I am looking forward to next season. I think it will be harder than last season.” Everton’s opening pre-season fixture, against Sydney FC on Saturday, will not be shown live on ESPN as originally planned. Everton are currently on tour in Australia, and are set to take on the Sky Blues in the first of three warm-up games, with further fixtures with Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar to follow. Each of these matches were due to be screened live by ESPN. However, due to issues with the host broadcaster in Sydney, these plans have now been shelved. ESPN wish to apologise to its viewers for this issue.
Everton FC v Sydney FC preview
July 9 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON kick-off on the long haul to a successful Premier League season tomorrow, with a marathon trip Down Under. In previous seasons David Moyes’ men have kicked-off their pre-season preparations with low-key local match-ups against Bury, Port Vale and Rochdale – or short hops into Europe to play little known club sides like Sion and FC Gamlitz. Tomorrow, however, (10.30am GMT) Everton face the reigning Hyundai A-League champions, Sydney FC, 10,500 miles away Down Under. The official published attendance for that Gamlitz game in 2005 was just 283.
The capacity of the ANZ Stadium where tomorrow’s match is staged is 83,500, in a match which will be televised live across Asia It’s a break from previous tradition – and one David Moyes has given a cautious thumbs up to. “Normally I would train the boys a lot longer before we start but this has been pushed in a bit quicker so we’re doing what we can to be ready for the games,” he said. “I’m not sure what condition or form we’ll be in but the key for us is to use these games to get ready for the Premier League. “When people come to see you they want to see you hit the ground running.
“But you must remember that we only started training a week last Thursday.”
At least Everton will have some conditioning behind them. Sydney will have 38-year-old former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke guesting for them, and he joked this week: “Sydney are in pre-season, too, so both teams will be pretty fit, maybe except for me!” Yorke’s has been invited to play by virtue of his year spent with Sydney in 2005/06. “It is always exciting to play a Premier League team, especially when you have retired from the game and it will be good to catch up with one or two old faces as well,” he explained. “I have managed to do alright against Everton over the years, to be honest. “My record is not so bad. It is a team that I respect and who I played against regularly in the Premier League. “We all know they are one of the most established teams in the league and in British football – their history goes all the way back, so it is nice to have one more opportunity to have a game against them.
“David Moyes is the third longest serving manager in the league and it’s not easy to keep your job these days – but he hasn’t just done that, he has done a fantastic job in terms of bringing Everton along. “What he is doing there and the players he has recruited show he is highly respected by managers and players throughout the game. He deserves all the credit he gets.” One of those players Moyes has recruited is Yorke’s old Manchester United team-mate. Phil Neville, and Yorke added: “It doesn’t surprise me at all to hear how popular Phil Neville is at the club.“With Phil, what you see is what you get. He wears his heart on his sleeve and gives you everything. It doesn’t surprise me he is well liked by the players and fans. “He has done extremely well over the years and deserves all the credit he gets. It will be nice to see him, he’s a pleasant man and a really nice person. I have only great things to say about him.
“I may not have the legs on him any more but he’s not getting any younger either!
“It will be a tricky game for Sydney. They will definitely be very competitive, they are the double champions so we can expect a very competitive game. “They are also a very whole-hearted team and they will respect Everton but they will give their all.
“I hope it will be a good spectacle for the supporters.” For Everton defender Leighton Baines, however, the match is more about match fitness than spectacle. “We want to start well, get some points on the board and give ourselves a nice base to build from,” he said. “That is why all the work now is important. “We are doing it slightly differently to what we have done in the last few years and hopefully we will see the benefits of that. “This is massive really, you have got to get your fitness but you have got to do it sensibly. “The work is so hard and the manager and the fitness coaches have put so much planning into it and hopefully we will see the benefits of it when the season starts.”
McFlynn wary of Arteta's influence
By John Taylor
The Daily Telegraph (Australia)July 09, 2010
TIM Cahill might have star billing but Sydney FC captain Terry McFlynn sees a little Spaniard as the man who could blow the A-League champions apart when Everton open their Australian tour at ANZ Stadium tomorrow.
"Mikel Arteta is world class and I'd have to say very unlucky not to be part of the Spanish squad at the World Cup. He's that good," McFlynn said yesterday.
"He's been a stand-out player in the English Premier League. His set pieces, crosses, killer passes, just his all-round game is fantastic. "I know what David Moyes [Everton manager] thinks of him and I am sure he would have been disappointed as anyone to miss out on the World Cup squad." McFlynn said he was looking forward to locking horns with Arteta again. "I was playing for Northern Ireland when he was in Spain's team for the European Championship under-21 qualifiers about eight years ago. They beat us 1-0 in Valencia and 4-0 in Belfast," he said. McFlynn did not hide the fact it was a big test for Sydney after the departure of Clint Bolton, Simon Colosimo, Steve Corica, Karol Kisel and John Aloisi. "It really is a big occasion for the club being able to draw someone like Everton here to play," he said. "It's also great preparation for us with the tournament against Glasgow Rangers, Blackburn and AEK Athens not far away. "We really want to do well against Everton and they have certainly got a lot of class."
Everton win but Sydney FC go down fighting at ANZ Stadium
By John Taylor
July 10, 2010, The Courtrai (Australia newspaper)
Everton star Tim Cahill greets Sydney FC guest player Dwight Yorke during their friendly clash at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph
SYDNEY FC could hold their heads high at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night after showing English Premier League side Everton that the A-League champions are no mugs. Everton got away with it 1-0, courtesy of Nigerian Victor Anichebe's wonderful strike, but the Sky Blues gave as good as they got and at least deserved something better. Sydney could have salvaged a draw had referee Strebre Delovski not turned down what appeared to be a definite penalty in the 78th minute when Alex Brosque was brought down in the box. It was understandable that the Merseysiders would be rusty in their first official pre-season hit out but their new away pink strip was striking. Those fans who had come to see Socceroos pin up Tim Cahill would have been disappointed he didn't start but Everton manager David Moyes introduced him for the While there may not have been a goal in the opening 45 minutes, at least there was goalmouth action with both Everton's Iain Turner and Sydney's Ivan Necevski showing alertness when it counted. Bu the crowd of 40,446 didn't have to wait long after the break to see the opening goal and it came from Everton's big striker Anichebe. Necevski was a man full of confidence but he was rocked by Anichebe's effort less than 60 seconds after the re-start. The Nigerian turned in the box and, from only eight metres out, rifled the ball inside the near post.
Sydney matched it with Everton in the first period with the combination of Scott Jamieson, Mark Bridge and Brosque effective in the build up and Everton's centre backs Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka very much on their guard. Brosque had two scoring opportunities but neither tested goalie Turner. Sydney were hoping that guest player Dwight Yorke might produce something special but the former Sky Blues captain rarely ran with the ball. Instead he stood and delivered. Yorke, now 38 and officially retired, just doesn't have the legs anymore and he said farewell after 62 minutes. Sydney were determined to go down fighting. They took it to Everton and Bosque went periliously close to finding the equaliser in the 64th minute. His chip just sailed over the bar. Everton 1 (Victor Anichebe 46m) bt Sydney FC 0 at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Strebre Delovski. Crowd: 40,446.
Everton pip Sydney FC 1-0
July 10, 2010, Herald sun (Astrralia newspaper)
Sydney FC 0 Everton 1
COLOURFULLY attired English Premier League side Everton started their season in the pink by beating A-League champion Sydney FC 1-0 in a pre-season friendly at ANZ Stadium. A well-taken goal by Nigerian international striker Victor Anichebe less than a minute into the second half was the only score of a competitive game watched by 40,446 spectators. Playing in their new change strip of lightning pink for the first time, Everton showed some nice touches, but Sydney offered their fans plenty of hope for the season ahead. With his orange and grey boots and pink shirt Anichebe was hard to miss, but Sydney didn't pick up the Nigerian international, whose smart turn and fierce shot supplied the only goal. Everton's captain for the night, classy Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta displayed his trademark artistry, while Leon Osman, left back Leighton Baines and Anichebe also caught the eye. Sydney were far from disgraced and enjoyed a decent share of possession and created some good chances. Lively striker Alex Brosque went close on a number of occasions. He had a couple of shots saved by Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner, went close with a second half chip and had a 78th minute claim for a penalty waved away by referee Strebre Delovski. Everton's Socceroo midfield star Tim Cahill played the second half, receiving a loud ovation as he came out onto the field ahead of his teammates. Terry Antonis, the 16-year-old who has been mentored by Cahill and wore the same jersey number as the Everton star, came on in the 67th minute. Substitute Dimitri Petratos had a late chance for Sydney, but lost control of the ball just a few metres out from goal in the 87th minute. Trinidad's former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke, Sydney's marquee player in their first A-League title winning team, played 62 minutes. He distributed the ball accurately from midfield though he rarely ventured far from the centre circle. Both sides had a number of early shots from distance. Brosque, Brendan Gan, Sun-Hwan Byun and new signing Scott Jamieson all had attempts for the home team, while James Vaughan, Baines and Jack Rodwell peppered the visitors goal. Everton's best first half chance fell to Anichebe, whose 34th minute shot was blocked by Sydney custodian Ivan Necevski. Brosque had his team's best first half opportunity in the 31st minute, but his effort was saved by Turner.
Everton pip Sydney FC 1-0
ADRIAN WARREN
July 10, 2010 Theage, Australia newspaper
Colourfully attired English Premier League side Everton started their season in the pink by beating A-League champion Sydney FC 1-0 in a pre-season friendly at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night. A well taken goal by Nigerian international striker Victor Anichebe less than a minute into the second half was the only score of a competitive game watched by 40,446 spectators. Playing in their new change strip of lightning pink for the first time, Everton showed some nice touches, but Sydney offered their fans plenty of hope for the season ahead. With his orange and grey boots and pink shirt Anichebe was hard to miss, but Sydney didn't pick up the Nigerian international, whose smart turn and fierce shot supplied the only goal. Everton's captain for the night, classy Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta displayed his trademark artistry, while Leon Osman, left back Leighton Baines and Anichebe also caught the eye.
Sydney were far from disgraced and enjoyed a decent share of possession and created some good chances. Lively striker Alex Brosque went close on a number of occasions.
He had a couple of shots saved by Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner, went close with a second half chip and had a 78th minute claim for a penalty waved away by referee Strebre Delovski. Everton's Socceroo midfield star Tim Cahill played the second half, receiving a loud ovation as he came out onto the field ahead of his teammates.
Terry Antonis, the 16-year-old who has been mentored by Cahill and wore the same jersey number as the Everton star, came on in the 67th minute. Substitute Dimitri Petratos had a late chance for Sydney, but lost control of the ball just a few metres out from goal in the 87th minute. Trinidad's former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke, Sydney's marquee player in their first A-League title winning team, played 62 minutes. He distributed the ball accurately from midfield though he rarely ventured far from the centre circle. Both sides had a number of early shots from distance.
Brosque, Brendan Gan, Sun-Hwan Byun and new signing Scott Jamieson all had attempts for the home team, while James Vaughan, Baines and Jack Rodwell peppered the visitors goal. Everton's best first half chance fell to Anichebe, whose 34th minute shot was blocked by Sydney custodian Ivan Necevski. Brosque had his team's best first half opportunity in the 31st minute, but his effort was saved by Turner. Everton coach David Moyes praised both Sydney and his own team.
"It was a tough game for us, I thought we played well, I thought we passed it well," Moyes said. "Maybe we didn't get as many chances as we would want but overall I was pleased. "We thought for our first pre-season game we played quite well, so that gives you an idea of where Sydney are." Cahill said it was "brilliant" to play against an Australian team for once. "It was really impressive to see the football Sydney played and also the way we played," Cahill said. "I warned the lads before the game how difficult this game was going to be, and how up for it they would be because I know a lot of the lads personally and they were a credit to themselves." Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka said it had been a great experience for his team and felt they had done well. "We played compact in defence, we created several good moments in attack as well, but they punished us early in the second half," Lavicka said.
Yorke said he wasn't surprised at being able to last an hour and Lavicka compared him to a fine wine saying the 38-year-old veteran was getting better with age.
At the other extreme of the experience scale, Antonis felt he did well. "I learnt heaps from this game," Antonis said. Cahill said he was proud of Antonis: "He did well, some great touches."
ROYAL BLUE: Shoddy act of petulance is Dan Gosling's downfall at Everton FC
Jul 10 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
DAN Gosling hasn’t so much burned his bridges at Everton as taken a flamethrower to them. It is an understatement to suggest that Goodison Park officials are disappointed with how he chose to engineer a move away from the club.
Gosling and his advisors played a cynical game once they realised they could exploit the absence of a written contract extension offer by the May deadline. The days when a verbal gentleman’s agreement and a handshake would suffice are over. Gosling's people stalled whenever contacted by Everton. The Premier League tribunal took two days to decide what was essentially a given; that Gosling is a free agent and his tactics had worked. The 20-year-old wants to play in central midfield and start every game, and he could simply not have those guarantees at Everton. How could he not appreciate that patience and hard work was the only way to begin to get into the Toffees’ midfield ahead of players like Mikel Arteta, Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini, and Phil Neville? Instead of signing a new deal, and buckling down to adapt to whatever position a manager with the one of the best records for developing young stars in the land required, he chose the easy option. The truth may well be that Gosling knew he could not break into that central midfield. Not now anyway, possibly not for some time. So he will leave for nothing, effectively shafting the club which has developed his talent and given him such a wonderful opportunity to establish himself in the game. How many managers would have provided the Devon-born player the opportunity to score in a Merseyside derby? Or given him the chance to play against Manchester United? To gain invaluable experience of European football before he was even out of his teens? It was not like David Moyes was flatly ignoring Gosling’s private hopes altogether either. The position he was brought on to play when he injured his knee cruciate ligaments at Wolves last season? Central midfield. There would have been other opportunities, had fate not cruelly intervened to leave him facing 12 months on the sidelines. Indeed the club has provided him with every bit of support possible while he has rehabilitated from that knee injury. The offer of a new deal was still available – a gesture of faith if ever there was one. Not every player returns from a cruciate injury the same as they were before. Perhaps Gosling could have looked at the example of his friend Jack Rodwell. Rodwell, despite his own undoubted talent, is not even guaranteed a starting place next season. To play in that holding midfield role, the 19-year-old has to push past Marouane Fellaini, John Heitinga and Phil Neville. He was not in the starting XI every week last season either, but is prepared to bide his time and shine when the chance comes. Rodwell asked for no guarantees when he signed his new deal this summer despite being touted as a future England star. He just knows he is at the best club for a player in this stage of his career. So too was Gosling, and the sad thing is, deep down, he probably knew it. But now the future may well involve a relegation struggle at Newcastle or West Ham to go with his possible hefty signing on fee. That’s if the board at St James’ Park don't flinch at the unsavoury way the player has come onto the market. But if Gosling returns to fitness, holds down a central midfield place, and stays in the Premier League, let's hope he feels it was worth treating Everton so shoddily.
ROYAL BLUE: Elephant head horror shocks woman in hotel during Everton FC trip
Jul 10 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
SURREAL sight of the trip so far? There have been a few. The team coach driver who resembles a wizened heavy metal roadie in his Everton tracksuit and trainers? The Thai groupie who may not be sure if he’s a he or a she, but is sure that he will have every autograph of the team twice over, by surprising them in the hotel lobby?
The skimpy orange vests the players have to wear during training which contain a microchip capable of measuring their speed, pulse rate and performance?
The $20 bill after two beers in Darling Harbour? Nope, the most surreal sight was the giant furry head of the Chang elephant suddenly appearing out of nowhere in the hotel lobby, having arrived by mail, and one confused lady tourist asking: “So is it a real stuffed elephant’s head?” I’m guessing she’s not a big nature documentary fan.
ROYAL BLUE: Everton FC's Arteta odds on to step into age of technology
Jul 10 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
MIKEL ARTETA is soon to be the proud owner of a shiny new IPad – thanks to his team-mates. No they haven’t had a whip around to cheer him up for missing out on the Spain squad. Instead they all owe him money for losing a bet on whether his homeland would beat Germany in the World Cup. The German machine was widely tipped to reach the final in South Africa by most of the Everton lads, who hold Bastian Schweinsteiger, Klose, Muller and Co in the highest esteem. So with Mikel offering them good odds they all put their money where the mouths were – and lost. Cue a very smug Arteta, if a little tired after staying up to watch the game which kicked off over here at 4.30am.
Everton FC fans' letters: Dan Gosling, Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar
Jul 10 2010
WHERE does this £4 million come into it, re Dan Gosling? Who's put that valuation on him? From what I saw he’s just an average player. If he wants to go to the North East good riddance. He’s a squad player at best. We don’t need players who think themselves better than the club. Gosling will only be remembered as the player who scored against Liverpool. I can’t wait to see him at Goodison Park with his new club. If you think Rooney had some stick then Danny boy can expect a lot more. Hope the injury persists.
taf2
I HOPE other clubs see Gosling for the selfish little nobody he’s proved himself to be.
With Lescott it was simple greed and at least we got our cut, this is lower than that.
If you can't make a gentleman's agreement what are you?
erskine
YOU can only assume Dan Gosling has got no confidence in making the grade at a top side so he’s going to the bottom end of the Premiership for more game time and money.
Good luck with the rehab Dan, we'll always have that tic tac moment.
Tinytim
LET the ungrateful Dan Gosling go – when you see the attitude of Jack Rodwell, who has real talent, committing to EFC, then Gosling shows what a little upstart he is and not worth worrying about. If he thinks going to Newcastle or Sunderland is a step up then it shows his head is up his backside! Obviously he thinks he's better than he is. The only down side is the money lost.
russ_fae_fyvie
IT'S about time Mikel Arteta's future at Everton is sorted out.
After last year's Lescott saga, Everton, David Moyes and the fans deserve to know whether one of our star players is staying or going so that we can start the new season with optimism rather than the shambles of last year. If Moyes knows what's going on now then he can start the hunt for a key playmaker. There should be no end of interested parties in Arteta and we should be looking at top whack for a player that's been at the heart of everything over the last few years. After the Dan Gosling debacle and with Steven Pienaar showing no signs of committing his future, Everton need to reintroduce some positivity. We should be aiming for a top six finish and a very good run in the cups and the only way to get there is by having strength in depth. More players are definitely needed.
Peter Nelson, Huyton
It’s always ‘we’ before ‘me’ at Everton FC, says Phil Neville
Jul 10 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
It’s always ‘we’ before ‘me’ at Everton FC, says Phil Neville
IT WAS a moment which defined the spirit in Everton’s camp, even at a perilously low ebb last season. The Toffees’ last-minute equaliser at Sunderland's Stadium of Light in December prompted Phil Neville to sprint along the touchline pumping the air with his fists. Skipper Neville, named in the match-day squad for the first time in three months as a substitute recovering from a knee injury, had been a visible presence throughout. Seeming to mentally win every tackle and complete every pass, he celebrated Marouane Fellaini’s deserved 85th minute equaliser like he had provided the assist himself. But for Neville it was indicative of how close the Everton team remained during a winter of injury misery which saw players dropping like flies, and sometimes training sessions with fewer than 10 first team regulars fit to participate.
The injuries had taken their toll, and the Blues were locked in the unfamiliar territory of the bottom half of the table. Now as Neville prepares in Sydney with the rest of the Everton squad for a three-game tour of the East coast, he can afford to look back on that period with a rueful smile. “What I learned through my time out of the team is that it doesn’t matter if you’re playing or not. You’re always part of it,” he says. “I went to every game and the manager didn’t panic. When the boys were out playing or warming up I spoke to him a lot, but he knew that we’d be fine as soon as we got everyone back. “There were no knee jerk reactions to defeats or panicking. That took a lot of maturity and quality. “Even someone as experienced as me was thinking “Dear me we have to get these injured lads back as quickly as possible” but there was no desperation coming from the manager at all. It was probably what kept us mid table rather than at the bottom.” It was a winter which served to add further resolve and steel through adversity to a core of players already closely bonded. Which explains why Neville could not help celebrating that goal in such emotional fashion, and why he took the the touchline again to rally his team-mates against Bolton Wanderers.
“It’s always been a case of we before me,” he says. “I get emotionally attached and involved with the games, and at times it can be quite embarrassing. We scored against Sunderland and I’m running up and down the touchline making a complete fool of myself but that’s what I’m like. “I’m playing with my best mates and I get emotionally caught up whether I’m playing or not. “It’s something that whether I do ever want to become a manager, I might have to tone down. I don’t think you can be like that as a manager.” But now Neville is grateful that the current squad has strength and depth, with the manager able to juggle personnel and pick teams based on form next season.
“It’s the first preseason where I’m looking at transfer situation and we’re not that desperate for anyone to come in,” he says. “In the past it’s been that we’re short of numbers or short of quality in the squad but there doesn’t look to be that desperation to sign someone now. “The manager can be relaxed and only move if and when we need someone. From day one in training when the ball came out you could see everyone realised the competition. “We’ve got five centre-forwards out here (without Yakubu) which we’ve never had. Competition breeds better performances. The minute we got our injured players back last season, training standards went up. You need that because you take it into the games.” Everton were taking on a Sydney F.C. side which have established themselves as one of Australian football’s leading lights.
The Sky Blues became the first ever A-League champions in 2006, defeating Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in the Grand Final, and secured their second title last season with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over great rivals Melbourne Victory. Their current first-team stars include former West Ham centre back Hayden Mullins, Socceroos striker Alex Brosque, ex-Crystal Palace midfielder Nick Carle and captain Terry McFlynn, a Northern Irishman who spent time in England with QPR, Woking, Margate and Morcambe.
Phil Neville predicts Everton FC young guns will prove their class Down Under
Jul 10 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
PHIL NEVILLE today predicted that Everton’s new young guns will prove their class Down Under. The Toffees skipper has already seen enough to believe that summer signings Joao Silva and Maguye Gueye will excite Everton fans. Silva and Gueye, both aged 20, could play some part in today’s pre-season opening friendly against Sydney FC at the ANZ arena. And Neville insists that they have the ability to learn quickly, and even make a potential impact when the Premier League campaign starts next month. He said: “They look like they’ve got the ingredients to be really exciting signings. Joao is really quiet but he’s showed real quality as a striker. “Even though he’s Portuguese, he plays like an English style centre-forward and he’s impressed everybody with his aerial ability. “He is adapting now to the speed you need when the ball comes to you up front. Maguye has impressed everyone. He looks lively, he’s got a left foot which are few and far between at this club and he looks like a real talent. He’s confident and has settled in well, joining in with the Xbox and all that business.”
Neville, who won’t be risked against Sydney today as he continues to return to full fitness following a knee injury, admits both players face a steep learning curve to adapt to the pace of the English game. He said: “The struggle to adapt to the pace of the Premier League starts in training. Joao has the ball coming into him and where he has probably had time to turn in the past, over here he is just getting smashed.
“Maguye, where he is great going forward, as an Everton player you need to track back and we have to keep reminding him he has to work both ways. “They are two good kids who are willing to listen and learn. You need to tell them to get their backsides working and track back sometimes but they take it on board. “We play at a quicker tempo at Everton and we’re always at our best when we play at that speed. Even for an experienced player coming in it’s not easy. “Sylvain Distin found that a challenge at first, but the young lads have time on their side and it’s good they’re with us from the start of pre-season so by the time the season starts they will hopefully be up to speed.” Meanwhile, David Moyes confirmed he will scour the loan market for cover at left-back before the transfer window closes. With Leighton Baines as the only natural left-back in the first team squad, Moyes knows he is short in that department.
He said: “It might be a case of adding someone on loan before the window shuts. I’ve got one or two who could play there but I don’t know if they could do it long term if something happened to Bainsey.” Elsewhere, Harry Redknapp has hinted he will not attempt to sign Steven Pienaar for Tottenham this summer. He said: “I like Pienaar, don’t get me wrong. But there is nothing there. I wouldn’t see that as being a real goer. “It’s going to be even harder to make the top four (next season), that’s for definite. Manchester City could quite easily win the Premier League. “They’re in for Torres, if they end up getting him and one or two others then they can do anything.
“And I think Everton will be stronger next year.”
Sydney 0 Everton 1 - Greg O'Keeffe's match report
Jul 10 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON opened their pre-season trip Down Under with a win over Aussie Champions Sydney. The Toffees, wearing their new lightening pink away strip, produced a comfortable performance in front of a mixed crowd of Sydney fans, travelling bluenoses and ex-pat scousers. David Moyes gave a debut to new signing 20-year-old Maguye Gueye, and the £1m buy from Strasbourg showed flashes of potential which bode well for the coming season. Local pundits had speculated whether Everton would rack-up a cricket score at the impressive ANZ arena, but instead Sydney provided competitive opposition during an entertaining run-out.
There were touches of home for the ex-pats and visiting Merseysiders; Z-Cars was played as the teams ran out, Grand Old Team blared out after the final whistle, and one youngster invaded the pitch as the teams left. Victor Anichebe’s 46th minute strike was the only goal of the encounter, but both teams shared some good chances along with a friendly spirit. The game took place against the backdrop of Australia’s most memorable game, the 2006 World Cup qualifying play off against Uruguay here in 2005 which the Socceroos won dramatically on penalties. With six minutes gone, James Vaughan was slipped in by Leon Osman, and the striker hit a crisp effort which Sydney keeper Ivan Necevski saved at the second attempt Soon Everton settled into their stride, and started to dominate possession and display the better passing. Leighton Baines dropped his shoulder, cut inside and fired an effort straight at Necevski. Then moments later Jack Rodwell popped up on the right and dazzled left-back Shannon Cole, before curling an effort narrowly over. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will not recall being tackled by 38-year-old Dwight Yorke fondly, the ex Manchester United man present on his old stomping ground. Yorke played only one season with Sydney in the A-League but proved immensely popular here, and his cameo undoubtedly helped promote the game. With Yorke using the ball intelligently from a deep midfield role, Sydney were holding their own and useful opposition. Having won all of their three pre-season games so far, they threatened to take the lead on half an hour again when Socceroo Alex Brosque fired a vicious effort at Turner from 10 yards after nice build-up play. Then it was the Blues turn to threaten, Baines finding Anichebe with a pin-point pass and the big Nigerian held his marker off and spun around to almost open the scoring. Half time entertainment was an exhibition match featuring the excellent youth side of local semi-pro club the Marconi Stallions.
Watching from a comfortable seat in one of the boxes was 82-year-old Ron Lord. Lord was the New South Wales goalkeeper when Everton last toured Down Under in 1964, and did well to only concede five goals against a side featuring the likes of Alex Young, and Roy Vernon. The second half started with a couple of changes for the Blues and a goal. Tim Cahill replaced Jack Rodwell, and Maguye Gueye replaced James Vaughan. But within 46 seconds the impressive Anichebe produced a terrific turn in the box, and blasted the ball high into the net in front of the home fans’ Cove end. Cahill had moments earlier received a predictably rapturous reception, jogging out first ahead of his team-mates. Everton soon began to hog the ball again, but as in the previous 45 Sydney showed what they are capable of on the break, when Gan fired a cross into the box and Brosque narrowly headed wide. Frenchman Gueye was distinctly promising. A live-wire who offered pace in attack, showed a neat touch and proved he has listened to his team-mates instructions to track back. Dwight Yorke’s celebrity turn lasted 61 minutes, before Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka replaced him. It was a good value cameo too, full of clever passing and cross-field balls which proved why he was able to finish his career in the premier league with Sunderland.
But as one star with his career behind him exited, a young man at the opposite end of the scale entered. Terry Antonis is the 16-year-old most highly rated prospect in Australian football, and has recently signed a three-year deal with Sydney. The teenager who Tim Cahill described as “like a brother” has trained at Everton’s Finch Farm complex, and was believed to have been tracked by Inter Milan. Aussie youngsters are unable to sign for sides outside of their homeland until the age of 18, so Antonis pledged his future to his home-town club last week. But with the second half settling into a lazier tempo as the minutes passed, Mikel Arteta showed his first flash of brilliance, turning and thrasing a wonderful shot which Neceveski parried.
Sydney responded with some sustained pressure, and had a plausible penalty claim denied when Jagielka upended Brosque in the area. Moyes gave Louis Saha a chance to stretch his legs later along with Jose Baxter, the later showing some clever touches and movement. But Sydney could have levelled again when left-back Petratos found himself through on goal but got the ball trapped between his feet. The final whistle prompted Cahill to swop shirts with Antonis, and both sides to receive an ovation from the lively crowd. Moyes will be pleased to have started his pre-season with a win, but even happier at the sharpness of young forwards Anichebe and Gueye.
The week of training in Sydney has clearly already helped the Blues get back into shape, and now they move on to Melbourne for their second game of the tour against new A-league side Melbourne Heart.
Everton: Turner, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Arteta, Osman, Bilyaletdinov (Baxter, 64), Rodwell (Cahill), Anichebe (Saha), Vaughan (Gueye). Subs not used: Silva, Mustafi, Coleman, Jutkiewicz.
Sydney: Necevski, Cole, Ryall, Keller, Byun, Yorke, Jamieson, McFlynn, Gan (Antonis), Brosque, Bridge. Subs not used: Foxe, Petratos, Moriyasu, Powell, Golec, Reddy.
Referee: Strebre Strebredelovski
Attendance: 40,446
Everton win but Sydney FC go down fighting at ANZ Stadium
John Taylor
From: The Sunday Mail (Qld) (Australia Newspaper)
July 10 2010
SYDNEY FC could hold their heads high at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night after showing English Premier League side Everton that the A-League champions are no mugs. Everton got away with it 1-0, courtesy of Nigerian Victor Anichebe's wonderful strike, but the Sky Blues gave as good as they got and at least deserved something better. Sydney could have salvaged a draw had referee Strebre Delovski not turned down what appeared to be a definite penalty in the 78th minute when Alex Brosque was brought down in the box. It was understandable that the Merseysiders would be rusty in their first official pre-season hit out but their new away pink strip was striking. Those fans who had come to see Socceroos pin up Tim Cahill would have been disappointed he didn't start but Everton manager David Moyes introduced him for the beginning of the second half and, when came out on his own, he was given a rousing reception. While there may not have been a goal in the opening 45 minutes, at least there was goalmouth action with both Everton's Iain Turner and Sydney's Ivan Necevski showing alertness when it counted.
Bu the crowd of 40,446 didn't have to wait long after the break to see the opening goal and it came from Everton's big striker Anichebe. Necevski was a man full of confidence but he was rocked by Anichebe's effort less than 60 seconds after the re-start. The Nigerian turned in the box and, from only eight metres out, rifled the ball inside the near post. Sydney matched it with Everton in the first period with the combination of Scott Jamieson, Mark Bridge and Brosque effective in the build up and Everton's centre backs Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka very much on their guard.
Brosque had two scoring opportunities but neither tested goalie Turner.
Sydney were hoping that guest player Dwight Yorke might produce something special but the former Sky Blues captain rarely ran with the ball. Instead he stood and delivered. Yorke, now 38 and officially retired, just doesn't have the legs anymore and he said farewell after 62 minutes. Sydney were determined to go down fighting. They took it to Everton and Bosque went periliously close to finding the equaliser in the 64th minute. His chip just sailed over the bar.
Everton 1 (Victor Anichebe 46m) bt Sydney FC 0 at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Strebre Delovski. Crowd: 40,446.
Sydney FC 0 Everton FC 1 - Greg O'Keeffe's match report from Australia
Jul 10 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON opened their pre-season trip Down Under with a win over Aussie Champions Sydney. The Toffees, wearing their new lightening pink away strip, produced a comfortable performance in front of a mixed crowd of Sydney fans, travelling bluenoses and ex-pat scousers. David Moyes gave a debut to new signing 20-year-old Maguye Gueye, and the £1m buy from Strasbourg showed flashes of potential which bode well for the coming season. Local pundits had speculated whether Everton would rack-up a cricket score at the impressive ANZ arena, but instead Sydney provided competitive opposition during an entertaining run-out.
There were touches of home for the ex-pats and visiting Merseysiders; Z-Cars was played as the teams ran out, Grand Old Team blared out after the final whistle, and one youngster invaded the pitch as the teams left. Victor Anichebe’s 46th minute strike was the only goal of the encounter, but both teams shared some good chances along with a friendly spirit. The game took place against the backdrop of Australia’s most memorable game, the 2006 World Cup qualifying play off against Uruguay here in 2005 which the Socceroos won dramatically on penalties. With six minutes gone, James Vaughan was slipped in by Leon Osman, and the striker hit a crisp effort which Sydney keeper Ivan Necevski saved at the second attempt Soon Everton settled into their stride, and started to dominate possession and display the better passing. Leighton Baines dropped his shoulder, cut inside and fired an effort straight at Necevski. Then moments later Jack Rodwell popped up on the right and dazzled left-back Shannon Cole, before curling an effort narrowly over. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will not recall being tackled by 38-year-old Dwight Yorke fondly, the ex Manchester United man present on his old stomping ground. Yorke played only one season with Sydney in the A-League but proved immensely popular here, and his cameo undoubtedly helped promote the game. With Yorke using the ball intelligently from a deep midfield role, Sydney were holding their own and useful opposition. Having won all of their three pre-season games so far, they threatened to take the lead on half an hour again when Socceroo Alex Brosque fired a vicious effort at Turner from 10 yards after nice build-up play. Then it was the Blues turn to threaten, Baines finding Anichebe with a pin-point pass and the big Nigerian held his marker off and spun around to almost open the scoring. Half time entertainment was an exhibition match featuring the excellent youth side of local semi-pro club the Marconi Stallions.
Watching from a comfortable seat in one of the boxes was 82-year-old Ron Lord. Lord was the New South Wales goalkeeper when Everton last toured Down Under in 1964, and did well to only concede five goals against a side featuring the likes of Alex Young, and Roy Vernon. The second half started with a couple of changes for the Blues and a goal. Tim Cahill replaced Jack Rodwell, and Maguye Gueye replaced James Vaughan. But within 46 seconds the impressive Anichebe produced a terrific turn in the box, and blasted the ball high into the net in front of the home fans’ Cove end. Cahill had moments earlier received a predictably rapturous reception, jogging out first ahead of his team-mates. Everton soon began to hog the ball again, but as in the previous 45 Sydney showed what they are capable of on the break, when Gan fired a cross into the box and Brosque narrowly headed wide. Frenchman Gueye was distinctly promising. A live-wire who offered pace in attack, showed a neat touch and proved he has listened to his team-mates instructions to track back. Dwight Yorke’s celebrity turn lasted 61 minutes, before Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka replaced him.
It was a good value cameo too, full of clever passing and cross-field balls which proved why he was able to finish his career in the premier league with Sunderland.
But as one star with his career behind him exited, a young man at the opposite end of the scale entered. Terry Antonis is the 16-year-old most highly rated prospect in Australian football, and has recently signed a three-year deal with Sydney. The teenager who Tim Cahill described as “like a brother” has trained at Everton’s Finch Farm complex, and was believed to have been tracked by Inter Milan. Aussie youngsters are unable to sign for sides outside of their homeland until the age of 18, so Antonis pledged his future to his home-town club last week. But with the second half settling into a lazier tempo as the minutes passed, Mikel Arteta showed his first flash of brilliance, turning and thrasing a wonderful shot which Neceveski parried.
Sydney responded with some sustained pressure, and had a plausible penalty claim denied when Jagielka upended Brosque in the area. Moyes gave Louis Saha a chance to stretch his legs later along with Jose Baxter, the later showing some clever touches and movement. But Sydney could have levelled again when left-back Petratos found himself through on goal but got the ball trapped between his feet. The final whistle prompted Cahill to swop shirts with Antonis, and both sides to receive an ovation from the lively crowd. Moyes will be pleased to have started his pre-season with a win, but even happier at the sharpness of young forwards Anichebe and Gueye.
The week of training in Sydney has clearly already helped the Blues get back into shape, and now they move on to Melbourne for their second game of the tour against new A-league side Melbourne Heart.
Everton: Turner, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Arteta, Osman, Bilyaletdinov (Baxter, 64), Rodwell (Cahill), Anichebe (Saha), Vaughan (Gueye). Subs not used: Silva, Mustafi, Coleman, Jutkiewicz.
Sydney: Necevski, Cole, Ryall, Keller, Byun, Yorke, Jamieson, McFlynn, Gan (Antonis), Brosque, Bridge. Subs not used: Foxe, Petratos, Moriyasu, Powell, Golec, Reddy.
Referee: Strebre Strebredelovski
Attendance: 40,446
BLACK CATS IN LATE BID FOR GOSLING
Bruce alerted to free agent
GOSLING: Left Everton this week
SUNDERLANDPONDER MOVE FOR VERON
Black Cats boss fancies another Paraguay international.
By Martin Hardy, 10/07/2010
SUNDERLAND boss Steve Bruce will this week make a late attempt to capture Dan Gosling from under the noses of Premier League rivals Newcastle and West Ham.
England Under-21 international Gosling is available for nothing after an administrative blunder by Everton. He met with Newcastle bosses at the club's Benton training ground on Wednesday for talks and on Friday was shown around Upton Park by West Ham chiefs. A further five top-flight clubs have enquired about the 20-year-old since it was confirmed he would be allowed to leave Goodison Park for free on Wednesday. Nothing will be decided until the 14-day period in which Everton can appeal to the Premier League has passed after it found that by only offering a verbal deal, he was a free agent. Gosling has recovered from his cruciate injury quicker than expected and could be back playing in December. He is expected to sign a five-year deal when he decides where his future lies and Sunderland chief Bruce, who sold midfielder Lorik Cana on Thursday, will make a pitch this week to tempt the former Plymouth man to the Stadium of Light.
PIENAAR CLOSE TO EVERTON CONTRACT
PIENAAR: Ready to commit future
By Greg Gobere, 10/07/2010
SOUTH AFRICA international Steven Pienaar, 28, is close to agreeing a four-year deal worth £55,000 a week to stay at Everton.
Interest from Arsenal and Tottenham was fuelled by Pienaar's reluctance to put pen to paper but confidence is growing that the midfielder will commit his future to the club.
Arsene Wenger admitted he'd been impressed by the midfielder's season on Merseyside and, no doubt, his sublime goal at Emirates Stadium. Harry Redknapp dismissed talk that he would snap up the former Borussia Dortmund man. "I like Steven Pienaar, don't get me wrong," said the Spurs boss. "But there is nothing there. I wouldn't see that as being a real goer."
Toon wrap up Gosling on four-year deal
11/07/10 By Alan Nixon (Daily Mirror)
Newcastle have completed a surprise deal for Everton runaway Dan Gosling.
The England under-21 starlet had talks with Bolton Wanderers, West Ham and Sunderland before opting for Toon in a switch worth £5.5million to him over four years. Gosling was allowed to leave Goodison for nothing because of an administrative blunder by the Mersey men, who had verbally offered him a new deal but crucially had put nothing in writing before a Premier League deadline. He would have earned around £15,000 a week at Everton but is picking up closer to £25,000 a week on Tyneside because there is no transfer fee involved.Newcastle were the only one of the interested clubs to promise £4m-rated Gosling that they would sign him even if they have to pay a transfer fee once an Everton appeal is heard. Toon rushed the deal through even though the midfielder will miss the first three months of the season following knee surgery.
Anichebe breaks Sydney's resistance for Everton
DANIEL LANE
July 11, 2010
Sydney FC 0 Everton 1 (Sydney Morning Herald Tabloid)
TIM CAHILL made a triumphant return to Sydney last night before he even kicked a ball in anger for Everton. The Socceroo, who was raised in a suburb only a few minutes drive from ANZ Stadium, walked onto the field ahead of his teammates after the half-time break with his arms raised in triumph to acknowledge the applause of the 40,000-strong crowd. He hugged Sydney FC's favourite adopted son, Dwight Yorke, who made a welcome one-off return to the sky blue jumper. Less than a minute later, he watched as Victor Anichebe broke the 0-0 half-time deadlock. It was a cruel blow for a Sydney team that had been competitive in the opening half against an Everton team that finished eighth in last season's Premier League. None showed more flair and vigour than striker Alex Brosque, who made clear his intent in the fourth minute when he had a crack at goal. Everton's keeper Iain Turner had the shot well covered, but the Sydney fans appreciated the fact that the champions of Australia's domestic league were keen to attack and weren't overawed by playing such a high-profile team. Brosque, who could not break into Australia's World Cup squad despite being rated the most potent striker of last season's A-League, excelled against the Premier League outfit. He created plenty of opportunities and kept the English team guessing.
Another Sydney player to make the most of his opportunity was goalkeeper Ivan Necevski, who retained his composure under fire. The match was as much about symbolism as it was providing Sydney football fans with an opportunity to watch Everton in action. Mark Bridge allowed Yorke to wear his No.19 jumper while Sydney's boom teenager Terry Antonis wore the same No.17 strip as Cahill.
The teenager, who, like Cahill, was raised in Sydney's south-west, received a tremendous welcome to the big time in the 67th minute. Already earmarked by critics as part of the future of Australian football Antonis received tremendous applause from the terraces - and his enthusiasm in chasing the ball was akin to a sheep dog herding up livestock. The injection of Everton's star players, such as Cahill and French international Louis Saha, upped the tempo of the second half. Their footwork looked far more dangerous and they created more opportunities, though it was a tribute to Sydney's determination that they managed to foil Everton's numerous raids. The most eye-catching item though was Everton's new away strip. Known throughout the football world as the Toffees, they resembled licorice all sorts last night, unveiling a hot-pink jersey, black shorts and an assortment of fluorescent boots. Their first trial game of the season, which skipper Phil Neville - who didn't play - said was about gaining match fitness and winning was a success. Sydney may have been defeated by they were far from disgraced.
Hope Hallam’s hammer earns Everton FC youngsters a draw at Bangor
July 12 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
A 30-YARD screamer from 16-year-old striker Hope Hallam inspired a young Everton XI to pull back a 2-0 deficit at Bangor on Saturday. The Welsh club were using the friendly as a warm-up for Thursday’s Europa League second qualifying round first leg in Finland against FC Honka. And leading 2-0 the Welshmen looked set for a major morale boost.But Blues’ coaches Andy Holden and Alan Stubbs made a number of second half substitutions and they paid off. The introduction of several pairs of fresh legs, including lively 16-year-old strikers Hallam Hope and Anton Forrester who both found the scoresheet, turned things the Blues’ way.
Everton made a fast start and James Wallace, who made his first team debut for the Blues against Czech side Sigma Olomouc in the Europa League in August 2009, struck the post from just outside the box. Bangor took the lead on 31 minutes when Brewerton leapt to meet an Edwards corner from the right and his header carried just enough power to beat defender Aristote Nsiala on the line.The home side went 2-0 up three minutes before the break when Edwards hit a superb left foot strike across the keeper and into the far corner. But Hope and Forrester, both of whom became Everton full-timers this month, made a big difference, and the deficit was reduced on 68 minutes. It was Hope who lit up Farrar Road, his 30-yard screamer flying into the top corner beyond the powerless Smith. Five minutes later Craig’s cross from the left looked to be going out of play, but in his attempt to clear City full-back Roberts hit the ball against the fortunate Forrester and it ended up in the net.
EVERTON: Davies, Barrow, Bidwell, Kinsella, Nsiala, Murphy, Forshaw, Akpan, McAleny, Wallace, Craig. Subs (all used): Fitzgibbon (GK), Barkley, Donegan, Thompson, Dobie, Garbutt, Hope, Forrester, Cummins. Att: 750.
Familiar surroundings inspire Everton FC to win first match of Australian tour against Sydney
Jul 12 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
SYDNEY’S ANZ stadium might be only 10 years old but it is already steeped in sporting history. It is the biggest Olympic stadium ever built; where Cathy Freeman won gold, and where Jonny Wilkinson dropped the goal that won England a rugby World Cup. And for one night on Saturday this magnificent ground was suddenly transformed into Goodison Park on any given Saturday. The ex-pats and visiting Merseysiders who came to watch Everton start their Aussie pre-season tour with a win were treated to Z-Cars as the teams ran out, the strains of ‘It’s a Grand Old Team’ after the final whistle, a Toffee Lady and even a lone scally invading the pitch at the end. It was a home away from home for 90 minutes. The Toffees, wearing their new lightning pink away strip, produced a comfortable performance in front of the mixed crowd in high spirits. David Moyes gave a debut to new signing 20-year-old Magaye Gueye, and the £1m recruit from Strasbourg showed flashes of potential, while Jack Rodwell hinted further at his potential for stardom. Local pundits had speculated whether Everton would rack-up a cricket score, but instead Sydney provided competitive opposition during an entertaining run-out. “I thought we played well tonight but we were playing against the champions of Australia and it was a tough game for us,” said Moyes. “They weren’t overawed by the game and took the game to us which was probably a little bit of a surprise.” “Tim (Cahill) said to us Sydney would be strong and hard to beat and it proved to be that way.” “I thought it was a good game for us, just what we needed. “Sydney tried to play good football as well. I don’t know all the A-League but for our first pre-season game we played well so that gives you an idea where Sydney is at.” Victor Anichebe’s 46th minute strike was the only goal of the encounter, but both teams shared some good chances. With six minutes gone, James Vaughan was slipped in by Leon Osman, and the striker hit a crisp effort which Sydney keeper Ivan Necevski saved at the second attempt
Soon Everton settled into their stride, and started to dominate possession and display the better passing. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will not recall being tackled by 38-year-old Dwight Yorke fondly, the ex Manchester United man back for one night only in the colours of a team he graced for a season. Yorke’s stay in the A-League was brief but he proved immensely popular, and his cameo undoubtedly helped promote the game.
With the Tobagan using the ball intelligently from a deep midfield role, Sydney were holding their own. Having won all of their three pre-season games so far, they threatened to take the lead on half an hour again when Socceroo Alex Brosque fired a vicious effort at Turner from 10 yards. Half-time entertainment was an exhibition match featuring the excellent youth side of local semi-pro club the Marconi Stallions.
Watching from a comfortable seat in one of the boxes was 82-year-old Ron Lord. Lord was the New South Wales goalkeeper when Everton toured Down Under in 1964, and did well to only concede five goals against a side featuring the likes of Alex Young, and Roy Vernon. The second half started with a couple of changes for the Blues and a goal. Tim Cahill replaced Jack Rodwell, and Magaye Gueye replaced James Vaughan. But within 46 seconds, the impressive Anichebe produced a terrific turn in the box, and blasted the ball high into the net in front of the home fans’ Cove end. Moments earlier Cahill received a predictably rapturous reception, jogging out first ahead of his team-mates. Frenchman Gueye was distinctly promising. A live-wire who offered pace in attack, showed a neat touch and proved he has listened to his team-mates instructions to track back. Dwight Yorke’s celebrity turn lasted 61 minutes, before Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka replaced him. It was a good value cameo too, full of clever passing and cross-field balls. But as one star with his career behind him exited, a young man at the opposite end of the scale entered. Terry Antonis is the 16-year-old most highly rated prospect in Australian football, and has recently signed a three-year deal with Sydney. The teenager who Tim Cahill described as “like a brother” has trained at Everton’s Finch Farm complex, and was believed to have been tracked by Inter Milan. Aussie youngsters are unable to sign for sides outside of their homeland until the age of 18, so Antonis pledged his future to his home-town club last week. But with the second half settling into a lazier tempo as the minutes passed, Mikel Arteta showed his first flash of brilliance, turning and thrashing a wonderful shot which Neceveski parried. Sydney responded with some sustained pressure, and had a plausible penalty claim denied when Jagielka upended Brosque in the area. Moyes gave Louis Saha a chance to stretch his legs later along with Jose Baxter, the later showing some clever touches and movement. But Sydney could have levelled again when left-back Petratos found himself through on goal but got the ball trapped between his feet. The final whistle prompted Cahill to swap shirts with Antonis, and both sides to receive an ovation from the lively crowd. Moyes will be pleased to have started his pre-season with a win, but even happier at the sharpness of young forwards Anichebe and Gueye. The week of training in Sydney has clearly helped the Blues get back into shape fast, and now they move on for their second game of the tour against new A-league side Melbourne Heart. Don’t be surprised if the spirit of Goodison Park moves down the coast with them.
SYDNEY: Necevski, Cole, Ryall, Keller, Byun, Yorke, Jamieson, McFlynn, Gan (Antonis 46), Brosque, Bridge. Subs: Foxe, Petratos, Moriyasu, Powell, Golec, Reddy.
EVERTON: Turner, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Arteta, Osman, Bilyaletdinov (Baxter, 64), Rodwell (Cahill 46), Anichebe (Saha 70), Vaughan (Gueye 46). Subs: Silva, Mustafi, Coleman, Jutkiewicz.
REFEREE: Strebre Strebredelovski
ATTENDANCE: 40,446
Everton FC boss David Moyes rules out bids for World Cup starlets
Jul 12 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES has admitted that a clutch of emerging young World Cup stars came onto his radar during the month-long tournament which came to a close last night – but ruled out an immediate swoop for any of them. Before the Blues tour Down Under the Goodison boss spent time in South Africa as a TV and radio pundit, and used the spell to run the rule over possible recruits. But as he put his Everton squad through their paces during the early stages of their pre-season tour in Australia, he reiterated that the World Cup was not a good market for players. He said: “I don’t think it’s a market where anyone particularly buys from. There have been a lot of players there who play in the Premier League and have maybe played better than they do
in the league and others you’ve expected more from and it didn’t happen. “Overall though I don’t think it’s a good place to buy from. What it does offer you is the chance to see the emerging talent. Players who have made their squads and are coming through.” “There were one or two young kids I liked and have been keeping an eye on.” Moyes also explained that he did not see any pioneering new tactical set-ups during his time in South Africa which will alter his own coaching philosophy.He said: “There is a different title for things but they have happened in the past. Things have probably changed a little bit but basically football is football. There’s nothing dramatically different. “It’s interesting to hear how much the 4-5-1 formation is advocated now and there is a trend for one striker. We’ve played that way for a while with one striker and Tim behind for a long time now. It suited Tim and I thought it was something that suited us better than two boys up front.” Former Blues keeper Carlo Nash, meanwhile, has flown home from the tour of Australia to discuss a possible move to Stoke City. Nash is a free agent and is set to follow John Ruddy out of the Goodison exit door. Iain Turner was in goal for Saturday’s opening tour win over Sydney, a victory sealed by Victor Anichebe’s 46th minute strike. Anichebe said: “I was very pleased with my goal. A few of the boys were saying before they wanted to see the left-foot sledgehammer so it was good to score the goal! “The goal is just a small thing though, it was good to get some fitness. Hopefully I can take this into the next pre-season games and get more fitness. “I felt quite tired towards the end, there were parts in the first half when I felt quite tired but to get through it in the first game is credit to what we do here. “The training has been hard but I am happy.”
Everton FC in the pink as Australia tour opens with a win
July 12 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON opened their pre-season trip Down Under with a win over Aussie Champions Sydney. The Toffees, wearing their new lightening pink away strip, produced a comfortable performance in front of a mixed crowd of Sydney fans, travelling bluenoses and ex-pat scousers. David Moyes gave a debut to new signing 20-year-old Maguye Gueye, and the £1m buy from Strasbourg showed flashes of potential which bode well for the coming season. Local pundits had speculated whether Everton would rack-up a cricket score at the impressive ANZ arena, but instead Sydney provided competitive opposition during an entertaining run-out.
There were touches of home for the ex-pats and visiting Merseysiders; Z-Cars was played as the teams ran out, ‘Grand Old Team’ blared out after the final whistle, and one youngster invaded the pitch as the teams left. Victor Anichebe’s 46th minute strike was the only goal of the encounter, but both teams shared some good chances along with a friendly spirit. The game took place against the backdrop of Australia’s most memorable game, the 2006 World Cup qualifying play off against Uruguay here in 2005 which the Socceroos won dramatically on penalties. With six minutes gone, James Vaughan was slipped in by Leon Osman, and the striker hit a crisp effort which Sydney keeper Ivan Necevski saved at the second attempt Soon Everton settled into their stride, and started to dominate possession and display the better passing. Leighton Baines dropped his shoulder, cut inside and fired an effort straight at Necevski. Then moments later Jack Rodwell popped up on the right and dazzled left-back Shannon Cole, before curling an effort narrowly over. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will not recall being tackled by 38-year-old Dwight Yorke fondly, the ex Manchester United man present on his old stomping ground. Yorke played only one season with Sydney in the A-League but proved immensely popular here, and his cameo undoubtedly helped promote the game. With Yorke using the ball intelligently from a deep midfield role, Sydney were holding their own and useful opposition. Having won all of their three pre-season games so far, they threatened to take the lead on half an hour again when Socceroo Alex Brosque fired a vicious effort at Turner from 10 yards after nice build-up play. Then it was Everton’s turn to threaten, Baines finding Anichebe with a pin-point pass and the big Nigerian held his marker off and spun around to almost open the scoring. Half time entertainment was an exhibition match featuring the excellent youth side of local semi-pro club the Marconi Stallions.
Watching from a comfortable seat in one of the boxes was 82-year-old Ron Lord. Lord was the New South Wales goalkeeper when Everton last toured Down Under in 1964, and did well to only concede five goals against a side featuring the likes of Alex Young, and Roy Vernon. The second half started with a couple of changes for Everton and a goal. Tim Cahill replaced Jack Rodwell, and Maguye Gueye replaced James Vaughan.But within 46 seconds the impressive Anichebe produced a terrific turn in the box, and blasted the ball high into the net in front of the home fans’ Cove end. Cahill had moments earlier received a predictably rapturous reception, jogging out first ahead of his team-mates. Everton soon began to hog the ball again, but as in the previous 45 Sydney showed what they are capable of on the break, when Gan fired a cross into the box and Brosque narrowly headed wide. Frenchman Gueye was distinctly promising. A live-wire who offered pace in attack, showed a neat touch and proved he has listened to his team-mates instructions to track back. Dwight Yorke’s celebrity turn lasted 61 minutes, before Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka replaced him.
It was a good value cameo too, full of clever passing and cross-field balls which proved why he was able to finish his career in the premier league with Sunderland.
But as one star with his career behind him exited, a young man at the opposite end of the scale entered. Terry Antonis is the 16-year-old most highly rated prospect in Australian football, and has recently signed a three-year deal with Sydney. The teenager who Tim Cahill described as “like a brother” has trained at Everton’s Finch Farm complex, and was believed to have been tracked by Inter. Aussie youngsters are unable to sign for sides outside of their homeland until the age of 18, so Antonis pledged his future to his home-town club last week. But with the second half settling into a lazier tempo as the minutes passed, Mikel Arteta showed his first flash of brilliance, turning and thrasing a wonderful shot which Neceveski parried. Sydney responded with some sustained pressure, and had a plausible penalty claim denied when Jagielka upended Brosque in the area. Moyes gave Louis Saha a chance to stretch his legs later along with Jose Baxter, the later showing some clever touches and movement. But Sydney could have levelled again when left-back Petratos found himself through on goal but got the ball trapped between his feet. The final whistle prompted Cahill to swap shirts with Antonis, and both sides to receive an ovation from the lively crowd. Moyes will be pleased to have started his pre-season with a win, but even happier at the sharpness of young forwards Anichebe and Gueye.
The week of training in Sydney has clearly already helped the Blues get back into shape, and now they move on to Melbourne for their second game of the tour against new A-league side Melbourne Heart.
Everton FC striker Victor Anichebe delighted at making scoring return in first pre-season friendly victory over Sydney FC
July 12 2010 by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
MATCH-WINNER Victor Anichebe is glad to be back on the goal trail after netting against Sydney. The Nigerian international helped Everton get their pre-season campaing underway with a win after his vicious strike sealed a 1-0 triumph at the ANZ Stadium on Saturday morning. Anichebe admits his priority was to add to his fitness ahead of the new Premier League campaign but the goal came as a bonus.
“It was good to get 70 mimutes under my belt considering the long summer we had and it was good to get a win as well,” said Anichebe. “I think all round we are pretty pleased with how the game went. I felt quite tired towards the end, there were parts in the first half when I felt quite tired but to get through it in the first game is credit to what we do here. “The training has been hard but I am happy. I was very pleased with my goal.” “A few of the boys were saying before they wanted to see the left-foot sledgehammer so it was good to score the goal. “The goal is just a small thing though, it was good to get some fitness. Hopefully I can take this into the next pre-season games and get more fitness.” Meanwhile, manager David Moyes echoed the sentiments of his frontman when labelling the Sydney match as a positive addition to Everton’s summer preparations. The Goodison manager saw early signs of his side picking up where they left off last season. “I thought we played well tonight against a decent side,” he said. “They are a bit ahead of us in their pre-season but the players played well tonight. “The way we passed it looked a lot like the way we were playing towards the end of last season. Sydney had one or two opportunities as well so overall it was a good game. “We controlled most of the game but they were a bit of a threat. They weren’t a poor team by any means, I actually think they were one of the better teams we have played in pre-season.”
Anichebe gets Everton up and running Down Under
12/07/10 (Daily Mirror)
Victor Anichebe ensured Everton kicked-off their first pre-season tour of Australia since 1987 with victory over A-League Champions Sydney FC.
The Toffees were last Down Under as English Division One champions 23 years ago, but while title-winning days are now a distant memory for the cash-strapped Merseysiders, David Moyes’ 2010 vintage are proving just as efficient at grinding out backs-to-the-wall wins. Nigeria striker Anichebe scored the only goal a minute into the second half with a well-taken finish after spinning in the penalty area. Everton skipper Phil Neville, who missed the game with a knee injury, believes the win has given them momentum to achieve a clean sweep in Australia. Next up are new A-League franchise Melbourne Heart on Wednesday, and the tour concludes against Brisbane Roar next Saturday. “The first game of the pre-season is normally used as a fitness exercise, but because of the magnitude of this game, the manager wanted us to win,” said Neville. “He’s given us that edge and the pressure to put on ourselves that we need to win the other two games as well, because of our pride in the club. We want to put on a good show for the fans.” Sporting their new change strip of lightning pink for the first time, Everton showed some nice touches, but Sydney offered stubborn resistance for long periods in front of 40,446 fans at the ANZ stadium. Everton’s captain for the night Mikel Arteta orchestrated the midfield, while Leon Osman, left back Leighton Baines and Anichebe all impressed. Everton’s new French signing Magaye Gueye also came on, getting a first taste of action in place of Jack Rodwell, but former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford missed out. Sydney might easily have upstaged their big-name opponents if their finishing had matched their neat passing.
Lively striker Alex Brosque went close on a number of occasions – the pick a second-half chip smartly saved by Everton reserve goalkeeper Iain Turner. Brosque also had a 78th-minute claim for a penalty waved away by referee Strebre Delovski. Everton’s Australian midfield star Tim Cahill, back from World Cup duty, played in the second half and overshadowed former Aston Villa and Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke, who came out of retirement to make his farewell appearance for Sydney.
But the star attraction was undoubtedly Cahill, who Everton coach David Moyes believes is the perfect role model for the rest of his team-mates. “Tim is not just a player,” Moyes said. “For me, it’s the man, the person. Since he came to us from Millwall [in 2004], he has been great for Everton and great for me.”
Anichebe goal gives Everton first Australian win
July 12 2010 Austalia Daily Telegraph
Eye on the ball...James Vaughan of Everton controls the ball in the air against Sydney FC during the first of the three-match Everton Down Under football series in Sydney on July 10. Picture: Greg Wood Source: AFP
A VICTOR Anichebe goal immediately after halftime gave Everton a 1-0 win over Sydney FC in the first match of their three-game Australian tour.
Spurred on by a healthy crowd of over 40,000, the reigning A League champions took the game right up to their more illustrious opponents but were gradually worn down as the match progressed. The home side looked far from overawed and had the first chance of the match after just five minutes, when Alex Brosque pounced on a poor Leighton Baines pass but fired the ball straight at goalkeeper Iain Turner.
Everton, playing in their new hot pink away strip, hit back immediately and began to control the play, Jack Rodwell just missing with a left foot shot that went wide.
Soon after, Baines found Anichebe with his back to goal and the Nigerian turned and blasted a shot which Sydney keeper Ivan Necevski only just managed to keep out.. The scores were locked at 0-0 at halftime but in the 46th minute Sydney paid heavily for leaving Anichebe unmarked a second time. Baines again found the Nigerian international in the box and Anichebe turned brilliantly and shot, this time giving Necevski no chance. Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta was impressive all night, while Leon Osman, Baines and Anichebe were the visitors' best. Sydney were far from disgraced and enjoyed a decent share of possession, creating some good chances for lively striker Brosque. Everton's Australian midfield star Tim Cahill played the second half, receiving a huge ovation as he came out onto the field ahead of his teammates.
Everton play new A League Club Melbourne Heart midweek before taking on Brisbane Roar next Saturday.
Brosque happy to avoid a thrashing
By Tom Smithies
Australia Daily Telegraph
July 10 2010
STRIKER Alex Brosque believes Sydney FC will be boosted by the manner of their narrow defeat to Everton on Saturday night, especially after he admitted the thought of a heavy defeat had crossed their minds.
The English Premier League side won by a single goal at ANZ Stadium but Sydney held their own in a less-than-frenetic encounter, with Brosque passing up a couple of chances to open Sydney's account. With Everton just days into their pre-season, and Sydney only a few weeks further ahead, it allowed the A-League champions to narrow the gap in class in front of a 40,000 crowd. The second-half appearance of Tim Cahill, and a low-key cameo from Dwight Yorke, were the highlights in a game that never got out of second gear. "We were sort of joking around that we'd get touched up, but at the same time we didn't come to get embarrassed or outplayed," Brosque said. "We know how good we are, and it's part of our preparation. If we were going to get beaten we wanted to give everything we had and I think we did that. "We pressed them high and did everything we could to stop them being as good as they can be. If we'd let them play and move the ball around it was going to be such a long night. So we're very happy with how we approached the game and, in the end, the result.
"We kept the ball well, moved it around and had a few chances." Brosque snatched at several chances and admitted they were opportunities he has to take in the season proper but he claimed Sydney could have had a penalty after he tangled with Everton defender Phil Jagielka late in the game. "He touched the ball and my leg at the same time, and it was a bit slippy out there," he said. "He could have given it or not, but I was kind of hoping that a hometown referee, with the occasion, might have blown but it wasn't to be. "My finishing is something I'm very keen to work on this year and I had a few that, during the season, I need to be scoring. "So while I'm happy to be in those positions to score, I'm still a bit disappointed I didn't tuck them away."
Everton pips Sydney FC 1-0 in exhibition game
By Adrian Warren
Perth new, July 11, 2010
COLOURFULLY attired English Premier League side Everton started the season in the pink by beating A-League champions Sydney FC 1-0 in a pre-season friendly at ANZ Stadium. A well taken goal by Nigerian international striker Victor Anichebe less than a minute into the second half was the only score of a competitive game watched by 40,446 spectators. Playing in their new change strip of lightning pink for the first time, Everton showed some nice touches, but Sydney offered their fans plenty of hope for the season ahead. With his orange and grey boots and pink shirt Anichebe was hard to miss, but Sydney didn't pick up the Nigerian international, whose smart turn and fierce shot supplied the only goal. Everton's captain for the night, classy Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta displayed his trademark artistry, while Leon Osman, left back Leighton Baines and Anichebe also caught the eye. Sydney were far from disgraced and enjoyed a decent share of possession and created some good chances. Lively striker Alex Brosque went close on a number of occasions. He had a couple of shots saved by Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner, went close with a second half chip and had a 78th minute claim for a penalty waved away by referee Strebre Delovski. Everton's Socceroo midfield star Tim Cahill played the second half, receiving a loud ovation as he came out onto the field ahead of his teammates. Terry Antonis, the 16-year-old who has been mentored by Cahill and wore the same jersey number as the Everton star, came on in the 67th minute. Substitute Dimitri Petratos had a late chance for Sydney, but lost control of the ball just a few metres out from goal in the 87th minute. Trinidad's former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke, Sydney's marquee player in their first A-League title winning team, played 62 minutes. He distributed the ball accurately from midfield though he rarely ventured far from the centre circle. oth sides had a number of early shots from distance. Brosque, Brendan Gan, Sun-Hwan Byun and new signing Scott Jamieson all had attempts for the home team, while James Vaughan, Baines and Jack Rodwell peppered the visitors goal. Everton's best first half chance fell to Anichebe, whose 34th minute shot was blocked by Sydney custodian Ivan Necevski. Brosque had his team's best first half opportunity in the 31st minute, but his effort was saved by Turner. Everton coach David Moyes praised both Sydney and his own team.
"It was a tough game for us, I thought we played well, I thought we passed it well,'' Moyes said. "Maybe we didn't get as many chances as we would want but overall I was pleased. "We thought for our first pre-season game we played quite well, so that gives you an idea of where Sydney are.'' Cahill said it was "brilliant'' to play against an Australian team for once. "It was really impressive to see the football Sydney played and also the way we played,'' Cahill said. "I warned the lads before the game how difficult this game was going to be, and how up for it they would be because I know a lot of the lads personally and they were a credit to themselves.'' Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka said it had been a great experience for his team and felt they had done well. "We played compact in defence, we created several good moments in attack as well, but they punished us early in the second half,'' Lavicka said. Yorke said he wasn't surprised at being able to last an hour and Lavicka compared him to a fine wine saying the 38-year-old veteran was getting better with age. At the other extreme of the experience scale, Antonis felt he did well. "I learnt heaps from this game,'' Antonis said. Cahill said he was proud of Antonis: "He did well, some great touches.''
Iniesta revels in triumph
Jul 12 2010 (John Heitinga played for Netherlands)
Spain's hero Andres Iniesta hailed "an incredible feeling" after his goal secured his country the World Cup for the first time in their history. the Barcelona midfielder scored in the 26th minute of extra time against Holland after being set up by Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Spain went on to triumph 1-0. The match saw 14 yellow cards handed out by English referee Howard Webb, two of which led to a red for Holland defender John Heitinga - easily setting a record for a final - as Holland tried to 'win ugly'. "I can't quite believe this yet. I had the opportunity to score that goal that was so important for my team, and it's incredible," said Iniesta. "I've made a small contribution in a very tough game, a very rough game - there were all sorts of things happening on the pitch. "Spain deserved to win this World Cup. It's something we have to remember and enjoy, and should feel very proud of everyone in this squad.
"The manner in which it happened, we gave everything," Iniesta said. "To win the World Cup - there are no words to describe it. After he scored, Iniesta took off his shirt to reveal a T-shirt paying tribute to Daniel Jarque, the Espanyol player who died after a heart attack in August. The T-shirt said "Dani Jarque is always with us" and Iniesta explained: "I wanted to carry Dani Jarque with me and with my other team-mates. We wanted to feel his strength. We wanted to pay tribute to him in the world of football, and this was the best opportunity to do so. "This is for Dani Jarque, for my family, for all of the people. It is the result of hard work over a long time and some difficult moments." Spain's triumph had been predicted by Paul, the psychic German octopus, and Iniesta added: "As for the octopus, what can I say? We won. The octopus will be very popular in Spain."
Heart looks sweet for Toffees clash
By Matt Windley
Herald Sun . July 12 2010
MELBOURNE Heart will field its strongest possible line-up when it takes on Tim Cahill's Everton at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
A Heart official said yesterday Socceroos Josip Skoko and Michael Beauchamp were likely to play their first minutes in a Heart shirt alongside fellow first-choice players Clint Bolton, Simon Colosimo, Dean Heffernan, Jason Hoffman, Matt Thompson and imports Rutger Worm, Gerald Sibon and Alex Terra. The match will be Heart's first on the big stage after losses in regional towns to A-League opponents Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar in recent weeks. Everton, which will arrive in Melbourne tomorrow, defeated Sydney FC on Saturday night in the first game of its three-match Australian tour. Cahill and Everton manager David Moyes were impressed by Sydney in the 1-0 win at ANZ Stadium. "It was a tough game for us and I thought Sydney tried to play good football as well," Moyes said. "I thought the two boys up front (Alex Brosque and Mark Bridge) were quite lively. They had a couple of moments. "I don't know all the A-League, but ... we thought for our first pre-season game we played well, so that gives you an idea where Sydney are." Cahill said he had expected Sydney to come out firing. "We don't normally play games this early, but it was really impressive to see the football Sydney played and the way we played," Cahill said. "I warned the lads before the game how difficult this game was going to be and how upbeat they would be. I just think they were a credit to themselves." Defender Beauchamp will be introduced by Heart today after a break following his World Cup duties.
Gosling agrees to Newcastle United transfer
10:22am Tuesday 13th July 2010
By Scott Wilson
DAN GOSLING has agreed to join Newcastle United, but the midfielder’s future might not be formally resolved for another two weeks. Having talked to at least four Premier League clubs in the last seven days, Gosling has verbally agreed to move to St James’ Park. The England Under-21 international, who is currently nursing a cruciate injury that will sideline him until late November at the earliest, held face-to-face talks in the North-East last Friday. Newcastle officials have offered him a four-year deal worth around £25,000-a-week, and despite competing interest from Bolton, West Ham and Sunderland, Gosling has expressed a desire to join the Magpies.
However, his move to Tyneside is complicated by the events that led to him becoming a free agent at the end of last month. Gosling’s former employers, Everton, verbally offered him a new deal, but failed to table a written offer before a Premier League deadline expired. As a result, a Premier League tribunal ruled that Gosling was entitled to a free transfer once his previous contract at Goodison Park expired.
Everton have 14 days from last Friday in which to appeal against the ruling, and while they have not yet done so, the Merseyside club are expected to lodge a formal appeal with the Premier League. If that appeal was to be upheld, Newcastle would have to pay compensation in order to secure Gosling’s services, and given the midfielder’s record with the England Under-21 side, that bill would almost certainly exceed the £1m mark. Everton paid £2m to sign Gosling from Plymouth Argyle in January 2008, and the youngster has subsequently scored six goals in 37 senior appearances for David Moyes’ side. Newcastle are understood to have pledged to carry through their commitment to sign Gosling, even if a Premier League appeal committee was to rule in Everton’s favour, but they may be unable to confirm the 20-yearold’s arrival until the situation is resolved. Despite technically being a free agent, Gosling’s player registration forms have not yet passed to St James’ Park. Chris Hughton has been monitoring the situation closely, despite spending last weekend in Ireland at Newcastle’s Carton House training camp. The Magpies are due to return to England on Thursday, before playing their opening pre-season game at Carlisle United on Saturday. Hughton is expected to include a number of youngsters in his line-up at Brunton Park, with the likes of Haris Vuckic, Fraser Forster, Phil Airey, Stephen Folan and Kazenga Lua Lua all having worked with the senior squad this week.
Vuckic, in particular, is expected to feature in the first team next season, and Hughton is hoping the highly- rated Slovenian is not the only young player to step up to the next level. “Haris has trained with the first team and will do so again next season,” said the Newcastle boss. “We’ll be seeing more of him. “Then you have a batch of players who were successful in the FA Youth Cup and are now part of what we call the development squad – the link between the Academy and first team. “They’ll be based with us at the first-team base. We value them very highly, but do I see them coming into the first team soon? That will be up to them.”
Everton FC’s Seamus Coleman: I’m glad to be back on my feet again
Jul 13 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
SEAMUS COLEMAN is searching the sole of his foot for a barely perceptible scar.
Eventually the Everton right-back points to a slight patch of discolouring near his big toe. Here it is, the remnants of a wound that threatened to devastate his promising career before it had even really begun. We are sitting outside the dining area of Everton’s hotel in Sydney, and the 21-year-old is reflecting on how different this Australian tour has been from his last pre-season tour with the Toffees.
It was upon arrival in Seattle, where the Blues jetted for pre-season last summer, when doctors discovered a blister on his foot which had become infected and was eating away at his flesh. “Over there I didn’t know how serious it was at the time,” says the Donegal-born defender. “I was worried but they didn’t tell me the severity of it until I was better. “I knew it was bad, but when I got back and they said it could have ended my career I was shocked. I’m glad they didn’t tell me at first. “This year I’m so glad to be out and training instead of being stuck in my room 24/7.” It is testament to Coleman’s quiet perseverance, not to mention natural ability, that he still turned the ensuing season into a major success. Named man of the match after his full Goodison debut, a morale-boosting draw with Spurs, he impressed coaching staff and fans with his fearless attacking verve, and lack of respect for the reputations of opponents.
But Coleman took it all step by step, a measure approach to life which the youngster applies to most things.“After I got back from the foot injury I just wanted to get onto the bench really,” he says. “When I did that I just wanted to get on for a game or two. Then I went off on loan and enjoyed that so I was glad for the year I had.”
Coleman signed for £60,000 from Irish side Sligo Rovers in January 2009, following a recommendation by Willie McStay to former teammate David Moyes. But even when he was playing in the relative low-key Irish league, he was planning a route to the top. Step by step, of course. “I signed for Sligo Rovers when I was 18 after finishing secondary school,” he says. “It was either go to college or footy and the manager offered me a two-year contract with Sligo. “I didn’t get into the team when I first got there for the first half season. I started to play well there, and I thought about a move to England. Then I got to England and wanted to break into the Everton team. If you do something well, you always want to do it better. “Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a professional footballer in England. I’ve always just taken things step by step
“I’d signed fully pro but some of the teams in our league were part time. It’s been a big change coming from Ireland to a massive club like Everton, but I love it.”
Yet the football world came close to missing out on his talent, with Coleman also realising his flair for Ireland’s biggest sport Gaelic football (GA) as a teenager.
“GA was my number one sport until I was 18 really,” says the Gaelic speaker. “Then I had to pick one or another, so I decided to give soccer a go for a few years because if it didn’t work out I could always go back to Gaelic one day. “It was my favourite sport as I grew up, I followed Donegal and it was very competitive. I’ve been watching a bit of AFL on the telly over here. It’s a good sport. It reminds me of when Ireland played Australia in a mixed code game. It’s a rough one. They’re always hitting eachother.” Coleman was able to build on his progress last season during a fruitful loan spell with Blackpool under Ian Holloway, when he helped the Seasiders win promotion to the Premier League. And he enjoyed every minute of his time playing for the eccentric Holloway. “He’s a character as everyone knows, and he’s always laughing,” he says. “But he can be serious when he has to be, and you wouldn’t get on the wrong side of him. “I loved my time there. Ian said he took me in because he likes the way I play and get forward, and said to carry on. It worked well. “I didn’t feel as much pressure on my Goodison debut against Spurs, because I was on the bench, someone got injured and then I was on before I knew it. “When you’re playing you don’t feel the pressure. But at Blackpool before the play-off final I felt the nerves. It helped me a lot playing in such a big occasion and it’s helped me as a player.
“The championship is a strong league. There’s a lot of big, physical players and the goals are flying in. I tried my best to work on my defending and hopefully it’s helped. It was more a physical task. Obviously it’s a good standard of a league, but then you go up to the premier league and it shoots up a level. It’s tough down there, maybe not as quick on the ground, but challenging.” Coleman admits he will also have to work on his goal celebration, especially if he breaks his Everton duck in the forthcoming season, something he will attempt to do with his usual quiet confidence.
“Now I just want to keep impressing the manager and working hard,” he says. “If I get the chance I’ll shoot again, but if you’d seen my celebration you can tell I haven’t practised it much. I’ll have a go though; it might go in or it might hit row Z.”
Jack Rodwell promising to take game to next level with Everton FC
Jul 13 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
JACK RODWELL insisted that he never thought twice about signing his new five-year Everton deal – as he warned Premier League rivals he is ready to take his game to a new level. The 19-year-old impressed in an advanced midfield role during the victory over Sydney FC, which marked the start of Everton’s three-game Aussie tour on Saturday. Rodwell committed his future to the Toffees in May, dashing the hopes of reported suitors Manchester United and Chelsea, and he says he never considered leaving Goodison Park. He said: “When these questions were getting asked (about my future) I always knew I was going to sign a new contract. “I didn’t have a doubt in my mind. It’s good to get it out of the way so I can focus on the new season, but it was never an issue. “This is a massive season. I’m 19 so I’m still young, but my main aim is to get in the team and hold down a regular place. Last season was good for me and even if I only feature in a similar way it’s not the end of the world. “I’m still playing for a massive club and we’ve got a big squad so I can’t be wanting to start every game.”Rodwell hinted he would be happy it if David Moyes asked him to play in a more attacking midfield role. He said: “You never know about an advanced role. Last season I started off more defensive, got a few games under my belt and then got injured. I found it hard to get into the starting line-up but I was coming on, and every time I was coming on it was more advanced and I made an impact on some games.
“The manager has maybe looked at that and thought, try him there, so whatever happens I’m happy.” Rodwell enjoyed his 45-minute run-out against a Sydney side featuring former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke. He said: “It was a good game. I played 45 minutes and though it was a nice stadium and nice atmosphere. It was a bit more of a Europa league style game, with a slower pace than I thought.
“I thought it’d be all guns blazing but it was a lot more relaxed. Both sides wanted the win but overall it was about fitness. “Dwight Yorke was good. He’s been a top player and seemed decent on the ball even if it was strange seeing him in a holding midfield role. “Personally, I enjoyed getting forward. I’m just mixing it up a bit.”
Everton FC manager David Moyes impressed with Magaye Gueye
July 13 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
DAVID MOYES is hoping his first impressions of Magaye Gueye last.
The Everton manager was impressed with the new recruit’s debut against Sydney FC at the weekend and believes the young striker will only get better. Gueye joined Everton from French side Strasbourg shortly before the Toffees headed to Australia for a three week pre-season training camp. Despite his new surroundings and a limited command of English, the 20-year-old did enough in a 45 minute run out against the A-League champions to reassure Moyes he will have few problems settling in to life at his new club. “He did well,” said Moyes. “He was good on the ball and we trusted him with the ball. You can see he is going to have good ability. “At the moment the language barrier is a little bit in the way and we are still finding where we think he will be of best use to us. “It wasn’t the best surface but great credit to the players. They worked hard and played well.” Gueye has been handed the number 19 shirt for the forthcoming season and will battle with fellow new boys Jermaine Beckford and Joao Silva to break into the first team. Former Leeds frontman Beckford will wear number 16 while Silva will sport 29 on his back. With Tim Howard preferring to keep the 24 shirt, new goalkeeper Jan Mucha will take the number one jersey.
Seamus Coleman moves from 31 to 23, claiming the number vacated after Lucas Neill’s short-lived Everton career came to an end last season. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has spoken of his delight seeing Spain lift the World Cup. The Everton midfielder watched his country’s 1-0 win over Holland down under. “I am proud and happy and I think all the Spanish are. The team has been terrific all tournament,” said Arteta. “They lost the first game but the way they have come back shows the character and how good the group of players is.” Arteta was not included in Vicente Del Bosque’s squad after missing much of last season through injury. His good form on his return warranted a call-up but the playmaker is yet to earn a senior cap for Spain.
Such is the wealth of talent at Del Bosque’s disposal that even the likes of Cesc Fabregas can’t command a starting place. The Arsenal captain came off the bench to set up Andres Iniesta for the winning goal in extra time in Soccer City.
Arteta is well aware of the competition for places in the Spanish team but has not given up hope of one day playing for the European and World champions.
“You saw how difficult it is to get a game,” he said. “Even Fabregas hasn’t played a full game so you can see what good players we have in those positions.
“I understand that but obviously I would love to get in the team one day.”
Seamus Coleman aiming for Champions League place with Everton FC
July 13 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
SEAMUS COLEMAN believes Everton can secure a Champions League place next season. An eighth place finish last time round fails to paint the full picture of a campaign in which David Moyes' side had to deal with a crippling injury list before dragging themselves up the table to narrowly miss out on a Europa League place.
Coleman was on loan at newly promoted Blackpool when Everton’s resurgence took place. The 21-year-old hasn’t ruled out another loan move but plans to fight for a first team place at Goodison Park. “With the players we have I think we have a chance at the top four, but we are definitely trying to finish higher than last season,” said Coleman. “I'm hoping to keep doing my best to impress the manager in training.
“Hopefully that will lead to a few games and then I will take it from there.”
While Everton turned heads with wins over Manchester United, Chelsea and Man City (twice), Coleman was helping Blackpool to the Championship play-off final.
A 3-2 win over Cardiff at Wembley booked the Seasiders place in the Premier League for the first time. Everton travel to Bloomfield Road on November 6th. It is a date Coleman has already marked in his diary. “Football-wise, the play-off final was one of the highlights of my career so far,” he recalls. “Playing at Wembley is a dream for most kids growing up and to do it so early in my career was brilliant. The fact that we won made it even better!“Am I excited about playing Blackpool next season? Definitely. I can't wait to see all the lads and the manager. “It will be a bit strange playing against them having been there for the last couple of months of the season.”
This time last year, Coleman was unable to take part in Everton’s pre-season training camp when a freak foot blister became dangerously swollen on the flight to the USA.
Twelve months on he is being out through his paces in Australia where Everton are gearing up for their second match against Melbourne Heart tomorrow having already beaten A-League champions Sydney FC 1-0 at the weekend. “It has been brilliant so far,” said Coleman. “The lads have all enjoyed the trip. For me it has been even better because last year I was stuck in my room. “Pre-season is always going to be tough and I can imagine it is only going to get tougher for the next couple of weeks. “We are all looking forward to getting back to Goodison for another Premier League season.”
Cahill would be better resting: Moyes
SAM LIENERT
July 13, 2010 , Theage, Australia newspaper
Everton manager David Moyes admits he would have preferred Socceroos star Tim Cahill not to be with the team on their pre-season Australian tour. The English Premier League club beat reigning A-League champions Sydney FC 1-0 on Saturday night and play new club Melbourne Heart on Wednesday night, then Brisbane Roar on Saturday night. While Moyes said the goal-scoring midfielder had been desperate to play on home soil and was a major inspiration for Everton making the trip, football-wise he would have been better off resting. The six other Everton players who played in the World Cup in South Africa were given time off. "I'd have preferred Tim to make sure he had a good holiday," Moyes said in Melbourne on Tuesday.
"But he's having a holiday, he's enjoyed taking all our players out ... we've not asked him to train, just a little bit before the game to keep ticking over. "Because he's playing continually, as you know, with Australian stuff, so I've just got to make sure I don't feel the effects of Tim having no holiday in six or seven weeks time."
Moyes said Cahill's playing time would be kept to a "minimum" against the Heart, but it was important for both the player and the fans that he took to the field.
But Moyes said Cahill was mentally and physically tough enough to cope with a demanding schedule. "If he didn't have any holiday I think Tim could stand up to it, but I'm obviously trying to make sure I don't have to consider that, because I want him to have a bit of time," he said. Cahill said he had pushed hard for Everton to come to Australia, having previously made pre-season tours to the United States.
"I've tried every year to bring Everton to Australia and they keep talking about the flight and how far it is to come," Cahill said at a promotion in Melbourne.
"Now that they're here, they're loving it ... and I don't normally get to be on Australian soil, so to bring Everton here is an absolute pleasure." Cahill said having so many Everton players experience the World Cup would be a positive, rather than a drawback, as they prepared for a new EPL season. While Cahill expected a stern test from the Heart, Moyes knew next to nothing about them. "I recognised one or two of the players when I saw the team sheet, but I don't necessarily know much about them," he said.
Colosimo named inaugural Heart captain
July 13, 2010 Theage (Australia newspaper)
Melbourne Heart's inaugural captain Simon Colosimo has pledged to lead the new A-League club with his heart on his sleeve. "I have the passion and desire to succeed at this club," Colosimo told AAP. Colosimo, along with Josip Skoko, John Aloisi, Kliment Taseski and Matt Thompson, will form the leadership group with the latter appointed as club vice-captain. "You could name 12 players in it (leadership group) if you really wanted," the skipper said. "One of the great things that we have here - and it was a big point in recruiting - is that every single player is a leader in their own right, even the younger boys in the A-League for the first time. "We're ultimately going to be judged on results and performances and we need to be on top of them knowing that it's part and parcel of playing football that you can have a bad day."
The 31-year-old Colosimo has amassed 26 international caps and played club football in Turkey, Malaysia and England. He is a former captain of Perth Glory and was also a key member of the Sydney FC squad which won last season's A-League crown.
"Our main focus this year is winning more games than we lose rather than playing finals football," Colosimo said. "Anything can happen - Gold Coast weren't far away last season either. "With most team sports here in Australia it's all about making the finals and having a good go." Colosimo praised the Heart's coaching staff - which consists of head coach John van't Schip and assistants Jesper Olsen and Ante Milicic - for their attention to detail. "You're talking about three of the most passionate football people you'll find around," he said. "Every aspect in training needs to be done with perfection - on and off the field." The Heart play English giants Everton in a high-profile friendly at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
Heart could win title on debut: Cahill
July 13, 2010 Theage (Australia newspaper)
Socceroos and Everton star Tim Cahill predicts Melbourne Heart could win the A-League championship in their inaugural season on the back of a core of proven international-class players. Cahill, part of an Everton side that will play the Heart at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, said he expected the A-League newcomers to put up a major challenge. He said the likes of current Australian representative Michael Beauchamp and former Socceroos Josip Skoko and John Aloisi would help them become an instant powerhouse in the Australian domestic league.
"I honestly think the Heart are going to be challenging for the title and pushing," Cahill said. "Sometimes people say it takes time to grow and get into the A-League, but I think for them they've got so many experienced players and players that have been there and done it on a European level as well, an international level.
"For Heart, they've done all the right things to have all the ingredients for a great team." Everton downed A-League champions Sydney FC 1-0 on Saturday night and Cahill said the English Premier League club were fielding a strong team in the friendlies as they built towards their new season. "We want all the fans to come out and support it, even the Melbourne Victory fans, because it's not often I get to play in Australia and it's great for the city of Melbourne to have two teams to compete in the A-League." Cahill said it was a positive that the Heart's introduction would give the A-League intra-city derbies for the first time. "Derby games are massive for us (in the EPL), Everton and Liverpool is the pinnacle of football and for the fans something that they get the bragging rights, it has a big onus on it and the players know what's riding on it," he said. "For Melbourne Heart and Victory, who are pretty much when you look at the squads, even keel, it could be pretty exciting." Meanwhile, Cahill said he had plans to help the growth of the A-League after his playing career was over, but refused to elaborate.
Moyes warns Tottenham off Pienaar
July 13 2010 Daily Mirror
Everton boss David Moyes has ruled out selling South African winger Steven Pienaar to the highest bidder. Pienaar has been linked with several Premiership clubs with Tottenham the latest but Moyes insisted the player is not for sale. “We are not listening to offers for him, and he is not going to be sold, because we don’t want to sell him. “Steven plays for Everton, and that’s it really, and I don’t know any more than that.”
Neville: Beckford can fire us into the Champions League
July 13 2010 Daily Mirror
Phil Neville believes Jermaine Beckford can fire Everton into the Champions League spots next season. The Blues missed out on Europe with eighth place last season, but the Everton skipper has predicted the most wide open Premiership for years in 2010-11. “It’s [finishing in the top four] definitely within our capabilities next season,” said Neville in Australia yesterday where Everton are on a pre-season tour.
“I think the Premier League is more wide open than it has ever been. We just have to concentrate on doing our own job. “If we do that in the Premiership next season then we can finish in the Champions League places.” Neville expects former Leeds United striker Beckford, who penned a four-year deal with the Toffees in May, to provide the extra firepower for Everton’s assault on the top four. Beckford netted 72 goals in 126 appearances for Leeds in four seasons at Elland Road, giving Neville the confidence to predict the ex Chelsea trainee will maintain his prolific goal-scoring exploits in the Premiership. “Jermaine has got a great goalscoring record and he seems to have good confidence and he knows he will get a chance at Everton,” Neville said.
“It’s up to him to take it.” Neville also warned last year’s top four-Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham-that Everton’s backline has never stronger since their last title triumph more than two decades ago in 1987.
Left-Back Leighton Baines, 25, and central defender Phil Jagielka, 27, were left out of Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad but Neville believes both will be England regulars or the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. “I think both Leighton and Phil should have gone to South Africa,” Neville said. “Bainesy in particular should have been picked in the England squad in my opinion. “But they are both young enough to play in the next World Cup if they keep reproducing their Everton form.
No brittle Toffees
July 14, 2010
Theage, (Australia newspaper)
On a pre-season tour with Everton, soccer star Tim Cahill seems chuffed his team finally flew the extra mile, writes Andra Jackson.
HE MAY hail from Sydney but soccer hero Tim Cahill knows how to cosy up to his Melbourne fans, as he proved yesterday at an in-store appearance in the CBD, where he was spruiking Zodiac Fossil watches, which he helps design. ''Melbourne is a big city where I have a lot of good memories. I got a couple of good goals against Japan last time I was here,'' he told a crowd of several hundred fans gathered in the basement of Myer. ''The fans always come out [here] and the nicest thing is that we get to share some time with you guys - and I don't normally get to be on Australian soil.''
Cahill now resides in England, where he plays for Everton (the Toffees), but is here with his teammates for the current tour of Australia, hot on the heels of his World Cup tour with the Socceroos. Speaking before tonight's exhibition match against Melbourne Heart at Etihad Stadium, he said: ''To bring anything here is an absolute pleasure and the lads are absolutely buzzing because they love it here, and I hope the Melbourne crowd show them a good time as well.'' Cahill reminded the crowd that 40,000 fans had turned out to watch Everton play in Sydney, and said he had been trying every year to persuade his teammates to come to Australia for ''friendly matches''. ''But they kept on talking about the flight and how far they would have to come,'' he said. Now they are here, his teammates are loving it, he said, suggesting it is something of a coup ''to bring such a big team from the Premier League - some big stars. We're putting out full-strength teams.'' Questioned by compere Mark van Aken on whether he has been showing the Everton players the sights of Sydney and Melbourne, Cahill chided him that this is what everyone asks. ''But the lads have been training two or three times a day, and pretty much just wanting to sleep.''
Their training is taking priority because this is Everton's pre-season period and the team does not normally play games this early in the season.
''We're trying to put out full-strength teams to show respect for the Australian fans and the Australian team, and to show this is what we are all about,'' he said.
As Cahill spoke, a clutch of mainly black-suited security men eyeballed the crowd as it cooled its heels in long queues, waiting for the signing to start.
Over the next hour Cahill shook hands and chatted with his fans, signed photographs, Everton jumpers and scraps of paper, posed for photographs, smiled endlessly and was hugged and kissed. Most there were young fans, but one was an elderly Englishman, clutching his Everton cap. Georgina Winch from Southbank was shaking with excitement as she waited for Cahill to sign her Socceroos scarf but admitted she had never been to a game. She watches them instead on Foxtel, but is enamoured of Cahill, who gave her a kiss. ''He is gorgeous,'' she said. ''My husband is OK with that.''
Moyes might not release Cahill for friedlies
DAN SILKSTONE
July 14, 2010 The age (Australia newspaper)
WHOEVER the next Socceroo manager is, he will have one thing in common with his predecessors: he's going to have to tussle pretty hard with Everton manager David Moyes for the services of Tim Cahill. Moyes, in Australia this fortnight for a set of pre-season friendlies, was at his boisterous best yesterday, suggesting that Cahill might not be best advised making himself available for national team duty at the Asian Cup in January, and stressed that Australia's midfield talisman would not be released for ''meaningless friendlies''. Australia is scheduled to play matches against Slovenia in August, Switzerland in September and Chile in October, with the match against Chile mooted as a send-off game for Socceroos likely to retire from international football. Cahill would most likely wish to play in such a match, but Moyes - who has sparred with several Socceroo bosses since signing Cahill - made his thoughts clear yesterday. ''We always release our players if it's a FIFA tournament, only if it is a FIFA tournament,'' he said. ''What we won't do is release them for other things. In truth, we pay their wages. People underestimate the toll it takes on players … It's not so much him coming out to play for Australia, he's got to come back and play for us within 48 hours and be at the top of his game in a Premier League game.''
Moyes stressed he would never stop a player from representing their country in a serious match. ''But I would have an argument about it if it wasn't a FIFA match. You'd hope that the coaches, if it is friendly internationals, something of less importance, they have to consider the players. That's where I get a wee bit upset at times.'' Australia's Asian Cup campaign in Qatar is - for the Socceroos at least - a major tournament, but it will clash with the English Premier League and other European competitions. It is likely that some star players will ask to miss the tournament, a course of action Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella have already indicated they will pursue. Moyes said he would discuss the matter with Cahill if the Australian, who has been coy about his participation, wanted to play, but quickly added: ''In truth, I think Tim, at the age he is getting to now, has to think carefully about the amount of games that he plays and the amount of travelling, if he wants to prolong his career as long as he can. He's just signed a new four-year contract with us, so I think he needs to look after himself.'' Ahead of a clash with Melbourne Heart tonight, the Toffees' manager said he had been impressed by the standard of A-League players during a 1-0 victory over Sydney FC last Saturday. He also said that he used Cahill to keep him appraised of developing Australian talent that might one day wear the Everton blue. ''He's not in my ear,'' he said of Cahill. ''He doesn't have to be, I ask him: Who's new in the squad? Who is good? I always try to keep an ear out. He's told me about one or two players who came in who he thought looked OK. There's one or two younger ones coming through. What I'm more interested in is the next developing group.'' The Everton manager has been repeatedly linked with Manchester United should Alex Ferguson retire. For his part, Ferguson has virtually endorsed his fellow Scotsman as a worthy successor. Moyes yesterday described it all as ''a total load of rubbish, just speculation'', adding: ''It doesn't annoy me but there's no flattery unless you think there's something in it. I don't believe there is.'' He will, though, admit that he doesn't see himself as a career coach at Everton. ''I don't think that I'll ever be there for the duration of my career,'' he said. ''The Everton supporters will get fed up with me, no doubt, before that. But what I want to do here is for Everton to get a trophy, win something, be successful.'' Moyes has spent the past month at the World Cup as a TV pundit and says it has left him with an enthusiasm to one day take on a national team gig. Again the persistent links have been with Scotland - land of his birth and a set-up that could do with revitalising after a decade of disappointment.
''I hope I'm good enough, in the future, that somebody thinks I could get that opportunity,'' he said. ''Club football, at the moment, is the thing which is keeping me going and I really enjoy it, but in time I would consider it. Scotland is obviously my home, but who knows how it goes.'' Australia has opted to remake its football by bringing in Dutch coaches and Dutch philosophies, but Scots such as Lawrie McKinna, Erne Merrick and Stuart McLaren continue to shape the A-League.
Moyes believes that Scottish managers are as good as any. ''If you look at the record of Scottish managers they are actually, I think, equal to the Dutch in terms of the managers and coaches we have produced. Sir Alex Ferguson is probably the most successful manager ever and I could reel off lots of Scottish managers who have done very well.''
Former Everton FC goalkeeper Carlo Nash set for Stoke City move
Jul 14 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
STOKE are set to sign former Everton goalkeeper Carlo Nash on a 12-month deal.
Nash joined up with the Potters at their pre-season training camp in Austria for discussions last night after leaving Everton’s tour of Australia. The 36-year-old was released by the Goodison Park outfit at the end of last season but was invited to travel Down Under while Tim Howard and Jan Mucha enjoyed extended breaks after the World Cup. Pulis said: “I’ve said all along that we need three goalkeepers, and three goalkeepers is what we will now have once Carlo signs for us. “Thomas is very much one of those three as far as I’m concerned because of the quality and experience he gives us – and has given us for the past two years. “Carlo knows us and we know him. He is a top goalkeeper who did a fantastic job for this football club during the promotion-winning season. “He was out of contract at Everton, and he is at that age now where he is happy to be third choice for us. I know if he is called upon, he will do a fantastic
Everton FC can give history lesson to Melbourne Heart
Jul 14 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
IF EVERTON’S first pre-season game was anything to go by, the travelling supporters will be made very welcome in Melbourne today.
While Z-Cars greeted the visitors on to the pitch at the ANZ Stadium on Saturday where Everton faced Sydney FC, ‘A Grand Old Team...’ sent them on their way south along the East coast for this morning’s match against Melbourne Heart.
The line from that ditty ‘if you know your history’ couldn’t be more fitting than for today’s friendly. While Everton were established in 1878 following a rent dispute that would ultimately lead to one of the fiercest rivalries in football, Melbourne Heart were formed just two years ago after taking inspiration from city neighbours Melbourne Victory. With 130 years between them, Everton could provide a history lesson for their hosts today. The expatriated and travelling Evertonians will be hoping for a football lesson too, although Tim Cahill has warned against complacency as the Premier League club take on the A-League newcomers. As the Socceroos’ box office draw, Cahill will again be the star attraction at the Etihad Stadium today.
The 30-year-old insisted on cutting his post-World Cup break short to take part in Everton’s tour of his home nation and is ensuring all of his team-mates are not treating the far flung excursion as a holiday. “I didn’t want to bring Everton here and have all the kids playing,” said Cahill. “No disrespect to them but I wanted to have our main players out here and show respect to the people that are coming to watch the games. “For us, the manager has been really focused on how hard we train. We trained yesterday afternoon and again this morning before the game. He’s putting us through our paces. “It’s been non-stop training. “This trip is for us to get fit, not to have a good time or anything. We have to make sure we give the Melbourne boys a lot of respect, as well as the fans, and try to ensure we put on a good spectacle.” Such is the anticipation of Everton’s visit to Melbourne that today’s game has been moved from Heart’s 30,050-capacity AAMI Park stadium to the larger 53,359-seater Etihad; the focal point of a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex that has played host to, among others, AC/DC, U2, Bruce Springsteen and Barbara Streisand.The Docklands venue is also where Heart’s rivals, Victory, played all of their so called ‘blockbuster’ home games for four years until their new stadium was officially opened for the current 2010/11 campaign. That may lead to a slight misgiving for one of Heart’s new signings who is expected to step out at the Etihad today.
Local lad and one time Wigan Athletic player, Josip Skoko, was recently enticed back to Melbourne from Croatian side Hadjuk Split but only on the proviso it was to play for Heart and not Victory. “I wasn’t really planning on coming home and playing, not for the Victory anyway,” said Skoko. “I met the Heart coach, John Van’t Schip. He seemed young and straight away I saw his vision for the football he wanted to play. With the players they have as well, it all seemed very positive.” Skoko is joined by several familiar names at Heart. Skipper Simon Colosimo played for Manchester City nine years ago, and Gerald Sibon spent three years at Sheffield Wednesday.
The best known of Heart’s players is John Aloisi; the swashbuckling striker who had spells with Coventry and Portsmouth. Added Skoko: “I think we have got a really competitive team. Whether we can go all the way is hard to say, but I’ll be very disappointed if we’re not up the top of the table.”
Everton FC boss David Moyes targets silverware
Jul 14 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
DAVID MOYES has outlined his desire to bring silverware to Everton.
Despite turning the club into perennial challengers for a place in Europe, the manager is yet to land a trophy at Goodison Park. Moyes guided Everton to the FA Cup final two seasons ago where they lost to Chelsea. That was the last trophy won by the club back in 1995 when Joe Royle was at the helm. Now, as Moyes heads into his ninth season with Everton, he is determined to set the record straight. Joined by Tim Cahill ahead of today’s friendly against Melbourne Heart Moyes said: “It has been great to come out to Australia and see so many Everton supporters. “That’s a lot to do with Tim Cahill but a lot to do with the English Premier League, which a lot of supporters over here watch. “We have been a decent team in the Premier League for quite a few years now. “If you know about the history of Everton, the club has won championships and European competitions. “The one thing me and Tim haven’t done is win anything yet. I think for us to get that name we are going to have to do something about it.” Moyes was pleased with Everton’s opening game of the pre-season tour of Australia – a 1-0 win over A-League champions Sydney FC on Saturday. It gave him the first opportunity to cast his eye over new signing Magaye Gueye. Jermaine Beckford was ruled out with a slight leg injury while fellow new boy Joao Silva remained on the bench. Moyes is using the tour Down Under to help settle the new players into the squad while giving some of his fringe players a chance to prove themselves. “We are in pre-season and it’s important to give people games,” said Moyes. “We’ve got one or two new players as well so it’s important we get to see them and get some fitness out of it as we prepare for the new season.” Moyes also confirmed he is monitoring Cahill closely. The Australian international cut short his summer break to take part in the tour of his homeland. While Moyes was happy to accommodate Cahill’s request to play, the Everton boss is wrapping the star attraction in cotton wool. “I’d have preferred Tim to make sure he had a good holiday,” admits Moyes. “We’ve not asked him to train, just a little bit before the game to keep ticking over. “I’ve just got to make sure I don’t feel the effects of Tim having no holiday in six or seven weeks’ time.” Phil Neville is in the squad to face Melbourne Heart this morning (10.30am BST kick-off) but Mikel Arteta has left the tour ahead of his wedding next week. The midfielder will rejoin his team-mates later in pre-season.
Fans’ forum: Everton FC
Jul 14 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
I DO not feel that Evertonians should worry too much about Dan Gosling leaving. He is currently sidelined with a cruciate knee ligament injury he sustained against Wolves at the end of last season and is not likely to be fit for another four months.
But it has also been reported that Gosling cited his belief that he should have started more first team games and in his preferred central midfield role as the reasons for him wanting to leave Goodison. If Gosling truly believes this then he is yet another example of a deluded young footballer who has got an over-inflated opinion of himself, and of his ability. Does he really believe that he deserves to start in central midfield ahead of Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill, Marouane Fellaini or Johnny Heitinga?
Not to mention the likes of Leon Osman and Phil Neville, who are all established Premier League performers. Not a chance. It appears to me that Gosling may have also recognised the above list of players, plus the emerging talents of Jack Rodwell and realised that he was a long way down the pecking order at Goodison, and decided to leave the club on his own terms with a free transfer. Not that this is much consolation for Everton as Gosling could have fetched £3m- £5m in today's transfer market – and this is perhaps the most frustrating thing about this whole fiasco. Therefore the frustration felt amongst Evertonians by Gosling's departure should not be with actually losing the player, but with Everton's incompetence. The club has lost a sellable asset who could have commanded a transfer fee which in turn could have been reinvested in the first team squad.
Mark Lyness
THE episode regarding Dan Gosling was lamentable – but this should in no way reflect badly on the club or its administration. Instead, this specific subversive, perfidious behaviour should be placed solely on the shoulders of Gosling who later in his career may well regret this impetuous decision. David Moyes has gathered a gregarious, convivial phalanx of players, evoking a family club atmosphere, therefore whether the contract (improved) was either verbal or written, the assumption would be Gosling's signature was a formality. Conversely, Gosling’s team decided to exploit a legal loophole and subsequently divorced himself from the family and Peoples Club.
From the outset it would seem a loss for Everton but with the other youngsters at the club like Jutkiewicz, Baxter, Wallace, Gueye, Da Silva and Coleman it gives them a massive opportunity to fill the void vacated by Gosling. Jutkiewicz, in particular, excelled in the Scottish Premier League last year for Motherwell and furthermore scored one of the goals of the season. The forthcoming season is still promising.
David, Aintree
THE future of an average, currently injured, sporadically used squad player is an irrelevance at Everton. I’m sure Dan Gosling has been forgotten already by Moyes.
The priority now must be to have Arteta and Pienaar’s immediate futures resolved.
This is the creative heartbeat of our side and the loss of either, or horrifically both, would cause far more problems than the loss of Joleon Lescott last summer.
S Bland, Redgate Formby
I DO not feel that Evertonians should worry too much about Dan Gosling leaving. He is currently sidelined with a cruciate knee ligament injury he sustained against Wolves at the end of last season and is not likely to be fit for another four months.
But it has also been reported that Gosling cited his belief that he should have started more first team games and in his preferred central midfield role as the reasons for him wanting to leave Goodison. If Gosling truly believes this then he is yet another example of a deluded young footballer who has got an over-inflated opinion of himself, and of his ability. Does he really believe that he deserves to start in central midfield ahead of Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill, Marouane Fellaini or Johnny Heitinga?
Not to mention the likes of Leon Osman and Phil Neville, who are all established Premier League performers. Not a chance. It appears to me that Gosling may have also recognised the above list of players, plus the emerging talents of Jack Rodwell and realised that he was a long way down the pecking order at Goodison, and decided to leave the club on his own terms with a free transfer. Not that this is much consolation for Everton as Gosling could have fetched £3m- £5m in today's transfer market – and this is perhaps the most frustrating thing about this whole fiasco. Therefore the frustration felt amongst Evertonians by Gosling's departure should not be with actually losing the player, but with Everton's incompetence. The club has lost a sellable asset who could have commanded a transfer fee which in turn could have been reinvested in the first team squad.
Mark Lyness
David Moyes desperate to bring trophies to Everton FC
Jul 14 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON boss David Moyes has spoken of his determination to bring a trophy back to Goodison Park. The Blues have regularly challenged for European places throughout Moyes’ eight years in charge but have not won silverware since 1995.
Moyes feels ending that drought should be the next step for his team, who lost just two of their final 24 Barclays Premier League games last season. Moyes said: “It has been great to come out to Australia – so many Everton supporters, a lot to do with Tim Cahill but a lot to do with the English Premier League. “We have been a decent team in the Premier League for quite a few years now. “If you know about the history of Everton – Everton have won championships and European competitions.
“The one thing me and Tim haven’t done is win anything yet. I think for us to get that name we are going to have to do something about it.” After beating Sydney FC 1-0 on Saturday, the Toffees face Melbourne Heart in their second match today.
Cahill is working to a lighter schedule following his involvement in the World Cup but the 30-year-old has assured fans in his homeland Everton are taking the tour seriously. Cahill said: “I didn’t want to bring Everton here and have all the kids playing. I wanted to have the main players and show respect to the people that are coming to watch. “The manager has been really focused on how hard we train. It has been non-stop training. “Everyone has been saying ‘Can you show the lads the city?’ but I don’t think we’ve got time. “This is for us to get fit, not to have a good time.”
Everton FC's Phil Jagielka expresses sadness for team-mate John Heitinga after World Cup final
Jul 14 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Everton defender Phil Jagielka expresses sadness for team-mate John Heitinga following his second-off in the World Cup final with Holland FIGHTING exhaustion after a long day of training, Phil Jagielka was one of a hardy bunch of Everton players in Australia who managed to stay up until 4.30am to watch the World Cup final.
Jagielka, an ardent student of the game, certainly needed all his powers of regeneration with the game ending at well gone 7am, and a full training session shortly after. But regardless of how tired he felt, the 27-year-old defender felt worse for his friend and team-mate John Heitinga after his second half dismissal in the biggest game of his career. Jagielka, who narrowly missed out on Fabio Capello’s England squad for South Africa, acknowledges that defenders faced a tough task once they had picked up a booking against teams as fast and clever as Spain.
“It’s virtually impossible once you’ve picked up a booking in games like that,” says the Yorkshireman. “Particularly when players are jumping to the floor after the slightest of knocks, and rolling around for five minutes. It makes Johnny’s job harder and the referee’s job harder. “Johnny has been fantastic for us all season, and he has played a hard-man role in the middle of midfield. It’s hard to adjust in the middle of a World Cup final when emotions are going so much and it was just unfortunate.”
Jagielka admits players in the Premier League are shown greater leniency, but still not enough in his opinion. “You can afford to be more physical in the Premier League,” he says. “It is getting less than semi contact sometimes, but it’s such a fast game the refs expect a couple of tackles which are mistimed but won’t be malicious.
“But in Europe the players exaggerate which is frustrating. With me being a defender it’s not nice to see when you have hardly touched someone and they’ve already done four back flips before they’ve hit the floor and started rolling around.
“I’ve experienced it in Europe and even with players that come across. We’ve never had players like that at Everton though.” Jagielka, an old fashioned English defender who would not dream of feigning injury, recalls the first time he experienced the con-artists. “The first time I saw it was when I was at Sheffield United and we played Arsenal a few times,” he says. “They had players who were that little bit cleverer and would know what to do. It may be a free-kick but the exaggeration levels were cranked up. They have flair but there’s got to be a happy medium. “It’s hard to adapt to that. There’s not much you can do. You can’t exactly not tackle them, you’ve just got to hope it’s your lucky day and you won’t mistime too many and head for an early bath. “As you go up higher you learn not to dive in too much because if you do and they go past you, chances are there’ll be a goal. At the lower levels the level of finishing isn’t so good and you can get away with it sometimes. “It’s all about learning. As you get to your late 20s you should be at your peak as a defender and have the experience to know there’s no point going so tight with some players because they are clever enough to draw you in and win free-kicks. “It’s about reading it. We’ve had quite a few European games and you can see the styles. I’m still learning, and I’ve played some international games, but I’ve come on a lot.” Coping with fleet-footed attackers was something which the centre-half had to adapt to from his very first training session at Everton. “When I first came to training here players like Mikel (Arteta) wouldn’t half make you look clumsy at times,” he says. “It wasn’t them rolling about. But players like him and Faddy (James McFadden) would draw you in so much and as your leg’s coming in to tackle, they pass it and obviously you can’t catch them. “I played with good players at Sheff U but the standard had doubled and I realised I had to think a bit more.” But while this paid-up member of the defenders’ union was disappointed for Heitinga in the final on Sunday, he was at least pleased for English ref Howard Webb. “I was delighted to see Howard Webb getting the final,” he says. “He’s probably been the main person to benefit from England going out of the World Cup.“I didn’t realise he did the Champions League final as well so it’s been a good few months. He’s a good ref, and one of the best in the Premier League.
“I think he did a sound job. Gave out a couple of yellows early doors to stamp out the aggression factor, but it’s not the easiest game to ref with such quick and intelligent players.”
Everton FC boss David Moyes pays tribute for bionic Tim Cahill
Jul 14 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES today paid tribute to his bionic man Tim Cahill and backed the midfielder to start the season strongly despite a non-stop summer.
The 30-year-old Australian has had little time to rest since the Premier League season ended, when he began preparations straight away for his nation’s World Cup campaign. And while Everton’s other World Cup stars were given leave to take a break after the tournament rather than join the club’s pre-season tour Down Under, Cahill flew from South Africa to Sydney to play a part in the Toffees’ friendly games against Sydney FC, and Melbourne Heart today. Moyes has been eager for Cahill to fit in some rest and relaxation back on home soil, and is confident his star has the mental toughness to keep going without any after-effects of his busy summer.
He said: “I would have preferred Tim to have a good holiday, but he is having a holiday of sorts. He’s back in Sydney and enjoying taking our players out.
“He’s had them in some nice restaurants and showed them Sydney. He’s here in Melbourne and has quite enjoyed the holiday he’s been having. “We’ve not asked him to train, just a little bit to keep ticking over before the games because he’s been playing continually with his Australia’s World Cup commitments. “I’ve just got to make sure I don’t have the effects of Tim having no holiday in six or seven week’s time. I need to make sure he gets a break. “I think Tim is one of the players who is mentally strong. If he didn’t get any holiday I think he could still stand up to it but obviously I want to make sure we don’t consider that. He’s glad to see his family here and he’s enjoying it.” Everton arrived in Melbourne yesterday afternoon, ahead of their second pre-season friendly against new A-League outfit Melbourne Heart, at the city’s Etihad stadium. Moyes added: “Tim’s a big player for Australia, he’s a key player for them and he has been over the years and hopefully he will continue to be for many more to come. “He’s really keen to be here and show off his country to the team and everybody else and also we would like him here because I know it’s important for the Australian public to see him. They don’t see him play live that often so I’m aware of that.” Mikel Arteta will not be involved in the Blues’ second pre-season friendly after captaining the team against Sydney. He has been allowed to return to Europe to get married this weekend in Spain. Meanwhile, striker Louis Saha says he is fit and ready to help Everton start next season strongly. He said: “I am refreshed. We need to get more fitness work and everyone is concentrating and getting ready for day one. It’s going to be a great season, and hopefully we make a better start. “Let’s start as we finished last season. After my holidays I’m feeling good in training.” The Blues, meanwhile, will take an XI to Ireland to face Sligo Rovers in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, August 8 – the day after the senior team plays Wolfsburg in Germany.
Down Under Diary - Louis Saha lives up to skills challenge against Aussie Rules footballers
Jul 14 2010 By Greg O'Keeffe
FOR A moment it was like being back on the school field.
A group of lads gathered around two of their mates as the pair attempted to outdo each other during an impromptu ball-juggling session. Except Louis Saha didn’t go to my school, and if he did, probably would’ve been suspended for dyeing his hair orange anyway. The rebel. We’d just landed in Melbourne and boarded the team coach for the journey from the airport to the hotel. Unofficial tour DJ Victor Anichebe was keeping the music flowing by playing the Drake album on his Iphone, and minds were turning to the afternoon’s training session when the coach made a sudden detour. We stopped outside Windy Hill, headquarters of Australian Rules football club Essendon, in a smart little suburb on the outskirts of the city. Essendon (another E.F.C) were formed seven years before the Toffees, in 1871, and share a similar grand old history in one of Australia’s favourite sporting codes. They’ve won 16 AFL premierships which, along with bitter local rivals Carlton, is the most of any club in the AFL. The Everton squad was greeted warmly in the club gym by Essendon’s chief executive, before the Essendon first team, fresh from training, ambled in to meet their soccer counterparts. Cue much stilted conversation at first, but then genuine banter and photo opportunities.The meet-and-greet eventually led us out onto Essendon’s oval training pitch, where their young Irish star Michael Quinn started doing keepie-ups with an AFL ball (no mean feat). Suddenly the gauntlet was thrown down to the Everton boys, and ‘King’ Louis was pushed forward. The ice-cool Frenchman managed to show a few slick tricks with a ball he’d never seen before let alone kicked, and wearing a tracksuit and a chunky pair of Nike Air Force Ones. When somebody threw a proper football into the mix, his eyes lit up and he really turned it on with the full gamut of showboats including catching it on his back effortlessly. It’s been said before, but you can just sense the reverence Saha’s team-mates have for his presence and ability.
Impressively, Quinn too managed to hold his own with some nice touches, an impressive round-the-world, and some surprisingly neat heading. "Shame Stevie P isn’t here as well," joked one of the lads. Everyone at Essendon was humble and welcoming; the perfect ambassadors for what is clearly a dignified and respected club.
If we were able to stay longer in Melbourne I’d love to catch an Essendon game. The physical fitness of AFL players alone is startling. A game can last for up to two hours, and players run endlessly, some covering a startling amount of kilometers.
There are some sports experts who reckon AFL players are the fittest and strongest of any team sport, a considerable claim when you recognise the shape some of the rugby league players here are in, not least the Everton squad themselves.
Today the players had a light training session behind closed doors before gearing up for the second game against Melbourne Heart at the Etihad stadium.
As it’s the Hearts first big game (they are a brand new club) nobody really knows what to expect. Let’s hope it’s an entertaining game and the Blues rattle in a few goals.
Everton beats brave Heart
ADAM COOPER
July 14, 2010 - 9:54PM
Theage (Australia newspaper)
The Melbourne Heart showed encouragement in their first time on the big stage, but Everton's better finishing earned them a 2-0 win in Wednesday night's soccer friendly at Etihad Stadium. Jack Rodwell and Louis Saha scored for the English Premier League side, but it was by no means doom for the A-League's newest club, as the Heart strung together some good passages and had a handful of opportunities.
The Heart's performance - this was just their fourth game as a team - would have given the crowd of 19,261 good reason to think they will perform well in their debut A-League season. But apart from Josip Skoko's long-range effort in the first half and Eli Babalj's volley in the second, which both drew good saves from Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner, the Heart lacked the killer finishing needed. Big Dutchman Gerald Sibon played well as a focal point in attack but scoffed a golden chance early when he beat Turner one-out but shot wide. Babalj and Jason Hoffman also found space in the second half but both puts their shots straight to the opposition goalkeeper.
In contrast, Saha made amends for a penalty miss in the opening minutes when he finished beautifully on his left foot on the hour. Rodwell gave the visitors the lead when he knocked in Seamus Coleman's cross in the 34th minute. Everton's win was the second on their pre-season tour of Australia, following last Saturday night's 1-0 win over Sydney FC. Socceroos star Tim Cahill spent the first half on the bench for Everton and had little impact when brought on at half-time, although the Heart's defence was generally solid. However the Heart made a shocking start as referee Matthew Breeze awarded Everton a penalty early, for Rutger Worm's challenge on Coleman, but Saha put the shot wide of the net. Cahill was given a warm ovation as he left the ground wearing a Heart top.
Melbourne Heart 0 Everton FC 2 - Blues stroll to second pre-season win
Jul 14 2010 By Greg O'Keeffe in Australia
EVERTON’S pre-season walkabout down under may not have progressed beyond a gentle stroll yet, but victory in Melbourne suggested there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful for the new season. The Toffees sealed the second victory of their Australian tour with a comfortable if unspectacular display against new A-league side Melbourne Heart.David Moyes used the opportunity of this second warm-up game to hand debuts to Portugese striker Joao Silva and ex-Leeds United forward Jermaine Beckford, and used all but one of his nine-strong substitute bench. While the Blues laboured at times on a scrappy pitch, evidence of the growing strength in depth of this squad was enough to send the Australian Evertonians who braved a rainy, wind-swept evening in this fine city home happy. Jack Rodwell again suggested this will be the season when he stamps his mark emphatically on the premier league, with a composed and elegant first half display. Always assured and comfortable in possession, the 19-year-old sealed another strong performance with a close-range goal after fine work by fellow young prospect Seamus Coleman. The score-line could have been more convincing. The Blues should really have scored three, with Louis Saha wasting a second minute penalty for a foul on Coleman. But the classy Frenchman atoned for the spot-kick howler with a second half strike from outside the box which nestled comfortably in the top left-hand corner of the net.As at the weekend against A-League champions Sydney, newly-formed Heart showed plenty of spirit and tenacity, carving out various decent chances which were not converted thanks to poor finishing and another solid display from reserve keeper Iain Turner. For the majority the game the tempo was typically pre-season, lacking the edge which the Sydney clash benefited from.
At times the Everton manager and his coaching staff, seated alongside the pitch on white plastic chairs resembling garden furniture, could have been forgiven for nodding off. But denied the cosily twee blankets favoured by benches during the World Cup, there was never much chance of that happening on a decidedly brisk evening. Once again the tour promoters and Everton officials lent a slice of Goodison Park to this new, roofed stadium near Melbourne’s docks. Like in Sydney, the players ran out to Z-Cars and Grand Old Team signalled time for everyone to pack away their Everton mints and head for the exits. After a strong all-Everton start, Heart had begun to assert themselves and signal their intent, revealed by Dutch manager John Van ‘t Schip, to pass it “like Spain”. Indeed former Sheffield Wednesday striker Gerald Sibon should have given Heart the lead when he was played one on one with Iain Turner, only to round the Everton keeper and slide his shot wide. Bilyaletdinov responded by turning his full back and whipping a low cross into the box which Saha almost connected with. But Heart proved they can play, even if not quite at the level of Iniesta et al, engineering a few half chances in response; the pick of the bunch when the comically named Rutger Worm back-flicked a sumptuous ball into the path of Sibon. Melbourne began to look the most likely to open the scoring, with Socceroo Josip Skoko striking a well-executed 20-yard volley at goal which Turner just tipped over. That scare finally shook Everton from their slumber. Victor Anichebe received the ball on the right flank, burst forward and fed the overlapping Seamus Coleman who did superbly to fire an inch-perfect cross into the box for Rodwell to finish from close range. With half time approaching Jack Rodwell, who again stood out courtesy of that remarkable poise and elegance, fired a free kick over the bar from 25 yards. The second period saw skipper Phil Neville return to action for Tony Hibbert, deputising at left back in Leighton Baines absence, and Tim Cahill receiving the usual plaudits after replacing Gueye. The blues quickly attempted to recreate the move which led to their opener, with Anichebe again feeding the excellent Coleman, but this time the Irishman’s cross was too close to Heart keeper Clint Bolton. Moments later Anichebe was involved again when the powerful forward latched onto a Coleman pass and tested Bolton for a second time in quick succession with a rasping effort.But with the tempo still decidedly relaxed, Louis Saha rode a tackle on the edge of the area, steadied himself and curled an effort into the top right hand corner. The effortlessly cool Frenchman might as well have shrugged as he jogged back into position with barely a smile. With the result seemingly beyond doubt, Heart showed they have plenty of their name-sake by plugging away.
But their inaugural game ended in defeat, thanks to an Everton squad still going through the pre-season gears. Everything suggests that when they are at full-throttle, those predictions of premier league success are entirely plausible. STAR MAN: Seamus Coleman was a constant threat and showed his usual energy and fearless spirit.
Everton: (4-3-3) Turner, Hibbert (Neville, 45), Distin (Mustafi, 84), Jagielka, Coleman, Rodwell, Osman (Beckfod, 61), Gueye (Cahill, 45), Bilyaletdinov, (Baxter 73) Anichebe (Jutkiewicz, 73), Saha (Silva, 61).
Subs not used: Baines.
Melbourne Heart: Bolton, Marrone, Colosimo, Beauchamp, Hamill (Taseki 75), Hefferman, Skoko (Kalmar, 45), Terra (Ibrahim, 55), Worm (Babalj 63), Behich (Zahra, 67), Sibon (Hoffman),
Subs not used: Babalj, Zois, Sarkies, Thompson, Srhoj, Tomic,
Coach: John Van’t Schip.
Attendance: 19,261
Ref: Matthew Breeze.
Moyes: No cash left for more signings
By MirrorFootball
July 14 2010
Everton boss David Moyes said the cash strapped club are unlikely to sign any more new players before the end of the transfer window. Speaking after Everton's 2-0 victory against new A-League franchise Melbourne Heart - the Blues second consecutive victory on their three-match pre-season tour of Australia - Moyes confirmed his transfer business is over. He has brought in former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford on a free, French youth international Magaye Gueye and Portugese striker Joao Silva. "There's no cash to sign any more players for the club for the time being so it's unlikely we will be bringing in any more new faces before the new season starts in August," Moyes said. "But I feel we've got enough firepower up-front now with Jermaine Beckford adding to the competition we have for places and also providing the back-up we needed after last season." Moyes believes he now has a stronger squad that at any stage since his arrival at Goodison Park in 2002.
England youth international midfielder Jack Rodwell is another young player Moyes expects will lift Everton to new heights in the future. "It is the strongest squad I've ever had and it's not a coincidence," Moyes explained. "Young people in whatever field they are involved in should be given a chance and there are not enough homegrown players in the Premier League."
Everton saunters to 2-0 win over Heart
DAN SILKSTONE
July 15, 2010 Theage (Australia newspaper)
Everton's Louis Saha battles against the numbers last night. Photo: Paul Rovere
FOR a Heart starter, it was not exactly electrifying but nonetheless a new club was born in Melbourne last night. It is a club born among questions, namely just why it might be needed and who will follow it. Now all we need are some answers.
The Heart was born, not of demand for a second team but out of an FFA reluctance to cede the whole of Melbourne to the Victory. Lacking any natural constituency, it has gone about creating itself for footballing purists. It will be a team that tries to play sophisticated football and, unlike the Victory, it will play at the new AAMI Park.
And so, a club that has staked its identity upon playing a continental-style game in a real soccer stadium made its debut in front of a mostly empty AFL ground against English opposition. Everton came, its manager said, to get a little pre-season fitness and to ''spread the brand'' (minus a few cattle). And so the blue half of Merseyside took on the - suddenly existent - red half of Yarra-side. If that term sounds a little strange, get used to it. It is the self-chosen name of the Heart's nascent supporter crew. Last night they were forced to relocate Dock-side and not in great numbers.
The result, virtually meaningless, was a comfortable 2-0 win to David Moyes' team. It answered none of the questions on offer in a strangely subdued clash that started in bizarre near silence, the small crowd barely murmuring and a single vuvuzela - God help this year's A-League - blowing dolefully. It took barely a minute for the Heart to be sliced open by the Everton scalpel as Seamus Coleman streamed into the box and was brought down by a crude challenge. Coach John van' t Schip had said that he wanted his men to play like World Cup winner Spain. Instead it began with a Dutchman, Rutger Worm, making a bad challenge. There was barely a noise as the penalty was conceded, nor when Frenchman Louis Saha hit it wide.
The Heart set out in a 4-2-3-1 formation, as everyone these days seems to do. It set out to keep the ball and spread it and did not do a bad job, though van' t Schip said later there was much work to do in the three weeks before the season opens.
Everton set out to enjoy a light jog and not get injured. With five World Cup stars missing - including player of the year Steven Pienaar - David Moyes could still afford to leave captain Phil Neville and Australia's Tim Cahill on the bench for the first half.
Van' t Schip's men came into it as the first half went on and should have had a goal on 17 minutes when Brazilian Alex Terra played a neat ball to Gerald Sibon, who breezed past Jagielka and Coleman, rounded the keeper and then blazed inexplicably wide. Even so, the former Ajax and PSV man showed exquisite touch for a big man and should trouble A-League defences. He is the sort of player who lulls into false security with his languid movement but a first-half nutmeg of Sylvain Distin showed Sibon could play with the ball at his feet. Will anyone support the Heart? Certainly there was more blue in the crowd than red - a palette that will no doubt be duplicated for the first cross-town derby in early October. The goals, when they came, dropped from almost nowhere. Josip Skoko, looking a class above his teammates as he displayed the passing range of old, tested Everton keeper Ian Turner with a stinging volley after 32 minutes. The Heart looked well on top and then Victor Anichebe released Coleman with a perfect through ball and the youngster crossed to an unmarked Jack Rodwell for a simple finish. It looked like what, in reality, it was: a training ground drill. The second came on the stroke of the hour as Saha gathered the ball after a scramble on the edge of the box, picked his spot and, under little pressure, steered it into the top corner. There was little urgency in Everton's play. Moyes said afterwards it had been a less intense contest than last weekend's win over Sydney FC. What made the difference were a couple of pieces of class. Van' t Schip said: ''The difference you could see this evening was that when we make a mistake they will punish you immediately. We had a few opportunities and couldn't make the goal. Overall we played very well.'' For the Heart, there were encouraging signs and also reasonable excuses. It was not at full strength and Skoko and Michael Beauchamp had only arrived in the past week. Matt Thompson, who will anchor midfield with Skoko, did not start and that necessitated the switch of Michael Marrone from right-back to central midfield. At left-back, Dean Heffernan was a menacing overlapping presence at times. Skoko showed he would be the fulcrum for van' t Schip's side.
Still, there are questions, not least up front where Terra looked toothless and was brought off after 55 minutes. Much will rest on the shoulders of John Aloisi, who did not play, and Sibon. Aloisi is 34 and Sibon two years older still. Should injury strike either, there will be trouble.
Everton FC chaplain Harry Ross suffers heart attack
Jul 15 2010 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON Football Club’s chaplain Harry Ross is recovering in hospital after a suspected heart attack. He was taken to Southport hospital and was later transferred to Liverpool Heart and Chest hospital in Broadgreen yesterday. morning.
His condition was not said be serious and he is expected to be discharged within 48 hours. The Rev Ross, 68, has served at St Luke’s Evangelist church next to Goodison Park stadium since 1977. He is a a Goodison season ticket holder and trustee of the Everton former players’ foundation. Today he was wished a speedy recovery by everyone at the Everton. Club spokesman Ian Ross said: “It is obviously a concern to everyone here at Everton FC. Reverend Harry Ross is an integral part of this football club and has been for a very long time. “We have been in touch with his family and everyone from the chairman, the players and the staff want to wish him a speedy recovery.”
Phil Neville: Everton FC’s Johnny Heitinga unfortunate to be dismissed for Holland in World Cup Final
Jul 15 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
I TEXTED Johnny Heitinga after the World Cup final on Sunday to tell him to keep his head up because he’d done himself proud. There were that many yellow cards shown in the game, there was always going to be a red. Johnny’s second yellow was unlucky and came late in the game. I don’t blame Howard Webb though; if anything, he did well. He had to protect the football that night, and brandishing yellow cards was the only way he could do it. The plus point for Johnny is that he had played 113 minutes. His sending-off didn’t cost Holland the game, and nobody will remember it for years to come. Holland were full of criticism about the refereeing, but I think that was a mixture of disappointment and looking for excuses. The Dutch manager should look at a team with Robben, Van Persie, Kuyt, Van der Vaart and Schneider and be disappointed his own side didn’t create many chances. They can’t begrudge the result.
Phil Neville's World Cup column: Spain far from being an overnight sensation
Jul 15 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
SPAIN’S coronation as Kings of World football has been far from an overnight phenomenon. I played against them for England at Old Trafford in 2007, and several of the team which won the final in South Africa featured – players like Joan Capdevilla, Andrés Iniesta, Carles Puyol and David Villa. They had just started rebuilding from the days of Raul, and you could clearly see the massive potential in their ranks as they beat us 1-0, funnily enough courtesy of a fantastic Iniesta goal.
International football tends to go in cycles. In 1998 it was France, and now it’s emphatically Spain’s turn. They’re one of the most exciting teams out there, and their football is from another planet. They’re like a continuation of Barcelona, and without a doubt the best team have won the tournament. We feel we have one of the best midfielders in the world with Mikel Arteta and he can’t even get a look-in! Even Cesc Fabregas could only feature as a substitute; such is the strength of Spain’s central midfield. Five or six years ago the criteria for professional footballers at academies in England, and other parts of Europe, was all focused on size. It was about athleticism first and foremost. Lads had to be six feet plus tall and super strong, now it’s come full circle – as embodied by Spain – and thankfully it’s about technique and ability.
We’ve got Leon Osman, Arteta and Steven Pienaar in our team – all little players, but their size doesn’t matter because they can all pass and control a ball perfectly.
It’s good for football that the school of thought might change in the academy system. Technique should be rated as more important than pace and size. Spain’s success just underlines it. Holland received a lot of criticism for their tactics in the final but what other way can you play against them? You can’t pass them off the park, so you’ve got to be aggressive against them like Inter Milan were against Barcelona in this season’s Champions League semi-final. Holland tried that, but Spain were simply too good. Germany looked unstoppable too until they came up against Vicente del Bosque’s side.
Spain success must inspire England
ENGLAND must look to the standard set by Spain now. It was that disappointing that the FA have too look deeper than the actual performances, and get to the bottom of why we’ve not been successful since 1966 and what we need to be a force again.
We need to have a plan, like the Germans and Spanish, for progressing a dynasty of players through the U-17, 18, 19 and 21 teams – like Germany did. Their side had players like Ozil and Müller who had come through the ranks together. Perhaps we’ve struggled in this country because English players tend to get to the brink of the first team at their clubs, and suffer stunted development because their paths are blocked.
There has to be long term planning on the structure of international football.
The different youth teams can’t be treated as separate entities, there must be continuity so players like Jack Rodwell, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs can one day flourish at a World Cup.
La Liga title race all about Jose Mourinho
WITH the focus on all things Hispanic, the stage is set for a fascinating domestic season in Spain too. You wondered who is capable of stopping Barcelona in their tracks, and then Jose Mourinho takes over at Real Madrid. With all the controversy and bravado over his supposed rivalry with Barcelona despite starting out his career there, you just know we’re in for a season of intrigue. The Premier League needs to be careful it is not over-taken by the Spanish league, just like our national team has been.
Melbourne Heat 0, Everton FC 2: Greg O'Keeffe sees a young Blues side rise to the occasion
Jul 15 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
THEY say you never forget your first time, so Everton’s latest Aussie victory will linger in the memories of Melbourne Heart fans for nostalgic reasons alone.
It was no classic but this comfortable, if hardly dynamic Toffees performance will be recorded for posterity as the newly-formed Heart’s first official game before their inaugural A-league season.For David Moyes it will be a case of taking comfort from the vast potential of youth at his disposal, and from another opportunity to improve his squad’s overall match fitness. Everton’s boss won’t read much more into the game on a blustery and rain-soaked evening, because it had all the hall-marks of classic pre-season fare. The tempo yo-yoed as fitness levels understandably dipped at various stages, partly due to the disruption which travelling has done to the Blues’ training schedule. Moyes used the opportunity of this second warm-up to hand debuts to Portugese striker Joao Silva and ex-Leeds United forward Jermaine Beckford, while using all but one of his nine-strong substitute bench. While the Blues laboured at times on a scrappy pitch, the growing strength in depth of this squad was enough to send the Australian Evertonians home happy. Jack Rodwell again suggested this will be the season when he stamps his mark emphatically on the Premier League, with a composed and elegant first-half display. Always assured and comfortable in possession, the 19-year-old sealed another strong performance with a close-range goal after fine work by fellow young prospect Seamus Coleman. The score-line could have been different. The Blues should really have scored three, after Louis Saha wasted a second-minute penalty for a foul on Coleman. But the classy Frenchman atoned for the spot-kick howler with a second-half strike from outside the box which nestled comfortably in the top left-hand corner of the net. As at the weekend against A-League champions Sydney, newly-formed Heart showed plenty of spirit and tenacity, carving out various decent chances which were not converted thanks to poor finishing and solid goal keeping from Iain Turner. At times the Everton manager and his coaching staff, seated alongside the pitch on white plastic chairs resembling garden furniture, could have been forgiven for nodding off. But denied the cosy if twee blankets favoured by benches during the World Cup, there was never much chance of that happening on a decidedly brisk evening. Once again the tour promoters and Everton officials lent a slice of Goodison Park to this new, roofed stadium near Melbourne’s docks. Like in Sydney, the players ran out to Z-Cars and Grand Old Team signalled time for everyone to pack away their Everton mints and head for the exits. After a strong all-Everton start, Heart began to assert themselves and signal their intent, revealed by Dutch manager John Van ‘t Schip, to play like Barcelona.
Indeed former Sheffield Wednesday striker Gerald Sibon should have given Heart the lead when he was played one on one with Iain Turner, only to round the Everton keeper and slide his shot wide. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov responded by turning his full back and whipping a low cross into the box which Saha almost connected with.
But Heart proved they can play, even if not quite at the level of Andres Iniesta et al, engineering a few half chances in response; the pick of the bunch when the comically named Rutger Worm back-flicked a sumptuous ball into the path of Sibon.
Melbourne began to look the most likely to open the scoring, with Socceroo Josip Skoko striking a well-executed 20-yard volley at goal which Turner just tipped over.
That scare finally shook Everton from their slumber.
Victor Anichebe received the ball on the right flank, burst forward and fed the overlapping Coleman who did superbly to fire an inch-perfect cross into the box for Rodwell to finish from close range.
With half-time approaching Rodwell, who again stood out courtesy of that remarkable poise and elegance, fired a free-kick over the bar from 25 yards.
The second period saw skipper Phil Neville return to action for Tony Hibbert, deputising at left-back in Leighton Baines’ absence, and Tim Cahill receiving the usual plaudits after replacing Gueye. The Blues quickly attempted to recreate the training-ground style move which led to their opener, with Anichebe again feeding the excellent Coleman, but this time the Irishman’s cross was too close to Heart keeper Clint Bolton. Moments later Anichebe was involved again. The powerful forward latched onto a Coleman pass and tested Bolton for a second time in quick succession with a rasping effort. But with the tempo still decidedly relaxed, Saha rode a tackle on the edge of the area, steadied himself and curled an effort into the top right hand corner. The effortlessly cool Frenchman might as well have shrugged as he jogged back into position with barely a smile. With the result seemingly beyond doubt, Heart showed they have plenty of their name-sake by plugging away relentlessly. But their inaugural game ended in defeat, thanks to an Everton squad still going through the pre-season gears. Everything suggests that when they are at full-throttle, those predictions of Premier League success are entirely plausible.
Everton: (4-3-3) Turner, Hibbert (Neville, 45), Distin (Mustafi, 84), Jagielka, Coleman, Rodwell, Osman (Beckfod, 61), Gueye (Cahill, 45), Bilyaletdinov, (Baxter 73) Anichebe (Jutkiewicz, 73), Saha (Silva, 61).
Subs not used: Baines.
Melbourne Heart: Bolton, Marrone, Colosimo, Beauchamp, Hamill (Taseki 75), Hefferman, Skoko (Kalmar, 45), Terra (Ibrahim, 55), Worm (Babalj 63), Behich (Zahra, 67), Sibon (Hoffman),
Subs not used: Babalj, Zois, Sarkies, Thompson, Srhoj, Tomic,
Coach: John Van’t Schip.
Attendance: 19,261
Ref: Matthew Breeze.
Everton FC boss David Moyes hails ‘big impact’ of Seamus Coleman
Jul 15 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES today paid tribute to the eye-catching performance of Seamus Coleman who helped the Blues to a straightforward second friendly win in Australia.
The 21-year-old right-back won an early penalty for Louis Saha, and then created Jack Rodwell’s opening goal during a blistering first half solo display. And Moyes, who admitted he watched Coleman’s performances on loan at Blackpool last season with pleasure, hopes there is more to come from the Ireland U21s star. He said: “That was his first game so it’s hard to say what the improvement is, but I watched him a lot playing for Blackpool and he did great. I thought he played really well against Melbourne. “He won the penalty kick in the first minute, he was forward again to make the goal as well and had a big impact on the game. It’s good for the boy.
“He’s young in football terms if not quite age. He has not been full-time very long. He had a really nasty injury in pre-season last year which set him back, so he’ll benefit from the pre-season this time and being around the team. “I got a chance to see one or two players who are down on it a little bit, and one or two who are already ready to play and playing out of their skin. Overall they’re coming along nicely. I’m happy with them.”Moyes conceded that the Heart, a newly formed A-League team about to embark on their first season, weren’t as threatening as their Sydney counterparts.
He said: “They had a couple of chances but we were, in the main, relatively comfortable. “I was looking for us to control the game better at times but we did okay.
“We wanted to give people opportunities and a few of them got that.”
“The first goal was a great goal. It was a great finish and good play by Seamus who also made the penalty. “It was a good goal by Louis too and he needed that after the penalty.” Meanwhile Tim Cahill will not feature in the Blues last Australian friendly on Saturday against Brisbane Roar. The 30-year-old midfielder, who played 45 minutes at the Etihad stadium yesterday, has now been allowed to leave the tour party to be best-man at Mikel Arteta’s wedding.
Ex-Everton FC striker Wayne Rooney forced to pay only nominal damages to former agent Paul Stretford's Proactive firm
Jul 15 2010
EX-EVERTON FC striker Wayne Rooney today defeated attempts to sue him for £4.3 million. The Manchester United and England striker was accused of withholding commission on multi-million pound deals brokered by sports management firm Proactive, who used to represent him. Rooney made no payments after football agent Paul Stretford, a director and founder of Proactive, left the firm in acrimony in October 2008, taking with him their star client. Rooney, 24, who is currently on holiday in Barbados, was signed by Stretford for Proactive in 2002 as the teenage prodigy became the hottest property in football. Rooney, then 17, went from £80-a-week Everton trainee living in his parent’s council house in Croxteth, Liverpool, to household name soccer star with multi-million sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike and Coca-Cola. Proactive had argued that, as such contracts for Rooney and his wife Coleen were brokered by Stretford while he was still at the firm, they were still due the 20% commission - amounting to £4.3 million. Today Judge Brendan Hegarty QC, who postponed his ruling at Manchester Mercantile Court until after the World Cup, handed down his judgment. The judge said the original contract Rooney signed with Proactive amounted to a “restraint of trade” as it was up to eight years long when the Football Association recommended a maximum of two years. Judge Hegarty ruled that Proactive was only entitled to a ``restitutional remedy'' from the Rooney's amounting to around £90,000. He rejected an application to appeal from the firm’s lawyers. Ian Mill QC, representing Proactive, told the court they would consider taking the matter to the Court of Appeal. In a statement released after the ruling, Manchester United and England star Rooney said: “I am delighted to have won this case.”He added: “Coleen and I have always been happy to pay all commissions due to the people who were owed them. “But these sums were a joke and we felt they were just an attempt to exploit us. “Fortunately the judge has knocked back their massively over-inflated claims and we are happy to pay the very small sum awarded.
“Going to court was the last thing I wanted to do. “I was shocked that a company which represents some of Britain’s biggest entertainers was going down this road which meant that private financial and commercial matters were made public.
“But you always have to fight for what’s right in life and that’s why we contested it.”
Rooney’s statement thanked his legal team and witnesses who appeared on his behalf, including Manchester United chief executive David Gill and Gordon Taylor from the Professional Footballers’ Association. He added: “Finally, and most importantly, I would like to thank my Mum and Dad for their help, support and values they have given me.” Stretford (pictured), now managing director of Triple S Sports and Entertainment Group, also welcomed the ruling. “Wayne’s legal team has said that the victory is so overwhelming that costs will now be claimed from Proactive. “We were always surprised that a company which represents some of Britain’s major entertainment stars, should want to see private matters like this aired in court. “I would like to thank Wayne and Coleen for showing such strength of conviction and resilience under a great deal of pressure, and for believing in what they felt was right.” Stretford was in court but there were no members of the Rooney family present. The agent, flanked by his legal team, nodded and smiled to his lawyers as the judgment was delivered.
Everton FC raise pulses to break a young Heart in Melbourne
Jul 15 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
DAVID MOYES might still be without several of his big names following this summer’s World Cup finals but Everton were always more likely to produce a more coherent performance than a club playing their first ever match. It was no classic but this comfortable, if hardly dynamic performance from the visitors will be recorded for posterity as the newly-formed Heart's first official game before their inaugural A-league season. For the Scot it will be a case of taking comfort from the vast potential of youth at his disposal, and from another opportunity to improve his squad’s overall match fitness. Everton's manager won’t read much more into the game on a blustery and rain-soaked evening, because it had all the hall-marks of classic pre-season fare.
The tempo yo-yoed as fitness levels understandably dipped at various stages, partly due to the disruption which travelling has done to the Goodison outfit’s training schedule. Moyes used the opportunity of this second warm-up to hand debuts to Portugese striker Joao Silva and ex-Leeds United forward Jermaine Beckford, while using all but one of his nine-strong substitute bench. While the visitors laboured at times on a scrappy pitch, the growing strength in depth of this squad was enough to send the Australian Evertonians home happy. Jack Rodwell again suggested this will be the season when he stamps his mark emphatically on the Premier League, with a composed and elegant first-half display. Always assured and comfortable in possession, the 19-year-old sealed another strong performance with a close-range goal after fine work by fellow young prospect Seamus Coleman. The score-line could have been different. Everton should really have scored three, after Louis Saha wasted a second minute penalty for a foul on Coleman. But the classy Frenchman atoned for the spot-kick howler with a second-half strike from outside the box which nestled comfortably in the top left-hand corner of the net. As at the weekend against A-League champions Sydney, newly-formed Heart showed plenty of spirit and tenacity, carving out various decent chances which were not converted thanks to poor finishing and solid goal keeping from Iain Turner. At times the Everton manager and his coaching staff, seated alongside the pitch on white plastic chairs resembling garden furniture, could have been forgiven for nodding off. But denied the cosy if twee blankets favoured by benches during the World Cup, there was never much chance of that happening on a decidedly brisk evening. Once again the tour promoters and Everton officials lent a slice of Goodison Park to this new, roofed stadium near Melbourne’s docks. Like in Sydney, the players ran out to ‘Z-Cars’ and ‘Grand Old Team’ signalled time for everyone to pack away their Everton mints and head for the exits. After a strong all-Everton start, Heart began to assert themselves and signal their intent, revealed by Dutch manager John Van ‘t Schip, to play like Barcelona.
Indeed former Sheffield Wednesday striker Gerald Sibon should have given Heart the lead when he was played one on one with Turner, only to round the Everton keeper and slide his shot wide. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov responded by turning his full-back and whipping a low cross into the box which Saha almost connected with.
But Heart proved they can play, even if not quite at the level of Andres Iniesta et al, engineering a few half chances in response; the pick of the bunch when the comically named Rutger Worm back-flicked a sumptuous ball into the path of Sibon.
Melbourne began to look the most likely to open the scoring, with Socceroo Josip Skoko striking a well-executed 20-yard volley at goal which Turner just tipped over.
That scare finally shook Everton from their slumber. Victor Anichebe received the ball on the right flank, burst forward and fed the overlapping Coleman who did superbly to fire an inch-perfect cross into the box for Rodwell to finish from close range. With half time approaching Rodwell, who again stood out courtesy of that remarkable poise and elegance, fired a free kick over the bar from 25 yards.
The second period saw skipper Phil Neville return to action for Tony Hibbert, deputising at left back in Leighton Baines absence, and Tim Cahill receiving the usual plaudits after replacing Gueye. The blues quickly attempted to recreate the training-ground style move which led to their opener, with Anichebe again feeding the excellent Coleman, but this time the Irishman’s cross was too close to Heart keeper Clint Bolton. Moments later Anichebe was involved again. The powerful forward latched onto a Coleman pass and tested Bolton for a second time in quick succession with a rasping effort. But with the tempo still decidedly relaxed, Saha rode a tackle on the edge of the area, steadied himself and curled an effort into the top right-hand corner. The effortlessly cool Frenchman might as well have shrugged as he jogged back into position with barely a smile. With the result seemingly beyond doubt, Heart showed they have plenty of their name-sake by plugging away relentlessly.
But their inaugural game ended in defeat, thanks to an Everton squad still going through the pre-season gears. Everything suggests that when they are at full-throttle, those predictions of Premier League success are entirely plausible.
Everton FC manager David Moyes hails defensive duo Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka after victory over Melbourne Heart
Jul 15 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
DAVID MOYES hailed the ‘exceptional’ performances of Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka as Everton cruised to a second win in Australia. Goals from Jack Rodwell and Louis Saha handed Everton a 2-0 win over Melbourne Heart at the Etihad Stadium yesterday adding to a 1-0 victory over A-League champions Sydney FC.
Saha doubled the lead after already missing a penalty in what was a comfortable win for the visitors. New strikers Joao Silva and Jermaine Beckford were handed their Everton debuts in Melbourne but it was Coleman and Jagielka who earned special praise from their manager. While Jagielka looked assured in central defence, full-back Coleman displayed his attacking instincts, crossing to set up Rodwell for the opener before winning the penalty. “I didn’t think we played as well as we did against Sydney but we were aware it could be like that because of the travelling,” said Moyes.
“I am pleased we won the game and we had some exceptional performers, including Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka especially.” “They had a couple of chances but we were, in the main, relatively comfortable,” Moyes continued. “I was looking for us to control the game better at times but we did okay. “We wanted to give people opportunities and a few of them got that.” Added Moyes: “The first goal was a great goal. “It was a great finish and good play by Seamus who also made the penalty.
“It was a good goal by Louis too and he needed that after the penalty.” Meanwhile Jagielka believes John Heitinga was harshly sent off in the World Cup final.
The versatile Dutchman was dismissed by Premier League referee Howard Webb for a second bookable offence late in normal time of Holland’s 1-0 defeat to Spain.
Holland picked up nine of the 14 yellow cards dished out by Webb, plus Heitinga’s red, and have been criticised for their physical approach to the final. However, Jagielka has pointed the finger at the Spanish players for play-acting and feels his Everton teammate should have stayed on the pitch. “It’s virtually impossible once you’ve picked up a booking in games like that,” said Jagielka. “Particularly when many of the players are jumping to the floor after the slightest of knocks, and rolling around for five minutes. “It makes Johnny’s job harder and the referee’s job harder.
“Johnny has been fantastic for us all season, and he has played a hard-man role in the middle of midfield. “It’s hard to adjust in the middle of a World Cup final when emotions are going so much and it was just unfortunate.”
Melbourne Heart show plenty of ticker in 2-0 loss to Everton
Chris Mitchell
From: Herald Sun July 15 2010
MELBOURNE Heart showed potential in its debut on the big stage but went down 2-0 to Everton at Etihad Stadium last night.
Jack Rodwell and Louis Saha scored for the English Premier League side, but it was by no means doom for the A-League's newest club, as the Heart strung together some good passages and had a handful of opportunities. The Heart's performance - this was just their fourth game as a team - would have given the crowd of 19,261 good reason to think they will perform well in their debut A-League season, which starts on August 5. But apart from Josip Skoko's long-range effort in the first half and Eli Babalj's volley in the second, which both drew good saves from Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner, the Heart lacked the killer finishing needed. Big Dutchman Gerald Sibon played well as a focal point in attack but scoffed a golden chance early when he beat Turner one-out but shot wide. Babalj and Jason Hoffman also found space in the second half but both puts their shots straight to the opposition goalkeeper.
In contrast, Saha made amends for a penalty miss in the opening minutes when he finished beautifully on his left foot on the hour. Rodwell gave the visitors the lead when he knocked in Seamus Coleman's cross in the 34th minute. Everton's win was the second on their pre-season tour of Australia, following last Saturday night's 1-0 win over Sydney FC. Socceroos star Tim Cahill spent the first half on the bench for Everton and had little impact when brought on at half-time, although the Heart's defence was generally solid. But the Heart made a shocking start as referee Matthew Breeze awarded Everton a penalty early, for Rutger Worm's challenge on Coleman. Saha put the shot wide. Cahill was given a warm ovation as he left the ground wearing a Heart top. Heart coach John van 't Schip was encouraged by the performance given it was the first hit-out for the likes of Skoko, Michael Beauchamp and Alex Terra.
Totally it was a good performance,'' he said. "In the first two minutes we were a little but lucky that they missed the penalty, but after that we got into the game, we started playing the ball around and I think we created a few good possibilities.''
Van 't Schip was confident the Heart would have most of their first-choice players available for the season opener, including John Aloisi and Matt Thompson, who are recovering from injuries. Everton manager David Moyes said the game lacked the intensity of the clash with Sydney, but was satisfied with his team's hit-out and impressed by the Heart. "The coach looks as if he's done a good job in the way he wants them to play,'' he said. "With a Dutch coach you can see a Dutch style to their play and that's not always easy to introduce quickly.'' Everton will complete their tour against the Brisbane Roar on Saturday night, but Cahill will not play as he attends a teammate's wedding.
David Moyes backs our World Cup bid
July 15, 2010 Herald sun (Australia newspaper)
EVERTON manager David Moyes has endorsed Australia's bid to host the 2022 World Cup, but said the standard of the grounds pitches was a potential impediment.
Moyes' English Premier League club has played two of its three games on a pre-season tour of Australia, and while satisfied with the stadiums he was critical of the playing surfaces at Sydney's ANZ Stadium and Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.
"You've got great stadiums, albeit your pitches aren't very good,'' he said on Wednesday night, after Everton beat the Melbourne Heart 2-0 at Etihad Stadium.
"That's the one disappointment coming here. "I thought you've got everything, all the sports, all the stadiums, but your fields aren't made for soccer the way they are back home.'' Moyes said Australia had the capacity to host the world's biggest sporting event, which would strengthen the code's following. "I think Australia should get the World Cup, I think the country can take it,'' he said. "I think it's important because I see too many rugby league, Aussie rules (followers), and soccer's the main game. Let's get the World Cup here and let's show them what it really means and what it's like, because you can certainly host it. "You have hosted big competitions before.'' Everton player Jack Rodwell, who scored the opening goal against the Heart, said he was happy with the Australian surfaces, although they were not of the same standard as those in England.
Manchester City To Turn To Everton's Mikel Arteta After Negotiations Falter For Aston Villa's James Milner
Jul 15, 2010 Daily Mail
Manchester City are set to turn to Everton's Mikel Arteta as they struggle to agree a deal for Aston Villa star James Milner, according to The Telegraph. Roberto Mancini's side have been chasing the England international all summer, but have seen a bid of £20 million rejected. After being reportedly quoted a £30 million fee to prise the player away from Villa Park, they are set to move on to other targets.
Midfielder Arteta has shone in the Premier League for the last five years after moving from Real Sociedad. At 28, he is understood to be be eager to move to a bigger club to try and force his way into the Spain national team. This attitude could see him force through a switch to the big-spending Eastlands outfit. A £20 million bid could be enough to see him join countryman David Silva in Manchester.
David Prentice: Bookies make a net profit on Saha strike
July 16 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
ELEVEN minutes is an eternity in the world of online football betting, where odds can change with every pass, each shot and every corner kick – and it only takes a second to score a goal. Yet for 11 long minutes on Wednesday morning one major bookie was offering odds as if Everton were winning against Melbourne Heat.
Except they weren’t. Those fans watching the excellent live TV coverage of the pre-season friendly on Everton’s official website had seen Louis Saha’s second minute penalty kick fly wide, strike the pole which holds the net taut, bounce into the side-netting and cause some fans in the crowd to think it had actually gone in.
They weren’t alone. Sky News predictably jumped in with both feet and flashed that Everton were winning – but at least they quickly realised their mistake.
One major online bookie (we’ll spare their embarrassment, for now) didn’t. They priced up the market as if Everton were winning.And some shrewd punters piled in.
They took advantage of the enhanced odds on a Melbourne win – 20-1 in a match which was still tied at 0-0 is great value – and sat back feeling smug. Except like death, taxes and drunken Essex girls – one of the other great certainties in life is that the bookies always, but always get any luck that’s going. If Melbourne had scored first those punters would have been quids in. As it was the bookies weren’t bashed because Everton went on to win anyway. But at least for 11 long minutes some punters felt they had the bookies on the run . . . for once.
David Prentice: Something blue is all Everton FC fans long for from Mikel Arteta
July 16 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
BY the time you read this, Mikel Arteta will probably be handcuffed to a life-sized stuffed bull, with an over-sized Sombrero on his head, having sunk 12 glasses of sangria and been forced to eat a red hot chilli pepper . . . or whatever else passes for pre-Wedding night revelry in Spain. Or perhaps he’ll simply be sat on a sun-soaked veranda, sipping an excellent glass of Rioja and discussing life and love with his close pal Tim Cahill. Arteta, you see, is getting married tomorrow. And Cahill is his Best Man. But should Evertonians be concerned that their best little Spaniard has quit Everton’s pre-season tour of Australia halfway through? After all, we’re always told how critical pre-season training is. And is there anything sinister about a reportedly unsettled star leaving his team-mates behind just weeks into the new season’s preparations? Of course not. But the decision to get married slap bang in the middle of pre-season merely underlines how much power players currently hold. In the not too distant past it simply wouldn’t have happened. The days when Bill Shankly took his wife to watch Tranmere as a birthday treat are long gone – for the best.But when a player like Joe Cole can turn down salary offers of £80,000 a week because he thinks he can get much more elsewhere, perhaps player-power has gone too far the other way. The timing of Arteta’s nuptials is understandable. He probably had hopes of making Spain’s World Cup squad – and even if he didn’t, some of his other guests (childhood friend Xabi Alonso, for one) will certainly have had other June commitments. But Everton still had to give the go-ahead – and did. I’m reminded of the day Kevin Keegan turned out for Liverpool in a vital top of the table clash at Ipswich in 1976, hours after his beloved dad had died. Reds boss Bob Paisley had been informed of the sad news as he took his seat for the match – but the decision to inform Keegan wasn’t taken until after the final whistle. Vital league points at stake, you see. In the event Liverpool lost 1-0, still went on to win the title, and Keegan revealed afterwards he had guessed something was wrong when his brother hadn’t turned up to watch the match as usual. But in 1976 football clubs still called the shots. Maybe they weren’t quite as oppressive as the old retain and transfer system outlined in Gary Imlach’s wonderful work “My Father and Other Working Class Football Heroes,” but it still wasn’t far off. It’s good that football is no longer considered “more important than life and death” – and family appears to take precedence over duty. Congratulations and good luck Mikel – and if you want to break with tradition and give Evertonians everywhere a wedding present, just tell them you’re going to be honeymooning at Goodison Park for the next ten months.
Everton FC's James Vaughan ready to put his injury nightmare behind him
Jul 16 2010 Greg O'Keeffe Liverpool Echo
EVEN at the tender age of 21, James Vaughan has already experienced more than his fair share of football’s highs and lows. The Everton striker is nothing if not resilient; refusing to let a succession of untimely and severe injuries ruin his spirit and desire to revive what only recently was considered one of the brightest careers in the Premier League. Vaughan’s obvious enthusiasm and hard-working shift against Sydney FC. in Everton’s first Australian friendly was a welcome sight for supporters and David Moyes. It is easy to forget that the Birmingham-born striker is still the Premier League’s youngest scorer, after he surpassed Wayne Rooney and James Milner by scoring on his Everton debut against Crystal Palace on April 10, 2005.
Until Jose Baxter came along, Vaughan was also Everton’s youngest ever debutant.
And yet, despite all this, he could be forgiven for wanting to forget large chunks of the last few seasons. For every step forward, it seems, there has been a swift step back.
In July 2007, Vaughan suffered a dislocated shoulder following an innocuous challenge with Preston North End’s defender Youl Mawene during a pre-season friendly. He was out of action for three months before returning in late October.
He made his Premier League return against Birmingham City, coming on as a substitute in the last 10 minutes, and scored in stoppage time to cement a 3-1 win.
He then scored the winner in a 3–2 Everton victory over AZ Alkmaar, who had a 32 years record of never being beaten at home in European Competitions. But then came arguably his lowest football low. Nineteen agonising months on the sidelines due to wretched luck and injury. It was typical of the rollercoaster ride of his career to date, that the striker should return to calmly stroke home one of the penalties in Everton’s semi-final shoot-out win over Manchester United at Wembley in 2009. He even made a second half appearance in the final at the same stadium, but could not build on that momentum thanks to further injury. Last season entailed further frustration. Vaughan joined Championship club Derby County on a three-month loan in September, but was subsequently recalled following surgery on a slight tear in his cartilage.
Although Derby signalled their intention to resign him on loan in January, Vaughan reminded Goodison Park of his attributes with a typical poacher’s goal against Burnley after Christmas. Again though, he found the momentum hard to build on and joined Leicester City on an initial one month loan deal, with an option to extend it until the end of the season in March. Although he scored his first goal for Leicester after coming on as a substitute against Watford in April, he was not a first-team regular and is hoping a clean-slate free of injury on Everton’s tour of Australia can give him a new lease of life. And Vaughan has been pleasantly surprised by the standard of Australian football. “It’s not been too bad,” he says. “It’s been more competitive than I thought. “We’re all feeling quite good so we’ve managed to get the victories. “I think it’s been good preparation, so I’ve enjoyed it here.” For Vaughan though, his priority is building a head of steam which could see him finally pick up where he started so promisingly in 2005. “I definitely want to prove that I can still score at Goodison,” he says, mindful of the timely strike against Burnley which he dedicated to his grandmother. “It’s been a nightmare with my injuries but I just want to get a run of games and hopefully start scoring some goals and play my way into the team.” If, however, his future involves another loan move, Vaughan can see the positives on his development as a player. “Going away on loan gives you more of an understanding of different styles of football,” he says. “Obviously I’ve only ever known one style playing under David Moyes since I’ve been a professional footballer but it’s been good to experience other styles, take them onboard and adapt.
“The Championship is different but the standard is still high. Maybe you get more opportunities there in front of goal but the general play is pretty much the same.
“One game at Leicester we played 4-4-2 and then another 4-5-1 so I experienced a lot.” Finally, does his scouse-tinged accent hint that he is now more at home in Merseyside than the Midlands? “I don’t feel like a scouser,” he says, grinning. “I’m still a Brummie and I’ll always be a Brummie. I’m proud of it.”
Jermaine Beckford will shine for Everton FC, says Blues boss David Moyes
July 16 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES today backed Jermaine Beckford to repay his faith in signing him by scoring goals in the Premier League. The Everton boss was impressed with Beckford’s Wednesday night debut in the 2-0 friendly win over Melbourne Heart, and insists the ex Leeds United star is an instinctive goal-scorer. Beckford, 26, almost hit the back of the net within his first few touches at the Etihad stadium, and despite carrying a slight injury, Moyes believes his first signing of the summer has the potential to be the latest in his long line of shrewd buys. He said: “Goals are his biggest asset. "I thought that we needed a little bit more firepower up front and that's why we've brought Jermaine Beckford in. "Jermaine's just struggling a bit with his groin just now. "He's not quite comfortable yet at training so we weren't going to use him but I felt we could get 20 minutes so I think he felt fine. "His first touch and his first movement nearly showed you why he's scored so many goals through the lower leagues. "We're giving him a great opportunity to see if he can do it at the highest level.” DAVID MOYES today backed Jermaine Beckford to repay his faith in signing him by scoring goals in the Premier League. The Everton boss was impressed with Beckford’s Wednesday night debut in the 2-0 friendly win over Melbourne Heart, and insists the ex Leeds United star is an instinctive goal-scorer. Beckford, 26, almost hit the back of the net within his first few touches at the Etihad stadium, and despite carrying a slight injury, Moyes believes his first signing of the summer has the potential to be the latest in his long line of shrewd buys. He said: “Goals are his biggest asset. "I thought that we needed a little bit more firepower up front and that's why we've brought Jermaine Beckford in. "Jermaine's just struggling a bit with his groin just now. "He's not quite comfortable yet at training so we weren't going to use him but I felt we could get 20 minutes so I think he felt fine. "His first touch and his first movement nearly showed you why he's scored so many goals through the lower leagues. "We're giving him a great opportunity to see if he can do it at the highest level.”
David Moyes hails his strongest Everton FC squad
Jul 16 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
DAVID MOYES has compiled the best squad of his eight-year Everton tenure.
That is the opinion of the Everton manager who is confident he is now working with the strongest group of players at the club he joined from Preston North End in 2002.
Moyes is yet to win a trophy with Everton but has turned the club’s fortunes from what at best was mid-table respectability to challenging for a place in Europe each year. Everton narrowly missed out on a Europa League place last season despite a disastrous start to the campaign. Just two defeats in 24 league games since late November saw Moyes’ side propelled up the table. It was Champions League challenging form and largely a consequence of Everton’s injury-hit squad returning to full fitness. The return of Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka after lengthy lay-offs provided a huge boost. Together with the club’s young, up and coming talent such as Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman, who have both impressed on the pre-season tour of Australia, Moyes is pleased with the players he has assembled at Finch Farm.
“I think in my time at Everton we’ve now got as strong a squad as we’ve ever had so I’m looking forward to the coming season,” said Moyes. “I’m looking forward to having a season with them and seeing how it goes.” Still, Moyes refuses to set any targets ahead of the new season. “I’m not a great goal-setter,” he said. “I think you take the next game and you get on with it and you see where you end up.
“But we’re ambitious and we want to do well and we’ve got a great desire to do better than what we’ve done in the past so we’ll just try to keep it going and hopefully see where we end up.”
Mikel Arteta: Everton FC fans are best in the world
Jul 16 2010 By David Randles
Mikel Arteta believes Everton supporters are the best in the Premier League.
The midfielder has now left the club’s pre-season tour and returned to Spain where he will get married tomorrow. Arteta has hailed the team ethic at Everton while highlighting the desire to win at the club. “I think all the players here are really committed and we all work really hard,” said the midfielder. “We’ve got a great group of players, we have a great belief in what we do and we want to win things. We haven’t been able to do that in recent years but it’s really tough to make that next step and compete with the big teams. We have an unbelievable crowd, the fans are really special and really loyal to the club, as we (the players) are. I think we’ve probably got the best fans in the Premier League.” Everton play the last of a three game tour of Australian tomorrow morning (Saturday) when they take on A-League side, Brisbane Roar at the Suncorp Stadium - 10:30am kick-off. They will also be without Tim Cahill who has been granted special leave to be best man at Arteta’s wedding.
Phil Neville wants attacking performance from Brisbane Roar to give Everton stern test
By Marco Monteverde
The Courier-Mail (Australia Newspaper)
July 16 2010
EVERTON skipper Phil Neville has challenged Brisbane Roar to produce the necessary "sparkle" in attack at Suncorp Stadium to provide the Toffees with the toughest test of their three-match Australian tour. For all their endeavour and hard work, both Sydney FC and newcomers Melbourne Heart lacked a cutting edge in their matches against the English Premier League side, with Everton recording respective 1-0 and 2-0 victories at ANZ Stadium and Etihad Stadium. Neville predicted a similar outcome on Saturday night, believing the biggest problem facing A-League clubs is the absence of Australia's best players, who continue to ply their trade overseas. "It's going to be another tough game for us ... but what the A-League teams need is for the Australian players based in Europe to come home and give the league that extra bit of quality that's needed in the final third where you need to beat someone or provide "It looks like the A-League's missing that bit of sparkle. They need someone with that something special, someone like a Timmy Cahill or a Harry Kewell.
Everton aiming for an A-league clean sweep with victory over Brisbane Roar Marco Monteverde
The Courier-Mail (Australia Newspaper)
July 16 2010
A DESIRE to start their English Premier League season with a bang rather than a whimper has Everton primed to record a third-straight win over A-League opposition when they meet Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.
Slow starts to their EPL campaigns have plagued the Toffees in recent years and it's for that reason they have treated their Australian tour as an extension of their season, which begins on August 14 with an away clash against Blackburn Rovers.
Despite some rustiness associated with the pre-season, Everton have already beaten Sydney FC 1-0 and Melbourne Heart 2-0, and plan to maintain the rage by defeating the Roar and keeping another clean sheet in the annual "Roar Against Racism" clash.
"Normally in the pre-season the manager (David Moyes) doesn't put too much pressure on the result, but on this tour he's almost demanded three victories," Everton skipper Phil Neville said on his arrival in Brisbane on Thursday night. "The last three or four seasons we've not started well. You can lose every game in pre-season and say 'it doesn't matter', but it does matter. "We want to start the season really well and we see the games as an important barometer of how far we need to go." The 33-year-old utility, who been capped 59 times for England, expected another hard-fought clash against the rebuilding Brisbane outfit. "The thing that I've noticed in our two matches so far is that the A-League has good athleticism and is good tactically," Neville said.
"But to beat an Everton you need more than just athleticism and tactics."
Everton FC fans' letters: Seamus Coleman has a tough act to follow at Everton
Jul 17 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
I WOULD love to see Seamus Coleman come in and make the right-back berth his own at Goodison next season. The reason he won’t is Phil Neville.m David Moyes wants him on the pitch at all times and with midfield looking stronger, that leaves right-back as the only real option. The fact is, we do win more games with Neville in the team, so who can argue?
Staygold, by e-mail.
MESSAGE for the Rev Harry Ross, who suffered a heart attack last week. Get well soon. I remember Mr Ross from my junior days at school. He was very strict but also very fair, a true gentleman. He was always trying to get us Reds to convert to the Blues – a great man and a good sport. Get well soon Mr Ross and I’m sure many Reds fans will wish you well too.
Redmanwilo, by e-mail.
IF Everton can hit the ground running next season, then top four is a very realistic possibility, and it would help if we could secure a good player or two during the mid-season transfer window. By the way... Steven Pienaar is a quality player, but if he is itching to leave then get him out of here ASAP! Remember Joleon Lescott?
Kennyboy
I’M getting worried. Two wins out of two pre-season? That’s very un-Everton like.
We kicked off last season’s campaign by losing at Bury. The year before it was defeat to those giants of Swiss football Sion. Remember the excellent campaign of 2004/05 when we finished fourth? That pre-season included a memorable 2-1 defeat at mighty Crewe Alexandra!We’re struggling to recognise this Everton team. Who knows. We might even hit the ground running this season and not be forced into playing catch-up again!
Pete Nicholls, Garston.
I THINK this could be a big season for Yakubu.
His performances in South Africa – THAT MISS apart! – were very good.
He’s had a break, should be refreshed and raring to go, and will have benefitted from the match action he got under his belt at the World Cup. The injury he sustained was an awful one but he now finally appears to have put it behind him. Feed the Yak and he will score!
Jim Bond, Oswestry.
ROYAL BLUE: Everton tourists leave big impression Down Under
Jul 17 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have made sure they don’t just leave a good footballing impression on Australia. The manager, players and officials have spent hours at charity and anti-racism events during the tour, to reinforce the good work the Everton Foundation carries out back in Merseyside. With supporters’ club events in each city, and no autograph hunter left disappointed they have provided ex-pat Bluenoses over here with happy memories to cherish. Nobody can accuse the club of just selecting Australia as their pre-season location just to make a quick buck. REST assured the Everton stars have been in the safest of hands during the tour. Watching over their every move have been a couple of local security guards who the team have taken to their heart. Big Dom and Billy (or Wee Willie to the lads) have been terrific sports throughout, giving as good as they’ve got in the Mickey-taking stakes.
Even Sylvain Distin and Victor Anichebe would be reluctant to push them too far though. Dom represented Australia at American football with the body-builder chest and mean 1,000 yard stare to match, while Billy is a ringer for Jean-Claude Van Damme.
ROYAL BLUE: Aussie fans leave Everton officials seeing Red!
Jul 17 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
THE local school kids watching the Blues train in Brisbane’s Suncorp stadium could run even Scouse youngsters close in the cheek stakes. When Everton officials dished out some mementoes to the crowd, one young lad beckoned them over for extra key rings and stickers. Upon hearing they’d all gone, he shouted back: “Right that’s it, I’m a Liverpool fan now.” He’s in good company. Watching Aussie rugby league, one young Paramatta Eels fan made the TV news after a recent win over North Queensland Cowboys. When defeated Cowboys star Jonathan Thurston tossed his headgear to the youngster as a keepsake after the game, the die-hard Eel took one look at it and tossed it right back at him.
Leighton Baines wants Everton FC to make a flying start this season
Jul 17 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
NEXT to master tactician and transfer bargain hunter extraordinaire, add canny sports psychologist to the list of David Moyes’ attributes. The Everton manager’s subtle shift in focus towards actually winning pre-season friendlies this term, along with just reaping their usual fitness boosting benefits, could yet prove a master-stroke.
Solving why the Toffees have tended to start Premier League campaigns in less than convincing fashion, before picking up pace in the second half of the season, has been high on the manager’s list of issues to address. Now, as he targets a clean sweep of three victories on this Australian tour with a win over Brisbane Roar today, Moyes is hoping he has put the building blocks in place for his players to start the 2010/11 season in the same impressive fashion as they concluded the last. Lest anyone forget, the Blues form post January would have been good enough to finish in the top three if sustained across a whole season. But as one of Moyes’ best pupils, Leighton Baines, prepares to help fire the team on to new heights, his thoughts cannot help but turn to this time last year. The Toffees had enjoyed a pre-season training camp in Seattle which, while high on top class amenities and comfort, yielded mixed results.
Unfortunately, there was nothing mixed about their start to the ensuing season. It was simply horrific. The 6-1 thrashing by a rampant Arsenal side may well have owed a lot to matters off the field, but for Baines and co. it was a wake-up call nevertheless.
“I can remember coming in after that game,” says Baines with a grimace. “I just couldn’t comprehend it. It didn’t seem real. I remember sitting down and just thinking ‘this isn’t supposed to happen. Ever’. It doesn’t matter where it is, but especially not at Goodison. “You prepare, and you feel ready and have that first game excitement and buzz. Then the expectations are flattened and the buzz is gone after 90 minutes.
“I looked around the dressing room and nobody could speak. It set some alarm bells off about how far from where we needed to be that we were at the time.” Baines feels the backlash against the Manchester City bound Joleon Lescott after that game, hid the real reasons behind the opening day humiliation. “The stuff with Joleon was rumbling on at the time and he shouldered some of the blame, which took some of it off us,” he says. “But for me he wasn’t at fault for a single goal. It was easy for people to point the finger at him. “To be fair to Joleon, even though he was in the process of leaving the club he was actually happy to take it for the team. It tells you a bit about him. “He half blamed himself publicly even though privately he’d done nothing wrong. He was willing to soak that up and take it on the chin for us, and shows what he felt for us.” Baines admits that it took some harsh words, and in-depth analysis to begin putting right what went wrong, culminating in a harrowing 3-2 defeat at the hands of Phil Brown’s Hull City one dreadful evening at the KC Stadium.
“The day after that game we were all still in shock. “It took a few long meetings in training for it to sink in, and we had a lot to work on,” he says. “Eventually we got it right last season but it took a while. “It’s easy to cast the importance of pre-season games aside but psychologically winning them all, coming home with three wins, is important. “They are games we’d expect to win, but pre-season doesn’t always work out like that. “Yes, they’re about fitness but also about getting results. We haven’t always covered ourselves in glory with past pre-season games and maybe that’s partly why we didn’t start so well. “We’re looking for a change this year, and we’ve come out here early before getting home and getting a lot of good work done based at Finch Farm. "The training schedule is slightly different as well. “The bulk of our hard work could well come later in the pre-season. “It will be eyeballs out then in terms of our training and being put through our paces.”
ROYAL BLUE: Everton FC celebrate half-a-century of success Down Under
Jul 17 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
WITH David Moyes’ side targeting a clean sweep of friendly victories against Brisbane today, history proves they are in good company. The last two Everton squads to tour Down Under have left an emphatic impression, but few would be surprised to learn of their success given some of the stellar names involved. The club’s first visit came just after the Australian Soccer Federation took charge of the game and Australia’s membership of FIFA was restored. Membership had been suspended because Australian clubs were signing top class migrant players from Europe but refusing to pay transfer fees to their previous clubs. Eventually a compromise financial settlement was reached in mid-1963 and tours by overseas clubs could resume. After topping the First Division in 1962-63 Everton finished the 1963-64 season in third place behind Liverpool and Manchester United and boasted a star-studded line-up including Alex Scott, Roy Vernon, Brian Labone and Jimmy Gabriel – all internationals – and a host of other top class players. The Blues arrived at the start of May 1964, and it was an even longer tour than their present day counterparts embarked on, playing eight games in that month in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Before the tour got underway the local football press touted that Australian teams would run Everton close, but the reality was quite different. The gulf in quality between the teams which were fielded and the visitors turned out to be considerable. Sniping comments after the first games that Everton were not as skilful as recent touring teams like FK Austria from Vienna and Ferencvaros from Hungary are hard to assess from today’s perspective. There is no doubt that the Toffees were effective and the tour was a huge financial success with an overall profit estimated at $72,000. A crowd of 51,566 turned out for the first match against New South Wales which Everton won 4-1. The match against an Australian team in Melbourne drew 32,453 to Olympic Park, while 20,000 saw Victoria run the visitors to its closest result ‘only’ losing 3-1. In the two matches against Australia, Everton thrashed the local select 8-2 in the Melbourne game, with Vernon and Gabriel scoring hat tricks and Derek Temple two goals. Herbert Ninaus, a former Austrian international, scored both goals for the Australians. In Sydney, it was 5-1 to the Blues. Ninaus was the Australian scorer once again equalising a goal by Jimmy Gabriel, and Australia held the Toffees to 1-1l at the interval. After the break Everton ran away with the game as John Morrissey scored twice, and Alex Scott and Colin Harvey got the other goals. Jim Kelly was coach of the Australian team. Just prior to the tour there was a controversy when Everton player Tony Kay was exposed in a bribery scandal along with David ‘Bronco’ Layne and Peter Swan. The incidents occurred while they were playing with Sheffield Wednesday in 1962, but it seems to have had no impact on Everton’s first visit Down Under. The Toffees came back again in June 1987, as champions, and played a one-off match against Australia at Olympic Park. By now the gap between the Socceroos and even the best club sides had narrowed significantly. After a defensive first half in which there was no score, Australia gained a creditable draw by going forward more in the second half. Oscar Crino replaced the injured Peter Raskopoulos and his passing and close control lifted the home team. Robbie Dunn headed the opening goal for Australia, but Trevor Steven made a good break for Everton and his cross was finished by Adrian Heath. Australia won the penalty shoot-out 4-1. A week later Australia jetted off to the President’s Cup in Korea, where they reached the final, losing in another penalty shoot-out.
Everton FC's Leighton Baines to test himself against the best
Jul 17 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
LEIGHTON Baines will continue to test himself against the best full-backs in the premier league as he looks to become king of the stats. The Everton defender is determined to continually push himself, despite currently having no real competition in the squad for his position. Baines, 25, regularly compares his performance statistics; such as assists, pass completion rate, and tackling, with top-four stars like Ashley Cole and Patrice Evra. And the England star insists he will not rest on his laurels after another strong season for the Blues, but wants to over-take the best which the top four has to offer in his position. As he prepares to play in Everton's final Australian friendly against Brisbane Roar tonight, he said: “For me it’s improving on everything I did last year. "There may not be an obvious other left back but I know everything I did last year in terms of assists, crosses, the distances I covered and all my pass percentage completion rates. “We have all the information available to us and I take it onboard and look to beat it. I look at all the left backs in the country and their averages too. I am looking at the top four left backs – where they’re at and where I’m at. “The manager and Steve Round are always looking to push me on. Last year I think I missed one league game, and this year I’m looking to miss none. “It’s just about setting targets and being a bit ambitious with it, without being unrealistic. When I get back me and the coaches will have a meeting and set some targets. “I want to get more assists than last year. I raised my own bench-mark but I’m not sitting back.”
Meanwhile, Baines is confident he will be playing in the strongest defensive back four of his career next season. He said: “We were missing Jags a lot last season, and obviously it was Sylvain’s first year here and he was learning about the players and how we do things. “This year we have had that year’s experience and we are all together. We’ve started with a couple of clean sheets and that’s hopefully an indication of how we want to go. “The year before last we were very strong at the back, then we lost Joleon Lescott and Jags to injury, so there was a lot of disruption.
“Now we’ve got pace and power again with strength in depth. Joseph Yobo is a strong player and he’s not even here in Australia, and we’ve got Seamus who will play a bigger part this season. “He looks ready and needs the playing time now. The next part of his development is gathering experience and his loan period has obviously done him well. “He’s enthusiastic and is willing to put a decent shift in and that’s very important. It’s part and parcel for full-backs playing for the very top sides, which we believe Everton are.”
Brisbane Roar 1 Everton 2
Jul 17 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe in Brisbane, Liverpool Echo
PRE-season friendlies are rarely considered must-win games, but there has been a change of thinking in the Everton camp lately. To cure a tendency of starting premier league seasons badly, David Moyes has asked his team to put the emphasis on winning before a ball has even been kicked in the domestic campaign. For that reason, with two straight-forward wins in Australia already under their belt, the result today - which saw Everton beat Brisbane Roar 2-1 in their final game in Australia - was more important than the performance at Brisbane’s Suncorp stadium. It is just as well.
Everton ended their successful tour down under with a tame performance which probably did little to covert watching Aussies to the beautiful game. But as with the other two friendlies in this sports-mad country, there were plenty of positives; largely thanks to the potential of youth. Jack Rodwell and recent signing Magaye Gueye have impressed and hinted that they could both play important roles in the forthcoming campaign to break into the top four. Rodwell, with two goals in three games, is guaranteed to figure far more as he continues to develop at an electrifying pace. And Gueye has the potential to become a useful weapon from the bench with which Moyes can settle tight games. The Everton boss admitted that there was the possibility that a long flight home after a longer than usual tour had crept into his players’ minds during the first half. Certainly they lacked spark against a super-fit team who denied them time on the ball and pressed Everton’s better players relentlessly. The first real effort on goal was a 15-yeard strike from Roar’s German midfielder Thomas Broich which Ian Turner held comfortably. Then Jack Rodwell conceded a free kick by clattering Brazilian playmaker Henrqiue Silva, but the resultant strike was tame and never going to trouble Everton’s young Scottish keeper. The pace of the opening quarter was decidedly flat, with neither side looking remotely threatening. Only a couple of unforced errors from the Roar offered Everton opportunities, as they struggled to impose themselves on their limited opponents. As with the two previous games, it took Seamus Coleman to shake things up. The right-back embarked on one of his trademark forward surges going past two and nut-megging his counterpart for the Roar before earning a throw-in, which Everton almost scored from. Coleman again whipped in a cross and Louis Saha got to it first to stab a strike at Michael Theoklitos. In response Roar stepped up their tempo and Henrique, nicknamed the Slippery Fish, Silva went close, as skipper Matt McKay started to display a nice range of passing.
But with proceedings soon returned to a lull, and it took Louis Saha to single handedly try and ignite the game with a burst of pace on the edge of the area to set himself up for crack at goal. Unfortunately the Frenchman hesitated a split second too long and his shot was saved with relative ease, but he was one of very few Everton players to look remotely threatening in a lame half. Everton were laboured and failed to create any gilt-edged chances against a side which finished second from bottom of the A-league last season, and sold three of their better players to FC Utrecht.
Even though this was a friendly, David Moyes was entitled to ask for more from his men at half-time, and four minutes after the restart Jack Rodwell obliged.
The teenager’s elegant performances have been one of the major plus points of this tour, and the opener epitomised his class. He received the ball from 20 yards out, looked up and curled a perfect strike into the top right hand corner of the goal.
Everton woke up afterwards. Leighton Baines curled a free kick over the wall on 54 minutes, and Louis Saha volleyed a vicious effort on goal, before McKay also went close for Roar. Victor Anichebe, on for Rodwell with half an hour left, sidefooted an effort over the bar before the game really took an unusual turn. Everton conceded their first goal of the tour when swift passing from Mitch Nichols undid their back line and Kosta Barbarouses slid his shot in off Ian Turner’s post. Anichebe’s cameo was lively. He missed another chance when he went one on one with the keeper thanks to his own strength and perseverance. But it was his surge forward which created Everton’s second, when he rode a tackle and carried the ball 20 yards, feeding Jose Baxter who slid a deft pass to the impressive Magaye Gueye to tap in at the far post.
Roar were increasingly good value opponents though, finding gaps in Everton’s weary-looking defence and only failing to equalise because of woeful finishing.
In the end, the Blues had their win and a satisfying clean-sweep. But David Moyes will judge the success of this tour at the end of August, when he will still be happy to take wins anyway they come. STAR MAN: Jack Rodwell impressed again and has staked a strong claim for a regular first team place.
EVERTON: Turner, Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Bilyaletdinov (Gueye, 69), Neville, Osman, Rodwell (Anichebe 64), Saha (Vaughan 74), Beckford (Baxter, 74). Subs not used: Jutkiewicz, Mustafi, Silva, Hibbert.
BRISBANE ROAR: Theoklitos, Smith, Devere, Stefanutto, Franjic, Paartalu, Henrique, Reinaldo (Barbarouses), McCkay, Brattan. Subs not used: Mundy, Nicholls, Redmayne, Meyer, Susak, Bowles, McCormick, Acton
Ref: Peter Green Attendance: 19, 786
Everton Reserves were held to a 1-1 draw against Airbus on Saturday - their second draw of their 2010 pre-season campaign in as many weeks. Goalless at the end of the first period, the hosts took the lead with a lovely strike into the top left hand corner early in the second half. First year scholar Ross Barkley then headed home from a free-kick to draw the Blues level.
Everton beats Brisbane Roar 2-1 at Suncorp Stadium
Marco Monteverde
MailCourier (Australia Newspaper)
July 17 2010
EVERTON survived a second-half scare to record a third-straight win over A-League opposition, beating Brisbane Roar 2-1 at Suncorp Stadium.
In cruise control after taking a 49th-minute lead through their England under-21 international Jack Rodwell, the Toffees where shocked 17 minutes later when Roar substitute Kosta Barbarouses equalised for the hosts. But desperate to maintain their 100 per cent tour record after respective 1-0 and 2-0 wins over Sydney FC and Melbourne Heart, the English Premier League side responded with an 83rd-minute winner from replacement Magaye Gueye. The emerging French talent got the better of Roar defender Luke DeVere and goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos at the back post after teammate Jose Baxter delivered a tantalisingly ball across the face of the penalty area.
"They got in behind us a little bit - it was one of those situations where it was very hard to defend," Roar coach Ange Postecoglou said. The close-range finish ensured Everton continued their dominance over A-League sides, but the Roar had the honour as the only team to score against the Toffees during the Australian visit.
"It felt like the toughest game that we've had so far (in Australia)," Toffees skipper Phil Neville said. "The system that they played made it very difficult in the first half. I think our quality showed in the end but it was played in a real football stadium, on a nice football pitch and I think out of the three games this has probably been the best spectacle for the supporters to watch." Everton boss David Moyes praised the Roar for the "energy" they showed. "I thought they done well ... they ran about, they closed us down," Moyes said. "They were very expansive in their play, they worked hard and we had to cope with that as well." Postecoglou said his new-look side had been desperate to provide some entertainment for the 19,786 fans who attended rather than just defend against high-quality opposition. "I thought we did give them a game. Not just we got close on the scoreboard, we actually played some good football, and really worked very hard to make sure we pressured them and didn't let them get into any rhythm and tempo," the Roar mentor said. "I didn't want us to go out there and just put 10 people sitting in front of our box and play defensively and hopefully get a cheap result. "I wanted us to try to play the football we're going to play in the A-League."
Kiwi international Barbarouses produced a classy finish after being found in space by fellow substitute Mitch Nichols, who made a nuisance of himself after entering the contest at the start of the second half as a replacement for Luke Brattan.
But the goal didn't match the class of Rodwell's finish, with the Everton midfielder catching Theoklitos slightly off his line with a curling 20-metre effort that sailed into the top corner of the net. The goal gave the game some much-needed life after a disappointing first-half. The visitors looked the more likely during the often listless 45 minutes but could not make the most of their territorial advantage. Former Manchester United marksman Louis Saha showed great skill in the 23rd minute, forcing Theoklitos into a sharp save low to his left after getting on the end of a dangerous cross from right fullback Seamus Coleman. Brazilian import Henrique brought some much needed energy to the Roar attack in the 27th minute, creating space for himself on the edge of Everton's penalty area, before shooting wide. Henrique performance was impressive, a good sign ahead of the Roar's A-League opener against Gold Coast United at Skilled Park on August 8. The Roar will soon be boosted by the arrival of Jean Carlos Solorzano, the former Costa Rican under-20 international who has joined the club on a year-long loan deal from LD Alajuelense.
Toffees do it hard against 'toughest' Roar
PHIL LUTTON
BrisbaneTimes
July 18, 2010 -
Everton has hailed the new-look Brisbane Roar as the toughest opponent of their three-game Australian tour after the Toffees found their way out of a genuine scrap to collect a 2-1 win at Suncorp Stadium last night. It took a late goal from Frenchman Magaye Gueye (83rd minute) to complete a 2-1 victory for the Premier League heavyweights after new Brisbane striker Kosta Barbarouses, formerly of Wellington, levelled the scores at 1-1 at the 66 minute mark. Earlier, rising Everton star Jack Rodwell showed his class with a special finish four minutes after halftime when he lobbed a wonderful finish past the outstretched hands of Roar keeper Michael Theoklitos, another new face on the dramatically revamped A-League roster.
It’s been difficult to know what to expect of the Roar this season after a massive turnaround in playing staff, including the departure of veteran leaders Danny Tiatto and Craig Moore. But on last night’s showing – and with Costa Rican striker Jean Carlo Solorzano soon to arrive on a one-year loan deal – the Roar will certainly make their presence felt in the A-League as long as they can keep their squad up and running. Everton had already knocked over Sydney 1-0 and A-League freshman Melbourne Heart 2-0 so it was little surprise they were flat in the first half. They have been on our shores for 18 days and were due to board a plane home at 2.30am in the morning, just hours after the match. But the second half provided a spectacle of quality attacking football to the 19,786 fans, many of whom donned the royal blue of the Merseysiders and perched themselves behind the southern goal. It featured three goals and gave the Toffees a genuine hitout before they return to the UK to begin their assault on the Premier League, which begins in less than a month. Everton captain Phil Neville praised the Roar for their run in midfield and tight formations in the first half, which frustrated the visitors as they tried to get an early jump in their attempt to clean sweep the Australian sides. "It felt like the toughest game that we've had so far, the system that they played made it very difficult in the first half,” Neville said.
"I think our quality showed in the end, but it was played in a real football stadium, on a nice football pitch and I think out of the three games, this has probably been the best spectacle for the supporters to watch." Everton manager David Moyes was pleased with the result but made it clear this venture was nothing resembling a holiday. He has taken the side to America in previous pre-seasons and hasn’t felt the flow-on effect in slow starts to the Premiership. He will judge this expedition not on the hat-trick of wins but how that forms translates when his side arrives back to the Liverpool chill.
“"It's nice to win games, but I'll swap them all for three wins in the Premier League,” Moyes said. "We've enjoyed a really good trip over here but I'll judge it by how we do in the Premier League. I'll judge it later on in August when the season starts.”
Neither Everton or the Roar saw this is a simple exhibition, or the chance for a side known around the world to boost the code in Australia, where it fights for ascendancy against its more established rivals. Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglau was disappointed to concede the late goal, which came at stage when Everton were pushing hard for the winner, but remained justifiably upbeat by the result.
"We did give them a game, we got close on the scoreboard but we also played some good football. We really worked very hard to make sure we pressured them and didn't let them get into any rhythm or tempo,” Postecoglau said. "We didn't want to sit back, we wanted to play some football and I think we did. I didn't want us to play defensively and get a cheap result. "I wanted us to try and play the sort of football we want to play in the A-League and test ourselves against quality opposition.”
Postecoglau will have liked what he saw from Brazilian midfielder Henrique, who caused Everton some genuine troubles at times with his pace and forward incursions, while new faces Erik Paartalu, Thomas Broich and Shane Steffanutto will only be better for the hit-out against a world-class opponent.
Everton finish tour with a Roar but not before letting one in
DARREN CARTWRIGHT
July 18, 2010 BrisbaneTimes
EVERTON completed a whitewash of A-League teams when they eclipsed a gallant Brisbane Roar 2-1 in their final Australian tour match at Suncorp Stadium last night.
Following lead-up wins against Sydney FC and Melbourne Heart, the English Premier League outfit was made to fight for their pre-season victory against the Roar in front of 19,786 fans. It was not until the 83rd minute, when Everton striker Magaye Gueye got on the end of a perfectly weighted cross from Jose Baxter, that the Toffees sealed the win. The visitors were given a scare and their plans of not conceding a goal on the tour were dashed when Roar substitute Kosta Barbarouses broke through their defence and scored in the 66th minute to level things up. Barbarouses, who came on at half-time for Reinaldo, accepted a clever pass from Mitch Nicholls and his firmly struck shot slid past goalkeeper Iain Turner. The goal put the Toffees in danger of defeat to a squad that contained a host of players yet to make their A-League debuts, but they proved too classy in the end. Jack Rodwell had lodged their opening goal four minutes after half-time, lurking in ample space just outside the penalty area and superbly striking a ball that looped over goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos. French forward Louis Saha was a constant menace and a delight for the crowd in the first half with a handful of chances but couldn't apply the finishing touch. Socceroos star Tim Cahill took no part for Everton as he was on best man duties at teammate Mikael Arteta's wedding.
DAVID MOYES TOLD TO FORGET ABOUT LANDON DONOVAN
17th July 2010
By Neil Johnston
Daily Star
DAVID MOYES has been told to forget about bringing Landon Donovan back to Goodison Park on a full-time basis. USA World Cup star Donovan netted twice in 10 appearances for Everton while on loan during the second half of last season.
Toffees boss Moyes wants to secure a permanent deal for the LA Galaxy man.
But Major League Soccer chiefs have no intention of allowing Donovan to head to Merseyside after he inspired the USA to reach the last 16 in South Africa.
They are reluctant to see him leave as he only penned a new four-year deal with Galaxy last December. MLS commissioner Don Garber said: “It is my hope and my expectation that we will have him for the rest of his career. “Landon is, in my view, the greatest player of our generation and an incredibly valuable part of our history – but also our future.”
Brisbane Roar 1 Everton 2: Magaye Gueye strikes win as Everton win again on Australia tour
Daily Mail
17th July 2010
Young French striker Magaye Gueye scored the winner as Everton defeated A-League club Brisbane Roar to complete a clean sweep of wins from their three-match pre-season tour of Australia. Gueye tapped home the winner seven minutes from the end after Jack Rodwell's second-half opener had been cancelled out by Kosta Barbarouses.
Eye on the ball: Louis Saha in action against Brisbane Roar New signing Jermaine Beckford made his first start in an Everton shirt and was almost gifted a first goal when he just failed to reach an under-hit backpass. Fellow striker Louis Saha then warmed the gloves of former Norwich goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos before ending a goalless first-half with a disappointingly tame shot after his bursting run.
Eye for goal: Victor Anichebe strikes the ball past the Roar defence Rodwell opened the scoring four minutes after the re-start with a delightful curling shot from outside the penalty area. The visitors looked the most likely to add a second with Seamus Coleman firing just over before Victor Anichebe, who came on for Rodwell, was also off target. Victory: Phil Neville and Leon Osman hold the trophy at Suncorp Stadium
The Roar found an unlikely equaliser after 66 minutes when Barbarouses fired home from a tight angle after a quickly-taken free-kick. But 20-year-old substitute Gueye made sure Everton left Australia with a perfect record as he tapped in Jose Baxter's cross from close range after 83 minutes.
Everton blow out Gunners £14m bid for star
18th July 2010 By Paul Smith (Daily Mirror)
Arsenal have had a £14million bid for Everton’s Phil Jagielka turned down.
The England international, 27, has recovered from a serious knee ligament and is seen by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger as the experienced centre-back to steady his defence.
But Everton manager David Moyes is not prepared to lose a key man, already aware that he may have a problem in hanging onto midfielder Mikel Arteta given Manchester City’s efforts to sign him. However, Arsenal are set to test Everton’s resolve by tabling a revised bid of £16m.
Everton beat Brisbane Roar 2-1 at Suncorp Stadium
Marco Monteverde From: The Sunday Mail (Qld) July 18, 2010
Everton's Jack Rodwell celebrates after scoring a goal during a pre-season friendly match against Brisbane Roar and Everton at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images Source: Getty Images EVERTON survived a second-half scare to record a third-straight win over A-League opposition, beating Brisbane Roar 2-1 at Suncorp Stadium last night. In cruise control after taking a 49th-minute lead through their England under-21 international Jack Rodwell, the Toffees where shocked 17 minutes later when Roar substitute Kosta Barbarouses equalised for the hosts. But desperate to maintain their 100 per cent tour record after respective 1-0 and 2-0 wins over Sydney FC and Melbourne Heart, the English Premier League side responded with an 83rd-minute winner from replacement Magaye Gueye. The emerging French talent got the better of Roar defender Luke DeVere and goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos at the back post after teammate Jose Baxter delivered a tantalisingly ball across the face of the penalty area. "They got in behind us a little bit - it was one of those situations where it was very hard to defend," Roar coach Ange Postecoglou said. The close-range finish ensured Everton continued their dominance over A-League sides, but the Roar had the honour as the only team to score against the Toffees during the Australian visit. "It felt like the toughest game that we've had so far (in Australia)," Toffees skipper Phil Neville said. "The system that they played made it very difficult in the first half. I think our quality showed in the end but it was played in a real football stadium, on a nice football pitch and I think out of the three games this has probably been the best spectacle for the supporters to watch." Everton boss David Moyes praised the Roar for the "energy" they showed. "I thought they done well ... they ran about, they closed us down," Moyes said. "They were very expansive in their play, they worked hard and we had to cope with that as well." Postecoglou said his new-look side had been desperate to provide some entertainment for the 19,786 fans who attended rather than just defend against high-quality opposition.
"I thought we did give them a game. Not just we got close on the scoreboard, we actually played some good football, and really worked very hard to make sure we pressured them and didn't let them get into any rhythm and tempo," the Roar mentor said. "I didn't want us to go out there and just put 10 people sitting in front of our box and play defensively and hopefully get a cheap result. "I wanted us to try to play the football we're going to play in the A-League." Kiwi international Barbarouses produced a classy finish after being found in space by fellow substitute Mitch Nichols, who made a nuisance of himself after entering the contest at the start of the second half as a replacement for Luke Brattan. But the goal didn't match the class of Rodwell's finish, with the Everton midfielder catching Theoklitos slightly off his line with a curling 20-metre effort that sailed into the top corner of the net. The goal gave the game some much-needed life after a disappointing first-half. The visitors looked the more likely during the often listless 45 minutes but could not make the most of their territorial advantage. Former Manchester United marksman Louis Saha showed great skill in the 23rd minute, forcing Theoklitos into a sharp save low to his left after getting on the end of a dangerous cross from right fullback Seamus Coleman. Brazilian import Henrique brought some much needed energy to the Roar attack in the 27th minute, creating space for himself on the edge of Everton's penalty area, before shooting wide. Henrique performance was impressive, a good sign ahead of the Roar's A-League opener against Gold Coast United at Skilled Park on August 8. The Roar will soon be boosted by the arrival of Jean Carlos Solorzano, the former Costa Rican under-20 international who has joined the club on a year-long loan deal from LD Alajuelense.
English clubs can help Aussies host Cup
DARREN CARTWRIGHT
July 18, 2010
TheAge (Australia newspaper)
Everton coach David Moyes says more English Premier League clubs should be heading down under to promote the code and help Australia's bid to host the 2022 World Cup. Moyes said he was impressed with the hospitality, the quality of the opposition - especially after being forced to fight for a 2-1 win against Brisbane Roar on Saturday night - and the size and quality of the stadiums during Everton's three match tour against A-League sides. However, he noticed EPL players are not well known in Australia which means the code and the league needs a promotional push and he'll be recommending to EPL managers to take their clubs on tour.
"There will be a lot more teams in the future travelling further afield as there is a demand now to see the Premier League teams," Moyes said. "For example everybody in Singapore, Thailand knows all the Premier League players. "If you come to Australia, in comparison to the other parts - I was in South Africa and everyone knew all the Premier League players. In Thailand you get mobbed on the street ... (it's) slightly different with Australia, a good little bit behind. "I think Australia needs a push towards the World Cup and it would be good for them to get the traction of some of the big clubs coming over." Moyes had to wait until the 83rd minute for Everton to gain the upper hand against the Roar when Frenchman Magaye Gueye slotted in a goal off a superb cross from Jose Baxter. Everton was pushed to the end following Kosta Barbarouse's 66th minute success for Brisbane, which crossed the face of goal, slammed off the far post and into the net. It came 17 minutes after Everton got off the mark through a classy Jake Rodwell goal which dropped over the outstretched hand of Roar goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos. Moyes said the Roar, which has more than a dozen players on its list which have never played an A-League game together, were by far the best of the sides they faced after wins over Sydney FC (1-0) and Melbourne Heart (2-0). Roar coach Ange Postecoglou said there were encouraging signs for the A-League season which kicks-off against Gold Coast United at Skilled Park on August 8. "Our fitness is fantastic at the moment and we are looking sharp. I guess (with) the gelling of the team, we've still got a little bit of work to do, but certainly the signs were very encouraging," he said. "We pushed them really hard, which shows the players that if we maintain those standards in the A-League, obviously we'll do really well."
Moyes may reward Rodwell with attacking role
Jul 19 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES is planning to unleash Jack Rodwell’s attacking potential on the Premier League next season. The 19-year-old scored twice during Everton’s successful pre-season tour of Australia, with his strike against Brisbane Roar on Saturday night earning glowing praise from his manager. Now Moyes is convinced that Rodwell, who started his career at centre-half and has played in a holding midfield role, can become a goal threat from a more advanced position for the Blues.
He said: “In the end we used Jack as a more attacking player last season, with him getting forward and scoring goals. “He’s scored two goals on this trip already and he’s certainly capable of it. I do see him showing a bigger strength in that department now.
“His goal was great. He’s got that ability and we know that he’s technically very good.” Everton flew back to the UK last night, and are now back on home soil after winning all three friendlies Down Under. Moyes insists the tour has been positive, but will only judge its overall impact after the Premier League has started. He said: “It’s nice to win three games, but I’d swap them all for three wins now in the Premier League. “We’ve enjoyed a really good trip over here, but I’ll judge it on how we do when the season kicks off. We’ve had a great time and been well looked after but the time to judge it is later on after the season has started. “We will certainly go away with a positive feeling about Australia. The Everton supporters out here don’t want to wait another 20 years until Everton come back again, and I do hope that the people who brought us out have felt that Everton have been good value for the games.”
Moyes added that he retains the highest ambition for his team, even if the competition in the Premier League will be stronger than ever in the forthcoming campaign. He said: “I would like to say I’d like us to finish first, even if it’s perhaps unrealistic but I can’t sit there in front of my captain and my players and say I want to finish fifth or fourth. “I couldn’t do that to my team. I have to say we’re going to finish first, it’s probably unrealistic but I have to believe that can happen, and I have to send my team out with that. “If we don’t finish first and fall slightly below that then maybe we’ll be happy with that. It’s not the Premier League big four anymore, it’s now the big eight.
“You’ve got ourselves, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Spurs who would not have been considered in it in the past. That’s not to mention the other teams who are improving as well, but that eight will make the Premier League interesting this year.”
Everton FC v Everton of Chile competition - win free Chang beer for a year!
Jul 19 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON’S main sponsor Chang is offering one lucky ECHO reader the chance to win a year’s supply of Chang Beer to celebrate the Club’s forthcoming fixture against Everton Chile. Everton Chile was founded in 1909 by a group of Anglo-Chilean teenagers and has become one of the most revered sides in Chile. Chang has teamed up with Everton to offer supporters a fantastic deal on the premium imported Thai beer with a ticket offer to boot. From tomorrow fans can buy four bottles of Chang for just £4 from participating Chang stocking Tesco stores across the North West plus be in with a chance of claiming one of 5000 free tickets to the game on August 4. To claim one of the free tickets supporters must simply take their receipt proving they have purchased four bottles of Chang from Tesco to the box office at Goodison Park.
David Moyes’ side will entertain their namesakes for the first time on Wednesday, August 4 (kick-off 8pm) and tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £3 for concessions. To buy tickets log on to www.evertonfc.com/tickets For a chance to enjoy Chang for the next year, simply answer the following question: l When do the Blues’ take on Everton Chile at Goodison Park? Terms and conditions: Buy 4 bottles for £4 and receive one free ticket to Everton vs Everton Chile on 4th August 2010. To claim, simply present your Tesco receipt for 4 bottles of Chang at the Everton Box Office by July 31. Promotion starts July 20 at your local Tesco. Promotion available at all Chang stocking Tesco stores. *Free ticket offer not available online or by telephone. Offer only available to customers of 18 years and over. There is a limit of one free ticket, per customer. Receipt will be retained by Everton.
Brisbane Roar 1 Everton 2: Greg O'Keeffe sees the Blues' wizards of Oz roar home (GALLERY)
Jul 19 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
THE last time Everton returned from a mammoth pre-season tour of Australia they went on to finish fourth in the league. David Moyes would give anything for a repeat and for his current Blues to repeat the form of Brian Labone, Alex Young and Colin Harvey back in 1964/65. Of course the present day Toffees face a tougher task to break into the promised land of Champions League qualification, with Manchester City continuing to spend beyond the means of any other club just to grace the same competition and Everton’s star players attracting interest from a host of richer clubs.
But while he may not have the limitless resources of Roberto Mancini or Carlo Ancelotti, Moyes has shown once again this summer that he has the pragmatism and single-mindedness to keep Everton striving for greatness. His decision to come to Australia for a longer than usual tour was a bold one. Everton had settled into a comfortable pattern of taking pre-seasons in the USA, and Moyes was a firm advocate of preparation in the land of the stars and stripes. Yet something had to change this time. It may yet prove that Everton’s tendency to start seasons slowly has is unconnected to the location of their pre-season tour, but as with everything else the Goodison boss has left nothing to chance. The US was swopped for Australia, and a subtle change of thinking in the Everton camp followed. To cure the habit of starting premier league campaigns in such a costly, sluggish manner, Moyes asked his team to shift the emphasis on winning before a ball has even been kicked in the domestic campaign. For that reason, with three wins in Australia under their belt, the result was almost more important than the performance at Brisbane’s Suncorp stadium. It is just as well. Everton ended their successful tour down under with a tame performance which probably did little to convert watching Aussies to the beautiful game. But as with the other two friendlies in this sports-mad country, there were plenty of positives; largely thanks to the potential of youth. Jack Rodwell and recent signing Magaye Gueye have impressed and hinted they could both play important roles in the bid to break into the top four. Rodwell, with two goals in three games, is guaranteed to figure far more as he continues to develop at an electrifying pace. And Gueye has the potential to be a useful weapon Moyes can use to break-open tight games. The Everton boss admitted the possibility that a long flight home after a longer than usual tour had crept into his players’ minds during the first half. Certainly they lacked spark against a super-fit team who denied them time on the ball and pressed relentlessly.
The first real effort on goal was a 15-yeard strike from Roar’s German midfielder Thomas Broich which Iain Turner held comfortably. Then Rodwell conceded a free kick by clattering Brazilian playmaker Henrqiue Silva, but the resultant strike was tame and never going to trouble Everton’s Scottish keeper. The pace of the opening quarter was decidedly flat, with neither side looking threatening. Only a couple of unforced errors from the Roar offered Everton opportunities, as they struggled to impose themselves. As with the two previous games, it took Seamus Coleman to shake things up. The right-back embarked on one of his trademark forward surges going past two and nut-megging his counterpart for the Roar before earning a throw-in, which Everton almost scored from. Coleman again whipped in a cross and Louis Saha got to it first to stab a strike at Michael Theoklitos. In response Roar stepped up their tempo and Henrique Silva, nicknamed the Slippery Fish, went close. But proceedings soon returned to a lull, and it took Louis Saha to stry and ignite the game with a burst of pace on the edge of the area to set himself up for crack at goal. Unfortunately the Frenchman hesitated and his shot was saved with relative ease, but he was one of very few Blues players lookin remotely threatening in a lame half against a side which finished second from bottom of the A-league last season, and sold three of their better players to FC Utrecht. Roar, to their credit, harried and kept the ball well enough to prove their followers could be in for a happier season this time around. Moyes was entitled to ask for more from his men at half-time, and four minutes after the restart Jack Rodwell obliged. The teenager’s elegant performances have been one of the major plus points of this tour, and the opener epitomised his class. He received the ball from 20 yards out, looked up and curled a perfect strike into the top right hand corner. Everton woke up afterwards. Leighton Baines curled a free kick over the wall on 54 minutes, and Saha volleyed a vicious effort on goal, before Roar skipper Matt McKay also went close. Victor Anichebe, on for Rodwell on the hour, sidefooted over the bar before the game took a strange turn. Everton conceded their first goal of the tour as swift passing from Mitch Nichols undid them and Kosta Barbarouses shot in off the post. Anichebe’s cameo was lively. He missed another chance when he went one on one with the keeper thanks to his own strength and perseverance. But it was his surge forward which created Everton’s second, when he rode a tackle and carried the ball 20 yards, feeding Jose Baxter who slid a deft pass to the impressive Magaye Gueye to tap in at the far post. Roar were increasingly good value opponents though, finding gaps in Everton’s weary-looking defence and only failing to equalise because of woeful finishing. In the end, the Blues had the win and a satisfying clean-sweep. His team will improve as their fitness levels are cranked-up and Marouane Fellaini, Mikel Arteta, and hopefully, Steven Pienaar return. But ultimately David Moyes will judge the success of this tour at the end of August, when he will continue to take wins anyway they come. BRISBANE ROAR: Theoklitos, Smith, Devere, Stefanutto, Franjic, Paartalu, Henrique, Reinaldo (Barbarouses, 45), McCkay, Brattan. Not used: Mundy, Nicholls, Redmayne, Meyer, Susak, Bowles, McCormick, Acton.
EVERTON: Turner, Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Bilyaletdinov (Gueye, 69), Neville, Osman, Rodwell (Anichebe 64), Saha (Vaughan 74), Beckford (Baxter, 74). Not used: Jutkiewicz, Mustafi, Silva, Hibbert.
REFEREE: Peter Green
ATTENDANCE: 19,786
Everton FC reject Gunners bid for Phil Jagielka
July 19 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have confirmed a bid from Arsenal for England defender Phil Jagielka has been rebuffed. The Blues added that the offer had arrived six weeks ago and there has been no contact between the clubs since. A report yesterday claimed that the Gunners had seen a £14 million bid for Jagielka thrown out, but were planning an improved offer. The Blues insist the bid was lower than quoted, however, and that any increased offer would be dealt with in the same way. Since switching to central defence Jagielka has been a resounding success at Goodison. He signed from Sheffield United for £4m in the summer of 2007 and has since made more than 100 appearances, culminating in an England call-up. Last season he successfully came back from cruciate knee ligament surgery, just too late to force his way into Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.
The Blues are also more hopeful of Mikel Arteta kicking off the 2010/11 season at Goodison Park. The influential midfielder has been the subject of speculation for several weeks, with Blues chairman Bill Kenwright admitting he and David Moyes had met the Spaniard on several occasions in a bid to “persuade him his future lies with Everton”. But with potential suitors Manchester City now focused on luring James Milner from Aston Villa and Arsenal increasingly confident of keeping Cesc Fabregas, Arteta's options have diminished. The uncertainty over Arteta's future has even attracted the attention of showbiz celebrities, with Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden tweeting recently: “Mikel Arteta must stay at Everton we love him sooo much!” Actress Holden, who promoted a pink version of the Toffees' home kit to raise money for a breast cancer charity, has become one of the club's most enthusiastic celebrity fans, posting a YouTube video of support prior to the 2009 FA Cup final clash with Chelsea.
Brisbane Roar 1-2 Everton FC
July 19 2010 Liverpool Daily Post
THE last time Everton returned from a mammoth pre-season tour of Australia they went on to finish fourth in the league. David Moyes would give anything for history to repeat itself, and his current side to repeat the form of Brian Labone, Alex Young and Colin Harvey back in 1964/65. Of course the current day team face a tougher task to break into the promised land of Champions League qualification, with Manchester City continuing to spend beyond the means of any other club just to grace the same competition and Everton’s star players attracting interest from a host of richer clubs.
But while he may not have the limitless resources of Roberto Mancini or Carlo Ancelotti, Moyes has shown once again this summer that he has the pragmatism and single-mindedness to keep Everton striving for greatness. His decision to come to Australia for a longer than usual tour was a bold one. Everton had settled into a comfortable pattern of taking pre-seasons in the USA, and Moyes was a firm advocate of doing his preparation in the land of the stars and stripes. The USA was swapped for Australia, and a subtle change of thinking in the Everton camp followed. To cure that habit of starting Premier League campaigns in such a costly and sluggish manner, David Moyes asked his team to shift the emphasis on winning before a ball has even been kicked in the domestic campaign. For that reason, with three wins in Australia under their belt, the result was almost more important than the performance at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. It is just as well. Everton ended their successful tour down under with a tame performance which probably did little to convert watching Aussies to the beautiful game.But as with the other two friendlies in this sports-mad country, there were plenty of positives; largely thanks to the potential of youth.
Jack Rodwell and recent signing Magaye Gueye have impressed and hinted that they could both play important roles in the forthcoming campaign to break into the top four. Rodwell, with two goals in three games, is guaranteed to figure far more as he continues to develop at an electrifying pace. And Gueye has the potential to become a useful weapon which Moyes can use to break-open tight games. The Everton manager admitted the possibility that a long flight home after a longer than usual tour had crept into his players’ minds during the first half. Certainly they lacked spark against a super-fit team who denied them time on the ball and pressed Everton’s better players relentlessly. The first real effort on goal was a 15-yard strike from Roar’s German midfielder Thomas Broich which Iain Turner held comfortably. Then Jack Rodwell conceded a free-kick by clattering Brazilian playmaker Henrqiue Silva, but the resultant strike was tame and never going to trouble Everton’s Scottish keeper.
The pace of the opening quarter was decidedly flat, with neither side looking remotely threatening. Only a couple of unforced errors from the Roar offered Everton opportunities, as they struggled to impose themselves. As with the two previous games, it took Seamus Coleman to shake things up. The right-back embarked on one of his trademark forward surges going past two and nut-megging his counterpart for the Roar before earning a throw-in, which Everton almost scored from. Coleman again whipped in a cross and Louis Saha got to it first to stab a strike at Michael Theoklitos. But proceedings soon returned to a lull, and it took Louis Saha to single handedly try and ignite the game with a burst of pace on the edge of the area to set himself up for crack at goal. Unfortunately the Frenchman hesitated a split second too long and his shot was saved with relative ease. Everton were laboured and failed to create any gilt-edged chances against a side which finished second from bottom of the A-league last season, and sold three of their better players to FC Utrecht. Roar, to their credit, harried and kept the ball well enough to prove their followers could be in for a happier season this time around. Moyes was entitled to ask for more from his men at half-time, and four minutes after the restart Jack Rodwell obliged.
The teenager’s elegant performances have been one of the major plus points of this tour, and the opener epitomised his class. He received the ball from 20 yards out, looked up and curled a perfect strike into the top right hand corner of the goal.
Everton woke up afterwards. Leighton Baines curled a free-kick over the wall on 54 minutes, and Saha volleyed a vicious effort on goal, before McKay also went close for Roar. Victor Anichebe, on for Rodwell with half an hour left, side footed an effort over the bar before the game really took an unusual turn. Everton conceded their first goal of the tour when swift passing from Mitch Nichols undid their back line and Kosta Barbarouses slid his shot in off Turner’s post. Anichebe’s cameo was lively. He missed another chance when he went one-on-one with the keeper thanks to his own strength and perseverance. But it was his surge forward which created Everton’s second, when he rode a tackle and carried the ball 20 yards, feeding Jose Baxter who slid a deft pass to the impressive Magaye Gueye to tap in at the far post. Roar were increasingly good value opponents though, finding gaps in Everton’s weary-looking defence and only failing to equalise because of woeful finishing. In the end, the visitors had the win and a satisfying clean-sweep. His team will improve as their fitness levels are cranked-up and Marouane Fellaini, Mikel Arteta, and hopefully, Steven Pienaar return. But ultimately David Moyes will judge the success of this tour at the end of August, when he will continue to take wins any way they come.
Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell delighted to end Australian tour on a high after victory over Brisbane Roar
July 19 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
JACK RODWELL is overjoyed to have ended Everton’s tour of Australia on such a high. The midfielder scored his side’s first goal in the 2-1 victory over Brisbane Roar on Saturday – firing in a superb strike from the edge of the box on 49 minutes.
Kosta Barbarouses equalised for the hosts midway through the second half before new signing Magaye Gueye netted the visitors’ second to secure a third successive win Down Under. And Rodwell says he is pleased to be making improvements to his game at this stage of the campaign. “It was a nice way to sign off the tour,” Rodwell said. ” It was good to get another win and to be on the score sheet which is my main aim for next season – to get more goals. “Any goal counts but obviously it is a bit special to score a goal like that. “The top players in the world, the Gerrards and Kakas score from long distance and that is something I am aiming to work on in my game. I am still young so hopefully I can keep on improving.”Having now completed the long journey back to Merseyside, the Goodison outfit’s hard work doesn’t stop as they face some intense training sessions when they arrive back on home soil ahead of Saturday’s trip to Deepdale to face David Moyes’s former club Preston North End.
Rodwell knows what to expect though and is happy with the way his fitness is progressing. He continued: “It is a long flight but we will get through it and be ready for the next game. “Apparently there is more hard work to come back at home and we will be doing a lot more running, but overall I am pleased with how things are going.”
Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell looks to increase his goal output this season
July 19 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
JACK RODWELL helped Everton complete a clean sweep Down Under – then vowed to inflict more of the same on the Premier League this coming season.
Rodwell opened the scoring in spectacular fashion for David Moyes’s side in their 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar on Saturday, smashing in from the edge of the box shortly after half-time. The 19-year-old was employed in the advanced midfield role in which he enjoyed success towards the end of last season, including a memorable strike against Manchester United. And having notched four goals during the previous campaign, Rodwell has now set his sights on improving that figure. “It was a nice way to sign off the tour,” he said. “It was good to get another win and to be on the score sheet which is my main aim for next season – to get more goals. “Any goal counts but obviously it is a bit special to score a goal like that. “The top players in the world, the Gerrards and Kakas score from long distance and that is something I am aiming to work on in my game. “I am still young so hopefully I can keep on improving.”After Rodwell’s stunning strike, Kosta Barbarouses equalised for the hosts midway through the second half before new French striker Magaye Gueye netted the winning goal to ensure Everton’s tour of Australia ended in a third successive victory for Moyes’s men. Everton arrived back in England today before another intense week of training ahead of Saturday’s friendly at Preston North End. And Rodwell added: “It is a long flight but we will get through it and be ready for the next game. “Apparently there is more hard work to come back at home and we will be doing a lot more running, but overall I am pleased with how things are going.” Everton manager Moyes declared himself pleased with his team’s performance in front of a crowd just under 20,000.
“They were quite a good side and had great energy. It was a test for us. “I am pleased but not delighted because it doesn’t get me going. What gets me going is wins in the Premier League. “The players have played quite well and they have put a great shift in.” Of Everton’s goals, Moyes added: “It was a really good goal by Jack and we needed it at that period in the game. “We got the goal and then we didn’t take some opportunities and allowed them back in the game. “It was good play by Jose Baxter and he put a good pass in for Magaye. The introduction of Victor, Magaye, James Vaughan and Jose gave us some energy. They came on and did well for us.” Meanwhile, reports in Italy suggest new Inter coach Rafael Benitez is contemplating a move for South African midfielder Steven Pienaar. Everton are also bracing themselves for a big money offer from Arsenal for Phil Jagielka, with the Londoners said to be willing to pay up to £16million for the England international central defender.
European champions Inter Milan eye move for unsettled Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar
By Sportsmail Reporter 19th July 2010(Daily Mail)
Inter Milan have earmarked Everton winger Steven Pienaar as a potential target but a move for the South African would force them to reconsider their squad make up.
Following the country's poor World Cup, the Italian FA have told clubs they can only sign one new non-EU player for their squad per season and young Brazilian midfielder Phillipe Coutinho has been listed as that player. On the move: Pienaar has expressed his desire to leave Goodison Park this summer However, that was planned before Rafa Benitez arrived. He was keen on Pienaar while at Liverpool but believes his move to Inter makes a deal easier. Everton's £15m valuation of Pienaar has made a Premier League move difficult but Inter have the cash and the stature to make it happen. It is also understood that if a deal can't be agreed now, because of the EU ruling, Pienaar would be willing to see out his Everton contract and sign as a Bosman for Inter in January.
ARSENAL SET TO POUNCE ON EVERTON'S PHIL JAGIELKA
ABOVE: Arsene Wenger is prepared to spend up to £18m bringing Phil Jagielka to Arsenal
19th July 2010 By Sami Mokbel
ARSENAL are ready to offer £18m to grab Everton defender Phil Jagielka – and leave David Moyes with another summer headache. Despite the £10m signing of Lorient centre-back Laurent Koscielny, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is eager to bolster his defensive ranks and has made the England international his top target. William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre have both left Arsenal as free agents while veteran defender Sol Campbell still hasn’t decided whether to sign a new 12-month deal, with Newcastle now joining Sunderland in showing interest. Reports at the weekend claim the Gunners have already had a £14m Jagielka bid rejected. But they will return with an improved offer for the 27-year-old and are prepared to splash out £18m to get their man. Wenger’s pursuit of the former Sheffield United star will leave David Moyes with a strong sense of deja vu. The Everton boss lost key defender Joleon Lescott to Manchester City last summer in a move that infuriated Moyes. Moyes is desperate to keep Jagielka and will want to avoid a repeat of last season’s controversial transfer saga. But a move to one of the Premier League’s top four and a crack at Champions League action could be too much for Jagielka to turn down. Meanwhile, Wenger is convinced Theo Walcott will make England boss Fabio Capello eat humble pie this season. Capello snubbed the Arsenal winger for the England World Cup squad and Wenger was quick to get in contact with the 21-year-old as soon as he was hit with that hammer blow. He is confident Walcott will now show the Italian he got it wrong in discarding him. Wenger said: “I believe he has always shown that when he is in trouble, or not rated as much as he should be, he responds on the pitch. He is working very hard in training at the moment. “Of course I called him when he was not picked and tried to help him focus on the future.” Walcott was a second-half sub in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Barnet on Saturday with goals from Jay Simpson (2), Andrey Arshavin and Samir Nasri. Wenger gave new signing Laurent Koscielny a starting debut, but he had a few nervy moments against Mark Stimson’s League Two triers. But Marouane Chamakh did well in a 45 minute run-out.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTIE BRINGS EVERTON TO FORFAR
20 July 2010 The Forfar Dispatch
By Alan Ducat
FORFAR Athletic fans can look forward to some Friday night footie later this week - when the Loons play host to an Everton eleven. While there are unlikely to be many, if any, of the top names travelling with the Toffee-men, it's still a coup for the local club. The interest is certainly there, with a healthy number of fans signed up for the match-night hospitality package. To mark the occasion, a special souvenir programme has been put together (price £3), featuring articles relating to the match and the Forfar club's 125th anniversary. Admission is £8 for adults and £4 for OAPs and juveniles. Playing a team representing one of the top names in English football represents a different challenge for the Loons - aiming to get off the mark after four pre-season friendly matches without a victory. At this stage in the season performances are far more important than end results, and the players haven't done too badly over the course of the past week, facing opposition from a higher level.
Last Tuesday evening, first division Raith Rovers were at Station Park and it took a second half strike from a trialist to tip the balance in the Kirkcaldy side's favour.
The Loons had last season's loan keeper Euan McLean back among the sticks as a trialist, replacing the injured Scott Gallacher, and the custodian had to be on his toes early to thwart Simmons and Baird. The best home chance fell to Martyn Fotheringham, who hooked his shot wide of the mark. Raith Rovers looked the livelier side at the start of the second period and grabbed the only goal of the game in the 56th minute. A fast break down the left ended with a John Baird cross into the penalty area, where former Airdrie player Diarmuid O'Carroll was waiting to angle a headed effort past McLean. On to Saturday, and the match at home to a strong St. Johnstone side. It was always going to be a tough ask for the Loons, but they gave the premier league outfit a fright when they took the lead with a sensational strike after only five minutes. Fastening on to a chip from Martyn Fotheringham, Paul Watson let rip from 30 yards and the ball went into the net like a bullet. Having been stunned by a quality strike St. Johnstone hit back and were in front by the interval.
he leveller came midway through the half from new signing Sam Parkin, who headed home a Cleveland Taylor cross, and then Liam Craig netted from the penalty spot after Parkin had been impeded in the area. Kevin Rutkiewicz made sure that victory was to be Saints when he headed home a Danny Grainger cross in 72 minutes. Despite four defeats on the trot, the matches have allowed plenty of game time for the Forfar squad members ahead of the start of the new season proper. And, with a squad of 18 players on the books, no doubt the management team will be looking to strengthen further ahead of the first competitive fixture away to Stirling Albion in the Co-operative Insurance Cup a week on Saturday (July 31). The defence looks sound enough and a fit again Darren Brady will add to the midfield options. One priority before the season starts will be getting a second keeper on to the books and don't be surprised if Dick Campbell seeks out a wide player and another striker. Following the Friday evening joist with Everton (kick-off 7.30 pm), there will be another prep match on Tuesday evening of next week when a Dundee eleven visits Station Park.
Everton FC Academy star Luke Garbutt rewarded with three-year deal
July 20 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON Academy scholar Luke Garbutt has signed a three-year professional contract. The 17-year-old left-back signed for the Toffees last summer from Leeds and has signed a new deal which will keep him at Goodison Park until 2013.
“It's quite surreal really, said Garbutt. “Hopefully this season I can kick on with this new contract and keep progressing. “At the end of the day I believe that I'm good enough to play in the Premier League one day. This for me is a great opportunity and it's a stepping stone to keep improving as a player and hopefully make my debut at some point. “International honours were the main thing for me last season, and the reserve team,” he continued. “Last year I played quite well towards the end of the season. Winning the Under-17 European Championships was probably the biggest highlight of the year, so I was quite pleased towards the end of the season really.
“You don't get that everyday at that age! So, for me to kick on it is a good experience for me to have in the memory book so hopefully that can pay off with my club form as well.”
Everton FC and Liverpool FC fans can star in new football film
July 20 2010 by Tina Miles, Liverpool Echo
A NEW football-inspired film will be shot in Liverpool next month – and Reds and Blues fans have the chance to star in it. Film-makers are looking for Everton and Liverpool followers to be extras in the spin-off to Fifteen Minutes That Shook The World. The movie, called Reds, Blues, Battles and Booze (The Ballad of Dixie and Kenny), will be released on DVD in time for Christmas this year. Liverpool writer Dave Kirby said: “In the first film we’ve got a family of Evertonians in a pub called The Bitter and Twisted Arms and all my Evertonian mates loved it. “I knew it connected with the Evertonians even though it’s celebratory of Liverpool’s Champions League game, so I thought what if I can write something that would be for both Liverpool and Everton fans?” He said: “We’ve got ex-players involved in cameos. “It’s well balanced, both teams are ridiculed, it’s just great Scouse banter.
“There’s going to be two boxes when we bring it out on DVD – a blue box and a red box – because I knew the Evertonians wouldn’t buy it if it was a red box.”
The film will be shot at locations across Liverpool including Anfield and Goodison Park next month. It will star Andrew Schofield, who played the investigative journalist in the first film, as Kenny, the head of the Reds family. Actor Paul Duckworth will play the role of “bitter and twisted” character Dixie.
Bananafish Management is now looking for any extras to take part in the film.
Anyone who is interested in taking part is asked to call 0151 708 5509 or email
Phil Neville hails young buck Rodwell as Everton FC's Jack in the box
July 20 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON skipper Phil Neville believes that young midfield protege Jack Rodwell can become Everton’s ‘Jack in the box’ next season. And Neville has backed up his belief by tipping the youngster to possibly reach double figures in his goals tally.
Rodwell scored four times last season – including two long range pile-drivers against Sigma Oloumuc – to add to his debut season strike against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
But on the club’s pre-season tour of Australia Rodwell has already struck twice in a more advanced midfield role – including another 25-yard special against Brisbane Roar at the weekend – and Neville enthused: “I think we are seeing a different Jack Rodwell now. “He looks like someone who can go on to score five to ten goals for us this season. "He looks a goal threat and we are glad he is in our team.
“There are not many around who actually score goals, so they are a vital commodity.
"We have good competition for places in goalscoring midfield positions: Osman, Arteta, Pienaar, Cahill – they are all good goalscoring midfielders, so he is going to have to produce like he has on the tour to cement his place in the team.
“But we all know he has got ability and an unbelievable future and he has a good head on his shoulders too. “Jack has had a good tour and he keeps progressing. He is maturing all the time.” Team-mate Leighton Baines agrees: “The opener (on Saturday) was a special goal. Jack is capable of those. He showed really good composure.
“We have seen him unleash a few and this was different, he picked his place and put it in nicely.” After travelling halfway round the world for their opening three pre-season fixtures, the Blues now make the short journey to Preston on Saturday.
The Blues will take a large number of travelling fans to Deepdale, but Neville added that he wasn’t surprised to see so many fans Down Under. “You never think Everton fans are going to be in a place like Brisbane and then they turn up and fill the stand behind the goal,” he said. “It was no different to away at Blackburn. “You come to the other side of the world and it makes you proud to play for this club because the supporters are fantastic. It has made the trip worthwhile.“The Premier League is a global product and we have got to make sure we visit parts of the world and keep our supporters in touch with us. “I think since we have come to Brisbane we have been counting down the hours until we see our families. That is no disrespect to the tour, it’s just we have been away for 18 days now. “We are ready to get back to the nitty gritty of training at Finch Farm and playing against Preston, Norwich, Everton Chile and Wolfsburg.”
Australian tour showed the strength of Everton FC’s squad says Leighton Baines
Jul 20 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
LEIGHTON BAINES believes the successful tour of Australia has underlined the strength of Everton’s squad ahead of the new season. David Moyes’s side secured a hat-trick of victories Down Under with Saturday’s defeat of Brisbane Roar followed victories over Sydney FC and Melbourne Heart. Tim Cahill was the only World Cup player to take part, with Steven Pienaar, Joseph Yobo, Yakubu, Tim Howard, Jan Mucha and World Cup finalist John Heitinga due back in training at Finch Farm in the coming days. And Baines believes the performances without so many key players is an encouraging sign of the talent at Moyes’s disposal. “It has been a good tour for us and the teams we’ve beaten have been of a decent standard,” said Baines.
“We played some decent stuff and there are still plenty of top players to come back. Once they do, we will look really strong.” Of the 2-1 win over Brisbane, Baines added: “It was a nice way to finish the tour. Three victories is good, we would have liked to have not conceded a goal on the tour so that is the only downside really. Overall, though, we are pretty pleased.”Jack Rodwell’s opening goal was the highlight at the weekend and his performances on tour have drawn praise from skipper Phil Neville, who has been impressed by the midfielder’s development during the past year. “Jack has had a good tour and he keeps progressing,” said Neville. “He is maturing all the time and I think we are seeing a different Jack Rodwell now. He looks like someone who can go on to score five to ten goals for us this season.
“He looks a goal threat and we are glad he is in our team. “There are not many around who actually score goals, so they are a vital commodity. We have good competition for places in goal scoring midfield positions: Osman, Arteta, Pienaar, Cahill – they are all good goal scoring midfielders, so he is going to have to produce performances like he has on this tour to cement his place in the team. “We all know he has got ability and an unbelievable future and he has a good head on his shoulders too.”
Meanwhile, Luke Garbutt, 17, has signed a three-year professional contract with Everton. Garbutt, who joined from Leeds last summer, said: “It’s quite surreal really. Hopefully this season I can kick on with this new contract and keep progressing.
“At the end of the day I believe that I’m good enough to play in the Premier League one day. This for me is a great opportunity and it’s a stepping stone to keep improving as a player and hopefully make my debut at some point.”
Mark Lawrenson: Why Everton FC manager David Moyes can’t wait for the transfer window to shut
Jul 20 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
ULTIMATELY results in pre-season friendlies count for nothing – I’ve played in teams who have won them all and then lost their first two league matches – but Everton will nevertheless be pleased to have completed their tour of Australia with a hat-trick of victories. It’s off the field where Everton’s concerns continue with several of their big names being linked with moves elsewhere. Steven Pienaar has yet to commit his long-term future to the club while Evertonians have also been concerned over fans’ favourite Mikel Arteta. Bill Kenwright has already knocked back an offer from Arsenal for Phil Jagielka – albeit a much lower one than they sold his England colleague Joleon Lescott for last summer – but David Moyes will be pleading with his chairman to keep the phone off the hook until September unless he’s discussing incoming players. It’s testimony to what Moyes has done at the club that he can now sell his top players on for massive profits but obviously it will always be something he’s loathed to do when he’s looking to build a great side of his own at Goodison.
One hot prospect who has agreed to stay on his Jack Rodwell and it’s been noted how he operated in a more advanced role in Australia – scoring in the last two games.
Jack’s a talented enough lad to play anywhere but many observers had seen his long term future in the heart of defence. But as he continues to mature on the ball and the way he passes it, playing him at the back would be a waste and he certainly has the potential to become a really influential midfielder for Everton.
Everton FC fans letters: David Moyes to face dilemma over Jack Rodwell role
Jul 21 2010 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON’S tour of Australia has been very profitable for the following reasons.
Confirmation the younger players of the club are progressing extremely well, but more importantly, the senior players will have to sustain a high quality of performance – otherwise, Coleman, Rodwell, Gueye etc have enough guile to dislodge them from the starting eleven. Due to David Moyes’ stewardship he now has a sound mix of quality youth and experience and come the start of the season will have an enviable task of selection dilemmas, which can only be good for the club, considering the injuries of the last campaign. It is very convenient for other clubs to splash out millions of pounds on established players, but this does not guarantee instant success.
Preferably, as illustrated by David Moyes, it is more prudent to go out and spot the talented players at youth stage and develop accordingly, therefore saving the club millions of pounds. With two defeats in the last 24 Premier League games, the return to full match fitness of Fellaini, Arteta and Jagielka and the emergence of youth, I am optimistic Everton will succeed in winning silverware this season. David K, Aintree
DAVID MOYES may face one of the most difficult decisions he has had to make as Everton manager this season, actually getting to pick his starting eleven from a fully fit squad. And the player that is perhaps providing Moyes with the greatest selection dilemma is Jack Rodwell. Jack is a uniquely talented footballer, who hopefully will continue his rapid rate of progress and go on to become the core around which Everton build their team for the next 10 years. But where does he fit into to Everton’s increas- ingly high quality and competitive five man midfield? The football Everton were producing when Mikel Arteta returned to the side make the best little Spaniard an absolute must and Tim Cahill’s goals and all action displays also put him in that bracket. Johnny Heitinga produced some stirring displays in the enforcer role towards then end of last season, but Marouane Fellaini was arguably producing equally if not better performances Because of this, I would be inclined to move Heitinga to the heart of Everton’s defence and form a partnership with Phil Jagielka. Should Steven Pienaar decide to stay, his partnership down the left hand side with Leighton Baines has always proved to be an effective weapon. While Bilyaletdinov and Osman were the main men tasked with patrolling Everton’s right hand side last season. Phil Neville is another who has played midfield. Rodwell’s time to become a starting player is surely nearly upon us, but as to what position he plays in, well I’m glad that is David Moyes’ decision to make and not mine! Mark Lyness
Everton FC's James Vaughan happy to run up miles for minutes on pitch
July 21 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
JAMES VAUGHAN was on the road again last night – barely 48 hours after stepping off Everton's long haul flight back from Brisbane. But despite being asked to make the journey north for an Everton XI's friendly match at Clyde, the Blues striker, whose Goodison career has been blighted by false starts, had no worries. Vaughan started just one match for Everton last season – the 22-year-old actually ending the season with a tally of more goals scored than games started at Goodison – and he's desperate to get match fitness as quickly as possible. “You can run all day in training and feel really good but as soon as you get out on the pitch for a match everyone's knackered after 15 minutes!” he said. “You look around now and there's just quality all around the squad with competition for places everywhere. There's a lot of places up for grabs. So you've got to welcome the new signings and do what you can to get into the team.”
Andy Holden and Alan Stubbs took a reserve squad up to Clyde last night, which also included Portuguese striker Joao Silva, defender Shkodran Mustafi and midfielder Jose Baxter who also toured Down Under. The same players will then move on for a Friday friendly at Forfar. Being included in the Scottish party at least means Vaughan will is unlikely to be included in the squad for Saturday's trip to Preston – avoiding unhappy memories of the freak shoulder injury he sustained in 2007 in an innocuous challenge with North End defender Youl Mawene. That was the beginning of yet more injury heartache for Vaughan which continued even on-loan last season.
But the striker still believes he benefitted from the experiences. “The first one, at Derby, didn't go to plan because I picked up an injury which was disappointing for me,” he said, “then at Leicester we had some success and got into the play-offs and were probably unfortunate not to go a bit further but it's definitely helped me seeing a challenge at a different club.” A trio of young Everton stars, meanwhile, will enjoy a Wembley appearance the week before the season starts. The Blues’ European Championship winning Academy stars, Ross Barkley, Jake Bidwell and Luke Garbutt, have been invited as special guests to England’s international friendly against Hungary next month. The trio were a part of the victorious England Under-17 squad that won the 2010 European Championships in Liechtenstein in May
In recognition of their achievement FA director of football development Sir Trevor Booking has invited the young Lions’ squad to England’s friendly international against Hungary on August 11. They we even walk out onto the pitch at half time with their European Championship Trophy. Barkley scored the only goal in the group stage victory over Greece, Garbutt captained the side while Bidwell featured in qualifying.
Saviour Ruddy relishing battle for places
DAVID CUFFLEY
21/07/2010 Norwich Evening News
John Ruddy expects Norwich City's younger goalkeepers to keep him on his toes during the Championship season - indeed, he says they already are. Ruddy, the Canaries' close season capture from Everton, saved a penalty to help his new club secure a 0-0 draw in their friendly at Stevenage last night. But he admitted the performance of 17-year-old Jed Steer had stolen his thunder with outstanding saves from Mark Roberts and David Bridges when he played the final 30 minutes at Broadhall Way. With City's Declan Rudd on duty for England in the European Under-19 Championships in France, and set to face Holland tonight, Ruddy knows he cannot expect an easy ride in the No 1 jersey. “Jed upstaged me a little bit I think but he's a fantastic young goalkeeper. I've been here only a couple of weeks but already I can see how much he's going to be a top keeper,” said Ruddy. “When he came on, that little half an hour was great for him. He'll get more game time in the next games coming up, so that's going to put him in a great mindset to be involved in the first team. “Dec's the same. I think they're 17 and 19 and they've got great futures ahead of them. If they keep themselves on the right path and keep doing the right things, they're going to be fantastic goalkeepers so it's up to me to try to help them if I can but more so to concentrate on my own game so I don't get caught. “You see tonight, Jed came on and pulled off a couple of great saves, so I've got to keep on top of my game week in, week out - it's only good for the club.” Ruddy has yet to concede a goal in three pre-season appearances, a fact that has pleased manager Paul Lambert, and keeping out Scott Laird's 54th-minute spot-kick was the highlight of last night's display as he dived to his right to make a fine save. “I had an idea where he was going to go because of his body shape but I went a little bit early, so if he had gone the other way I'd have looked a bit stupid,” said Ruddy. “But it's just one of those things - it pays off to go early. I was pleased to make the save. “It's a good start but I don't think you can take too much from pre-season games. “It's more about getting up to the level you want to be at, and at the minute we're doing well. “I know the quality of players in front of me and it helps. You can get to know them in just a few training sessions, as I have done. I was quite lucky, I had a full week working with them before the first game at Dereham and in Germany we had a full week as well. It was good to get to know the lads and I feel very comfortable with them in front of me and I hope they feel the same about me behind them.” Ruddy played two thirds of the game against SV Bergisch Gladbach and was given another hour last night. He said: “It's just about building yourself up and getting back into the swing of things. The games are coming thick and fast now. We've got four left before it starts for real and it's great preparation. You don't really take too much from the results in pre-season although we're a group of winners, we want to win, and the manager's a winner, but it's more about the performance in these games and building up to Watford on August 6.”
City's final pre-season match is at home to Everton on Saturday week - a neat coincidence for Ruddy. “It was a bit strange seeing that in the fixture list,” he said. “But it will be good to see them all again. I'll get to say a proper goodbye to the other players. It will be nice and I hope we get a result in that one especially.” Lambert praised Ruddy and Steer after last night's goalless encounter. He said: “The two of them were great. John made a great save with the penalty. Young Jed has come in and done great and Dec, being away with England, is doing well there. The pleasing thing about John is that in the three games he's played, he's not let a goal in. And he looks a terrific goalkeeper. There is no doubt, he's only 23 years old and I'm delighted I've got him. Fraser Forster, as I said, was absolutely terrific but certain things dictated it wasn't going to happen. I'm delighted John's here, delighted the way he's been playing the last three games and he'll be a big goalkeeper for us next season, that's for sure.”
Sevilla eyeing up audacious bid for Everton FC midfielder Mikel Arteta
Jul 21 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
SEVILLA are considering launching an audacious attempt to sign Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta. Reports from Spain claim the La Liga side are willing to offer up to £12million for the Goodison talisman. Sevilla have set their sights on Arteta to fill the creative hole left in the team by wingback Adriano, who joined Barcelona yesterday for £8m. Arteta, who is currently on holiday after getting married last week, has made no secret of his desire to return to his homeland at some point in his career.
The 28-year-old has become in demand this summer, with Manchester City keeping close tabs on the Spanish schemer while Atletico Madrid are also mulling over a possible bid. Inaki Ibanez, Arteta’s representative, is quoted as saying in the Spanish press: “They (Everton) are asking for a lot of money, so it is difficult for Mikel to exit the club.”Arteta missed the majority of last season as he recovered from a serious knee injury suffered in February 2009. However, he finished the campaign strongly with six goals in his last eight games as Everton narrowly missed out on Europa League qualification. Meanwhile, both James Vaughan and Joao Silva travelled with the reserves as they began their pre-season tour of Scotland last night with a friendly at Clyde. The second string, who will be based at St Andrews, are bolstered by the strike duo following their return from the first team’s trip to Australia. The pair are also joined by defender Shkodran Mustafi and Academy product Jose Baxter, who were also involved in the tour Down Under. Andy Holden’s side drew 2-2 with Clyde at Broadwood last night with Vaughan and Ross Barkley on target. They will now head further north to play Forfar Athletic at Station Park on Friday.
Clyde 2 - 2 Everton XI: Moyes looks on as Clyde hold young Everton XI
21 July 2010 , The Scotsman
By CRAIG P STEWART
EVERTON manager David Moyes raced north to Cumbernauld after arriving home with his first team squad from a tour of Australia to watch the cosmopolitan Goodison Park second-string play out a draw with Third Division Clyde. The Bully Wee players failed to give Moyes and his side a warm welcome, however, and were leading 2-1 at the interval, before England Under-21 international striker James Vaughan struck in the second half to level the score. Stuart Millar's re-cast side took the lead before two minutes had been played when Marc McCusker ignored claims for offside to get on the end of a long ball on the right hand side of the Toffees' box McCusker listed on the team sheet as a trialist, as the deal to purchase him from Albion Rovers has not yet been agreed, steadied himself before firing a diagonal drive low into the far corner with Adam Davies rooted to the spot. Everton should have been level within a minute when Vaughan worked his way clear of the home defence, however he blasted tamely wide with Clyde's summer signing from Camelon, JC Hutchison bearing down on him. James Wallace, who Moyes selected for Europa League duty last season, showed great skill on the edge of the Clyde box in 37 minutes to create space for a left foot shot, however Hutchison got down low to his right to save. He was beaten two minutes later despite a heroic effort when he blocked a fierce drive from Portuguese under-21 internationalist Joao Silva only for Ross Barkley to sidefoot home. The home side hit back a minute later when former Pollok team-mates John Sweeney and Bryan Dingwall combined and 34-year old-striker Dingwall scored from eight yards.
Vaughan equalised when he took a pass from substitute Hope Akpan in his stride before firing in a low right-foot shot to bring Everton level on 64 minutes.
The game slowed down after this as a total of 13 substitutes were made with Everton youngster Nathan Craig coming closest to a winner with a cheeky lobbed effort from 30 yards. Forfar on Friday night is the next stop for the Everton youngsters as Clyde travel to Partick on Saturday on ALBA Challenge Cup duty.
Clyde: Hutchison (Allan 67), Park (Girvan 68), McGowan, McMillan, Henderson (Gray 51), Stevenson (Cochrane 54), Finlayson, McCusker (Stewart 54), Dingwall (Mills 54), Sweeney (Trialist 67), Strachan
Everton XI: Davies, Thompson, Garbutt (Bidwell 46), Wallace (Savic 80), Nsiala, Mustafi, Schepers (Akpan 60), Barkley (Craig 69), Vaughan (Hope 73), Silva (Kinsella 54), Baxter Referee: B Winter
* Everton U18 2 Exeters City U19 3
Clyde stun Toffees in brave draw
Chris Jack
Glasgow Evening Times
21 Jul 2010
Clyde manager Stuart Millar praised his youthful side after they came close to humbling Everton last night in a 2-2 draw.
The Bully Wee were ahead after just two minutes thanks to Marc McCusker before England Under-19 star Ross Barkley equalised in 39 minutes. But, just 60 seconds later, Clyde were back in front through Bryan Dingwall. With Toffees manager Davie Moyes watching on, it was former England Under-21 striker James Vaughan who spared Everton’s blushes. Millar was delighted with his team. “They had six players in their side who played in the Europa League last season,” he said. “We didn’t know what to expect, and although it was full of young kids, it was still a strong side so we have to say thanks to Everton for sending up their team. “I felt at times we played some terrific football and put Everton under pressure. “You have to remember where we are – we are a part-time Third Division club. “But the boys have been great because they are hungry and they are showing a great attitude.”
Mikel Arteta
Everton to Sevilla - The Insider says: 2/5Spain game: Arteta could be heading home
July 21 2010. The Daily Mail
The midfielder is still unsure of his future at Everton and club insiders believe his departure this summer is on the cards. Attempts at a new contract have failed so far and the outcome seems inevitable. Sevilla are willing to offer around £9m but that will not suit Everton's valuation of their talismanic playmaker. If they sell, they would prefer to sell him back to Spain but there is a limited market. Atletico Madrid are not sure he is what they need and the bigger sides have an abundance of midfielders.
Sevilla prefer to sign younger players but have had joy in the past with the likes of Freddie Kanoute and at 28 Arteta should be at his peak. Premier League clubs are also interested however, Everton will demand closer to £18m for a player their fans idolise.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini eyes deal for ex-Everton FC loanee Landon Donovan of Los Angeles Galaxy
Jul 22 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini says he may be interested in signing Landon Donovan from Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.
The 28-year-old midfielder became a big favourite with Everton fans last season when he had a successful 10-week loan spell at the Blues. The former Bayern Munich player was the top scorer for the United States at the World Cup with three goals. Mancini said: “Donovan is a good player. Could be possible.” MLS commissioner Don Garber said last week he doesn’t intend to sell Donovan, but Everton captain Phil Neville has said Donovan wants to return to Goodison Park.
Everton FC boss David Moyes backs Phil Jagielka to regain England spot
July 22 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON boss David Moyes is backing Phil Jagielka to regain his place in the England squad. The Blues centre-back, who was overlooked by Fabio Capello for the World Cup in South Africa, has been in great form in pre-season.
Jagielka impressed during Everton’s victorious tour of Australia and Moyes is hoping he forces his way back into the England set-up ahead of next month’s friendly with Hungary. “Jags was absolutely fantastic,” Moyes said. “His two performances have made us realise how important he is to us and how important he maybe to England in the future.” Meanwhile, Blues new boy Magaye Gueye admits it’s a dream come true to play alongside fellow striker Louis Saha. Gueye, who joined Everton from Strasbourg in a £1.5million deal, grew up admiring his fellow Frenchman.
“I feel ready to be around and train alongside a big player and a big French household name like Louis is – that’s really something,” he said. “I’ve watched him since I was small with the French team, Manchester United and all the clubs he’s been at. He’s a very positive player and I’m looking forward to learning from him.” Gueye scored his first goal for the Blues during their win over Brisbane Roar and the France Under-21 frontman wants more. He added: “I feel I have a good technique, a good left foot and I can be effective in front of goal.“I can play as the main striker but I feel where I do my best work is as a support striker. “My aim is to learn the ins and outs of English football and the Premier League – to make the most of this big step I’m making.
“My goal is to play in as many games as I can. In doing that I hope to help Everton achieve the highest position we possibly can.” Meanwhile, Everton Reserves coach Alan Stubbs is demanding an improvement in tomorrow night’s clash with Forfar Athletic. The Blues’ second string, who are on tour in Scotland, were held 2-2 by Clyde on Tuesday night with Ross Barkley and James Vaughan on target.
“We should have won the game as we had enough changes to win it,” Stubbs said.
“We conceded a couple of bad goals, as we have done in a couple of pre-season games, which we need to eradicate. “We were speaking to the manager throughout the trip to Australia so we know which players have had playing time and who needed games, and Vaughany needed a couple of games under his belt. “Joao Silva is still settling in at Everton, so he needs to play a few games and get used to the way we play. It’s a new country and a new style so it may take a bit longer to settle in.
“The Forfar game will be more difficult. They are in a higher division so it will be more of a test again.” Meanwhile, Everton have banned the use of vuvuzelas at Goodison Park next season in the interest of crowd safety.
Shane Duffy determined to succeed at Everton FC after injury that nearly killed him
July 22 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON defender Shane Duffy is determined to grasp his “second chance” after returning to light training following the freak training ground accident which nearly killed him. The Republic of Ireland centre-back had to undergo life-saving surgery in May after rupturing the hepatic artery close to his liver following a collision in a practice game. Duffy lost 3.6 litres of blood, around two-thirds of his supply, and admits he will always be indebted to the Irish medical team who rushed him to hospital. “I can’t thank them enough,” Duffy said. “I’ve thanked them so many times and I’ll thank them again for being so good at their jobs and saving me. I’m so happy. I appreciate everything they’ve done for me. “It’s made me realise how important it is now to get a second chance at it. I can’t describe it, that I’m still here. I’m just so happy. “It’s hard to tell people what it feels like because no-one else knows I nearly died. So I just have to live life now, and don’t take anything for granted.”
Duffy was stunned when he was informed of the surgery he had undergone and saw the 10-inch scar on his chest for the first time. “I was just in shock to be fair because I didn’t think it was serious when it happened,” he added. “I thought it was maybe a cracked rib or something because of the sharp pain. “But when I woke up and everyone was there – it was a bit crazy. “I didn’t see the scar for about two weeks because it was all wrapped up and then I saw it when the staples came out. It was frightening. “When I woke up about two days later they told me everything that they did and what happened. It was a weird thing. “When it happened, I tried to get up straight away and the pain was just so sore, and then the doctor came on and I just said I couldn’t breathe – he saw I couldn’t breathe – and then he took me off. When I was in the ambulance I was just getting sharp pains in my chest so that just made it worse and I couldn’t drink anything. I just blanked out from there, then I woke up and it was all done. From that moment in the ambulance, I just collapsed.” Duffy was initially told it would be six months before he could return to action but just eight weeks on the 18-year-old is back in light training. He will continue to do daily fitness work at Finch Farm under the supervision of Everton’s medical staff until he is able to join in full training in four to six weeks. “When I asked how long I would be out they said I should be back at Christmas,” Duffy said. “When I heard that I was gutted but I was just happy to still be here. It’s just so good to be back and running. “The last couple of weeks have been brilliant – getting back to training. I feel good now, and I can’t wait to get back. I’m just surprised that I’m able to run, do weights and do sit-ups now.”
Everton FC's Phil Jagielka can regain England role insists David Moyes
July 22 2010 Liverpool Daily Post
DAVID MOYES believes Phil Jagielka’s pre-season form is evidence the centre-back can revive his international career. Jagielka was the only outfield player to appear in every minute of Everton’s tour of Australia that saw victories over Sydney FC, Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar. The defender was an outstanding performer for Moyes’s men during the final months of the season after returning to action in February following 10 months out with a serious knee injury. It led to calls for Jagielka to be included in England’s World Cup squad, only for the 27-year-old to be overlooked by Fabio Capello. However, following the national team’s dismal showing in South Africa, Capello is primed to name a much-changed squad for next month’s friendly against Hungary at Wembley. And Moyes is convinced Jagielka can play himself back into international reckoning having earned his last cap 18 months ago.
“Jags was absolutely fantastic,” said Moyes. “His two performances have made us realise how important he is to us and how important he may be to England in the future.”Meanwhile, Everton new boy Magaye Gueye has cited team-mate Louis Saha as a major inspiration as a youngster. Gueye, a 20-year-old arrival from Strasbourg, said: “I feel ready to be around and train alongside a big player and a big French household name like Louis is; that’s really something. “I’ve watched him since I was small with the French team, Manchester United and all the clubs he’s been at.
“He’s a very positive player and I’m looking forward to learning from him.”
Gueye appeared in all three games Down Under and scored in the 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar last weekend. And he added: “I feel I have a good technique, a good left foot and I can be effective in front of goal. I can play as the main striker but where I feel where I do my best work is as a support striker. “My aim is to learn the ins and outs of English football and the Premier League – to make the most of this big step I’m making. My goal is start playing as soon as possible and then play in as many games as I can. “In doing that I hope to help Everton achieve the highest position we possibly can.”
Everton FC’s Shane Duffy back in training after freak accident
Jul 22 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON defender Shane Duffy is determined to grasp his “second chance” after returning to light training following the freak training ground accident which nearly killed him. The Republic of Ireland centre-back had to undergo life-saving surgery in May after rupturing the hepatic artery close to his liver following a collision in a practice game. Duffy lost 3.6 litres of blood, around two-thirds of his supply, and admits he will always be indebted to the Irish medical team who rushed him to hospital. “I can’t thank them enough,” Duffy said. “I’ve thanked them so many times and I’ll thank them again for being so good at their jobs and saving me. I’m so happy. I appreciate everything they’ve done for me. “It’s made me realise how important it is now to get a second chance at it. I can’t describe it, that I’m still here. I’m just so happy. “It’s hard to tell people what it feels like because no-one else knows I nearly died. So I just have to live life now, and don’t take anything for granted.”
Duffy was stunned when he was informed of the surgery he had undergone and saw the 10-inch scar on his chest for the first time. “I was just in shock to be fair because I didn’t think it was serious when it happened,” he added. “I thought it was maybe a cracked rib or something because of the sharp pain. But when I woke up and everyone was there - it was a bit crazy. “I didn’t see the scar for about two weeks because it was all wrapped up and then I saw it when the staples came out. It was frightening.
“When I woke up about two days later they told me everything that they did and what happened. It was a weird thing. “When it happened, I tried to get up straight away and the pain was just so sore, and then the doctor came on and I just said I couldn’t breathe - he saw I couldn’t breathe - and then he took me off. “When I was in the ambulance I was just getting sharp pains in my chest so that just made it worse and I couldn’t drink anything. I just blanked out from there, then I woke up and it was all done. From that moment in the ambulance, I just collapsed.” Duffy was initially told it would be six months before he could return to action but just eight weeks on the 18-year-old is back in light training.
He will continue to do daily fitness work at Finch Farm under the supervision of Everton’s medical staff until he is able to join in full training in four to six weeks.
“When I asked how long I would be out they said I should be back at Christmas,” Duffy said. “When I heard that I was gutted but I was just happy to still be here. It’s just so good to be back and running. “The last couple of weeks have been brilliant - getting back to training. I feel good now, and I can’t wait to get back.
““I’m just surprised that I’m able to run, do weights and do sit-ups now.”
Everton lose £5m after Gosling gaffe
Daily Mirror
July 22 2010
Dan Gosling will join Newcastle on Thursday – after Everton scored a £5million ‘own goal’. Free-transfer Gosling quit Goodison after the club missed the deadline to offer him a new contract. Everton failed in a bid to take the matter to a tribunal where they’d have made Toon pay £5m for the midfielder.
New arrival at St James' Park
Thursday 22nd July 2010
Thwe Northern Echo
NEWCASTLE United have today confirmed the signing of Dan Gosling, with the young midfielder signing a four-year contract at St. James’ Park. The 20-year-old becomes the Club’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of James Perch from Nottingham Forest, and has been handed the number 15 shirt.
Gosling said: “It’s a brilliant move for me. Now that the deal is done I just can’t wait to get started. “I’ve played at St. James’ Park before and know all about the amazing atmosphere. Playing there in a black and white shirt is something I’ve thought about already and it will be a great day when I finally get to walk out in front of 50,000 people. “The gaffer Chris Hughton and all of the lads have been great with me and made me feel really welcome since I arrived and hopefully I can repay the faith that they’ve shown in me.” The former Plymouth Argyle star moved to Everton in January 2008 having made his debut for the Pilgrims aged just 16. Gosling made his Toffees debut against Middlesbrough on Boxing Day 2008 and scored his first senior goal just two days later in a 3-0 win over Sunderland. Further cameos followed but it was his 118th-minute winner in an FA Cup fourth round replay against Liverpool which brought his name to the fore, with the strike voted Everton’s ‘Goal of the Season’.
Devon-born Gosling also made a brief substitute appearance in the FA Cup final against Chelsea, and his last appearance for the Blues came in March 2010 when a knee injury sustained against Wolves kept him sidelined for the rest of the season.
United manager Chris Hughton said: “We’re delighted to have signed Dan. He’s the right age and the profile that he has is what makes it such an appealing capture for us.
“He’s young but has Premier League experience and he’s someone who can continue to develop his game. “We see him as a high-energy player and a player that can play from box-to-box, but he’s also a young player with experience, so he won’t be phased by what is ahead of him.” As a youngster he was spotted by Plymouth playing in the under-12 side of his hometown club Brixham United and in December 2006, at age 16 years and 310 days, he made his professional debut against Hull City. Internationally, Gosling earned himself an England call up for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship Qualifying Round in March 2007. He was also included in the under-17 squad for the 2007 European Championships in Belgium and in the summer of 2009, Gosling was called up for the final squad to participate in the under-19s European Championships and started every game, scoring against Ukraine in the group stages. He made his under-21 debut against Portugal in November 2009.
Everton: Dan Gosling joins Newcastle United
Yorkshire Evening Post
22 July 2010
Midfielder Dan Gosling today completed his move from Everton to Newcastle.
The 20-year-old has signed a four-year deal after the Magpies stepped in to exploit a loophole in his contractual situation at St James' Park. Gosling is currently recovering from a serious knee injury and is unlikely to be available to his new club for several months
Skipper Neville urges Blues to step things up a gear at Preston
Jul 23 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
SKIPPER Phil Neville has urged Everton to step up a gear in tomorrow's friendly against Preston at Deepdale. The Blues enjoyed three victories on their pre-season tour of Australia but Neville believes the Championship outfit will provide a tougher test. Darren Ferguson's Lilywhites go into the contest buoyed by an impressive 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night. “Preston had a good result against Blackburn the other night so it's going to be a good test for us,” Neville said.
“It's on our doorstep so it's great for the Everton fans and it's great for Preston. It's a really nicely developed new stadium and the pitch is always fantastic.
“In the past few years they've always been good games with four or five thousand Evertonians there so it means that we have to perform. “It will be a good test of where we are at in terms of our fitness and it will be a nice chance for the fans to get a glimpse of us on English soil.” Neville is set to feature against boss David Moyes' former club as he continues his recovery from the knee operation he underwent back in May. “The injury has cleared up now and I'm progressing well,” he added. “I'm taking part in all the sessions and I feel fit. “I got 90 minutes under my belt against Brisbane which was a big bonus for me really. I should have played probably only 60 minutes but I felt so good I played the 90. “Hopefully I can get 90 against Preston and kick on with my fitness because it's all about fitness now. “We've won three out of three so far so we want to continue the winning streak because winning breeds confidence.” Meanwhile, Everton have rejected an approach from Coventry City to take striker Lukas Jutkiewicz on loan. The 21-year-old scored 12 goals in 33 games while on loan at Scottish Premier League side Motherwell last season. Coventry are now considering whether to make a cash offer for the frontman who cost the Blues £1million from Swindon Town in 2007. The Championship club's manager Aidy Boothroyd said: “I know Lukas who obviously did very well last season. “He's a player who fits the strategy of the club to get in young and hungry players who we can develop and that's something I would have been keen to do. If we can get him in then great.” Dan Gosling completed his controversial move from Everton to Newcastle yesterday.
Everton FC renegade Dan Gosling excited by St James’ Park switch
Jul 23 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Dan Gosling and Leighton Baines celebrate the late FA Cup derby winner 300
DAN GOSLING rubbed salt into the wounds of his move from Goodison to St James’ Park by stating he was ‘excited’ to be joining Newcastle. The Magpies snapped up the 20-year-old on a free transfer after exploiting his contractual situation with the Blues.
Gosling, who will wear the number 15 shirt, has signed a four-year deal, although it will be several months before he is able to pull on the black and white shirt as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury. However, he was delighted to have clinched his move to St James’ Park yesterday. Gosling said: “It’s a brilliant move for me. Now that the deal is done, I just can’t wait to get started. “I have played at St James’ Park before and know all about the amazing atmosphere. “Playing there in a black and white shirt is something I have thought about already, and it will be a great day when I finally get to walk out in front of 50,000. “The gaffer, Chris Hughton, and all of the lads have been great with me and made me feel really welcome since I arrived, and hopefully I can repay the faith that they have shown in me.”
The deal was agreed in principle some time ago after the Magpies took advantage of Everton’s failure to follow up a verbal contract offer in writing by the deadline.
Everton FC captain Phil Neville insists he will be fit for start of season
Jul 23 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
PHIL NEVILLE believes he can win his battle to be fit for the start of the season after returning to action with Everton. Neville, who underwent an operation on his knee in May that sidelined him for eight weeks, travelled with David Moyes’s side for the recent tour to Australia. The skipper sat out the victories against Sydney FC and Melbourne Storm, but managed to last the full 90 minutes on his return in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar. And Neville is now eyeing another full outing at Preston North End tomorrow as Everton look to extend their 100% pre-season record.
“The injury has cleared up now and I’m progressing well,” said Neville. “I’m taking part in all the sessions now and I feel fit. “I got 90 minutes under my belt against Brisbane which was a big bonus for me really. I should have played probably only 60 minutes but I felt so good I played the 90. “Hopefully I can get 90 against Preston and kick on with my fitness, because it’s all about fitness now. We’ve won three out of three so far so we want to continue the winning streak because winning breeds confidence.” Everton are making the trip to Deepdale for the fourth time in five pre-seasons, having drawn two and won one of the previous three visits.
The Lilywhites thrashed local rivals Blackburn Rovers earlier this week, and Neville anticipates a lively afternoon. “Preston had a good result the other night so it’s going to be a good test for us,” said the captain. “Because it’s on our doorstep it’s great for the Everton fans, it’s great for Preston, it’s a really nicely developed new stadium and the pitch is always fantastic. “In the past few years they’ve always been good games with four or five thousand Evertonians there so it means that we have to perform. It will be a good test of where we are at in terms of our fitness and it will be a nice chance for the fans to get a glimpse of us on English soil.” Meanwhile, Sylvain Distin has joined Leighton Baines in praising the strength of Everton’s squad – but is eager for more reinforcements to arrive before the season opener at Blackburn Rovers on August 14. “When you think we are missing five or six players at the moment, and they are really good players, then you know that we have a really strong team this season,” said Distin. “Hopefully it’s not finished and we can add one or two players to add some more strength to the squad.”
Ex-Everton youngster Dan Gosling delighted to sign for Newcastle
Jul 23 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
NEWCASTLE manager Chris Hughton has invested in potential yesterday as he finally clinched a deal for former Everton starlet Dan Gosling.The Magpies are delighted to have snapped up the 20-year-old on a free transfer after exploiting his complicated contractual situation at Goodison Park. He follows Nottingham Forest utility player James Perch, 24, with Hughton investing in players he believes will develop and increase in value over the course of their contracts. Gosling, who will wear the number 15 shirt, has signed a four-year deal, although it will be several months before he is able to pull on the black and white shirt as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.Gosling said: “It’s a brilliant move for me. Now that the deal is done, I just can’t wait to get started. “I have played at St James’ Park before and know all about the amazing atmosphere. “Playing there in a black and white shirt is something I have thought about already, and it will be a great day when I finally get to walk out in front of 50,000 people. “Chris Hughton, and all of the lads have been great with me and made me feel really welcome since I arrived, and hopefully I can repay the faith that they have shown in me.” The deal was agreed in principle after the Magpies took advantage of Everton’s failure to follow up a verbal contract offer in writing by the prescribed deadline. An independent hearing convened under Premier League rules cleared the way for Newcastle to push home their interest, although they wanted to await any response from Everton before putting pen to paper.
Everton FC's Phil Jagielka can regain England role insists David Moyes
July 23 2010 Liverpool Daily Post
DAVID MOYES believes Phil Jagielka’s pre-season form is evidence the centre-back can revive his international career. Jagielka was the only outfield player to appear in every minute of Everton’s tour of Australia that saw victories over Sydney FC, Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar. The defender was an outstanding performer for Moyes’s men during the final months of the season after returning to action in February following 10 months out with a serious knee injury. It led to calls for Jagielka to be included in England’s World Cup squad, only for the 27-year-old to be overlooked by Fabio Capello. However, following the national team’s dismal showing in South Africa, Capello is primed to name a much-changed squad for next month’s friendly against Hungary at Wembley. And Moyes is convinced Jagielka can play himself back into international reckoning having earned his last cap 18 months ago.
“Jags was absolutely fantastic,” said Moyes. “His two performances have made us realise how important he is to us and how important he may be to England in the future.”Meanwhile, Everton new boy Magaye Gueye has cited team-mate Louis Saha as a major inspiration as a youngster. Gueye, a 20-year-old arrival from Strasbourg, said: “I feel ready to be around and train alongside a big player and a big French household name like Louis is; that’s really something. “I’ve watched him since I was small with the French team, Manchester United and all the clubs he’s been at.
“He’s a very positive player and I’m looking forward to learning from him.”
Gueye appeared in all three games Down Under and scored in the 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar last weekend. And he added: “I feel I have a good technique, a good left foot and I can be effective in front of goal. I can play as the main striker but where I feel where I do my best work is as a support striker. “My aim is to learn the ins and outs of English football and the Premier League – to make the most of this big step I’m making. My goal is start playing as soon as possible and then play in as many games as I can. “In doing that I hope to help Everton achieve the highest position we possibly can.”
Toffees so tough
FINDING HIS FEET: Craig Morgan is settling in well to life at Deepdale
Fri Jul 23 Lancashire evening post
Preston are preparing for their toughest workout of the pre-season yet when former North End boss David Moyes brings his Everton side to Deepdale tomorrow.
Moyes will have the majority of his big name players on show for the friendly clash (3pm), and that’s just what Darren Ferguson wants as he looks for PNE to step up their preparations another notch. North End have won their opening three friendlies, seeing off Bamber Bridge and Chorley, then turning in an impressive show to beat Blackburn 3-0 on Tuesday night. While not getting carried away by the display against Rovers, Ferguson was certainly encouraged by it. And he hopes for a similar level of performance when the Toffees visit. Ferguson told the Evening Post: “I must emphasise that these friendlies are a fitness operation. “I was encouraged with how we played against Blackburn. I was pleased that some of the stuff we had worked on in training came off in the game. “In saying that, I didn’t get carried away because we won 3-0. Had we lost 3-0 I wouldn’t have allowed myself to get too down about it either. “At this stage of the build-up, managers are looking at fitness rates and sharpness. “Tomorrow’s game will be a good test for us. “David Moyes is bringing all of his first-team squad except the lads who were at the World Cup. “I know what David is all about – he’s coming back to his old club and he’ll want to win.” A decent-sized crowd is expected in the wake of the Blackburn win and with a large following coming from Merseyside. North End will be without Jon Parkin and Wayne Brown. Parkin is still suffering from a hamstring strain picked up against Bamber Bridge last week, while centre-half Brown has a slight hip injury. Paul Parry should return to duty after missing the last couple of games due to a family bereavement.
In Brown’s absence, Craig Morgan and Sean St Ledger will fill the centre-back slots, as they did in the first half against Rovers. Morgan feels he has settled well at Deepdale since his £400,000 switch from Peterborough earlier in the month. The Wales international said: “It’s a great group of lads here and everyone has made me feel welcome. “It was nice to make my home debut the other night, and as a team I thought we played very well against Blackburn. “Hopefully we can put in another good performance against Everton and build on our fitness as the season gets closer.”
Meanwhile, North End will play Ferguson’s old club Wrexham in a friendly at the Racecourse Ground next Wednesday (7.30pm).
Former Everton FC midfielder Lee Carsley returns to Coventry City
Jul 24 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Lee Carsley celebrates his goal against Liverpool in 2004 300
COVENTRY have completed the signing of former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley on a one-year deal. The 36-year-old returns to the Sky Blues eight years after parting ways to go to Goodison, later completing a switch to hometown club Birmingham in 2008. He was released by Alex McLeish at the end of last season and now joins Gary McSheffrey in returning to Coventry from St Andrew’s. Manager Aidy Boothroyd said: “Lee has a track record as a winner. He is a leader and has played at the highest level and knows what is required to win on a regular basis. “Any good team needs a balance of talent, experience, physical presence, pace and, obviously, footballing ability. I want Lee to be the glue that binds the team together because he has all of those.” Carsley will be in the City squad to face Walsall in a pre-season friendly today.
Everton FC letters: Fans give their views on the Blues pre-season so far
Jul 24 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
The latest views from Everton supporters
WHILE Everton’s pre-season programme has now moved on to the domestic phase following their successful tour of Australia, I bet David Moyes can’t wait for September to come around so that the transfer window is slammed shut. This summer has all been about retaining players rather than adding many for the Blues – the likes of Jermaine Beckford, Magaye Gueye, Joao Silva and Jan Mucha can strengthen the squad but they’re hardly the most high-profile recruits. Moyesy has gone on record to declare that this is the strongest squad he’s had since he arrived at Goodison in 2002 and I agree. However, he must be well aware by now that going into his ninth season as boss he really needs to win a trophy with this club and in order to do so, he has to try and keep this group of players together. Most pressing are the futures of our creative midfield outlets Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta. Given that Everton were prepared to break the bank to offer Pienaar a lucrative new deal to stay and the player – with just one year left on his current contract – refused to discuss matters until after the World Cup, it looked odds-on that the little South African would be on his way.
Pienaar probably thought the offers would be flooding in after he turned on the style on the global stage in his homeland but that backfired spectacularly with the hosts bombing out in the first round and Stevie getting the hook from his manager in most games when a substitution was required. Mystery also appears to surround Arteta with rumours about potential suitors both in the Premier League and Spain refusing to go away – unlike the player who was allowed to leave Australia early to get married (who arranged that). This could be a really big year for Everton – we finished last season with just two defeats in the last 23 league games – and our stars need to realise that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Ray Buckley, Wallasey.I’D just like to say a big thank you to Dan Gosling for saving David Moyes a job by removing himself, a slow paced lightweight, from our squad. While his goals against Liverpool and Manchester United will always be fondly remembered, Gosling was hardly the sort of player who got pulses racing as he was all too often easily muscled off the ball and appeared to have zero heading ability. Financially, the player has feathered his nest and probably few will blame him. But when it comes to career development, Everton’s reputation for nurturing and developing young talent is second to none.
I have little doubt that come next May, Gosling will be on the verge of a return to his natural footballing habitat – the Championship.
Robert Beard, Walton
SOMETHING doesn’t add up about the Gosling affair.
I’m not convinced Everton accidentally neglected to put a written contract to the lad.
He is recovering from a serious injury, his playing future is in the balance, and Everton would have been obliged to offer him a long deal in the region of £15-20k a week. I’m not convinced Kenwright was prepared to gamble that the £3-4m was worth it. We have some great midfielders and I personally don’t think Danny had the ability even pre-injury to break into the team and hold his place. Danny may have fetched £2-4min the transfer market (25 per cent of the profit payable to Plymouth) so I think the club saw no great financial loss. I think Danny cost about £1m but the goal against Liverpool was worth that. So I say good luck to the lad. I think he has done the best deal possible for himself, which let’s face it, is what we would all do. Hope he gets back playing again but he’s an ex-player now and we move on.
Yakublue
FORMER Everton starlet Dan Gosling is showing all the worst traits of the modern footballer. His defection to Newcastle has nothing to do with football or his development as a top sportsman – it is simply a greedy move for money. Everton, and David Moyes in particular, helped to pluck this boy from obscurity and give him a chance at one of the greatest clubs in the most high profile league in the world.
He will have received the best coaching available from the Everton staff, and yet he kicks the club and his former colleagues in the teeth as he transfers at the first opportunity he gets. Some may say Everton were naive in not presenting him with a contract. But the lad and his agent – former Liverpool player David Hodgson – gave their word. It seems their word was as worthless as the paper modern football contracts are written on.
Richard Talbot, Kensington
DAN GOSLING may have jumped ship in search of a bumper pay day but if he’s the only player we lose over the coming weeks I’ll settle for that. The worry is we’ve got Arsenal keen on Phil Jagielka and Sevilla contemplating a bid for Mikel Arteta. The issue over Steven Pienaar’s future also hasn’t been sorted out. I’d be devastated if the Blues sold Jagielka. He is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and after missing most of last season he owes us a big campaign. Jags alongside Sylvain Distin definitely looks like our best centre-back combination and I’d play John Heitinga in a holding midfield role. If we sold Arteta or Pienaar it would be a massive backward step. We need to prove to them that the club matches their ambition. With the injuries having cleared up we’ve got a great chance this season but losing any of our key players would be a massive setback.
Alan Nudge, Aigburth
WITH the exception of Wayne Rooney, how many young players have stamped their feet to get out of the club and gone on to greater things in recent times? Franny Jeffers had ideas well above his station and effectively killed off his richly promising career after deciding his talents had outgrown Goodison. And after being plucked from lower league obscurity, Moyes moulded Joleon Lescott into one of the country’s top defenders before deciding a move to Manchester City would be best to ‘further his career’. It came as no surprise whatsoever to me that Jeffers’ rapidly slipped down the ladder, while Lescott’s footballing ambitions appear to be nose diving in spectacular fashion. I very much doubt Dan Gosling gave any of this a second’s thought. Perhaps in a year or two when he’s stepping off the bench in the Championship he may come to realise that his decision to move on could have been one of the worst he’s ever made – after all, it’s not like Newcastle’s squad is jam packed with quality. His loss, not ours.
Terence Marks, Bootle
Recovering Rev Harry Ross cheered up by Everton FC and Liverpool FC fans
July 24 2010 by Paddy Shennan, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON FC’s chaplain has thanked Merseysiders – both Blues and Reds – for their good wishes after he suffered a minor heart attack. The Reverend Harry Ross, 69, is now continuing his recovery at home in Ainsdale. He was taken ill while driving on the Formby bypass 12 days ago. He was initially taken to Southport hospital before being transferred to Liverpool heart and chest hospital, in Broadgreen. But the Main Stand season ticket holder told the ECHO: “I am on the mend now and hope to be back at Everton for the start of the season. “And I really would like to say thank you very much indeed to all the people – Liverpudlians as well as Evertonians – who have sent me ‘get well’ cards and posted messages on the ECHO website. “I am so grateful for all the good wishes – and to the ECHO for asking people to leave their messages.”Mr Ross revealed he was greeted by a friendly face immediately after being taken ill. He said: “I was treated by a paramedic who was an Evertonian – he looked at me and said ‘I know you’!” Mr Ross has been the vicar at St Luke The Evangelist, in Goodison Road, for 33 years but when he turns 70 next month he will reluctantly retire. Back in 1977, he was given the choice of four churches – St Luke’s was the second mentioned and the lifelong Blue famously said “that’s the one”. To this day, he still does not know the names of the last two churches. He added: “I will leave St Luke’s on September 20, when there will be a service of praise and thanksgiving at the church. “It will be a sad day, but unfortunately it is just not possible to continue after 70. “But I will be continuing as Everton club chaplain and will still be working with the Everton Former Players Foundation, of which I am a trustee.”
David Prentice: Pizza, drinking and nudity - how Everton FC's pre-season tours used to be!
July 24 2010 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
Ian Snodin and Howard Kendall
EVERTON have just returned from a hugely successful tour Down Under. Successful in terms of PR, organization, players’ fitness – and even results. Which is in stark contrast to one of the first tours I had the good fortune to enjoy as the Echo’s Everton correspondent. Evertonians may recall the 1994-95 campaign for the abject start Mike Walker’s side made to the season, the worst opening sequence of results in the club’s history. Those hardy souls who made the pre-season journeys to Sweden, Germany and Italy will perhaps understand why. And hope that this season’s successful tour reflects in a flying start to the season. I’d only enjoyed one pre-season tour prior to 1994, an engaging 13 day tour of Switzerland and Germany in the company of contrasting characters like Howard Kendall, Maurice Johnston, Mark Ward and Neville Southall. If that was eye-opening, it was nothing compared to the following summer’s preparations under a new management team of Mike Walker and Dave Williams. Tony Cottee’s engaging 1995 autobiography Claret and Blues offered a little insight. “Mike Walker was a firm believer in the continental approach to football, but I still couldn’t understand why Everton arranged THREE pre-season tours abroad that summer,” he wrote. “We spent nine days in Germany, seven in Sweden and three in Italy – doing the wrong things, eating the wrong things and drinking the wrong things. It seems crazy to me.” All true. But for a wide-eyed young hack great fun. What goes on tour stays on tour . . . but I’m sure the individuals concerned won’t mind one or two tales being related. After all, it was 16 years ago. And TC’s autobiography carries a couple of the tamer tales anyway. Everton kicked off their preparations with a short flight to Copenhagen – a lively experience in itself with notoriously bad-flier Paul Rideout mercilessly taunted and ribbed by his team-mates at every hint of gentle turbulence - then enjoyed a picturesque catamaran crossing to Helsingborg. Well, most of the party did. A couple of notable absentees became apparent when the team checked into the hotel. “Right lads,” barked manager Mike Walker. “On the training ground in 10 minutes for a loosener. Jimmy, Les, get the kit ready. Jimmy? Les? Where the hell are Jim . . . .” The realisation dawned that poor old Jimmy and Les had been left to load the kit skips unaided at Helsingborg – and left behind. Red-faced Les, a physio who was never afraid of injuring a player’s pride – or his manager’s - stormed into reception 45 minutes later to snarl: “There’s a taxi outside. I’m not paying.” The manager paid for it, literally and metaphorically as the week wore on. That was a foretaste of things to come. Ian Snodin injured his ankle on the first day and begged to be sent home. “No chance,” said Walker. “You’re staying here for team spirit.” “But I’ll only get bored boss and be a nuisance,” complained Snods. “You’re staying Snods, that’s the end of it.” Walker surely regretted the decision when Snodin’s ideas of injecting a little life into the tour became quickly apparent. Late night drinking sessions, pizza deliveries, midnight dips in the hotel swimming pool . . . Snodin did indeed become a nuisance to stoic room-mate Brett Angell. Manager Walker, however, was blissfully unaware. Sweden was in the grip of a heatwave, which was bad news for footballers training, but great news for their new manager who loved nothing better than soaking up the sun in high cut orange swimming trunks. And soak up the sun he did. During morning press conferences on his hotel room balcony (I had to sit with my back to the sun so he could catch the full rays on his face), at the poolside after training and in the evening on the hotel patio. Goalkeeper Neville Southall, not a man to ever concern himself with the benefits of a tan, almost caught an unexpected bronzey in the most unusual of places. Before a clash with a team of Swedish lower league minnows Southall, irritated that his strip wasn’t ready in time for his lengthy warm-up, threatened to walk out as he was if a kit didn’t materialise instantly. It didn’t – and Southall was always a man of his word. Cue a hugely decorated Welsh international goalkeeper striding out in front of startled Swedish spectators wearing nothing more than boots and shin pads, a pleading kit-man chasing behind. Southall himself was left behind when the players convinced the management team that a trip to a local nightclub was a good idea for team morale – Big Nev didn’t do partying or alcohol. The rest of the squad did, though, spectacularly. The team bus returned to the hotel several hours later minus a back window and 70 per cent of the party who set out. They all returned from various Swedish outposts . . . eventually. My stop-off point en route back to the hotel involved a house party, Ian Snodin and assistant-manager Dave Williams. The image of him practicing imaginary drunken golf swings in a back garden as the sun rose on another glorious Swedish day will stay with me forever. So will the memories of that tour, if not the campaign it prefaced. If travelling fans today complain about pre-season tours being over-organised and perhaps just a tinsy-bit dull, don’t knock them. They could herald a flying start to a new football season!
re Toffees going under cover to hide talent? THE days when football managers used to disguise themselves and stand behind the goal with supporters to check out potential targets have long since gone (Howard Kendall watching Trevor Steven, for example.) As have the days of cloak and dagger transfer deals hatched at motorway service stations. Haven’t they? Not if this week’s evidence is anything to go by.
Here is the team line-up printed in The Scotsman for Tuesday night’s reserve team friendly against the Bully Wee (Clyde FC to you heathens who don’t know your Red Lichties from your Gable Endies): Davies, Thompson, Garbutt (Bidwell 46), Wallace (Savic 80), Nsiala, Mustafi, Schepers (Akpan 60), Barkley (Craig 69), Vaughan (Hope 73), Silva (Kinsella 54), Baxter .
And here’s the team line-up from the official Everton website: Davies, Thompson, Garbutt (Bidwell 46), Wallace, Nsiala, Mustafi, Akpan, Barkley (Craig 69), Vaughan (Hope 73), Silva (Kinsella 54), Baxter.
Spot the difference? The Scotsman seems to have invented a couple of chaps called Schepers and Savic. Except a Dutch trialist called Bob Schepers definitely played, as did a Montenegran youngster called Stefan Savic. Are Everton trying to surreptitiously run the rule over a couple of promising youngsters without alerting Harry Redknapp – always a man happy to jump in on an Everton transfer?
Sylvain Distin says Everton FC will reap rewards from gruelling pre-season
July 24 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON defender Sylvain Distin admits he is feeling the strain. A first full pre-season under manager David Moyes is proving to be a real eye opener for the experienced French centre-back. After completing the 10,000-mile journey home to Merseyside on Monday following their gruelling two-week tour of Australia, Distin was back at Finch Farm before he knew it this week being put through his paces.
The 32-year-old only arrived at Goodison at the end of last August in a £5million switch from Portsmouth so he missed most of Everton’s fitness programme. However, this time around there has been no escape and Distin doesn’t even try to put a brave face on it. The schedule has left him tired and aching but Distin knows the Blues will reap the rewards when their new Premier League campaign gets underway at Blackburn Rovers three weeks today. “We only had one day to recover from the long trip back from Australia so it hasn’t been easy,” he said. “Since then we’ve had two sessions a day and done a lot of running. It’s tough but this is pre-season and you have to go through it. “At the moment everyone is shattered but that’s normal. You just have to push yourself to the maximum. “Right now, I’m not really enjoying it. There is so much running and then a lot of stiffness in the mornings. “We won’t feel the benefits of all the fitness work yet but I know we will when the new season starts.”
Distin impressed Down Under as he helped the Blues clinch three successive victories against Sydney FC, Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar. Despite all the travelling he believes the tour was great preparation for the new campaign. “I was surprised because I didn’t expect to be able to play a full game in Australia,” he said.
“Just to play, keep clean sheets and produce good performances as a team was important. “I played nearly three full games and I was really impressed with the Australian teams. They played really good football and made it difficult for us.”
Everton will be hoping to extend their winning pre-season run in today’s friendly against Preston at Deepdale. However, the former Manchester City defender insists supporters shouldn’t read too much into the outcome. “I don’t expect an easy game at Preston,” he said. “And if you see how we are working through the week it’s not like we are preparing for games. “Everyone is working so hard so we’re not going to be arriving nice and fresh. “We will really need to push ourselves. At the moment it’s about fitness first, but when you get towards the end of pre-season it’s also about results and the way we play.” With Joseph Yobo unlikely to feature having only had a couple of days training and John Heitinga still on holiday after the World Cup, Distin is set to line up alongside Phil Jagielka once again this afternoon. The Blues only conceded once in three games with the pair at the heart of their defence in Australia.
Distin, who scored twice in 38 appearances for the Blues last season, admits he feels at ease with Jagielka next to him and has backed the former Sheffield United man to force his way back into Fabio Capello’s England squad. “I have a good understanding and chemistry with Jags on the pitch,” Distin said. “Everyone has different qualities – some are better one-on-one and some are better with passing. “Everyone knows Jags’ quality and he is a great player. The only reason he wasn’t in the national team was because he didn’t play a full season due to injury. “He has the full package. “At the moment we don’t know who is going to play and it’s positive we have a lot of competition for places throughout the whole team.” Distin believes the fact Everton are able to field such a strong side without their World Cup stars such as Tim Howard, Tim Cahill, Steven Pienaar, Heitinga, Yobo and Yakubu bodes well for the season ahead. “We already have a good squad and we’re missing five or six good players,” he added. “I know we are going to have a really strong team this season. “Hopefully it’s not finished yet and maybe we’ll have one or two more signings to add even more strength to the squad.” Meanwhile, Preston first team coach David Unsworth has paid tribute to his former boss ahead of today’s game. The 36-year-old defender, who enjoyed two successful spells with Everton, moved into coaching last year. And he admits he learned a great deal from working with Moyes, who left Preston to take over at Goodison in 2002. “He is one of the best managers I have worked under and you try and take a bit of everybody with you,” Unsworth said. “The sessions he puts on day in, day out are superb and they are all down there in my notebook. “He will get a fantastic reception from the Preston fans and quite rightly so. What he did here was fantastic and he will deserve every bit of acclaim.” Unsworth is expecting a tight contest today with Preston on a high after their 3-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday. “The players were excellent,” he added. “They knocked it around really well and tactically they took on board what we had been working on. “The players will have taken a lot of confidence from that. I am really looking forward to the Everton match. To play a team like Everton is great for them. “I have read a couple of the reports on the internet from Everton’s games so far and seen that some of the players are in great form, which is good from an Everton point of view. “I am still a keen follower and I make no secret of the fact that I am a massive Evertonian. “I am also a Preston boy and it’s great for me to be back here - it’s a fantastic place with great people. I love my job. I am sure David Moyes will want to win the game and we are looking forward to a competitive match.”
Mikel Arteta returns for Everton FC in friendly at Preston North End
July 24 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
MIKEL ARTETA is back in the Everton squad for today’s friendly at Preston.
The classy midfielder, whose future has been the subject of intense speculation this summer, returned to training at Finch Farm this week after getting married in Spain.
Arteta was granted permission to leave the Blues’ pre-season tour of Australia early to tie the knot in his homeland, but is now focused on helping David Moyes’ men prepare for the start of the new Premier League campaign. Sevilla, Arsenal and Manchester City have all been linked with a move for Arteta, but Everton insist their playmaker, who still has two years remaining on his current contract, is going nowhere. Club officials say there have been no offers for him and that he is not for sale at any price. Striker Victor Anichebe and midfielder Leon Osman will both sit out today’s game at Deepdale after picking up knocks in training this week. World Cup stars Steven Pienaar, Joseph Yobo and Yakubu have returned to the club after their extended breaks, but with only a couple of days training under their belts they won’t feature against the Lilywhites.Boss Moyes said: “We have only this week had back Joseph Yobo, Steven Pienaar and Yakubu, we are still waiting on Tim Howard, Jan Mucha and John Heitinga. “None of those players are involved and we also have injuries to Victor Anichebe and Leon Osman so we will go there with a team and try and continue our good form.” Everton’s first friendly of the summer on UK soil will give Blues supporters their first glimpse of new strikers Jermain Beckford and Magaye Gueye. Championship outfit Preston, who were managed by Moyes between 1998 and 2002, promise to provide a tough test after beating Blackburn Rovers 3-0 on Tuesday night. Preston boss Darren Ferguson said: “I was encouraged by the way we played against Blackburn. I was pleased that some of the stuff we have worked on at the training ground came off. “At this stage of the build up, managers are looking at fitness rates and sharpness. The Everton game will be a good test for us. “David Moyes is bringing all of his first team squad except for the lads who played at the World Cup. “I know what David is all about – he’s coming back to his old club and he’ll want to win.”
EVERTON squad for today’s game at Preston: Turner, Hibbert, Neville, Jagielka, Baines, Distin, Mustafi, Rodwell, Coleman, Bilyaletdinov, Arteta, Saha, Baxter, Vaughan, Gueye, Jutkiewicz, Beckford, Silva.
Match report: Forfar 2 Everton XI 3
A late Jose Baxter strike broke Forfar hearts after the Loons came within minutes of holding their illustrious opponents to a memorable draw at Station Park.
Forfar's Mark McCullough wins an aerial challenge.
By Philip Murray Published in the Courier : 24.07.10 (Dundee Courier)
The spirited hosts had fought back superbly from a disastrous start and looked on course for a deserved draw before the Everton midfielder spoiled the party with just three minutes left. The visitors had roared out of the blocks at the start of the match, and the Loons had no answer to the onslaught in the opening exchanges. Everton rattled home their first goal in the eighth minute when Baxter fed a swift ball along the deck down the middle and Hope Akran turned to fire home between the legs of Forfar keeper Ewan McLean. The visitors added to their tally in almost identical fashion two minutes later. This time a Ross Barrilley pass split Forfar's defence and striker James Vaughan made no mistake. At this point Everton were rampant and were cutting through the Forfar rearguard with ease. But just as it began to look like the exhibition match would live up to its name, Forfar hit back superbly.Iain Campbell linked up beautifully with Martin Fotheringham inside the Everton box in the 15th minute, and Fotheringham coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.
The strike sparked something of a revival in Forfar's game. As the first half wore on the Loons began to push forward as often as their more illustrious rivals, and although Everton remained a potent threat the hosts' defence held firm. Forfar equalised in the 57th minute when Chris Templeman fed a low ball into the box and Paul Watson made no mistake from close range. Sheppers blasted over in the 80th minute, and Forfar goalkeeper McLean pulled off a very good save from Savic with five minutes left as Everton pushed for a winner. And Baxter broke local hearts in the 87th minute when he made it 3-2 to Everton from inside the box.
Gosling’s words fail to carry any proper weight
July 24 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
DAN GOSLING signed for Newcastle this week and enthused: “It’s a brilliant move for me. Now that the deal is done I just can’t wait to get started. I’ve played at St James’ Park before and know all about the amazing atmosphere. “Playing there in a black and white shirt is something I’ve thought about already and it will be a great day when I finally get to walk out in front of 50,000 people.” I can’t help thinking young Dan might have been better off just mumbling “I’ve supported Newcastle all my life. Mirandinha’s my idol and I can’t wait to get started.”
Are Toffees going under cover to hide talent?
July 24 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
THE days when football managers used to disguise themselves and stand behind the goal with supporters to check out potential targets have long since gone (Howard Kendall watching Trevor Steven, for example.) As have the days of cloak and dagger transfer deals hatched at motorway service stations. Haven’t they?
Not if this week’s evidence is anything to go by. Here is the team line-up printed in The Scotsman for Tuesday night’s reserve team friendly against the Bully Wee (Clyde FC to you heathens who don’t know your Red Lichties from your Gable Endies): Davies, Thompson, Garbutt (Bidwell 46), Wallace (Savic 80), Nsiala, Mustafi, Schepers (Akpan 60), Barkley (Craig 69), Vaughan (Hope 73), Silva (Kinsella 54), Baxter . And here’s the team line-up from the official Everton website: Davies, Thompson, Garbutt (Bidwell 46), Wallace, Nsiala, Mustafi, Akpan, Barkley (Craig 69), Vaughan (Hope 73), Silva (Kinsella 54), Baxter. Spot the difference? The Scotsman seems to have invented a couple of chaps called Schepers and Savic.
Except a Dutch trialist called Bob Schepers definitely played, as did a Montenegran youngster called Stefan Savic. Are Everton trying to surreptitiously run the rule over a couple of promising youngsters without alerting Harry Redknapp – always a man happy to jump in on an Everton transfer?
LOONS EDGED OUT BY AN EVERTON ELEVEN IN ENTERTAINING FRIENDLY
24 July 2010 The Forfar Dispatch
By Alan Ducat
FORFAR Athletic performed with credit against a young but very skilful Everton side at Station Park on Friday evening, only succumbing to a late Jose Baxter strike.
In a match staged as part of the Loons 125th anniversary celebrations, a crowd of 752 turned up to watch a highly entertaining ninety minutes in which the home side competed well for the most part. It was evident from early in the game that there is a fair amount of emerging talent at Goodison, the Toffee-men two goals ahead after only ten minutes. There was an element of fortune involved in the opener, the impressive Baxter sliding a good ball through to Hope Akran who, with the aid of a slight deflection, managed to fire it under Euan McLean in the Forfar goal. Two minutes later and another well-weighted through ball proved Forfar's undoing again.
This time it was a Ross Barrilley pass that found James Vaughan, who made no mistake. But Forfar were far from overawed and it was game on again in 15 minutes, Iain Campbell picking out Martyn Fotheringham, who controlled beautifully before angling the ball wide of the advancing keeper and in off the post. Both teams played some really neat football thereafter, and the Forfar leveller came in simplistic fashion in the 57th minute. A corner from the right was flicked on by Chris Templemen for Paul Watson to drill low into the net. Late in the game, the player who caught many eyes was Everton substitute Bob Sheppers, who was lightning fast and tricky to boot.
Twice he sliced the Forfar defence wide open, on the first occasion his end shot only just clearning the bar. On the second, with three minutes left on the clock, he skipped clear of several defenders and slid the ball into the path of Jose Baxter, who made it three-two for the visitors on the night. It meant five straight pre-season reverses for the Loons, but, on what they showed against a talented young Everton side, they should have nothing to fear in the Scottish second division.
Everton winner robs Forfar at the death
baxter strikes with two minutes to go after loons hit back from two down
24/07/2010 The Press and the Journal
Forfar Athletic2 Everton3
A YOUNG Everton side just edged out Forfar in a highly entertaining friendly at Station Park last night. The English giants started the game at a whirlwind pace and were two goals up within the first 10 minutes. At that stage of the proceedings it looked as if they would completely overwhelm their hosts, but the Loons weathered the early storm and battled back to level the match – only to be denied a share of the spoils when the Toffees scored a winner just a couple of minutes from the final whistle. Forfar came close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute when Stephen Tulloch headed a Martyn Fotheringham corner just wide of the target. However, Everton grabbed the lead four minutes later with a simply executed goal.
Jose Baxter picked up the ball 20 yards from goal and slipped it through to Hope Akkran, who picked his spot in the net. The Toffees doubled their lead a couple of minutes later when James Vaughan collected a pass from Ross Barrilley and then drilled the ball past Euan McLean. The Loons though pulled a goal back after quarter of an hour when Iain Campbell played a pass forward to Fotheringham who slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Forfar levelled the match 12 minutes into the second-half when Chris Templeman flicked the ball on to Paul Watson who was on hand to fire a low drive into the net and the same player almost scored again a minute later when he just failed to connect with a Paul Lunan cross from the right.
But with just two minutes left, the visitors wrapped up the game in style when Bob Sheppers played a good pass forward to Baxter, who shot low past McLean.
Lee Clark: Why we missed out on ex-Everton star Lee Carsley
Jul 24 2010 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
TOWN manager Lee Clark revealed he missed out on signing Lee Carsley purely because of the player’s family circumstances. Galpharm boss Clark has tracked the experienced midfielder since last season and had the 36-year-old in pre-season training with his squad. Bbut Carsley yesterday signed a one-year deal with Coventry, the club he left eight years ago to join Everton. Clark said: “We were in the market for Lee Carsley, but logistically it just wasn’t possible. “Financially and in football terms we could give him everything he wanted, but his family are in the midlands and he has a young family, so he didn’t really want all the travelling on a regular basis, so he decided against joining us.” Clark also revealed that he’s “had a conversation” with Hereford boss Simon Davey about wingman Lionel Ainsworth returning to Edgar Street, but any potential deal has gone no further than that. Ainsworth, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Brentford, was a fans’ favourite on loan at Hereford before he signed for Clark at the Galpharm. The manager confirmed there was no chance of Lee Novak playing in today’s friendly at Barnsley, even though the striker has responded well to dry needle treatment for a knee injury. Town travel to Scunthorpe United next weekend in their final first-team warm-up before the big League I kick-off against Notts County at Meadow Lane on August 7. Then it’s Carlisle away the follow Tuesday in the Carling Cup first round.
Dan Gosling believes Magpies are going places
July 24 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
DAN Gosling has revealed that Chris Hughton’s determination to turn Newcastle United into a top-six Premier League club within the next five years persuaded him to turn down a clutch of top-flight suitors. The England Under-21 midfielder was wanted by Bolton, Sunderland and West Ham but opted to sign for United after hearing Hughton’s blueprint to re-establish the club at the top end of the Premier League.
The Newcastle manager has been cagey when quizzed on United’s ambition in recent weeks, suggesting that merely staying in the top flight is enough following their stroll to promotion last season. But there are clearly plans being formulated behind the scenes to return the club to the heights occupied as recently as 2004. That is what convinced Gosling that the move would advance his career after departing Everton in acrimonious circumstances. The 20-year-old joined United after exploiting a contractual loophole in his Everton deal that allowed him to quit the Merseyside club for free. Not that money was a major motivation for a player who is eyeing opportunities in his favoured central midfield role. “It was a football decision at the end of the day,” he said. “I spoke to a few managers and looked at the training ground and facilities of quite a few clubs. “But when I came here, I was really impressed with the gaffer and the coaching staff straight away. “The facilities are excellent and I feel I’ve made the right decision. The manager has a vision of where he wants this club to go. I came up with my agent and my family, met him and Colin Calderwood, and we sat down and talked about how we’d like the next few years to go. He told us where he wants us to be, and I want to be a part of that. “I think the long-term aim is to establish ourselves as a top-six Premier League team in the next four or five years and I think it’s a realistic aim, and hopefully we can do it a bit sooner than that.
“It’s certainly a massive club with a massive fan base and I think the people around here deserve that.” Gosling’s arrival at St James’ Park has split opinion at Everton, with some arguing that he would not have been good enough to establish himself in David Moyes’ first-choice side. Such talk ignores the fact that he was played out of his favoured position at times but it was advanced by former Everton boss Howard Kendall, who argued that while he was a promising player it was no “massive loss”. Gosling says he possesses the mental strength to cope with the criticism, and is sure he can establish himself as a Premier League player at Newcastle. “There’s a part of me that wants to prove people wrong, but I always believe in myself and know I can play in a certain position,” he said. “I have no worries about people saying ‘He can’t do this or he can’t do that’ because if you don’t believe in yourself, you’re not going to get anywhere. “I’m happy being here and just can’t wait to get on the pitch now. It would be nice to get a bit of stability now.” United will have to wait until at least December to see Gosling strike a ball in anger as he continues his rehabilitation following an anterior cruciate ligament injury. “I won’t be rushing anything. I think I’ll be jogging over the next week or so and then we’ll see how things go from there,” he said
Preston North End 0 Everton 3
Sat Jul 24 Lancashire Evening Post
Preston North End were well beaten by Everton in their pre-season friendly clash at Deepdale on Saturday. Second-half goals from Jermaine Beckford (2) and Louis Saha gave David Moyes’ side a deserved victory. Everton had largely bossed the first half, with Andrew Lonergan making three good saves from Saha while the Frenchman also hit the post. But three goals in a 15-minute spell saw the visitors from Merseyside take the game by the scruff of the neck. Beckford, on as a half-time substitute, struck twice either side of Saha’s strike. Everton looked several classes above Blackburn who North End had impressively beaten 3-0 five days earlier. In the seventh minute, Adam Barton broke into the box and saw two goalbound shots cleared by Phil Jagielka.
Lonergan pushed a ninth-minute shot from Saha around the near post, then the striker sent a scissor-kick flashing inches wide. After quarter of an hour, Lonergan dived to comfortably gather Saha’s low drive from outside the box. Then the PNE keeper produced his best save to push away a 25-yard belter from Saha. Just past the half hour mark, Paul Hayes drilled a low effort wide after being played in by Paul Parry.
But the majority of the play was going towards the Preston box, Jack Rodwell and Mikel Arteta sending shots narrowly wide. Two minutes before the interval, Saha’s shot on the turn from just inside the box came back off the far post. In the opening exchanges of the second half, Barton drove a first-time shot from 20 yards inches over the bar. The teenager was the afternoon’s highlight from North End’s point of view, looking assured in the engine room. Everton took a 57th minute lead, Jagielka’s pass sending Beckford clear of the PNE defence. The summer signing from Leeds showed a cool head to run through and slide a low shot past the advancing Lonergan.
North End responded to the goal with a double substitution and change of formation, Chris Brown and Paul Parry replaced by Keith Treacy and Conor McLaughlin.
McLaughlin went to left-back, allowing Billy Jones to switch into the centre of midfield, with Paul Coutts pushed up to play behind Hayes. The visitors came close to doubling their lead in the 65th minute, Diniyar Bilyaetdinov putting a full-blooded volley inches wide at the back post after being picked out by Magaye Guage’s cross.
But they weren’t to be denied a second goal a minute later, Saha drilling home a low shot from the edge of the box. Saha then turned provider in the 72nd minute, chipping the ball over the Preston defence for Beckford to volley home his second of the afternoon in emphatic style. The woodwork denied Beckford a hat-trick 12 minutes from time, his angled shot hitting the far post. Darren Ferguson included four of his summer signings in the North End squad. David Gray, Craig Morgan and Hayes were named in the starting line-up, and rookie goalkeeper Andreas Arestidou was on the bench. Wayne Brown missed out after suffering a minor hip injury, while Matt James is away with the England Under-19s. Barton recovered from a groin strain to take his place in the centre of midfield, and there was a return on the wing for Parry.
PNE: Lonergan, Gray, St Ledger, Morgan, Jones, Mayor, Barton, Coutts, Parry, Hayes, C Brown. Subs: Treacy, McLaughlin, Collins, Wright, Proctor, Douglas, Arestidou.
Everton: Turner, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Bilyaletdinov, Arteta, Neville, Rodwell, Saha, Guaye. Subs: Beckford, Coleman, Vaughan, Silva, Mustafi, Forshaw, Baxter, Wallace.
Referee: Jon Moss (West Yorks)
Attendance: 9,153
Preston 0-3 Everton: The Sunday Mirror match report
24 July 2010By Alan Wilson Sunday Mirror
Jermaine Beckford faces a race to be fit for the start of the season after limping off in Everton’s win at Preston. The 26-year-old striker, a free transfer from Leeds, had made the perfect start to his Everton career by coming off the bench to scoring twice in the second half, with Louis Saha adding the other. Although Beckford made his debut for the Toffees in their recent tour of Australia, this was his first run-out for his club in this country. But his day turned sour when he walked off the pitch towards the end and left Everton boss David Moyes sweating over his fitness. &&&&
Moyes said: “He got a kick on the top of his foot when he went to shoot and I don’t think it is too bad, but we will have to assess it.” Beckford, who scored 85 goals in 150 appearances for Leeds after being plucked from non-league Wealdstone, sealed a four-year contract at Goodison Park in May – and Moyes hopes his to form yesterday was a sign that he can carry on his goalscoring at the highest level. Moyes said: “I am pleased for Jermaine because when you are a centre forward, especially a new one at a club, you want to get goals. “That is what he does best. We know he can score in the other divisions so he will get the opportunity to see if he can step up and do it in the Premier League.” Beckford put Everton ahead with an assured finish after latching on to a long ball 11 minutes into the second half. Saha fired home in the 67th minute and Beckford wrapped things up three minutes later with a volley at the far post, but then was forced to go off. Victor Anichebe and Leon Osman both missed the Deepdale clash after picking up knocks in training earlier this week. But James Vaughan, who started just one match for the club last season, took a step closer to match fitness with an appearance as a sub. The youngster has been clocking up the miles by linking up with the youngsters in Scotland in a bid to regain match fitness and scored in their game on Friday night. Everton’s Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini will be back in training on Tuesday after being sidelined for six months with ankle ligament damage received in the Merseyside derby. Moyes said: “He should be able to start a match in three weeks or so.”
Everton will break the bank to keep Mikel Arteta out of Manchester City's hands
Bob Cass, 25th July 2010 (Daily Mail)
Sticky Toffee: Everton are desperate to keep hold of midfield maestro Mikel Arteta
Everton are prepared to make Mikel Arteta the highest-paid player in the club’s history to keep him out of the clutches of Manchester City. Everton manager David Moyes is anxious to make certain none of his key players leave, with City eyeing Arteta and Arsenal determined to land Phil Jagielka while keeping Steven Pienaar in their sights. Spanish midfielder Arteta, 28, is being tempted by wages of £75,000 a week at Goodison Park. He has made a huge impact since his permanent move from Real Sociedad five years ago, returning to the first team last January after almost a year out with a knee ligament injury and quickly rediscovering a rich seam of form.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made no secret of his admiration for Pienaar, describing him as ‘one of the best players in the Premier League’ last season. ‘I have had my eye on him ever since he was a player at Ajax,’ he said. Wenger could act if Barcelona are successful in luring Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal. Moyes is sweating over the fitness of new signing Jermaine Beckford after the striker was helped off towards the end of Everton’s 3-0 victory over Preston North End in a pre-season friendly. The 26-year-old, who was signed on a Bosman free transfer from Leeds United, scored two second-half goals in his first game for the club in the UK, with Louis Saha adding another, and Moyes is hopeful he will be fit for the start of the season. Moyes said: ‘He got a kick on the top of his foot and I don’t think that it is too bad.’
LANDON DONOVAN PRAISES EVERTON'S JACK RODWELL AS 'THE NEW ROONEY'
ABOVE: Everton striker Jack Rodwell has the potential to be the next Wayne Rooney, says Landon Donovan
25th July 2010
By Ben Fairthorne (Daily Star)
LANDON DONOVAN last night hailed young Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell as England’s next superstar. USA star Donovan played alongside Rodwell, 19, at Goodison Park last season and insists the youngster can rejuvenate Fabio Capello’s side after their disastrous World Cup in South Africa. Donovan believes Capello must blood Rodwell and other England starlets in the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers.
The American insists Rodwell is a future world-beater like former Toffee Wayne Rooney. And he reckons Hot Rod could do for club and country what Rooney and David Beckham achieved for Manchester United and England. Donovan said: “I think, along with Wayne Rooney, Jack really is the future of England. “Following England’s World Cup campaign, I know the coach is being urged to bring through young blood. “I really believe Jack could rejuvenate this England team. “I don’t give out false praise but this young guy really is a future world-beater. “I am sure he can make the same impact for club and country that Wayne and David have – that’s really how good he is. “I have obviously trained and played with him at Everton and he is just a natural football player. “Like Wayne it’s effortless to him.”
Donovan has been strongly linked with Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City revolution this week. The American – who plays alongside Beckham for LA Galaxy – was impressive in last season’s loan spell with Everton. He scored two goals in ten appearances, adding an extra creative element to a Toffees squad crippled by injuries.
But, in what is sure to be good news for Everton fans, Donovan insists Rodwell won’t go the way of Rooney by leaving his hometown club for a bigger challenge – in the short-term at least. Donovan said: “He is a down-to-earth guy who genuinely loves his club. “I was so pleased to hear he had signed a five-year contract and I think he is the sort of guy who will honour it unless Everton receive an offer they deem so good they can’t turn it down.” But Donovan is sure that an old hand like Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will have noticed Rodwell’s potential. He said: “Long-term I am sure Sir Alex has an eye on him and, not only could he be a future Manchester United player, he could be their future Wayne Rooney. That’s how highly I rate him.” Like Moyes, Donovan also believes Rodwell will prosper if he is brought further into the middle this season. The American also reckons Rodwell has the quality to fire Everton into the Champions League qualifying spots. He said: “I think it’s great that David Moyes plans to play him more centrally this season
“I expect a lot of goals from him. I think he will be one of the players of the season.
“If he hits form I really think it’s impossible to rule Everton out of a top-four finish.”
But it is with his country that Donovan is convinced Rodwell can make a real difference – especially after England’s dreadful World Cup. Donovan – who played against England for the USA in South Africa – said: “Of course England start their European Championship campaign and, if I were Capello, I would throw Jack in at the deep end and start him. “Like Wayne, he has no fear and I feel he is already ready to play at the highest level. “He is the most exciting young player in the Premier League and, with Alexandre Pato at AC Milan and Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero, one of the most exciting in Europe. “He can be a huge player for both club and country.”
Everton superkid Dan Gosling wept over snub by David Moyes
Jul 25 2010 by Alan Nixon, The People
Dan Gosling was in tears the day Everton left him without a contract and with a major worry over his future. The England under-21 midfielder has been at the centre of the strangest transfer story of the summer as David Moyes' club failed to make him an offer to stay and opened the door for him to join Newcastle United on a free. Now Gosling's adviser and friend David Hodgson has lifted the lid on the background to the Goodison kid leaving in a move that needed a Premier League inquiry because it was so unique. Hodgson, a former Liverpool and Sunderland player, has never seen anything like it in 30 years. Everton have lost out on a potential 5 million pounds transfer fee but Hodgson believes it was their fault, insisting: "Dan Gosling did not walk out on Everton they chose not to keep him. "Everton had an obligation to offer him a contract in writing by the third Saturday in May. They could have offered him 1 pound more than his old contract and could have kept him or got a fee for him at a tribunal. "I rang Dan that day to ask if he had got the letter. It hadn't arrived. He wasn't jumping around the room in delight because he was a free agent. He was broken-hearted, in tears." Hodgson thinks the knee problem Gosling suffered was the reason Everton let his contract run out. But Hodgson added: "They probably felt that because Dan's injury was so serious maybe nobody was going to sign him and they were in a position to offer him anything they wanted. But the final diagnosis on May 26 said he could be back playing by January."
Everton won't speak to Arsenal over possible sale of defender Jagielka
Jul 25 2010 by Steve Bates, The People
EVERTON are refusing to meet Arsenal officials to discuss a deal for central defender Phil Jagielka. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wants to pair Jagielka with Belgian star Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Arsenal defence and he has already made two bids of around 10 million pounds for the former Sheffield United star. Arsenal have been pressing for talks to discuss a deal but Everton have blocked attempts to open negotiations for the 27-year-old who signed from Bramall Lane three years ago in a 4 million pounds deal.
Coventry City make official bid for Everton FC striker
Jul 26 2010 Coventry Telegraph
COVENTRY CITY have today made an official bid for Everton FC striker Lukas Jutkiewicz. It is understood that Sky Blues chairman Ray Ranson has made a cash offer for the Toffees frontman, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with Motherwell last season. The Sky Blues have already had a season-long loan bid for the 21-year-old frontman rejected by Goodison Park chiefs but are now keen to bring him to the Ricoh Arena on a permanent basis. Jutkiewicz has just one year to run on his current deal with Everton after making only one appearance for the club since his £1m transfer from Swindon in 2007.
Jermaine Beckford’s goalscoring form no surprise to Everton FC boss David Moyes
Jul 26 2010 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON manager David Moyes has expressed his delight that new striker Jermaine Beckford is already showing the potent goalscoring form he ‘knew’ he was capable of after Saturday’s brace at Preston opened his account for the club. Beckford’s summer ‘Bosman-stlye’ switch to Goodison Park completes an amazing climb up the football pyramid for Ealing-born frontman who as recently as 2006 was turning out for Isthmian League side Wealdstone while working as a windscreen fitter for the RAC but Moyes insists the recruit is ready to make the big step up. He said: “They were two very different type of goals. He got on the end of a ball over the top for his first, he was through one-on-one with the goalkeeper and slipped it away, and the other one was a cross. I think we know that is what he is capable of. “We are giving him a go to see if he can step up into the Premier League. We know he can score goals in the other divisions, so he will get an opportunity to see if he can do it in the Premier League.”
Moyes will now be hoping that the knock following a heavy challenge from North End’s Adam Barton that forced him to withdraw Beckford from the action three minutes from full-time is not a serious one, so he can unleash his ace marksman on further pre-season opposition – Norwich City, Everton (Chile) and Wolfsburg – ahead of the trip to Blackburn Rovers on August 14 for the Premier League opener when the 26-year-old could finally make his top flight debut. He said: “I was pleased with him because always if you are a centre-forward you want a goal, especially if you are a new one at the club. I think everyone knows that’s what he does and that’s what we bought him for to get on the end of things and finish. “He got a kick on the top of his foot when he went to shoot. I don’t think it is too bad but we obviously have to assess it.” Moyes was also pleased with the contribution of his other forwards – namely French pair Louis Saha and Magaye Gueye, a 20-year-old summer recruit from Strasbourg who looked lively cutting inside from the left wing at Deepdale.
He said: “I thought Louis did quite well. He has looked quite sharp in the last week or two in training so we know if we can get him playing everyone knows he is a top player. “We are actually still finding our way with young Magaye, we are finding what is best suited for him. “He also plays as a central midfield player for France U21s. We are not nailing him down to anything at this present time.” Just five days after returning from their round-trip of over 20,000 miles to Australia, Everton displayed few signs of sluggishness against a Preston side that will kick-off their Championship campaign in less than a fortnight’s time and Moyes is anticipating his squad will be strengthened further in the coming weeks as his World Cup contingent also return to training. He said: “Having just come back from Australia we were just a little bit concerned at how we would be but I thought we passed well and got some goals in the second half. “All you can do is prepare the boys, get them ready and that is what we are doing at the moment. “We gave our World Cup players four weeks off. Tim Cahill, Joseph Yobo and Yakubu returned on Thursday, John Heitinga will not return for another week or so. “The two goalkeepers return on Monday. We have still got six or seven still to come, and if you count Leon Osman, Marouane Fellaini and Victor Anichebe who missed the Preston game, then it is a fair squad. “Fellaini will join training on Monday or Tuesday. It will probably another two or three weeks before he gets some games.” Cahill’s success in playing ‘in the hole’ off a lone frontman has ensured that Moyes has used a 4-4-1-1 system extensively in recent seasons and this summer’s World Cup finals suggested a tactical shift away from the traditional 4-4-2 formation, the default style for most British clubs for many years, including Everton. However, Saha and Beckford looked potent as a twin strikeforce on this occasion and with other forward options including Yakubu, Gueye, Vaughan, Anichebe and Silva, Moyes revealed that he will consider playing with two frontmen at certain times throughout the forthcoming campaign. He said: I think at times during the season we might have to change. You never have one system throughout the season, it changes. “There may be games where I think we can play a different way. I want to have plenty of options this year and if I need to make changes, I can do so.”
Preston NE 0, Everton FC 3: Jermaine Beckford crashes Preston's wedding party
Jul 26 2010 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo
IT’S not good wedding etiquette to upstage a bride on her big day so it’s safe to say that new Blues idol Jermaine Beckford won’t have been invited to the evening reception for the ‘happy couple’ who took to the Deepdale pitch to celebrate their nuptials before this friendly encounter. The sound of UB40’s version of “Can’t help falling in love” blared out of the public address system before the pair stepped on to the hallowed turf but hearing the lyrics “only fools rush in..” seemed rather inappropriate seeing as we were told that the silver-haired Preston North End-mad groom and his partner had been together for 19 years – that’s four more than long-suffering Evertonians have so far had to wait to reopen the Goodison Park trophy cabinet. Bill Shankly – whose face adorns a stand at Deepdale – famously rebuffed suggestions that he’d taken wife Nessie to a match at Rochdale on their anniversary. The former Reds boss quipped: “It was her birthday not our anniversary, why would I have got married during the football season?”, before adding: “Anyway it was Rochdale reserves!” Shanks got out of watching Everton turn on the style on this occasion. There was no need to shut the curtains as his eyes along with the rest of his face coloured in on the seats at the away end were covered by the travelling hordes of delighted Evertonians who filled out their section behind the goal to make up half of the 9,153 crowd. However, Preston’s honoured duo who had just tied the knot brought along all of their guests complete in glad rags to take in the on-field action from the stands. Perhaps David Moyes should have asked Mikel Arteta and his family to do something similar so the Spaniard wouldn’t have had to miss Everton’s final game of their Australian tour? Let’s just hope they enjoy the honeymoon because Everton’s dominance in this encounter will have made uncomfortable viewing for all North End fans and Beckford’s brace will have made him as welcome in Preston as a cough from the back of the congregation in response to “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”
He hasn’t been handed the coveted number nine jersey but in Beckford, Blues fans will be hoping that manager David Moyes has unearthed another centre-forward in the great Evertonian tradition. Despite Beckford’s prolific form for Leeds United last season, eyebrows were raised by many earlier this summer when Moyes decided to give the former Wealdstone player his big break in the Premier League.
How many times have lower division hotshots found themselves caught like a deer in the headlights when it comes to racking up the goals in the top flight?
There are plenty of Robert Earnshaws, Michael Chopras and Jason Scotlands out there who have failed to cut the mustard in the elite – Brett Angell anyone? – but obviously goals breed confidence for strikers and Beckford has set the ball rolling early on with this quickfire double in his first outing in a royal blue shirt on English soil.
Moyes’ latest diamond from the rough is already showing signs of being polished up on the evidence of this impressive 42-minute cameo and he showed two very different sets of skills to finish his pair of goals in expert fashion. The Ealing-born frontman opened his Everton account barely 10 minutes after arriving as a half-time substitute, chasing down a looping Phil Jagielka header over the top of the Preston defence and coolly slotting the ball past the advancing keeper Andy Lonergan in front of the travelling support. While Beckford’s first goal was all about anticipation then calmness and poise, his second was a combination of explosive power and great technique. With 20 minutes remaining, Louis Saha – who was imperious all afternoon – picked up possession in the inside-left channel and lofted the ball across the area. Beckford was there to meet it perfectly at the back post with thunderous volley.
There was a slight sting in the tale for Beckford as he was withdrawn three minutes from the end to be replaced by fellow new recruit Joao Silva following a heavy challenge from Adam Barton but Evertonians will be hoping it was merely a precautionary action and there is no serious damage to their latest hero.
Beckford took his place in an increasingly rare two-man strike force alongside Saha, who had threatened to register with a series of stinging attempts beforehand, and the former Manchester United man got his goal in between the 26-year-old’s efforts with an equally spectacular finish of his own midway through the second half.
Slotted through by captain Phil Neville, Saha pulled the ball back with his left foot before despatching superbly with his right from the edge of the area, showing just why Exocet missiles hail from France. Saha was just one of a trio of Frenchmen to excel in the Everton side at Deepdale. Given that new national team coach Laurent Blanc has suspended the entire World Cup squad for his country’s next friendly match next month, he could do much worse than have a look at Goodison’s ‘Three Musketeers’.
Sylvain Distin was a tower of strength at the back but it was another one of Moyes’ new arrivals, Magaye Gueye, who really caught the eye. The 20-year-old, who has already opened his own account for the club with a goal in the 2-1 win at Brisbane Roar, was at the heart of the majority of the visitors’ attacking moves, drifting inside from the left flank. Moyes believes that the under-21 international can also operate as a centre-forward, central midfielder or in the hole, so his energy and versatility could prove a useful weapon this coming season as he looks to make his mark in England.
Another youngster aiming to force his way into Moyes’ plans is Irish right-back Seamus Coleman, whose swashbuckling runs from deep helped Preston’s neighbours Blackpool into the Premier League during his loan spell at Bloomfield Road at the back end of last season. Coleman again displayed his promise on this occasion as he was unfortunate not to add a fourth goal for Everton late on as he cut inside from the right flank and clipped Longergan’s right-hand post. Ultimately results in pre-season count for nothing but after stuttering their way through many a summer in the past and getting off to a sluggish start when real action kicks off, Everton will be grateful to be getting into a winning habit throughout their friendlies this year. Preston had beaten Blackburn 3-0 at Deepdale during midweek and Rovers are Everton’s opponents on the opening day of the Premier League campaign. If the club can hold on to their big names and with the injured Marouane Fellaini and the World Cup contingent yet to return, it could be a massive season ahead at Goodison Park. Maybe then, Moyes will finally no longer be the bridesmaid when it comes to the silverware stakes.
GOALS: Beckford 56, 70, Saha 67
PRESTON: Lonergan, Gray, Jones, St Ledger, Morgan, Coutts (Proctor 85), Mayor, Barton, Brown (McLaughlin 56), Hayes, Parry (Treacy 56). Subs: Collins, Wright, Douglas, Arestidou.
EVERTON: Turner, Hibbert, Baines (Coleman 46), Distin, Jagielka, Bilyaletdinov, Neville, Rodwell (Wallace 80), Arteta (Beckford 46) (Silva 87), Gueye (Baxter 71), Saha (Vaughan 71). Subs: Mustafi, Forshaw.
REFEREE: Jon Moss (West Yorkshire).
ATT: 9,153
Jermaine Beckford’s sharpness is the key for Everton FC - Tony Hibbert
Jul 26 2010 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo
JERMAINE BECKFORD’S sharpness in front of goal is so potent, it can add a whole new dimension to Everton’s attack according to Tony Hibbert. Hot-shot Beckford, who has terrorised League One defences for the past two seasons – breaking the 30-goal barrier in back-to-back campaigns for Leeds United – opened his Everton account in style at Preston North End on Saturday, netting twice in a 3-0 rout of Darren Ferguson’s Preston North End at Deepdale with Louis Saha also on target.
A coolly-taken one-on-one with the keeper and a thunderous volley showed Beckford’s versatility in front of goal and didn’t add up to a bad afternoon’s work given that he was only on the field for 43 minutes in his first Everton outing on English soil. Although Goodison stalwart Hibbert has never scored himself throughout a Blues career that takes in the entire David Moyes era, his experience tells him that Everton’s new attacking weapon adds an exciting new string to their bow.
He said: “In the first half we were a bit eager and we had quite a few shots but in the second half Jermaine gave us that bit of something else in that he can go in behind and he’s looking very sharp at the moment so that could be the way we play this season.
“It was good for Jermaine and I’m really pleased for him. He’s as clinical as that on a day-to-day basis in training – he’s a great finisher. “What’s impressed me most of all is that he’s very sharp which is a great bonus for us and I hope he carries it on.”
Hibbert is also pleased with Everton’s 100% record throughout their summer campaign so far with Saturday’s victory their fourth from as many outings.
Considering that the side are still waiting for their World Cup superstars to return and Moyes has been forced to shift players into different positions – Hibbert spent the entire second half at Preston in the left-back berth to accommodate Seamus Coleman on the opposite flank – the 29-year-old is encouraged by their form. Hibbert said: “There was a good pace to the game and it’s four wins out of four now. We’ve been doing that every year but it’s not always worked but everything seems to have clicked so far this pre-season. “Playing on the left is an experience, it’s a bit different for your body shape and using your other leg. It’s strange trying to get used to it but I’ve played there a couple of times. “We’ve got to move the players around and I’m just happy to play. “The manager has been moving the players around but the fluency of the team hasn’t been affected. That’s credit to the lads. They’ve been asked to play in different positions and they’re happy to do that and have put in a good shift. “It shows in the results we’ve achieved and we’ve played good teams as well – it’s working well for us this year.”
EVERTON FC striker Lukas Jutkiewicz joins Coventry City on permanent deal
Jul 26 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON striker Lukas Jutkiewicz has joined Coventry City on a permanent deal.
The 21-year-old forward has completed the switch to Aidy Boothroyd's Championship outfit for an undisclosed fee, having previously been linked with a loan switch to the Sky Blues. He had made just one senior appearance for the Toffees since joining three years ago, coming on as a substitute for the last five minutes of the 3-0 win over Sunderland in December 2008. Jutkiewicz, who was part of the squad which recently toured Australia, spent last season on loan at SPL side Motherwell, where he netted 12 times. His most notable strike was a spectacular last gasp equaliser in May's 6-6 draw with Hibernian. Earlier in his career he played first team football for Swindon and also had loan spells at Plymouth and Huddersfield. Jutkiewicz has signed a three-year deal at the Ricoh Arena. Boothroyd said: "We are delighted to have Lukas on board and this adds more strength to the squad. "We wanted to enhance our attacking options and this will certainly do that. He is at the right age too, to grow and develop with Coventry City."
Preston 0 Everton FC 3
Jul 26 2010 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
IT’S not good wedding etiquette to upstage a bride on her big day so it’s safe to say that new Everton idol Jermaine Beckford won’t have been invited to the evening reception for the ‘happy couple’ who took to the Deepdale pitch to celebrate their nuptials before this friendly encounter. The sound of UB40’s version of “Can’t help falling in love” blared out of the public address system before the pair stepped on to the hallowed turf but hearing the lyrics “only fools rush in..” seemed rather inappropriate seeing as we were told that the silver-haired Preston North End-mad groom and his partner had been together for 19 years – that’s four more than long-suffering Evertonians have so far had to wait to reopen the Goodison Park trophy cabinet. Bill Shankly – whose face adorns a stand at Deepdale – famously rebuffed suggestions that he’d taken wife Nessie to a match at Rochdale on their anniversary.
The former Liverpool manager quipped: “It was her birthday not our anniversary, why would I have got married during the football season?”, before adding: “Anyway it was Rochdale reserves!” Shanks got out of watching Everton turn on the style on this occasion. There was no need to shut the curtains as his eyes along with the rest of his face coloured in on the seats at the away end were covered by the travelling hordes of delighted Evertonians who filled out their section behind the goal to make up half of the 9,153 crowd. However, Preston’s honoured duo who had just tied the knot brought along all of their guests complete in glad rags to take in the on-field action from the stands. Perhaps David Moyes should have asked Mikel Arteta and his family to do something similar so the Spaniard wouldn’t have had to miss Everton’s final game of their Australian tour? Let’s just hope they enjoy the honeymoon because Everton’s dominance in this encounter will have made uncomfortable viewing for all North End fans and Beckford’s brace will have made him as welcome in Preston as a cough from the back of the congregation in response to “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”
He hasn’t been handed the coveted number nine jersey but in Beckford, Goodison fans will be hoping that manager David Moyes has unearthed another centre-forward in the great Evertonian tradition. Despite Beckford’s prolific form for Leeds United last season, eyebrows were raised by many earlier this summer when Moyes decided to give the former Wealdstone player his big break in the Premier League.
How many times have lower division hotshots found themselves caught like a deer in the headlights when it comes to racking up the goals in the top flight? There are plenty of Robert Earnshaws, Michael Chopras and Jason Scotlands out there who have failed to cut the mustard in the elite – Brett Angell anyone? – but obviously goals breed confidence for strikers and Beckford has set the ball rolling early on with this quickfire double in his first outing in a royal blue shirt on English soil.
Moyes’ latest diamond from the rough is already showing signs of being polished up on the evidence of this impressive 42-minute cameo and he showed two very different sets of skills to finish his pair of goals in expert fashion. The Ealing-born frontman opened his Everton account barely 10 minutes after arriving as a half-time substitute, chasing down a looping Phil Jagielka header over the top of the Preston defence and coolly slotting the ball past the advancing keeper Andy Lonergan in front of the travelling support. While Beckford’s first goal was all about anticipation then calmness and poise, his second was a combination of explosive power and great technique. With 20 minutes remaining, Louis Saha – who was imperious all afternoon – picked up possession in the inside-left channel and lofted the ball across the area.
Beckford was there to meet it perfectly at the back post with thunderous volley.
There was a slight sting in the tale for Beckford as he was withdrawn three minutes from the end to be replaced by fellow new recruit Joao Silva following a heavy challenge from Adam Barton but Evertonians will be hoping it was merely a precautionary action and there is no serious damage to their latest hero.
Beckford took his place in an increasingly rare two-man strike force alongside Saha, who had threatened to register with a series of stinging attempts beforehand, and the former Manchester United man got his goal in between the 26-year-old’s efforts with an equally spectacular finish of his own midway through the second half.
Slotted through by captain Phil Neville, Saha pulled the ball back with his left foot before despatching superbly with his right from the edge of the area, showing just why Exocet missiles hail from France. Saha was just one of a trio of Frenchmen to excel in the Everton side at Deepdale. Given that new national team coach Laurent Blanc has suspended the entire World Cup squad for his country’s next friendly match next month, he could do much worse than have a look at Goodison’s ‘Three Musketeers’.
Sylvain Distin was a tower of strength at the back but it was another one of Moyes’ new arrivals, Magaye Gueye, who really caught the eye. The 20-year-old, who has already opened his own account for the club with a goal in the 2-1 win at Brisbane Roar, was at the heart of the majority of the visitors’ attacking moves, drifting inside from the left flank. Moyes believes that the under-21 international can also operate as a centre-forward, central midfielder or in the hole, so his energy and versatility could prove a useful weapon this coming season as he looks to make his mark in England.
Another youngster aiming to force his way into Moyes’ plans is Irish right-back Seamus Coleman, whose swashbuckling runs from deep helped Preston’s neighbours Blackpool into the Premier League during his loan spell at Bloomfield Road at the back end of last season. Coleman again displayed his promise on this occasion as he was unfortunate not to add a fourth goal for Everton late on as he cut inside from the right flank and clipped Longergan’s right-hand post. Ultimately results in pre-season count for nothing but after stuttering their way through many a summer in the past and getting off to a sluggish start when real action kicks off, Everton will be grateful to be getting into a winning habit throughout their friendlies this year. Preston had beaten Blackburn 3-0 at Deepdale during midweek and Rovers are Everton’s opponents on the opening day of the Premier League campaign. If the club can hold on to their big names and with the injured Marouane Fellaini and the World Cup contingent yet to return, it could be a massive season ahead at Goodison Park. Maybe then, Moyes will finally no longer be the bridesmaid when it comes to the silverware stakes.
Everton FC manager David Moyes hints at twin strikeforce of Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford
Jul 26 2010 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON manager David Moyes has hinted he could move away from his lone frontman formation at times this season following the success of twin strikeforce of Jermaine Beckford and Louis Saha at Preston. Beckford opened his account with an impressive brace while Saha also netted in the 3-0 win at Deepdale. Tim Cahill’s success in playing ‘in the hole’ off a lone frontman has ensured that Moyes has used a 4-4-1-1 system extensively in recent seasons and this summer’s World Cup finals suggested a tactical shift away from the traditional 4-4-2 formation, the default style for most British clubs for many years, including Everton. However, Saha and Beckford looked potent as a twin strikeforce on this occasion and with other forward options including Yakubu, Gueye, Vaughan, Anichebe and Silva, Moyes revealed that he will consider playing with two frontmen at certain times throughout the forthcoming campaign. He said: I think at times during the season we might have to change. You never have one system throughout the season, it changes. “There may be games where I think we can play a different way. I want to have plenty of options this year and if I need to make changes, I can do so.” Moyes was also pleased with the contribution of his other forwards – namely French pair Louis Saha and Magaye Gueye, a 20-year-old summer recruit from Strasbourg who looked lively cutting inside from the left wing at Deepdale. He said: “I thought Louis did quite well. He has looked quite sharp in the last week or two in training so we know if we can get him playing everyone knows he is a top player. “We are actually still finding our way with young Magaye, we are finding what is best suited for him. “He also plays as a central midfield player for France U21s. We are not nailing him down to anything at this present time.” Just five days after returning from their round-trip of over 20,000 miles to Australia, Everton displayed few signs of sluggishness against a Preston side that will kick-off their Championship campaign in less than a fortnight’s time and Moyes is anticipating his squad will be strengthened further in the coming weeks as his World Cup contingent also return to training. He said: “Having just come back from Australia we were just a little bit concerned at how we would be but I thought we passed well and got some goals in the second-half. “All you can do is prepare the boys, get them ready and that is what we are doing at the moment. We gave our World Cup players four weeks off. Tim Cahill, Joseph Yobo and Yakubu returned on Thursday, John Heitinga will not return for another week or so. The two goalkeepers return on Monday. “We have still got six or seven still to come, and if you count Leon Osman, Marouane Fellaini and Victor Anichebe who missed the Preston game, then it is a fair squad.”
Everton FC manager David Moyes hails Jermaine Beckford goal talent
Jul 26 2010 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON manager David Moyes has expressed his delight that new striker Jermaine Beckford is already showing the potent goalscoring form he ‘knew’ he was capable of.
Hot-shot Beckford, who had terrorised League One defences for the past two seasons – breaking the 30-goal barrier in back-to-back campaigns for Leeds United – opened his Everton account in style at Preston North End on Saturday, netting twice in a 3-0 rout of Darren Ferguson’s Preston North End at Deepdale with Louis Saha also on target. A coolly-taken one-on-one with the keeper and a thunderous volley showed Beckford’s versatility in front of goal and weren’t a bad afternoon’s work given that he was only on the field for 43 minutes in his first Everton outing on English soil.
Beckford’s summer ‘Bosman-stlye’ switch to Goodison Park completes an amazing climb up the football pyramid for Ealing-born frontman who as recently as 2006 was turning out for Isthmian League side Wealdstone while working as a windscreen fitter for the RAC but Moyes insists he recruit is ready to make the big step up.
He said: “They were two very different type of goals. He got on the end of a ball over the top for his first, he was through one-on-one with the goalkeeper and slipped it away, and the other one was a cross. I think we know that is what he is capable of.
“We are giving him a go to see if he can step up into the Premier League. We know he can score goals in the other divisions, so he will get an opportunity to see if he can do it in the Premier League.” Moyes will now be hoping that the knock following a heavy challenge from North End’s Adam Barton that forced him to withdraw Beckford from the action three minutes from full-time is not a serious one, so he can unleash his ace marksman on further pre-season opposition – Norwich City, Everton (Chile) and Wolfsburg – ahead of the trip to Blackburn Rovers on August 14 for the Premier League opener when the 26-year-old could finally make his top flight debut.
He said: “I was pleased with him because always if you are a centre-forward you want a goal, especially if you are a new one at the club. I think everyone knows that's what he does and that's what we bought him for to get on the end of things and finish.
“He got a kick on the top of his foot when he went to shoot. I don't think it is too bad but we obviously have to assess it.”
Lukas Jutkiewicz: Aidy Boothroyd ambition convinced me on Coventry City deal
Jul 26 2010 Coventry Telegraph
STRIKER Lukas Jutkiewicz says Aidy Boothroyd's determination to succeed help convince him to sign for Coventry City. The 21-year-old has signed a three-year deal after Everton and the Sky Blues agreed a fee over the weekend. And the former Swindon Town striker highlighted Boothroyd's burning ambitions as one of the key factors behind the move. Asked what attracted him to the club, he said: "I spoke to the manager and he's really ambitious. I am the same so it seemed like a good fit.
"There's a big stadium, a big fan base and a good young manager so everything is there for the club to succeed." Jutkiewicz - who spent the 2009/10 season on loan at Motherwell, where he scored 11 goals - says he can't wait to pull on the Sky Blues jersey. He added: "I'm really happy to be here. Ideally it would have been done last week but I'm just looking forward to getting started now and playing some games.
"It's a test and a challenge that I'm really looking forward to. Last season was really good for me and, hopefully, I can push on and have another good year." Jutkiewicz follows Lee Carsley, Gary McSheffrey, Richard Keogh, Roy O'Donovan and Stephen O'Halloran as new signings at the Ricoh Arena this summer.
Aidy Boothroyd: Why I signed Lee Carsley
Jul 26 2010 by Andy Turner
Coventry Telegraph
AIDY BOOTHROYD says he decided to sign veteran midfielder Lee Carsley because he wanted an wise head amongst his Sky Blues starlets. Eyebrows were raised when Boothroyd gave the 36-year-old a one-year deal at the Ricoh Arena on Friday - eight years after he left Highfield Road for Everton. And explaining the club’s break with their recent policy of avoiding recruiting 30-somethings, Boothroyd said: “He has been around a bit but I think sometimes you can become obsessed with having young players. “You don’t want to have a Dad’s Army team but at the same time you don’t want a team of embryos. "You want to get the mixture right and the balance right and that’s what we have got to try to do.” Newly-appointed skipper Carsley sat out the game at the Banks’s Stadium because he is a little bit behind his team-mates after doing a pre-season on his own. But Boothroyd is confident the 36-year-old will be fit and ready to face Pompey a week on Saturday, adding: “He’s not played a game yet but I envisage him playing at some point against Shrewsbury tomorrow night.
Magaye Gueye can become Everton’s secret weapon in the new season by keeping opposition defenders guessing, says David Moyes
Jul 27 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
MAGAYE GUEYE can become Everton’s secret weapon in the new season by keeping opposition defenders guessing, says David Moyes. The 20-year-old Frenchman can operate on the left wing or up front and has already showed flashes of class in pre-season games since completing his £900,000 summer transfer from Stras-bourg. Gueye scored against Brisbane Roar during the club’s tour of Australia, and impressed again during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Preston North End at Deepdale.
The French U-21 international has also played for his country in a central midfield role, and Moyes said: “We’re not nailing him down in any particular role at present. We’re still finding the way we think will be best suited to him.” First team coach Jimmy Lumsden was also excited by Gueye’s livewire performance against Moyes’ former club. The Scot said: “Gueye’s a good talent. He’s quick, he’s got a great first touch, and I think he’s going to be able to play in a few positions. “It’s hard to tell with pre-season games but we’re pleased with our fitness - obviously the gaffer is pleased with the passing and the movement, and the goals are a benefit. “I thought that (Saturday’s victory over Preston) was our best performance. I thought we passed the ball very well and then the goals made the difference.” Lumsden also took heart from two well-taken goals from another summer recruit, former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford. He said: “Beckford is a goal scorer, he definitely is. “His movement inside the box is his big asset, and if you can get the ball in the box, I think he’ll finish.
“Louis scored a great goal and I thought he played really well. “His touch and his movement, I thought he was great. “Beckford’s movement in the box – the way he moved forward then he pulled off to get the second goal - that’s his big asset.”
Meanwhile, Marouane Fellaini is set to return to training this week. Although it is unlikely the Belgian midfielder will be match-fit in time for the opening game of the campaign at Blackburn on August 14, Moyes will welcome him back gratefully.
The 22-year-old missed the final three months of last season after undergoing surgery on a serious ankle injury sustained in the Anfield derby. “He’s probably two or three weeks away from playing,” said Moyes. Elsewhere, Landon Donovan has tipped Jack Rodwell to reinvigorate the English national side after their dismal World Cup campaign. The former Everton loan star said: “I think, along with Wayne Rooney, Jack really is the future of England. “Following England‘s World Cup campaign, I know the coach is being urged to bring through young blood. “I really believe Jack could rejuvenate this England team. “I don‘t give out false praise but this young guy really is a future world-beater. “I am sure he can make the same impact for club and country that Wayne [Rooney] and David [Beckham] have – that‘s really how good he is.”
Everton FC striker Lukas Jutkiewicz moves to Coventry City
Jul 27 2010 Liverpool Echo
COVENTRY have confirmed the signing of Everton striker Lukas Jutkiewicz for an undisclosed fee. The 21-year-old, who scored 11 goals during a loan spell with Motherwell last season, has agreed a three-year deal at the Ricoh Arena and is manager Aidy Boothroyd’s sixth summer signing. Boss Aidy Boothroyd said: “We are delighted to have Lukas on board and this adds more strength to the squad.
“We wanted to enhance our attacking options and this will certainly do that. He is at the right age too, to grow and develop with Coventry City.” Boothroyd has also confirmed that veteran midfielder Lee Carsley will captain the side this season.
Everton Tigers are relaunched as Mersey Tigers after football club withdraw funding
July 27 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON Tigers will be known as Mersey Tigers next season after the football club withdrew their support for the British Basketball League outfit. It brings to an end the Blues’ three-year association with the basketball side who were formerly known as Toxteth Tigers. Everton heavily reduced the amount of cash they were putting into the Tigers last summer and have now decided to sever all ties. As a result the BBL Play-Off champions will be relaunched as Mersey Tigers with former chairman Gary Townsend returning to take over as owner and full-time managing director.
Townsend was instrumental in the launch of Everton Tigers as a professional club back in 2007 in his role as chief executive of the Everton Foundation. He left Goodison and stood down as Tigers chairman in September 2009 after being appointed chief executive of League Two side Notts County. The 37-year-old worked closely with director of football Sven Goran Eriksson but quit Meadow Lane back in February as the club’s financial problems deepened. Now he’s back in Merseyside and relishing the chance to ensure the basketball side build on the progress that’s been made in recent years.
“We’ve had significant support from Everton since the club was launched but now the time has come to start a new, exciting era,” Townsend said. “We maybe losing our association with Everton but this name change opens the club up to the other half of the city. I’m sure the fact we were so closely aligned with the Blues put some off on the red side of the city. But this is a sport for everyone and hopefully being Mersey Tigers will enable us to attract even more supporters. “I’m confident we can secure the club’s financial future by increasing our sponsorship revenues. I’m hoping to announce our new sponsors and partners very soon, and I’d be happy to speak to any other interested parties.” Townsend, who boasts a wealth of experience having worked at Manchester United for seven years and five years at Goodison, has big plans for the future. “There is so much potential,” he added. “We’ve already had 5,000 fans at the Echo Arena for a game and the club has never had a full-time employee driving things forward off the court. “This sport is great family entertainment and I’ve never heard anyone who has come to a game say a bad word about it. The challenge is getting people through the doors. “I really believe in this and I know what we’re capable of achieving. “It was a real experience working at Notts County, but the well documented promised investment to take the club to the promised land failed to appear. “I moved back to Liverpool in May and then this great opportunity came up.” Martyn Best has stepped down as Tigers chairman but the director of city PR agency Paver Smith will remain involved, providing publicity and marketing support. “Having the Everton brand gave the Tigers credibility from day one but they’ve proved ourselves to be a real force and are ready to go it alone,” Best said. “The Tigers have gone from nothing to the second most successful basketball team in the country in three years. “After Gary left I helped carry the club through last season and it was great to add the BBL Play-Off trophy to the BBL Cup we won the year before. “It’s a massive boost to have Gary back and with his wealth of experience I’m sure the club will go from strength to strength. I wish them well.” Coach Tony Garbelotto will remain at the helm but Townsend faces a hectic few weeks signing up players before the new season starts in early September with none of last year’s squad currently under contract. Townsend said: “There’s a lot to sort out but we should have some good news for our fans over the coming weeks. “We’re also building on the community work the club has been doing with players going into local schools. We’re hoping to have 30 kids signed up for our academy at Childwall School. I’m looking forward to an exiting future for Mersey Tigers.”
Magaye Gueye can be Everton FC’s secret weapon - David Moyes
Jul 27 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
MAGAYE GUEYE can become Everton’s secret weapon in the new season by keeping opposition defenders guessing, says David Moyes. The 20-year-old Frenchman can operate on the left wing or up front and has already showed flashes of class in pre-season games since completing his £900,000 summer transfer from Stras-bourg. Gueye scored against Brisbane Roar during the club’s tour of Australia, and impressed again during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Preston North End at Deepdale.
The French U-21 international has also played for his country in a central midfield role, and Moyes said: “We’re not nailing him down in any particular role at present. We’re still finding the way we think will be best suited to him.” First team coach Jimmy Lumsden was also excited by Gueye’s livewire performance against Moyes’ former club. The Scot said: “Gueye’s a good talent. He’s quick, he’s got a great first touch, and I think he’s going to be able to play in a few positions. “It’s hard to tell with pre-season games but we’re pleased with our fitness - obviously the gaffer is pleased with the passing and the movement, and the goals are a benefit. “I thought that (Saturday’s victory over Preston) was our best performance. I thought we passed the ball very well and then the goals made the difference.” Lumsden also took heart from two well-taken goals from another summer recruit, former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford. He said: “Beckford is a goal scorer, he definitely is. “His movement inside the box is his big asset, and if you can get the ball in the box, I think he’ll finish.
“Louis scored a great goal and I thought he played really well. “His touch and his movement, I thought he was great. “Beckford’s movement in the box – the way he moved forward then he pulled off to get the second goal - that’s his big asset.”
Meanwhile, Marouane Fellaini is set to return to training this week. Although it is unlikely the Belgian midfielder will be match-fit in time for the opening game of the campaign at Blackburn on August 14, Moyes will welcome him back gratefully.
The 22-year-old missed the final three months of last season after undergoing surgery on a serious ankle injury sustained in the Anfield derby. “He’s probably two or three weeks away from playing,” said Moyes. Elsewhere, Landon Donovan has tipped Jack Rodwell to reinvigorate the English national side after their dismal World Cup campaign. The former Everton loan star said: “I think, along with Wayne Rooney, Jack really is the future of England. “Following England‘s World Cup campaign, I know the coach is being urged to bring through young blood “I really believe Jack could rejuvenate this England team. “I don‘t give out false praise but this young guy really is a future world-beater. “I am sure he can make the same impact for club and country that Wayne [Rooney] and David [Beckham] have – that‘s really how good he is.’
Mark Lawrenson - Everton FC won't use two strikers
Jul 27 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
DAVID MOYES might have hinted that he’ll consider using a twin strikeforce in the Premier League at times next season following the success of Jermaine Beckford and Louis Saha at Preston but I doubt we’ll be seeing that much of it. Top teams who still play 4-4-2 are a dying breed and at the elite end of the game it’s a dying system.
These days the split-striker tactic of having one man up front on his own and another playing off him in front of the midfield is the way most sides go. All the good teams try and get five players across the middle but those out wide push forward so the system adapts from 4-5-1 to 4-3-3 depending whether you’re in possession of the ball or not. Because of Tim Cahill’s effectiveness ‘in the hole’, Everton have cultivated the 4-4-1-1 system for several seasons now and with the Australian having committed himself to Goodison for another four years I really can’t see them playing any other way for any prolonged period of time. Systems are designed by the players you’ve got and the battle will now be on for the one likely attacking berth in the Everton side.
I don’t imagine that Moyes will just chuck Beckford in from the start in the Premier League and I can see him being given a substitute’s brief, certainly to start with.
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger turns his attention to Phil Jagielka to plug holes at back
Arsène Wenger intends to buy a second central defender this summer, with Everton's Phil Jagielka still topping his list of targets.
By Jeremy Wilson
27 Jul 2010 Daily Telegraher
Back up: Everton's Phil Jagielka would bring some much-needed Premier League experience to Arsenal's defence Photo: Arsenal had an initial bid of around £10 million rejected in June and are likely to make a fresh offer now that Sol Campbell is inching towards a free transfer to Newcastle. Wenger had hoped that Campbell would stay for a further season as back-up to Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou and new signing Laurent Koscielny but is now actively pursuing other targets.
He is well aware that he cannot afford to begin the season with only three senior centre-backs, particularly as Djourou missed last season with a knee injury and Koscielny has only played in the French league. At the age of 28, Jagielka would add considerable Premier League experience to the Arsenal squad and, if he could be prised away from Everton, would be likely to begin the season in central defence alongside Vermaelen. However, Wenger has also been scouting a number of other defenders across Europe and, despite having already spent £8.5 million on Koscielny during this transfer window, has an available transfer budget comfortably in excess of £20 million. The other priority is the goalkeeping position, with Wenger having recently made the stark admission that he did not feel like he had an obvious 'No 1’. Arsenal’s main target is Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and a fresh offer is thought to be imminent. The battle to keep captain Cesc Fabregas remains ongoing, although Barcelona appear increasingly resigned to having to wait for at least another season. An offer of £29.2 million has already been rejected and, unless there was another direct bid, Arsenal have refused to even speak to Barcelona. “It’s not a problem with the wishes of Cesc or of Barca — Arsenal simply don’t want to negotiate,” said Barcelona spokesman Toni Freixa. A further difficulty for Barcelona is the club’s current financial predicament. An audit of the accounts by new president Sandro Rosell yesterday uncovered a post-tax loss of 77.1 million euros (£64 million) for the 2009-10 season. Javier Faus, a Barcelona vice president, also revealed that the club’s net debt had swelled to 442 million euros (£368 million) from 329 million euros (£274 million) at the end of the 2008-09 season. "There is a structural problem," Faus said. "The sporting excellence of the past few years has not been reflected in excellence in economic management."
Everton FC striker Jermaine Beckford has healthy appetite for goals
Jul 28 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
JERMAINE BECKFORD is praying that his career scoring streak can continue at Everton – and insists he will benefit from playing alongside Louis Saha. The 26-year-old Goodison new boy believes there are plenty more goals to come after his brace at Preston on Saturday. Two well-taken second-half strikes netted in the Blues’ 3-0 win were his first since signing for Everton earlier this summer. Now the striker, who boasted an impressive goal-scoring record at former club Leeds United, is desperate to transfer that reputation into the Premier League. Beckford, who scored 31 goals for Leeds in their successful promotion bid last season, said: “It is always nice to get the first one out of the way and get the pressure off. “Hopefully I will be able to get a few more in pre-season and carry the form on.” Both Beckford’s goals at Deepdale were expertly dispatched, the first a composed finish and the second an perfectly-executed volley.And Beckford believes he will continue to prosper by playing with international stars like Louis Saha. He said: “It was a great cross from Louis and I just peeled off and volleyed it in. “The reception from the fans was amazing, I can’t wait to play the first game at Goodison now.” Meanwhile, Everton are set to be largely unaffected by new Premier League rules which mean clubs must name a 25-man squad for the first part of the season. The list must be finalised on September 1 2010, after the summer transfer window has closed. Managers will then draw their squads from this 25-man party, which can not be changed until the January transfer window.
The rules state that the squad must contain at least eight ‘home-grown’ players, meaning they have spent three years at an English or Welsh club between the ages of 16 and 21. Squads can only be supplemented by any player who was under 21 years of age on January 1 this year. But the Blues are comfortably within the parameters, thanks to players such as to Tony Hibbert, Leighton Baines, Tim Cahill, Phil Neville, Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe.
Everton FC dismiss 'ludicrous' claims that they did not want Dan Gosling
Jul 28 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have hit back at “ludicrous” claims they did not want to keep want-away midfielder Dan Gosling after a technicality in his contract allowed him to join Newcastle United. The Toffees were left infuriated by suggestions from Gosling’s agent that they were complacent over contract negotiations with the 20-year-old and they assumed an injury would make him unattractive to other clubs. Ordinarily clubs are entitled to a fee for any player under 24, but Everton’s failure to make Gosling a written offer of a new deal by a mid-May deadline meant Newcastle could sign him without paying compensation. Everton had a verbal agreement in place with Gosling however, and have stressed their disappointment at the way events have unfolded.
A club statement read: “In the wake of a report in a Sunday newspaper in which the agent of Dan Gosling made a series of allegations, Everton Football Club has decided to take the unprecedented step of setting straight a record of recent events which has, in its opinion, been deliberately distorted. “In the article, Mr David Hodgson suggested that not only did this club not wish to extend Mr Gosling’s stay at Goodison Park but that it had been deliberately tardy with regard to the formal offer of a new contract, presuming that an injury sustained by the player during the course of last season was of such a serious nature it would prevent him from signing for another club. Both claims are ludicrous, totally without substance and grossly misleading.”
Gosling, who joined Everton from Plymouth two and a-half years ago, suffered a serious knee injury in March which is likely to rule him out for the first half of the new season. Everton insist they had several conversations with Hodgson, the former Liverpool player, over a new deal and were told their “handshake agreement” was “fine”.The statement added: “It was Everton’s understanding that this gentleman’s agreement would guarantee that the player would extend, by at least two years, the three-year deal he signed upon his arrival from Plymouth Argyle.” Everton have now accused Hodgson of exploiting the rules to ensure Gosling left for nothing. The club’s chief executive, Robert Elstone, said: “We wanted Dan Gosling to stay with us – and, after what we had been told, we expected him to stay with us. However, in the first week in June, Mr Hodgson rang David Moyes seemingly content that he had manoeuvred a situation where Dan was a free agent.” Moyes also admitted he feels let down over the affair. “We feel aggrieved that they have contrived a situation to get the player out of the club when, if he had come and said that he wanted to leave, we could at least have done something about it – but at no point did Dan say he wished to leave.” Everton chairman, Bill Kenwright, added: “In the very long history of our club, our executive team have never once forgotten or neglected to deal properly and professionally with contractual matters. “We place our trust in people; we always keep our side of any offered deal – and all we have ever asked is that others do the same.”
A Premier League tribunal acknowledged Gosling’s right to a free transfer. “Dan Gosling did not walk out on Everton, they chose not to keep him,” Hodgson was quoted as saying. “Everton had an obligation to offer him a contract in writing by the third Saturday in May. “They could have offered him one pound more than his old contract and could have kept him or got a fee for him at a tribunal. “I rang Dan that day to ask if he had got the letter. It hadn’t arrived. He wasn’t jumping around the room in delight because he was a free agent. He was broken-hearted, in tears.”
But Moyes added: “I read at the weekend that he cried when he didn’t receive a formal, written offer. “ Well, trust me, the money Everton were offering was certainly not a crying matter.”
Future looks bright for Tranmere after ex-Everton FC star John Ebbrell joins centre of excellence
Jul 28 2010 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo
FORMER Everton midfielder John Ebbrell embarked on a new phase of his football career when he was appointed centre of excellence manager at Tranmere.
Ebbrell will be working with Rovers’ Head of Youth Shaun Garnett, putting his focus on the youngsters in the under eight to under 16 age groups. Ebbrell, who played more than 260 games for Everton between 1986 and 1997, began working with Tranmere’s centre of excellence set-up on a part-time basis last season. The full-time vacancy opened up this month when former head of youth and centre of excellence manager Kenny Shiels left Prenton Park to join Kilmarnock and Garnett moved in as head of the department with a personal emphasis on the youth trainees (under 16 to under 18).
Ebbrell said: “I’m very pleased to be joining the excellent coaching team here and I’m determined to apply the same passion I had as a player to the development of Tranmere’s future footballing talent. “It has been clear to me throughout my time working at the centre of excellence that the coaches here are passionate, committed to the club and dedicated to the young players who represent the future of Tranmere.
“After Kenny Shiels departed I was delighted to be asked by Shaun to help implement and support his vision to the centre of excellence.” Garnett said: “I’m really pleased John has agreed to become the centre of excellence manager. He’s a good coach with a lot of ideas about how he wants the centre of excellence to progress and I look forward to working with him.” Manager Les Parry said: “John has come in with some ideas of his own about how he thinks he can improve the centre of excellence operation. That’s good. You don’t want people coming in and saying they are happy to do everything the same. You always have to try to do things better.”
Tranmere chief executive Mick Horton said: “I’d like to congratulate John on his appointment and wish him the best of luck in the role. This club is proud of its track record in developing young players and I know Shaun Garnett and John will make it their aim to continue and improve that.” Bromborough-born Ebbrell, a product of the youth development set-up at Goodison in the 1980s, made his Everton debut in 1989. His final Everton game, against Blackburn in 97, was followed by a £1 million move to Sheffield United but injury blighted his career there and he retired from football with an infection of the ankle in 1999.
Everton FC letters: Blues fans give their thoughts on Jermaine Beckford and Dan Gosling
Jul 28 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
THE brace at Deepdale from Jermaine Beckford augurs well for the forthcoming season. He will vindicate David Moyes's savoir-faire for the following reasons:
Goal scoring is part of his footballing lexicon and furthermore the likes of Louis Saha, Yakubu and Tim Cahill will have to produce consistently high quality performances to sustain their first team credentials. The dissertations, however, surrounding Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka and Steven Pienaar are becoming invasive and it is imperative the Board give a stern rebuff to any prospective suitors. These players are fundamental to Everton's progress but as football is now primarily a business and the Board conversely wants to sell, then this potential exodus should be expeditious and extremely expensive – i.e.. £25m per player. The issue regarding new stadiums for Everton and Liverpool has gone quiet at the moment, but it is vitally important both clubs – even in these economic times – discuss the possibility of a shared stadium or as printed in the Liverpool ECHO some time ago the ‘Siamese Stadium’. Either way both clubs’ long term future depends on stadiums in order to complete with Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal etc. A site and blueprints need to be discussed and gather velocity and implementation for the benefit of the Merseyside region. David, Aintree
GREAT to see Jermaine Beckford get off the mark with those two goals against Preston on Saturday. He’s clearly a striker who ‘knows where the goal is’ and with good service I’m sure he’ll bang them in for us. He could be a very shrewd pick-up indeed.
Park Ender
I AM no Brian Clough but the young man Beckford looked a very good prospect on Saturday, and it made for decent day out. Thanks Preston – very hospitable as always.
DEANOSOFF
I AM not overly concerned about the loss of Dan Gosling for nothing.
Yes, the club made a mess of the situation but we well got the money back we paid for him, especially with his winner in the FA Cup derby and his other goals. Also, if we are realistic, Gosling was never a Premier League player; just someone to have knocking around the squad as occasional cover. That said, I would have been going stark raving mad if it was Rodwell or Coleman!
Joleon2
DAN GOSLING isn’t a patch on what we have.
This new ruling about squad size and the quality we have gives me a confidence for the coming season I haven’t felt for decades. If we don’t win a trophy now then we won’t win one ever under David Moyes as all the class players will disappear and we will have missed the greatest opportunity since the 1980s.
Stdomingo57
IS it wrong to feel upbeat ahead of the season's opener at Blackburn?
We've had our best pre-season in years with four wins out of four while looking solid at the back and lively up front. The most important thing now is not to bring in average squad players who'll offer little, but to ensure the players who are at the club remain at the club. The now tiresome rumours continue to circulate regarding Pienaar and Arteta with no word from either player on where they see their futures. No doubt Harry 'top, top, player' Redknapp or Arsene Wenger will be keeping a close eye on proceedings. But with the likes of Rodwell and Cahill committing themselves to the club, there's no reason why Pienaar and Arteta shouldn't do the same. Let's hope we've abandoned our habit of generally being rubbish for the first three months of the season. And with a fully fit squad too. Robert Beard, Walton
Everton FC latest: Jermaine Beckford targets more goals as Marouane Fellaini returns to training
Jul 28 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
JERMAINE BECKFORD has expressed his relief at breaking his goalscoring duck – as Marouane Fellaini handed Everton a welcome fitness fillip. Beckford impressed while scoring twice in the 3-0 friendly win at Preston North End at the weekend.
They were the striker’s first goals since arriving on a free transfer from Leeds United in the summer. And Beckford has now set sights on forcing his way into David Moyes’s plans for the Premier League opener against Blackburn Rovers on August 14.
“It is always nice to get the first one out of the way and get the pressure off,” said the forward. “Hopefully I will be able to get a few more in pre-season and carry the form on. “The reception from the fans (at Preston) was amazing, and I can’t wait to play the first game at Goodison now.” Everton’s next warm-up game is at Norwich City on Saturday, after which they entertain Everton Chile the following Wednesday before wrapping up their preparations with a game in Germany against Wolfsburg four days later. Moyes’s men have won all four of their friendlies thus far, despite being without their World Cup representatives. The majority are now back at Finch Farm, where numbers have been further boosted by the return to training this week of Fellaini.
The Belgian has been sidelined since February after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in the Merseyside derby defeat at Anfield, an injury that required surgery and was expected to keep the player out for six months. The 22-year-old is still some weeks away from being considered for a first-team outing, but said yesterday: “I have no pain, I am happy.” Meanwhile, Leighton Baines hopes Everton can reap the benefits of his World Cup disappointment. The left-back missed out on a place in England’s final squad for the tournament in South Africa when manager Fabio Capello trimmed his initial 30-man party to 23. The only consolation for the 25-year-old was that he was able to begin his summer break earlier and he hopes that shows when the Premier League starts next month. Baines said: “Hopefully there will be positives to come out of a negative and I’ll feel fresher come the start of the season. “The summer is always nice and enjoyable. You relax and spend some time with the family – I think everyone enjoys it. “I put my feet up and fully relaxed during those four weeks but, now it is coming to an end, I think everyone is ready to come back. I’ve had a nice few weeks’ break but I was more than happy to come back and get training again.”
Everton FC dismiss ‘ludicrous’ claims that they did not want to keep departed midfielder Dan Gosling
Jul 28 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON have dismissed as “ludicrous” claims they did not want to keep midfielder Dan Gosling. The club has been angered by suggestions from Gosling’s agent they were complacent over contract negotiationsand assumed an injury would make him unattractive to other clubs. A club statement read: “Both claims are ludicrous, totally without substance and grossly misleading.”
Everton FC skipper Phil Neville warns stars the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere
Jul 29 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
PHIL Neville has warned star duo Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar against any temptation to jump ship – with Everton primed to win silverware. Neville insists this squad, widely believed to be the best assembled by David Moyes, is on the brink of success, and urged his in-demand team-mates to extend their stays at Goodison.
Arteta has been in negotiations over a new deal for some time but is yet to sign while South Africa international Pienaar is now entering the final year of his contract.
The pair are crucial to Moyes’ plans and Neville believes players should not always be tempted by bigger financial deals at other clubs elsewhere at the expense of happiness on Merseyside. He said: “We want them to stay and that’s the bottom line. The manager and fans obviously want them to stay. “They’ve got a great environment to play in. I keep saying to them the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
“They’ve got a great platform. They’re all highly thought of and they are all looked after and hopefully they can stay and we can build something really special.
“If we keep everybody together these boys can win silverware at this club and that’s what they should remember.” Arteta has been linked with a big-money move to Manchester City, with Arsenal and Spurs believed to But the pairs’ team-mates have not hesitated in reminding them how much they are wanted, and Leighton Baines has already admitted to texting Pienaar to urge him to stay. The left-back said: “We want them to stay. “They are among our better players and a key part of what we are looking to do. We want to keep our better players to give us the best chance of success. “Hopefully they will stick with us. I don’t know what their thoughts are – they are personal matters – but we are all hoping, like the fans, they stay with us.”
Meanwhile, Derby County are still hoping to bring striker James Vaughan back to the club for a second loan spell. The Rams want to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season and boss Nigel Clough is monitoring the 22-year-old’s situation.
Vaughan moved to Pride Park on a similar agreement in September 2009, but saw his time with Derby cut short by a knee injury. Clough was keen to bring him in again later in the season, but missed out to East Midlands rivals Leicester. He is still optimistic about his chances of landing Vaughan again though. He said: “We are still trying to get a striker in and we are still talking to people about that. “There are a few who interest us and James is one of them.” One player who is just settling in at Goodison however, is goalkeeper Jan Mucha, and the Slovakian number one is ready to fight Tim Howard to be first choice goalkeeper at Everton. Mucha, who played for Slovakia in the World Cup, joined the Toffees earlier this summer from Polish outfit Legia Warsaw. He returned to Finch Farm this week along with Howard after their extended breaks, and the 27-year-old insists he isn’t here to make up the numbers.
He said: “Obviously the standard at Everton is higher than before but I haven’t come here to sit down and watch. I expect to compete for the first spot and my ambitions are very high.” Mucha could make his debut this weekend when Everton head to Norwich for a pre-season friendly. But for now he’s enjoying being part of a Premier League club and taking advantage of the top class facilities at the Blues’ training ground.
He continued: “I would say that many clubs in Europe would be jealous of such a training ground. The conditions here are of a really high standard. “I have heard about the Premier League, to me it is the best league and I have been watching for a long time. “After a four week holiday the first week is always the hardest but I have done pre-seasons before and it has become quite normal.” As well as improving on the pitch, the Slovak is busy doing his English home-work. He said: “I am afraid when I was back home and in education I was studying German. I have been learning English for four or five months – just the basics – but I am starting lessons.”
Everton FC defender Tony Hibbert backs Seamus Coleman to flourish
Jul 29 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
TONY Hibbert today hailed the huge potential of Seamus Coleman despite the threat which the young Irishman represents to his first-team place. The 29-year-old Everton right-back is confident enough in his own vast experience and defensive expertise to help nurture Coleman rather than worry about being replaced by him. Hibbert, a main-stay of David Moyes teams during his eight-year Goodison reign, was asked to deputise at left-back when Coleman was introduced from the bench during the club’s pre-season tour of Australia. But Hibbert, who impressed at centre-half against a Spurs strike-force led by Peter Crouch last season, will fulfil any role he is handed for the sake of the blue cause. He said: “I’m happy to play anywhere the gaffer asks. If he wanted me to play left-back, centre midfield, and up front I’d do it. I want to play and it’s just wherever he asks me. “Seamus is coming through and he’s got to play games.
“It was another learning curve for me to switch to left-back and see what I can do out there. “You can’t ask Seamus to play there. “He is a brilliant talent and I don’t think we’d want to push him out of position when he looks so good.” Hibbert believes a successful loan spell at Blackpool last season took Coleman’s game to another level, but the 21-year-old is still eager to learn. He said: “At Blackpool he did unbelievably well and in training he’s good on the ball and gets stuck in. He’s such a bright prospect for us. “He’s a very nice, down to earth lad. He takes it onboard and does his best. You can’t ask for more.” Hibbert also insists the defensive side of Coleman’s game is improving along with his attacking threat. “At the end of the day a right-back is a defender, but I’ve seen Seamus defend unbelievably well and he’s got that in his locker. He can cope with any tricky winger and can get forward which is a massive bonus,” he said. Meanwhile, Marouane Fellaini is focused on returning to the highly-rated form he displayed before his ankle injury last season. The Belgian resumed full training this week after recovering from a ligament injury which had seen him sidelined since February’s Anfield derby. Before the injury, he had been in sparkling form in a deeper midfield role, and he has pledged to do all he can to rediscover that form. He said: “I was in good form and now I am working hard to get to the same level. I know it is difficult but that is what I am working for. “I have started full training and I hope in maybe two weeks I can start playing games, I have worked hard with the physios to get fitter.” Elsewhere, former Everton midfielder Anton Peterlin has joined Plymouth. The 23-year-old American who joined the Blues last summer successfully passed a medical on Tuesday, and has been training with the Pilgrims since they returned from the summer break.
Everton FC midfielder Marouane Fellaini pledges return to top form
Jul 29 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
MAROUANE FELLAINI is confident he can rediscover the form that prompted Everton manager David Moyes to declare him the Premier League's best midfielder.
Fellaini resumed full training this week having been sidelined for six months after damaging ankle ligaments during the Merseyside derby defeat at Anfield in February.
Such were the Belgium international's consistently impressive displays at the time that Moyes moved to state there was no better midfielder in the country. And club record signing Fellaini is determined to rekindle that level of performance and has targeted a first-team return for the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 21.
“I was in good form, but injuries are part of football,” said the 23-year-old. “It was difficult because it was my first injury but I have learned from the experience.
“I was in good form and now I am working hard to get to the same level. I know it is difficult but that is what I am working for. “At the moment I feel good, my ankle has no pain and I have trained fully with the team. “I have started full training and I hope in maybe two weeks I can start playing games, I have worked hard with the physios to get fitter. “Two weeks, three weeks, I don't know. I haven't played for five months so it is difficult. Wolves? I hope so!” Meanwhile, Leighton Baines has urged midfielders Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta to commit their futures to the club. Pienaar and Arteta have both been subject of considerable speculation this summer linking them with moves elsewhere. Arteta, who is being tracked by Manchester City, has been in negotiations over a new deal for some time but is yet to sign while Pienaar, a target for Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, has entered the final year of his contract.
Everton manager Moyes made the re-signing of key squad members his top priority since the end of last season, with Tim Cahill, Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman having already penned long-term deals. Baines too has agreed a new five-year contract and now wants Arteta and Pienaar to follow suit. “They will definitely know we all want them to stay,” said the 25-year-old. “They are among our better players and a key part of what we are looking to do. We want to keep our better players to give us the best chance of success. “Hopefully they will stick with us. I don’t know what their thoughts are – they are personal matters – but we are all hoping, like the fans, they stay with us.”
Leighton Baines wants Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta to commit their futures to Everton FC
Jul 29 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON defender Leighton Baines has urged star midfielders Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta to commit their futures to the club. Pienaar and Arteta have both been the subject of considerable speculation this summer linking them with moves elsewhere. Arteta has been in negotiations over a new deal for some time but is yet to sign while Pienaar is now entering the final year of his contract. Manager David Moyes has made the re-signing of key squad members his top priority since the end of last season and a number, including Baines, have committed. Baines, who signed a new five-year deal, now wants the key pair to follow his example and that of Tim Cahill, Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman. The 25-year-old said: “They will definitely know we all want them to stay. They are among our better players and a key part of what we are looking to do. “We want to keep our better players to give us the best chance of success. “Hopefully they will stick with us. I don’t know what their thoughts are – they are personal matters – but we are all hoping, like the fans, they stay with us.” Baines is looking forward to the new Premier League campaign after the disappointment of missing out on a trip to the World Cup in South Africa.
The former Wigan player was a member of England’s provisional 30-man squad for the tournament but failed to make the final cut. Everton begin their campaign with a trip to Blackburn Rovers on August 14. Baines, speaking at a promotion for club sponsors Chang beer, said: “Hopefully there’ll be positives to come out of a negative and I’ll feel fresher come the start of the season. “The summer is always nice and enjoyable. “You relax and spend some time with the family – I think everyone enjoys it. “I put my feet up and fully relaxed during those four weeks but, now it is coming to an end, I think everyone is ready to come back. “I’ve had a nice few weeks’ break but I was more than happy to come back and get training again.”
Everton loan star Landon Donovan eyes Premier League return from Los Angeles Galaxy
Daily Mail 29 July 2010
Landon Donovan has opened the door for a return to the Barclays Premier League following his successful spell at Everton last season. The Los Angeles Galaxy forward was keen on staying at Goodison Park when his loan came to an end in March and admits there are several offers now on the table for another move.
Roberto Mancini surprisingly said last week that a deal for the 28-year-old was 'possible', though Manchester City insiders have played down the prospect of Donovan pitching up at Eastlands. Cameo: Donovan (left) fancies another crack at the English top flight AC Milan have also been linked with United States international in a deal that could see Ronaldinho head in the other direction. After playing in the MLS All Stars 5-2 defeat by Manchester United, Donovan said: 'We have transfer interest and we will have some time to think about it and see where it goes. There is interest from a number of teams.' MLS commissioner Don Garber is reluctant to see Donovan leave and said earlier this week: 'Landon is an incredibly important part of the American soccer movement and to have him lead MLS after performing on the world stage, is extremely valuable. 'I am pleased that he renegotiated his deal for several more years and I hope that he will stay here for the rest of his career (but) it's not my decision, it's Landon's decision and LA Galaxy's decision.'
Landon Donovan return puts Everton FC on alert
Jul 30 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON have been placed on alert after it emerged Landon Donovan is seeking a return to European football. The United States international made a significant impact during a 10-week loan spell at Goodison earlier this year from MLS side LA Galaxy, making 13 appearances and scoring two goals. Everton were keen on extending Donovan’s stay but the player eventually returned home for the start of the MLS season. The 28-year-old’s stock has since risen further following his appearances for the United States at the World Cup, during which he scored his country’s dramatic winner against Algeria that secured their place in the knockout stages. And Donovan has now revealed there are a several offers to take him back to Europe, the forward having played at both Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich earlier his career.
“We have transfer interest and we will have some time to think about it and see where it goes,” said the American. “There is interest from a number of teams.”
Speaking earlier this week during his team’s tour of America, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini said a deal for the player was ‘possible’ although it is believed the Eastlands outfit have since cooled any interest. AC Milan have also been linked, but Donovan has made no secret of how much he enjoyed his time at Everton and would most likely welcome the chance to move permanently to David Moyes’s side. The MLS are reluctant to lose their most high-profile homegrown player, and MLS commissioner Don Garber said: “Landon is an incredibly important part of the American soccer movement and to have him lead MLS after performing on the world stage, is extremely valuable. “I am pleased that he renegotiated his deal for several more years and I hope that he will stay here for the rest of his career (but) it’s not my decision, it’s Landon’s decision and LA Galaxy’s decision.” Meanwhile, Derby County remain interested in taking James Vaughan on loan for the start of the season.
The 22-year-old spent a spell at the Coca-Cola Championship side last season before injury cut short his stay. And now Derby manager Nigel Clough has expressed an interest in taking the forward back to Pride Park. talking to people about that,” said Clough. “There are a few who interest us and James is one of them.”
Everton FC can expect stern test at Carrow Road says Dave Watson
Jul 30 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
THE atmosphere during Everton’s game against Norwich City tomorrow will be more like a high-stakes league clash than a pre-season friendly, according to a man who definitely should know. Dave Watson spent five eventful years at Carrow Road, honing the skills which would eventually make him an Everton icon of his era.
So the former central defensive linchpin is highly qualified to predict that David Moyes’ side are in for a special work-out when they arrive at the Canaries’ East Anglian home. For a club which has experienced lean times since dropping out of the Premier League in the 2004/05 season, Norwich retain a hardcore of supporters which still make any trip to their ground an experience. And Watson, who was voted into Norwich City’s hall of fame in 2002, believes David Moyes has selected Paul Lambert’s newly-promoted Championship outfit in order to take his side’s pre-season preparations up a notch. “It’s a great choice for a pre-season game,” says the 48-year-old. “There is nothing worse than trying to gee up your side and arranging a pre-season friendly when there’s only something like 2,000 people there. “It’s harder to motivate the players to pick up the pace beyond a run-out. But if you’re playing in front of something like 20,000 at a stadium which looks full it’s a different story.
“The players naturally want to complete more and it helps prepare them for the big kick off.”whit, Norwich have already sold a club record of 20,550 season tickets for the coming campaign and have even stopped sales, with only casual tickets available for home games. The level of expectation among their supporters has grown rapidly with the big time back in their sights, and this visit from an old sparring partner is guaranteed to whet local appetites. Lambert’s side are in form too, they entertain the Toffees on the back of a comfortable 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. Optimism is high that Delia Smith will have to repeat her infamous crowd-rousing sometime soon.
“It’s a massive game for their players,” says the man fondly known as Waggy at Goodison. “They will want to be testing themselves against the best, and Everton are up there. Norwich will want to see what the standard is like for the top Premier League teams now. lots of changes, even field two teams but Norwich are likely to be far more up for it because the start of their season is closer.” City have some promising players in their ranks. Talented former Everton keeper John Ruddy swapped Goodison Road for the East coast this summer, agreeing to join the Canaries on the day he was due to fly out for Toffee’s Australian pre-season tour.
Lambert added former Liverpool centre-half Zac Whitbread to his ranks in January, and has guaranteed goals in the form of centre-forward Grant Holt.
Memories of the premier league may be vague, the last time Everton visited Carrow Road they won 3-2 thanks to goals by Kevin Kilbane, Marcus Bent and Duncan Ferguson. But Norwich will be hoping they are on the brink of the big time again, just as Everton are facing a stern mission to recapture their European status this coming season. It is a job which will be fraught with difficulty, says Watson. “Everton have got to be realistic. They work hard with what little funds they’ve got but there aren’t big, headline grabbing transfers to get excited about. “Instead we’ve got a side the manager has built gradually and with patience. “The manager has got a great track record of taking punts where nobody else does on a player. “He’s had a look at Jermaine Beckford and given him a chance where lots of other managers looked but didn’t. It’s early days for Beckford but he already looks a good goalscorer. If he can emulate someone like Tim Cahill then we’ll all be smiling again. “But to break back into the top four is going to be a very big ask for the Blues. It’s no hardship or embarrassment to say that a top six finish would be an achievement with how strong the other sides are. “I’ll be very interested to see how we get on in Norwich though. It will remind me of travelling there as a young lad without a clue how far away it was. e there. We were relegated and promoted twice and I played for England six times. It’s a part of my career I look back on very fondly.
“It got me my move to Everton as well so things worked out nicely.”
Everton FC star Leighton Baines happy with Blues' squad
Jul 30 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
LEIGHTON BAINES is so confident Everton are in great shape to start the season he would be happy for the transfer window to close today. The defender shares the belief among David Moyes’ squad that there is no need for any urgent recruitment at Goodison Park this summer, such is the quality of the current set-up. And Baines, who is gunning on reproducing his own superb form of last season in a bid to recapture his England place, also insists the new 25-man squad rule will have no impact on the Blues. He said: “We are very happy with our squad and we have strength in depth now as well. Some of the younger lads are ready to come in and challenge for places.
“We are happy with what we have got and if the window shut tomorrow we would be happy with that. “The new lads have looked sharp and very focussed and they look like they want to do well. “The transfer market has been quiet so far but in the coming weeks if a few moves start to come about that has a knock on effect on people needing to replace those players and that’s when things get a bit more exciting.“A lot of people are going to be looking to sign English players (because of the new rules) but we have got plenty of them already. We are in a good position and we are very happy with our squad in general.” The Toffees have already added Jan Mucha, Jermaine Beckford, Magaye Gueye and Joao Silva to their squad, with another left-back also on David Moyes’ wish-list to provide cover for Baines. But Baines’ immediate concern is Everton’s next friendly at Norwich tomorrow. The Toffees are unbeaten so far this summer and are hoping a former teammate won’t prevent that from continuing.
He said: “The results have been going well. Training has been going well and the lads are looking sharp in training. “We are working hard at the moment but we are still managing to put in decent performances at the weekend as well."It will be nice to see John Ruddy and it will be good for him to play against the lads. “We know what a good keeper he is and he has gone to Norwich to play some first team football.
“Hopefully we will be able to put one or two past him at the weekend.”
Meanwhile, former Everton loan star Landon Donovan has hinted that he is not short of offers to make a return to the Premier League this season. AC Milan have been linked with United States international in a deal that could see Ronaldinho head in the other direction, and Manchester City are also being linked. After playing in the MLS All Stars 5-2 defeat by Manchester United, Donovan said: “We have transfer interest and we will have some time to think about it and see where it goes. “There is interest from a number of teams.” As much as David Moyes would like to add Donovan to his ranks on a full-time basis however, the finances required to make that deal happen remain beyond him.
Donovan: I want to rejoin Everton, but this time permanently
By David McDonnell in Houston
July 30 2010 Daily Mirror
Landon Donovan has admitted he wants to return to Everton on a permanent basis and is prepared to turn his back on Major League Soccer in America. Everton boss David Moyes wants to sign £9million-rated Donovan from LA Galaxy, after the US World Cup star impressed during a two-month loan spell at Goodison Park last season.
Donovan, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City, is expected to move before the transfer window closes at the end of next month and confirmed he is the subject of interest from a number of clubs. "We hear little bits and pieces here and there," said Donovan. "There have certainly been clubs that are interested but right now it's only preliminary. I think there's still a lot of times in the transfer window so we'll see what moves are made and if it's serious then we'll treat it seriously. Anything is possible. "I would love to go back to Everton. I love the people there, I love the fans there, but that said I love being in America too, so we're going to take everything into account and see where it ends up." Donovan is seen as the major selling point for the MLS and is under pressure to remain in his native America to maintain soccer's growing profile, a situation he acknowledged he had to accept. "This is what I do," said Donovan. "This is my job and I understand all the parts of it, on and off the field. But I'm going to make the decision that's best for me." Don Garber, MLS commissioner, admitted it would be a major blow to US soccer if Donovan left to join the Premier League. "We need to deepen the connection between the American fan as an MLS fan first and a Premier League fan second," said Garber. "In order to do that, we need our best American players here. We need somebody like Landon, who has grown up in southern California, who is bi-lingual, almost like Captain America for our national team, somebody who is really inspiring a nation of soccer fans.
"We want to have him play next Saturday in front of people who want to see an LA Galaxy game, as opposed to having them wait to experience him on the Fox Soccer Channel or ESPN because they are watching a game being played in Europe.
"I'm the commissioner of MLS and for my goal, raising the profile of our league, we need our best players here and I will always fight hard to keep them here."
Moyes tips Lambert to bring back glory days
MARK BOGGIS Norwich Evening News
July 30 2010
David Moyes believes fellow Scot Paul Lambert can bring Premier League football back to Carrow Road. The Everton boss brings his top-flight team to Norwich tomorrow for the Canaries' final pre-season friendly. And Moyes says it will be the perfect test for his own ambitions. “Norwich is a really good football club,” he said. “They have great support and they certainly wouldn't be out of place in the Premier League.” Like Lambert, Moyes wore the famous hoops of Celtic - and admits he is full of admiration for the Norwich boss and the job he has done at Carrow Road.
They have been there before and Paul Lambert is doing a great job,” he said. “If they continue to rise, I'm sure they will be back in the Premier League. “I do know Paul quite well. He was a good player, and of course he won a European Cup medal with Borussia Dortmund.” While Lambert's ambitions are concentrated on the Championship, Moyes is determined to take silverware back to Goodison Park and make European football a regular fixture. The Merseysiders have regularly challenged for European places throughout Moyes' eight years in charge, but despite reaching an FA Cup final and ensuring the Toffeemen are back amongst the Premiership's elite, Everton have not won a trophy since Joe Royle's underdogs won the FA Cup in 1995.
Moyes feels ending this drought should be the next progressive step for his team, who lost just two of their final 24 Barclays Premier League games last season - a record that was bettered only by champions Chelsea - during a run of form which saw his side just miss out on a European spot. Moyes has called on his troops to continue their pre-season winning run to kick-start the forthcoming campaign. After three victories on an Australian tour, Everton comfortably beat Preston 3-0 last Saturday - just days after Darren Ferguson's side had beaten Blackburn 3-0. It's a run Moyes wants to see continue. “It is pre-season so we want the games as tough as we can get them,” he said. “We have done well in the other games so I hope it's tough. It doesn't matter what the results are, if we lose we get worried but if we win we say it doesn't matter, it's better winning but what really counts is starting the season well.”
And if the season does start well, then what are the aspirations for Moyes' men?
“We have been a decent team in the Premier League for quite a few years now,” he admitted. “If you know about the history of Everton - Everton have won championships and European competitions. “The one thing we haven't done is win anything yet. I think for us to get that name we are going to have to do something about it!” he said. The Canaries will be looking for their second Premier League scalp of the summer, having beaten Newcastle 2-1 last weekend. Lambert will again be without skipper Grant Holt, who has a thigh injury, and left back Steve Smith (ankle ligaments), but will be hoping midfielder Korey Smith and centre-half Zak Whitbread - out with shin and calf injuries respectively - will be available.
Everton will be biggest test yet for City - Adams
By CHRIS LAKEY
July 30 2010 Norwich Evening News
Neil Adams is backing the Canaries to give Everton a run for their money tomorrow afternoon - and help build the foundations for a successful Championship campaign.
Adams has a foot in both camps, having won a league title with Everton in 1987 and played almost 200 games for the Canaries in the late 90s. The future, he believes, is bright - for both clubs - and another good result against top-flight opposition after last weekend's win over Newcastle, will help confidence for when the real battle begins.
“I think it will be a big test for us,” said Adams, who is a coach in City's youth set-up. “Everton are a good side. David Moyes has got them playing really well. He's worked wonders up there with the budget and how he has kept the club in the Premiership and pushing for the top end places. “When Norwich played Newcastle I think that would have been the first opportunity most of the fans would have had to look at the team and I think everybody would have come away really impressed with what they saw of Norwich.? “Newcastle are a good team and I know they only played half a team in each half, but I think the way Norwich passed the ball and created chances for themselves, everybody came away really impressed. “Everton will be more of a test, but if they play anything like they did against Newcastle they should give a good account of themselves.” The validity of results in pre-season has always been a bone of contention, but Adams comes down on the side of those who look for the confidence factor. “If you look at last season they won virtually every game - they played Wigan and Manchester United and impressed in all of the games, but, of course, we all saw what happened in that first game of the season,” he said. “I've played in pre-season where you have won every game and you come to the first game and you lose. And flip it over - I've played in pre-seasons where it is disappointing and you go into the first game a little bit concerned and when the pressure is really on and the real business begins, you turn it on and win the game. “Does it matter if you don't win? The result is probably not important, but when you do win it gives you that bit more confidence and I think all the players will have felt that after the Newcastle game. “If they had lost you could have said it didn't matter - but we won the game, played really well and I think everybody will have come off confident and pleased with their performances. “If they do beat Everton obviously it will make people sit up and take notice - but obviously the real business is against Watford next Friday.”
Manager Paul Lambert has brought in seven new players, and Adams is impressed with the way they have settled. “I thought they slotted into the team very well,” he said. “The three in midfield - Andrew Surman looks classy, Andrew Crofts was up and down, bags of energy and put some good balls into the box as well. “David Fox is at the base of the diamond and when you play that formation it is important to get the ball to Wes Hoolahan. Opposition teams are going to know that's what Norwich are going to try to do and you can then try to exploit it by switching the play and I just think he is tailor made for it. “He is comfortable on the ball, he has a great range of passing and just the way he can switch play out to the other side really quickly gave Norwich another dimension. I think he really slotted in there well.” So a season prediction? “I think we will do well,” said Adams. “I think a good start is essential and I think the fixture list has been kind. I have spoken to people at other clubs and they just want to consolidate. “What is pleasing from the Norwich camp is they are going to go for it - and that should be music to everybody's ears. “And if they go and back up the determination and positivity that is coming out of the camp and produce it on the field, we could be in for a decent season.”
Everton loan star Landon Donovan eyes Premier League return from Los Angeles Galaxy
July 30 2010 Daily Mail
Landon Donovan has opened the door for a return to the Barclays Premier League following his successful spell at Everton last season. The Los Angeles Galaxy forward was keen on staying at Goodison Park when his loan came to an end in March and admits there are several offers now on the table for another move. Roberto Mancini surprisingly said last week that a deal for the 28-year-old was 'possible', though Manchester City insiders have played down the prospect of Donovan pitching up at Eastlands. Cameo: Donovan (left) fancies another crack at the English top flight
AC Milan have also been linked with United States international in a deal that could see Ronaldinho head in the other direction. After playing in the MLS All Stars 5-2 defeat by Manchester United, Donovan said: 'We have transfer interest and we will have some time to think about it and see where it goes. There is interest from a number of teams.' MLS commissioner Don Garber is reluctant to see Donovan leave and said earlier this week: 'Landon is an incredibly important part of the American soccer movement and to have him lead MLS after performing on the world stage, is extremely valuable. 'I am pleased that he renegotiated his deal for several more years and I hope that he will stay here for the rest of his career (but) it's not my decision, it's Landon's decision and LA Galaxy's decision.'
NEWCASTLE'S CHRIS HUGHTON AND EVERTON'S DAVID MOYES AT WAR
We are fortunate to have signed Dan Gosling and we are delighted to have him on board Chris Hughton
30th July 2010 Daily Star
CHRIS Hughton has waded into Dan Gosling’s war of words with Everton – insisting Newcastle are not the guilty party in the bitter split. Toon new boy Gosling is locked in a verbal battle with his old club, who accused him of going back on a gentlemen’s agreement to join the Geordies. Hughton left Everton counterpart David Moyes fuming after he stole in to snatch the England Under-21 star, who exploited a contract loophole to quit Goodison Park on a Bosman free transfer. Gosling’s agent claimed the midfielder was left in tears after he was snubbed by Moyes – and only moved because he wasn’t wanted on Merseyside after the Toffees failed to put a new contract offer in writing. But an angry Moyes hit back, insisting the player broke a verbal agreement to extend Gosling’s contract by two years, with the Toffees also offering him a handsome pay rise. Hughton has tried to avoid being dragged into the fall-out from a deal that saw Everton miss out on a £3m transfer fee, while cash-strapped League One side Plymouth – Gosling’s first club – failed to collect on a hefty sell-on clause. But the Toon boss has been forced to defend the club’s role in the 20-year-old’s move, feeling they did everything above board and by the book in landing one of their three summer signings. Gosling hopes to return before Christmas following knee surgery, and Hughton said: “We are fortunate to have signed Dan and we are delighted to have him on board. “We are 100 per cent sure that we’ve done everything appropriately.” Hughton also confirmed Steven Taylor will be out of action for three months as the injury-prone defender recovers from surgery on a dislocated shoulder. Taylor, 24, hasn’t figured since a knee operation in January and isn’t expected to return until the end of October, which is a big blow to Newcastle’s preparations for their Premier League comeback. Hughton added: “We’re looking at three months, which is a big blow for us and for Steven. “He missed the second part of last season through injury and to continue that into this season is a major disappointment. “We have lost a very good player in a vital position. “It’s something we have to deal with and hopefully he’ll be involved in a large number of games for the remainder of the season on his return.” Meanwhile, back-up Toon keeper Tim Krul has signed a contract extension to keep him at St James’s Park until 2014.
The Dutch Under-21 international said: “I hope to fulfil my dream of becoming No.1 in the future.”
Landon Donovan opens door to Everton return
US midfielder Landon Donovan says he would "love to go back" to Everton following his loan spell there last season.
By Mark Ogden in Houston
July 30 2010 Daily Telegraher
American dream: US midfielder Landon Donovan loved his time at Everton last
Everton have held preliminary talks with the MLS and Donovan's team, LA Galaxy, over the prospect of the 28 year-old returning to the club. But with a permanent move now appearing the only realistic option, Everton could be forced to sell players before funding a move for the £10 million-rated United States captain, who scored twice in 13 appearances for David Moyes's team during his three-month loan earlier this year.
Donovan has returned to domestic duty with the Galaxy following the World Cup and, after making a substitute appearance for the MLS All-Stars during their 5-2 defeat against Manchester United in Houston on Wednesday, he confirmed his desire to return to the Premier League. He said: "I would love to go back to Everton. I love the people there and I love the fans there. But that said, I love being in America too, so we are going to take everything into account and see where it ends up. "Anything is possible at this stage and I'm going to make the decision that's best for me. We hear little bits and pieces here and there and there have certainly been clubs that are interested, but right now, it's only preliminary. "There's still a lot of time left in the transfer window, so we'll see what moves are made and, if it's serious, then we'll treat it seriously." Donovan's status as America's most recognisable footballer, the face that drives the MLS into the consciousness of the nation, has made him a prized commodity for senior officials at the head of American soccer. And Don Garber, the MLS commissioner, admits it is crucial for the MLS to keep Donovan in the United States. Garber said: "We need somebody like Landon, who has grown up in southern California, who is bilingual, almost like Captain America for our national team, and is somebody who is really inspiring a nation of soccer fans. "We need our best American players here and we want to have him play next Saturday in front of people who want to see an LA Galaxy game, as opposed to having them wait to experience him on the Fox Soccer Channel or ESPN because they are watching a game being played in Europe."
Royal Blue: Everton FC skipper Phil Neville is a real club-man
Jul 31 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
PHIL NEVILLE has the makings of a good manager when he hangs up his boots, but if he changes his mind there may well be a future for him on the Match of the Day panel. The man known as Fizzer by his team mates, might even already have some media duties lined up to follow his commentary on Everton’s game with Melbourne Heart. “Once I knew I wouldn’t be involved, I was more than happy to co-commentate for evertonTV,” he said. “It’s all very professional and it was great for the fans back home to watch games from the other side of the world. "It’s something I’ve done before and I quite like it. It gives you a different perspective on the action. The fact that I could be completely biased towards my own team helped, as did the fact that I could give the lads some friendly stick.” Phil’s co-commentator, Darren Griffiths, said: “Phil was terrific. He’s an intelligent guy with some strong views on the game and he really involved himself in the inter-action with the viewers when they sent their emails in. "It was typical of him to help us out because he’s such a great captain of this football club. We invested a lot of time and money in showing the games during the summer and all the co-commentators alongside me have been great – Phil, Ray Hall and, of course, Sharpy.”
Everton FC fans' letters: Seamus Coleman has True Blue attitude
Jul 31 2010 Liverpool Echo
RE-Tony Hibbert’s comments about Seamus Coleman.
Hibbo up front... now that’s what we wanna see! Then we may finally get to RIOT !!!
Seamus has a great Everton future ahead, he’s got the potential and, most importantly, he’s got the attitude, the Everton attitude. It’s something you must have if you want to succeed here. Tiny has it; Hibbo has it; Jack-the-Lad has it; Dan Gosling certainly did not have it. But Seamus does. Excited by the prospect he gives us, hope we get to see a bit more of him this season!!! COYB Sensibility LIVERPOOL and Everton make a massive contribution to the economic vitality of the city, through hotel bookings, taxis, restaurants and bars. Perhaps the council should divert the almost £400,000 it is wasting on a trip to Shanghai. That would pay for eight years policing – and the city would reap far more than some oriental pipedream. DRH I’M worried we’re seeing the Joleon Lescott saga all over again. There are rumours of bids, team-mates openly pleading with players to stay (and therefore giving the strongest indication yet that Arteta & Pienaar are obviously considering doing the off-ski) and complete silence from the club. There is silence from the players (particularly Mikel, whilst Peanuts has been royaly slagged off all summer by the fans for having an opinion – but at least he said something). I love both players, but am becoming increasingly frustrated with this stalemate. The bottom line is they are both under contract and therefore theoretically going nowhere, but there is a grave danger of this gossip-mongering dragging on into the season and affecting the team. The club should either make a definitive statement one way or the other about the sale of senior playing staff or collectively (team members included) shut up about it. Se 3 WHY are people so angry about Dan Gosling’s defection? Gosling is weak, never ever a centre mid and we’d have got £1.5m for him max. Yes we’d rather have the money but no great loss. We’ve just picked up Beckford on a free transfer and he’s a minimum £3m player. Swings and roundabouts lads. Get Tet and Peanut signed up soon and the Blues are laughing this season. Tiny tin
Everton FC manager David Moyes’ winning ethos is priceless
Jul 31 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
IF DAVID Moyes had a pound for every time he’s been asked about his target for the forthcoming season he’d be battering down Barcelona’s door to snap up Lionel Messi.
He even travelled across the world to Australia, and still the question came. For Moyes it is an especially difficult conundrum. Because his answer sums up every reason Evertonians have to be thankful for their manager, and every reason why they can be forgiven for falling out of love with the Premier League. He said: “I’d like us to finish first, even if it’s perhaps unrealistic but I can’t sit there in front of my captain and my players and say I want to finish fifth or fourth. “I couldn’t do that to my team. I have to say we’re going to finish first, it’s probably unrealistic but I have to believe that can happen, and I have to send my team out with that. “If we don’t finish first and fall slightly below that then maybe we’ll be happy with that. It’s not the Premier League big four anymore, it’s now the big eight. “You’ve got ourselves, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Spurs who would not have been considered in it in the past. That’s not to mention the other teams who are improving as well, but that eight will make the Premier League interesting this year.” Winning is hardwired into Moyes’ DNA. Like a determined prize fighter who has stepped up a weight division to face men twice his size, he will not take a step back or hide. The Everton manager knows that on one level it is ridiculous to target Everton winning their first league championship since 1987. The odds are too long. Even the most wildly optimistic Evertonian would secretly admit that finishing top is unlikely. More than that, almost impossible.
The spending of Manchester City, that constant flow of cash, just to break into the top four, means that the gulf only widens and widens between them and the other sides paddling furiously to reach the Champions League, let alone lift the Premier League trophy in May. And yet, David Moyes sits there and tells journalists in Melbourne and Brisbane, in Finch Farm and beyond, that he will start the season with his eyes on the ultimate domestic prize. He doesn’t say it but his logic is clear. If you don’t intend to win, then why bother? How can he, as he says, sit there and target anything but winning every single game? What message would that be to men like Phil Neville, Tim Cahill, Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert? His so-called band of mini-managers within the team who might one day seek to emulate their gaffer by following him into the coaching game must be set the right example. What message would it send to youngsters like Jack Rodwell, and Seamus Coleman; young men with potential to play at the very highest level, if Moyes conceded a kind of domestic defeat before a ball is even kicked. Tim Howard proves that utter refusal to accept anything but a winning mentality is contagious. “We are not terribly fearful of any particular team,” he said this week. “We know that there are teams who will give us a battle and sides in the top eight where we have been consistently will be a challenge, but we have held our own with them over the least few years. “We would be selling ourselves short if I didn’t say we can get in the Champions League. It’s vital we get a great start. Playing at Man U that was always the golden rule; If you want to win a title, you’ve got to hit the ground running.” Evertonians continue to fret whether they will still be treated to watching Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta grace Goodison next season. They are understandably worried that a change as crucial as losing one or both of those players would derail their hopes and dreams. But they should be mindful that the essential cog in the machine is not changing anytime soon. Beyond players, who come and go, David Moyes and his wonderfully stoic desire to win is going nowhere.
Everton FC defender Tony Hibbert is determined to reach the highs of the top four again
Jul 31 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
TALK about Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League ambitions this season, and many conveniently forget that the Londoners must first face a qualifier to determine whether they enter the promised land. It is the same stage at which Everton’s achievement of finishing fourth in 2005 suddenly deflated, courtesy of a rotten draw and an even worse referee. Tony Hibbert recalls all too vividly the feeling of misery when the Blues came unstuck that season, and acknowledges that Spurs have it all to do. Harry Redknapp’s side, who were thrashed 4-1 by none other than Villareal on Thursday night, are hoping to live the dream which Hibbert & Co came so close to five years ago. The defeat in Spain and the ensuing UEFA cup debacle which followed, when Everton were dumped of that competition by Dinamo Bucharest, still rankles with Hibbert. A veteran of David Moyes’ reign, the 29-year-old has experienced the highs and lows and, as he sets his sights on a new season and the challenge of usurping Spurs, Hibbert is in bullish mood. While the Blues have had a relatively quiet summer in the transfer market, Hibbert knows that they are close to being ready for the big kick off. Unbeaten so far in pre season, ahead of today’s friendly with Norwich at Carrow Road, the Toffees are approaching full throttle.
“Spurs have still got to qualify for that first,” says the right-back. “It’s the Champions League and it’s not easy. If they’re not ready for it they’ll get shown up. For us it was a case of the unknown (in 2005). “We were happy to be there but then we got Villareal – an unbelievable side and it was tough. “I think we played well out there. We were good in that away leg but got that disallowed goal. “It was one of the lowest points of my career. Sometimes you still look back and say ‘what if?’ but in football you are playing so many games, big important ones, that you can focus on them and forget. “We’ve played a lot of big teams in Europe since then. It was hard at the time but we’ve kicked on.” Hibbert insists that David Moyes decision to take his side to Australia on a pre-season tour is set to pay dividends. “It was a change,” he says.
“We’ve been to the States a few times and the manager obviously wanted to do something different. “It was something new and the training we did was excellent.
“We were very controlled in the pre season games. Overall it was a good experience.”
Ambitions have never been loftier among this Everton squad, despite not having the fillip of European football in the coming season. “We can’t think below the top six this season because of the squad we’ve got,” says Hibbert. “Let the teams around us spend all they want. They’ve done that for years. “The Man Citys and Tottenhams will always have the big money and Spurs did brilliantly last season but they’ve got to keep it going. “ The squad we’ve got is the best in years.” Hibbert admits this summer has already been a hard-slog in terms of building the fitness the players need to beat the best. “Our pre seasons have always been hard but this one has taken us onto a new fitness level,” he says. “It’s taken us to another level. Much sharper and quicker much earlier. “It showed in the games we’ve played. “Playing earlier has been great. Players just want to play football and we were happy to have those matches early. “The teams we played against were good, and games is where you get your real fitness from. “No footballers like pre-season because it’s hard going, but it’s the only way to get back into top shape. The gaffer has us running hard.” The intensity of Everton’s pre-season preparation, and the earlier schedule of games, may well be partly intended to avoid another slow start to their domestic campaign. “For a number of years now we've started poorly and we’re hoping this change does us good,” says Hibbert. “The Premier League is hard and we can’t afford to get off slowly again.”
Everton cannot afford a season without a credible trophy challenge according to the Huyton-born defender, who is relishing the chance to try and return to Wembley. We have been up there a number of years and we need to push on again this season,” he says. “The main job is to get back into Europe because we deserve it. “In a way it probably does give us a breather not playing in midweek European games this season but none of us want that. “We are desperate to be back in Europe. “We want to win a cup so there’ll be plenty of focus on that too.” Hibbert’s main personal ambition is to be part of an Everton team which enters the history books as bringing back a trophy to Goodison Park. For a player who graduated through the club’s youth system, it would be the pinnacle of his career. “We’re long overdue when it comes to silverware,” he says. “As a local lad who’s been at the club all my career it’d be amazing to be playing when we won a cup.”
Landon Donovan eyes Everton FC return
Jul 31 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
LANDON DONOVAN has admitted he would love to return to Everton if the Blues could strike a deal with LA Galaxy. The US international captain spent three months on loan at Goodison Park last season, scoring twice in 13 appearances. David Moyes would be interested in bringing Donovan back, but any potential deal would have to be on a permanent basis rather than another loan agreement at the end of the MLS season. LA Galaxy are believed to want around £10m for the 28-year-old, which would mean the transfer could only happen if Moyes sold another one of his first team-stars. Donovan has revealed that a move away from the US could happen, with several clubs expressing an interest in his services, but any talks so far have been at a preliminary stage. He said: “I would love to go back to Everton. I love the people there and I love the fans there. But that said, I love being in America too, so we are going to take everything into account and see where it ends up. “There’s still a lot of time left in the transfer window, so we’ll see what moves are made and, if it’s serious, then we’ll treat it seriously.” Donovan recently came on as a substitute as the LA Galaxy suffered a 5-2 friendly defeat against Manchester United in Houston. He said: “Anything is possible at this stage and I’m going to make the decision that’s best for me. We hear little bits and pieces here and there and there have certainly been clubs that are interested, but right now, it’s only preliminary.” Meanwhile, Phil Jagielka will not play a part in Everton’s friendly against Norwich City at Carrow Road today after he reported a soreness in his knee. The defender, who underwent cruciate knee ligament reconstruction surgery last year, has played four games consecutively in pre-season, and David Moyes will not take any risks after he reported a twinge after training this week and is also without Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe. Moyes said: “Phil Jagielka might miss the game as well because he has a little bit of a problem with his knee but overall we aren’t looking too bad. I think there’s a couple of them who are a little bit further ahead. Pienaar, Yobo, Yakubu and Mucha look like they need a bit more training but Tim Cahill – I think because he had a couple of games and did a bit of training in Australia – he’s a little bit ahead of them. “They aren’t really ready to play but I am not sure if I am going to consider them yet.” Elsewhere, Seamus Coleman has been selected for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21s squad to face Estonia on Tuesday, August 10.
Everton collection is in town
July 31 2010 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
FROM August 2-7 the Everton Collection Roadshow will be visiting venues across Liverpool. For more info visit www.everton collection.org.uk
Norwich City 2, Everton 4
31/07/2010 Norwich Evening News
Norwich fell to the first defeat of their pre-season campaign against Everton at Carrow Road this afternoon but were far from disgraced with an impressive display. A hat-trick from Tim Cahill ensured the Toffees avoided any embarrassment with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov also on target but the Canaries were far from outclassed. Cahill's double in the first half seemed to put the Merseysiders in charge but Norwich stormed back at the start of the second period to draw level thanks to goals from Andrew Crofts and Andrew Surman. Any hope that Norwich could go on to win the game was quickly extinguished by Bilyaletdinov however and Cahill completed his treble to put some gloss on the scoreline. But there were some notable individual performances from the likes of Crofts, Surman and Wes Hoolahan to give fans real optimism ahead of the start of the Championship season. Supporters would have also been delighted to see a late substitute appearance from Grant Holt after a thigh injury and the striker will be in contention for City's opener against Watford on Friday.
Mikel Arteta stamped his authority on proceedings early on, dictating play from the middle of the park and craving possession at every opportunity. In only the second minute the Spaniard started the move that almost saw Jermaine Beckford get through on goal but John Ruddy was out smartly to smother the danger. However, the City shot-stopper did not cover himself in glory in the sixth minute with an absolute howler that gave the Toffees the lead. City fans breathed a sigh of relief when Cahill had appeared to have wasted a sight of goal from the edge with a tame effort but somehow Ruddy let the ball through his legs in his very own Robert Green v USA moment. Lambert would have been delighted by the response of his side however as within a minute only an excellent block from Tony Hibbert prevented Simeon Jackson from opening his City account. Norwich looked a real cohesive unit going forward with the likes of Hoolahan, Jackson and Chris Martin linking well - the only thing missing was a shot on target. But seven minutes before the break Everton increased their lead and once again Norwich were the architects of their own down fall.
Elliott Ward gave the ball away on the halfway line and Everton sprung forward.
Arteta tried to play in Cahill but Nelson was in position to cut out the danger. However, the former Hartlepool man's chest back to Ruddy did not have enough weight on it and Cahill nipped in. Ruddy saved the Australian's first effort but was powerless in preventing him nodding in the rebound. Lambert resisted the urge to make changes at half-time and got his reward just a minute into the second half when City reduced the arrears. Drury made a great run down the left hand side after being found by Surman and produced a stunning cross that Crofts met with a firm downward header, giving Tim Howard no chance. It got better for Norwich in the 58th minute and once again Drury was the architect. His piece of quick thinking from a throw-in released Surman and the former Wolves man jinked inside Joseph Yobo before unleashing a right-footed strike into the far corner. Norwich's joy was short-lived however as within two minutes the Toffees were back in front. A smart move involving Arteta, Pienaar and Bilyaletdinov ended with the Russian curling a wonderful 20-yard effort beyond Ruddy. Cahill put the result beyond doubt in the 70th minute when Ward and Surman failed to cut out a Phil Neville cross and the former Millwall man kept his head to finish smartly.
Norwich City (4-4-2): Ruddy, R Martin, Ward (Askou 72), Nelson, Drury (Lappin 66), Fox (Gill 66), Crofts, Surman (McNamee 81), Hoolahan, C Martin (Johnson 81), Jackson (Holt 72). Subs not used: Steer, Hughes, Francomb, Dawkin, Tudur Jones.
Everton (4-3-2-1): Howard, Hibbert, Baines (Saha 62), Arteta, Distin, Beckford (Rodwell 73), Cahill (Wallace 81), Neville, Gueye (Bilyaletdinov 46), Pienaar (Vaughan 73), Coleman (Yobo 46). Subs not used: Turner, Silva, Mustafi.
Referee: Grant Hegley Attendance: 13,437
Everton boss David Moyes out of luck with Landon Donovan
Daily Mail 31 July 2010
Everton boss David Moyes says he is likely to be priced out of any deal to bring back USA's Landon Donovan. Donovan of LA Galaxy, netted twice for Everton during a three-month loan spell last term. But after his side's 4-2 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road, Moyes said: 'The price which the MLS would want would be big and that might be a problem.'
July 2010