Everton Independent Research Data
Everton FC supporter groups welcome new ticket price scheme
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 1 2011
Everton fansEVERTON supporter groups have welcomed the club’s newly graded ticket prices for next season which will save fans money for some games. The Blues have added more categories for fixtures, and slashed the price by up to £12 for matches against Stoke City in December, and Blackburn Rovers in January. It follows Everton’s announcement earlier this year that season ticket prices would be frozen for the 2011/12 campaign, and the club hope the new system better reflects the scale and the timing of fixtures in the current recession. Grade A games will carry the highest premium while grade E games will be cheaper than the standard 2011/12 prices. Grade D is the standard matchday price for next season and covers half the fixtures. Alongside the new grading system, junior prices remain half the price of adult fixtures for all games and in all areas of the stadium Chief executive Robert Elstone said: “The changes we have opted to make for next season have come about following research we conducted in last season’s fans’ survey. “We asked a wide range of our supporters to identify what they believed was the optimum pricing for attending matches at Goodison Park and for 2011/12 we have managed to build our entire pricing structure around this – both season tickets and match by match prices. “In what continues to be tough economic times, we are aware that we needed to make some positive changes, as well as keeping the popular junior offer from last season and we hope as many fans as possible will be able to take advantage over the coming campaign Simon Paul, editor of popular fan site nsno.co.uk, welcomed the move. He said: “It shows they are listening to fans which is a good thing. It reminds me of about 10 years ago when we had a £5 price for a game against Derby County. “Hopefully those games against Blackburn and Stoke will be more likely to sell out now, albeit at a time of year when everyone is struggling for extra cash, and the fans can get behind the team.” Simon Manger, of EFC 4 Change, agreed the initiative should boost attendances. “The important thing is getting bums on seats,” he said. “Everyone is skint around that time of year and the club have shown they appreciate how the economic climate is affecting ordinary supporters. “It’s a positive step.” Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon defender Eric Dier is set to continue his loan spell with Everton next season after spending half of the last campaign playing for the club’s U-18 academy side.
Phil Neville to sign new deal and end career at Everton FC
By Dave Prentice
Jul 1 2011
PHIL NEVILLE is ready to end his playing career at Everton after talks about a new deal have reached an advanced stage. Blues officials are hoping to make an announcement in the next 48 hours.
The 34-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal and is close to agreeing a further year’s extension. That would keep the skipper, who is still one of the fittest players at the club, at Goodison until past his 36th birthday Neville admitted last season that he had actually considered retirement early last season because of a knee injury. But more recently he declared: "I feel as fit as I ever have, and want to continue for as long as possible, at least the next two seasons - hopefully at Everton. "From a personal point of view it's been one of most enjoyable seasons. I've enjoyed it more than any other. "But at the start of the season, when you come back from injury you question yourself." Tottenham boss Harry redknapp tried to lure Neville to White Hart Lane in January but Blues boss David Moyes fiercely resisted the move.
Everton FC introduce new five-tiered ticket grading system
by David Prentice, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 1 2011
EVERTON FC have introduced a new five tiered grading system for ticket prices next season.
The restructure places a premium on high profile matches like the derby and visits of the two Manchester clubs, but also means that for clubs who traditionally attract lower gates, like Stoke and Blackburn, EFC supporters will pay a maximum of £25. Chief Executive Robert Elstone explained: “The changes we have opted to make for next season have come about following research we conducted in last season’s fans’ survey. “We asked a wide range of our supporters to identify what they believed was the optimum pricing for attending matches at Goodison Park and for 2011/12 we have managed to build our entire pricing structure around this – both season tickets and match by match prices. “In what continue to be tough economic times, we are aware that we needed to make some positive changes, as well as keeping the popular junior offer from last season and we hope as many fans as possible will be able to take advantage over the coming campaign." The gradings range from A to E, with a standard ticket price set in the D category. Standard prices range from £37 for the Park End Stand (the most expensive), to £30 for the Family Enclosure (the cheapest section).
For the visit of Liverpool fans then pay a supplement of £5 per ticket, the visits of Manchester United and Manchester City see £4 added per ticket, while Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and strangely Bolton all have £3 added per ticket. The remaining fixtures are considered ‘standard’ apart from the apparently unappealing visits of Stoke and Blackburn. An announcement on the club’s website say the prices “reflect the scale and the timing of the fixture.” The Stoke fixture falls in early December while Blackburn are due to visit shortly after the festive celebrations on January 21.
Alongside the new grading system junior prices remain half the price of adult fixtures for all games and in all areas of the stadium.
CATEGORIES 2011/12 (Grade, Fixture, Adult Price, Junior Price, Over 65s Price: A Liverpool, Standard + £5, Standard + £2.50, Standard + £3.75; B Manchester United and Manchester City, Standard + £4, /Standard + £2, Standard + £3; C Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Bolton Standard, + £3, Standard + £1.50, Standard + £2.25; D Standard 2011; E Stoke City and Blackburn, £25 in all areas, £12.50 in all areas £18.75, in all areas.
STANDARD PRICES (CATEGORY D) Adults, Juniors, Over-65s: Top Balcony £34, £17, £21.50; Main Stand £36, £18, £22.50; Upper Gwladys £34, £17, £21.50; Lower Gwladys £31, £15.50, £20; Upper Bullens £36, £18, £22.25; Lower Bullens £31, £15.50, £19.50; Paddock £34, £17, £21; Park End £37, £18.50, £23; Family Enclosure £30, £15, £20.50.
Everton FC show common sense in new ticket prices
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 2 2011
EVERTON’S decision to add further categories to their pricing schedule for Premier League games should earn them credit with fans. By slashing prices for January and December games against potentially less glamorous opponents in Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers, the Blues have proved they’re in touch with fans who are feeling the pinch in the current recession and given themselves a best chance of keeping Goodison packed and at its raucous best. Season ticket holders need not worry either - they haven’t been left out of the saving. The reduction has been factored into the cost of a season ticket this term.
Everton FC announce live screening of entire pre-season programme
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 2 2011
EVERTON FC have finalised their pre-season schedule for 2011 and confirmed exclusive live coverage on evertontv.Fans will be able to catch every minute of the Blues’ pre-season fixtures on the Club’s online video service as David Moyes prepares his squad for the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season.
Everton’s 2011 pre-season schedule:
Friday July 15, Bury (A) KO 7.45pm (BST)
Wednesday July 20, Philadelphia Union (A) KO 7.30pm (LOCAL)
Saturday July 23, DC United (A) KO 7.30pm (LOCAL)
Saturday July 30, Birmingham City (A) KO 3pm (BST)
Tuesday 2 August, Werder Bremen (A) KO 6.30pm (BST)
Friday August 5, Villarreal (H) KO 7.45pm (BST)
All the fixtures will be broadcast on a pay-per-view basis with each game costing £4.99. Alternatively, supporters can take advantage of a pre-season 2011 package and order all six games for £25.The new season beckons a new era for evertontv. From July 1, all registered users of www.evertonfc.com will be able to access match highlights and goals from the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season, exclusive player interviews, news packages via the online channel for free.
Everton FC fan and former England Rugby Union star Matt Dawson tells of his love affair with the Blues
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 2 2011
YOU’D have to listen especially hard to hear any trace of Matt Dawson’s Birkenhead roots in his accent – but the Question of Sport captain has the footballing credentials to prove his Mersey heritage.The England rugby hero is a card carrying blue, who idolises Graeme Sharp and devotes more than his fair share of sporting memories to Everton’s triumphs over his 38 years.Dawson is heading back to his home region in October for the Question of Sports Live Show at the Liverpool Empire, and admits he is as excited about catching up with his Evertonian friends about all things Royal Blue as he is taking part in the hit show.Best known for his part in England’s spectacular 2003 Rugby World Cup success in Australia, the ex-Wasps and Northampton scrum half was born in Oxton, and has been a bluenose since those early days. “My grandparents are still over there,” says the larger-than-life TV presenter and charity fundraiser.“I have fond memories of running around there with my grandparents trying to dress me in a Liverpool kit but I’d get upset because I only wanted to wear an Everton top.“My family are a typical Mersey mix of reds and blues , and my dad is Tranmere Rovers but it’s always been the Toffees for me. I think it started simply because I preferred the colour blue but it developed into an obsession. “I was lucky because I was born in ‘72 and when I was really getting into football was the mid-80s so there was plenty of success and great times to keep me interested.”Despite excelling at rugby even after his family moved from Merseyside to Wycombe, where he attended the prestigious Royal Grammar School Wycombe, there was still plenty for football in his affections, and Dawson even played as a winger for Chelsea school boys before quitting to concentrate on his rugby.“When I was 13 I drifted away from schoolboy rugby a bit and was playing Sunday football with a local club,” he says.“Chelsea scouted me and I was playing for their schoolboy side at right-back but eventually rugby won out. My school was a big rugby school and at that time there was no Premier League, and not the same obvious potential to be a multi millionaire by playing footy. “It just came down to what I wanted to do, and I narrowly preferred the oval shaped ball. “I wouldn’t change anything because of the successful teams I’ve played for and the big enjoyment I’ve had with my rugby career.”Dawson’s passion for the Blues robustly survived his switch of allegiances, however.“Even during the 90s when things were not exactly great with Everton, I remember finishing games with my club and racing into the club house to get the Sky Sports news on and check on the Everton scores. More often than not I was cursing and shaking my head but that’s all changed of course since David Moyes came along.”Dawson knows all about ultra-focused and ruthless managers from his days in the international fold with Sir Clive Woodward and has great respect for David Moyes. “I’ve spoken to him a few times,” he says. “I think he has bundles of great qualities and his organisation does remind me of Sir Clive.“With professional sport, or any sport, there is so much that can go wrong and so much at stake that you have to focus on every little detail like Moyes does.“Clive had the elite of the elite players when he won the World Cup and Moyes has had success even when, at first, he didn’t have the top players in every position.“I don’t get to Goodison as much as I’d like to these days but I still get to most of the Blues’ games in the capital and am glued to the TV when they’re on.“I’m not the only former England player who follows them either. Austin Healey is a blue and Kieran Bracken too I think.“Everton have a lot of integrity as a football club. They might not have loads of money or be able to buy the big players but I’m not totally comfortable with big foreign ownership of clubs. You can’t buy what Everton has.”
Theme Teams: Fancy Dans XI v Hardmen XI – who would win? You decide!
by Luke Reddy, Liverpool Echo
Jul 2 2011
IT’S week three of Theme Teams and this time it’s the bruising hard men against the more exuberant ‘Fancy Dans’ to have cut their cloth on Merseyside. Have we omitted any players who would merit a place in either line-up? Your views are always welcome so get in touch. Who would win this week’s game? You can cast your vote below The result of this match will be in next Saturday’s FOOTBALL ECHO and keep an eye out for another Theme Teams next week.
FANCY DANS XI
Goalkeeper: Leigh Roose It has been said that the forbidding of goalkeepers handling outside the penalty area was due to the performances of this Blue who enjoyed taking part in attacks. Supporters recall him putting on gymnastic displays from his crossbar. A noted grenade thrower during his time in the forces, Roose would eventually die at the Somme.Defender: Alan Hansen The strapping Scot’s elegance and calm exterior proved enough for Bob Paisley to bring the defender South from Partick Thistle to make over 400 appearances for the Reds.Midfielder: Jamie Redknapp Would form the linchpin of the infamous spice boys of the mid-nineties. According to TV adverts, he now walks horses and plays shirtless golf on sun blitzed beaches.Midfielder: Alberto Aquilani The Italian has flounced around the Liverpool midfield on his few outings since a big summer move in 2009 to earn the ‘Fancy Dan’ tag amongst the Reds current crop.Midfielder: Peter Beagrie Olympic somersaults after scoring a goal, Beagrie would flummox defenders for 10 clubs during a 23 year career.Midfielder: John Barnes Could perhaps be forgiven for his rapping on the count of dazzling ability. Barnes boasts a rap solo on England’s 1990 World Cup anthem which made number one.Midfielder: David Ginola The Frenchman may not have lived up to his own billing. Retirement from the game after just five appearances on Merseyside prompted the former Newcastle man to announce he would move into either coaching or acting. After all, he was “worth it.”Midfielder: Patrick Berger Berger’s Alice band tamed locks were far from the Scouse trend in late nineties Liverpool but a superb start to his Anfield career quickly helped the Czech win over Reds fans.Midfielder: Duncan McKenzie Stunts including leaping over mini-cars, throwing golf balls incredible distances and gravity-defying stints of juggling turned the striker into a circus act but 14 goals in 48 appearances for the Blues shows there was substance to the entertainer.Striker: Alex Young Oozing charisma set off by a halo of blonde curls, the elegant Scot was adored by Evertonians. When Harry Catterick dropped Young for an untried Joe Royle in 1966, he was shoved by upset fans outside Goodison.Striker: Jack Cock It was once said of Jack Cock that he was far more interested in fashion than football. A naturally gifted centre-forward, he was known to lose his cool if confronted by someone wearing a similar outfit.
IT’S week three of Theme Teams and this time it’s the bruising hard men against the more exuberant ‘Fancy Dans’ to have cut their cloth on Merseyside. Have we omitted any players who would merit a place in either line-up? Your views are always welcome so get in touch. Who would win this week’s game? You can cast your vote below The result of this match will be in next Saturday’s FOOTBALL ECHO and keep an eye out for another Theme Teams next week.
HARDMEN XI
Goalkeeper: Bruce Grobbelaar The South African’s acrobatics were sometimes matched by his temper. Few Evertonians will forget his grapple with Steve McManaman at Goodison.Defender: Tommy Smith Shankly Shankly once said: “Tommy Smith wasn't born, he was quarried." Smith once played on for almost an entire match after an opponent booted a chunk of bone off his knee cap. The ‘Anfield Iron’ was the toughest player Jack Charlton believes he ever faced. “I ran into him once and he knocked every ounce of breath out of me,” said Charlton.Defender: Dave Watson An uncompromising defender, powerful in the air and solid in the tackle. Watson took to the field for Everton’s cause whilst injured on many occasions during his 15 year stint and once played on at Middlesbrough with fractured ribs.Defender: Ron Yeats Shankly told journalists "the man is a mountain, go into the dressing room and walk around him." Nicknamed “The Colossus,” Yeats captained the Reds for nine seasons.Defender: Pat Van den Hauwe Dubbed ‘Psycho Pat’, clattering tackles were a staple of the Belgian’s play as he oozed aggression. His goal would seal the Blues their last league title to date.Midfielder: Johnny Morrissey Defenders were wise to tread carefully around this winger and it wasn’t for the fear of step-overs. Morrissey was said to be a first pick in training due to his tenacity.Midfielder: Jimmy Case Schooled in Liverpool’s local leagues, the diminutive Case would don the Liverbird and become renowned for a brutal shot. He ended the career of Geoff Nulty in the 1980 Merseyside derby.Midfielder: Bruce Rioch Chants of “Brucie’s gonna get yer!” were often wholly accurate as the midfielder notched victims during his career. He is also said to have comfortably seen off a YTS player in a fight during his time in management.Midfielder: Graeme Souness Once on the receiving end of intimidatory tactics of a Dinamo Bucharest player who would ultimately leave the field with a broken jaw, Souness would go on to entitle his autobiography ‘No half measures’. Few could doubt the titles accuracy.Striker: Duncan Ferguson Where to start? The citizens arrest of a burglar who subsequently spent three days in hospital, fracas with Steffen Freund, Gabriel Tamas, Paul Scharner and a jail sentence for a headbutt on Raith Rover’s John McStay. Ferguson’s celebratory tensing of bicep the icing on a cake made of granite.Striker: Dixie Dean Told he would struggle to play again after a near fatal motor-cycle crash, the Everton legend’s fight to return within four months epitomised what he was all about. He also had to have a testicle removed as a result of a challenge.
Everton FC duo David France and Dave Hickson are toast of the town as Liverpool council makes them honorary citizens
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 2 2011
LtoR.Dave Hickson,Lewis Biggs OBE,Dr.David France,Tony McGann OBE and Patricia Mary Mullin OBE (Pic Terry Mealey)THEY stood shoulder to shoulder beaming with mutual pride as the city they both love recognised them as extra special citizens.Super player and super fan – both indebted to each other in some way – and now honorary citizens of Liverpool.Everton collection mastermind Dr David France, and celebrated former striker Dave Hickson were presented with the honours by Lord Mayor Cllr frank Prendergast at a town hall ceremony on Wednesday this week.The two Davids have a friendship as strong as their admiration for each other, and backgrounds which mark them out as the truest of Bluebloods.Typically, David France flew to Merseyside ahead of the ceremony a few days early, to unveil a plaque paid for by his wife Elizabeth, at Goodison Park in honour of the former Everton players who died in the two World Wars.Designed as a “special memorial to special Blues who should never ever be forgotten”, it underlines Dr France’s commitment to the club he has worshipped from a tender age.City council leader Joe Anderson, himself an Evertonian, presented both men with their scrolls at the ceremony and said he was delighted to have the chance to recognise their worth.He said: “Half the football fans on Merseyside know his name and his accomplishments but little else about ‘Dr Everton’.“I googled him to learn more about him. Wikipedia says that David France is an author, football historian and philanthropist and that he has been the driving force behind numerous initiatives related to Everton Football Club including Gwladys Street’s Hall of Fame, the Everton Former-Players’ Foundation, the Founding Fathers of Merseyside Football and the Everton Collection.“It says that he was educated in the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany and moved to North America in 1978 to become the executive of an oil & gas corporation. He retired from corporate life in 1990 to concentrate on consulting and charity work.“But I also discovered that there is far more to his life - and it is inspiring. For example, he was a slow-learner and couldn’t read until he was 14.“He left school at 16 to become a gas-fitter and through part-time studies earned more degrees than a thermometer, BSc, MSc, MBA, PhD.“He received international recognition for his fair share of academic medals for his research in combustion.“He was awarded the prestigious Joule Medal for his pioneering work related to the hydrogen economy over 35 years ago.His work was so highly regarded that his emigration to the United States was sponsored by Senator Teddy Kennedy.“He consulted to NASA and to the US government and was a better rocket scientist and nuclear expert than he was a gas-fitter.“He rose to the top of a major oil company, based in Texas, then retired at age 42.”Cllr Anderson said he was amazed by Dr France’s regular visits to watch the Blues at Goodison, despite living on the other side of the Atlantic, and his award makes him only the second person to be honoured for contributions to football after Bill Shankly’s posthumous award.“Since then he has devoted his time to worthier causes in North America and of course closer to home – one of which is Merseyside football,” he said.“Dr France’s contributions to Merseyside football are unique, visionary and compassionate.“In 1999, Dr France conceived of and founded the Everton Former-Player’s Foundation dedicated to alleviating the medical and other hardships of former footballers.“It was the first organisation of its kind in the world. The beneficiaries are pre-Premier League players, who upon retirement, they were required to nurse their chronic injuries through the remainder of their lives.“To date, the Everton Former-Players’ Foundation has raised funds and awarded grants in excess of £1,000,000. Details of individual grants are confidential, however, the Foundation has assisted 120 men and funded hip replacements, knee replacements and other surgical procedures for individuals who were unable to help themselves and may not otherwise have received treatment.“Subsequently it has been embraced as UEFA’s model and replicated by Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and 17 other leading European football clubs.“His contribution to Merseyside history has been vast. He was one of the first people to recognise the cultural significance of the history of football and the very first private individual to protect the history of our national game.“Conscious of the significant contributions that Merseyside has made to the development of football as the world’s game, he secured a huge part of the history of British football by compiling single-handedly the finest and most complete archives of football writings and football memorabilia in the world, according to experts at Christie's and Sotheby’s.“They tell the week-by-week story of the evolution and development of the game over the past 130 years and have no match anywhere in the football world.“From his home in North America, he was able to secure these rarities when collecting such items was unfashionable. So much so that it is widely accepted that it would be impossible to replicate his work today. His tenacity over a 25 year period has been relentless. So much so that he has travelled over two million miles from his home in North America to drive and support these initiatives on Merseyside.“He assembled some of football’s rarest items dating back to Everton’s pioneering days in Stanley Park. In addition to hundreds and hundreds of unique items of interest to all football enthusiasts, the most priceless treasures are the official club ledgers detailing the minutes of all board meetings between 1886 and 1964.“In an unrivalled act of generosity, Dr France transferred these archives at a fraction of their market value to the Everton Collection Charitable Trust.“The artefacts, or more fittingly treasures, are maintained at the Liverpool Record Office and will be displayed at the new National Museums Liverpool, the National Football Museum, and public exhibitions nationwide. “Now known as The Everton Collection, it is housed at the Liverpool Record Office where it took a team of experts some two years to catalogue the artefacts.”Indeed, in the foreword to Dr France’s next book, Everton owner Bill Kenwright wrote: ‘Even though he never donned a royal blue jersey, David France is as important as those who did.‘He is proof that kindness still exists in the game. The results of his initiatives have spread from Merseyside to Europe and many of the other leading European clubs have copied his ideas.”Equally, Dave Hickson joins an elite band of sportsmen to have received the honour. Looking smart as ever as he received his award, with his trade-mark quiff still resplendent, Cllr Anderson admitted he was shaking the hand of his hero.In a typically modest and brief speech, Hickson, reminded everyone of the valuable work carried out by the charities he supports, and reminisced about still pulling on his boots in his 60s for Ivor Scholes’ Over the Hill mob.The 81-year-old, who famously played a starring role in Everton’s last promotion campaign almost 60 years ago, and earned the nickname “The Cannonball Kid” for his full-blooded style apologised for his brief acceptance speech, saying: “Well that’s just me”.Hickson still works as a match-day ambassador at Goodison Park, and resumed work even after the death of his beloved wife Pat last November.Hickson himself suffered a suspected heart attack just before Everton kicked off their 7-1 victory over Sunderland in 2007.Bill Kenwright aborted plans to watch the game after travelling up from London and he rode in an ambulance with his close friend.In October 2009 he discharged himself from hospital after two operations on his leg in the previous week to attend what he thought was an 80th Birthday Dinner at Club Everton with 20 or 30 of his close family and old time ex-colleagues. But the surprise event was packed out with almost 250 blues and he was in fine form satisfying all autograph and photograph demands from the enthralled audience.Hickson was presented with a specially commissioned painting of himself as “The Cannonball Kid” by the club’s Life President Sir Philip Carter – and this latest honour simply enters a long list of credits to a much-loved Royal Blue legend.
Exclusive: Everton FC boss David Moyes to receive Liverpool John Moores university fellowship
Ben Turner
Jul 2 2011
EVERTON FC manager David Moyes will pick up a major award before the season has even started – an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.The ECHO can reveal that the Scotsman, Toffees boss since 2002, is to receive the prestigious honour, the highest award the university can bestow, for his “outstanding contribution to football and sportsmanship”.He will receive his award on July 13 – the middle of graduation week.A delighted Moyes today said: “I am very proud to receive this honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.“Everton Football Club has a great relationship with the university’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, which provides sport science support for our elite performance testing and also helps us show how football can be an agent for social change by supporting our community projects.”Moyes’ previous accolades include being named League Managers Association Manager of the Year three times and he has been the Premier League Manager of the Month on seven occasions.He also made over 550 league appearances as a centre half in a playing career that began with Glasgow Celtic, where he won a championship medal.Everton’s links with Liverpool John Moores University are well established and include the university’s Football Exchange scheme. The scheme ranges from providing club staff with tailor made fitness, lifestyle and nutritional support to collaborating to promote health awareness in the community.Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Brown, said: “We are delighted to welcome David as an honorary fellow.“His ambition and drive is combined with a great community spirit, which has proved inspirational for all football fans, and beyond the pitch as an excellent example of sportsmanship.”It was also confirmed that renowned Shakespearean actor, director and author Janet Suzman will receive an honorary fellowship for her outstanding contribution to the performing arts.Her recent work includes directing Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra starring Kim Cattrall at Liverpool Playhouse last year.Fellows of the university become closely associated with faculty staff and students in their professional areas and often return to give seminars, master classes and guest lectures.Recipients are selected for their “outstanding achievements”.
Everton FC defender Joseph Yobo should be allowed to move to Fenerbahce, says ex-Nigeria teammate Okechukwu Uche
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 2 2011
FORMER Nigerian international Okechukwu Uche has urged Everton FC and Fenerbahce to resolve their differences and allow Joseph Yobo to complete his permanent move to the Turkish champions.The defender has been in limbo while the Blues and the Turks have spent the summer haggling over his valuation.The Blues believed that a clause in the player’s contract when he moved on-loan to Turkey guaranteed them £6m should both parties want to make the move long term.But Fenerbahce are now offering barely half that figure.Uche, a former international team-mate of Yobo’s who spent almost a decade at Fenerbahce, said: “Joseph is not having a good holiday as his future remain unresolved.“He had a wonderful season at Fenerbahçe, the management and fans would love for him to stay at the club and that is key.“I hope both clubs can just consider the player’s desire, ambition and happiness as only a happy man will give his best on the pitch.“We’ve heard other clubs are also interested in Yobo, who haven’t made official bids yet but the player has repeatedly stated his desire to play on at Fenerbahçe.”The Blues have been negotiating intensively with the Turks and a deal in the region of 4m euros should be completed soon.The completion of the move would be a huge relief to boss David Moyes and allow him to think about adding to his squad.
An Everton under-21 squad, meanwhile, will be heading to Moscow later this month to compete in the prestigious VTB Lev Yashin Cup competition. Players like Jose Baxter, Apostolos VelliosŠand Joao Silva will all travel for a four-team tournament involving the Blues, host team Dynamo Moscow, SC Freiburg of Germany, and Serbian side OFK Beograd.Everton reserve team coach Alan Stubbs said: “The football should be tough. It is worth remembering it will be our first competitive action of pre-season and we are up against players who are well into their seasons so, from a fitness point of view, we are going to be up against it.“We are obviously there to improve our fitness, but that is not all it is. The result isn’t everything but we are there to represent the club and we don’t want to just make up the numbers.“If it was in this country against domestic opposition then it probably would just be about the fitness, but we are representing Everton.“We’ll go there and enjoy it, there will be an edge to the football because of who we are playing and hopefully with it being a week into pre-season the lads will be desperate to get the ball out and play some games.”The tournament takes place over the weekend of July 16 & 17, and Stubbs revealed that David Moyes was instrumental in arranging the trip.“The club received an invite and the gaffer put it to us and asked us what we thought,” he added.“And the manager has given us the best of our under-21s. It is great to be involved in this.”
£20M RODWELL RACE
Jack Rodwell is rated at £20m by Everton
3rd July 2011 By Paul Hetherington
Sunday Star
EVERTON have decided that Jack Rodwell is the player they are prepared to sacrifice to raise transfer funds for manager David Moyes. Their decision will spark a £20million bidding war with Manchester City, Spurs and Chelsea all eyeing the England Under-21 midfielder. And it also means it is decision time for Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has the longest-standing interest in Birkdale-born Rodwell, 20. United’s interest appeared to have cooled with Fergie pursuing other targets. And that could remain the case this summer with another midfielder – Arsenal’s Samir Nasri – being strongly linked with both the Premier League champions and neighbours City. But once Fergie has an interest in a player, it tends to last and often reaches fulfillment in terms of a deal. What is clear is that Everton, somewhat reluctantly, have decided that Rodwell is the asset they would prefer to sell, rather than key players in Moyes’ thinking like Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Marouane Fellaini. And the Daily Star Sunday understands that Rodwell himself would not be opposed to a move. Rodwell, a midfielder who is tipped to develop into a cultured central defender, is rated at £20m by Everton. They have based that valuation on the fee neighbours Liverpool paid for Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson this summer. Rodwell, though, might not be the first departure from Everton, with Turkey’s Fenerbahce closing in on a £4m deal for central defender Joseph Yobo, 30, who has been offered a five-year deal at £60,000 a week by the club where he spent last season on loan Not surprisingly, the Nigeria international is keen to join Fenerbahce on a permanent basis. There could also be interest from Turkey in striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu, another Nigerian who is available at Goodison. Yakubu, 28, could move for £2.5m and has attracted interest from Championship clubs West Ham and Leicester, where he was on loan last season. But so far, his Everton wages have been a stumbling block to a permanent move for the former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough striker. Everton chairman Bill Kenwright knows, though, that selling Yobo and Yakubu – and possibly Russian winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov – wouldn’t be enough to give Moyes the financial backing he needs to strengthen a squad which finished seventh in the Premier League last season. That’s why a big-hitter in terms of valuation has to be sacrificed – and Rodwell is the player in the frame. Everton remain worried that a big offer could come in for England international left-back Baines, 26, a player they are desperate to keep.
Baines has just had an outstanding season and has interested neighbours and deadly rivals L Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City – before their move for the Gunners’ Gael Clichy. There was talk of City offering cash plus a ready-made replacement in Wayne Bridge, who is out of favour with Eastlands coach Roberto Mancini. But his £85,000-a-week wages were always going to be a stumbling block to that deal materialising. But mindful that a big bid could still come in for Baines, Everton have been eyeing Swansea left-back Neil Taylor, who also interests Newcastle United coach Alan Pardew. One player definitely staying at Everton with a new two-year contract is captain Phil Neville, 34. He was wanted by Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp in the last transfer window, to add valuable experience to the side. The former Manchester United man has been a massive success at Everton. And Spurs have now accepted that they won’t be able to prise him away from the North West.
Everton FC midfielder Jack Rodwell not expected to leave Goodison this summer
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 4 2011
EVERTON are not expecting Jack Rodwell to leave the club this summer – despite reports linking the midfielder with a move away from Merseyside. Rumours circulated over the weekend that Blues boss David Moyes had decided to cash in on the highly-rated 20-year-old in a bid to raise funds for a summer reshape of his squad, and suggested that Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham were locked in a three-way fight for Rodwell’s signature.
But the ECHO understands that no such decision has been made about his future, and that no bids have been received by Everton. Rodwell himself signed a lucrative, five-year contract at Goodison Park last summer, and has given no indication that he is looking to leave the club, despite an indifferent, injury-hit campaign, in which he made just 13 Premier League starts. And Moyes has repeatedly stressed his desire to keep hold of the England Under-21 man, who can play as a central defender as well as in midfield, along with fellow prized assets Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Marouane Fellaini. Moyes knows he will need to sell players before he can add to his squad this summer, with funds tight at Goodison Park. The Scot is desperate to add at least one striker to his ranks, but will look to offload the likes of Joseph Yobo and Yakubu before considering parting with any of his first-team stars. Yobo is expected to sign a five-year contract with Fenerbahce this week, having ironed out the final details of a £4m switch to the Turkish champions, with whom he spent last season on loan. The Nigerian defender is not expected to join the rest of the Blues squad for the start of pre-season training on Tuesday, as he brings an end to his nine-year stay on Merseyside.
His countryman Yakubu, meanwhile, is also attracting interest from Turkey. The striker spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship side Leicester City, and is desperate to seal a permanent move away from Goodison. Both Fenerbahce and Besiktas have been linked, though the 28-year-old’s wage demands could prove a stumbling block. Elsewhere, Blues skipper Phil Neville will put pen to paper on a new one-year contract extension this week – a move that will see him play out the rest of his career at Goodison Park. The 35-year-old has agreed terms on the new deal, which will keep him on Merseyside until 2013, and should finalise the contract upon his return to training at Finch Farm this week.
Everton FC "collar" traditional new home strip for kit next season
Jul 4 2011
EVERTON have ‘collared’ a traditional new home strip for next season's kit. For the first time since 2000/01 the Blues’ home shirt will feature a vintage look collar, with amber piping. Echoing some of the kits worn by legends like Dixie Dean and Joe Mercer, Everton and retail partner Kitbag believe the strip will become a firm favourite amongst fans. The strip will be officially launched on 14 July with an event at Everton One, the club shop adjacent to Goodison Park, when one of David Moyes’ first team stars will be in store to meet fans as they get their hands on the shirt for the first time.
The full strip is available to pre-order online at evertondirect.com and in store from today. It will then be available to buy on Thursday, 14 July, at Everton One, Everton Two and online.
Everton FC rumour mill: Nikola Zigic and Herita Ilunga linked, EFC mulling Shane Long price tag
Jul 4 2011
The Blues are on alert after Nikola Zigic's agent confirmed the giant striker will leave Birmingham City this summer, according to Football365. Everton are believed to have shown an interest in the 30-year-old Serbia forward in the past. Zigic's representative Milan Calasan is quoted as saying: "At the moment, the only thing that is sure is that Zigic is going to leave Birmingham this summer.
"There is still a long time left to decide, so we are not in a rush. Nikola's wish is to continue his career in England or Spain."
Source: Football365
Blues to offer Herita Ilunga Premier League reprieve?
Herita Ilunga wants an immediate return to the Premier League after relegation with West Ham and Everton could be his way out, according to Teamtalk. Wolves, QPR and Norwich are also thought to be monitoring the 29-year-old left-back's situation. Sky Sports quote Ilunga as saying: "I'm aware of the speculation. Nothing's done at the moment. I want to play in the top division. "West Ham's a friendly club and I'm very happy to play for them, but you never know in football."
Source: Teamtalk
Blues to stretch to £10m for Shane Long?
Reading are demanding £10m for striker Shane Long, according to Clubcall. Everton are believed to be in for his services along with a host of other Premier League sides including Newcastle and West Brom. Clubcall suggests an initial offer from the Blues in the region of £7m was rejected by Reading.
Brian McDermott, manager of the Royals, is quoted as saying: "If a Premier League club comes in and we feel it is the right offer there's nothing we can do."
Source: Clubcall
Everton FC manager David Moyes to receive honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 4 2011
EVERTON FC manager David Moyes is to receive an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University. The award is the highest the university can bestow, and is in recognition of his “outstanding contribution to football and sportsmanship”.
Moyes will receive the award on July 13.
He said: “I am very proud to receive this honorary fellowship. Everton Football Club has a great relationship with the university’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, which provides sport science support for our elite performance testing and also helps us show how football can be an agent for social change by supporting our community projects.” Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Brown, said: “His ambition and drive is combined with a great community spirit, which has proved inspirational for all football fans, and beyond the pitch as an excellent example of sportsmanship.”
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was made an honorary Doctor of Science by the University of Ulster last week.
No summer exit from Goodison for Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 4 2011
JACK RODWELL will not be leaving Everton FC this summer - despite reports linking the midfielder with Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City. The 20-year-old signed a five-year contract at Goodison Park last summer, but stories circulating this weekend had suggested the England Under-21 could be sold in order to raise funds for David Moyes to reshape his squad.
The Daily Post understands, however, that Moyes has no plans to offload the Birkdale-born man, and that Rodwell has shown no indication that he is looking to leave the club. Free-spending Manchester City have long been credited with an interest in the versatile midfielder, who can also play as a centre-back, whilst reports claimed that new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp were ready to enter into a £20m battle for his signature. Moyes, however, would be loath to part with one of his brightest young talents, and is desperate to keep hold of Rodwell, along with fellow first-team stars Leighton Baines, Marouane Fellaini and Phil Jagielka.
Rodwell endured a disappointing season last time out with Everton, making just 13 Premier League starts during an injury-hit campaign. He revealed recently that he had set his sights on next season, as he looks to regain the form which made him one of English football’s rising stars. His manager is well aware that financial constraints could come into play this summer. Everton are in a position where they will need to sell players before they can add to their squad, but Moyes is hopeful that he can raise sufficient funds by offloading unwanted squad members such as Joseph Yobo and Yakubu.
Yobo is expected to complete a £4m switch to Fenerbahce this week, having sorted out the final details of a five-year contract with the Turkish giants, with whom he spent all of last season on loan.
The Nigerian defender is not expected to join the rest of the Blues squad for the start of pre-season training at Finch Farm on Tuesday, as he brings an end to his nine-year stay on Merseyside.
His countryman Yakubu, meanwhile, is also attracting interest from Turkey. The striker, a former Everton record-signing, spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship side Leicester City, scoring 11 goals in 20 appearances, and is desperate to seal a permanent move away from Goodison as soon as possible. Elsewhere, captain Phil Neville will put pen to paper on a new one-year contract extension this week – a move that will enable him to see out the rest of his playing career at the club. The 35-year-old has agreed terms on the new deal, which will keep him on Merseyside until 2013, and should finalise the contract upon his return to training at Finch Farm this week.
Everton keeping tabs on £250k-rated Derry City winger James McClean
By Sportsmail Reporter
4th July 2011 The Daily Mail
Everton are interested in £250,000-rated Derry City winger James McClean. The 22-year-old Northern Ireland Under 21 player is also wanted by Reading, West Ham and Blackpool. Yakubu will be included in the Everton squad to fly to Austria for a training camp today as doubts persist over his future at the club. The Nigerian striker spent the second half of last season on loan at Leicester but the clubs have not agreed a permanent move. David Moyes will sell Yakubu, 28, at the right price but plans to include the centre forward in his plans until then. Yakubu’s compatriot Joseph Yobo, 30, has been allowed to stay away from Everton until his move to Fenerbahce is finalised
Women’s World Cup: Everton FC Ladies’s Jill Scott says England have more to give
Liverpool Echo
Jul 5 2011
“YOU ain’t seen nothing yet!” That’s the warning to England’s opponents at the Women’s World Cup from Everton’s Jill Scott as the midfielder prepares to face Japan in the third and final group game at the tournament in Germany. Japan are ranked fourth in the world – six places higher than England – and among the favourites to lift the Cup. They have won both of their games to date, the second a 4-0 thrashing of a Mexico side that had held England to a 1-1 draw in the group opener.
Hope Powell’s team then struggled against New Zealand and had to come from behind to win 2-1, Scott hitting the equaliser then setting up the late winner for Lincoln winger Jess Clarke. So although they have misfired so far in the competition, England need just one point from their game against Japan in Augsburg to ensure qualification for the quarter-finals. Even a narrow defeat may be enough as Mexico must beat New Zealand and achieve a five-goal swing if second place has to be decided on goal difference. But defeat is the last thing on Scott’s mind. “This tournament has not seen the best of us yet,” she said as she looked ahead to winning her 48th England cap. “When we get the ball down and pass it,” she added, “teams can’t get close to us. So after improving our play throughout the second half against New Zealand, we’ve got a very positive mindset and I believe we’ll get stronger as the tournament goes on.” The Japan game will be our toughest so far - we’ve watched DVD’s of them in action and I’ve been very impressed. “They move the ball really well, they can keep possession as well as any team in the tournament an they can score for fun. That’s a great combination, but we’ll be out to close their space down and hopefully get a goal or two to win the game.” Winning the game – and by doing so winning the group – would probably mean that England would avoid Germany, the tournament favourites who are aiming to become World Cup winners for the third time in succession – a feat that has never been achieved in either the women’s or men’s game. The host nation have collected maximum points from their first two games without being at their best, while tonight’s opponents France – also with six points – are one of the tournament’s form teams, trouncing Canada 4-0 in their last game. England coach Powell said: “If we get through then whoever we get in the quarter-finals, it’s going to be very tough. “You think you’d like to avoid Germany, but then you look at the way France have been playing and think, ‘that would be really hard.’ “So all we can do is try to beat Japan, hope that we get into that last eight and then wait to see if it’s Germany or France in the next game.”
Liverpool FC & Everton FC youngsters in action as England bow out of U17 World Cup to Germany
by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
Jul 5 2011
ENGLAND Under-17s’ World Cup dream is over after they were beaten 3-2 by Germany in last night’s quarter-final in Mexico. Liverpool duo Raheem Sterling and Brad Smith, along with Everton pair John Lundstram and Hallam Hope, all started the game but defensive errors were ruthlessly punished by the favourites who raced into a 3-0 lead. Sam Magri and Hope reduced the deficit in a gutsy fightback but England couldn’t find an equaliser and bowed out. The young Lions began in confident mood following their penalty shootout victory over Argentina in the second round and Lundstram forced a decent save from keeper Odisseas Vlachodimos after being teed up by clubmate Hope.
England fell behind against the run of play in the seventh minute. Keeper Jordan Pickford raced out of his box but was beaten to the ball by Samed Yesil, who tucked away his fourth goal of the tournament. Hope sent a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box but Germany always posed the greater attacking threat. Yesil was denied by the post before the Germans doubled their tally in the 24th minute. England failed to clear a corner and Kaan Ayhan diverted the ball home.
Five minutes before the interval Reds left-back Smith went down in the box but was booking for diving and would have missed the semi-final due to suspension. Sterling threatened on the stroke of half-time with a shot which was parried behind. The Liverpool winger led England’s charge at the start of the second half and his tempting cross was met by skipper Nathaniel Chalobah, whose stunning overhead kick was brilliantly kept out by Vlachodimos. England were still ruing their misfortune when Germany added a third goal just seconds later. They capitalised on some wretched defending and Yesil netted from close range in the 53rd minute. John Peacock’s side looked doomed but they showed great spirit to battle their way back into the game. Nick Powell was brought down by Nico Perrey in the box and Magri stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way.
Liverpool’s Jack Dunn replaced Lundstram and the Academy youngster played a big part in England’s revival. Midfielder Dunn went close from long range before Hope made it 3-2 seven minutes from time. Nathan Redmond’s shot was parried and Everton starlet Hope was on hand to tuck away the rebound for his second goal of the tournament. That set up a thrilling finale with Max Clayton and Dunn both going close to forcing penalties. However, there was no way through as Germany once again celebrated victory over England. The Liverpool trio of Adam Morgan, Tyrell Belford and Matty Regan were unused substitutes.
Everton FC manager David Moyes loved to push players to the limit in pre-season says David Unsworth
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 5 2011
David Unsworth celebrates scoring in David Moyes's first game* FOLLOW the ECHO on Twitter for all the latest EFC news here PRE-SEASON training is often a sick joke for Premier League footballers.
But Everton FC’s returning footballers won’t find themselves throwing up this summer – even though training sessions are just as tough as they’ve ever been. Former Everton favourite David Unsworth, now carving out a new career for himself as a bright and innovative young coach at Preston, was a veteran of 14 pre-seasons at Everton under four different managers. And he warned the Blues players: “David Moyes’ pre-seasons are tough. “He incorporates a little bit of old school mentality in with modern scientific methods. “In David’s early days at the club he liked see players being sick because he knew he had pushed them to the limit. “That doesn’t happen now because sessions are scientifically monitored and if a player is being sick he’s clearly been pushed too far.”
Everton’s players were at Liverpool University yesterday undergoing a battery of tests and Unsworth added: “The data that can be collated now from training sessions is incredible. “You have hydration tests, blood tests, heart-rate monitors and even something resembling a GPS system which make it easier to detect if a player is working to his optimum level. “All sessions are videoed and there are so many great tools for coaches and fitness coaches to use. “But it certainly doesn’t mean that pre-seasons are any easier.” Everton’s returning players underwent fitness tests yesterday then fly out this evening for a four day training camp in Austria. However players involved in end of season internationals like Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Johnny Heitinga and Seamus Coleman are not expected back for another week, while Tim Howard, whose involvement in the Gold Cup has only just ended, will not rejoin the squad until the US tour later this month. Unsworth is already working hard with the players at Preston North End where he is first team coach, putting the experience he gleaned from his seasons at Everton, West Ham, Wigan and with England to good effect.
“My first pre-season was in 1990 when Howard Kendall was manager and his pre-seasons were always famous for containing lots of ball-work,” he explained. “We had lots of small-sided games, skill sessions and not so much hard running. “When Mike Walker arrived he liked to involve lots of passing drills then Joe Royle and Willie Donachie came in and it’s fair to say we got absolutely beasted! “We were probably the fittest team in the Premier League when they’d finished with us. We ran for miles around Croxteth Park then did sessions on the track at Kirkby and I think it was after one of those sessions that I was sick for the only time after training.” Everton’s returning players are anticipating plenty of running this week. Tim Cahill tweeted yesterday: “Looking forward to getting back into the action. We are going to be Running for Fun “forrestgump!”
One player not expected back at Finch Farm, however, is defender Joseph Yobo. But Blues officials have refuted suggestions that the Nigerian defender is ready to boycott pre-season training in a bid to push through his move to Turkish side Fenerbahce. A report claimed that Yobo was planning to stay away from David Moyes’ pre-season preparations and run the risk of a hefty fine. But Yobo was not due back until next week and the Blues expect a deal to be completed with Fenerbahce – probably in the region of 4m euros – before then. Moyes will be looking to use the money generated to offer a downpayment for Wigan winger Charles N’Zogbia.
Everton FC rumour mill: Blues chase Irish winger, youngster signs for another year
Jul 5 2011
EVERTON FC are reported to be interested in £250,000-rated Derry City winger James McClean.
The under-21 Northern Ireland international has scored 18 times in 82 games for the Candystripes and also thought to be attracting the attention of Reading, West Ham and Blackpool.
Source: Daily Mail
Young starlet re-signs for another year
Highly-rated centre half Eric Dier has agreed a further season-long loan at Everton. The 18-year-old Sporting Lisbon centre-half spent five months at Goodison last season where he was figured for the club's under-18 team. The Blues will retain the option to make a deal for the youngster, who was born in Cheltenham but moved to Portugal as a child, permanent at the end of the season.
Source: ClickLiverpool
Everton FC return to training but Joseph Yobo is not expected to be back at Finch Farm again
by David Prentice, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 5 2011
Joseph Yobo 300
EVERTON FC’S players reported back for pre-season training yesterday – but Joseph Yobo is not expected to return to Finch Farm again. Goodison officials have refuted suggestions, however, that the Nigerian defender is preparing to boycott EFC pre-season training in a bid to push through his move to Turkish side Fenerbahce. A report claimed that Yobo was planning to stay away from David Moyes’ pre-season preparations and run the risk of a hefty fine, in order to force Everton to accept the offer on the table from the Turks. But a Goodison spokesman has pointed out that Yobo was not due back on Merseyside until next week and the Blues expect a deal to be completed with Fenerbahce – probably in the region of 4m euros – before then. Everton’s returning players underwent fitness tests at Liverpool University yesterday then fly out this evening for a four day training camp in Austria. However players involved in end of season internationals like Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Johnny Heitinga and Seamus Coleman are not expected back for another week, while Tim Howard, whose involvement in the Gold Cup has only just ended, will not rejoin the squad until the US tour later this month. Former Everton skipper Kevin Ratcliffe, meanwhile, believes the Blues can finally overcome the slow starts which have plagued their Premier League campaigns in recent seasons. Everton’s Premier League season kicks off at Tottenham on August 13 and despite the tough opener, Ratcliffe believes the early fixtures give Everton the opportunity to hit the ground running. After Spurs, Everton have home games against QPR, Aston Villa and Wigan and further trips to Blackburn and Manchester City in their first six games. “I hope a positive start will put us in good stead to challenge for Europe,” Ratcliffe said. “And I think there are worse runs of fixtures to put us on our way. “When you look at Everton’s opening six fixtures, my immediate reaction is that there are some winnable games in there. “I look at the meetings with QPR, Blackburn and Wigan, in particular, and expect us to get something and then take comfort from the fact that last season we did better against some of the tougher sides like Tottenham and Manchester City.”
Everton insist Manchester City and Chelsea target Rodwell not leaving by Geraldine Lagard.
Jul 2011 July 5, 2011 The Manchester Click
According to reports Everton are determined to hold onto midfielder Jack Rodwell. The Liverpool Echo claims Everton are not expecting Rodwell to leave the club this summer. Rumours circulated over the weekend that Blues boss David Moyes had decided to cash in on the highly-rated 20-year-old in a bid to raise funds for a summer reshape of his squad. It is understood that Premier League giants Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham were locked in a three-way fight for Rodwell’s signature. But no such decision has been made about his future, and that no bids have been received by Everton.
Sporting Lisbon defender rejoins Everton on loan
05/07/2011 – The Sporting Life
Everton have re-signed teenage Sporting Lisbon defender Eric Dier on a season-long loan.
The 17-year-old initially linked up with the Toffees in January, playing in the under-18s side which won the FA Premier League academy league final in May. A new deal has been struck for a whole season this time around and Dier, who was born in England but moved to Portugal when he was seven, will join pre-season training once the formalities of his paperwork have been completed.
Everton in Dier straits as Toffees land teen star defender on year-long loan
5th July 2011 Daily Mail
Eric Dier has joined Everton on loan for the season Everton have re-signed teenage Sporting Lisbon defender Eric Dier on a season-long loan. The 17-year-old initially linked up with the Toffees in January, playing in the Under 18s side which won the FA Premier League academy league final in May. A new deal has been struck for a whole season this time around and Dier, who was born in England but moved to Portugal when he was seven, will join pre-season training once the formalities of his paperwork have been completed. The teenager, who played for Sporting's Under 19 side when he was only 16, has previously drawn interest from Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal but, bizarrely, has been ignored by England’s youth squads. Dier is 6ft 2in and regarded as a versatile, goalscoring centre-back. He is bilingual and could be eligible for dual English-Portuguese nationality when he turns 18. He also has footballing heritage as his grandfather, the late Ted Croker, was secretary of the Football Association from 1973-89 after playing as a defender for Charlton and Kidderminster.
Everton's army shirt evokes glory era of garish goalkeepers
By Jack Pitt-Brooke
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
The Independant
It had to happen eventually. The lunatic creativity of mid-1990s goalkeeper shirts has finally come back into fashion. First the England kit, a medley of crosses of different shades of turquoise. And now Everton have exceeded even that, with a military camouflage pattern even less conventional than anything from the era of the FA Carling Premiership. Here are the worst of its forebears:
Manchester United 93-94
Peter Schmeichel proudly wore this rather indelicate number in United's second Premiership-winning season. Interlocking blue and yellow chevrons, paired in opposite directions, gave the appearance of a particularly tacky tablecloth. The navy blue collar, a brief concession to formality, is as incongruous as the timid sponsor's name in red.
Newcastle United 93-95
Perhaps the finest Newcastle United team since the early 1950s sported this effort, which saw Pavel Srnicek wearing the worst of nightclub lighting across his chest. The black sleeve trim and blue sponsor's star only pushed the colour scheme further into the attentions of those watching.
Aston Villa 93-95
Nigel Spink left Aston Villa for rivals West Bromwich Albion in 1996, perhaps in protest at being asked to wear a shirt depicting a shattered stain-glass window. A shattered stain-glass window, that is, with a significant logo for a popular yoghurt company at the heart of it. Perhaps the most forceful of its era, even in a crowded field.
Everton FC eyeing move for talented young Irishman James McClean
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo
Jul 6 2011
James McClean
EVERTON manager David Moyes may have another talented young Irishman in his sights – Derry City’s James McClean. Moyes has already scored a notable success in bringing Seamus Coleman to Goodison from Sligo Rovers for a bargain £60,000. Now McClean is emerging as a potential summer target after attracting interest from West Ham United and Blackpool. The 22-year-old from the Creggan area of Derry has notched 18 goals in 82 appearances for his hometown club and is described by manager Stephen Kenny as “an exciting prospect for the future.” McClean says he is keen to make the move across the Irish Sea to build a career in England. He insists he knows little about a reported £400,000 approach from Blackpool. However a move to established Premier League club like Everton is likely to hold extra appeal to the former Northern Ireland under 21 international. McClean said: “There have been quite a few rumours flying around over recent weeks regarding my future, but no one has said anything to me officially. Until that becomes the case, I want to concentrate on improving and playing well for Derry. “Every player wants to improve and play at the highest level possible and I’m no different. “I feel I’ve been playing well this season in the (Irish) Premier Division which was always going to be a test for me having come through the First Division the previous season. “Obviously, I’m still learning and still trying to improve my game and should an offer come in for me from a good club, then I would certainly sit up, take advice on the matter and move on. “I’ve heard stories about scouts watching me from West Ham, Reading and Burnley among others, but I’ve heard nothing. “I’ve read my name associated with some of those clubs on the internet, but I’ve been told nothing and, as I’ve said, until I do, I will continue trying to improve with Derry City.” Moyes signed Coleman from under the noses of Burnley back in February 2009. The defender from Donegal has since made 47 senior appearances for Everton, scoring six goals and signed a four and a half year contract in November of last year. Everton have confirmed they have agreed a season-long loan deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Eric Dier. The 17-year-old centre-back spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison Park, featuring prominently for the club’s under-18s side. He featured in the National Academy League final back in May, as Everton defeated Fulham in dramatic circumstances. And Goodison boss David Moyes has now secured the highly-rated teenager for at least another 12 months – his first signing of a low-key summer so far.
Cheltenham-born Dier signed professional terms with the Liga Sagres giants in April 2010, despite reports of interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
Everton FC sign defender Eric Dier on season-long loan deal
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 6 2011
EVERTON FC have confirmed they have agreed a season-long loan deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Eric Dier. The 17-year-old centre-back spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison Park, featuring prominently for the club’s under-18s side. He featured in the National Academy League final back in May, as Everton defeated Fulham in dramatic circumstances. And Goodison boss David Moyes has now secured the highly-rated teenager for at least another twelve months – his first signing of a low-key summer so far. Dier will now resume pre-season with the Toffees, once international clearance is finalised. Cheltenham-born Dier moved to Portugal at the age of seven, and was taken on at the Sporting academy a year later. He signed professional terms with the Liga Sagres giants in April 2010, despite reports of interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
His move to Everton is seen as something of a coup for the Goodison Park outfit, with suggestions that a permanent deal could be in the offing, should Dier make progress towards the Toffees’ first team. Moyes has been impressed with Dier’s development, could be set to follow up his signing with the capture of another highly-rated prospect, Northern Ireland under-21 winger James McClean. McClean, 22, plays for Derry City in the League of Ireland Premier Division. He has scored 18 goals in 73 games for the Candystripes, and would cost around £250,000. Championship sides Reading, Blackpool and West Ham United are believed to be interested - West Ham are rumoured to have made a bid back in January - but Everton are believed to be in pole position to land McClean, who was part of the Northern Irish side which won the Milk Cup in 2008, beating Chile in the final.
Everton’s players, meanwhile, departed for a training camp in Austria yesterday, as they step up their pre-season schedule. Skipper Phil Neville says the work they will do in the mountain retreat of Obertraun, prior to further trips to Russia, Germany and America, will be vital come the season’s start. “The manager is meticulous in his preparation,” Neville said. “We're going back to Austria and he always likes to take us away during the first week because we can focus fully on the three sessions a day. The first 10 days are the hardest because that's when we do most of our base running. “In Austria, we'll get the footballs out at times but it's all about doing the base training for the rest of the pre-season. I've been here six years now and the work I've done in each pre-season has seen me through to the end of the season.”
Liverpool and Everton reject Dale Jennings set to complete £1.7m move to Bayern Munich
In the next 48 hours, Bayern Munich expect to complete the unlikeliest transfer of the summer: a £1.7 million deal for Tranmere's Dale Jennings.
July 6 2011 The Telegrapher
The deal started with Germany’s biggest club scouting Leighton Baines, taking in a recommendation from a European Cup winner, and resulted in finding Dale Jennings, rejected by both Liverpool and Everton. Jennings will be moving from League One to the Champions League. The 18-year-old winger will travel to Germany on Wednesday to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms and is expected to be unveiled as Bayern’s latest recruit by the end of the week, entitling him to list Franck Ribéry, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben among his team-mates. It is quite a turnaround for a player ejected from Liverpool’s academy at the age of 15, who failed to earn a place on youth schemes at Everton and Derby before arriving at Tranmere, managing just six goals in 32 games in his first full season as a senior player. For that, he must first thank Baines, scouted by Bayern extensively last season, ahead of an ultimately futile bid for the Everton and England player. According to Sascha Empater, Jennings’s German agent, it was a result of their myriad trips to see Baines that Bayern were alerted to the potential of the teenager plying his trade across the Mersey in Birkenhead. He must also thank Dietmar Hamann, the former Liverpool midfielder, an erstwhile team-mate of Bayern’s technical director, Christian Nerlinger. “He rang me and asked what I thought of Jennings,” said Hamann, yesterday unveiled as Stockport’s new manager. “I told them he was a really talented kid who could go a long way in the game, and they have obviously taken my advice.” Even his current manager, though, admits to being taken aback by the identity of Jennings’s suitors. “It was the Wednesday before the end of last season when I got a call from an agent saying Bayern were interested in him,” said Les Parry. “I thought they were joking. So did the chairman, when I told him they were serious. It shows you it’s important not to be too cynical.” Bayern lodged a £500,000 bid — quickly rejected — and returned with an offer that could mean the German club pay as much as £1.7 million. Jennings will start in their second team, playing in Germany’s regional leagues. “He has the natural talent to play at the top level,” said Parry. “But it takes a lot of hard work. He has got to focus and apply himself, but he has the raw ability.” The path, at least, is open. “Thomas Müller, Holger Badstuber, Philipp Lahm and Toni Kroos all came through Bayern’s youth system,” said Empater. “German clubs know how to develop players. I don’t know any English club that is the same. It is probably easier to get in the first team at Bayern than it is at Blackburn, because that route is clear. “English clubs have taken players from Europe for a long time, so it is only natural that German clubs should have scouts in England looking out for players. English players should consider the Bundesliga, either for young player or senior ones. It is starting to happen more and more now. We are part of one football world.” As he looks around the Allianz Arena and remembers Prenton Park, Jennings may not feel that way. The Champions League is a world away from League One.
Everton FC: Club charity scoops more awards by Aaron Sharp.
Wed 06 Jul 2011 Liverpool Click
Everton's official charity has claimed yet more awards for its work in the communities of Merseyside. Everton in the Community was recognised at the inaugural Northern Sports Awards 2011 where it scooped the title of ‘Best Grass Roots/Club Scheme. Everton in the Community beat off competition from the likes of Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and the Manchester United Foundation to take the accolade at the awards, which was held at Lancashire County Cricket Ground.
The award comes after Everton in the Community’s disability programme won the Best Community Programme category at the 2011 Sport Industry Awards. Speaking at the Northern Sports Awards Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive officer of Everton in the Community, said: "This multi-award winning scheme has not only helped the local community through the quality of sporting provision it offers to people of all ages and social circumstances, its success is such that its approach has been adopted and replicated both nationally and internationally. “The judges were particularly impressed by the obvious passion and dedication of not only the scheme's staff but the 150 plus volunteers, who strive to serve the needs of their community through sport.” The judging panel included Mark Halsey, Premier League Referee, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, Managing Director of ISM, Jim Cumbes, Chief Executive of Lancashire County Cricket Club and Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport.
Phil Neville: It hurts! This is my 18th go at pre-season training... believe me it doesn't get any easier
By Phil Neville
July 7 2011 The Daily Mail
Pre-season training. They are the three words that fill every footballer with a sense of dread and I am yet to meet a player who looks forward to that first day back after a break. This is my 18th pre-season and you might think the older you are, the easier it gets. But that is never the case. The only thing that changes from when you are a young professional is that you know the work is not going to kill you. Given the advances in sports science and technology, there are so many things different to when I first started at Manchester United but, equally, one thing hasn’t changed. As was the case all those years ago, the next five weeks are all about making sure you are fit for the opening day. That will always be the same. One key change in the last few years has been the fact players now get exercise programmes to stick to during the summer break and each one is tailored to each individual’s physical capacity. At Everton, everyone is allowed two weeks of doing nothing but then you have to start ticking over. Managers and coaches trust their players to come back in good shape. When everyone gets weighed on the first day back, you will only see a marginal difference in their weight and body-fat reading compared to the final game of the previous season.
The pressure to look after yourself is more intense than 20 years ago, when players tended to have a good blowout. During my career I’ve never seen anyone report back seriously overweight and there is not much chance of that happening now. Rest is important but so is staying in condition.
Back to work: Everton manager David Moyes prepares to organise another painful session in Austria Inevitably, there will be sessions in the first week that stretch you to the absolute limit of your physical capabilities — and I can assure you that being plunged into a freezing river in the Austrian Alps is one of those things. We had that ‘pleasure’ yesterday. You will have heard stories of players running so much that they end up being sick and I can confirm they are true. I have seen it happen. Perhaps the funniest incident I’ve ever witnessed was a couple of years ago with Everton in St Andrews Bay. David Moyes enjoys making us run up sand dunes until we are at a standstill but, for one of my team-mates, it all became too much. His legs buckled on one descent and he went head first into the sand. As you can imagine, there was uproar among those who were watching. The man in question, though, did not find it funny and he wanted to let the manager know. Unfortunately for him, his head had gone that far underground that when he came to speak his mind, all that ended up coming out was a mouthful of sand.
THE HORSE SHOE
There is one session that David Moyes puts on for Everton’s squad which still puts the fear of God up me. Every year you know it is coming but there is nothing you can do about it. As was the case when he told us to follow the fitness coaches into the river, the manager takes great pleasure in seeing how much it makes the players squirm. Basically ‘the horse shoe’ is a series of sharp runs that cover distances between 100metres and 300m and there is barely any time to catch your breath in between. By the time you are on your eighth sprint, your legs feel like jelly and buckle, while your lungs are burning. The manager, meanwhile, simply laughs as you collapse. It feels like torture but it clearly pays off as we take pride at Everton in the fact no team will ever out-run us during the season. Put through his paces: Striker Louis Saha trains on a bike (left) while Moyes directs the training session
LEARNING LESSONS
One of the great things about pre-season is seeing the young players who have been promoted from the academy joining in for the first time. In certain ways, the first five weeks they spend with the seniors can be some of the most important in their careers. I remember joining in at Manchester United for the first time. We used to warm up doing an exercise called ‘strides’, which was a run you would do at three-quarter speed just to get you breathing heavier and warmed up. Brian Kidd would always take that session and, on this particular day, Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel were at the head of the group, leading the runs, while I settled into the middle, thinking it would be a good idea to just try to blend in. It wasn’t. After a couple of runs, Peter dropped back through the pack and before I realised what was going on, he was jostling me. Peter is an intimidating man and when he speaks, you listen. He basically said it was wrong to ever think you could take it easy. He knew I was a good runner so was not impressed that I hadn’t tried to push on at the front. That’s why now, whenever we’ve had a tough session and you can hear the young ones saying how tired they are, myself and a few of the other lads will say we feel great. Even if we feel anything but!
Interview by Dominic Kin
Everton FC aim for peak condition at pre-season training camp in the Austrian Alps
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo
Jul 7 2011
THE fitness regime for Everton’s pre-season training camp in the Austrian Alps this week is carefully worked out by David Moyes’ backroom staff months in advance. So meticulous are the preparations that players even have to follow specific procedures during the few weeks of rest between the end of one season and the start of work for the next. Fitness coach Steve Tashjian explained: “We were happy after the initial day of testing with the level of fitness the boys maintained over the summer break. "That is testament to their professionalism. "They are committed -- and to see them this ready to go again for another season is excellent. “We want to make sure they rest and recover properly. "It is a difficult season for them and we don’t want them to burn out or feel that their bodies have not recovered. “We give them freedom to start with and they get probably a couple of weeks when they are off with their families and they let their bodies and minds recover.
"After that they get a progressive programme of strength, fitness and speed work so that they are ready for pre-season. "We don’t expect them to be 90-minutes fit when they come back. "They just need to be ready for what comes their way when they come back.” Tashjian added: “The staff begin planning a trip like this at the start of the calendar year. Everyone from the manager down is involved. "As we get nearer the trip, the coaching staff meet far more frequently and we start to formulate training programmes. ”Austria is really about developing a base. The one thing we also take into consideration is that we also use the trip to start building the mentality the manager wants in the group of players. "Everton is renowned for spirit and fight and building that again starts in Austria. "We want to build a team spirit and that is taken into consideration when we plan the training sessions for a trip like this one.” Tashjian is familiar with the sound of players moaning about how tough the going is. He said: “They whinge because they know they have a hard week of training ahead of them, but as long as they do the work then they can moan all they want because they will have earned the right to tell us how their muscles feel. “We have got a great group of players here, they’ll work really hard this week and I am sure we will have another really good pre-season.”
Everton FC defender Sylvain Distin turns down chance of international debut with Guadeloupe
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo
Jul 7 2011
DEFENDER Sylvain Distin has turned down the opportunity to take a belated step into international football – so he can keep himself in the best possible shape for the new season with Everton FC.
The 33-year-old French born defender was invited to represent Guadeloupe in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the USA this summer. Distin is eligible to play for the Caribbean island nation through his father. But he feared the lengthy Gold Cup commitment would have a negative impact on his preparations for the 2011/12 campaign with Everton. So he chose to rest up early in the summer before joining the Blues’ training camp in the Austrian Alps this week. Distin said: “I am 33 now so it made it a difficult choice. My dad is from Guadeloupe and they asked me to play in the Gold Cup.
“It was a tough [decision.] I played every game last season and I thought it better to think about the club rather than going to the Gold Cup.” He added: “It was tempting. It may not be a big nation but it was an interesting offer and it is part of my roots and important to me. I was proud that they asked me but I would have been too tired. It was too big a gamble and I decided to be sensible and stay home and get some rest.” Distin missed out on international honours with France after breaking into the game via non-league football across the channel. He played for Tours and Gueugnon before signing for Paris St-Germain in 2000. Two years later he joined Manchester City in a £4 million deal after showing his aptitude for EnglishŠ football during a 28-game loan spell with Newcastle United. A freedom of contract move to Portsmouth followed in 2007 and two years ago David Moyes snapped up Distin for £5 million. The Frenchman has been a consistent performer at centre-back and full-back, making 81 Everton appearances, 44 of them last season. Everton’s high altitude training in Austria this week has left Distin feeling relieved about taking some rest during the summer. He said: “It is tough. We started hard with lots of running. "You don’t use the ball much so the first week is not that much fun! “It is nice to be away but it is a lot of training. The season is so long you have to do all the hard work before it starts and this week will give us that foundation.”
Everton FC’s School of Science approach is thriving in pre-season with Steve Tashjian
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 7 2011
THE fitness regime for Everton’s pre-season training camp in the Austrian Alps this week is carefully worked out by David Moyes’ backroom staff months in advance.So meticulous are the preparations that players even have to follow specific procedures during the few weeks of rest between the end of one season and the start of work for the next.Fitness coach Steve Tashjian explained: “We were happy after the initial day of testing with the level of fitness the boys maintained over the summer break. That is testament to their professionalism. They are committed – and to see them this ready to go again for another season is excellent.“We want to make sure they rest and recover properly. It is a difficult season for them and we don’t want them to burn out or feel that their bodies have not recovered.“We give them freedom to start with and they get probably a couple of weeks when they are off with their families and they let their bodies and minds recover. “After that they get a progressive programme of strength, fitness and speed work so that they are ready for pre-season. We don’t expect them to be 90-minutes fit when they come back. They just need to be ready for what comes their way when they come back.”Tashjian added: “The staff begin planning a trip like this at the start of the calendar year. Everyone from the manager down is involved.As we get nearer the trip, the coaching staff meet far more frequently and we start to formulate training programmes.“Austria is really about developing a base. The one thing we also take into consideration is that we also use the trip to start building the mentality the manager wants in the group of players. Everton is renowned for spirit and fight and building that again starts in Austria. We want to build a team spirit and that is taken into consideration when we plan the training sessions for a trip like this one.”Tashjian is familiar with the sound of players moaning about how tough the going is. He said: “They whinge because they know they have a hard week of training ahead of them, but as long as they do the work then they can moan all they want because they will have earned the right to tell us how their muscles feel.“We have got a great group of players here, they’ll work really hard this week and I am sure we will have another really good pre-season.”
Everton FC’s Sylvain Distin rejects international call-up offer
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 7 2011
DEFENDER Sylvain Distin has turned down the opportunity to take a belated step into international football – so he can keep himself in the best possible shape for the new season with Everton. The 33-year-old French-born defender was invited to represent Guadeloupe in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the USA this summer.Distin is eligible to play for the Caribbean island nation through his father. But he feared the lengthy Gold Cup commitment would have a negative impact on his preparations for the 2011/12 campaign with Everton. So he chose to rest up early in the summer before joining the Blues’ training camp in the Austrian Alps this week.Distin said: “I am 33 now so it made it a difficult choice. My dad is from Guadeloupe and they asked me to play in the Gold Cup. “It was a tough (decision). I played every game last season and I thought it better to think about the club rather than going to the Gold Cup.”He added: “It was tempting. It may not be a big nation but it was an interesting offer and it is part of my roots and important to me. I was proud that they asked me but I would have been too tired. It was too big a gamble and I decided to be sensible and stay home and get some rest.” Distin missed out on international honours with France after breaking into the game via non-league football across the channel.He played for Tours and Gueugnon before signing for Paris St-Germain in 2000. Two years later he joined Manchester City in a £4million deal after showing his aptitude for English football during a 28-game loan spell with Newcastle United.A freedom of contract move to Portsmouth followed in 2007 and two years ago Everton manager David Moyes snapped up Distin for £5 million.The Frenchman has been a consistent performer at centre-back and full-back, making 81 Everton appearances, 444 of them last season.Everton’s high altitude training in Austria this week has left Distin feeling relieved about taking some rest during the summer. He said: “It is tough. We started really hard with lots of running. You don’t use the ball much so the first week is not that much fun! “It is nice to be away but it is a lot of training. The season is so long you have to do all the hard work before it starts and this week will give us that foundation.”
Everton FC youngster John Lundstram in European U17 select squad
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 8 2011
EVERTON FC’S young lion John Lundstram was one of only two England players to make the 22-man tournament select squad after the European U17 Championships in Serbia. England were defeated semi-finalists in May but qualified for the Under-17 World Cup finals, where they have been knocked out by Germany. The UEFA technical report from the European tournament singled out the Everton midfielder and Chelsea defender Nathan Chalobah for special praise. The report claimed that Lundstram was an “influential catalyst in launching attacking moves.” Lundstram was one of six midfielders in the squad of the tournament, along with Arsenal's Dutchman Kyle Ebecilio.
UEFA's tournament select squad was chosen by technical director Andy Roxburgh along with technical observers Ross Mathie (Scotland) and Gines Melendez (Spain).
Everton FC finalise pre-season programme
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Jul 8 2011
EVERTON FC have now finalised the team’s pre-season schedule for 2011 and confirmed exclusive live coverage of all six games on evertontv. Fans will be able to catch every minute of the Blues’ pre-season fixtures on the Club’s online video service as David Moyes prepares his squad for the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season.
Everton’s 2011 pre-season schedule:
Friday 15 July, Bury (A) KO 7.45pm (BST)
Wednesday 20 July, Philadelphia Union (A) KO 7.30pm (LOCAL)
Saturday 23 July, DC United (A) KO 7.30pm (LOCAL)
Saturday 30 July, Birmingham City (A) KO 3pm (BST)
Tuesday 2 August, Werder Bremen (A) KO 6.30pm (BST)
Friday 5 August, Villarreal (H) KO 7.45pm (BST)
All the fixtures will be broadcast on a pay-per-view basis with each game costing just £4.99. Alternatively, supporters can take advantage of a pre-season 2011 package and order all six games for just £25. Everton’s 2011 pre-season action is available live and exclusive by pay-per-view on evertontv.
David Prentice: Why there is no need for an Everton FC revolution
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 8 2011
EVERTON FC’S most ‘successful’ season in recent years was forged against the backdrop of one of the ‘worst’ in living memory. Cast your minds back to the dark and dismal summer of 2004 (and that's not a metaphor by the way. I holidayed in Devon that summer – Boscastle was washed away).
Everton’s prospects appeared to mirror the weather. At the tail end of 2003/04 the Blues managed to engineer a climax to the campaign so catastrophic that they ended with the lowest effective points tally in the club's history. Then the most talented player produced by the club, possibly ever, was sold and replaced by a free transfer journeyman with eight clubs to his name. Expectations were lower than Barry White’s bass note. Yet Everton went and finished fourth. I use that example because Evertonian expectation once again appears to be sliding. Some fans have contacted this newspaper demanding ‘action’ – the basis of their argument being that because we helped force the Americans out of Anfield, we should do something similar with the current Goodison regime.
It’s a flawed argument. Tom Hicks and George Gillett came close to bankrupting Liverpool Football Club with a phenomenal level of debt that was unsustainable, levied against the club for personal gain. The current Blues board is refusing to spend money the club doesn’t have and doesn’t take a salary out of the club. That may not be very exciting, but it’s prudent housekeeping which doesn't threaten the future existence of the club. And until another investor offers to buy the shares of Bill Kenwright’s True Blue Holdings and pump more money into the club – and none has made any interest public since Paul Gregg seven years ago – Everton must cut their cloth accordingly.
With all lines of credit seemingly exhausted, the prospect of incoming transfers is dependent solely on departures and the only players David Moyes is actively seeking to offload are Joseph Yobo and Yakubu. As a result Everton’s name is glaringly absent from any list of transfer tittle tattle.
Even Sky Sport News, that voracious gobbler and spouter of even the most inane piece of football talk, can only find a camouflaged goalkeeper's jersey to talk about. But while great expectations sometimes lead to hard times (one for you Dickens fans out there), from little acorns giant oak trees can grow. But should expectations really be so low around Goodison Park? There were only six teams better than Everton in the Premier League last season – and that was despite a start slower than a weekend in jail. They possess an outstanding manager in David Moyes. And last season they achieved a seventh placed finish in a campaign which saw the supremely influential Marouane Fellaini injured for 16 games, the promising Jack Rodwell sidelined for much of the campaign and Louis Saha struggle with a combination of calf, ankle and hamstring problems. It was a season when Tim Cahill was one of the Premier League’s leading marksmen with a strike rate bettered only by Carlos Tevez, until the Asia Cup took him away for a month. Then he came back with a foot injury.
And it was a campaign which saw a youngster recently described by Cahill as the best he’s ever seen, Ross Barkley, cruelly break his leg on international duty. Tony Hibbert has been around Goodison for more than decade and in tonight’s paper he describes this current squad as “the best I've played with – if we can keep them all fit.” Once again Everton could be hoping for a reasonable run free of injuries. If that’s not exactly reasons to be cheerful, parts 1, 2, 3, neither is it time to call for revolution.
Everton FC’s Tony Hibbert says he doesn't care if he never scores a goal
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 8 2011
TONY HIBBERT is refusing to set himself a goal target for next season – as long as he carries on saving goals at the other end. The Blues defender has made 273 appearances for the club – and famously scored no goals – but insists he would be happy for that drought to continue if he is still doing his primary job well. “I’m honestly not bothered about scoring,” he said. “I’m a defender and when I think about the amount of times I’ve saved a goal, I must have cleared about 100 goalbound shots off the line in my career. No-one ever talks about them! “Not having scored a goal really doesn’t bother me.” There have been times, however, when Hibbert has gone close.
And the closest he has come to breaking that deadlock has been, surprisingly, against neighbours Liverpool. Kevin Ratcliffe, the most successful captain in Everton’s history, only scored twice in his Goodison career – and one of those came in an Anfield derby match. Hibbert can vividly recall the times he almost followed suit. “The closest I’ve come was in derby matches,” he added. “One fell to me on the edge of the penalty area and I didn’t half catch it sweet. It went straight at Pepe Reina but if I’d slightly mishit it, maybe shanked it, it would have flown in either side of him. “Then there was a header at Goodison against Liverpool. I’d come on as a sub and when I connected I thought ‘this is going in!’ “But it wasn’t to be. “I’m obviously saving it up for a derby match! I honestly have no idea what I’d do if I do score. People always ask me if I’ve got a celebration lined up and I haven’t. I’d probably just look out for Ossie (Leon Osman) and I think he would probably be more excited than me.” Team-mate Louis Saha, is no stranger to goal celebrations – and while he is out in Austria with with Hibbert at the Blues pre-season training camp he is still 10 days away from taking part in full training. But he admits he is relishing the pre-season schedule as he currently undergoes a programme of running and cycling. Saha’s season ended last March when he injured his ankle against Fulham, but he explained: “I am not doing the full training with the boys just yet but I think I should be able to in about 10 days. “That will be really good as my injury was quite a serious one – I am just really enjoying being back involved. “You are always really down the first few days when you get injured but after that the passion comes back and you are like a kid again, you just want to be out kicking the ball. It is that passion that keeps you going and makes you come back.”
He added: “It is perfect coming back from an injury at this time because you can get the same workout as the rest of the boys. That is what gives you the strength and fitness you need to sustain your level in the season. “Pre-season here is harder than anywhere else I have been but it is not just about having the level where you are ready to play, it is about having the level where you can fight for the team. “The manager wants to see that and is always testing the players’ ability.”
Everton FC’s Louis Saha keeps bouncing back through passion for playing
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 8 2011
FIT-AGAIN striker Louis Saha says his passion for playing remains the motivation to keep on coming back from the injuries that have dogged his career.The French international, who turns 33 next month, has not kicked a ball since March when he limped off against another former club Fulham with an ankle injury but he is now raring to go.He said: “You are always really down the first few days when you get injured but after that the passion comes back and you are like a kid again, you just want to be out kicking the ball.“It is that passion that keeps you going and makes you come back.”Saha reckons he is about 10 days away from returning to full training and will be available to play a part in the club’s six pre-season fixtures.He is currently being put through a programme of running and cycling as he ups his fitness and strengthens the ankle he damaged last season.The next step is full contact training and he said: “I am feeling really good and it is nice to be back with the boys and we are all smiling and working very hard.“I was up walking during the summer and now I am able to go out and train with the team and try and make sure we are all ready for the new season.“I am not doing the full training with the boys just yet but I think I should be able to in about 10 days. That will be really good as my injury was quite a serious one – I am just really enjoying being back involved.”While his team-mates did ball work on Wednesday for a two-hour session of intensive drills, Saha worked on sprinting before mounting a bike and powering around the track circling the pitch.But like the rest of the squad the Parisian banked some invaluable fitness, and he believes that if there is a good time to rehab, then it is in pre-season.He said: “It is perfect coming back from an injury at this time because you can get the same workout as the rest of the boys. That is what gives you the strength and fitness you need to sustain your level in the season.“Pre-season here is harder than anywhere else I have been but it is not just about having the level where you are ready to play, it is about having the level where you can fight for the team. The manager wants to see that and is always testing the players’ ability.”
Everton FC captain Phil Neville targets European return
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 8 2011
EVERTON captain Phil Neville is targeting a return to European competition next season.Neville, 34, joined the club in 2005 after they had secured a place in the Champions League qualifiers and also represented the Goodison Park outfit in continental combat during the 2007/08, 2009/09 and 2009/10 campaigns on the back of sixth, fifth and fifth place finishes in the Premier League.Despite recovering from a slow start to last season to secure seventh spot – one place higher than the previous campaign – Everton will now be without European football for a second consecutive year.However, Neville, currently at Everton’s pre-season training camp in Austria, is optimistic about his team-mates’ chances of getting back in next season.He said: “We finished seventh last term when everyone thought we were average.“My aim this season is to get Everton back into Europe.”
Although Everton’s fortunes have improved dramatically under Moyes’ stewardship with seven top-half finishes in nine full seasons – including the last five campaigns in a row – as opposed to one in the previous decade, the empty Goodison trophy cabinet, unopened since Everton defeated Neville’s former club Manchester United in the 1995 FA Cup final remains a major blot on the copybook for both the manager and his skipper.But Neville, who won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League while at Old Trafford believes that lifting a single piece of silverware with Everton would mean just as much and he reckons he’s got three more years to try and fulfil that ambition.He said: “It would be right up there with the best things I have ever achieved.”“I am fully focused on my playing career.“I want to play for two to three seasons yet.“I feel as fit as ever and more importantly I am enjoying my football more than ever.”
Lonergan looking set for Premier League move from PNE
In demand keeper: Andrew Lonergan turned down a move to Leeds and now looks set for Premier League Everton
Friday 8 July 2011 Lep
North End’s Andrew Lonergan could be heading to Everton after rejecting the chance to join Leeds United. The Preston goalkeeper spent time training with the Toffees last season as part of the deal which brought Iain Tuner to Deepdale on loan. Lonergan now looks set for a move to the blue half of Merseyside, which would see him re-united with David Moyes who gave him his first-team debut as a teenager. Earlier this week, North End agreed to sell the 27-year-old to Leeds. But after holding talks with the Championship side, he turned down the move to Elland Road. Everton, in the meantime, expressed their interest in Lonergan and are understood to have been in contact with PNE about doing a deal. If Lonergan moves to the Premier League club, North End will replace him with Turner. The Scotsman, who played 17 games on loan for Phil Brown’s men last term, left Everton over the summer after coming to the end of his contract. He turned down the offer of a new deal there in pursuit of regular first-team football. Because of the budget restraints at Deepdale, North End are having to wait to sell Lonergan before bringing Turner in. It is thought that the fee agreed with Leeds was in the region of £200,000 – a low figure bearing in mind PNE knocked back a £1.5m offer from West Bromwich Albion a year ago. But cutting the wage bill has been the club’s priority in readiness for League One. Preston-born Lonergan made his debut in a League Cup tie against Coventry in September 2000 when he was 16. Later that season, he made his league bow in a televised 3-2 win over Watford. He recovered from two serious knee injuries early in his career to establish himself as PNE’s No.1 during the 2006/07 season. From then until February this year, Lonergan was unchallenged as first choice, save for a short spell when the gloves were given to Wayne Henderson. He was the club’s Player of the Year in the 2009/10 campaign. But Turner’s arrival on loan saw him having to play second fiddle for the last three months of the season.
If Lonergan does move to Goodison Park, he’d be second choice behind Tim Howard. There would also be competition from Slovakia international Jan Mucha who has been restricted to just two Carling Cup appearances since joining the Toffees. Speaking recently about the goalkeeping situation, PNE boss Phil Brown said: “Andrew Lonergan has got the ability to play Premier League football, it’s just a case of someone willing to put a bid on the table for him. “With regards to Iain Turner, he turned down a new contract at Everton this summer for one reason only. It wasn’t for the colour of the pound, it was because he’s got to the stage of his career where he wants to play regular first-team football. Unfortunately, we can’t carry both Iain and Andrew in the same ship.”
Meanwhile, North End kick off their pre-season friendly programme against Chorley at Victory Park tomorrow. Then on Sunday they visit Irongate to take on Bamber Bridge. Both games kick-off at 3pm.
EVERTON'S LOUIS SAHA VOWS 'I'M PASSION THRILLER NOW'
8th July 2011 By Chris Brereton
Daily Star
EVERTON crock Louis Saha says he is on the verge of coming back stronger than ever.
‘Sicknote’ Saha’s career has been hampered with a succession of injuries and last season ended with him being carried off against Fulham in March. But the urge to prove his doubters wrong and get scoring for the Toffees is now driving him on. And although he is not yet back in full training following his ankle complaint, he insists he is going to be a force to be reckoned with next term.
He said: “I am feeling really good and it is nice to be back with the boys and we are all smiling and working very hard. “I was up walking during the summer and now I am able to go out and train with the team and try and make sure we are all ready for the new season. “I am not doing full training with the boys just yet but I think I should be able to in about 10 days. “That will be really good as my injury was quite a serious one.
“You are always really down the first few days when you get injured but after that the passion comes back and you are like a kid again, you just want to be out kicking the ball. It is that passion that keeps you going.” And Saha reckons boss David Moyes cracks the whip on his pre-season players worse than any other Premier boss. He added: “Pre-season here is harder than anywhere else I have been. But it is not just about having the level where you are ready to play, it is about having the level where you can fight for the team.”
David Prentice: Replying to Everton FC fans over my Blues column today
Jul 8 2011
I'll try to answer one or two of the comments on here.Bill Kenwright must go. Easy, isn't it? But then who comes in? Where are the interested parties willing to buy Kenwright's shares? Who takes over from the regime which has elevated Everton from regular relegation scufflers in the late 90s to regular sixth, seventh and eighth placed finishers now?The article certainly wasn't an attempt at bridge building with the club.We try to have as healthy a relationship with Everton as possible, but the days when I would visit Bellefield every morning as Everton correspondent have long since passed.We wrote a series of articles on Everton's finances in February - you can read two of those articles here and here - and were heavily criticised by the club for scaremongering, and criticised by some fans for not going far enough.We were happy with that outcome because it suggested a balance had been struck.The truth of the matter is - and I can say this absolutely hand on heart - that I care about Everton Football Club as much as anyone who has posted on here today.And I have absolutely no compunction about upsetting Bill Kenwright, the board or the players, as previous articles will attest to.But I cannot see the benefit - for club or newspaper - of starting or even supporting a Kenwright Must Go campaign in July, before a ball has been kicked in anger, when there is no viable alternative.The column wasn't intended to be sycophantically supportive of the current regime, as so many of you have concluded, but a counter to the air of pessimism which dominates some websites.We have asked questions of the board many times in the past and will continue to do so again.I have asked in our pages in the past why the current board hasn't appointed an independent broker to oversee a sale of the club. I can't keep repeating myself.What I was trying to do in today's column was to point out that there is an alternative to the doom and gloom which seems to pervade some Evertonians' thinking - in July before a ball has even been kicked pre-season.I understand why Blues are concerned.It's immensely frustrating for Evertonians to see their team struggle to raise funds to sign players while across the park Liverpool are collecting central midfielders.But having witnessed first hand the mess that was generated when a previous Everton chairman sanctioned the spending of funds that the club didn't have, I will not be part of a similar scenario unfolding again.I'm as frustrated as any fan at not seeing new faces arrive this summer. (But I've also seen it before - when the club couldn't afford to make Terry Curran's loan move permanent in 1983).And that situation can change very quickly.Forgive me if I've misjudged the tone of today's article, but I was trying to offer some positivity at a time when there is very little amongst some Evertonians.Comparisons have been drawn to the piece Chris Bascombe wrote for the News of the World website, hailing that as a blow for the 'people'.But the truth is that Chris ended that article with the same conclusion I drew. There are no answers until someone shows an interest in buying Everton from the current regime.Until that situation changes I can see no benefit for Everton Football Club in whipping up or adding to a mood of unrest.
Royal Blue: Everton in the Community recognsied at Northern Sports Awards
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 9 2011
EVERTON in the Community has been recognised at the inaugural Northern Sports Awards 2011.The Blues’ official charity scooped the title of ‘Best Grass Roots/Club Scheme at the awards ceremony, which was held at Lancashire Cricket Club last week.Everton in the Community beat off competition from Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and the Manchester United Foundation to take the award.Speaking at the awards ceremony Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive officer of Everton in the Community, said: "This multi-award winning scheme has not only helped the local community through the quality of sporting provision it offers to people of all ages and social circumstances, its success is such that its approach has been adopted and replicated both nationally and internationally.“The judges were particularly impressed by the obvious passion and dedication of not only the scheme's staff but the 150 plus volunteers, who strive to serve the needs of their community through sport.”The judging panel included Premier League referee Mark Halsey, ISM Managing Director Andrew Chandler, Lancashire CCC Chief Executive Jim Cumbes and Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport.
Royal Blue: Everton FC’s Ross Barkley tipped for Blackpool dream team
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 9 2011
ROSS BARKLEY hasn’t kicked a ball for Everton yet, but he’s already attracting attention from elsewhere.Despite his tender years, Barkley has already been identified by one Blackpool website as a replacement for Scottish international midfielder Charlie Adam.The website wrote: “Ross Barkley is an Everton youngster who is quickly establishing himself as a similar type of player.“Only 17, he was included on the bench of Everton's first team last season (aged 16) before a triple leg break whilst on duty with England's U19s cut short his season. “He's represented England at U16, U17 and now the U19 level. He certainly knows where the net is, scoring goals (almost 1 in 2) along the way.“He's regarded as a tough tackling robust midfielder but someone who also has a good temperament, and who goes box to box. At 6'2' tall, he's already an imposing figure.“Rated as an excellent header of the ball, the benefits of youth mean that whilst going forward at speed he'll be able to come back at a pace too. His ability to pass means he's seen as a CM playmaker.“Everton must rate him, as he signed a professional contract last December, but the last youngster loaned to us from the Blues for develop- ment worked out well for both clubs (Seamus Coleman).“Charlie is irreplaceable but out of the ashes came the phoenix. Ross Barkley is an up and coming player who looks capable of learning to fly in tangerine.”Only one flaw in that thinking – David Moyes will want Barkley for his own senior squad this season.
Royal Blue: Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell ready to pick up where he left off
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 9 2011
LESSONS from history can be used to shape a brighter future. Which is why Everton’s annual Review of the Season DVD isn’t just a flashback of all last season’s highs and lows.And the most poignant lesson learned was how injury cruelly interrupted Jack Rodwell’s seemingly seamless transition from promising rookie to established top-flight star.Rodwell ended the 2009/10 campaign like a coming force, like a possible young player of the year, like the next Jack Wilshere, in fact.And the first couple of clips from the latest, highly polished, season’s review endorsed that feeling.“That’s a brilliant goal from Jack Rodwell,” screamed Radio City old boy Graham Beecroft after one spectacular strike on the Toffees’ pre-season tour of Australia.Then an even better goal in the Carling Cup tie against Huddersfield drew the following commentary “That is pure class from Rodwell.”It all went wrong for Rodwell in the very next game.Injured at Aston Villa he didn’t start another senior match until December – then in February suffered another injury which saw a season of promise fizzle out into one which might have been.Rodwell’s misfortune isn’t the only stand-out message from a DVD which is entertaining, but understand- ably two sided.The number of individual errors which cost Everton dearly in the opening month of the campaign is glaring.Tim Howard’s juggling act at Blackburn, Johnny Heitinga’s weak tackle against Wolves, Marouane Fellaini’s miss against Newcastle.It’s also easy to forget just how prolific Tim Cahill had been before the Asian Cup tournament took him away from the Blues and deposited him back injured. Every ounce of action from every one of last season’s matches is featured – including the pre-season games at home and abroad.Such is the level of scrutiny on Premier League matches nowadays that it isn’t just match action which is featured.Post match interviews, build up to the match beforehand and player comment is all included.The penalty shoot-outs which took place within a few miles of each other in West London also throw up an interesting anomaly.Leighton Baines scored Everton’s first kick in the Carling Cup at Griffin Park.The same player missed his opening effort at Stamford Bridge, which confirmed the historical trend that every single time Everton have missed the opening kick of a penalty shoot-out, they have won – every time they have scored first, they have ended up going out!There’s also a missed penalty from Edin Dzeko – in a pre-season friendly in Germany, giving a sneak preview of what was to come in the season proper.There are added extras included in the 2010/11 season’s review.There’s a comprehensive review of the tour Down Under, the kids who won the national Premier Academy League at Craven Cottage and a full feature on the club’s official end of season awards night – which incorporates an exclusive interview with a lean but not quite as mean as he used to be, Duncan Ferguson.“When you look at that roll of honour, and the players who’ve come before me, I’m honoured to make it. I was worried the fans might have forgotten about me but when I came back you could feel the affection from them.”This season’s review has been affectionately put together, too.l Everton Season’s Review 2010/11 – £16 from Everton One, Goodison Park, Everton Two, Liverpool One and online at evertondirect.com
Everton FC's Phil Neville: Pre-season training - the three words that fill us with dread
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 9 2011
PHIL NEVILLE, 2011: “PRE-SEASON training. They are the three words that fill every footballer with a sense of dread and I am yet to meet a player who looks forward to that first day back after a break.
“You will have heard stories of players running so much that they end up being sick and I can confirm they are true. I have seen it happen.There is one session that David Moyes puts on for Everton’s squad which still puts the fear of God up me. Every year you know it is coming but there is nothing you can do about it.“The ‘horse shoe’ is a series of sharp runs that cover distances between 100metres and 300m and there is barely any time to catch your breath in between.“By the time you are on your eighth sprint, your legs feel like jelly and buckle, while your lungs are burning. The manager, meanwhile, simply laughs as you collapse. It feels like torture but it clearly pays off as we take pride at Everton in the fact no team will ever out-run us during the season.”IAN SNODIN, 1994: “ON my last pre-season with Everton I injured my ankle on the first day, it swelled up and I was put on crutches.“I said to Mike Walker: ‘Please gaffer, send me home. I’m the fittest I’ve been for a long time. if I stay out here knowing I can’t do anything, I’m going to drink. Send me home so I can get treatment and do gym work.’“He refused. ‘Snowy I need you here for team spirit.’ I begged to be sent home but he wasn’t having it.“My last words were: ‘On your head be it.’“The people who had organised the trip on Everton’s behalf were young lads around 27 or 28. I was out with them from day one, drinking every night.”
Everton FC: A look back at a different approach to EFC's pre-season preparations
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 9 2011
Ian Snodin and Howard Kendall
IN 1994 Phil Neville was enduring one of his first pre-season programmes at Manchester United. The same summer Ian Snodin was enjoying one of his last at Everton.The contrast was significant.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.The bizarre preparations made such a start almost inevitable.We’ve written about the Swedish leg of the tour before – the drinking sessions, the pizza deliveries, midnight dips in the hotel swimming pool (http://bit.ly/pesNaX)But that was just Scandinavia.The management team decreed that eight days in Sweden wasn’t sufficient to prepare the squad for a campaign they hoped would end in European qualification.So they organised a further nine days in Germany.And then a separate three day trip to Italy.Only the match reports from those tours have been reported . . . until now.Tony Cottee later wrote: “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.” Neville Southall and Andy Hinchcliffe were more succinct.“It’s Dog and Duck United on tour,” they complained.The team base was responsible for the first signs of dissent.The team hotel in Germany was a small, sleepy town called Wiefelstede – alongside a huge cornfield which might or might not have been responsible for the enormous amount of houseflies which infested every room.A striker by trade, Tony Cottee spent most of his downtime with a fly swatter at the ready, assassinating insects and piling up mini-mountains of dead bugs.But flies weren’t the biggest complaint amongst the players.A friendly match had been arranged against St Pauli in Hamburg – a four hour coach journey away – which meant no opportunity for a pre-match meal.The motorway service station which the team bus idled outside for half an hour en route didn’t have the kind of refuelling required for top flight footballers – which meant that on only my second pre-season tour I was given an unusual pre-match task.I was asked to surreptitiously ferry huge bratwurst sausages from a pitch side stall to a couple of decorated international footballers, without the manager’s knowledge, of course.
Everton won 2-1.
That was new chairman Peter Johnson’s first taste of Everton on tour – as he jetted out accompanied by new signing Vinny Samways.But if that tour was unusual, it was nothing compared to the Italian job which followed.And the chairman, fortunately, wasn’t present.The Blues flew to Aosta – a frontier town in Northern Italy – for a three team tournament with a difference.Torino and Lazio were the opposition – and the difference was that the matches lasted just 45 minutes.That was fine for the sides playing back to back matches, but one unfortunate team had to sit out for the best part of an hour while the other teams slugged it out.Predictably that was Everton.The Blues comfortably disposed of Torino 2-0 – than had to watch while Lazio and Torino fought it out, before dragging their rapidly stiffening limbs out to face the light blues.
They lost 4-0.
As if to make up for the lack of organisation of the tournament, the organisers tried to make up by organising a night out for the management . . . and press.Which is how I ended up in a car being driven around the twisting, winding roads of Northern Italy alongside Mike Walker and his assistant, Dave Williams, to an outdoor disco.The management duo were livelier than their players had been just a couple of hours earlier.Sadly that animation didn’t transfer onto the football pitch when the season kicked off. Everton made an appalling start to the season, Mike Walker was relieved of his duties – and Joe Royle arrived to replace him.Pre-season tours became less colourful, but more successful.
Everton FC yet to make bid for Preston North End goalkeeper Andy Lonergan
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Jul 9 2011
EVERTON have yet to make a bid for Preston North End’s Andy Lonergan, contrary to reports.
However the 27-year-old goalkeeper (left) is one of manager David Moyes’ summer transfer targets and the Blues could officially join the race for Lonergan, valued at £750,000, next week.The Preston stopper looked to be on his way to Leeds United but Everton’s interest would make the Preston-born player seriously reconsider a move to Elland Road.Lonergan was handed his North End debut by Moyes in 2000 at the age of 16 and is understood to have trained with Everton last season.With Preston being relegated from the Championship in May, Lonergan is ready to leave his hometown club with suggestions free agent Iain Turner, released by Everton earlier this summer, could head to Deepdale as his replacement.West Bromwich Albion had three bids rejected for Lonergan last year, according the Preston with the Hawthorns club believed to have tabled a £1.5m offer.But the League One club now appear to have dropped their asking price and manager Phil Brown has shown willing to let Lonergan leave if he can persuade Turner into returning to the club where he made 17 appearances on loan during the last campaign.Should Lonergan arrive at Goodison Park then the future of Jan Mucha would come into question with the Slovakian making clear he would look for a move unless greater first team opportunities became available. Mucha failed to oust Tim Howard as Everton number one and remains at the club for the time being however.Tim Cahill, meanwhile, is delighted to be starting an Everton pre-season campaign from the off for the first time in four years.
International duty and injuries meant the Australian captain has been forced to join summer training with the Blues late.But the 31-year-old has trained with the rest of the squad from day one in Austria.“Its nice to be back this week because normally I come back a bit later because I’ve been on international duty but I’m buzzing to be back in amongst it right from the start,” he said.“The camaraderie and everything about the club is what’s special and its nice to be in the mix again.”“Its good to be back in amongst it all. Austria is amazing. I have been twittering the fans about the settings and how beautiful it is.“It is always fantastic when you’re back in early. Everyone is looking in good shape.”
Once a Roo, always a blue: United striker Rooney shows his true colours by tweeting a snap of son Kai in Everton kit
By Sarah Fitzmaurice
Last updated at 12:47 AM on 9th July 2011
His father might play for Manchester United but it appears that Kai Rooney’s loyalty lies with Everton.The 19-month-old son of Coleen and Wayne Rooney was seen wearing the blue stripe while clutching a green toy snake. Rooney, 25, who played for Everton from 2002 to 2004 posted the snap of his son to his Twitter page. Little boy blue: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney posted a picture of his son Kai wearing an Everton shirt to his Twitter page Old Trafford regular: Kai has spent plenty of time at Manchester United's home ground and Wayne told his Twitter followers he would post a picture of his son in a red kitBut shortly after he put up the snap he realised that the photo could cause controversy from his Man U fans and he told followers : ‘He's in his nans house I'll send u all one in his new united kit tomorrow.’Wayne left his home team to join the side at Old Trafford where he has remained, despite a brief voicing that he wanted to leave the club in October 2010. Changing colours: Manchester striker Wayne played for Everton from 2002 to 2004 before leaving for Old Trafford But just days later the the striker made a spectacular U-turn and signed a five year deal with Sir Alex Ferguson. Yesterday Wayne’s wife Coleen was concentrating on a different sport attending Chester races with her friends and family. Different sport: While Wayne was causing controversy with Kai's football kit Coleen spent the day at Chester races with her friends and family Concentration: The mother of one looked lovely in a white dress and she tweeted she had a fun day And it seemed she had a fun day on the flutter and tweeted: ‘Brilliant night love my family and friends so much!!!! Goodnight godbless x x’There were a number of familiar faces at the meet with TOWIE’s sister Sam and Billie Faiers also in attendance. Last week Coleen and Wayne enjoyed a trip to St Tropez aboard a luxury boat topping up their tans after spending a family holiday in Barbados in June.
EVERTON WANT ANDY LONERGAN
Everton want to sign Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan
Saturday July 9,2011
By Daily Express
EVERTON want to sign Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan as back-up to Tim Howard.
Andy Lonergan, 27, spent part of last season training with David Moyes’ side.
Current Goodison No2 Jan Mucha will be allowed to leave.
EVERTON KEEN TO SWAP DINIYAR BILYALETDINOV FOR AIDEN MCGEADY
10th July 2011 By Paul Hetherington and Tony Stenson
Sunday Star
EVERTON are keen on a swap deal involving wingers Aiden McGeady and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.
Goodison boss David Moyes has a long-standing interest in former Celtic star McGeady, sold to Spartak Moscow for £9.5million last August. And the Republic of Ireland winger, 25, is believed to favour a move to Merseyside if his Russian club decide to sell him. That could lead to talks involving Bilyaletdinov, 26, who Everton are prepared to offload. The Russian winger has failed to establish himself at Goodison, after arriving two years ago. He was a £10m signing from another Moscow club – Lokomotiv – and despite scoring a handful of spectacular goals has failed to nail down a regular starting place in David Moyes’ first team. Meanwhile, Spurs are ready to open talks with Everton for England Under-21 midfielder Jack Rodwell. They hope their £20million offer will show unhappy Luka Modric they mean business and persuade him to stay. The Daily Star Sunday revealed last month that Spurs boss Harry Redknapp forked out £8,000 on a private jet to watch Rodwell, 20, in action during the recent European Under-21 Championships. Rodwell featured in the draws against Spain and Ukraine but missed the defeat by the Czech Republic that ended England’s interest. We also revealed last week that Everton desperately need to sell a high-profile player to raise badly-needed transfer funds for David Moyes. Everton, however, won’t budge on anything less than £20m for one of football’s finest prospects. Rodwell has also been a target for Manchester United, but the recent signing of Phil Jones from Blackburn by Sir Alex Ferguson has allowed Spurs to make their move. Redknapp eventually sees Rodwell moving into central defence and is desperately looking for cover now that injury-prone Jonathan Woodgate has been released.
Rodwell understands the situation at Everton and although he loves the club, would not block a switch. Tottenham’s expected move was the talk of Goodison last week. Redknapp won’t stop there, though, and will make another move to sign West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, more to assist Modric rather than as a replacement. West Ham are currently on tour in Switzerland but expect a Spurs offer for Parker, 30, when they return. Modric’s head has clearly been turned by Chelsea’s £22m offer. But Spurs insist they want to keep the Croatian. They are also wise enough, though, to know that money talks and when players decide to leave it is best to let them go.
Everton FC skipper Phil Neville wants more teammates to join the online Twitterati
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 11 2011
EVERTON skipper Phil Neville – or Fizzer18 as he is known in cyberspace – is encouraging his Blues teammates to join the Twitterati. Neville, who has amassed almost 150,000 followers on Twitter since signing up to the social network tool in April, is a prolific Tweeter. He has fired off more than 2,000 Tweets since then – messages of a maximum 140 characters – and during the summer indulged in daily banter with teammates Tim Cahill, Louis Saha and Seamus Coleman. In one Tweet, Neville wished Coleman good luck with his ‘difficult second season’ at Goodison – while Coleman responded by declaring a wish that the Neville family support Phil now that brother Gary has retired!
“We have a bit of banter, that’s what the atmosphere in the club is all about,” declared Coleman.
“Phil wasn’t taking the proverbial, it was just banter and we are constantly taking the Mick out of each other but it’s not serious. “I love it. Phil is a great captain to play for and I enjoyed that bit of banter with him.” During the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria, Neville told Evertonians during a webchat on the club’s official site that he was actively encouraging other members of the squad to join up to ‘increase interaction with supporters’. Neville Tweeted daily from the club’s Austrian training camp last week and admitted he feels as good now as he has at any time since he joined the club in 2005. “It’s been a fantastic week, probably one of the best I’ve had since I’ve come to the club,” he declared. “The spirit is absolutely fantastic and the lads look really fit which is the most important thing. I think at Everton over the last six or seven years we’ve really progressed our football and the training has progressed as well. “Each pre-season has got better and better and this one has been one of my most enjoyable. The last couple of pre-seasons I’ve, well, I haven’t struggled, but I’ve found it difficult, but this week I’ve found it more enjoyable. “I don’t know if it’s a different mindset. I’ve loved every minute of it. I was sat in my room the other night and I was thinking ‘how lucky am I to be a professional footballer?’ “I am enjoying it more than ever and feeling really fit and really strong. I had a good off season, the fitness coach gave me an unbelievable programme and this is probably as fit as I’ve felt in six or seven years.” With the Blues kick-ing off their pre-season fixture list at Bury on Friday night, international players like Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman, Johnny Heitinga and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will return to Finch farm today.
Neville added: “It’s good to get some of the other senior players back from international duty next week. “It ups the level of quality in the training. “You’re doing possessions and you’re testing yourself against the best players in the team which is what we want. “We want to be tested this season. “I think the key to this season is that we all need to give at least another 10 to 15 per cent more on last season. “If we do that then we’re going to have a really good season. “I think everybody’s really positive and we’re looking forward to next week’s first game. “The first 10 days are always the hardest. I always call it a bit of a slog but once you get into the games that’s when the fun starts. “For myself going back to Bury, my mum works there, my grandma works there my auntie and uncle work there. It’s always nice going back home.” And Neville reiterated his pre-season target for the Blues when he declared: “I’ve said before I want to play European football.
“My aim is to get Everton back into Europe. “We want a good start, and we want more consistency.
“We drew too many games last season.”
Everton FC’s top tweeters
1. Phil Neville – 143,069, followers.
2. Tim Cahill – 77,238.
3. John Heitinga – 36,043.
4. Seamus Coleman – 29,582.
5. Louis Saha – 28,499.
6. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov – 26,282.
7. Sylvain Distin – 12,790.
Everton FC young star Seamus Coleman - I won’t get carried away
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 11 2011
Everton FC right winger Seamus Coleman
* FOLLOW the ECHO on Twitter for all the latest EFC news here EVERTON FC’S young player of the season Seamus Coleman insists he won’t let his meteoric rags to riches rise go to his head. Just 18 months ago the 22-year-old was a part-timer with Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland. But after a £60,000 move to Everton last season he established himself as an exciting Premier League newcomer and won his first full international cap for the Republic of Ireland. Coleman said: “You can see how you get carried away with the lifestyle and the fast cars and that kind of thing but that’s not for me. “I just try and get my head down and try to remain the lad who moved over originally two years ago. "I try and keep that sort of mentality. “I’m still a bit of a home bird. I enjoy going home to the family and spending time with my girlfriend. "I don’t do the Ferraris, definitely not.”
After making his debut as an emergency left-back in Benfica’s Stadium of Light, Coleman made several appearances at right-back before being used further forward in an attacking right midfield role last season. But David Moyes said recently he intends to use Coleman more in his original full-back berth again. The young Irishman admits he is expecting his second season in the Premier League to be tough. “Every season is going to be tough for me because I have a lot of catching up to do,” added the 22-year-old from the fishing town of Killybegs. “I didn’t come over to England until I was 21 so I feel like I am learning all the time and looking to learn. “I’m also learning to cope with the physical demands. By the end of last season I was in and out of the team because I had played 40 games and that’s a lot in your first full season. “I did feel tired and the manager knew that. “He had me in and out of the team and now I’ve had a good break.” Another young Irish Evertonian, meanwhile, defender Shane Duffy, is aiming to garner some invaluable international experience this week at the under-21 VTB Lev Yashin Cup in Moscow. Everton are sending a team to the Russian capital to take part in a four team tournament alongside SC Freiburg of Germany, top Serbian outfit OFK Beograd and host club Dynamo Moscow. The Blues fly out on Thursday ahead of the event, which will run over the weekend. “I am really looking forward to it,” said Duffy, whose only senior Everton experience came in the Europa League against AEK Athens and BATE Borisov. “It will bring some tough games and it is obviously somewhere I have not been before which will make it an interesting experience for me personally. “We are playing different teams which is great and that’s what you want – you don’t want to be playing the same teams all the time. “It will be a big test for us and should really help us get ready for the start of the season.” Duffy added: “I have been away in some mad countries before and I think that will help, plus it is always a good experience to get away to a different country with the lads. “We are definitely taking it seriously. “We take every game seriously, but you know when you go away you are representing the club and it is important to remember that.”
Race against time for Everton FC to make move for Charles N’Zogbia
by David Prentice, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 11 2011
EVERTON are facing a race against time to raise the funds to land their prime summer target, Charles N’Zogbia. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan confirmed last night that the French winger would be leaving the club this summer. “We have to sell Charles N’Zogbia because he’s on the last year of his contract,” he explained. “We can’t keep him if a big club comes for him and he does deserve a big club because he’s that kind of quality player. “We would love to keep him and pay him what he wants to stay with us but it’s a very difficult situation. “He’s such a great player and we are such a small club sometimes we don’t go together.” Everton manager David Moyes is keen to land the wide player, who would also be open to a Goodison switch. But Everton cannot make a firm bid for a player valued at around £8m until they have banked transfer fees for Nigerian internationals Joseph Yobo and Yakubu. And while Fenerbahce haggle over a fee for Yobo and no club has made a firm bid for Yakubu, other clubs are eyeing N’Zogbia with interest. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez said he had received three enquiries last week. Aston Villa are likely to be one, with N’Zogbia a natural replacement for Stewart Downing, who is wanted by both Liverpool and now Arsenal. And if Liverpool out on Downing they may also switch their attentions to N’Zogbia.
Everton look increasingly likely to kick off their pre-season friendly fixtures on Friday at Bury with no new faces in the squad. Skipper Phil Neville, however, has described the pre-season schedule so far as the best since he became a Everton player in 2005.
“It’s been a fantastic week, probably one of the best I’ve had since I’ve come to the club,” said Neville from Everton’s training camp in Austria. “The spirit is absolutely fantastic and the lads look really fit which is the most important thing.
“I think at Everton over the last six or seven years we’ve really progressed our football and the training has progressed as well. Each pre-season has got better and better and this one has been one of my most enjoyable.
“The last couple of pre-seasons I’ve, well, I haven’t struggled but I’ve found it difficult, but this week I’ve found it more enjoyable.
“I don’t know if it’s a different mindset. I’ve loved every minute of it. I was sat in my room the other night and I was thinking ‘how lucky am I to be a professional footballer?’
“I am enjoying it more than ever and feeling really fit and really strong. I had a good off season, the fitness coach gave me an unbelievable programme and this is probably as fit as I’ve felt in six or seven years.” With internationals Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Johnny Heitinga all returning to the fold this week Neville expects the intensity to increase. “It’s good to get some of the other senior players back from international duty,” he added. “It ups the level of quality in the training. You’re doing possessions and you’re testing yourself against the best players in the team which is what we want. We want to be tested this season. “I think the key to this season is that we all need to give at least another 10 to 15 per cent more on last season. If we do that then we’re going to have a really good season. “I think everybody’s really positive and we’re looking forward to next week’s first game. “The first 10 days are always the hardest. I always call it a bit of a slog but once you get into the games that’s when the fun starts.
“For myself going back to Bury, my mum works there, my grandma works there, my auntie and uncle work there. It’s always nice going back home.”
PHIL NEVILLE TARGETING EUROPE
July 11 2011 The Sporting Life
Everton captain Phil Neville is targeting a return to Europe for the club this season. Despite a number of difficulties early on in the last campaign the Toffees finished seventh, eight points adrift of Tottenham who claimed the final Europa League spot. With the squad now in full training at their pre-season camp in Austria, Neville has renewed optimism about getting back into continental competition. "We finished seventh last term when everyone thought we were average," the captain said in a webchat on evertonfc.com. "My aim this season is to get Everton back into Europe."
Asked about what winning a trophy - the club's last was the 1995 FA Cup - would mean to him, the former Manchester United player added: "It would be right up there with the best things I have ever achieved." And the 34-year-old has given himself another three years to achieve that goal.
"I am fully focused on my playing career. I want to play for two to three seasons yet," he said.
"I feel as fit as ever and more importantly I am enjoying my football more than ever." Striker Louis Saha, who has more than his fair share of injury problems during his Everton career, is also feeling positive about the new campaign. The Frenchman missed the final two months with an ankle injury and is still about 10 days away from undertaking full training. "I am feeling really good and it is nice to be back with the boys and we are all smiling and working very hard," he told evertontv.
"I was up walking during the summer and now I am able to go out and train with the team.
"I am not doing the full training with the boys just yet but I think I should be able to in about 10 days.
"That will be really good as my injury was quite a serious one. "It is perfect coming back from an injury at this time because you can get the same workout as the rest of the boys. "That is what gives you the strength and fitness you need to sustain your level in the season."
Early days for Everton FC v Liverpool FC TV derby
Liverpool Echo
Jul 12 2011
THE first Merseyside derby of the new season will be a lunchtime kick-off after satellite television announced a batch of their live fixtures. Everton welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park on Saturday, October 1 for a 12.45pm start with the game screened live on Sky Sports. Although the Reds and Blues’ opening games of the season have not been altered for the demands of television, both city clubs have changed schedules for the remainder of the campaign. Liverpool’s August 20 trip to Arsenal is now a 12.45pm kick-off and the following weekend’s visit of Bolton to Anfield starts at 5.30pm. The Reds’ game at Tottenham Hotspur has been put back a day and will now take place on Sunday, September 18 at 1.30pm, live on Sky. All four of October’s games have been changed to meet television requirements and following the Goodison derby, Liverpool’s home clash with Manchester United is now a 12.45pm kick-off on October 15. The October 22 and 29 matches against newly promoted Norwich City and then West Bromwich Albion have been pushed back to 5.30pm kick-offs and will be screened on ESPN. Back-to-back Sunday afternoon fixtures then take place later the following month with the trip to Chelsea now on November 20 and the visit of Manchester City put back to November 27, with both games 4pm starts, live on Sky.
Two further moved fixtures that have yet to be named as TV games are December 31 at home to Newcastle United at 12.45pm, the kick-off time of the April 14 visit of Fulham. Everton have their first live Sky outing on Saturday, September 24 with their match at Manchester City been brought forward for a 12.45pm start. The Saturday, October 15 game at Chelsea now takes the ESPN teatime kick-off slot at 5.30pm before the visit of Manchester United on October 29 also on ESPN, starting at 12pm. Evertonians then face an early November 5 game at Newcastle which in the Sky 12.45pm slot.
Joseph Yobo back at Everton FC after Fenerbahce fail to seal deal
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 12 2011
JOSEPH YOBO made a surprise return to Finch Farm yesterday – putting David Moyes’ hopes of banking some much needed transfer cash in the balance. The 30-year-old defender spent last season on loan at Fenerbahce and the Blues have been trying to negotiate a permanent deal all summer. But with neither party able to reach agreement, Yobo reported back to the Blues’ training base yesterday for pre-season training. Everton had hoped to use the funds generated from the departure of players like Yobo and Yakubu this summer to bring in a fresh face or two. But with no firm interest in Yakubu yet, and Yobo now back on Merseyside, David Moyes’ hands appear to be tied. Yobo signed a five-year contract in 2009. Sylvain Distin, meanwhile, a former defensive partner of Yobo’s is convinced Everton’s fitness and finesse will be fully tested by the time the Premier League kicks off next month. Having been put through their paces at their training camp in Austria last week, the Goodison outfit play their first warm-up fixture at Bury on Friday before a tour to the United States that includes games against MLS sides Philadelphia Union and DC United. Following a visit to relegated Birmingham City, Everton conclude their pre-season campaign with a trip to German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen and a home clash against Spanish Champions League qualifiers Villarreal. And Distin believes it is imperative David Moyes’s squad are given a thorough examination ahead of the big kick-off against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on August 13.
“We go to America and it is going to be two very interesting friendly games,” said the French defender. “Maybe you can say it is going to be more about fitness than the results, but you always want to win – when you are on the pitch you don’t want to lose. “I don’t know that much about the MLS but I have a few friends playing there and they tell me the teams have one or two really good players. “When we play Villarreal and Bremen it will be a big test and for me that will be more about football than fitness. “It is very interesting to play teams like that. Some clubs play small teams and win four or five times in pre-season, but you have not been really tested and then the season starts and it is a shock because the level is different. “But I would rather play big teams and maybe lose but you know you are going to be ready. It is going to be very, very interesting.”
Everton FC rumour mill: Blues in Kalou chase, Rodallega won't push for move, Bily/McGeady swop deal?
Jul 12 2011
Blues & Villa in chase for Chelsea star
SALOMAN KALOU'S rumoured availabilty as Andre Villas-Boas begins his Chelsea revolution has drawn interest from both Everton and Aston Villa, according to Fanatix.com. David Moyes is likely to want to freshen up his attacking options with Louis Saha now 32 and Jermaine Beckford only having his first year of Premier League experience last year to draw upon. Chelsea are likely to be looking for a fee in the region of £10m and, with the player's wages also having to be taken into account, this may make Villa the front-runners at this stage.
Source: Fanatix.com
Rodallega: Everton and Arsenal want me
Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega has claimed Everton and Arsenal are both interested in signing him but he will not be pushing current club Wigan Athletic to force through a sale. The Colombia forward, currently playing for his country in the Copa America has scored 22 goals in 89 games since joining the Latics from Mexican side Necaxa in 2009 and has also been linked with moves to Sevilla and Villareal in Spain. He told reporters in Argentina, "Arsenal are interested in me and this is a club I have always liked. "There are many teams interested, it's true. Villarreal, Sevilla, Arsenal also have some interest, Everton of England. "There is a lot of speculation but my future at this moment is at Wigan. "I have signed for one more year in Wigan but if the club decides on my sale that is no problem if the subject is positive for all parties."
Source: Foxsports
Bily set for swop deal
Russian flyer Diniyar Bilyaletdinov could be set for a return to his homeland with ex-Celtic winger Aiden McGeady going in the opposite direction. The 25 year old Republic of Ireland international moved to Spartak Moscow in a £9.5m deal last summer but is thought to be receptive to a move back to Britain, despite having impressed during his time in Eastern Europe. He was recently linked with a 20 million Euro move to Zenith St Petersburg.
Source: SportsNewsIreland
Toffees consider Lonergan swoop
David Moyes could yet be interested in bringing former charge Andy Lonergan to Goodison. Moyes give the 27-year-old Preston goalkeeper his debut during his spell as manager at Deepdale and could bring the stopper, who spent time training with the Blues last season, in as cover for Tim Howard.
Source: Clubcall
Everton FC appoint Alan Irvine as head of academy
Jul 12 2011
Everton FC manager David Moyes with Alan Irvine
FORMER Everton FC assistant manager Alan Irvine has returned for a third spell with the club as head of the academy. The Scot, who celebrates his 53rd birthday today was formerly David Moyes' assistant manager from 2002-2007 but left EFC to take charge of Preston North End. He then moved on to Sheffield Wednesday before his sacking in February. Irvine, a winger with the Blues in the 1980s, succeeds Ray Hall, who has retired from the position but will continue to work for Everton as an international ambassador. Everton boss David Moyes said: “I am delighted that someone of the calibre of Alan Irvine has agreed to rejoin the club. “Once we knew Alan was available it made sense to bring him in as soon as possible and make the change quicker than expected. “Ray has done a terrific job during his time with the Academy and we are delighted that he has agreed to play an active part in the handover and that he will remain an important part of the set-up for a further three years.”
Everton FC latest: Sylvain Distin anticipating an ‘interesting’ pre-season
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 12 2011
SYLVAIN DISTIN is convinced Everton FC’s fitness and finesse will be fully tested by the time the Premier League kicks off next month. Having been put through their paces at their training camp in Austria last week, EFC play their first warm-up fixture at Bury on Friday before a tour to the United States that includes games against MLS sides Philadelphia Union and DC United. Following a visit to relegated Birmingham City, Everton conclude their pre-season campaign with a trip to German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen and a home clash against Spanish Champions League qualifiers Villarreal. And Distin believes it is imperative David Moyes’s squad are given a thorough examination ahead of the big kick-off against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on August 13.
“We go to America and it is going to be two very interesting friendly games,” said the French defender. “Maybe you can say it is going to be more about fitness than the results, but you always want to win – when you are on the pitch you don’t want to lose. “I don’t know that much about the MLS but I have a few friends playing there and they tell me the teams have one or two really good players. “When we play Villarreal and Bremen it will be a big test and for me that will be more about football than fitness. “It is very interesting to play teams like that. Some clubs play small teams and win four or five times in pre-season, but you have not been really tested and then the season starts and it is a shock because the level is different. “But I would rather play big teams and maybe lose but you know you are going to be ready. “It is going to be very, very interesting.”
Alan Irvine returns to Everton as manager of youth academy• Former Wednesday and Preston manager rejoins Everton
• 'It made sense to bring him in as soon as possible,' says Moyes
Andy Hunter The Guardian.
Tuesday 12 July 2011
Alan Irvine, right with David Moyes, is back at Everton once again, after taking over responsibility for the youth academy. Alan Irvine has returned to Everton for a third time to become manager of the club's successful youth academy. The former Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End manager, who played for Everton in the 1980s and served as assistant manager to David Moyes, is to replace Ray Hall, who was due to retire next summer but now assumes an international ambassador role for the next three years. "Once we knew Alan was available it made sense to bring him in as soon as possible and make the change quicker than expected," said Moyes. "Ray has done a terrific job during his time with the academy and we are delighted that he has agreed to play an active part in the handover and that he will remain an important part of the set-up for a further three years."
Irvine previously worked with the youth academies at Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, while it was under Hall that a procession of talent emerged – including Francis Jeffers, Michael Ball, Richard Dunne and most notably Wayne Rooney – who helped sustain Everton financially in recent years.
Scott Dann is the man for Everton as David Moyes looks for Phil Jagielka's replacement
By Chris Wheeler
13th July 2011
Daily Mail
Everton are the latest club to make a move for Birmingham defender Scott Dann. The 24-year-old looked set to join Stoke for £12m earlier this summer but the transfer collapsed after he failed to agree terms. Stoke may look to revive the deal, but Everton boss David Moyes has now made an enquiry for the centre back, which raises questions about Phil Jagielka’s future at Goodison Park.
Pastures new: Dann Arsenal have tracked Jagielka, 28, as a defensive partner for Thomas Vermaelen. Jagielka is happy to stay and Everton have refused to sell, but the club are struggling financially.
Academy role is third Everton job for Alan Irvine
13 July 2011 The Scotsman
By ALAN ROBSON
Former Everton assistant manager Alan Irvine has returned for a third spell with the club as head of the academy. The Scot, left Goodison Park in 2007 to take over as manager of Preston and then moved on to Sheffield Wednesday before his sacking in February. Irvine, 53, a winger with Everton in the 1980s, succeeds Ray Hall, who has retired from the position but will continue to work for the club as an international ambassador. Everton manager David Moyes, who brought in Irvine as his assistant in 2002, said: "I am delighted that someone of the calibre of Alan Irvine has agreed to rejoin the club. Once we knew Alan was available it made sense to bring him in as soon as possible and make the change quicker than expected. "Ray has done a terrific job during his time with the Academy and we are delighted that he has agreed to play an active part in the handover and that he will remain an important part of the set-up for a further three years." eanwhile, Stoke have agreed a fee with West Ham for striker Carlton Cole. The 27-year-old England international is currently in Switzerland with the Hammers squad for a pre-season training camp but is set to hold talks with Stoke boss Tony Pulis on his return. Potters chairman Peter Coates said: "We have agreed terms with West Ham, that's done. Now it's a case of: Can we agree terms with Carlton?" Cole joined West Ham from Chelsea in July 2006 and has scored 42 goals in 165 appearances. But he found the net just five times in the Barclays Premier League last season and is now poised to move on in the wake of the Hammers' relegation. The fee is believed to be an initial £4million with a possible £2million add-ons.
Alan Irvine back at Everton FC as head of academy
Jul 13 2011Daily Post
Alan Irvine has returned to Everton FC for a third spell with club, this time as head of the academy.
The Former Everton assistant manager, who celebrated his 53rd birthday on Tuesday, left Goodison Park in 2007 to take over as manager of Preston and then moved on to Sheffield Wednesday before his sacking in February. Irvine, a winger with the Toffees in the 1980s, succeeds Ray Hall, who has retired from the position but will continue to work for Everton as an international ambassador.
Everton boss David Moyes, who brought in Irvine as his assistant in 2002, said: "I am delighted that someone of the calibre of Alan Irvine has agreed to rejoin the club. "Once we knew Alan was available it made sense to bring him in as soon as possible and make the change quicker than expected. "Ray has done a terrific job during his time with the Academy and we are delighted that he has agreed to play an active part in the handover and that he will remain an important part of the set-up for a further three years." Former Everton assistant manager Alan Irvine has returned for a third spell with the club as head of the academy. The Scot, who celebrates his 53rd birthday today, left Goodison Park in 2007 to take over as manager of Preston and then moved on to Sheffield Wednesday before his sacking in February. Irvine, a winger with the Toffees in the 1980s, succeeds Ray Hall, who has retired from the position but will continue to work for Everton as an international ambassador. Everton boss David Moyes, who brought in Irvine as his assistant in 2002, said: "I am delighted that someone of the calibre of Alan Irvine has agreed to rejoin the club. "Once we knew Alan was available it made sense to bring him in as soon as possible and make the change quicker than expected. "Ray has done a terrific job during his time with the Academy and we are delighted that he has agreed to play an active part in the handover and that he will remain an important part of the set-up for a further three years."
Howard Kendall hails new Everton FC Academy boss Alan Irvine
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo
Jul 13 2011
HOWARD KENDALL believes that Everton FC’s new Academy boss Alan Irvine will instantly command the respect of all the club’s young players. It was a case of many happy returns for Irvine – who celebrated his 53rd birthday yesterday – coming back to EFC for a third stint following previous spells as a player between 1981 and 1984 and as David Moyes’ assistant boss from 2002 to 2007.
Kendall famously returned to the club on three separate occasions to occupy the Goodison hot seat after originally arriving as a player. The Blues’ most successful manager said: “It’s a great appointment and Alan will be delighted. “He’ll instantly command the respect of all the young players.” Irvine replaces the long-serving Ray Hall who bowed out on a high at the end of last season, retiring after Everton’s youngsters captured the FA Premier Academy League. Hall remains an integral part of the youth set-up at Goodison Park, taking on a new international ambassadorial role and he will remain in situ to oversee the handover of responsibilities to Irvine, who takes up his new position with immediate effect. Kendall has great admiration for both men and said: “Ray has done a magnificent job but it speaks volumes for Alan’s reputation that David has called him back. He’s been a bit unfortunate with the managerial roles he’s taken since leaving Everton – there have been times when his prospects of being successful have been limited. “This is a big role for Alan. You’re always competing to unearth young talent – especially in this city – but Everton have a good record of bringing through their Academy players to the first team.” Irvine has previously been involved with the youth set-up at both Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United and after exiting Goodison as Moyes’ right hand man to take charge of Preston, he also managed Sheffield Wednesday. Moyes, now assisted by Steve Round, is enthusiastic to be reunited with his fellow Glaswegian and said: “Ray indicated a few months ago that this would be his last season at Everton so finding his replacement has been important to us. “Once we knew Alan was available it made sense to bring him in as soon as possible and make the change quicker than expected. “Ray has done a terrific job during his time with the Academy and we are delighted that he has agreed to play an active part in the handover and that he will remain an important part of the set-up for a further three years.” Moyes added: “Alan is someone who knows the club very well, we know him very well and we’re all looking forward to working with him. “He will bring a great deal of experience to the role.” Elsewhere, former Everton player Paul Gerrard has returned to his first club Oldham as full-time goalkeeping coach.
Alan Irvine returns to Everton FC backroom staff as head of economy
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 13 2011
ALAN IRVINE has returned to the Everton FC backroom staff after agreeing to become the head of the Academy. Irvine has answered the call with EFC seeking a replacement for Ray Hall, who announced his intention to retire from the position at the end of the forthcoming campaign. It is Irvine’s third stint at the club, having made 79 appearances and scored six goals after arriving as a player in 1981 before returning as assistant to manager David Moyes in 2002. The 53-year-old left to become manager of Preston North End in 2007 before taking over at Sheffield Wednesday in 2010 until he was dismissed in February. Irvine will take up the position with immediate effect with Hall remaining in situ to oversee the handover of responsibilities before assuming a role as international ambassador. “Ray indicated a few months ago that this would be his last season at Everton so finding his replacement has been important to us,” said Moyes yesterday. “I am delighted that someone of the calibre of Alan Irvine has agreed to rejoin the club. Once we knew Alan was available it made sense to bring him in as soon as possible and make the change quicker than expected. “Ray has done a terrific job during his time with the academy and we are delighted that he has agreed to play an active part in the handover and that he will remain an important part of the set-up for a further three years.” Irvine has an impressive Academy pedigree having previously been involved in youth development at Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. And Moyes added: “I would also like to formally welcome Alan back to Everton. “He is someone who knows the club very well, we know him very well and we’re all looking forward to working with him. He will bring a great deal of experience to the role.” Everton’s current batch of youngsters are in Moscow later this week with the Goodison outfit sending an under-21 team to an international tournament. Everton will play two games in as many days as they compete with Germans SC Freiburg, Serbians OFK Beograd as well as host club Dynamo Moscow for the VTB Lev Yashin Cup. And Russia international Diniyar Bilyaletdinov believes the starlets will be in for a warm reception. “This week is going to be great weather in Russia, 30 degrees I think,” said the winger. “And they will be playing on a great pitch at a great stadium. I have seen it on TV and on the news so everybody knows about this tournament and I think some trainers, scouts and important Russian football people are coming to watch the games, so it is very professional. “This tournament is a great chance to see some good young players, especially Everton, and as I am with Everton now maybe it is interesting to some people.”
Everton will play their first match at Dynamo Moscow’s training ground against Freiburg on Friday with the final and third/fourth place play-off staged at the Khimki Stadium the following day.
Former Everton FC striker James Vaughan delighted with welcome he’s had at Norwich
Liverpool EchoJul 14 2011
JAMES VAUGHAN is determined to repay the faith of Norwich manager Paul Lambert by netting the goals to keep the Canaries in the Premier League next season. The young forward, who turns 23 later this week, is one of half a dozen new faces added by Lambert to bolster a squad which secured back-to-back promotions from npower League One after moving from Everton. Vaughan set a record as the Premier League’s youngest scorer in April 2005, but after a couple of niggling injuries and loan spells with Derby, Leicester and Crystal Palace, the striker never realised his full potential at Goodison Park. Now, though, the England Under-21 international feels a fresh start with the Canaries can kickstart his career once again. “Paul Lambert got the deal done very quickly, showed a lot of faith in me and since I have been here, he has made me feel very welcome,” Vaughan said.
“He just told me to do my best and put the ball in the back of the net – and that’s what I will be looking to do. “Hopefully if that happens I will be able to get in the team and stay there.” Vaughan feels the squad are gelling nicely ahead of what is expected to be a tough first campaign back in the top flight since 2004/2005. “Everyone told me about the team spirit here before I came and you can really see it with the lads,” he said. “I am sure that sort of spirit will be the foundations of where we want to get to in the future.”
Young Everton FC fans from club's Kickz initiative sport new home kit before players
Liverpool Echo Jul 14 2011
Young Blues from Kickz initiative wear new Everton FC kitA GROUP of fortunate Evertonians can claim to have put the club’s new home strip through the rigours of a kick-about before their heroes even get the chance. Phil Neville, Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill will all don the Royal Blue for the first time at Gigg Lane on tomorrow night in the club’s pre-season opener with Bury, but 10 youngsters involved in the club’s community work have beaten the superstars to the draw. The lucky 10 were chosen to take part in a photo shoot alongside players modelling the new strip in a kick-about on Stanley Park. Kasey Anderson has become a mini celebrity at De La Salle High School as a result of his cheeky goal celebration alongside Phil Jagielka which is now featured on one of the giant billboards and the 13-year-old thinks this season’s home strip is a winner. “Loads of people have said ‘you look cool’ and asked how I was on it,” said Kasey. “It’s smart, one of the best they’ve had. I like the collar and it’s dead light.” Kasey’s fellow De La Salle pupil William Mason added: “I’m privileged. It’s a dream come true to get it before the players. The youngsters are regularly involved with Everton’s Kickz programme which delivers football coaching in local areas where anti-social behaviour is at a high level. Lead Kickz coach Paul West said: “On nights when kickz is operating we’re told by police that anti-social behaviour is said to be drastically reduced.” The masses can get their hands on the kit during today’s official launch at the club’s Everton Two store in Liverpool One where Tim Cahill is set to make an appearance.
Everton FC's USA tour is a homecoming for Tim Howard
Liverpool Echo Jul 14 2011
EVERTON may be returning to a tried and tested formula by playing two pre-season friendlies in the USA but for goalkeeper Tim Howard, next week’s tour is almost like coming home. The games against Philadelphia Union on July 20 and DC United of Washington on July 23 will take Howard close to his birthplace in North Brunswick, New Jersey. The encounter with Philadelphia Union should be particularly poignant for the 32-year-old USA international keeper, because the club’s chief executive officer, Nick Sakiewics, coached Howard during the early part of his career in the US.
Howard said: “Nick brought me through the ranks while I was a youngster. I’m friends with many of the coaching staff at Philadelphia Union and one of my best friends, Danny Califf, plays for them.”
Howard, who boasts 58 international caps and helped the USA reach the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, is no stranger to Stateside tours with Everton since he joined the club on a permanent basis from Manchester United in 2007. This summer’s opponents are new however and take Everton to one of the heartlands of support for Major League Soccer (MLS), in a country where baseball and American football remain the most popular spectator sports. Philadelphia Union were the 16th team to join the MLS in 2007. Everton can look forward to playing in an 18,500 capacity purpose-built stadium on the banks of the Delaware River known as PPL Park. Head coach Piotr Nowak, a former Polish international, has plenty of experience with MLS teams. The home strip of navy blue with a central goal bar represents the colours of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War Šagainst the British. Philadelphia Union boasted more than 10,000 season-ticket holders during their first campaign and grassroots support in the area was instrumental in the founding of the club. Howard’s career began not far away with minor club the North Jersey Imperials. He joined the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars in 1998 and five years later made a transatlantic move to Manchester United. Howard could not get a regular first-team football he wanted at Old Trafford, in spite of of his international standing. But a loan spell at Everton in 2006/07 was converted into a permanent transfer in the summer of 2007 and he’s gone on to make 218 appearances in David Moyes’ team. Everton’s second game takes them to the Robert F Kennedy Memorial Stadium where DC United have been playing MLS football since the competition’s inception in 1996. They are also one of the most successful of the MLS franchises, winning 12 domestic and international titles. The Memorial Stadium, originally built for shared baseball and American football use, boasts a capacity of 45,000 and hosted five games during the 1994 World Cup finals in the USA. United have been boasting the best attendances in the MLS and talks about a purpose-built soccer stadium with a capacity of 20,000 remain ongoing. The club finished a disappointing 16th in the MLS last season and failed to qualify for the play-offs. The current coach is American Ben Olsen.
Everton FC captain Phil Neville reckons youngsters will be given their chance by David Moyes
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo
Jul 14 2011
EVERTON skipper Phil Neville believes that David Moyes will give the Blues’ youngsters the opportunity to showcase their talents as he prepares to face his hometown club Bury. Neville is set to lead Moyes’ men out against the newly-promoted League One side at Gigg Lane tomorrow night for Everton’s first pre-season friendly of the summer. Moyes has yet to dip into the transfer market ahead of the new campaign but is expected to hand a first team opportunity to several of his young stars in the Bury match. The Scot was able to cast his eye over the club’s best youthful talent during Everton’s recent fitness camp in Austria when members of the Blues’ successful FA Premier Academy League-winning side trained alongside their senior counterparts. Neville was pleased with what he saw and believes that the teenage talents will get their chance. He said: “I’ve been really impressed with everyone. The reserve players and Academy players have trained with us.
“I was brought up at a club where youth is promoted and I’ve joined another club in Everton where youth is a massive part. “The kids have got a great chance because if they’re good enough they’re going to get a chance with this manager. “This is the start of hopefully a long journey for these boys and mixing with first team players is invaluable.” Overseeing the progress of Everton’s youngsters will be the role of Alan Irvine who has returned to the club to succeed Ray Hall as Academy chief.
Irvine left his position as Moyes’ assistant manager in 2007 to take charge of Preston and then Sheffield Wednesday. Although he will no longer be working directly with the Blues’ first team, he has explained the lure of a return to Finch Farm proved too good to turn down. He said: “It’s a special club. As far as I’m concerned it’s a club I’ve been fortunate enough to work for in three different roles – player, assistant manager and now in the Academy. “I’m really happy to be back and it’s exciting. “This is not the kind of job I would have taken at too many other places, so the lure of coming back to Everton and the lure of working with David Moyes again were big factors.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working in an academy set-up when I was with Newcastle before I came to Everton and I was very lucky that it was a job I enjoyed and we had some success at and I’m hoping the same will happen again. “It is a change of direction for me but I don’t feel as if I’m giving anything up, I feel I’m actually benefiting from this change.” Meanwhile, an Everton under-21 team will fly out to Moscow today to play two games in as many days as they compete with Germans SC Freiburg, Serbians OFK Beograd as well as host club Dynamo Moscow for the VTB Lev Yashin Cup.
Everton’s Moscow-born midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov reckons the Blues’ young side will be in for a warm reception in more ways than one. He said: “This week is going to be great weather in Russia, 30 degrees I think. “And they will be playing on a great pitch at a great stadium. I have seen it on TV and on the news so everybody knows about this tournament.” The Blues will play their first match against Freiburg on Friday (7pm local time), with the final and third/fourth place play-off at the Khimki Stadium on Saturday.
Everton FC return was irresistable, says Alan Irvine
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 14 2011
ALAN IRVINE admits that the lure of working at Everton FC once again persuaded him to change his career path. Irvine returned to EFC for the third time this week to head up the Academy after earlier spells as a player and as assistant manager to David Moyes. The Scot left his post as number two in November 2007 to pursue his own managerial ambitions, taking over at Preston North End before moving on to Sheffield Wednesday last year. But having been out of the game since leaving Wednesday in February, Irvine will now reprise previous roles held at Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers by overseeing the development of Everton’s youngsters. “This is not the kind of job I would have taken at too many other places, so the lure of coming back to Everton and the lure of working with David Moyes again were big factors,” said the 53-year-old. “I thoroughly enjoyed working in an academy set-up when I was with Newcastle before I came to Everton and I was very lucky that it was a job I enjoyed and we had some success at and I'm hoping the same will happen again. “It is a change of direction for me but I don't feel as if I'm giving anything up, I feel I'm actually benefiting from this change.” Irvine, who will work alongside departing Academy head Ray Hall during the coming season, was in attendance as Everton’s under-18s began their pre-season programme with a 3-2 victory over Exeter City at Finch Farm yesterday afternoon. The first team begin their warm-up campaign at Bury tomorrow, with skipper Phil Neville looking forward to returning to his home town. “Going to Bury is always special,” he said. “My mum works there, my grandma works there, my auntie and uncle work there. Going home is always nice.” Meanwhile, Everton are keeping tabs on Birmingham City centre-back Scott Dann. Dann has already been the subject of a failed £16million combined bid, along with Cameron Jerome, from Stoke City.
The 24-year-old Liverpool-born defender missed the second half of last season with a hamstring injury as Birmingham were relegated.
Everton FC goalkeeper Tom Howard is looking forward to USE pre-season tour ‘homecoming’
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 14 2011
EVERTON may be returning to a tried and tested formula by playing two pre-season friendlies in the USA but for goalkeeper Tim Howard, next week’s tour is almost like coming home. The games against Philadelphia Union on July 20 and DC United of Washington on July 23 will take Howard close to his birthplace in North Brunswick, New Jersey. The encounter with Philadelphia Union should be particularly poignant for the 32-year-old USA international keeper, because the club’s chief executive officer, Nick Sakiewics, coached Howard during the early part of his career in the US.
Howard said: “Nick brought me through the ranks while I was a youngster. I’m friends with many of the coaching staff at Philadelphia Union and one of my best friends, Danny Califf, plays for them.”
Howard, who boasts 58 international caps and helped the USA reach the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, is no stranger to Stateside tours with Everton since he joined the club on a permanent basis from Manchester United in 2007. This summer’s opponentsŠare new,Šhowever, and take Everton to one of the heartlands of support for Major League Soccer (MLS), in a country where baseball and American football remain the most popular spectator sports. Philadelphia Union were the 16th team to join the MLS in 2007. Everton can look forward to playing in an 18,500 capacity purpose-built stadium on the banks of the Delaware River known as PPL Park. Head coach Piotr Nowak, a former Polish international, has plenty of experience with MLS teams. The home strip of navy blue with a central goal bar represents the colours of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War Šagainst the British. Philadelphia Union boasted more than 10,000 season-ticket holders during their first campaign and grassroots support in the area was instrumental in the founding of the club. Howard’s career began not far away with minor club the North Jersey Imperials. He joined the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars in 1998 and five years later made a transatlantic move to Manchester United. Howard could not get a regular first-team football he wanted at Old Trafford, despite his international standing. But a loan spell at Everton in 2006/07 was converted into a permanent transfer in the summer of 2007 and he’s gone on to make 218 appearances and David Moyes’ team. Everton’s second game takes them to the Robert F Kennedy Memorial Stadium where DC United have been playing MLS football since the competition’s inception in 1996. They are also one of the most successful of the MLS franchises, winning 12 domestic and international titles.
City give Everton run for their money in friendly
Thursday, July 14, 2011 Exeter Express and Echo
EXETER City's under-18s scored two exceptional goals as they pushed National Academy title holders Everton to their limit on Wednesday afternoon. The Grecians, invited to the Premier League club's state-of-the-art Finch Farm base for the second year in a row, gave a superb account of themselves and were unlucky to leave on the wrong end of a 3-2 reverse. Looking on from the sidelines was former Preston and Sheffield Wednesday manager Alan Irvine, who yesterday was announced as the new head of Everton's Academy. And you can be sure he would have been impressed by the quality in the Grecians' ranks as the Devon side threatened an upset. A slow start saw them fall behind to goals from England youth international Chris Long and Adam Thomas and the Toffees looked as though they would run away with it. But the impressive Jamie Reid, who on more than one occasion showed what a clean striker of the ball he is, curled a perfectly placed long-range shot beyond the reach of the Everton keeper to get the Grecians back in it. And if that goal was impressive, it was topped by their second strike – created and scored by under-16 player Matthew Jay. Again Reid was involved as he and Jay carved open the Everton defence with successive interchanges. And with just the keeper to beat, the youngster showed his nerve by placing the coolest of finishes just inside the far post. Exeter were finishing the stronger side but in one of very few late attacks for the hosts, Wales Under-19 international Gethin Jones blasted home what proved to be the winner. There was still time, however, for Jacob Cane and Reid to rattle the woodwork as the Grecians threatened to grab what would have been a deserved share of the spoils.
EXCLUSIVE: Weakened teams will be allowed after clubs vote to change rule
By Matt Barlow
July 15 2011 The Daily Mail
Managers in the Barclays Premier League will be free to rotate their squads next season without fear of reprisal. A key rule change means clubs will no longer be punished for making wholesale changes and fielding weakened teams as long as they use players from within their 25-man squad registered at the start of the campaign. It may come as a relief to those involved in European competitions but it is too late to help Blackpool, who were fined £25,000 last season after Ian Holloway made 10 changes for a midweek game at Aston Villa last season, three days before a match at West Ham.
Fury: Ian Holloway was incensed when Blackpool were fined for fielding an understrength side
Holloway reacted angrily, tendering his resignation and insisting the players were from his first-team squad and therefore capable of playing without damaging the integrity of the competition.
‘I’ve got every right to do what I like,’ he fumed at the time. ‘Who the hell are they to tell me my players are not good enough?’ Blackpool were relegated in May after one season in the top tier but last night applauded the change, passed at the Premier League’s AGM by the 20 clubs who will contest next season’s competition. Club secretary Matt Williams said: ‘I don’t expect we will get our £25,000 back or any form of apology but I am glad to see common sense has prevailed.
Defection: Blackpool were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season ‘Our plight really did highlight the deficiency of the rule. The team we had out that night had more Premier League experience than the team for the previous fixture and subsequent fixtures.’
The Premier League studied Holloway’s team selections for two months before deciding Blackpool had fielded a weakened team at Villa Park and distorted the integrity of the competition.
Wolves were found guilty of a similar offence in 2009-10, when manager Mick McCarthy rested his regular first-team players at Manchester United, a game they lost 3-0, and recalled them for the visit of Burnley, which they won 2-0. Wolves were hit with a £25,000 suspended fine, but this was before the introduction of the 25-man squad rule. Hit: Wolves were handed a suspended fine when Mick McCarthy played a weakened team Chief executive Jez Moxey said: ‘We are very comfortable with it. It seems a long time ago now, to be honest. We fully support the Premier League.
‘We must protect the integrity of the League but at the same time we must allow our managers to make selection decisions as they see fit. We need to get the balance right and this solution makes sense.’ Ultimately, the Premier League clubs have accepted Blackpool’s argument that, if clubs register a squad, those players should be free to play in the competition without the Premier League deciding they are not good enough. he rule has not been scrapped, however, and clubs will still risk a charge if a manager selects a team packed with players from the limitless Under 21 list rather than the senior 25-man squad.
Bury’s former Everton FC starlet Steven Schumacher looking forward to his ex-club’s visit
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Jul 15 2011
EX-EVERTON wonder-kid Steven Schumacher is looking forward to facing his former club at Gigg Lane tonight. Schumacher, now 27, skippered Bury to promotion last season but started his career at Goodison Park where he was captain of the England Under-19s side. Although he was unable to make a first team breakthrough at the Blues, the Kirkby-born midfield has carved out a good career for himself in the lower divisions with Bradford, Crewe and now Bury. Schumacher admits that tonight’s game will be special for both him and the rest of the Shakers’ Merseyside contingent.
He said: “As well as myself, there’s Ryan Lowe and the former Everton defender Mark Hughes.
“There’s some good Scouse blood throughout the team and we all travel in together to save on petrol! “We also had Robbie Fowler in for a few weeks at the back end of last season.
“The Everton game should be a decent test for us. “I know a few of the lads like Leighton Baines from Kirkby plus some of the long-serving players like Tony Hibbert and Ossie (Leon Osman).”
Bury were promoted to League One last season despite losing manager Alan Knill to Scunthorpe at the end of March. Knill was replaced by former youth team boss Richie Barker who led them up with six consecutive victories. Schumacher said: “It was a good season all round. “The football we played was as good as anyone in that division. “When Alan left, Richie stepped in and steadied the ship and kept us going. The transition went pretty smoothly and we were able to finish the job.”
Everton FC’s Tim Cahill reaping the benefits of a full summer programme with David Moyes
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo
Jul 15 2011
Everton FC’s Tim Cahill reaping the benefits of a full summer programme with David Moyes
EVERTON’S pre-season regimes under David Moyes are the stuff of legends. David Unsworth remarked that in the Scot’s early years at Goodison, the boss would gain satisfaction from players almost vomiting because it meant that he had succeeded in pushing them to their limits.
Although the Tartan Taskmaster has not gone soft through the passing of time, his super-fit professionals are perhaps now in better shape to deal with the rigours that he forces upon them to whip them into shape to be ready for another gruelling Premier League campaign. One player delighted to be reaping the benefits of Moyes’ punishing regimes is Tim Cahill whose international exploits with Australia have prevented him from early starts in years gone by. He said: “Pre-season has been going really well. “Personally I’ve really enjoyed it, it has been well structured. “The running has been fantastic and I enjoy being around the lads. “Credit to the gaffer and the staff, it’s been well thought-out with three sessions a day. “It’s been hard but it’s about getting your body up to a level of fitness to play in America.” Cahill added: “For me, I’ve never done a pre-season properly from the start with the team because I’ve been playing internationals. “So to train with them straight away has been easier for me, I don’t have to come back later and fit in a mini pre-season.
“Coming back earlier has benefited me and I already feel really good.” Last summer, Everton enjoyed six successive victories in pre-season friendlies before finally succumbing to Wolfsburg in Germany but their impressive form did not continue into the start of the Premier League campaign when they failed to win any of their first six matches – not picking up three points until October when they climbed off the bottom of the table with a win at Birmingham City. However, given their sluggish start, Cahill was impressed with how the Blues fought back. He said: “I thought last season, our Premier League showing was fantastic. “We finished seventh, and considering the circumstances of the season as a whole I am very proud of the football club. “A lot of clubs below us would love to be where we are. “Pre-season went well in Australia last year, but sometimes it doesn’t go your way at the start and that’s what happened to us.” Having recharged his batteries over the summer, missing a couple of Australian friendly matches, Cahill is hoping to come back stronger than ever next term. He said: “Everyone needs a rest. It’s commonsense. There are a lot of players at every club who play internationals year in year out. “Last season in two competitions, the World Cup and the Asia Cup. “I’ll never turn that kind of opportunity down, so the rest has been good. “The two games I have missed had two good points – other players were getting a chance to play for their country and I had 180 minutes where I didn’t have to play.” Moyes will also be keeping his fingers crossed that one of his most talismanic goal scorers remains fit for the majority of the campaign. After netting nine times before Christmas, Cahill failed to add a single goal to his tally after the turn of the year as the latter months of the season were punctuated by niggles with Moyes admitting that he had to use arguably his best pound-for-pound signing sparingly at times.
However, Cahill, who has battled back from several injury setbacks during his seven years at Goodison Park is not fazed by the rigours of another hard slog. He said: “I am always in good shape, regardless of how much I play. “We are professionals. We get paid to train hard every day to make sure that if you play 30 or 60 games a season, you are at top fitness. “You can’t stop injuries, every player gets injuries. So then it becomes all about maintenance. “We don’t have the biggest squad, but you play when asked and you do a job. That’s what we did last season.”
David Prentice: Message received - faithful Everton FC fans are feeling all too blue
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 15 2011
"BREAKING news from Goodison Park. Joyce the cleaner has signed a new, one month Everton FC rolling contract to ward off interest from the Mecca Bingo, Dovecot. There will be a press conference 3pm tomorrow.” Not even remotely funny, but football humour in this city can be biting and cruel.
It’s a text message currently doing the rounds, and it indicates how Everton are perceived by the red half of the city – and underlines the frustration which seems to be building among Everton’s fan base. Frustration of which I’m suddenly, all too keenly aware. That wasn’t the only text I received this week. I also received a couple from very respected journalists “Why are all kinds of Evertonians going nuts all of a sudden?” read one, while another asked: “What’s happening pal? Suddenly you’re the Salman Rushdie of Liverpool.” To those who missed last week’s column, and believe me it really isn’t worth revisiting, it was a sincere and honest attempt to look optimistically at Everton’s coming campaign. Last summer Everton went into the season with a squad popularly believed to be the strongest assembled at the club in 15 years, on the back of a storming finish to the previous campaign – and with players and coaches quietly confident of making a push for a Champions League place. Twelve months on the only thing which has changed is Steven Pienaar. And I tried to reflect that. But it seems that many Blues aren’t in the mood for optimism. Clearly Liverpool’s spending spree across the park has contributed (although spending £20m on Stewart Downing should surely have brought just a small smile to Evertonian faces.) But something seems to have shifted quite significantly in the mind set of a growing number of Everton fans. And top of the agenda appears to be the inability of Bill Kenwright to sell the club. Despite a search “24/7” since well before the worldwide recession began to bite, the Blues chairman has come up empty handed.
That’s not due to a lack of publicity. It’s common knowledge that Everton is for sale. It has been suggested that Kenwright must be asking too much for the club. But the Blues’ admirable young chief executive Robert Elstone has clearly refuted that claim too. “It’s not because we’ve been imposing unreasonable conditions,” he stated in February. “No-one has come up with any money. The club is for sale and that sale does not depend on the Chairman remaining in charge.” That appears to be clear enough. But some fans will still refuse to accept it, but until one investor goes public and makes it clear that Kenwright is either asking for too much or deliberately blocking a sale it’s difficult to argue with. And none ever has. The remaining conclusion to be drawn is if Bill Kenwright really wants to sell his football club – and one former Everton manager told me on Wednesday “Bill is desperately disillusioned and wants out” – he has to market that sale more aggressively. I’ve asked before, but there’s no harm in asking again, why can’t the club consider hiring an independent broker to find a suitable buyer like Liverpool did with Hawkpoint in March 2004? It wasn’t a search without its embarrassing interludes – like Rick Parry believing he was being ushered into a room to talk to Thaksin Shinawatra, only to find himself in front of a press conference announcing the proud purchase of the club – but it was successful. Actually, paraphrase that. It found a buyer. Two, in fact. And while Liverpool were unlucky to find buyers of the brass neck of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, Hawkpoint could hardly be blamed for that. Across the park Keith Harris appears to have been enlisted in some sort of commission if successful capacity, but clearly if he's been trying hard, he hasn't been successful. No-one, it seems, has ever been hired and paid solely to market Everton aggressively as both a priority and an opportunity; to pro-actively get out there and find an investor. And that surely has to be worth considering? That’s not the only grievance, of course. And for me, the silence from the club this summer, understandable though that may be when there is so little good news to impart, has contributed to the frustration. There hasn’t been a single sentence uttered publicly by any senior official at the club all summer until Ian Ross put himself forward on Talksport this week to answer the concerns of the newly created People’s Group. Those club officials might reply “but there’s nothing to say.” But in the lack of even a reassuring soundbite that Everton are at least trying to buy players, fans are left to form their own conclusions – and plenty of those conclusions have been bleak. That was underlined by the staggering response to last week’s column. There are some articles you know will spark a response.
When I used the words “blundering, inept and crass” to sum up an Everton chairman’s reign, and a sub-editor elevated those words into a headline, I knew there would be a reaction. The resignation of said chairman four days later was a satisfying conclusion. When I accused Everton’s players of “taking the p***” out of their supporters for their feeble collapse to the 2003/04 season I knew there would be a response too. One player privately agreed with me, another shrugged, while a third circulated photocopies of the article and organised a boycott of this newspaper for several months. But the reaction to last Friday’s article genuinely took me by surprise. I was trying to offer some optimism and reassurance. Clearly I misjudged the mood of many. There are a growing number of fans out there who don’t want optimism, they want answers to an increasing number of questions. The easiest one to answer is that familiar refrain ‘where’s all the money gone?’asked in several quarters last week. That question has been asked – and answered before - but I'll repeat.
Everton earned £49.6m in Premier League prize money last season, took £19.2m from gate receipts and saw commercial, sponsorship and merchandising revenue increase to £7.1m. That’s, roughly, 80million quid’s worth of incomings, against which Everton had operating costs of £79.6m in their last set of accounts. By far the biggest single item on those costs is a wage bill of £54.3m, added to by the need to service a debt of £44.6m which adds up to £4.5m on interest payments per year.
That all leaves around £20m to pay for the Finch Farm lease, the upkeep of Goodison, scouting, medical support, coaches and everything else which goes into the running of a modern football club.
Everton claim that 85p in every pound goes in one way or another to Finch Farm. And if you think that’s excessive, Manchester City hand over 110 per cent of their income in wages alone. But while that’s easy enough to answer, the biggest question, which I can’t offer a reply to, is why Everton can’t sell Everton. Is it the lack of a new ground? Is it the proximity of one of the most celebrated brands in world football? Or is it a reluctance by the current owner to let go? Only those would-be investors who have apparently spoken to the Blues board, and walked away, can answer that. And they’re not saying. But someone, somewhere has to say something soon, because there’s a growing mood of unrest amongst Everton’s fan base.
Everton FC finances won’t pressure our kids insists Alan Irvine
by Luke Reddy, Liverpool Echo
Jul 15 2011
ALAN IRVINE insists Everton’s transfer constraints will place no additional pressure on academy staff to produce home-grown talent and that David Moyes is the man to give youth a chance. The Scot returned this week to embark on his third spell with the club to take up the role of Academy Manager from the long-serving Ray Hall and he believes any lack of transfer activity will not prompt any more pressure to deliver talent to the first-team than is felt at other clubs. Quizzed on whether there is pressure to fill the transfer void with academy graduates, Irvine said: “I don’t think so, what happens at first team level that’s one thing but I think all academies are under pressure now, they are a lot more accountable than they were in the past quite simply because there’s an awful lot of money been invested in them. “They’re huge organisations now, they employ a great number of people, they work with a lot of boys, their budgets are very, very big and that’s what puts the pressure on. “Obviously you can’t turn a young player into an old player over night, it takes time so whilst the pressure is there, everybody will understand that it’s long-term player development, it’s not an instant fix or anything like that so is there more pressure? No I don’t think so because we can’t flick a switch, it doesn’t just happen.” Academy director at both Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United prior to becoming assistant manager at Goodison Park, Irvine intends on not making any rash changes to an Academy which has spawned first-team regulars such as Jack Rodwell, Victor Anichebe and Leon Osman. Instead, the 53-year-old hopes the Academy’s youngsters can draw one simple inspiration from those to have made the step into David Moyes’ squad. “The fact that if you’re good enough you’ll get an opportunity here,” added the former Preston and Sheffield Wednesday boss. “It’s really a huge benefit for any player at this club. There’s no doubt that they will be given an opportunity, the manager was prepared to put in young players from the very first month or two that we came to the club. “He put Wayne (Rooney) into the team so he’s not frightened to do that and he realises that he’s had a lot of success doing it. “ If I was a young player at this club I’d be looking and saying ‘I might not be too far away’.” After just under four years in management, Irvine’s new role completes a move from first-team affairs back into the development system and as well as being thrilled to be back at Goodison, he is confident his experiences in the hot-seat will help him deliver exactly what David Moyes is looking for.
“It’s great to be back," he added. "It’s a club where I was very happy as a player and as an assistant manager and to come back again is terrific. “I would hope that what I’ve discovered doing those jobs will help me to produce the kind of players that the manager wants. “Until you’ve actually sat in the manager’s chair, it doesn’t matter what anyone says, you don’t know what the job is going to be like. “I thought I knew when I was assistant manager, I thought I knew what being the manager was all about, but I didn’t. “ And so it’s something that you learn as you go on really. I know now what I was looking for from the youth development staff at both Preston and Sheffield Wednesday so hopefully I’ll be able to provide that for David.”
Everton FC’s Tim Cahill believes club has players to meet David Moyes’ increasing demands
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo
Jul 15 2011
TIM CAHILL believes that Everton FC have got a squad of players able to meet the increasing demands that manager David Moyes places on them. When the Australian arrived at EFC in 2004, the Blues had finished the previous term in a lowly 17th place with just 39 points.
However, since helping Moyes’ men to a Premier League high fourth spot in his debut campaign, Cahill has been part of a squad that has recorded six top half finishes – including the last five seasons in a row. He said: “We have got togetherness. There are 16 to 18 players, a good squad that work hard for each other. The manager understands how hard to push us, but the demands get greater every year and people expect bigger things from us. “We have to focus on what we have created over the last seven years, and that’s a team that fights for the cause week in week out. “We aren’t making any predictions now. We are just focusing on having a good pre-season.” Moyes is yet to dip into the transfer market so far this summer but having tied down several of his established stars to long-term contracts last year – including Cahill – there is a great deal of continuity within his squad but the 31-year-old is glad that the manager has a dependable core of players to choose from.
He said: “It’s not something that I focus on. I focus on the good things, such as the players that we have got. We’ve got a lot of players now on long-term contracts. “The good thing we have done is keeping a good core of lads, and people need to understand that is a big, big investment by the club.
“Bringing in players is not something that concerns us as players, we have to just focus on being ready for the start of the season. “If new players come in then fantastic, but if they don’t then it won’t be down to us.” With 52 caps for Australia, Cahill is used to racking up the air miles but another Everton player looking forward to his fair share of flying this summer is Jose Baxter.
The 19-year-old arrived in Moscow yesterday ahead of the Blues’ game against German club Freiburg in the Under-21 tournament the VTB Lev Yashin Cup (kick-off tonight, 7pm local time).
Following his time in Russia, Baxter will then jet out to the United States – via Heathrow – to join his senior team-mates for their games against Philadelphia Union and DC United. There’s also Everton’s pre-season friendly in Germany in August against Werder Bremen to throw into the mix ensuring the Bootle-born youngster will have travelled over 12,000 miles in less than a month. Baxter said: “It is a good job I don’t mind flying. “It is just games. It probably is some sort of record, but I don’t mind where to be honest, there is no better job. I am getting to see the world and play for a great club like Everton, I know how fortunate I am. “It is all really good experience and as long as I am away with the lads I am enjoying myself and having a good time.” Baxter, last season’s reserve team player of the season, is one of the more experienced squad members on the Russian trip – something that in itself presents a new challenge for him. He added: “I am used to looking up to the other lads, so this is something different for me. It will be up to me to set an example and get some of the younger lads into shape.” Meanwhile, Everton midfielder James Wallace has been called up to the England Under-20s squad for the forthcoming World Cup in Colombia which starts on July 20.
Everton FC chief executive Robert Elstone responds to EFC supporters' criticisms
By Luke Reddy
Jul 15 2011
EVERTON FC chief executive Robert Elstone today responded to criticism over the direction of the club from some sections of its support. Elstone made it clear that he is aware of supporters lobbying media outlets to ‘expose the inadequacies and errors of the Board and management of the club’ and he believes much of the discontent is born out of a fan frustration surrounding the lack of transfer activity. A new campaigning body called The People's Group has been vocal in its criticism of chairman Bill Kenwright and other EFC board members, citing a list of failures including stadium plans as evdience of the need for radical change now. However in a club blog released this afternoon, the Blues chief executive said: “Despite the ‘kitchen sink’ being thrown into the criticisms, claims beefed up by errors and speculation, the central issue is transfer activity and allied to that, where does all the money go? "The latter is easy to answer. It goes to Finch Farm; as simple as that. It goes on youth development. It goes on scouting, medical and coaching. It goes on players. "For the past decade, the club has bought and invested all it has had available, and sometimes more, on the first team squad. And it’s there to see. On the back of the programme for next month’s Tottenham game will be an expensively assembled squad of players earning a wage bill that’s hard to fund.” Elstone admitted that the club is under more financial pressure than ever before but the subsequent constraints did not mean the quest for improvements stopped. “As for this summer, the squeeze on money is harder than ever,” he added. “Something we’ve been saying for a long time. “Despite that, there isn’t a day that goes by without the manager and chairman discussing players coming and yes, players going. At the same time, there isn’t a day that goes by without discussions of how we can sell more season tickets, do new sponsorship deals or get better terms, or loan more money from our bank. Everybody is ‘flat to the floor’ looking for improvements, looking for money, looking for players.” Elstone was appointed as Blues CEO in January of 2008 and he admitted that he felt “hurt” by criticism of three areas which he believes have improved vastly under his stewardship. He continued: “Three areas of criticism hurt most because they’re not true - a lack of strategy, no communication and poor commercial performance. “All of these have been addressed by me in the past, but for the record, I’ll go again. “We have a singular objective and that’s to win football matches at the highest level possible. We have a chairman who as much as any chairman in the Premier League pursues that objective. A chairman who is at the heart of everything I described above and yet takes no remuneration in any shape or form from the club. "Our strategy to achieve this goal is on three levels – firstly, an ongoing and prioritised search for new investment and a new stadium and we are active on both of these challenging fronts; secondly to out-perform our rivals developing, and buying and selling players – a strategy supported by this board’s investment in Finch Farm and the high-quality individuals working alongside the manager; and, thirdly – a focus on profitability and growth and I’ve outlined in the past how we are working on four complementary initiatives designed to serve our fans better, grow the fan base, and its loyalty, and ultimately fill Goodison. “We communicate with our fans every single day of every single week. Last night, senior managers attended our Fans Forum – a representative group of fans with a free agenda to raise and discuss whatever they want. "I can reel off again, supporters’ club visits, meetings with the shareholders’ association, meetings with individual fans, an award-winning website, and award-winning community scheme that talks to Evertonians in schools and in workplaces on a daily basis and much, much more. "As for what’s left? Should I or the chairman meet fans whose top priority is to see him out of office and me out of a job? Likewise, should we answer those questions that appear on all the lists of those lobbying the press so strongly - how much is the club up for sale for? Have we made an offer for player x? How much did we turn down for player y? We think not. “And commercial weakness? When I joined six years ago, we had a retail operation losing £500,000 per season and a main sponsor deal with Chang earning the club around £1m per season. We had a relatively modest ‘family’ of second-tier partners. "Rolling forward to 2011/12, we are entering into year three of a 10-year detail with Kitbag that has transformed a loss of £500,000 into £30m+ of profit over a 10-year period, we will move into the eighth year of our Chang partnership valued at around £10m over the next three year term, and have secured lucrative deals on betting, travel partner, our credit card and others, without forgetting to mention last summer’s £1m trip to Australia. "And a small point of detail, almost every other club records retail turnover in its income line. Everton doesn’t, it records the guaranteed profit from Kitbag. Our £80m turnover would be higher if we mirrored the rest of the Premier League (likewise, our wage turnover ratio would be better). “As for the only other commercial area we control – matchdays – attendances have hovered between 36,000 and 37,000 which means all seats other than restricted views are sold. And we have managed to increase prices modestly but sensibly over recent years. "Of course, we need to sell-out more regularly. Likewise we need to increase that average attendance. Our corporate numbers can also be improved. Something like 9% of our corporate capacity goes unsold and again, we need to work harder and better. We’re acutely aware that 2,000 empty seats, 19 times a season equates to almost £1m – the value of only two live Sky games, but value we need to chase and secure. “Overall, marks out of 10? I’m not sure. I do know it’s improved, it’s improving, but it is always tasked to bring in more and bring it in quicker. What I also know is so much of that success is based on relationships. Chang wouldn’t be with us for 10 years if we weren’t delivering for them.
“Kitbag wouldn’t offer us that deal if they didn’t believe in the club and the people at the club. I hate to blow our trumpet but others do it for us. People like us; people rate us; people appreciate what we’re doing. Hand on heart, I bump into more people saying keep up the good work than ‘there’s the door’.” In closing, Elstone denied any lack of ambition at the club and stated that the long-term security of the club was the primary objective for those operating behind the scenes at Goodison.
He added: “The lasting message? There’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes, not being played out in public. The focus of all that hard work is the first team squad. And, whilst we are not blessed with a transfer ‘war chest’ and we’re acutely aware as custodians the long-term security of the club is paramount, there is no lack of ambition nor endeavour anywhere in the club.”
Everton FC latest: Tim Cahill refusing to focus on lack of new faces
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 15 2011
TIM CAHILL is convinced Everton still possess the core of players to meet the expectations of supporters during the coming season. While the Goodison outfit have so far managed to retain their leading players, there has been a growing sense of unease among fans at the failure to splash the cash in the transfer window. David Moyes will be reliant on the same squad as the previous campaign when his side begin their pre-season programme at npower League One side Bury this evening. But rather than dwell on the lack of new faces, Cahill is instead determined to extol the virtues of the present playing staff. “I focus on the good things, such as the players that we have got,” said the Australian. “We’ve got a lot of players now on long-term contracts. “The good thing we have done is keeping a good core of lads, and people need to understand that is a big, big investment by the club. “Bringing in players is not something that concerns us as players, we have to just focus on being ready for the start of the season. “If new players come in then fantastic, but if they don’t then it won’t be down to us.” Cahill, who helped launch the new home kit at the Everton Two store yesterday, added: “We have got togetherness. There are 16 to 18 players, a good squad that work hard for each other. The manager understands how hard to push us, but the demands get greater every year and people expect bigger things from us. “We have to focus on what we have created over the last seven years, and that’s a team that fights for the cause week in week out.
“I thought last season, our Premier League showing was fantastic. We finished seventh, and considering the circumstances of the season as a whole I am very proud of the football club. A lot of clubs below us would love to be where we are. “But we aren’t making any predictions now. We are just focusing on having a good pre-season.” That preparation kicks off tonight at Gigg Lane against Bury, with Cahill already reaping the benefits of the “massive rest” he decided to take after the end of last season. The Australian netted nine times for Everton early in the campaign before jetting off to help his country reach the final of the Asia Cup in January. However, a succession of niggling injuries on his return prevented him from adding to that tally and ultimately prompted the player to sit out his country’s two summer friendlies and recuperate from years of almost non-stop football.
“Pre-season has been going really well,” said Cahill, who attended last week’s training camp in Austria. “Personally I’ve really enjoyed it, it has been well structured. “For me, I’ve never done a pre-season properly from the start with the team because I’ve been playing internationals. So to train with them straight away has been easier for me, I don’t have to come back later and fit in a mini pre-season. Coming back earlier has benefited me and I already feel really good.”
Of his summer break, Cahill said: “Everyone needs a rest. It’s commonsense. There are a lot of players at every club who play internationals year in year out. “Last season in two competitions, the World Cup and the Asia Cup. I’ll never turn that kind of opportunity down, so the rest has been good. “The two games I have missed had two good points – other players were getting a chance to play for their country and I had 180 minutes where I didn’t have to play.”
MONEY IS TIGHT, WARNS TOFFEES CHIEF
July 15 2011 The Sporting Life
Everton chief executive Robert Elstone has urged the club's fans to be patient and insisted there is no lack of ambition at Goodison Park. A poor start to last season scuppered the Toffees' hopes of challenging for a top-six finish in the Barclays Premier League and they have yet to strengthen their squad this summer. A section of Everton's support have continued to criticise the hierarchy at the club and Elstone used his blog on the club's official website to hit back. He wrote: "The squeeze on money is harder than ever (this summer). Despite that, there isn't a day that goes by without the manager and chairman discussing players coming and, yes, players going. "At the same time, there isn't a day that goes by without discussions of how we can sell more season tickets, do new sponsorship deals or get better terms, or loan more money from our bank. "Everybody is 'flat to the floor' looking for improvements, looking for money, looking for players. "There's a lot of hard work behind the scenes, not being played out in public. The focus of all that hard work is the first-team squad. "And, whilst we are not blessed with a transfer 'war chest', and we're acutely aware, as custodians, that the long-term security of the club is paramount, there is no lack of ambition nor endeavour anywhere in the club."
Bury 1 Everton 4: Marouane Fellaini returns as Everton start pre-season with a victory
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 15 2011
MAROUANE FELLAINI made his long-awaited comeback from injury as Everton made a winning start to their pre-season at Bury. The Belgian, who missed the final three months of last season following an ankle operation, played 45 minutes as David Moyes's side eased to a comprehensive 4-1 victory against their npower League One opponents. Yakubu marked his own return to the Goodison fold with a goal, while Magaye Gueye grabbed a brace and Leon Osman also found the net. With Everton sauntering to a comfortable win on their first hit-out of the summer, an expected protest from visiting supporters – who made up 1,706 of the 3,017 attendance – failed to materialise.
But their fears over the club's ongoing financial restraints, heightened by the stark bulletin from chief executive Robert Elstone, were highlighted by a teamsheet that contained no new faces.
Indeed, with an Everton under-21 team in Russia for an invitational tournament – losing 1-0 to German side Freiburg earlier in the evening – and the likes of Tim Howard and Jack Rodwell given extended breaks, Moyes could name only five substitutes at Gigg Lane. However, there was significant encouragement in the return of Fellaini, who had not played since the win over Sunderland at the end of February before his campaign was prematurely ended for the second successive year. The Belgian's lengthy recuperation has clearly given him time to work on his trademark coiffure, which, while now at its most luxurious, has also acquired what can only be described as a ginger tinge. It wasn't the only rust on show from Fellaini, although with four weeks until the Premier League kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur there remains plenty of time to rediscover his sharpness. Bury, who clinched promotion as runners-up in League Two last season, began their pre-season campaign in midweek with a 3-0 home defeat to Burnley. The Shakers were captained by former Everton youngster Steven Schumacher with fellow Goodison graduate Mark Hughes, who played three times under Moyes, at the heart of defence. Yakubu, in Blue for the first time since January after a loan spell at Leicester City earlier in the year, was named up front by the visitors although it's unlikely the Nigerian was playing in anything other than the shop window. The striker didn't take long to make an impression. Yakubu had already warmed the palms of Bury goalkeeper Cameron Belford before he nodded the opener from close range on 18 minutes after Fellaini headed on Mikel Arteta's left-wing corner. Even at this early stage in their respective preparations, the difference in class between the two teams was obvious with Gueye wasteful on 26 minutes by hurriedly shooting wide from Arteta's pass. Gueye was more accurate six minutes later when netting Everton's second, although there was more than a touch of fortune to the strike. Having been sent clear by an inexplicably misplaced pass from Hughes, Gueye directed his initial effort straight at keeper Belford only for the rebound to drop back at his feet to stroke home at the second attempt. The visitors netted twice more in two minutes before the interval. Osman, having been found by returning Bury native Phil Neville, curled in from the edge of the area, before Gueye snaffled his second with a low drive from 25 yards. Bury's best chance of the half came early on when Lenell John-Lewis slashed excitedly wide when released by Damien Mozika, but otherwise Jan Mucha in the Everton goal was rarely threatened. But the stand-in goalkeeper was embarrassed on the hour as Schumacher gave his former employers a reminder of his talents with a dipping 25-yard free-kick that deceived Mucha. Beckford, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Yakubu all came close to netting a fifth, although the intensity of Everton's performance understandably dipped in the final quarter.
They weren't helped by Beckford limping off midway through the second half and, with Moyes unwilling to risk remaining substitute Tim Cahill, Everton played out the game with 10 men.
But this was otherwise the ideal start to a warm-up programme that sees Moyes and his players now head across the Atlantic to being their latest tour of the United States.
BURY (4-4-2): Belford; Picken, Sodje, Hughes, Skarz (Jones 78); Haworth (Sweeney 72), Schumacher (Harrop 81), Mozika (McCarthy 72), Worrall; John-Lewis (Bishop 60), Lowe. Subs: Futcher, Branagan, Rothwell, Hudson.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Mucha; Coleman, Heitinga (Baines 46), Distin (Jagielka 46), Neville; Gueye, Osman, Fellaini (Anichebe 46), Arteta (Bilyaletdinov 46); Yakubu, Beckford. Subs: Cahill.
REFEREE: Jon Moss.
ATT: 3,017.
GOALS: Bury - Schumacher 60, Everton - Yakubu 18, Gueye 32, 44, Osman 43
Royal Blue: Let’s hope David Moyes can add team honours to more individual accolades
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo
Jul 16 2011
David Moyes swopped his tracksuit for a scholar’s robes. Moyes went to the city’s Anglican Cathedral to receive an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University. The Scot gained the award for his “outstanding contribution to football and sportsmanship”. Moyes has collected a host of individual accolades during his time at Goodison including the League Managers Association Manager of the Year on three occasions and Premier League Manager of the Month seven times.
Both he and all Evertonians will be desperate to see him add some team silverware to those other awards sometime soon.
Royal Blue: Everton FC stocking up on the early tradition of royal blue
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo
Jul 16 2011
THIS WEEK saw the launch of the new Everton home kit. Although there are no real controversial features to the design like the hideous washed out light blue vintage of 1997/98 complete with yellow and white central stripe (an awful kit to go with an awful team) or the white under arm/side sweat panels of the 2000-02 look, there was one significant change to the 2011/12 design.
The burning issue with Evertonians is the departure of white socks with a return to royal blue.
While the white stocking remains the connoisseur’s choice at Goodison Park – both because of its aesthetic merits and connotations with Harry Catterick’s great sides and Howard Kendall’s heroes of 1985 – it still must be noted that Everton did not adopt it with their home kit until 1957. Until then, the club had worn a combination of blue, blue with white trim, navy or black socks. Everton’s last title-winning side in 1987 wore blue socks while Joe Royle’s FA Cup winners of 1995 sported a bizarre black and blue-hooped combination. But if you’re changing the home kit every season – which Everton have now done since 2002 along with all their away/third and goalkeeper kits – you’re going to do something to mix things up a bit.
Royal Blue: Friendly fire fizzles out in the real world
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo
Jul 16 2011
IF EVER you needed proof that we’re addicted to football then the pre-season friendly would be the prime piece of evidence. In David Moyes’ first summer at the Blues they defeated SC Weiz 10-2. What did that actually mean though? A result like that had no real bearing on the nine months ahead in the Premier League. When would you get a score like that in a real match? Everton haven’t been involved in a competitive game in which a side scored double figures since they were mauled 10-4 at White Hart Lane in Bill Nicholson’s first game in charge almost 53 years ago.
Similarly, overpowering the aptly named Austrian minnows Bad Goisern 7-0 the following summer did not point to any great days ahead. The Blues would finish the campaign in a lowly 17th spot with just 39 points. On the flip side, Moyes’ men were turned over at Crewe on the eve of the 2004/05 campaign yet went on to achieve a best ever Premier League finish of fourth. Try as you like, you can’t pretend that these glorified fitness sessions have any significant impact on the proper stuff ahead next month. Another of those Austrian whipping boys Gamlitz were on the receiving end of a 9-0 spanking in 2005 when a certain Per Kroldrup helped himself to a debut goal. You’ve got to wonder just who some of these sides are. Do they just gather around some of the staff at the Alpine resort they’re staying at? Maybe the opposition were actually playing in lederhosen and wearing little hats with feathers in? Yet after being starved of football for a couple of months – especially in an odd-numbered non-tournament year like now when we’ve been forced to get by on a summer diet of the Under-17s World Cup and Women’s World Cup (England even got knocked out of that on penalties) we can’t wait to get our fix and excitedly hurry down to whichever lower division North West ground the ‘action’ is at. Following the initial burst of anticipation – these days there aren’t even any new signings to thrill the fans – the next emotion is almost always one of anti-climax.
Often the determined journeyman clogger hosts are well up for their ‘cup final’ and boosted by being ‘a week ahead in their fitness levels’ they turn over the half-hearted big boys who are just chugging along, going through the motions. On a good day, class will show through and going back again to Moyes’ first summer at the Blues, they strolled to a 3-0 success at Shrewsbury in the July sunshine. However, when they returned there for an FA Cup third round tie the following January they fell victim to the biggest giant-killing in the club’s history. Moyes has established several old favourites when it comes to pre-season fare. In regards to foreign trips, Moyes loves nothing more than going Stateside. It’s not ‘proper’ abroad. They speak English, the facilities and accommodation are first class and the food isn’t dodgy – providing his dedicated pros stay clear of burger bars and crispy creme donuts. Closer to home there are the aforementioned jaunts to lower division grounds that are less than an hour’s drive away. Last night was Everton’s fourth trip to Bury under the Scot. As for Davey’s old club Preston, he’s been back there with Everton five times. Maybe that’s got something to do with him actually still living in the city. The true beauty of pre-season games is going somewhere you’d never normally play a match. Perhaps the most colourful pre-season jaunts of the Moyes era would have been the missing friendlies – the ones that got away. Just a couple of months after taking the Everton job, he was set to take his side to China to face Shandong and Shenzhen but the trip was cancelled because of the SARS epidemic. Also, in 2009 the Blues were poised to make their debut appearance in Sub Saharan Africa against the Ghanians Asante Kotoko only for it to fall through. Here’s hoping for a ticket to cross the Atlantic, Amazon and Andes if a return match against CD Everton of Chile ever comes to fruition.
Theme Teams: Well-fed XI v Slim Jim XI
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Jul 16 2011
THERE’S a school of thought that back in the 1970s they tried to turn footballers into athletes while nowadays clubs try and turn athletes into footballers. None of this lot were what you’d call perfect athletic specimens but many of them were damn good players nevertheless. Although last week’s Theme Team produced an unsurprisingly resounding success for Bargain Buys against Expensive Flops with 89% of you favouring the former, who will you vote for this week? Are you going to plump for our big-boned boys or do you think the skinny lads will slip through their fingers?
Either way, log on to liverpoolecho.co.uk to cast your vote and look out for the results in next week’s FOOTBALL ECHO.
WELL FED XI
Goalkeeper: Tommy Lawrence There were a few candidates for this position but while many custodians are nicknamed ‘The Cat’, Lawrence was affectionately dubbed ‘The Flying Pig.’
Right-back: Richard Dunne Most teenagers get their chance in the first team because they’re quick and tricky but the Irishman was a boy in a man’s body – or should that be the Honey Monster’s body – when he made his bow aged 17.
Left-back: David Unsworth As well as striking a mean penalty, human roundabout ‘Rhino’ was the top flight’s best player at ushering the ball out for a goal-kick by getting his body in between it and an opposition player. Used to fight Dunne for the biggest pair of shorts in Jimmy Martin’s kit bag.
Centre-back: Neil Ruddock Another defender to put the ‘maximus’ into gluteus maximus, ‘Razor’ once slapped his cheeks with a smile and a wink when cries of ‘sumo’ reverberated from Goodison’s stands on a visit with West Ham.
Centre-back: Billy Wright Even his own fans at Everton got on their skipper’s back but it was his front that they were concerned with. Wright was warned about his weight several times by Howard Kendall before being axed for being eight pounds over his prescribed limit.
Right-wing: Sammy Lee Taller players can often carry their weight better but their was no hiding place for 5ft 2in Sammy. Reds fans used to sing: “He’s fat, he’s round, he bounces on the ground, Sammy Lee” to honour their homegrown hero.
Left-wing: John Barnes Digger’s big thighs in small 1980s shorts used to be a big attraction for female fans but the problem was that the England international ended up big all over and is now twice the man he used to be.
Central midfield: Jan Molby Even in his pomp, the Great Dane was always carrying plenty of timber but Molby would always let the ball do his running with his magnificent passing range.
Central midfield: Paul Gascoigne Opposition fans used to throw Mars bars at portly playmaker Gazza during his youth and on England’s 1990 World Cup homecoming he sported a pair of comedy fake breasts – at least we think they were fake. Ironically, unlike most pros he now weighs less in retirement.
Striker: Micky Quinn The prolific Scouse marksman never got the chance to turn out for his beloved Reds but Coventry fans insisted he was the Premier League’s fastest player over a yard and his autobiography is called “Who ate all the pies?”
Striker: Ayegbeni Yakubu Before he suffered a serious injury, Blues fans used to chant “Feed the Yak and he will score.” Last season David Moyes hit out at suggestions that the Nigerian was overweight.
“People say that but his weight is the same as it has been for the last two years,” declared the Scot. But he was hardly slender two years earlier.
SLIM JIM XI
Goalkeeper: Jerzy Dudek It often helps when the men between the sticks have a large, commanding presence – the Pole was hardly a giant but he scuppered Milan’s hopes in the Champions League final penalty shoot-out.
Right-back: Igor Biscan Big things were expected of the young Croatian when Gerard Houllier splashed out £5.5million on him, supposedly under the noses of Barcelona, Juventus and Milan but the utility man didn’t have the stomach for the Premier League.
Left-back: Joey Jones The famous Reds banner proclaimed: “Joey ate the frogs legs, made the Swiss roll and now he’s munchin’ gladbachs.”If only the Welshman had eaten a bit more Swiss roll, he might have not have had frogs legs himself.
Centre-back: Phil Thompson If Jones had frogs legs, then Kirkby-born Thompson had sparrow’s legs – but it didn’t stop him from captaining the Reds to European Cup glory in Paris in 1981.
Centre-back: Gary Ablett The likeable local lad remains the only man to win the FA Cup with both Liverpool and Everton. His skinny physique belied his strength as a solid defender on both sides of Stanley Park.
Right-wing: Steve McManaman A tricky winger in Liverpool sides of the 1990s, everyone feared the worst when the little lad picked a fight with his own goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar in the heat of derby battle.
Left wing: Yossi Benayoun The Israeli international was one of the thinnest players ever to grace a Merseyside pitch. Seems to have fallen down a grid somewhere outside Stamford Bridge.
Central midfield: Marouane Fellaini Said to resemble a jogging ostrich, the classy Belgian had Moyes concerned two years ago when he suffered significant weight loss due to a virus. It’s not like he could afford to lose it either – half of his weight’s in his hair.
Central midfield: Dietmar Hamann Many continental imports look down on their English counterparts’ lifestyles when arriving on these shores but the German embraced the local traditions of enjoying a bet, a pint and a cheeky fag. He was still as slender as a rail though.
Striker: Roy Vernon If Hamann liked a cheeky fag then back in the 1960s, this Welshman was far less discreet. He was said to be the only man who could smoke in the shower. Some people can’t give up cigarettes as they reckon it keeps their weight down but Vernon was built like a biro but as tough as rawhide.
Striker: Peter Crouch A short man like Sammy Lee might have looked dumpy because of his lack of inches but the opposite effect works for 6ft 7in Crouch. But then again, despite his basketball player’s frame he still weighs less than 12 stone.
Everton FC former academy coach Ray Hall says he's been luckiest man in the world
by Luke Reddy, Liverpool Echo
Jul 16 2011
HANDING over the responsibility of nurturing Everton FC’s young talent to new Academy Manager Alan Irvine after two decades in the role, Ray Hall won’t forget a minute of a role which helped him pass his very own ‘duvet test’ every morning. Hall, who is currently assisting the new Academy Manager in finding his feet, will take up a new ambassadorial post whilst Irvine fills the boots of the man who guided stars such as Wayne Rooney, Jack Rodwell, Richard Dunne and Victor Anichebe from being academy hopefuls to Goodison heroes. The changeover will bring to an end 21-years of Academy supervision by the former PE teacher and whilst his day-to-day work may have afforded the aforementioned Blues the opportunity to lodge match-day memories in the minds of Evertonians, Hall’s re-collection of his stand out memories are straight-forward. Asked what moments stand out during his time as Academy boss, Hall said: “Only everyday, for 21 years. I have been the most fortunate gentleman in the world. I’ve been in a position that many people dream about. “Did I get excited? I past the duvet test every morning. When you wake up, are you one of those people who pulls the covers off and cannot wait to get out of bed and go to work or are you one of those people who pulls the cover back over and thinks ‘I’ll have another 10 minutes’? Guess what I am. “I’ve helped, that’s all I’ve done. I’ve helped formulate and organise a structure I think this football club can be proud of. I’ve worked with some of the most fantastic people in the world and worked with some of the most fantastic footballers in the world. I wouldn’t have changed a minute of it.” After a stint in education, Hall took up a Football Development Officer post with the Football Association before being cherry-picked by Howard Kendall to join the Blues in 1991.
Within three years he was in charge of the youth set-up and in 1997 he oversaw the creation of an official academy in Netherton. The merging of academy and first-team training bases and the eventual move to Finch Farm were also obstacles negotiated by the 61-year-old during his journey and whilst eager to fend off retirement and conquer his new role, Hall hopes the academy’s evolution under his stewardship will solidify Everton’s future. “Retirement? No,” added Hall. “The club have been absolutely fantastic and offered me this role which suits me. “Anybody who knows me knows I’m not an arrogant person and recognition should go to the club, to people who have been forward thinking enough to build a world class facility, to put world class people in place and maybe what we’ve done here, if it can be emulated elsewhere on behalf of Everton Football Club, the future will be sustained.” The new ambassadorial role is likely to see Hall work on educating overseas coaches and furthering relationships with their respective academies whilst also further enhancing the Blue’s football presence in Asia built from their Chang sponsorship deal. The academy hand-over comes at a time when many Blues harbour concerns over their beloved club’s need to play catch up to those privy to billionaire takeovers but Hall insists the club are far from being stragglers when it comes to breeding the future. Quizzed on the academy’s prospects, Hall said: “I think that’s for Alan to decide himself and it would be wrong of me to say we’ve got another 10 Wayne Rooney’s in the building, that isn’t true. “But I do believe the quality, and maybe not every season, but the quality from our young players, we’ve got as good a group of players here that anyone else would have. “I do believe that there are five or six in the programme who, if I’ve learned anything in the last 25 years I wouldn’t make rash statements about, but if their development continues and with Alan’s appointment that will be enhanced, why they shouldn’t go on and play in our first-team. “I think possibly we could do with more outstanding young players and the way the programme and structure is set up now and the changes that are coming about in the next couple of years, I think we will be as well placed as any club in this country and possibly in Europe to become recognised for the development of young players.” The academy’s development will now fall at the feet of former first-team assistant manager Irvine and the Scot’s predecessor believes the new man has the qualities needed to keep Everton’s youth conveyer belt moving.
Asked if the former Sheffield Wednesday and Preston Manager was the right man for the job, Hall said: “Alan’s already spoken to the staff and said he wants to coach, I’ve known Alan a lifetime in football and I know him to be an outstanding coach of not only first-team players but of young players in particular, so my answer would be yes.” The departing man’s evident love for the game means he will probably continue to pass the ‘duvet test’ but those Evertonian’s who prefer to roll over and shut their eyes for a little longer can at least recall some of the club’s glorious moments while they rest, some of which were brought to fruition thanks to the tutelage of Ray Hall.
Bury 1 Everton FC 4: EFC cruise to victory as Marouane Fellaini returns
by Christopher Beesley, Liverpool Echo
Jul 16 2011
BURY’S most famous son was Prime Minister and founder of the modern police force Sir Robert Peel but it was the boys in blue who triumphed easily against his home town side at Gigg Lane last night.
For Everton, this game was all about two returning players in David Moyes’ side. The two most expensive purchases in the club’s history but two players whose individual futures could be very different and have a major impact on the Blues’ future. irst there was record signing Marouane Fellaini with the £15million Belgian international playing his first game for five months since hobbling out of the 2-0 home win over Sunderland on February 26 with a season-ending ankle injury.
With two years remaining on his current contract, Evertonians are desperate for the midfielder to pen a new deal at Goodison Park this summer to avoid having to cash in on their most valuable asset. Also back in a royal blue jersey was £11.25million striker Ayegbeni Yakubu, turning out for the club for the first time since the 2-1 win over Tottenham on January 5. The Nigerian, who netted 21 times in his debut campaign with the Blues but had found the net just once in the first half of last season, spent the second half of 2010/11 on loan at Championship club Leicester City where he found the net 11 times. With Everton seemingly looking to offload big-earning fringe players like Yakubu and his compatriot Joseph Yobo – also back at Finch Farm following a loan spell at Turkish club Fenerbahce but not involved at Bury – before they can dip into the transfer market this summer, the days when they could splash out eight-figure sums on individual players in the recent past appear to be long gone. However, with Beckford picking up a knock midway through the second half, Moyes’ other striking options limited and suitors seemingly unwilling to take on Yakubu’s wages, there could yet be a route back for the former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough marksman, who looked the sharpest he’s been in a long time. Seeing as regular keeper Tim Howard had been given extra time off following his CONCACAF Gold Cup exploits this summer with the USA, Slovakian international Jan Mucha was given a rare chance between the sticks while Everton’s Bury-born skipper Phil Neville started at left-back against his home town club. This was mirrored with Liverpudlian midfielder and former Everton starlet Steven Schumacher captaining the Shakers.
So far 2011 has been a good year for Bury with new manager Richie Barker steering them to promotion into League One with six consecutive wins at the end of last term. However, they’ve started this pre-season slowly and came into this fixture on the back of a 3-0 home reversal to Lancashire rivals Burnley three days earlier. Apart from a wayward early effort in the early stages from Lenell John-Lewis, an assured looking Everton, clearly benefiting from the early ball work in last week’s Austrian training camp, took control of proceedings. The two returning duo combined for the Blues’ opener on 18 minutes as a left-wing Mikel Arteta corner-kick was flicked on by Fellaini – whose afro was displaying a distinctive henna hue – and Yakubu headed home from a central position just two yards out. Operating on the right-flank, youngster Magaye Gueye was causing Bury plenty of problems with his direct running. The former Strasbourg man forced a mistake out of ex-Everton defender Mark Hughes, a player handed his Blues debut by Moyes but now back in England as Barker’s first signing following a season in Australia with North Queensland Fury. Under pressure from Gueye, Hughes surrendered possession cheaply and the French under-21 international was given a clear run on goal. Although keeper Cameron Belford parried his first shot, Gueye slotted in the rebound on 31 minutes. At this stage, Bury were hardly getting a look in and a ruthless Everton started to assert their authority. The game was killed off as a contest with two goals inside a minute just before the break. With two minutes to go until the interval a smart move down the left-hand side saw Mikel Arteta cross to Neville and the captain neatly laid off to Leon Osman who was given plenty of time to pick his spot and curl a low effort into the bottom left-hand corner of Belford’s goal. Barely 60 seconds later the Blues added a fourth as Arteta slipped the ball through to Gueye who found the target from 20 yards out. With the result in the bag, Moyes made four changes at the interval introducing Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Victor Anichebe for John Heitinga, Sylvain Distin, Arteta and Fellaini respectively. The visitors understandably took their foot off the gas and shortly after Bilyaletdinov had flashed a left-foot effort across the goal, there was some consolation for Bury in the shape of a Schumacher dead ball cracker on the hour mark.
Fully 35 yards out, the thunderbolt free-kick from the former Everton junior and England Under-19s skipper was undoubtedly the goal of the match and World Cup keeper Mucha had no answer to the spectacular effort which must have been sweet for the Kirkby lad, now 27. Midway through the second half, Jermaine Beckford pulled up through injury and had to be withdrawn but although Moyes still had Tim Cahill on the bench as his final substitute, he chose to continue with 10 men with the continual flow of Bury substitutions ensuring the game closed without much more incident.
This was undoubtedly a good work out for Moyes’ men and an enjoyable evening for the 1,706 travelling Evertonians who made the short 30-minute dash down the M62 to outnumber their hosts but far sterner tests now lie ahead.
BURY: Belford, Picken, Skarz (Jones 78), Sodje, Hughes, Haworth (Sweeney 71), Schumacher (Harrop 81), Mozika (McCarthy 71), Worrall, John-Lewis (Bishop 61), Lowe.
EVERTON: Mucha, Coleman, Neville, Heitinga (Baines 46), Distin (Jagielka 46), Gueye, Osman, Fellaini (Anichebe 46), Arteta (Bilyaletdinov 46), Beckford, Yakubu.
REFEREE: Jon Moss (West Yorkshire)
ATTENDANCE: 3,017.
Everton FC midfielder Leon Osman hails Marouane Fellaini return in Bury pre-season victory
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo
Jul 16 2011
Everton FC midfielder Marouane FellainiEVERTON FC midfielder Leon Osman hailed the return of Marouane Fellaini as the Blues’ record signing played his first game in five months. The 23-year-old last played in the 2-0 Premier League win over Sunderland in February when he hobbled off with a season-ending ankle injury. Manager David Moyes is currently trying to convince the former Standard Liege man that his future lies at EFC with the club hoping that he will pen a new deal to replace his current contract that expires in two years’ time. But while negotiations continue behind the scenes, Fellaini made an impressive comeback on the field in last night’s comfortable 4-1 win at Bury in Everton’s first pre-season friendly of the summer. The £15million man set up the Blues’ first goal on 16 minutes with another returning team-mate Ayegbeni Yakubu – back from a loan spell at Leicester City – nodding home from close range. Further goals from Magaye Gueye (2) and Osman followed as the visitors took control before former Blue Steven Schumacher’s second half consolation for the League One new boys. With Everton coasting at 4-0 up at half-time, Fellaini was one of four senior players withdrawn but Moyes was clearly already satisfied with what he’d seen from his most valuable asset over the first 45 minutes. Osman was also impressed and said: “It was good to see Felli back. He’s been a bit unfortunate over the past two seasons, picking up the serious injuries that he has but he’s such a big character on and off the field. “It’s a massive boost to have him in the midfield alongside me. He’s one of the Premier League’s top players with his strength, his size and his ability on the ball – he’s a top player. “We’re always pleased when we get our top players available.” Everton dominated proceedings with some slick passing with early ball work in last week’s Austrian fitness camp clearly bearing fruit. Osman said: “I think in seasons gone by we’ve basically only run for the first couple of weeks and it’s taken us a few weeks to find our feet with the ball. “Last year we went to Australia and we had a game after three days out there so we had to get the ball out early. “It really showed in our football last year so the plan is to do the same this season. “We’re only one pre-season friendly in but it went well. “We’ve had the balls out early and the surface was good. At this time of year you can get a sticky pitch here and there but the rain fell and it was really good for us to play on and I think we showed that with our football.” Meanwhile, an Everton Under-21 side lost 1-0 to German club Freiburg yesterday in the Lev Yashin Cup in Moscow. Alan Stubbs side will now face hosts Dynamo Moscow today in the third place play-off.
Bury 1 Everton 4: Shakers get a lesson from the Merseysiders
Friday 15th July 2011
By Marc
Bury Times
PREMIER League giants Everton handed Bury a pre-season lesson last night, blowing Richie Barker’s men away with a supreme first half performance. David Moyes delighted the Gigg Lane crowd by fielding a number of first-team players, but Shakers supporters might have been wishing he had not by half-time. The Toffees went into the interval four goals to the good and, while the scoreline slightly flattered them, it was a real masterclass in finishing from the Merseysiders. Yakubu opened the floodgates when he headed home from close range after 18 minutes before Magaye Gueye scored the first of two goals when he rifled home at the second attempt. Leon Osman scored a glorious third two minutes before the break, curling home from the edge of the area, before Gueye netted his second from just outside the box. Bury had one good opportunity but Ryan Lowe’s shot went just wide after good link-up play with Lenell John-Lewis. As if Bury did not have enough problems heading into the second half, the visitors threw on England internationals Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka together with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Victor Anichebe. The mood was lifted, however, on the hour mark when boyhood Everton fan, and Shakers skipper, Steven Schumacher buried a free-kick from 30 yards out. Throw in an appearance from the bench for striker Andy Bishop, back to fitness after a series of injuries, and the evening ended on a more positive note than it had began. Bury shaded the second period, playing some intricate football without creating as many chances as they would have hoped for. But solid performances from new signing Mark Hughes, Damien Mozika and Schumacher will have boosted Barker heading into the third week of pre-season training.
Everton financial squeeze is worst ever admits chief exec
July 16 2011 The Daily Mirror
Everton chief executive Robert Elstone has urged the club's fans to be patient and insisted there is no lack of ambition at Goodison Park. A poor start to last season scuppered the Toffees' hopes of challenging for a top-six finish in the Barclays Premier League and manager David Moyes has yet to strengthen his squad this summer. A section of Everton's support have continued to criticise the hierarchy at the club and Elstone used his blog on www.evertonfc.com to hit back. He wrote: "The squeeze on money is harder than ever [this summer]. Despite that, there isn't a day that goes by without the manager and chairman discussing players coming and, yes, players going. "At the same time, there isn't a day that goes by without discussions of how we can sell more season tickets, do new sponsorship deals or get better terms, or loan more money from our bank. "Everybody is 'flat to the floor' looking for improvements, looking for money, looking for players. "There's a lot of hard work behind the scenes, not being played out in public. The focus of all that hard work is the first-team squad. "And, whilst we are not blessed with a transfer 'war chest', and we're acutely aware, as custodians, that the long-term security of the club is paramount, there is no lack of ambition nor endeavour anywhere in the club."
Everton keen to bolster lacklustre attack with loan move for Arsenal misfit Bendtner
17th July 2011
Sunday Mail
Manager David Moyes was interested in a deal in January but Arsenal could not afford to let the Dane go. How did I miss? Nicklas Bendtner has struggled for form at Arsenal he 23-year-old was left out of the club's pre-season tour to Asia and has been linked with moves to Germany and Portugal with Benfica the club showing the strongest interest. owever, they are reluctant to match Arsenal's asking price of £11million. Everton have no money either and that's why a loan would suit. Moyes likes Dani Osvaldo at Espanyol and Hugo Rodallega at Wigan but both are out of reach.
Arsenal will confirm the £10.6m signing of Gervinho from Lille by Tuesday and have agreed terms on a £930,000 deal for Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell, from Deportivo Saprissa. Going home: Denilson (right) leaving Arsenal for Brazil The 19-year-old is likely to go on loan and secure a work permit before joining Arsenal permanently. Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Denilson, 23, is set to return to Brazil with Sao Paulo. He is due to join on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell is training with the club as he searches for a new club.
Jagielka snub shows Arsenal's fading appeal
By Sam Wallace The Independent
Monday, 18 July 2011
The Everton defender Phil Jagielka remains Arsène Wenger's first choice when it comes to solving the troublesome absence of a commanding, injury-free centre-back but there are concerns that he will again reject the chance of a move to Arsenal. Jagielka, 28, and an England international, signed a new four-year contract in March, having been sounded out about a move to Arsenal last summer. On that occasion he was not prepared to push for it. With the club again losing some of their leading lights this summer, the early soundings that Arsenal have had is that Jagielka does not regard a move to Arsenal as a more attractive option than staying at Everton. Everton value the player at around £15m–£20m – about the same as Bolton's price tag for Gary Cahill, another potential option for Wenger as he looks at possible partners for the newly fit Thomas Vermaelen. While in the past Wenger's unwillingness to pay big transfer fees has been regarded as a barrier to Arsenal building a successful squad, there is now a feeling in football that they have slipped far enough behind Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City that even for players from the second tier of clubs Arsenal are no longer a major draw. There was another shaky performance from Sébastien Squillaci in yesterday's friendly game against Hangzhou Greentown in China that emphasised Wenger's need for a competent partner for Vermaelen. He has already made it clear within the club that he will not be seeking a high-profile replacement for Gaël Clichy – sold to City this month – but will make Kieran Gibbs his first-choice left-back. Having lambasted City manager Roberto Mancini for his very public pursuit of Samir Nasri, the indications are that Wenger will sell only one of his two high-profile likely departing stars – the France international or captain Cesc Fabregas. It has been pointed out to Fabregas that if he wants to push the deal through with Barcelona he might be advised to accept a cut in his wage demands. The player is thought to be asking for around €6m (£5.3m) net a year. Freeing up more money from his contract would permit Barcelona to add more to the fee and raise the amount closer to the £44m that Arsenal have stipulated is a fair price for the player. Having allowed Nasri and Clichy to come to within one year of the end of their contracts, Arsenal are keen to safeguard the future by signing valuable key players to long-term deals. The next potential problem is Theo Walcott who has just two years left on his current deal, signed in May 2009.
Leicester bid £4m for Yakubu
By Kazeem Busari
Monday, 18 Jul 2011
The Punch
Championship side Leicester City have made a bid for Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni after first rejecting the offer to keep the player when he played on loan at The Walkers Stadium last season, NSNO.co.uk reported on Sunday. Leicester manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has tabled £4m for the former Portsmouth player who scored 11 goals in 20 appearances for Leicester season. Eriksson has yet to sign a striker in the summer and Yakubu seems to be his best bet. Sven-Goran has signed seven players for a total outlay of around £10m and the incoming transfer activity appears far from finished. Yakubu has been linked to a number of clubs in the summer, with a move to Turkey likely to happen. Leicester had previously bid around £3m for the striker who joined the Toffees for £11m from Middlesbrough in 2008 but the offer was rejected. With Yakubu left out of Everton pre-season tour to the USA, Eriksson is looking to seize the opportunity to bring the striker back in his fold. Even though Yakubu once said he would love to stay back at Leicester City, Eriksson had rejected the chance, citing a big-wage problem.
Bury 1 Everton FC 4 - EFC get off to positive start
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 18 2011
CAN there ever be a thing as too much stability? It’s a poser over which Everton FC supporters have been forced to mull over during the summer transfer window as the expected lack of movement has become slowly and painfully apparent. While seemingly all around them are splashing the cash and shipping out players in preparation for the new campaign, the Goodison board have sat and waited. And waited. Although a forewarned David Moyes has kept his counsel, sections of the fanbase, no doubt mindful of having seen it all before, have blinked first, making clear their displeasure at the ongoing financial restraints and what they see is a lack of vision from the club. In response, chief executive Robert Elstone felt compelled to launch a vigorous defence of the board on Friday, succeeding in fanning the flames further on the issue. Hardly the ideal conditions, then, in which Moyes and his players could begin their pre-season preparations in earnest with the short trip to npower League One side Bury. Yet the continuity that has thus far been forced upon the Goodison manager proved a positive as Everton romped to an impressively comfortable 4-1 triumph. With no bedding in of new players and no great upheaval, Moyes’s men have been able to hit the ground running, a fruitful training camp in Austria followed by some heavy work at Finch Farm. Such efforts were evident at Gigg Lane. Skipper Phil Neville may have been returning to his home town but it was the comeback of two of his team-mates that gained the greater attention. Having missed the final three months of last season following an ankle operation, Marouane Fellaini came through the opening 45 minutes unscathed to provide some encouragement for the Everton faithful. “It was good to see Felli back,” says Leon Osman, who was among Everton’s goalscorers. “He’s been a bit unfortunate over the past two seasons, picking up the serious injuries that he has but he’s such a big character on and off the field. “It’s a massive boost to have him in the midfield alongside me. He’s one of the Premier League’s top players with his strength, his size and his ability on the ball – he’s a top player. “We’re always pleased when we get our top players available.” Fellaini’s lengthy recuperation has clearly given him time to work on his trademark coiffure, which, while now at its most luxurious, has also acquired what can only be described as a ginger tinge. It wasn’t the only rust on show from the Belgian, although with four weeks until the Premier League kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur there remains plenty of time to rediscover his sharpness. Whether he will still be at Goodison remains to be seen, however. With the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea reportedly monitoring developments, negotiations have not yet been resolved over Fellaini’s new contract. Moyes, of course, maintains he does not want to cash in on his leading players. But there are a few of his squad the Scot would be willing to let go to help fund the arrival of fresh blood. Among them is Yakubu. The Nigerian was back in a blue shirt for the first time since January following a successful loan spell at npower Championship side Leicester City during the second half of last season. The striker didn’t take long to make an impression, nodding home Everton’s opener from close range after Fellaini headed on Mikel Arteta’s left-wing corner. However, it’s unlikely to salvage Yakubu’s Goodison career, with both he and absent compatriot Joseph Yobo perhaps the most expendable of Moyes’s charges. If Yakubu was a sign of an imminent past, then Magaye Gueye gave a glimpse of the possible future on Friday. The French youngster had only a brush with the first team last year after arriving from Strasbourg, but issued a statement of intent with a first-half brace. There was more than a touch of fortune with his first strike. Having been sent clear by an inexplicably misplaced pass from Bury’s former Everton centre-back Mark Hughes, Gueye directed his initial effort straight at keeper Cameron Belford only for the rebound to drop back at his feet to stroke home at the second attempt. His second, though, was more impressive, firing in a low drive from 25 yards moments after Osman, the game’s stellar performer, produced the highlight of the evening by curling in from the edge of the area. Everton reserve goalkeeper Jan Mucha, although largely unemployed, but was embarrassed after the break when former Everton youngster Steven Schumacher gave his old employers a reminder of his talents with a dipping 25-yard free-kick that deceived the Slovakian. With the visitors sauntering to a comfortable win on their first hit-out of the summer, an expected protest from visiting supporters – who made up 1,706 of the 3,017 attendance – failed to materialise. But they will no doubt have noted that with an Everton under-21 team in Russia for an invitational tournament and the likes of Tim Howard and Jack Rodwell given extended breaks following international duty, Moyes could name only five substitutes on Friday. The only minor scare for the Everton manager was the sight of Jermaine Beckford limping off midway through the second half to leave the visitors, with Moyes unwilling to risk Tim Cahill, playing the remainder of the game with 10 men, although it emerged the striker was suffering only from cramp. But this was otherwise the ideal start to a warm-up programme that now sees Moyes and his players embark on their latest tour of the United States.
Everton FC must aim for Europe, says Leon Osman
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 18 2011
LEON OSMAN is hopeful a United States tour can once again prove the springboard for a successful season at Everton FC. David Moyes and his players flew across the Atlantic yesterday to prepare for games against Philadelphia Union on Wednesday and Washington’s DC United on Saturday. It is the sixth time in eight years Everton have travelled to North America, with previous tours having helped the Goodison outfit hit the ground running in the Premier League, most notably in 2004 when they went on to finish fourth. And with Osman setting his sights on European qualification, the midfielder believes another Stateside sojourn could be the ideal preparation for a top-six challenge. “Going to America certainly seems to work for us,” said the 30-year-old. “We have shown that in the past and hopefully the same kind of thing can happen for us this year. “Ultimately it’s about us going over there and getting the work in, playing our football and coming back sharper. “You know you are going to work hard pre-season, but you’d much rather work hard in America than you would in some other places I could mention!” Of Everton’s ambitions for the new campaign, Osman added: “We haven’t discussed any targets this season. We’ve only had one pre-season friendly, but as a group of players we’re all determined to do the best we can.
“We have to aim for Europe, there’s no point in us not aiming for it and settling for second best. We have to aim high.” Osman was on target as Everton strolled to a 4-1 victory in their opening pre-season friendly at npower League One side Bury on Friday. Magaye Gueye netted twice and Yakubu, playing for the first time since his loan spell at Leicester City last season, also scored as Marouane Fellaini made his return to action following an ankle operation in March.
Everton FC's Leon Osman can play for England says assistant manager Steve Round
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 18 2011
STEVE Round believes Leon Osman can force his way into the England set-up if he maintains his form from the second half of last season. The Everton assistant boss was full of praise for Osman’s classy performance during the Blues’ opening pre-season friendly on Friday, a 4-1 win over Bury which saw the 30-year-old score the pick of the goals. And Round, a former assistant to Steve McLaren during his spell in charge of the national side, insists Osman has all the attributes to warrant an England call-up. He said: “I know when I was in the fold he was discussed at length. He is a terrific little player, who isn’t afraid to take the ball in pressure situations and can manipulate it quickly with both feet along the lines of the Spanish players we see playing for the top clubs over there. “That is the sort of player he is, and of he keeps going and keeps producing they might not be able to ignore him for much longer. He’s a terrific player – always has been and always will be. “Let’s hope he can stay injury free and stay in this good form, because from Christmas onwards last season I thought he was outstanding.” Round was satisfied with the overall performance from Everton’s players at Gigg Lane, but particularly the winning result, as he admitted victory is still a priority for ultra-competitive David Moyes even during early pre- season matches. “The gaffer doesn’t do that – not at all,” said Round, when asked whether results are not important in pre-season. “When you put on that shirt for Everton you have to win, and try everything to win no matter what the game is. “It’s true that generally winning is not the be all and end all of pre season, it’s getting match fitness and getting your touch back.” Meanwhile, former Everton defender David Weir has delayed his likely return to Merseyside in a coaching role for the Toffees, after deciding to continue playing for another season with Glasgow Rangers. Ibrox chief Ally McCoist has secured the services of veteran defender Weir for another term despite the 41-year-old previously hinting he would hang up his boots this summer.
Weir made more than 50 appearances last season but had been taking a coaching course to prepare for the end of his playing career. Weir, whose family live in the North West, said: “I can’t think of a better place to play my football. “I’ve got commitments to my family and from that point of view it’s not ideal, but football-wise it’s a no-brainer.” McCoist warned him that he will face a challenge to secure a starting place. “This is the place I want to play and as long as the manager thinks I can still do a job then I’m happy to sign here,” Weir told the Rangers website. “The manager was honest and told me that he was trying to get players in and that there would be competition, but I welcome that.”
Stability working for Everton FC - but fans still want signings
by Ian Doyle, DPW West
Jul 18 2011
CAN there ever be a thing as too much stability? It’s a poser over which Everton supporters have been forced to mull during the summer transfer window as the expected lack of movement has become slowly and painfully apparent. While seemingly all around them are splashing the cash and shipping out players in preparation for the new campaign, the Goodison board have sat and waited. And waited. Although a forewarned David Moyes has kept his counsel, sections of the fanbase, no doubt mindful of having seen it all before, have blinked first, making clear their displeasure at the ongoing financial restraints and what they see is a lack of vision from the club. In response, chief executive Robert Elstone felt compelled to launch a vigorous defence of the board on Friday, succeeding only in fanning the flames further on the issue. Hardly the ideal conditions, then, in which Moyes and his players could begin their pre-season preparations in earnest with the short trip to League One side Bury. Yet the continuity that has thus far been forced upon the Goodison manager proved a positive as Everton romped to an impressively comfortable 4-1 triumph.
With no bedding in of new players and no great upheaval, Moyes’ men have been able to hit the ground running, a fruitful training camp in Austria followed by some heavy work at Finch Farm.
Such efforts were evident at Gigg Lane. Skipper Phil Neville may have been returning to his home town but it was the comeback of two of his team-mates which gained the greater attention.
Having missed the final three months of last season following an ankle operation, Marouane Fellaini came through the opening 45 minutes unscathed to provide some encouragement for the Everton faithful. “It was good to see Felli back,” says Leon Osman, who was among Everton’s goalscorers. “He’s been a bit unfortunate over the past two seasons, picking up the serious injuries that he has but he’s such a big character on and off the field. “It’s a massive boost to have him in the midfield alongside me. He’s one of the Premier League’s top players with his strength, his size and his ability on the ball – he’s a top player. “We’re always pleased when we get our top players available.”
Fellaini’s lengthy recuperation has clearly given him time to work on his trademark coiffure, which, while now at its most luxurious, has also acquired what can only be described as a ginger tinge.
It wasn’t the only rust on show from the Belgian, although with four weeks until the Premier League kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur there remains plenty of time to rediscover his sharpness. Whether he will still be at Goodison remains to be seen, however. With the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea reportedly monitoring developments, negotiations have not yet been resolved over Fellaini’s new contract. Moyes, of course, maintains he does not want to cash in on his leading players. But there are a few of his squad the Scot would be willing to let go to help fund the arrival of fresh blood.
Among them is Ayegbeni Yakubu. The Nigerian was back in a blue shirt for the first time since January following a successful loan spell at Championship side Leicester City during the second half of last season. The striker didn’t take long to make an impression, nodding home Everton’s opener from close range after Fellaini headed on Mikel Arteta’s left-wing corner. However, it’s unlikely to salvage Yakubu’s Goodison career, with both he and absent compatriot Joseph Yobo perhaps the most expendable of Moyes’ charges. If Yakubu was a sign of what could soon be the past, then Magaye Gueye gave a glimpse of the possible future on Friday. The French youngster had only a brush with the first team last year after arriving from Strasbourg, but issued a statement of intent with a first-half brace against Bury. There was more than a touch of fortune with his first strike. Having been sent clear by an inexplicably misplaced pass from Bury’s former Everton centre-back Mark Hughes, Gueye directed his initial effort straight at keeper Cameron Belford, only for the rebound to drop back at his feet for him to stroke home at the second attempt. His second, though, was more impressive, firing in a low drive from 25 yards moments after Osman – the game’s stellar performer – produced the highlight of the evening by curling in a goal from the edge of the penalty area. Everton reserve goalkeeper Jan Much, although largely unemployed, but was embarrassed after the break when former Blues youngster Steven Schumacher gave his old employers a reminder of his talents with a dipping 25-yard free-kick which deceived the Slovakian. With the visitors sauntering to a comfortable win on their first hit-out of the summer, an expected protest from visiting supporters – who made up 1,706 of the 3,017 attendance – failed to materialise. But they will no doubt have noted that with an Everton under-21 team in Russia for an invitational tournament and the likes of Tim Howard and Jack Rodwell given extended breaks following international duty, Moyes could name only five substitutes on Friday. The only minor scare for the Everton manager was the sight of Jermaine Beckford limping off midway through the second half to leave the visitors – with Moyes unwilling to risk Tim Cahill – playing the remainder of the game with 10 men. It later emerged Beckford was suffering only from cramp. But this was otherwise the ideal start to a warm-up programme that now sees Moyes and his players embark on their latest tour of the United States.
USA tour will help Everton FC reach Europe says Leon Osman
by Ian Doyle, DPW West
Jul 18 2011
LEON OSMAN is hopeful a United States tour can once again prove the springboard for a successful season at Everton. David Moyes and his players flew across the Atlantic yesterday to prepare for games against Philadelphia Union on Wednesday and Washington’s DC United on Saturday.
It is the sixth time in eight years Everton have travelled to North America, with previous tours having helped the Goodison outfit hit the ground running in the Premier League, most notably in 2004 when they went on to finish fourth. Osma said: “Going to America certainly seems to work for us.
“We have shown that in the past and hopefully the same kind of thing can happen for us this year.
“You know you are going to work hard pre-season, but you’d much rather work hard in America than you would in some other places I could mention!” Of Everton’s ambitions for the new campaign, Osman added: “We have to aim for Europe, there’s no point in us not aiming for it and settling for second best. We have to aim high.” Osman was on target as Everton strolled to a 4-1 victory in their opening pre-season friendly at Bury on Friday. Everton have reportedly joined the lengthening list of clubs monitoring the situation of Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner. The Denmark international was left out of Arsene Wenger's squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East. AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon, Benfica and Hamburg have all been linked with Bendtner, with Everton likely to be interested should the player be allowed to leave on a season-long loan. Meanwhile, an Everton under-21 side experienced mixed fortunes in Russia in the VTB Lev Yashin Cup. Having lost 1-0 to German side Freiburg on Friday, the youngsters responded by beating hosts Dynamo Moscow 2-0 the following day.
David Moyes puts his Blues squad through the mill as Everton FC hit Philadelphia for USA tour
Neil Jones Liverpool Echo
Jul 19 2011
IF DAVID MOYES really does relish pushing his players to the physical limit, then it is no surprise he chose to take Everton FC to America’s East Coast for their pre-season conditioning. Having beaten Bury in their opening pre-season friendly on Friday evening, and touched down Stateside 24 hours later, it was time to start the really hard work. A Blue Monday indeed, for players weary after a hefty Trans-Atlantic flight. With temperatures tipping 100 degrees fahrenheit, and the air humid enough to prompt thunderstorm warnings for later in the week, there was no hiding place for Moyes’ players as they were put through their paces at the space-age NovaCare Complex, home of the Philadelphia Eagles NFL team. With the recuperating Louis Saha the only notable first-team absentee - along with Joseph Yobo and Yakubu, both of whom are expected to leave the club before the season’s start - Moyes was able to run the rule over the shape of his side with the Premier League’s big kick-off a little under four weeks away. He can’t have been too disappointed. Everton may not have added any new faces to the squad which finished a creditable 7th last season - Sporting Lisbon teenager Eric Dier, on loan, is the only summer signing to date, and he spent the weekend in Moscow with Alan Stubbs’ academy squad - but old habits die hard within Moyes’ close-knit squad. The togetherness, spirit and work-ethic on which much of the Blues’ success is based was all evident here as they worked up a sweat on the manicured training pitches. Built in 2001 on the former site of a naval hospital, south of the city, the NovaCare at times feels as much a luxurious hotel as a training ground, such is the sheer volume of its facilities. Premier League observers have long recognised, indeed bemoaned, the fact that media coverage of top-level football in the modern age is all consuming. The omnipresence of Sky, of the internet, of twitter means there is no hiding place. It would be interesting, therefore, to see what those people made of the Eagles’ setup.
They say everything is bigger in America; the NovaCare is no different. The press conference room, where head coach Andy Reid addresses the press on a twice-weekly basis, looks more like a luxury cinema. The Finch Farm equivalent, modern and pleasant as it is, looks like the box-room in comparison. Everything is approached at full-pace. A fully-functional television studio sits two doors down, where the Eagles’ media team broadcast live on a daily basis - “We never switch off”, says website manager Dave Spadaro, “We are live every day, everywhere.” - and produce the club’s official content. It is impressive stuff, and excellent, too, for making a point. Spadaro, stunned by my confession of ignorance concerning the Eagles’ star man Michael Vick - a player who has established himself as one of the NFL’s biggest stars despite serving a two-year prison sentence for his involvement in an illegal dog-fighting ring - beckons me in to show me a ten-minute highlights reel of the 31-year-old quarterback’s best plays. He promises to do some research of his own on Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and the like. For Moyes, the research is already well underway. Everton appear unlikely to be making any significant forays into the transfer market any time soon, but that is not to say that this is a squad which cannot compete. The likes of Cahill, Arteta, Marouane Fellaini – who looked sharp having missed the last three months of last season with an ankle injury – and Jack Rodwell are all pushing for places in a crowded midfield. So too is impressive teenager Ross Barkley, who is part of the travelling party as he steps up his rehabilitation from a double leg-break sustained last season. Meanwhile, the likes of Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin and skipper Phil Neville will continue their solid service in defence, whilst Tim Howard, who is guaranteed a warm reception wherever he goes in his home country, remains among the Premier League’s finest goalkeeepers. The Blues will play just one game here, on Wednesday against MLS high-fliers Philadelphia Union, before moving on to Washington DC on Thursday. Philadelphia, meanwhile, welcome Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid at the weekend. That friendly against the Spanish giants will be staged at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium, with an anticipated attendance of 60,000. The clash with Everton will take place at the more modest PPL Park with ticket sales suggesting a gate of around 18,000. But try telling David Moyes that Everton are just a warm up act. Philadelphia Union had better be prepared . . .
Everton FC midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov positive about Blues’ future
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 19 2011
DINIYAR BILYALETDINOV says he is not worried about Everton FC’s failure to add to their squad this summer – and says David Moyes’ men will go into the season in a positive mood. The Blues are currently in the USA as part of their pre-season preparations, where they will play games in Philadelphia and Washington. Following last season’s 7th placed finish – an achievement given their slow start to the campaign – Moyes has been frustrated so far in his attempts to strengthen his playing staff this close-season, with Sporting Lisbon youngster Eric Dier the sole arrival at Goodison Park, on a season-long loan deal. The anticipated departures of Joseph Yobo and Yakubu will further diminish Moyes’ numbers, but Bilyaletdinov believes that Everton’s squad is strong enough to compete at the right end of the Premier League. “I think we have got enough players for this season,” said the Russian midfielder. “Maybe one or two young players can come through, which will be good for us. “Last season was strange, we had a lot of strange injuries. This season, I hope, will go better than last year. “And where we have had the likes of Seamus Coleman and Jack Rodwell coming through, maybe we will get some other new youngsters. “Magaye Gueye is coming through, we have Conor McAleny and Ross Barkley, and Apostolos Velios coming through, it is all positive.” Bilyaletdinov himself has enjoyed a mixed time since arriving on Merseyside from Lokomotiv Moscow in a £9m deal in 2009. Last season he found himself in and out of Moyes’ plans, and has been persistently linked with a return to Russia. Despite this, the 26-year-old says he is looking forward to the new campaign and says he is happy to work hard for his place. “We are all looking forward to the new season,” he added. “We will do some hard work now, some hard training sessions, and we have four more friendly games before the season starts. “I think it is a good period for us now, to be together, to train together, and it is nice to be outside of our usual atmosphere, to have a change. “All I want to do is to do my best and hopefully I can play a little more this year than I did last year. But it is not only about me or the gaffer or any other guy, it is about being professional. “We have a lot of quality players in the middle, but that is football life. The best player will play.” Everton trained yesterday at Philadelphia’s NovaCare centre, home of NFL side the Philadelphia Eagles. Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini were among those in action, having missed the back end of last season through injury. Young midfielder Ross Barkley also trained, as he steps up his rehabilitation following a broken leg sustained last year.
Everton FC defender Leighton Baines is excited by the potential of young players on the club's American tour
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 19 2011
LEIGHTON Baines says he is excited about the potential of the younger members of Everton’s squad in America for the club’s pre-season tour. Magaye Gueye, Apostolos Vellios, Adam Davies and Conor McAleny all so far have limited first team experience but Baines is pleased the youngsters have joined the squad in Philadelphia. The England defender said: "They're good players and it's nice for them to spend time with us. "It's also nice for us because they're young and lively! They've got plenty of ability and potential and the more time they spend with the senior lads the more things that we do on and off the pitch will rub off on them." Baines was keen to stress the importance of the off-the-field influence that senior professionals can have on young footballers - especially in a pre-season tour environment a long way from home. "You've got to represent the club and be on your best behaviour when you're away and do things right," he said. "It's also about what you do between the sessions, making sure that you do the right things to recover. You can't go out and about too much because you've got to keep something in the tank for the next sessions. "It's good for them to see the professionalism that we've got throughout this squad - we've got a great set of lads. "We're a small group but we're a close-knit bunch. We spend a lot of time together and that's what these trips are all about as well in some respect. It's about getting together and once you get that going off the pitch it carries on to the pitch which is what playing for this club is all about."
The Everton team arrived in Philadelphia on Sunday evening and, as is the norm when travelling through different time zones, some of the players didn't quite enjoy a full night's sleep. Baines was up very early but he wasn't alone and he took the opportunity to explore his new surroundings.
"Jags text me this morning at about half-five asking if I was awake!" he grinned. "I was and so by half-six we were strolling around Philadelphia and although it was very quiet it seems to be a fantastic city with a lot going on. "It looks quite arty and it looks like a fun city to spend time in. It's a shame that we can't take more of it in but we're here to work and we're all fully focussed on that."
Everton FC winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov says EFC squad can compete in Premier League
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 19 2011
DINIYAR BILYALETDINOV says he is not worried about Everton’s failure to add to their squad this summer – and says David Moyes’ men will go into the season in a positive mood. The Blues are currently in the USA as part of their pre-season preparations, where they will play games in Philadelphia and Washington, before returning to Merseyside to complete their schedule. Following last season’s seventh placed finish – an achievement given their slow start to the campaign – Moyes has been frustrated so far in his attempts to strengthen his playing staff this close-season, with Sporting Lisbon youngster Eric Dier the sole arrival at Goodison Park, on a season-long loan deal.
The anticipated departures of Joseph Yobo and Yakubu will further diminish Moyes’ numbers, but Bilyaletdinov – who himself has been linked with a move away from the club in the last 12 months – believes that Everton’s squad is strong enough to compete at the right end of the Premier League, and says that the emergence of younger players at Goodison provides cause for optimism. “I think we have got enough players for this season,” said the Russian midfielder. “Maybe one or two young players can come through, which will be good for us. “Last season was strange, we had a lot of injuries and a lot of strange injuries. This season, I hope, will go better than last year. “And where we have had the likes of Seamus Coleman coming through and Jack Rodwell coming through, maybe we will get some other new youngsters. “(Young French forward) Magaye Gueye is coming through, we have Conor McAleny and Ross Barkley, and Apostolos Velios coming through, it is all positive. I definitely think we have enough players for the new season.” Bilyaletdinov himself has enjoyed a mixed time since arriving on Merseyside from Lokomotiv Moscow in a 9m deal in 2009. Last season he found himself in and out of Moyes plans, and has been persistently linked with a return to Russia.
Despite this, the 26-year-old says he is looking forward to the new campaign, and says he is happy to work hard for his place amid a crowded Blues midfield. “We are all looking forward to the new season,” he added. “We will do some hard work now, some hard training sessions, and we have four more friendly games before the season starts, as well as an international friendly. “I think it is a good period for us now, to be together, to train together, and it is nice to be outside of our usual atmosphere, to have a change. “All I want to do is to do my best and hopefully I can play a little more this year than I did last year. But it is not only about me or the gaffer or any other guy, it is about being professional. (Not playing every week) is part of your job, and you have to be professional. “We have a lot of quality players in the middle, but that is football life. The best player will play.” Everton trained yesterday at Philadelphia’s NovaCare centre, home of NFL side the Philadelphia Eagles. Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini were among those in action, having missed the back end of last season through injury. Young midfielder Ross Barkley also trained, as he steps up his rehabilitation following a broken leg sustained last year. Moyes’ men take on Philadelphia Union at PPL Park on Wednesday evening, before travelling to Washington to play DC United on Saturday night.
Everton FC manager David Moyes turns up pre-season heat on USA East coast
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 19 2011
IF DAVID MOYES really does relish pushing his players to the physical limit, then it is no surprise he chose to take Everton to America’s East Coast for their pre-season conditioning. Having beaten Bury in their opening pre-season friendly on Friday evening, and touched down Stateside 24 hours later, it was time to start the really hard work. A Blue Monday indeed, for players weary after a hefty Trans-Atlantic flight. With temperatures tipping 100 degrees fahrenheit, and the air humid enough to prompt thunderstorm warnings for later in the week, there was no hiding place for Moyes’ players as they were put through their paces at the space-age NovaCare Complex, home of the Philadelphia Eagles NFL team. With the recuperating Louis Saha the only notable first-team absentee – along with Joseph Yobo and Yakubu, both of whom are expected to leave the club before the season’s start – Moyes was able to run the rule over the shape of his side with the Premier League’s big kick-off a little under four weeks away. He can’t have been too disappointed. Everton may not have added any new faces to the squad which finished a creditable seventh last season – Sporting Lisbon teenager Eric Dier, on loan, is the only summer signing to date, and he spent the weekend in Moscow with Alan Stubbs’ Academy squad – but old habits die hard within Moyes’ close-knit squad.
The togetherness, spirit and work-ethic on which much of the Everton’s success is based was all evident here as they worked up a sweat on the manicured training pitches. Built in 2001 on the former site of a naval hospital, south of the city, the NovaCare at times feels as much a luxurious hotel as a training ground, such is the sheer volume of its facilities. Premier League observers have long recognised, indeed bemoaned, the fact that media coverage of top-level football in the modern age is all consuming. The omnipresence of Sky, of the internet, of Twitter means there is no hiding place. It would be interesting, therefore, to see what those people made of the Eagles’ set-up.
They say everything is bigger in America; the NovaCare is no different. The press conference room, where head coach Andy Reid addresses the press on a twice-weekly basis, looks more like a luxury cinema. The Finch Farm equivalent, modern and pleasant as it is, looks like the box-room in comparison. Everything is approached at full-pace. A fully-functional television studio sits two doors down, where the Eagles’ media team broadcast live on a daily basis – “We never switch off,” says website manager Dave Spadaro. “We are live every day, everywhere.” – and produce the club’s official content. It is impressive stuff, and excellent, too, for making a point. Spadaro, stunned by my confession of ignorance concerning the Eagles’ star man Michael Vick – a player who has established himself as one of the NFL’s biggest stars despite serving a two-year prison sentence for his involvement in an illegal dog-fighting ring – beckons me in to show me a 10-minute highlights reel of the 31-year-old quarterback’s best plays. He promises to do some research of his own on Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and the like. For Moyes, the research is already well under way. Everton appear unlikely to be making any significant forays into the transfer market any time soon, but that is not to say that this is a squad which cannot compete. The likes of Cahill, Arteta, Marouane Fellaini – who looked sharp having missed the last three months of last season with an ankle injury – and Jack Rodwell are all pushing for places in a crowded midfield. So too is impressive teenager Ross Barkley, who is part of the travelling party as he steps up his rehabilitation from a double leg-break sustained last season. Meanwhile, the likes of Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin and skipper Phil Neville will continue their solid service in defence, whilst Tim Howard, who is guaranteed a warm reception wherever he goes in his home country, remains among the Premier League’s finest goalkeeepers. Everton will play just one game here, tomorrow against MLS high-fliers Philadelphia Union, before moving on to Washington DC on Thursday. Philadelphia, meanwhile, welcome Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid at the weekend. That friendly against the Spanish giants will be staged at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium, with an anticipated attendance of 60,000. The clash with Everton will take place at the more modest PPL Park with ticket sales suggesting a gate of around 18,000. But try telling David Moyes that Everton are just a warm up act.
Philadelphia Union had better be prepared . . .
Everton FC: "I'm not a kid anymore" - Rodwell lays down marker
by Aaron Sharp. Tue 19 Jul 2011
Liverpool Click
Jack Rodwell has laid bare his intention to become a first team regular at Everton this year stating "I'm not a kid anymore". The 20-year-old, who made his first team bow four years ago, endured a frustrating season last year after picking up a series of niggling injuries which cleared toward the end of the campaign. Rodwell will not have played as much football as he would have liked at the U-21 European Championships this summer either after England failed to progress past the group stages.
But he says he is now ready to put the frustrations of the last term behind him and get on with commanding a regular place in the Blues' starting eleven. He said: "It was disappointing the way it (the Euros) went but we'll take the experience from it because we're all young players "There was high expectation and there was hype about us and we didn't achieve what we expected but that's football. "There are a lot of lads who can play in the next tournament so it's good experience.
"But now it's a massive season for me. "I've got to try and establish myself. I'm not a kid any more and I want to be a regular." The competition for a place in the middle of Everton's talented midfield will be stiff again this year. Marouane Fellaini has already played his first game after recovering from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a foot injury and Mikel Arteta too, heads into the season injury free.
EVERTON'S JACK RODWELL LOOKS TO STEP UP
Wednesday July 20,2011
Daily Express
JACK RODWELL has delivered an acerbic critique of his Everton career and accepted that he must start justifying his reputation. England Under-21 midfielder Jack Rodwell says the looming Premier League season is make or break for him as he seeks to reward Everton manager David Moyes’ faith in him. Rodwell’s fortunes stalled last term and following an unsuccessful European Championship with Stuart Pearce’s U21 team in Denmark, an anticipated surge of interest in him from rival clubs has not materialised. Rodwell said: “It’s a massive season for me. I’ve got to try to establish myself. I’m not a kid any more and I want to be a regular.”
JACK RODWELL'S A MAN ON A MISSION AT EVERTON
20th July 2011 By Paul Brown
Daily Star
JACK RODWELL has vowed to go from boy to man this season and prove he deserves to be an Everton regular. The one-time Manchester United target endured a disappointing end to an injury-hit campaign last season and watched his chances of a big-money move disappear. But the 20-year-old Rodwell insists he can put the past behind him. And now he is aiming to force his way into David Moyes’ starting line-up at Goodison Park. The Southport-born midfielder, who completed his first training session on Monday after an extended break, cannot wait for the season to start. “It’s a massive season for me,” said Rodwell. “I’ve got to try and establish myself. I’m not a kid any more and I want to be a regular.” Rodwell has been considered one of Everton’s rising stars for the last two years. His performances for the club attracted the interest of United last January but no deal materialised for the £25m-rated youngster. Manchester City then expressed an interest in signing him this summer but have since focused their attention elsewhere. Then, during the summer, Rodwell failed to shine for Stuart Pearce’s England Under-21 side, who suffered an early exit from Euro 2011 in Denmark. He said: “It was disappointing the way it went but we’ll take the experience from it because we’re all young players. “There was high expectation and there was hype about us and we didn’t achieve what we expected but that’s football. “There are a lot of lads who can play in the next tournament so it’s good experience.”
Everton FC midfielder Jack Rodwell says he has to play regularly for EFC
Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 20 2011
EVERTON FC midfielder Jack Rodwell admits the forthcoming season is one in which he has to establish himself as a regular in David Moyes’ side. The 20-year-old has been regarded as one of EFC's up and coming stars for a couple of years but he now knows it is time for him to step up a level. Rodwell’s performances fell short of expectations during an injury-hit season and he struggled for form and to hold down a place in the side. But he is determined not to the same to happen this time around. “It’s a massive season for me,” he said. “I’ve got to try and establish myself. I’m not a kid any more and I want to be a regular.” Rodwell, currently with the rest of the squad on the pre-season tour of America, hopes to be able to learn a valuable lesson from being involved in England Under-21s’ disappointing European Championships campaign in Denmark last month. “It was disappointing the way it went but we’ll take the experience from it because we’re all young players,” said the midfielder, who completed his first training session yesterday after an extended break because of his international commitments. “There was high expectation and there was hype about us and we didn’t achieve what we expected but that’s football. “There are a lot of lads who can play in the next tournament so its good experience.” Meanwhile, Leighton Baines says he is excited about the potential of the younger members of Everton’s squad in America for the club’s pre-season tour. Magaye Gueye, Apostolos Vellios, Adam Davies and Conor McAleny all so far have limited first team experience, but Baines can certainly see the benefit of bringing them to Philadelphia and Washington this week. The England defender said: “They're good players and it's nice for them to spend time with us. “It's also nice for us because they're young and lively. They've got plenty of ability and potential and the more time they spend with the senior lads the more things that we do on and off the pitch will rub off on them.” Baines stressed the importance of the off-the-field influence that senior professionals can have on young footballers - especially in a pre-season tour environment a long way from home. “You've got to represent the club and be on your best behaviour when you're away and do things right,” he said. “It's also about what you do between the sessions, making sure that you do the right things to recover. You can't go out and about too much because you've got to keep something in the tank for the next sessions. “It's good for them to see the professionalism that we've got throughout this squad - we've got a great set of lads. “We're a small group but we're a close-knit bunch. We spend a lot of time together and that's what these trips are all about as well in some respect. It's about getting together and once you get that going off the pitch it carries on to the pitch which is what playing for this club is all about.” The Everton team arrived in Philadelphia on Sunday evening and, as is the norm when travelling through different time zones, some of the players didn't quite enjoy a full night's sleep. Baines was up very early but he wasn't alone and he took the opportunity to explore his new surroundings. He said: “Jags texted me this morning at about half five asking if I was awake. I was and so by half six we were strolling around Philadelphia and although it was very quiet it seems to be a fantastic city with a lot going on.
“It looks quite arty and it looks like a fun city to spend time in. It's a shame that we can't take more in but we're here to work.”
Union surprised Howard not with Everton for friendly
Toffees give USA goalkeeper extra time off after Gold Cup summer
July 19, 2011
Dave Zeitlin
MLS
A day before the Philadelphia Union were set to clash with English Premier League side Everton FC, several Union players spoke very highly of Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard. However, they won’t get a chance to deliver any of those compliments in person during Wednesday’s much-anticipated international friendly at PPL Park (7:30 pm ET, Comcast Sportsnet). In a surprise move, an Everton official said Tuesday that Howard, the starting ‘keeper for the US national team, did not made the trip to Philadelphia because he had been given time to rest following his participation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup last month. “We’re really surprised,” said Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz. “One of the reasons we entertained Everton’s call was because of Tim Howard. We were under the impression that he was playing. It’s disappointing, but game on. I’m sure it will still be a good game.”
Howard’s absence is sure to elicit an outcry from Union fans that had hoped to see the US national team standout at PPL. The Everton ’keeper also misses a chance to reconnect with some old friends, mainly Philadelphia Union defender and former national team player Danny Califf. “Any time I get a chance to see him, it’s always good times,” Califf said. “I think he’s really come into his own over the past five, six years and really solidified his spot on the national team and with Everton as well. He’s one of the big reasons why they’re in the top six consistently in the Premier League.” Union rookie goalkeeper Zac MacMath hasn’t known Howard as long as Califf has but gotten a chance to spend every waking hour with him for a week last summer. MacMath, then at the University of Maryland, trained with Everton following an impressive performance at the Milk Cup with the US U-20 squad.
MacMath has made no secrets that he hopes to follow in Howard’s footsteps and become the next great goalkeeper for the senior national team. “Of course I asked as many questions as I possibly could, so I could try to learn as much as possible,” said MacMath, who lived, ate and trained with Howard during that week-long stint. “Then, obviously, training was a lot of fun. Getting to work with him and serve him balls and see how he goes about his business on the field was a great experience. It was something I won’t forget.” MacMath has yet to play in a league game for the Union but figures to see some time in Wednesday’s exhibition — although he won’t get a chance to take the same field as his mentor Howard. Union manager Peter Nowak also said he was excited to see Howard, noting that he expected the US netminder to get a warm reception from the PPL Park crowd. But even though that won’t happen now, Nowak will surely see Howard again soon.
“Tim is a great, classy guy,” Nowak said. “Every time I’m in Europe or coming to London, we always connect. These are the kinds of relationships that speaks volumes of him.”
Everton's Howard won't play against Union
July 19, 2011 By Marc Narducci
Philadelphia Newpaper
Howard, the U.S. National Team goalkeeper, will not play for Everton when England’s Premier League team visits PPL Park to play the Union on Wednesday. Howard is not with the team.
According to team manager David Moyes, Howard is getting a rest after competing for the U.S. in the Gold Cup. The U.S. advanced to the final of the Gold Cup, losing 4-2 to Mexico on June 25 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Everton visits D.C. United on Saturday at RFK Stadium and Howard will not join the team until after the game. "He will fly back with us Sunday but won’t join the team until then," Moyes said. Union CEO and operating partner Nick Sakiewicz said he didn’t learn about Howard’s status until a few days ago. "We were under the impression he was coming and playing," Sakiewicz said. "We’re obviously disappointed he is not coming but it will be a good game anyway." Sakiewicz says he can understand a player needing rest but his complaint was that the Union wasn't told about this much sooner. "We understand the need to rest players and have no issue with that," Sakiewicz said. "It just would have been nice to know." When asked how long he knew that Howard wouldn't be playing, Moyes said, "We knew that would always be the case."
Moyes then was told that the Union was upset at not being told this long ago. "Would you not know that if he played for the National team all summer that there would be a rest and he wouldn’t be here?" Moyes asked. The Union would answer that they didn’t know.
Everton FC in the USA: Neil Jones' diary
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 20 2011
Making the wrong impression is not a good idea... SAY what you like about me – and someone who misses their flight deserves all they get, quite frankly (even though the airport staff at Paris did apologise for the long delay) – but one accusation that can’t be levelled is that I don’t make an impression. If there is one golden rule surrounding the ‘art’ of travelling as part of a football team, then it is that the manager sits at the front, whether it be a plane, train or coach. So when, after spending the day with Everton at the mightily impressive NovaCare Training Complex yesterday, I was informed that the team bus would be leaving imminently, I had to beat a rather hasty retreat from the multi-million dollar, space-age centre. So hasty, in fact, that upon hauling myself onto said bus, I decided, in my wisdom, to take the first available seat which caught my eye. The front one.
Mercifully, one member of the Blues staff ushered me to a more inoffensive part of the coach before David Moyes boarded. Everton stars give me a lift in Philadelphia DID, however, manage to show myself to be completely incompetent in another vital field – the field of ‘getting into the correct lift’.
Having spoken with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov at the team hotel yesterday, my attempts to leave the 19-floor building were proving somewhat fruitless as the lift did not arrive after a full five minutes of waiting. At which point, ‘Bily’ and a group of players note that another lift is available across the lobby, and make towards it. ‘Good idea’, I think, and follow them. A quick scan of the lift shows me that floors 12, 14, 16, 17 and 19 are all readily available for selection. And nothing else. No ground floor, no reception. ‘This lift only goes down to the 12th,’ remarks Jermaine Beckford as I give a look which suggests I knew that all along. Land on the 12th, and as the players disperse to their suites, the former Leeds man, together with teenage prospect Ross Barkley, take pity, and escort me to the correct lift.
Heat is on in Philadelphia
‘REAL MADRID are in town this weekend, that should be a good one. It should sell out the (60,000) Lincoln Financial Field’. So says Derek Boyko, media manager at the Philadelphia Eagles, whose training camp Everton have been utilising this week. Not that you would guess that Mourinho, Ronaldo and co were en route. A quick glance at both local newspapers – the Inquirer and the Daily News – as well as the national US Today, shows soccer coverage to be at a premium. The women’s World Cup, which the USA lost to Japan at the weekend, is worthy of a mention. But Carlos Tevez’s (absurd) transfer to Corinthians? Real’s visit to Philly? Marouane Fellaini’s return from an ankle knock? Nothing. And to think how the Eagles staff reacted when I told them I didn’t know who Michael Vick was!
David Moyes: USA provides best possible preparation for Everton FC
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 20 2011
PHILADELPHIA'S PPL Park is not the most luxurious place in American football by any stretch of the imagination. Located South of the main city, in a modest town called Chester, the ground holds just under 19,000, and is a world away from the modern, state-of-the-art equivalents Everton are used to. Real Madrid, who are in town this weekend, will not be playing here. Cristiano Ronaldo and his side will instead be accomodated at the 60,000-plus Lincoln Financial Field in the city centre. They are expected to sell it out. Despite this metaphorical slap, Blues boss David Moyes says his side are enjoying their time stateside, and predicts the week-long tour - they travel to Washington on Thursday, ahead of Saturday's clash with DC United - will be hugely beneficial once the new Premier League campaign begins, away to Tottenham on August 13. We've been to the US before and we have really enjoyed it," says Moyes ahead of this evening's clash with MLS Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union. "Being here gives us freedom to train, and it gives the players freedom to enjoy their time and use it wisely. The facilities we have used have been fantastic, and we are all looking forward to it. "We have played in several US cities before, but never Philadelphia, so it should be a good experience." It has not been the easiest of weeks for Moyes' players, with temperatures soaring and humidity prohibitive. Their manager, however, has good reason to put his side through a rigorous pre-season schedule, having seen their ambitions stunted by slow starts in each of the past two campaigns. He believes that playing sides in the midst of a highly-competitive league season will provide a good test of his team's capabilities, and says he is impressed by the way Major League Soccer is developing. "We want to get good fitness and play a good standard of game," adds Moyes. "Every time we have come to America we have found the games really tough.
"The MLS sides are in the middle of their season and are all very capable sides, so it is a good test for us, and one which will stand us in good stead later on. "The MLS is growing fast. I enjoy the concept and the way they work it. You see teams such as Seattle and Toronto, and they get fantastic support. It is great to see. "And I think it is growing at a good rate, not so fast that they can't keep control of it, but still very fast." Local fans, naturally, will flock to PPL Park tonight hoping for a glimpse of Tim Howard, the US national team's first-choice goalkeeper. Moyes believes the 32-year-old's presence, along with many of his team-mates, is vital in helping the Blues develop a worldwide fanbase, and says he believes local supporters have responded well to Everton - a club with a good tradition of American players. "Tim is our biggest ambassador over here, of course," he says. "He is the number one for the national team, and one of their most important players. He is a big player for us too, and helps us get a decent fanbase in this country. "The Americans I have used have all been great for me. The first player I had was Brian McBride, whom I brought to Preston and then Everton. He was fantastic. "And I have to say Landon Donovan, who I had on loan a couple of seasons back, was superb too. "I hope the local fans enjoy it. They are getting more and more chance to see top European sides, and for us it is nice to be part of that. They can look at the likes of Tim, Phil Neville who has 50 caps for England, Mikel Arteta who should have had 50 caps for Spain! Those players are top, top players, and it is nice for fans across the world to come and watch them." More importantly for Moyes and his side, tonight's clash provides a chance for Everton to further enhance their fitness ahead of the big trip to White Hart Lane in less than four weeks' time. If the eyes of the biggest sporting nation in the world are on them, that is just an added bonus.
Everton FC's minimum aim should be European qualification says Phil Neville
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 20 2011
PHIL NEVILLE believes European qualification is Everton's minimum aim this season and believes David Moyes' side has the quality to achieve it. The Blues finished last season in 7th place, but missed out on a Europa League spot by virtue of Birmingham City's Carling Cup triumph, and Manchester City's ascent into the Champions League, which handed their spot to FA Cup runners-up Stoke City. And with no major summer arrivals at Goodison Park thus far - and few anticipated between now and the Premier League's start - doubts have been raised as to Everton's ability to maintain a run which has seen them finish in the top-8 in seven of the last nine campaigns.
Club captain Neville, however, says his side are not content just to make up the numbers, and says they will head into the new season aiming high. "The challenge for us is always Europe," said the 34-year-old. "We have been there before, enjoyed it and got a real taste for it. Now we want to be back in there. "I think we were unlucky last season to finish 7th and not qualify. In other seasons that would have guaranteed us a place in the Europa League, but that wasn't the case unfortunately.
"But the aim for a club like Everton is always to finish as high in the league as possible. We know that. "It is a massive challenge for us, but we have done it before. We reached the top four a few years ago, but that target seems to get harder and harder each year. Now, for us to get into the top four would feel like winning a trophy, which shows how much of an achievement that is." Neville, who says he intends to see out the remainder of his playing days on Merseyside, also believes that with the players Moyes has at his disposal, European qualification should be expected at Goodison.
"Europe is key for us," he added. "The players in this squad need to be playing European football, simple as that. "We have a lot of internationals in this squad, quality players, and they all want to be experiencing European football, and big nights at Goodison against the best teams in Europe.
"For a club our size, with the players we have, it is the least we all expect." Achieving that aim could be difficult. Everton's financial restraints are well documented, and have prohibited Moyes in his summer transfer dealing. But with youngsters such as Frenchman Magaye Gueye, Greek forward Apostolos Velios, and highly-rated teenage midfielder Ross Barkley all emerging, Neville is hopeful that the Blues can benefit from an injection of youth in the near future. He added: "You can spend 10m on a player, but when you bring through one of your own, it is more enjoyable.
"The fans enjoy it more, and the players enjoy it more. Young players bring a freshness to the squad, an energy, and they have a fearless nature, which benefits everyone. We have a lot of good young lads here, and so hopes are high. "But you also need a club which is willing to give these lads a chance, and at Everton they know they will be given a chance if they are good enough. We don't have the biggest squad, so they will get opportunities. "The lads have great potential.”
Union upset by Howard's absence from Everton for friendly
Union upset by Howard's absence from Everton for friendly
July 20 2011
By Marc Narducci
Philadelphia Newpaper
Nick Sakiewicz couldn't hide his disappointment. The Union CEO and operating partner said he was told a few days ago that United States national team goalkeeper Tim Howard would not be joining Everton for Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. friendly against the Union at PPL Park in Chester.
Howard is not even with his team. Everton manager David Moyes says his keeper is getting a rest following his play for the United States in the Gold Cup. The Americans advanced to the final, losing to Mexico, 4-2, on June 25 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Still, the Union expected Howard for the game. "We were under the impression he was coming and playing," Sakiewicz said. "We're obviously disappointed he is not coming, but it will be a good game anyway." Moyes said Howard needed a break. "Because he played for the U.S. all summer, you can't ask him to play 10 months of our season and a month for the U.S. and have no holiday," Moyes said following Tuesday's light workout at PPL Park. "This is holiday time we have to give him and give to all the players."
Sakiewicz, a former professional keeper, knows the demands on a soccer player's schedule, so he can see why Howard is resting. In fact Sakiewicz says the Union recently rested forward Carlos Ruiz because he had been playing soccer nonstop without a break. Sakiewicz's objection was that the Union wasn't told about this sooner. "We understand the need to rest players and have no issue with that," he said. "It just would have been nice to know." When asked how long he knew that Howard wouldn't be playing, Moyes said, "We knew that would always be the case." Moyes then was told that the Union were upset at not being told this long ago. The Everton manager said he assumed that the Union would know this was the case. "Would you not know, if he played for the national team all summer, that there would be a rest and he wouldn't be here?" Moyes said.
Apparently the answer is no. "Those guys told us three to four months ago that he would be here," Sakiewicz said. "Why would we put him in our advertising?" When Sakiewicz first learned about Howard's status he was taken aback. "I was shocked," he said. Everton visits D.C. United on Saturday at RFK Stadium in another friendly and Howard will not join the team until after the game, according to Moyes. "He will fly back with us Sunday, but won't join the team until then," Moyes said. Everton is in its preseason and while the team would have liked to have had Howard, the players understood his need for time off. "He needs his rest in the summer, too," Everton defender Phil Neville said. "He has three weeks off, which in a 12-month calendar is not a lot of time off and it is important that he gets his rest." According to Sakiewicz, Howard was the centerpiece for inviting this English Premier League team to play the Union. Sakiewicz said had he known Howard wouldn't be playing, the Union could have invited a different opponent and would have considered that option. "We had other opportunities to play other teams,"Sakiewicz said. "This is not the way we roll."
Hernandez’s late goal lifts Union to 1-0 win over Everton FC
Associated Press, Thursday, July 21, 2011
Washington Post
CHESTER, Pa. — Christian Hernandez’s goal in the 88th minute lifted the Philadelphia Union past Everton FC 1-0 in an international friendly on Wednesday night. Hernandez came on as a substitute in the 71st minute. Everton FC is coming off a seventh-place finish in the EPL in 2010-11 and played this exhibition match without star goalkeeper Tim Howard. Jan Mucha got the start instead. The Toffees will conclude their exhibition tour at DC United on Saturday. Both clubs struggled to find much offense in the first half with temperatures hovering in the low ‘90s. But when the clubs began to clear their benches after halftime, the offensive pace picked up. Danny Mwanga nearly put the Union ahead in the 72nd minute but sent a shot just wide left from 10 yards. Hernandez put Philadelphia ahead and then pumped his fists in celebration.
Union Edge Everton In Friendly 1-0
By: Philly Sports
Daily Staff on July 20, 2011
With one swift kick, 17-year-old Christian Hernandez took down storied Everton Late in the contest with the game scoreless, a failed clear from the Everton defense forced the ball to the feet Hernandez alone at the top of the box. Settling it with the opposition closing, the young Union Academy standout and high school junior launched a shot that beat goalie Jan Mucha to the left post, giving the Union the 1-0, 88th minute victory over English Premier League Everton on Wednesday at PPL Park. “It’s shocking,” said Hernandez, who entered the game in the 70th minute. “Coming in late, getting and chance and putting it in, it’s amazing. For my first game, I’m proud of myself. I’m looking forward to the next one. “To be honest, it felt like a dream. It didn’t even feel like I scored. When I was running it felt like I was floating.” The humid night appeared to be heading for a scoreless draw, as the Union controlled pace, but failed to capitalize. Roger Torres earned six shots and Carlos Valdes missed on four. Danny Mwanga, the Union’s second leading scorer, nearly broke the tie in the 72nd minute, when he took a pass at the top of the Everton box, wrestled around a defender and shot a low bouncer that barely missed the far post. Mwanga laid on the grass clutching his head in disbelief. “We did the right thing tonight,” Mwanga said. “We had a couple young guys come in and did a good job putting the ball eventually in the back of the net.”
The first half was all Union, as the home side fired away at the Everton frame. However, with stout defensive presence, the EPL franchise, minus US Men’s National Team goalkeeper Tim Howard, were able to keep the Union from striking gold early. The Union will have a quick turnaround as they immediately set to face Real Madrid in another friendly on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field. Real is a bigger threat to the Union, who have gained confidence with their victory over the EPL side.
“It’s very important for our confidence,” said Mwanga, the Union’s second leading goal scorer. “The EPL is one of the best leagues in the world and Everton is one of the best in that league. So being able to step up and beat them we can really use for our confidence.”
Everton Ladies star Jill Scott thinking positive ahead of second half of Women’s Super League
seasonLiverpool Daily Post
Jul 21 2011
‘THERE are too many games’ is a common complaint heard from today’s modern footballer, as he is rested for yet another Carling Cup encounter or enjoys a lengthy international break. Well perhaps our Premier League stars should take note of those Everton Ladies playing in the FA Women’s Super League, as just a couple of weeks after exiting this summer’s World Cup, the likes of Fara Williams, Rachel Unitt and Jill Scott, all return to action this Sunday, as they begin a run of three home games in the space of a week. “Men do like to complain!” laughs Sunderland-born midfielder Scott.
“Obviously playing four games and the last one going to extra time, it was a lot of football during the World Cup, but we have been allowed a week off and I’m raring to go and looking forward to the second half of the season.” The World Cup, was a bitter-sweet experience for Scott, who returned form Germany with two goals and a place in the All-Stars Squad of the Tournament, but also with a nagging feeling that the team should have gone further than the last eight. “I think all the girls are disappointed we did not get to the semi-finals as we felt we were getting better as the tournament went on,” she said. “Going out on penalties to France was gutting and there is genuine disappointment, but I think as time goes on we can look back on the fact that we gave it our all.”
The tournament ended in controversy for England, with coach Hope Powell accusing some players of “cowardice” after the apparent reluctance of senior squad members (including Scott) to take a spot kick, but she refuses to be drawn on a subject, which saw the Everton player hit back angrily on twitter, remarking “we win as a team...we lose as a team”. “The whole experience was brilliant,” says Scott, preferring to look to the positives. “The support for the women’s game in Germany was great and we are just hoping we can generate the same in England. “It is getting better and this is our time to keep that interest going.” Crucial to this interest being maintained is the success of the newly-inaugurated FA Women’s Super League, which resumes for Everton this Sunday with a game against Chelsea. “People need to be positive,” admits Scott. “This is the first season of the WSL, so we need to learn how to walk before we can run and take each game as it comes. So far, the league is doing well – Arsenal and Chelsea got over 2,000 the other day – so the signs are there. But crowds are crucial – the first part of the season was disappointing but hopefully that has been addressed during the break and it can get better.” Everton have had a difficult start to the season, with just one win in six and a painful departure from the FA Cup, but Scott thinks there is still plenty to play for the team, who currently lie fourth. “We are certainly not going to think negatively despite the point gap,” says Scott. “Our last win took us up to fourth and showed what a couple of wins can do and we still have all the big teams to play around us. “We are good enough and need to start showing it.” As well as trying to entice more Everton fans to their home games, which take place at Marine’s Arriva Stadium, Scott is quick to stress how supportive Everton’s male players have been over the last few months. “The interest from the men has certainly improved,” says Scott.
“During the World Cup I had messages from Louis Saha and Tim Cahill saying that they would be interested to come and see us play. “Michael Owen, Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage all got in touch too and just knowing they are watching is great. “ That Scott and her team mates deserve Everton fans’ support is clear and with the traditional campaign still three weeks away, there really are few excuses to not get down to Marine and cheer on the ladies. Just don’t mention penalties...
Forthcoming fixtures: Everton v Chelsea (Sunday July 24), Everton v Liverpool (Wednesday July 27), Everton v Arsenal (Sunday July 31), Everton v Lincoln (Sunday August 7)
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Why Everton FC are enjoying the treats of Philadelphia
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 21 2011
THE United States may not exactly be the most popular nation in the world at the moment, but it remains the summer venue of choice for Everton FC manager David Moyes. This most recent visit means Everton have spent six out of eight pre-seasons being put through their paces Stateside away from the spotlight of Europe and the fanaticism of Asia. It’s an approach that has largely reaped dividends with the Goodison outfit often embarking on successful campaigns. Houston, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Columbus, Dallas and Seattle have all played host to Moyes and his players since their first journey across the pond in 2004. The latest trip sees them in the nation’s capital Washington DC having completed the first leg of their tour here in Philadelphia. And Moyes says: “We’ve been to the US before and we have really enjoyed it. Being here gives us freedom to train, and it gives the players freedom to enjoy their time and use it wisely. “The facilities we have used have been fantastic, and we are all looking forward to it. “We have played in several US cities before, but never Philadelphia, so it should be a good experience.” Everton took on local Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union in the early hours of the morning in the 19,000-capacity PPL Park. At least there was some familiarity for the Goodison outfit, given the stadium is situated south of the city in a town called Chester. It has not been the easiest of weeks for Moyes’s players, with temperatures soaring and humidity prohibitive. Their manager, however, has good reason to put his side through a rigorous pre-season schedule, having seen their ambitions stunted by slow starts in each of the past two campaigns. He believes that playing sides in the midst of a highly-competitive league season will provide a good test of his team’s capabilities, and says he is impressed by the way Major League Soccer is developing. “We want to get good fitness and play a good standard of game,” adds Moyes. “Every time we have come to America we have found the games really tough.
“The MLS sides are in the middle of their season and are all very capable sides, so it is a good test for us, and one which will stand us in good stead later on. “The MLS is growing fast. I enjoy the concept and the way they work it. “You see teams such as Seattle and Toronto, and they get fantastic support. It is great to see. “And I think it is growing at a good rate, not so fast that they can’t keep control of it, but still very fast.” Local fans and media have naturally taken a great interest in Tim Howard, the US national team’s first-choice goalkeeper. Moyes believes the 32-year-old’s presence, along with many of his teammates, is vital in helping the club develop a worldwide fanbase. “Tim is our biggest ambassador over here, of course,” he says. “He is the number one for the national team, and one of their most important players. “He is a big player for us too, and helps us get a decent fanbase in this country. “The Americans I have used have all been great for me. “The first player I had was Brian McBride, whom I brought to Preston and then Everton. He was fantastic. “And I have to say Landon Donovan, who I had on loan a couple of seasons back, was superb too. “I hope the local fans enjoy it. They are getting more and more chance to see top European sides, and for us it is nice to be part of that. “They can look at the likes of Tim, Phil Neville who has 50 caps for England, Mikel Arteta who should have had 50 caps for Spain! “Those players are top, top players, and it is nice for fans across the world to come and watch them.” Meanwhile, Arteta has challenged fellow midfielder Magaye Gueye to show his creative skills this season. Having arrived at Goodison Park 12 months ago from Strasbourg, Gueye broke into the first team in the second part of last season and continued to impress with a brace at Bury in Everton's first pre-season game last Friday evening.
And Arteta says: “He looks good and he is the type of player you need as well. “We need players who can unlock the door sometimes. “Magaye has got a really good shot.” Arteta also admitted that excitement was building over the start of the new Premier League season, which kicks off in less than a month. “There are still three weeks to go but we are all getting prepared very well. “We are training hard and looking good.”
Everton Ladies trio are raring to get back into the action
by Jamie Bowman, Liverpool Echo
Jul 21 2011
“THERE are too many games” is a common complaint heard from today’s modern footballer, as he is rested for yet another Carling Cup encounter or enjoys a lengthy international break. Well perhaps our Premiership stars should take note of those Everton Ladies playing in the FA Women’s Super League, as just a couple of weeks after exiting this summer’s World Cup, the likes of Fara Williams, Rachel Unitt and Jill Scott, all return to action this Sunday, as they begin a run of three home games in the space of a week. “Men do like to complain!” laughs Sunderland-born midfielder Scott.
“Obviously playing four games and the last one going to extra-time, it was a lot of football during the World Cup, but we have been allowed a week off and I’m raring to go and looking forward to the second half of the season.” The World Cup, was a bitter-sweet experience for Scott, who returned from Germany with two goals and a place in the All-Stars Squad of the Tournament, but also with a nagging feeling that the team should have gone further than the quarter-finals. “I think all the girls are disappointed we did not get to the semi-finals as we felt we were getting better as the tournament went on. “Going out on penalties to France was gutting and there is genuine disappointment, but I think as time goes on we can look back on the fact that we gave it our all.”
The tournament ended in controversy for England, with coach Hope Powell accusing some players of “cowardice” after the apparent reluctance of senior squad members (including Scott) to take a spot-kick, but she refuses to be drawn on a subject, which saw the Everton player hit back angrily on twitter, remarking “we win as a team... we lose as a team.” “The whole experience was brilliant,” says Scott, preferring to look to the positives. “The support for the women’s game in Germany was great and we are just hoping we can generate the same in England. “It is getting better and this is our time to keep that interest going.” Crucial to this interest being maintained is the success of the newly-inaugurated FA Women’s Super League, which resumes for Everton this Sunday with a game against Chelsea. “People need to be positive,” admits Scott. “This is the first season of the WSL, so we need to learn how to walk before we can run and take each game as it comes. “So far the league is doing well – Arsenal and Chelsea got over 2,000 the other day so the signs are there, but crowds are crucial – the first part of the season was disappointing but hopefully that has been addressed during the break and it can get better.” Everton have had a difficult start to the season, with just one win in six and a painful departure from the FA Cup, but Scott thinks there is still plenty to play for the team, who currently lie in fourth place. “We are certainly not going to think negatively despite the point gap,” says Scott. “Our last win took us up to fourth and showed what a couple of wins can do and we still have all the big teams to play around us. “We are good enough and need to start showing it.” As well as trying to entice more Everton fans to their home games, which take place at Marine’s Arriva Stadium, Scott is quick to stress how supportive Everton’s male players have been over the last few months. “The interest from the men has certainly improved,” says Scott.
“During the World Cup I had messages from Louis Saha and Tim Cahill saying that they would be interested to come and see us play.” There really are few excuses to not get down to Marine and cheer on the ladies.
Everton FC keeper Tim Howard says the USA is a great place for pre-season tours
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 21 2011
EVERTON have been living out an American dream this week, with manager David Moyes delighted by the level of facilities his touring team has been working with. But a man who knows those facilities better than most will only be present in a spectating capacity. USA international Tim Howard, who played wih North Jersey Imperials and New York Metro Stars before his switch to Manchester United in 2003, is not part of the Blues touring squad because of his involvement in the Gold Cup tournament, which didn’t end until June 25. But he will be in Washington this weekend for a walk on part in Everton’s pre-season friendly against DC United. The Blues, who faced Philadelphia Union in the early hours of this morning, travelled on to Washington after that match, where they will meet up with the goalkeeper. Howard explained: “The Gold Cup was obviously long and gruelling. I think getting rest is important – both physically and mentally – and every player has that opportunity. “For me and some of the other participants in the Gold Cup, our opportunity for that rest came a lot later. “Time is what it is. You cannot get it back and you cannot rush it. My rest and ability to heal up and get ready for the next season comes at this time unfortunately.” But Howard emphasised the growing popularity of his home nation for European touring teams. Real Madrid face Philadelphia Union at the weekend, while Manchester United and Tottenham are also currently Stateside. “First and foremost it says a ton about what top European clubs think of MLS that they would prepare for their gruelling seasons against MLS competition,” he added. “That says so much. For Everton, we get a kick out of coming over. This is my sixth season and probably my fifth preseason here playing MLS teams. Sometimes we get our butts kicked. That is the hard part of it all.” Blues boss David Moyes echoed his goalkeeper’s sentiments. “The facilities we are training at, used by the Philadelphia Eagles, are fantastic. The pitch is great, they have been very accommodating,” he said. “Every time we come to America the games are really tough. The boys are in the middle of the season and I hope their fans enjoy watching it.” It isn’t just the facilities that Moyes is thankful to the Americans for, either. “The American boys I have had have been great,” added the Blues boss. “Brian McBride was the first one I brought over and he was sensational. He was with me at Preston and then to Everton. “Tim Howard has been great and I have got to say that Landon Donovan who we had over last year was terrific when we had him on loan. I have got to say the Americans have been terrific.” Fans can expect to see Tim Howard on the pitch for Everton’s match versus DC United on Saturday, July 23. “Yes, I will be in DC and then after that we have few games scheduled,” he said. “Ideally for me, I would like to get three or four games under my belt before the season starts, and then there is the USA game in Philadelphia, which I can also count. Before the opening game of the season I am hoping to have four games played and see how that goes.” The USA game Howard referred to is a rematch of the Gold Cup final against Mexico, which USA lost 4-2 in front of 93,000 fans in Pasadena. The chance for revenge takes place also in Philadelphia, but at the Lincoln Financial Field, not the PPL Park used for today’s friendly. “Yeah, the rematch is on,” said Howard. “It will probably mean more to us than them at this point because they got the big one.”
Philadelphia Union 1 Everton FC 0: Blues fail to fire in pre-season friendly
By Neil Jones at PPL Park, Philadelphia
Jul 21 2011
EFC's Jermaine Beckford on the charge against Philadelphia UnionIt is perhaps ironic that in a week when most at Everton have sung the praises of the young players emerging at Goodison Park, the senior side should be undone by the hottest teenage talent in MLS. Christian Hernandez was voted the best academy product in the USA last season, and is widely regarded as Philadelphia Union's brightest talent. It was his 87th minute strike which settled this keenly-contested affair, at the end of which John Heitinga was ignominiously dismissed for a pair of ill-advised challenges. Though pre-match estimates of a sell-out proved somewhat optimistic, PPL Park is one of MLS' better 'soccer-specific' stadiums, and the noise generated by the Union support - known locally as 'Sons of Ben', in reference to Philadelphia scholar Benjamin Franklin - made for an atmospheric and colourful backdrop. Everton shirts peppered the terraces; it seems being a Blue really can take you to the four corners of the world. With Tim Howard - "Where's Tim Howard? Always injured" chanted, erroneously, the home fans - handed an extra week's holiday following his summer excursions with the US national team, it was the Slovakian Jan Mucha who deputised in goal. Howard is set to make a cameo appearance in Saturday's game with DC United, and has no injury to report. There was no place for Marouane Fellaini, who is being eased back into action following last season's ankle injury, but otherwise David Moyes, doubtless eager to judge the fitness levels of his side after a gruelling few days in the American heat, fielded a strong side. Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Mikel Arteta and Seamus Coleman all started, as did skipper Phil Neville. Magaye Gueye, fresh from his brace at Bury last Friday, continued in support of lone frontman Jermaine Beckford. Their opponents, unsurprisingly given their position, mid-season, at the top of MLS' Eastern Conference - chose to rest a number of their key players. The average age of their starting XI was just 22, with a number of fringe players given a chance to impress coach John Hackworth. The oppressive heat - pitchside temperatures peaked at around 110 degrees during the U18s game which preceded this, and announcements were made that "free cups of ice" would be available to all supporters - meant a high-tempo beginning was always unlikely, with both sides content to play their way into the contest at their own pace. It was the home side who mustered the first meaningful attempt on goal, with Carlos Valdes heading Sheanon Williams' long-throw onto the top of Mucha's net after seven minutes, before the same player clattered into Arteta recklessly, earning a telling-off from referee Jorge Gonzalez. Tim Cahill, uncharacteristically, failed to make meaningful contact with a whipped Leighton Baines corner soon after, as Moyes' side looked to revive a supply line which had been especially productive in the first part of last season, whilst Danny Mwanga's tame header produced the first save of the contest for Mucha. It is easy to forget that Philadelphia are in the midst of a fiercely-competitive league campaign, having played 19 games already this season. Accordingly, it would not be unreasonable to expect the Americans to benefit from superior fitness levels at this stage. Nonetheless, Everton looked sharp enough, if lacking a little bit of thrust in attack. Certainly Phil Neville's late swipe on Roger Torres proved there was no lack of competitive spirit within Moyes' side. Arteta, revelling in the central role he admitted he preferred earlier in the week, whipped a free-kick into the side-netting after Jermaine Beckford had been fouled, before Mucha was called into action to keep out Justin Mapp's near-post drive at the other end. Still it was Arteta who looked likeliest to provide the creative spark. The Spaniard drove from midfield just before the half-hour mark and picked out Beckford's astute run with the outside of his foot. The former Leeds man's first touch matched the quality of the pass, but his second was a wild slash which saw the ball fly ten feet wide of Zac MacMath's left hand upright, a disappointing end to the Blues' best move of the half.
It was the Union who enjoyed the final, and perhaps best, chance of the opening period. Valdes, a threat from set-pieces, met Mapp's corner with a side-footed volley which flashed just wide of the upright, albeit one patrolled by Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. Moyes unsurprisingly rang the changes at the interval, with Jack Rodwell, Sylvain Distin and teenage striker Apostolos Vellios replacing Gueye, Beckford and the impressive Arteta. The hosts, too, made a trio of changes, making for a scrappy opening to the second-half. Vellios, eager to impress in a squad lacking forward options, wasted little time in announcing himself, robbing Torres and smashing a right-foot strike just wide from fully 35 yards. Seconds later, Mwanga lashed a shot into the side-netting after finding space in the area.
John Heitinga, moved into midfield with the half-time changes, went close with a curling effort on 57 minutes, as Everton found shooting opportunities easier to come by. Union, meanwhile, were restricted to just a highly-ambitious effort from Torres. The pressure was mounting. Twice Coleman worked himself a good position in the penalty area, only to be denied by some desperate, last-ditch defending. Heiting did, however, have to provide a smart block of his own to deny Mwanga following a rare Union break just after the hour. Moyes was left puffing his cheeks out in the technical area soon after, as uncharacteristically hesitant defending from Baines presented Mwanga with the whites of Mucha's eyes. The Congolese-born forward, however, wilted under pressure, firing his effort a foot or so wide of the post. Everton responded, with the lively Vellios' instinctive flick drawing the best save of the match from replacement Union 'keeper Thorne Holder, after a good surging run from Jagielka on 74 minutes. Chances continued to come and go at both ends. Michael Farfan scuffed a presentable chance after a poor clearance from Distin, whilst Torres - Union's standout performer - flashed another effort just wide. It was the home side who were finishing strongest, and after Mucha had produced a fine save to deny sub Hernandez, the young Union forward was again afforded time and space to sweep a right-footed strike beyond the Slovakian's reach for the game's winning goal. Cue bedlam amongst the home support - there really is no such thing as a meaningless game these days, it Especially when, moments later, Heitinga saw red for his second yellow of the evening. It was a sad end, and a deserved dismissal. Good pre-season results do not always go hand-in-hand with a good start to the league campaign, of course, as Everton found out to their cost last season. More important for David Moyes is the sight of hi players gaining fitness, sharpness, and easing themselves back into competitive action after the summer break. There is a reason the club chose the US for their pre-season tour, and it is not solely commercial. To that end, the Blues boss can be relatively satisfied with what he witnessed here. There are still issues in his side which need addressing - and whether he will be able to do so with little or no investment remains to be seen - but Moyes knows he has a strong core to his squad, with a decent crop of youngsters emerging from Finch Farm. In the end here, however, it was the Union's youngster who provided the difference. Everton will head to Washington tomorrow eager to end their tour on a high note. Star Man: Mikel Arteta - Only on the field for 45 minutes, but smart in his play and at the heart of all the good things Everton produced. Could be a big season for the Spanish playmaker. Flash Point: Hernandez's late strike settled the game, but John Heitinga's rash lunge on the same player seconds later saw him sent off. He could now miss the start of the Premier League campaign.
PHILADELPHIA UNION: MacMath (Holder 46), Williams (Richter 46), Valdes, Miglioranzi, Torres, G Farfan (Pfeffer 63), Okugo, McInerney (McLaughlin 79), Mwanga, Daniel (Hernandez 70), Mapp (M Farfan 46)
SUBS: Gonzalez, Mondragon, Caligg, Carroll, Houapeu, Le Toux, Nakazawa, Paunovic, Ruiz
CARDS: Torres (90)
GOALS: Hernandez (90)
EVERTON: Mucha, Coleman, Baines, Jagielka, Heitinga, Bilyaletdinov (Barkley 63), Arteta (Rodwell 46), Cahill (McAleny 78), Neville, Gueye (Distin 46), Beckford (Vellios 46)
SUBS: Davies, Dier, Touray, Johns
CARDS: Heitinga (83)
RED CARD: Heitinga (90)
Referee: Jorge Gonzalez
Attendance: 18,582
Everton FC's Mikel Arteta hopes for big things from Magaye Gueye
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 21 2011
EVERTON’S midfield craftsman Mikel Arteta is hoping for a helping hand next season from Magaye Gueye. Arteta has carried the responsibility for much of Everton’s creativity in and around the penalty area in recent seasons, but after the French youngster’s promising introduction to English football last season, Arteta hopes Gueye can now start to chip in, too. “He looks good and he is the type of player you need as well,” said Arteta. “We need players who can unlock the door sometimes. “Magaye has got a really good shot, too.” Gueye created goals in both Carling Cup and FA Cup run-outs last season, and came close to opening his goals account for the club in a couple of Premier League appearances towards the end of the campaign. He was quickly off the mark in pre-season with two goals at Bury last Friday. Arteta added: “There are still three weeks to go but we are all getting prepared very well. “We are training hard and looking good.” The Blues’ World Cup star, Johnny Heitinga, meanwhile, is hoping he can scale the heights at Goodison Park this season – after feeling the benefits of a ‘proper’ rest this summer. The Dutch international, part of the Holland squad which reached the World Cup final last July, was back in action with the Blues barely 10 days after his season ended on such a low point when he was red-carded in the South African showpiece won by Spain. But this summer Heitinga has reported back refreshed and raring to go. In action in the early hours of this morning in Everton’s pre-season friendly against Philadelphia Union, Heitinga explained: “Last year was quite hard because I came back on the second of August but this time I can do the pre-season with my teammates and that is good for me and for the team. “I had a longer holiday and as a football player after a long season you need a break and last year I only had ten days off. This year I’ve had four weeks off so it’s good for me.” The versatile former Ajax man is with the rest of the Everton squad in Philadelphia and is looking forward to getting plenty of action in games against Philadelphia Union and DC United. And he insists the word ‘friendly’ means nothing to him once out on the pitch. “I am looking forward to the games,” he said. “If we play a game, I always want to win. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a friendly, a league match or a cup match, a club game or an international game.
Everton FC reject Arsenal bid for England defender Phil Jagielka
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 21 2011
EVERTON FC today confirmed they have rejected a bid from Arsenal for England defender Phil Jagielka. The London club were rebuffed after offering around £10m this week, less than the £12m they bid for the 28-year-old this time last summer. Arsene Wenger wants to recruit an experienced central defender to plug his leaky defence, and could return with a higher bid if his skipper Cesc Fabregas seals a £35m plus move to Barcelona. But David Moyes is determined not to sell one of his best players, however, and will strongly resist any sale. The Gunners would have to offer in the region of £20m for a player who has won eight England caps since his £4m move to Goodison Park in 2007, if they are to even give the Blues pause for thought. And Wenger may prefer to turn his attentions to Bolton’s younger England star Gary Cahill, or Blackburn powerhouse Christopher Samba.
Everton FC defender Johnny Heitinga feeling rested and raring to go
by David Prentice, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 21 2011
EVERTON FC’S World Cup star Johnny Heitinga is ready to hit the heights next season – after feeling the benefits of a ‘proper’ rest this summer. The Dutch international, part of the Holland squad which reached the World Cup final last July, was back in action with EFC barely 10 days after his season ended on such a low point after being red-carded in the South African showpiece won by Spain. But this summer Heitinga has reported back refreshed and raring to go. In action in the early hours of this morning in Everton’s pre-season friendly against Philadelphia Union, Heitinga explained: “Last year was quite hard because I came back on the second of August but this time I can do the pre-season with my teammates and that is good for me and good for the team. “I had a longer holiday and as a football player after a long season you need a break and last year I only had ten days off. This year I've had four weeks off so it's good for me.” The versatile former Ajax man is with the rest of the Everton squad in Philadelphia and is looking forward to getting plenty of action in games against Philadelphia Union and DC United. And he insists the word ‘friendly' means nothing to him once out on the pitch. “I am looking forward to the games,” he said. “If we play a game, I always want to win. It doesn't matter if it's a friendly, a league match or a cup match, a club game or an international game.” Everton captain Phil Neville, meanwhile, believes the emergence of more youngsters from Goodison’s prolific production line can create more of a buzz around the club than buying expensive players. Young Frenchman Magaye Gueye, Greek forward Apostolos Velios, and highly-rated teenage midfielder Ross Barkley are all set to break into David Moyes’ senior squad next season and Neville said: “You can spend £10million on a player, but when you bring through one of your own, it is more enjoyable. “The fans enjoy it more, and the players enjoy it more. “Young players bring a freshness to the squad, an energy, and they have a fearless nature, which benefits everyone. We have a lot of good young lads here, and so hopes are high. “But you also need a club which is willing to give these lads a chance, and at Everton they know they will be given a chance.” Barkley is unlikely to feature competitively on the US tour, having suffered a twisted ankle last week. Barkley missed the majority of last season with a double fracture of his leg, but is tipped by many at Goodison to make the step up to the first-team this season. Neville believes that the Blues must target a European place as a minimum achievable target during the coming campaign. “The challenge for us is always Europe,” said the 34-year-old. “We have been there before, enjoyed it and got a real taste for it. Now we want to be back in there. “I think we were unlucky last season to finish 7th and not qualify. In other seasons that would have guaranteed us a place in the Europa League, but that wasn't the case unfortunately. “But the aim for a club like Everton is always to finish as high in the league as possible. We know that. “It is a massive challenge for us, but we have done it before. We reached the top four a few years ago, but that target seems to get harder and harder each year. Now, for us to get into the top four would feel like winning a trophy, which shows how much of an achievement that is.” Neville, who says he intends to see out the remainder of his playing days on Merseyside, also believes that with the players Moyes has at his disposal, European qualification should be expected at Goodison. “Europe is key for us,” he added. “The players in this squad need to be playing European football, simple as that. “We have a lot of internationals in this squad, quality players, and they all want to be experiencing European football, and big nights at Goodison against the best teams in Europe. “For a club our size, with the players we have, it is the least we all expect.”
Philadelphia Union 1 Everton FC 0: Blues fail to fire in pre-season friendly
Neil Jones at PPL Park, Philadelphia
Jul 21 2011
EFC's Jermaine Beckford on the charge against Philadelphia UnionIt is perhaps ironic that in a week when most at Everton have sung the praises of the young players emerging at Goodison Park, the senior side should be undone by the hottest teenage talent in MLS. Christian Hernandez was voted the best academy product in the USA last season, and is widely regarded as Philadelphia Union's brightest talent. It was his 87th minute strike which settled this keenly-contested affair, at the end of which John Heitinga was ignominiously dismissed for a pair of ill-advised challenges. Though pre-match estimates of a sell-out proved somewhat optimistic, PPL Park is one of MLS' better 'soccer-specific' stadiums, and the noise generated by the Union support - known locally as 'Sons of Ben', in reference to Philadelphia scholar Benjamin Franklin - made for an atmospheric and colourful backdrop. Everton shirts peppered the terraces; it seems being a Blue really can take you to the four corners of the world. With Tim Howard - "Where's Tim Howard? Always injured" chanted, erroneously, the home fans - handed an extra week's holiday following his summer excursions with the US national team, it was the Slovakian Jan Mucha who deputised in goal. Howard is set to make a cameo appearance in Saturday's game with DC United, and has no injury to report. There was no place for Marouane Fellaini, who is being eased back into action following last season's ankle injury, but otherwise David Moyes, doubtless eager to judge the fitness levels of his side after a gruelling few days in the American heat, fielded a strong side. Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Mikel Arteta and Seamus Coleman all started, as did skipper Phil Neville. Magaye Gueye, fresh from his brace at Bury last Friday, continued in support of lone frontman Jermaine Beckford. Their opponents, unsurprisingly given their position, mid-season, at the top of MLS' Eastern Conference - chose to rest a number of their key players. The average age of their starting XI was just 22, with a number of fringe players given a chance to impress coach John Hackworth. The oppressive heat - pitchside temperatures peaked at around 110 degrees during the U18s game which preceded this, and announcements were made that "free cups of ice" would be available to all supporters - meant a high-tempo beginning was always unlikely, with both sides content to play their way into the contest at their own pace. It was the home side who mustered the first meaningful attempt on goal, with Carlos Valdes heading Sheanon Williams' long-throw onto the top of Mucha's net after seven minutes, before the same player clattered into Arteta recklessly, earning a telling-off from referee Jorge Gonzalez. Tim Cahill, uncharacteristically, failed to make meaningful contact with a whipped Leighton Baines corner soon after, as Moyes' side looked to revive a supply line which had been especially productive in the first part of last season, whilst Danny Mwanga's tame header produced the first save of the contest for Mucha. It is easy to forget that Philadelphia are in the midst of a fiercely-competitive league campaign, having played 19 games already this season. Accordingly, it would not be unreasonable to expect the Americans to benefit from superior fitness levels at this stage. Nonetheless, Everton looked sharp enough, if lacking a little bit of thrust in attack. Certainly Phil Neville's late swipe on Roger Torres proved there was no lack of competitive spirit within Moyes' side. Arteta, revelling in the central role he admitted he preferred earlier in the week, whipped a free-kick into the side-netting after Jermaine Beckford had been fouled, before Mucha was called into action to keep out Justin Mapp's near-post drive at the other end. Still it was Arteta who looked likeliest to provide the creative spark. The Spaniard drove from midfield just before the half-hour mark and picked out Beckford's astute run with the outside of his foot. The former Leeds man's first touch matched the quality of the pass, but his second was a wild slash which saw the ball fly ten feet wide of Zac MacMath's left hand upright, a disappointing end to the Blues' best move of the half.
It was the Union who enjoyed the final, and perhaps best, chance of the opening period. Valdes, a threat from set-pieces, met Mapp's corner with a side-footed volley which flashed just wide of the upright, albeit one patrolled by Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. Moyes unsurprisingly rang the changes at the interval, with Jack Rodwell, Sylvain Distin and teenage striker Apostolos Vellios replacing Gueye, Beckford and the impressive Arteta. The hosts, too, made a trio of changes, making for a scrappy opening to the second-half. Vellios, eager to impress in a squad lacking forward options, wasted little time in announcing himself, robbing Torres and smashing a right-foot strike just wide from fully 35 yards. Seconds later, Mwanga lashed a shot into the side-netting after finding space in the area.
John Heitinga, moved into midfield with the half-time changes, went close with a curling effort on 57 minutes, as Everton found shooting opportunities easier to come by. Union, meanwhile, were restricted to just a highly-ambitious effort from Torres. The pressure was mounting. Twice Coleman worked himself a good position in the penalty area, only to be denied by some desperate, last-ditch defending. Heiting did, however, have to provide a smart block of his own to deny Mwanga following a rare Union break just after the hour. Moyes was left puffing his cheeks out in the technical area soon after, as uncharacteristically hesitant defending from Baines presented Mwanga with the whites of Mucha's eyes. The Congolese-born forward, however, wilted under pressure, firing his effort a foot or so wide of the post. Everton responded, with the lively Vellios' instinctive flick drawing the best save of the match from replacement Union 'keeper Thorne Holder, after a good surging run from Jagielka on 74 minutes. Chances continued to come and go at both ends. Michael Farfan scuffed a presentable chance after a poor clearance from Distin, whilst Torres - Union's standout performer - flashed another effort just wide. It was the home side who were finishing strongest, and after Mucha had produced a fine save to deny sub Hernandez, the young Union forward was again afforded time and space to sweep a right-footed strike beyond the Slovakian's reach for the game's winning goal. Cue bedlam amongst the home support - there really is no such thing as a meaningless game these days, it seems. Especially when, moments later, Heitinga saw red for his second yellow of the evening. It was a sad end, and a deserved dismissal.
Good pre-season results do not always go hand-in-hand with a good start to the league campaign, of course, as Everton found out to their cost last season. More important for David Moyes is the sight of hi players gaining fitness, sharpness, and easing themselves back into competitive action after the summer break. There is a reason the club chose the US for their pre-season tour, and it is not solely commercial. To that end, the Blues boss can be relatively satisfied with what he witnessed here. There are still issues in his side which need addressing - and whether he will be able to do so with little or no investment remains to be seen - but Moyes knows he has a strong core to his squad, with a decent crop of youngsters emerging from Finch Farm. In the end here, however, it was the Union's youngster who provided the difference. Everton will head to Washington tomorrow eager to end their tour on a high note.
Star Man: Mikel Arteta - Only on the field for 45 minutes, but smart in his play and at the heart of all the good things Everton produced. Could be a big season for the Spanish playmaker.
Flash Point: Hernandez's late strike settled the game, but John Heitinga's rash lunge on the same player seconds later saw him sent off. He could now miss the start of the Premier League campaign.
PHILADELPHIA UNION: MacMath (Holder 46), Williams (Richter 46), Valdes, Miglioranzi, Torres, G Farfan (Pfeffer 63), Okugo, McInerney (McLaughlin 79), Mwanga, Daniel (Hernandez 70), Mapp (M Farfan 46)
SUBS: Gonzalez, Mondragon, Caligg, Carroll, Houapeu, Le Toux, Nakazawa, Paunovic, Ruiz
CARDS: Torres (90)
GOALS: Hernandez (90)
EVERTON: Mucha, Coleman, Baines, Jagielka, Heitinga, Bilyaletdinov (Barkley 63), Arteta (Rodwell 46), Cahill (McAleny 78), Neville, Gueye (Distin 46), Beckford (Vellios 46)
SUBS: Davies, Dier, Touray, Johns
CARDS: Heitinga (83)
RED CARD: Heitinga (90)
Referee: Jorge Gonzalez
Attendance: 18,582
Everton rejects Gunners' Jagielka bid
21 July 2011 The Evening Echo
Everton are determined to hang on to centre-back Phil Jagielka in the face of a bid from Arsenal.
The Gunners made a £10m offer to take the 28-year-old to the Emirates Stadium which was rejected out of hand. It is understood that is £2m lower than the one made 12 months ago. The Merseyside club view the bid as being well below the player’s market value, particularly as the defender signed a new four-year contract in March. Everton have yet to make any signings so far this summer and their tight finances means manager David Moyes is likely to have to sell players in order to be able to bring in new faces. But Jagielka is not one of those on the list which the Toffees boss is looking to offload, although should a bid closer to the club’s valuation of about £20m come in they would have to seriously consider it. Arsenal have also been linked with Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill and Blackburn’s Chris Samba and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could well explore those options.
Arsenal's £10m Phil Jagielka bid rejected by Everton
21 Jul 2011
London Evening Standard
Everton are determined to hang on to centre-back Phil Jagielka in the face of a bid from Arsenal.
The Gunners made a £10million offer to take the 28-year-old to the Emirates Stadium which was rejected out of hand. Press Association Sport understands that was £2million lower than the one made 12 months ago. The Merseyside club view the bid as being well below the player's market value, particularly as the defender signed a new four-year contract in March. Everton have yet to make any signings so far this summer and their tight finances means manager David Moyes is likely to have to sell players in order to be able to bring in new faces. But Jagielka is not one of those on the list which the Toffees boss is looking to offload, although should a bid closer to the club's valuation of about £20million come in they would have to seriously consider it. Arsenal have also been linked with Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill and Blackburn's Chris Samba and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could well explore those options.
Phil Neville welcomes the heat
By: Craig Stouffer
Washington Examiner
U.S. is as thick with heat and haze right now as it is with European clubs in preseason looking for MLS teams to beat up on. The timing is terrible for D.C. United to get into the mix, hosting Everton three days after suffering a demoralizing 1-0 defeat to New England on Wednesday. “It’s getting some bodies, checking them out, seeing who is healthy,” United head coach Ben Olsen said after the Revolution match. “We want to be respectful to Everton because they’re a great team, and we want to put forth our best group, but we’ve had a lot of games. We’ll certainly divvy up minutes and see who we have healthy and do the best we can.” Add to that the comments from Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena regarding summer friendlies – “Our needs are not addressed at all," Arena said – and it’s easy to wonder whether or not it’s even worth it for D.C. United, which loses money at RFK Stadium anyway, to host an extra game in the diabolical heat expected on Saturday. Though a similarly negative perspective might be expected from an English team not accustomed to the summer weather on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, Everton captain Phil Neville had a refreshingly upbeat outlook when I got the chance to speak with him one-on-one this afternoon at the team hotel in downtown Washington, a city that Neville isvisiting for the first time. He also talked about his own career, his crucial American teammate, goalkeeper Tim Howard, and Everton’s ambitions this season. Check it out: On the weather: “We stepped out of the train, it was like going into a sauna. It’s part and parcel of preseason. It actually helps because when you get back home, it feels easier. I love coming out to the States. I love watching MLS football. It’s on every Sunday morning in England so it’s almost as popular in our house as Spanish football. There is a lot of interest back home now, and having seen the league grow over the last ten years, consistently coming out here, I know that the league is in good shape.” On the rosters for the Aug. 5 testimonial for Neville’s former Manchester United teammate Paul Scholes, which didn’t include Neville’s name: “It’s unfortunate because I was asked to play for the Cosmos. But we have a game the same night so obviously my allegiance is to Everton. Scholes is one of my best friends in football. He’s the godfather to my children. Obviously, I wanted to play, but Everton comes first.” On Scholes and the rest of Manchester United’s golden generation of six players, from which Neville, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs are the only ones left playing: “It’s funny really, because in the last two seasons, my brother [Gary Neville] has retired, Paul Scholes has retired, Nicky Butt has retired, and we’re part of a group that are all grouped together, and you think to yourself, ‘Who’s going to be next?’ I’m the youngest of them all so hopefully, I play for as long as I can. I feel so fit at the moment, and most importantly, I’m enjoying it. That’s the main thing when you get over 30, say 32, 33 years old, is that you can still retain that enjoyment. I wake up every day, and I still feel so blessed and lucky to be a professional footballer and playing for great club.” On the Everton’s goals compared to what he achieved at Manchester United: “It’s all relative. For Man United, it’s trophies. For Everton, it’s top five, top six, and consistently over the last five, six years, we’ve finished in the top five or six. Last year we finished seventh so for me, that is success, too. Coming to Everton has been an unbelievable move for me. I love working with the manager, the players, and the team spirit is fantastic. You know when you’re happiest when you can’t wait to get up in the morning and go to work, and that’s a great state to be in. I want European football, and the players do so that’s our aim this season.”
On having Howard as a teammate: “He’s grown in stature each season. From the guy that I first met when he first tried out for Man U, he’s unrecognizable now. He’s grown in confidence. He believes he’s number one, and the confidence he’s got is from his successes with the national team. He’s probably one of the most important players in the [U.S.] national team, and the success that the national team have had has given him the confidence to come back and be so consistent for us. He’s a great player to be around because he has that winning mentality, not just in games, in training every day. He hates conceding goals in training, and that rubs off on others. He’s a great bloke to have around the place.” What Everton got from the 1-0 exhibition loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday and what it expects Saturday against D.C. United: “You’re well into your season. Philadelphia gives a good physical test. In certain parts of the game, particularly the last 10-15 minutes of the game when we just hit a brick wall, they had far superior fitness and that makes us come on quicker. Our play will come on quicker because of it. We’re expecting the same game on Saturday. Washington is just as physically fit as Philadelphia, and the thing I’ve noticed now is the quality in the football has got better in MLS… I can’t think of better preparation for us. I think that’s why you’ve got maybe 40-50 percent of the premiership out in the U.S. at the moment, and other teams from European football as well because the tests that we get brings your fitness on, brings the quality of your training on. Plus, you’ve got the quality of being in hotel, having the freedom to walk around cities without much hassle.” Whether Everton should have sympathy for the dilemma that D.C. United and MLS teams face having midseason international friendlies: “I’d say its part and parcel of the growth of MLS football. You need to catch the imagination of the American public. For American soccer to keep on growing, you’re going to need the likes of Real Madrid. I watched the L.A. Galaxy versus Real Madrid in the [L.A.] Coliseum, and I thought to myself, if you was someone that was either thinking football/NFL, basketball, you think, ‘Wow.’ [Cristiano] Ronaldo was on display. Kaka was on display, and you think to yourself, ‘I like soccer.’ I think to keep the American people – to attract more people and get football up to the level of basketball and baseball, then it’s going to need these kinds of couple of weeks when European teams come in and showcase the best players... You can understand in the middle of the season the manager worried about the fatigue, messing up the preparation, but I think if you look at the bigger picture, it’s fantastic now that you’ve got all these teams that are here spreading the gospel. “I asked the same question to the Philadelphia captain. I said, ‘Look, is this a pain for you, or is this good?’ He said, ‘This is brilliant. This means that I can test myself against a premiership player,’ and to be honest, I feel the same way. I love watching MLS soccer, and I think to myself, how would it be to play in that? I played in it last night, played in it the last four, five seasons, and I thought to myself, it’s a good test to play in American soccer now, and I think there’s plus points on both sides. “I have a real fascination for this country, I just think that the way they do things, I love the attention to deal with facilities and everything, and it’s something that when my career’s finished or just at the end, I could see myself coming out here and enjoying my time here.”
Neville not ready to quit
By: Craig Stouffer
July 21 2011 The Washington Examiner
Everton FC captain Phil Neville is one of the remaining players from Manchester United's golden generation that's still active. At 34, Neville says,"I'm enjoying it."Everton captain says he has lots of years left One by one, the careers of Manchester United's golden generation are coming to a close. But Phil Neville, who will captain Everton FC in an exhibition against D.C. United on Saturday, is certain he's not finished. "We're part of a group that are all grouped together, and you think to yourself, who's going to be next?" the 34-year-old defender said upon his arrival for the first time to Washington on Thursday. "I'm the youngest of them all, so hopefully I play for as long as I can. I feel so fit at the moment, and most importantly I'm enjoying it." The famous sextet of Neville, his older brother Gary, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes burst onto the scene together, capturing the FA Youth Cup in 1992. Multiple Premier League titles quickly followed, and they cemented their legacy later with the "treble," winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999. In the dozen years since, the ways of top-flight soccer sent them in different directions, with the miles and minutes eventually taking their toll. Although David Beckham is still with Los Angeles, and the 37-year-old Giggs, who comes to Washington with Manchester United next week, is an ageless wonder. Butt retired at the end of the 2009-10 season, and Gary Neville called it quits in February. Paul Scholes announced his retirement in May, and Phil was invited to play in his tribute match on Aug. 5 but can't because he has a match. "Scholes is one of my best friends in football," Neville said. "He's the godfather to my children. Obviously, I wanted to play, but Everton comes first." Neville knows that his seventh season with the Toffees since leaving Manchester United is an important one. Unusual results in the Carling Cup and FA Cup denied Everton a place in European competitions despite a seventh-place finish in the Premier League. "It's all relative," Neville said. "For Man United, it's trophies. For Everton, it's top five, top six. ... Last year we finished seventh, so for me, that is success, too." Neville has taken a similarly positive approach with the extraordinary heat in Washington, saying it's to be expected in preseason and that it makes things easier when the players return to England. It's all part of his affinity for the United States. "I just think that the way they do things, I love the attention to deal with facilities and everything," Neville said. "It's something that when my career's finished or just at the end, I could see myself coming out here and enjoying my time."
ARSENE WENGER'S PHIL JAGIELKA BID LAUGHED OFF BY EVERTON
Daily Star
22nd July 2011 By Chris Brereton
EVERTON have laughed off Arsenal’s bid to land Phil Jagielka on the cheap. Arsene Wenger made a £10m offer for the England centre back yesterday, £2m less than his previous attempt. But the new bid was quickly dismissed and the Gunners were told their offer was nowhere near enough.
Arsenal boss Wenger has made Jagielka his No.1 defensive target. Wenger was hoping to take advantage of Everton’s financial situation to bag Jagielka. He knows the Toffees are skint and need to sell before manager David Moyes can strengthen his squad. But Everton are desperate to hang on to Jagielka, who was one of their stand-out performers last season. Wenger needs to increase his offer considerably – with Everton understood to want more than £18m. If Everton refuse to sell Wenger will turn his attention back to Bolton’s Gary Cahill. Meanwhile, Arsenal target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been fined two weeks wages after revealing he wants to quit Southampton.
The 17 year-old starlet confirmed this week that he is desperate to leave St Mary’s to play in the Premier League. But that left Saints chairman Nicola Cortese fuming as the wonderkid broke a club gagging order to speak out. Chamberlain said: “I believe in my own ability and I feel it is time for the next step. The Premier League is where I aspire to play.” The fine is likely to infuriate the winger and push him even closer to the St Mary’s exit. But the Championship new boys were yesterday forced to deny claims that Cortese is standing in the way of the teen’s Premier League dream by refusing to discuss offers for the winger. Instead they have said they are now prepared to sell – but want £12m straight cash. The Gunners had a bid of £5m up front plus £5m add-ons rejected in January. This summer, they have had an increased offer, which they claim was £8m plus £4m add-ons but Southampton say was just £6m plus add-ons, knocked back. But Starsport understands Southampton are bracing themselves for another improved Arsenal offer in the next few days.
Injury rules Everton's Mikel Arteta out of DC United friendly
by Merseyside Sport, Liverpool Echo
Jul 21 2011
MIKEL ARTETA has been ruled him out of tomorrow’s friendly with DC United The Spaniard was on crutches last night as he arrived in Washington, where Everton will complete the second leg of their seven-day US tour. Arteta was substituted at half-time in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Philadelphia Union but it is not known how serious the 29-year-old's injury is at this stage. Blues boss David Moyes – without Louis Saha and Tony Hibbert for the tour – has already seen midfielders Marouane Fellaini and Leon Osman, as well as striker Victor Anichebe, pick up training ground knocks this week.
Fellaini and Anichebe are also likely to miss out tomorrow night, though Osman is expected to make an appearance at the RFK Stadium. Meanwhile, John Heitinga is not expected to miss the start of the season, despite his red card in the defeat to Philadelphia. Heitinga was shown a straight red card after a clash with Philadelphia goalscorer Christian Hernandez during stoppage time in Wednesday's game, but referee Jorge Gonzalez admitted afterwards that he got the decision wrong, and is unlikely to include the incident in his match report. That would leave the 27-year-old Dutchman free to continue his pre-season schedule, and provide Moyes with a much-needed boost in what has been a tough week. One positive to emerge from the tour, however, has been the emergence of young forwards Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios, both of whom featured in the second half on Wednesday, and are expected to figure again at the weekend. Teenage midfielder Ross Barkley could also play, having shaken off an ankle knock which cost him the best part of a weeks' training.
Everton FC chairman Bill Kenwright completes club’s pre-season double with honorary University of Liverpool degree
Ben Turner
Jul 21 2011
Bill Kenwright has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Liverpool EVERTON FC chairman Bill Kenwright said he hoped the omens for a fruitful campaign were good after receiving an honorary degree and completing a pre-season double for the club. The “delighted” West End theatre, TV and film producer was given the honour by Liverpool university during a cap-and-gown ceremony at the city’s Philharmonic Hall. The honour came just a week after Blues manager David Moyes was himself saluted by a university, becoming a fellow at neighbouring Liverpool John Moores. Wavertree-born Mr Kenwright said yesterday’s honour was “right at the top” of his glittering career. On completing the double thanks to Moyes’ fellowship, he said: “It is quite extraordinary, isn’t it? I was fortunate enough to receive one from them [JMU] some years ago.
Mr Kenwright, whose production hits include Blood Brothers, said it was extra special to be recognised by a university “which has played a huge part in the city”. He said he hoped the club’s second honour in a week would bode well for the season ahead. He added: “I have every finger crossed and would be so pleased if Everton can lift a bit of silverware.”
Neville not ready to quit
By: Craig Stouffer Washington Examiner.
July 21 2011
At age 34, Everton FC captain Phil Neville is one of the few remaining players from Manchester United’s golden generation who’s still active in the Premier League. Everton captain says he has lots of years left One by one, the careers of Manchester United's golden generation are coming to a close. But Phil Neville, who will captain Everton FC in an exhibition against D.C. United on Saturday, is certain he's not finished. "We're part of a group that are all grouped together, and you think to yourself, who's going to be next?" the 34-year-old defender said upon his arrival for the first time to Washington on Thursday. "I'm the youngest of them all, so hopefully I play for as long as I can. I feel so fit at the moment, and most importantly I'm enjoying it." The famous sextet of Neville, his older brother Gary, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes burst onto the scene together, capturing the FA Youth Cup in 1992. Multiple Premier League titles quickly followed, and they cemented their legacy later with the "treble," winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999. In the dozen years since, the ways of top-flight soccer sent them in different directions, with the miles and minutes eventually taking their toll. Although David Beckham is still with Los Angeles, and the 37-year-old Giggs, who comes to Washington with Manchester United next week, is an ageless wonder. Butt retired at the end of the 2009-10 season, and Gary Neville called it quits in February. Paul Scholes announced his retirement in May, and Phil was invited to play in his tribute match on Aug. 5 but can't because he has a match.
"Scholes is one of my best friends in football," Neville said. "He's the godfather to my children. Obviously, I wanted to play, but Everton comes first." Neville knows that his seventh season with the Toffees since leaving Manchester United is an important one. Unusual results in the Carling Cup and FA Cup denied Everton a place in European competitions despite a seventh-place finish in the Premier League. "It's all relative," Neville said. "For Man United, it's trophies. For Everton, it's top five, top six. ... Last year we finished seventh, so for me, that is success, too." Neville has taken a similarly positive approach with the extraordinary heat in Washington, saying it's to be expected in preseason and that it makes things easier when the players return to England. It's all part of his affinity for the United States. "I just think that the way they do things, I love the attention to deal with facilities and everything," Neville said. "It's something that when my career's finished or just at the end, I could see myself coming out here and enjoying my time."
Mikel Arteta is pleased by lack of transfer talk at Everton
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 22 2011
MIKEL ARTETA is delighted that Everton haven’t been the subject of frenzied transfer speculation this summer – after admitting that last year’s transfer talk unsettled the Blues. Yesterday’s rejected Arsenal bid for Phil Jagielka was the first time the Blues have been mentioned in any kind of transfer talk this summer. And that’s just how Arteta likes it. “What I like about this pre-season is that we are not talking about transfers, about rumours, about this and that,” said the Everton midfielder.
Arteta’s own future was the subject of intense scrutiny last summer and he admitted: “Last year I think, mentally, everyone was waiting for two or three big players to decide their futures. There was talk of some players leaving – myself included – and it affected us. “This year, we are not expecting anything like that. We are expecting to be as we are right now. The club is in a situation at the moment where it hasn’t got the money to go out and buy big players. I think we all accept that.
“So, whilst we would all like to have two or three new key players to make our team better, at the moment we know the situation is difficult and we have to accept the club’s position, because they are doing it to protect the club from (financial) trouble. What we need to do is to try and get the best out of what we do have. “We were at dinner the other night and we were all saying ‘let’s accept that we don’t have the money to spend, so while we are here, we work with what we have got’. We accept it.”
Everton Under-18s overcome Philadelphia Union
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 22 2011
EVERTON’S Under-18s claimed revenge for the seniors’ defeat by Philadelphia Union on Wednesday, with a 2-0 victory over the Americans’ academy team. The game was played in the boiling late afternoon heat and victory came courtesy of two clinical strikes from striker Chris Long. The match was an appetiser for the meeting of the two clubs’ senior sides and Everton took the lead after 13 minutes when Long capitalized on some slack defending to race through and finish powerfully with his left foot. Centre back Ben Heneghan was denied from point blank range following a corner but Everton doubled their lead in the second of three 30 minute periods. Again Long was the scorer, this time picking up the ball in the box from Adam Thomas’ centre and lashing into the roof of the net.
The heat took its toll but Everton were well organised. Keeper James Fitzgibbon had to be alert on a couple of occasions late on before Connor Maloney struck the woodwork for the hosts.
David Moyes disappointed as Everton FC lose to Philadelphia Union
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 22 2011
MOYES was left disappointed by Everton's performance as they slid to defeat in the first match of their US tour in the early hours of Thursday. The Blues succumbed to an 87th minute strike by Philadelphia Union substitute Christian Hernandez, and John Heitinga was sent off in stoppage time after a clash with the scorer to compound matters. “We didn't play well, but there were mitig- ating circumstances I think," said Moyes. “In the last 15-20 minutes, physically we were dead, and we didn't have enough people we could change, and we ran out of energy. "But we have no complaints, I thought Philadelphia deserved it. “The big positive for us was probably young Apostolos Vellios, who came on at half-time. I think he was the main positive element from our point of view.”
PHILADELPHIA UNION: MacMath (Holder 46), Williams (Richter 46), Valdes, Miglioranzi, Torres, G Farfan (Pfeffer 63), Okugo, McInerney (McLaughlin 79), Mwanga, Daniel (Hernandez 70), Mapp (M Farfan 46).
CARDS: Torres (90). GOAL: Hernandez (90)
EVERTON: Mucha, Coleman, Baines, Jagielka, Heitinga, Bilyaletdinov (Barkley 63), Arteta (Rodwell 46), Cahill (McAleny 78), Neville, Gueye (Distin 46), Beckford (Vellios 46). Unused subs: Davies, Dier, Touray, Johns. CARDS: Heitinga (83). RED CARD: Heitinga (90). Att: 18,582
David Prentice: Why Everton and Liverpool fans have always been on top of the News of the World
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 22 2011
advise them the News Of The World was an unsavoury rag. People power more than 50 years ago forced adverts for the ‘Screws’ to be pulled at Goodison Park – as the following passages from Everton’s official minute books revealed.
Monday October 3, 1960, ADVERTISING: An application for permission to advertise over the Loud Speaker system on behalf of a National Newspaper was deferred for further information.”
At the next meeting, on October 24 1960, it was revealed that the national newspaper in question was the publication which proudly proclaimed “All human life is here.”
NEWS OF THE WORLD: It was agreed to make an arrangement on behalf of the News of the World on Nov. 5th and to ask for a fee of £50.00.”
It was 50 quid the Blues never banked.
On November 7, 1960, the minutes recorded: NEWS OF THE WORLD: It was reported that the News Of The World announcement had been cancelled in view of the bad reception it received at Liverpool. It was agreed to refuse any similar enquiries in future.” Reds and Blues fans knew what the Screws was all about, long before Rupert Murdoch got his hands on the paper.
Many thanks to Everton minute-book scrutinising blue, Greg Murphy.
David Prentice on Everton FC striker Yakubu: Forgive the Yak and he will score
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 22 2011
DAVID MOYES will need every ounce of patience, tolerance and forbearance that he can muster during what promises to be a frustrating summer in the transfer market for the Blues. But in light of an apparent recruitment freeze, there’s another quality he could do with rediscovering.
Forgiveness.
It’s a quality which doesn’t come easily to an insanely-driven competitor – as Joseph Yobo, Per Kroldrup and Joleon Lescott will testify. They let the Blues boss down once, and weren’t given a second chance. But Moyes has shown in the past he does have it in him to forgive and forget.
Duncan Ferguson’s Everton career looked all but over when he was banished from the Blues training ground in 2003 for delivering “a few home truths” to the Blues boss. Ferguson later apologised, was welcomed back into the fold and enjoyed another two-and-a-half years at his beloved Blues.
When he finally exited Everton it was in altogether more dignified and emotional circumstances in the summer of 2006. Ferguson proved enormously influential, especially as a big impact super-sub during the fight to finish fourth in the spring of 2005. And it’s a lesson Moyes may learn from this summer, with another striker to have fallen out of favour. Aiyegbeni Yakubu isn’t with the Blues on their tour of the USA, but he could still have a role to play at a club desperately short of experienced striking options. The seeds of Moyes’s frustration with Yakubu were sown during a harrowing home defeat by West Bromwich Albion last November. The Nigerian was hauled off after 54 minutes of a match in which he singularly failed to break into anything more testing than a light jog. Everton lost 4-1 – and the Yak didn’t start a match for the rest of the season. He was handed two brief substitute run-outs, then packed off on loan to Leicester City. But if a three-month exile outside the Premier League has delivered the necessary kick up the backside, Yak still could have plenty to offer Everton. Still only 28, his prowess as a top flight goalscorer is unquestioned. And Moyes isn’t exactly tripping over centre-forwards around Finch Farm. Who knows? To rework that old terrace favourite ever so slightly – Forgive the Yak and he will score!
Everton FC star Mikel Arteta so glad to be off the back pages this summer
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 22 2011
SO often for Mikel Arteta, pre-season has meant one thing and one thing only. Speculation.
The Spanish midfielder’s future has been discussed more than most during his six-year stay on Merseyside. Talk of Premier League vultures, of European giants and of Everton goodbyes have dominated the media. Not this year. Having signed a five-year contract extension at Goodison Park last August, and at 29 well into the peak years of his career, Arteta is glad to see his name kept off the back pages this summer, and happy to concentrate instead on the new campaign, which begins in three weeks’ time. Relaxing on Everton’s pre-season tour of the USA has not been easy for David Moyes’ players. Warmth and sunshine may be vital components for most holidaymakers but, for professional athletes, being forced to train – and train hard – in such conditions is tough. Arteta, however, believes Everton will feel the benefit of their American boot camp, and says it is nice to have a summer free of transfer talk for a change. “To be honest, I wouldn’t criticise any part of our pre-season preparations in recent years,” he says. “Last year we had a really good pre-season in terms of results, but then we had a terrible start, for example. “But what I like about this pre-season is that we are not talking about transfers, about rumours, about this and that. “Last year I think, mentally, everyone was waiting for two or three big players to decide their futures. There was talk of some players leaving – myself included – and it affected us. “This year, we are not expecting anything like that. We are expecting to be as we are right now.” For Everton supporters, Arteta’s words provide confirmation of a long-known truth. David Moyes’ ability to work on a modest budget will again be tested this year, with new arrivals at Goodison likely to be at a minimum, due to the club’s well documented fiscal restraints. Arteta, though, is unfazed by the lack of summer activity. He admits that some new faces would be “nice”, but says Moyes and his players are happy to make do with what they have for the time being. “The club is in a situation at the moment where it hasn’t got the money to go out and buy big players,” adds the Spaniard. “I think we all accept that.
“So, whilst we would all like to have two or three new key players to make our team better, at the moment we know the situation is difficult and we have to accept the club’s position, because they are doing it to protect the club from (financial) trouble. “What we need to do is to try and get the best out of what we do have here. “We all can do better. I can do better, than what we did last season, and we still finished seventh with the same team. “We were at dinner the other night talking about the situation and we were all saying ‘let’s accept that we don’t have the money to spend, so while we are here, we work with what we have got’. We accept it.” Arteta, too, is sympathetic of the challenges faced by Moyes in keeping Everton among English football’s top sides.
With money and success enjoying arguably as close a correlation as ever before, the implications of Everton’s current predicament are clear. “The manager has never put the club in a difficult situation by demanding transfers,” says Arteta. “All he asks is to keep his best players, and then sell some others to buy the ones he wants. I think he has done a terrific job for what he has got. “All the players like him and, more importantly, respect him. We have had ups and downs, but he has always been really consistent in his job, and is always trying to get the best out of every situation.” The former Rangers, Barcelona and Real Sociedad man also believes the Blues have the quality to challenge at the right end of the Premier League table this season. “If you look at us, we have got a good team,” he says. “If we are performing well, we have a very good team. “Maybe we don’t have 18 or 20 top class players, but we have 13 or 14, and some good young lads coming up. And that is the strength of this club. “The group, as we know, is very strong and together. When we are criticised or knocked, like when we missed out on the Europa League or lost to Reading, we always bounce back.” And what of his own form? He admits, with candid honesty, that last season wasn’t his best, but says he is confident of regaining top form. The rigours of this American tour should help – he fully expects to “feel the benefits” when he returns to England – and whilst the mood among Everton supporters is largely one of frustration and fear at the moment, a firing Mikel Arteta could prove, if not the cliched ‘new signing’, certainly a valuable addition to David Moyes’ squad.
More than 40,000 Blues will certainly be hoping so.
Everton FC determined to resist selling Phil Jagielka after Arsenal make second bid for England defender
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 22 2011
EVERTON are determined to resist selling Phil Jagielka after Arsenal made a second bid for the England defender. The Londoners had a £10m offer rejected this week, less than the £12m they bid for 28-year-old Jagielka this time last summer. Arsene Wenger wants to recruit an experienced central defender to plug his leaky defence, and could return with a higher bid if his skipper Cesc Fabregas seals a £35m plus move to Barcelona. But David Moyes is determined not to sell one of his best players, however, and will strongly oppose any sale. The Gunners would have to offer in the region of £20m for a player who has won eight England caps since his £4m move to Goodison Park in 2007, if they are to even give the cash-strapped Blues pause for thought. And Wenger may prefer to turn his attentions to possibly cheaper options such as Bolton’s younger England star Gary Cahill, or Blackburn powerhouse Christopher Samba. Meanwhile, Marouane Fellaini has admitted he may not be back to full fitness until October. The 23-year-old said he is some way short of full match sharpness after undergoing major surgery on his twice-injured ankle in March. It was hoped that surgery would see the Belgian midfielder back to full fitness in time for the start of the new season.
Although Fellaini was able to make his return to action for the Toffees’ in a 4-1 friendly victory over Bury last week, he admits that it may be a while before he is firing on all cylinders again. He said: “It is always tricky to come back from a serious injury. “I have worked hard, but I think I will only be on top form in two to three months’ time. I want to have a great season with Everton, and to play in big matches for them. “I have made enormous progress. I really hope we will make a good start to the season.” Moyes will be hoping Fellaini’s impressive powers of recovery rom injury can continue, with his pre-season midfield options already limited by niggling injuries to Leon Osman and highly-rated starlet Ross Barkley.
Phil Jagielka battle on for Everton FC after £10m Arsenal bid
by David Prentice, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 22 2011
EVERTON are determined to resist selling Phil Jagielka after Arsenal made a second bid for the England defender. The Londoners had a £10m offer rejected this week, less than the £12m they bid for the 28-year-old this time last summer. Arsene Wenger wants to recruit an experienced central defender to plug his leaky defence, and could return with a higher bid if his skipper Cesc Fabregas seals a £35m plus move to Barcelona. But David Moyes is determined not to sell one of his best players, however, and will strongly oppose any sale. The Gunners would have to offer in the region of £20m for a player who has won eight England caps since his £4m move to Goodison Park in 2007, if they are to even give the cash-strapped Blues pause for thought. And Wenger may prefer to turn his attentions to possibly cheaper options such as Bolton’s younger England star Gary Cahill, or Blackburn powerhouse Christopher Samba. Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman admits he has never played in hotter conditions than the 110 degrees he faced in Philadelphia on Wednesday night – but the Everton defender believes he and his team-mates will benefit from the experience. The Toffees went down 1-0 to Philadelphia Union and had defender Johnny Heitinga sent off. But Coleman insisted: “I don’t think I have played in hotter conditions. We have been training for a couple of days in similar weather trying to get ready for it. But it is hard to get used to it. They (Philadelphia) are playing in this all the time, but it was good for the fitness. “We are training hard and that is what pre-season is about, getting the fitness up and I think we are looking alright. “It was disappointing to lose, but pre-season friendlies are about fitness and it was tough conditions out there. “It was really, really hot We were hoping to see it out for a draw in the end but unfortunately they scored right at the end. It’s all about fitness.” Manager David Moyes agreed with the young Irishman’s assessment.
“We didn’t play well, but there were mitigating circumstances I think,” said Moyes. “I thought we did better for 20 minutes or so in the second half, where we improved. We had one or two opportunites but not really enough. “But in the last 15-20 minutes, physically we were dead, and we didn’t have enough people we could change, and we ran out of energy. “But we have no complaints, I thought Philadelphia deserved it. It looked like we might hang on and get a draw out of it, but it wasn’t to be.” Their opponents currently sit top of MLS’ Eastern Conference after 19 games, and Moyes admitted he was impressed by the Union’s quality and desire. “I thought the Union played well,” he added. “They kept the ball well, passed it much better than us, and I thought they were quite impressive. They look as though they are an improving team. “But for us, hopefully playing in these conditions will be good preparation. We don’t expect to get this sort of heat back home any time, so it was a test for our players, a test of their fitness. “The players used up a lot of energy and a lot of fluid, so it was tough. We expected to play better and we hope to play better, but it is good preparation definitely.” Moyes was able to give a 45-minute run-out to midfielder Jack Rodwell, who only returned to training with the first-team this week after a summer with England at the European Under-21 Championships, along with a number of other young players. And the Blues boss says he was impressed with the performance of teenage striker Apostolos Vellios, who replaced Jermaine Beckford at half-time. “We expect a lot of Jack because he is a very talented player,” said Moyes. “I wasn't intending to use him tonight because he is only just back in training. But because we had a couple of injuries I had to. “We lost Victor Anichebe, Marouane Fellaini, Leon Osman, they all picked up knocks through training, and we travelled without Louis Saha and Tony Hibbert. So it meant we were bringing Jack in a little bit sooner than we would have liked. But he got a good 45 minutes in, and it will help his fitness in the long run I'm sure. “But the big positive was probably young Apostolos, who came on at half-time. I think he was the main positive element from our point of view. We ended up with two or three young players on the pitch at the end, and he did well.”
Skipper Phil Neville agreed with his manager's assessment. “Apostolos was outstanding,” said Neville, who played the full 90 minutes. “It is funny because in training this week he has found it tough in the conditions. He was out in Russia and has found the heat tough, but tonight he came on and was a real physical presence. He caused the Union centre-halves a real problem.”
Neville was, however, left bemoaning a familiar failing of this Everton side - a lack of cutting edge in attack. “I think what you saw tonight was that we were ok in possession up until the final third,” he added. “When you are fully fit, your sharpness shows in the final third, and our ball retention in those areas was poor tonight, and the Union found it pretty easy to defend against us. I think the 1-0 scoreline was a fair one. “It was an unbelievable workout for us. The Union play at a high tempo, they are a very fit team, and they have some good players. The exercise for us was to get as much physical preparation from the game, and we did that. We were tested to the full.” Everton travelled to Washington yesterday, ahead of the match at the BFK Stadium tomorrow evening. Moyes confirmed that Fellaini and Anichebe are both likely to miss that game through injury, but says Leon Osman has a “fighting chance” of being fit in time.
Everton FC chairman receives honorary degree
by Ben Turner, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 22 2011
EVERTON FC chairman Bill Kenwright said he hoped the omens for a fruitful campaign were good after receiving an honorary degree and completing a pre-season double for the club. The “delighted” West End theatre, TV and film producer was given the honour by Liverpool university at the city’s Philharmonic Hall. The honour came just a week after Everton Football Club manager David Moyes was himself saluted by a university, becoming a fellow at neighbouring Liverpool John Moores. Wavertree-born Mr Kenwright said yesterday’s honour was “right at the top” of his glittering career. University Vice Chancellor Sir Howard Newby said “extraordinary drive” had helped Mr Kenwright fulfil “the dreams of a Liverpool childhood”. Mr Kenwright, whose production hits include Blood Brothers, said it was extra special to be recognised by a university “which has played a huge part in the city”.
COMEDIENNE Jennifer Saunders donned a cap and gown to receive an honorary doctorate from Edge Hill university for her services to the entertainment industry. Jennifer, well-known for her partnership with Dawn French, starred in Absolutely Fabulous and co-wrote The Life And Times Of Vivienne Vyle with Edge Hill chancellor Tanya Byron.
Tim Howard’s absence takes shine off D.C. United-Everton friendly
July 23 2011 The Washington Post
By Steven Goff,
It seemed like a good idea at the time: a quality club from the esteemed English Premier League, featuring American goalkeeper Tim Howard, paired with D.C. United in a summer friendly in one of MLS’s most sophisticated markets. But with each approaching day, the match between United and Everton on Saturday night at RFK Stadium has lost much of its appeal. Howard, who just returned to the Liverpool-based side from vacation following U.S. national team duty, will not play, Coach David Moyes said Friday. Veteran Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta is out with a foot injury suffered during Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Union. United, coming off a midweek home loss to lowly New England, is playing its third game in eight days. And the record-setting heat threatens to undermine the pace and spirit of the affair. Although Everton’s visit is alluring — 133 years of history, 9 top-tier league titles, 5 FA Cup trophies, seventh place in the 20-team Premier League last season — Howard was the main attraction on the two-game preseason tour. He wasn’t in uniform for the team’s match against Philadelphia, either. “Because of his long commitments to the USA national team during the summer months, we’ve had to make sure he’s had some holiday time with his family,” Moyes said. “He’ll be here to say hello but unfortunately he won’t be playing.” Howard is scheduled to participate in his first preseason workout early Saturday in Washington and accompany the team to the stadium. Because he won’t play, United officials are hoping to arrange some level of interaction with ticket holders. It’s his second trip to Washington in five weeks: Howard started in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal victory over Jamaica at RFK. United Coach Ben Olsen said he understood the reasons behind Howard’s absence. Look, this is how these happen: You have these preseason games [involving European clubs] and everybody has their own agendas on what they need to do,” he said. “Tim has played a lot of soccer and players need rest.”
Upon the completion of Everton’s 2010-11 campaign in May, Howard reported to U.S. camp, played in a friendly against World Cup champion Spain and then started six Gold Cup matches. In promoting the friendly, United featured Howard in newspaper and online ads, with a caveat that player availability was subject to change. “We’ve known for quite some time that [Friday] would be his first day and that it would be the manager’s decision as to playing time,” United spokesman Doug Hicks said. “We found out [Friday] that the manager does not intend to use him. “He won’t be playing, but we’ll do something for him pregame and we intend to make him accessible in some manner to fans. That, too, is subject to the Everton manager’s discretion.” While Howard watches, Moyes will monitor the fitness of players carrying injuries and likely turn to several young options. Olsen plans to utilize much of his roster. Veteran defenders Dejan Jakovic and Marc Burch, who have been sidelined by hamstring injuries, are expected to return to action. “We’ll be smart with their minutes, but they’re trying to come back and get spots,” Olsen said. “It’s a big game for them.”
In Everton’s match Wednesday, Philadelphia’s game-winner in the 87th minute was scored by Christian Hernandez, a 17-year-old academy player. Olsen said he doesn’t expect to turn to the youth program to fill out the roster. “We always take these fairly serious and want to test ourselves against the better teams in Europe,” Olsen said. “Saying that, we realize what these games are for [Everton] — it’s preseason. They want to get fit, they’re not used to playing in 115 degrees; I don’t know if anybody is. So you take these results with a grain of salt.” United has fared well against English clubs since 1997, drawing with Leeds, Blackburn and Nottingham Forest, defeating Newcastle, Tottenham (twice) and Portsmouth, and losing to Chelsea by a goal. “It’s a fun game for us, but we also want to take it seriously,” Jakovic said. “We saw what Manchester United did to Seattle” — a 7-0 rout Wednesday. With the heat index expected to exceed 100 degrees again Saturday, neither team would probably be able to muster the energy for such an outburst. “I don’t think we ran that much [in Friday’s late-morning workout], but it’s just impossible — you can’t breathe,” Everton defender Sylvain Distin said. “It feels like you move and your body follows you after.” United notes: Club officials expect 13,000 to 15,000 spectators. . . . Because of the severe heat, security will allow fans to enter the stadium with two unopened bottles of water (up to 20 ounces apiece).
EVERTON'S MIKEL ARTETA: WE ARE UNITED
23rd July 2011 By Chris Brereton
Daily Star
MIKEL ARTETA is pleased Everton have made no impact in the transfer window this summer.
Boss David Moyes is not expected to bring in any new faces during the close season, much to the frustration of Goodison fans. Moyes has had to operate without a penny to his name for the last three seasons, but Spanish star Arteta reckons that is helping unite the squad. He said: “What I like about this pre- season is that we are not talking about transfers, about rumours, about this and that.
“Last year I think, mentally, everyone was waiting for two or three big players to decide their futures. “There was talk of some players leaving, myself included, and it affected us. This year we are not expecting anything like that. We expect to be as we are right now.” Arteta says there isn’t any dressing-room unrest about the lack of cash for Moyes. He added: “The club is in a situation at the moment where it hasn’t got the money to go out and buy big players. I think we all accept that.
“So while we would all like to have two or three new key players to make our team better, at the moment we know the situation is difficult. “We have to accept the club’s position. They are doing it to protect the club from trouble. What we need to do is to try and get the best out of what we have.”
Tim Howard won't play for Everton vs. D.C. United
By: Craig Stouffer
July 23 2011 Washington Examiner
U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard was focal point of D.C. United’s marketing efforts surrounding Saturday’s exhibition match against Everton, but he won’t be playing, Toffees manager David Moyes confirmed this morning at RFK Stadium. “He won’t play tomorrow because of his long commitments to the U.S.A. national team during the summer months,” Moyes said. “We’ve had to make sure he had some holiday time away with his family. But he will join the team today, and he’ll be at the game tomorrow, and he’ll have his first training session tomorrow.” Everton is dealing with a few injuries and will also be without notable contributors Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini while Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe are doubtful. D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen, meanwhile, expects to have nearly two full sides’ worth of players available, including Under-23 player/first-team practice squad member/trialist(?) Seth C’deBaca from Georgetown, who will be on the bench. “We have plenty of guys,” Olsen said. “We have a week before the next game. If this fell in a week where we had a weeknight game, I’d be concerned. I’d be scrambling a little bit. But we have a week, and 45-60 minutes, a lot of these guys need, and it’s obviously against a high-caliber team that we want to show well against.” Also among those available to Olsen will be defender Dejan Jakovic, who said he’ll play at least 45 minutes, which will be his first action since getting injured with Canada prior to the Gold Cup back in May. “We saw what Man U. did to Seattle,” said Jakovic, referencing the Sounders’ 7-0 loss in a friendly on Wednesday. “It didn’t look fun so we want to avoid that.”
Moyes praised the growth of soccer in the U.S. but generalized a bit with this statement: “It’s a little bit razzmatazz for my liking too much. You have a little bit of cheerleaders and all that. It’s not like in Europe. The football people earn their money and go to see the football. That’s what they do. It’s not eat popcorn and have a Coca-Cola. They’re there to watch the football, and they have a passion about it.” That probably wasn’t what Olsen asked Moyes about when the two had a brief chat on the RFK Stadium pitch, a young coach looking for pointers from one who has gained a reputation for getting results in the Premier League without spending boatloads of cash on expensive signings. “[Moyes said,] basically, this is a grind,” Olsen said. “The gig is a very tough gig. You have to be committed, and completely ingrained in your team, and there’s always something. There’s always something popping up. It was a little bit of a pep talk from him, and I do appreciate it because I’m always looking to sponge off the guys who’ve been doing this for a long time.” Moyes joined Tim Cahill and Phil Neville in sounding upbeat about the excruciating heat in Washington, but not defender Sylvain Distin. “Just the warmup was really difficult,” Distin said. “The session was really hard. I don’t think we run that much, but it’s just impossible, You can’t breathe. You feel like you’ve got no acceleration in your legs. If feel like you move and your body follow you after. It’s mad.”
Everton FC kit supplier Kit Bag scoop top local marketing award
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 23 2011
IT WAS as elegant as it was simple, and now the brains behind Everton’s home kit from last season have won an award.Official retail partner Kitbag bagged the 2011 City of Liverpool Business Award, for the marketing campaign ‘Revolution, Evolution, Devolution’ ahead of the 2010/11 strip launch.The ‘Evolution’ theme of last season's kit was a huge hit with Everton fans as it has retained the traditional royal blue elements loved by supporters.Kitbag saw off fierce competition from Aintree Grand National weekend, the Liverpool Embassy website, and the Liverpool Marathon to claim the prize.
Former Everton FC hero Lee Carsley bags new role
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 23 2011
REGULAR readers will know Lee Carsley will always have a special place in the memories of Royal Blue for his cult hero status and ‘that’ derby goal.So it’s great to see the Ireland international is back in the game shortly after being released by Coventry City earlier this year.Coventry have appointed Carsley as their new U18s coach, to work as an assistant to academy director and U18s boss Gregor Rioch and takes up his appointment on Monday.Rioch said: “We are absolutely delighted to have Lee on board. His pedigree as a player is beyond question and while good players don’t necessarily make good coaches, Lee has all of the attributes required to be just that.“He’s been preparing for this moment to come back as a coach at some capacity to a football club and this opportunity was too good to turn down for us and it’s worked well for both Lee and ourselves.“He’s played at the highest level, playing in a World Cup and being a regular international.“He has that credential and that breeds respect from the young players we have here and our apprentices can relate to Lee in where they want to be in their own careers.”Everyone connected to Everton will wish him luck in his new role.
Why Everton FC’s Phil Jagielka is unlikely to end up a Gunner
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 23 2011
IT MAY have taken longer than expected but one of Sky’s so-called big four have eventually made a play for one of Everton’s key men.All summer Evertonians have scanned the newspapers and gossip websites in trepidation at the thought of someone making an offer their club can’t refuse for Marouane Fellaini, Leighton Baines or Jack Rodwell.Such is the financial landscape at Goodison these days, that supporters are aware certain offers could give their manager or board pause for thought at least, despite their bullish stance on nobody being for sale apart from Yakubu and Joseph Yobo.Yet, the first name to be bandied about as an outgoing hero is likely to be an unexpected and unpleasant shock for Blues.Arsenal were sent packing last summer when they bid £12m for Everton’s skipper-in-waiting Phil Jagielka, and despite their constant search for a decent English central defender, few expected them to come calling again.With Bolton’s Gary Cahill looking likely to leave, it was expected Wenger would look to a man three years younger than Jagielka who is sharing his rising curve when it comes to international prominence.But clearly the performances of Everton’s bargain £4m signing from Sheffield United in 2007 have registered on Wenger as much as the Goodison faithful.At times last season David Moyes, never one prone to displays of sentimentality, would almost get dewy-eyed when asked outside the Goodison press room about Jags’ performances.As a fellow centre-half, Moyes would wax lyrical about the ‘recovery’ excellence of the 28-year-old, how well he reads the game, and his nascent leadership qualities which led the Blues boss to compare him to Jamie Carragher.The Carragher comparison is praise indeed, and not inaccurate when you consider both men's defensive bravery and willingness to put their bodies on the line.It’s why there will be more than a slight ripple of alarm at Arsenal’s renewed interest, even if the Gunners have followed West Ham’s odd bartering technique of following up their initial offer with one which is lower. It was puzzlement and mild irritation that greeted the Hammers in January when they followed their refused £6m bid for the Nigerian striker with an offer of £4m.Now Wenger has contacted Everton with a deal in the region of £10-£11m – less than last July’s £12m.Of course it’s likely to merely represent an opening stab at landing his man, but it will not even cause Moyes and co to blink.Jagielka is as un-saleable a player as there is at Goodison presently, and while Everton are unlikely to buy in this summer’s market, they are unlikely to sell either; unless it is on their terms.The ever reliable Opta Sports tweeted a stat this week to underline Jags’ importance. Since August 2007, Everton have kept a clean sheet in 37% of Premier League games Jagielka has started compared to 26% when he hasn’t.Some have suggested Jagielka’s ‘price’ could be £20m, and hopefully that will be enough to make Arsenal – even if they are due to be £35m richer if the protracted Cesc Fabregas sale goes through – baulk.Jags is 29 next month, and while he may now be a regular England international, it represents a lot of money for a player in the upper age bracket nevertheless. Only if Arsenal were willing to push beyond that fee, should Evertonians begin to genuinely worry.And everything about their transfer market pedigree suggests they won’t. While Joleon Lescott eventually helped force through his own silly-money move to Manchester City, Jags is far less likely to agitate for a sojourn in the capital.The lure of Champions League football at the majestic Emirates stadium may be considerable, but the down-to-earth Sale lad has few other reasons for itchy feet.He has a manager who appreciates him, an England career that is thriving, and a team full of not just colleagues but friends.
Apostolos Vellios is making a big impression at Everton FC
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 23 2011
IT has not been easy to spot the strikers on this Everton tour – even if they are wrapped in cotton wool.With Louis Saha at home recuperating from an ankle injury, Victor Anichebe struggling for fitness after picking up a knock during training in Philadelphia on Tuesday, and Yakubu left behind as he edges ever nearer to the Goodison Park exit door, David Moyes has found his attacking options – as ever, it seems – limited.Little wonder, then, that Jermaine Beckford – ostensibly the Blues’ only fit senior striker at the moment – has been used sparingly so far.Behind Beckford, however, and chomping at the bit, there is a new crop of young forwards itching for their chance. Apostolos Vellios is one such talent.The 19-year-old Greek has already enjoyed a busy summer, having been part of the Blues’ academy side which travelled to Moscow for a two-game tour earlier this month.Now he is with the first-team, and looking to make an impression at senior level.“It has been a hard few weeks,” says Vellios, who joined the club from hometown club Iraklis Thessaloniki, where he had been on the books since the age of five. “I had never been to Russia or America before these last few weeks, and now I have seen both!“Russia was good. We played two games, and it was really hard work. The conditions were difficult, the weather was really warm.“Here in America, everything is perfect. Everything is geared to help us, to make us fitter and stronger, and to push us. It has been very good.”So too, has Vellios.Having shown plenty of promise in Moscow, where he combined well with fellow young hopeful Conor McAleny, he was introduced at half-time by Moyes in the first-team’s 1-0 defeat to MLS high-fliers Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night.Afterwards both Moyes and captain Phil Neville praised the 6ft 3in striker’s performance, ear- marking him as one for the future.Vellios himself, however, is just happy to be part of the first team picture at Goodison Park, alongside the Blues’ star names.“I remember these players from when I was younger,” he laughs. “The likes of Phil, Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta ... I would collect sticker albums with them in! So it is a dream for me to be here.“The first team players help me so much. They give me strength and confidence, and the belief that one day I can be one of them.“I thought the stadium in Philadelphia was very good, there was a great atmosphere throughout the match, and it was a good game to play in.“The people, the fans, were fantastic, and it was great to see that these people came to watch us. We have to give many thanks to them.“Forty-five minutes is the most I have had for the first-team since I have been here. I was probably, along with all the other players, a little tired afterwards!
“But I am not worried because we are training hard for a reason. We train hard because it benefits us when we come to play matches, and because it will help us to be ready at the start of the season next month.”Ready, perhaps, for first-team football? Everton’s parlous financial situation is well documented, with no new faces expected at Goodison this summer.For the likes of Vellios, as well as McAleny and the impressive U17 starlet Chris Long, the path to the Premier League could be a lot smoother at Everton than at many other top-level clubs.“I have been here six months now, and I am very happy with how everything is going,” he adds. “I was alone and it was hard at first. The first two or three weeks were difficult, but after that it was no problem.“From the first time I came here, the lads have helped me. They helped me with the language and helped me to settle in. I owe them.” But was it hard abandoning the club he had spent his whole life with – the club his father, Kostas, had also played for?“I am young and this was a great chance for me,” he insists. “Back in Greece I knew all the big European leagues, and I always liked the Premier League the most. England, for me, is the number one football country.“The conditions at Everton are very good. Everything you want is here.”And having made his senior debut under Moyes back in April, as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, the signs of improvement are clear.His physical presence is obvious, even when seated for an interview, but his touch and composure also stand out.“My focus is to improve, nothing else,” he says. “I want to be better in myself, and be as good a player as I can.“I know I can improve; my heading, my shooting, my dribbling, everything!“But my aim is to keep training hard, and I believe that if I do that then I can have a successful future.”Everton fans will be hoping the young hotshot is true to his word. If he is, he could save the club a fortune in the transfer market.
Tim Cahil happy to focus on Everton FC instead of Australia
Liverpool Echo
Jul 23 2011
TIM CAHILL admits he has enjoyed a summer without international football and believes he can help Everton get off to a good start to the Premier League season.The Australian midfielder missed large parts of last season with a foot problem, but began pre-season training with the rest of David Moyes’ squad, and has been working hard on the club’s pre-season tour of the USA this week.And having spent his last six summers representing his country in World Cups, qualifiers and various other international commitments, the 31-year-old revealed he has enjoyed having a bit of time to himself this year, and says he has enjoyed his time Stateside.“It has been fantastic to not have to play international games this summer,” said Cahill. “Just to get a bit of rest is nice. It is probably the first summer I have had off in seven years, so I have enjoyed it.“To come to America and get fit for the season is just an added bonus. Being here in Washington is the highlight of the trip for most of the boys. There are so many special places. The White House is here and so many other historical buildings and monuments. For me, I am 31 years old, so I appreciate the other side of travelling to places, and the culture and history.”Cahill played 78 minutes as Everton slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Philadelphia Union on Wednesday evening, and is set to start again against DC United this evening, as the Blues look to finish their tour on a high note in the 45,000+ RFK Stadium.And with the Premier League’s opening fixture, a trip to Tottenham Hotspur, just three weeks’ away, he admits a good start to the season - something which has evaded Moyes’ side in recent years – is vital, though he stopped short of setting specific targets for the new campaign.“I never set targets over where we want to finish,” he admitted. “The main thing for us is to be as fit as possible for the game against Spurs on the opening day. They have a great squad and some great players, and the aim for us is to try and start off well.“Certainly we want to start better than last year, when we didn’t do so well.“But if we can get off to a good start, and maintain some consistency thereafter, then that is the recipe for a decent season.” Cahill and his team-mates trained in intense heat yesterday at the RFK Stadium, with temperatures reaching as high as 115 degrees in the American capital. The players were watched by a number of supporters, both local and from back home, as they were put through their paces by Moyes and his coaching staff.DC United are MLS’ most successful team, with 4 MLS Cups to their name since 1996. Cahill, meanwhile, believes football in America is beginning to take off, and says the MLS is a league that is attractive to Premier League players coming to the end of their careers.“I love the MLS,” he added. “I think it is a fantastic product of football, and it has got a lot of young children – girls and boys – playing, which is great.“For the country, it is a breath of fresh air. I was watching the Women’s World Cup (where the USA lost to Japan in the final) the other day, and it was massive for the country, everyone was talking about it.“But the main thing about the MLS is that everyone goes on holiday to America, everyone comes to the country and knows the country, and there is somewhere for everyone to play.”Meanwhile, former Blues stalwart Kevin Ratcliffe has urged David Moyes not to sell defender Phil Jagielka cheaply.Arsenal has a formal offer of £10million for the 28-year-old defender rejected this wee, and Ratcliffe said: “What would £10million get Everton if they get that money to spend? “If you are going to let them go, then they have to be at the right price.”
Anxious wait on Mikel Arteta fitness for Everton FC
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 23 2011
EVERTON will face an anxious wait over the fitness of playmaker Mikel Arteta when they return to England next week.Blues boss David Moyes confirmed that the Spaniard will miss tonight’s friendly with DC United in Washington due to a foot injury, but revealed that the severity of the problem will only be fully known upon the player’s return to Merseyside.With the Premier League season due to start in three weeks’ time, worries over Arteta’s availability are the last thing Moyes needs. The 29-year-old midfielder looked sharp during the first half of Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat to Philadelphia Union, but failed to appear for the second period, and arrived at the team’s hotel in Washington on Thursday using crutches.Marouane Fellaini will also miss the game in the American capital this evening after sustaining a knock in training earlier in the week, but Victor Anichebe and Leon Osman could return, after coming through a training session unscathed on Friday.“Mikel has quite a bad injury, and he is out definitely,” said Moyes. “Marouane, too, is not available. We are waiting to see how Victor and Leon Osman are, but a decision on them may have to be made tomorrow.“We don’t know how serious Mikel’s injury is just yet. We have had a couple of scans, and we have had an x-ray too, but we think we will need to wait until we get back to England before we can really diagnose it correctly.”Moyes also revealed that goalkeeper Tim Howard will not feature against Ben Olsen’s side, with the American only due back in training today following a summer spent representing his national team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.“Tim won’t play tomorrow,” added Moyes. “Because of his long commitments to the US national team in the summer months we have had to make sure he has had some holiday time with his family. “He will join up with the team today (Friday), however, and he will be at the game on Saturday night. He will have his first training session on Saturday, which was his ‘start-back’ date. He will be around to say hello, but he won’t be playing.” With numbers thin on the ground for the Blues, Moyes is once more set to dip into his youth ranks. Midfielder Ross Barkley came through his first competitive action since sustaining a double leg break, playing 27 minutes against Philadelphia, whilst young strikers Apostolos Vellios and Conor McAleny also featured, having spent the first part of their summer with the club’s youth team in Moscow. Both have impressed the manager in training this week.Moyes added: “The young lads have a chance of being involved again, because we don’t have a lot of players, and we have a few injuries. I have no doubt those boys will be playing some part in the game.“We saw in the Philadelphia game what they can do, and it is great experience for them. We brought Tolos and Conor straight from Moscow, they flew straight here all the way from Russia! So we are asking a lot of them, but we need to do that because we are short of numbers.”Defeat to Philadelphia, courtesy of a late winner from Union forward Christian Hernandez, left Moyes disappointed.But he said: “We are building up, trying to improve fitness. We will feel the benefit in a couple of weeks’ time.”
Everton want £20m for Jack Rodwell to finance move for Wigan star Charles N’Zogbia
July 23, 2011 The Metro
Everton are ready to sell Jack Rodwell for £20 million in order to fund a move for Wigan Athletic's unsettled midfielder Charles N'Zogbia. Jack RodwellCharles N'ZogbiaDavid MoyesFrance.Rodwell as one of the hottest prospects in English football a year ago and there was talk of Manchester United making an offer. Jack Rodwell's Everton future is in doubt (PA) The 20-year-old endured a disappointing 2010-11 campaign and Toffees boss David Moyes no longer sees him as an important part of his team. Everton are apparently now willing to listen to offers for Rodwell - who was linked with Spurs last month - if selling the midfielder would help the club to finance their own transfer activity. Moyes is keen to land France winger N'Zogbia, who has been given a £10 million price tag by Wigan. That valuation has deterred his former club Newcastle United and their north-east rivals Sunderland, but new Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is interested. Villa have had a £9 million offer rejected, but have indicated they are not willing to make an improved bid. Everton are not currently in a financial position to compete for N'Zogbia's signature, but Moyes and the board would be tempted to match Wigan's asking price if they can raise funds by selling Rodwell.
Everton beats DC United 3-1 in friendly match
The Denver Post
July 24m 2011
WASHINGTON—Victor Anichebe and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scored first-half goals and English Premier League team Everton beat D.C. United 3-1 Saturday night. agaye Gueye added a goal in the 81st minute to cancel out Chris Pontius' strike for D.C. just after halftime. Despite a game-time temperature of 99 degrees, the British side started quickly in the finale of its a two-match American preseason tour. Anichebe beat Brandon McDonald to Leighton Baines' throughball and scored in the 4th minute. Bilyaletdinov doubled the lead after reaching Ross Barkley's diagonal pass.
Dwayne De Rosario 's long ball found Pontius alone on goal in the 47th minute. But Gueye slotted in Jermaine Beckford 's cross to send United to its second defeat in an international friendly this season. Coach David Moyes continued to rest Everton and United States goalkeeper Tim Howard Saturday after Howard spent June helping the U.S. team reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
Howard is still expected to be Everton's starter by August 13, when it opens its season at Tottenham Hotspur .
United vs. Everton: D.C. can’t recover from dismal opening 20 minutes in loss
By Steven Goff, Sunday, July 24,
Washington Post
For the first 20 minutes of Saturday night’s friendly, D.C. United played like a team in awe of its revered opponent. Coach Ben Olsen accurately described it as “men versus boys.” .His boys grew up in the second half, but the two-goal deficit to English Premier League club Everton proved too much and United settled for a 3-1 loss in front of 12,789 observers at steamy RFK Stadium.
“You don’t just walk onto a field, any field, and play 60-70 percent,” Olsen said. “We’ve got some guys at times that don’t get it, don’t get what this means.” United fell behind by a goal in the fourth minute and by two in the 16th. Chris Pontius scored in the opening moments of an encouraging second half before Everton secured the outcome with an 82nd-minute goal. “We can’t put ourselves behind 2-0 to a good team,” Pontius said. “We can’t do that in MLS, we can’t do that against an EPL team. You’re chasing the game the whole time.” Consequently, United fell to 2-6-6 in all competitions at home and 0-4-4 in the past eight dates at RFK. “I know it’s been a long week [three games in eight days] and maybe I am making a little too much of this because it is a friendly,” Olsen said, “but it wasn’t good enough for me.” The nonessential nature of the match allowed Olsen the flexibility of reintroducing Dejan Jakovic and Marc Burch to the back line after long layoffs from hamstring injuries. He also started five reserves. Therein lies the dilemma in these midseason friendlies against superior opponents: Play the regulars for competitive purposes and risk fatigue and injury. Play the reserves and risk a lopsided outcome. Saving their starters for league play, the Seattle Sounders learned that lesson Wednesday when they were gutted by Manchester United, 7-0.
Everton, which used a mix of reserves and regulars as part of this preseason tour, can’t match Manchester United’s firepower, but at the start, the Toffees made D.C. United look bad.
In the fourth minute, center back Brandon McDonald was slow to react to Leighton Baines’s through ball, allowing Victor Anichebe a free pass. Goalkeeper Bill Hamid reduced the angle, but Anichebe calmly chipped the ball over him. “With these conditions, it was hard,” Everton defender Phil Jagielka said. But “when you score so early on, it breeds confidence.” After Josh Wolff snapped an equalizing bid wide from 12 yards, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s run infiltrated the heart of United’s defense. The Russian collected Ross Barkley’s through ball in stride and beat Hamid with a low finish.
Andy Najar was one of the few D.C. players in quality form, testing Jan Mucha from 23 yards and then delicately chipping an angled bid off the crossbar. Late in the half, the slight Najar made the mistake of messing with the hulky Anichebe, who bumped him out of bounds like a rag doll.
Pontius, who had entered late in the first half, cut the deficit less than two minutes after the break. He timed his run perfectly to gather Dwayne De Rosario’s pass over the top and struck a bouncing ball past Mucha. Guided by Pontius, United had the better of possession much of the half and created quality opportunities. After three Everton chances narrowly missed, Pontius made an ambitious run and smacked a left-side shot off the near post. Everton sealed it in the 82nd minute when Magaye Gueye volleyed in Jermaine Beckford’s cross from an acute angle. “The second half the guys showed up,” Olsen said, “and I was proud of that.” United notes: Leading scorer Charlie Davies wasn’t in uniform because of a sore knee. Wolff left in the 36th minute with a hamstring injury. . . . U.S. national team veteran Tim Howard, Everton’s top goalkeeper, returned from vacation late in the week and was not in uniform. . . . United (5-6-8) will resume league play away next Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes. . . . United owner Will Chang attended the match. He will visit the White House on Monday with the World Series champion San Francisco Giants, for whom he is a principal partner.
Early goals make it easy for Everton against D.C. United
By: Craig Stouffer
Washington Examiner
July 24 2011
Everton 3, D.C. United 1
Those who braved the 99-degree game-time temperature at RFK Stadium on Saturday to see U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard would’ve been disappointed – unless they found their way to where he was next to the stands signing autographs before his English Premier League club team, Everton FC, took on D.C. United. That was the closest he would get to the field. And once the international friendly got underway, it was United’s defense that was star struck, mistaking the exhibition as a game to be taken lightly, allowing Everton to waltz to an early two-goal lead en route to an easy 3-1 victory in front of 12,789 that felt much too much like a United regular season contest. “You just can’t do that,” said Chris Pontius, who scored D.C.’s lone goal. “We’ve done it a couple times now. You shoot yourself in the foot. You can’t chase a game like that, especially in this heat. You’re pressuring, and they’re able to keep the ball more, and it’s no fun.” The Toffees, who’d been stunned in 1 -0 friendly loss at Philadelphia three days before, let United have the ball for the game’s first three minutes. In the fourth, defender Leighton Baines threaded a pass to Victor Anichebe, who blew past Brandon McDonald and then chipped United goalkeeper Bill Hamid from a narrow angle. Twelve minutes later and nifty sequence of passes left United defenders wondering what had happened to them as 17-year-old Ross Barkley found a wide-open Diniyar Bilyaletdinov streaking into the box and finishing between Hamid’s legs. “They came with the right mentality from the start,” United head coach Ben Olsen said. “It was men versus boys there for about 20 minutes and then our egos kicked in and we started playing a little bit tougher." Despite the heat, the match offered plenty of lively, attacking soccer. Andy Najar came closest to getting the home side back into the match with a screaming free kick that forced a quick save from Howard’s backup, Jan Mucha, in the 27th minute. Moments later, Najar sent and audacious chip over Mucha’s head from the left side that rebounded back into play off the crossbar. After Josh Wolff re-aggravated a nagging hamstring injury in the first half, ensuring United didn’t escape from the evening unscathed, he was replaced by Pontius, whose performance at forward – he’s played wide midfield all season – was the best of the night for D.C. Two minutes after the second half commenced, Dwayne De Rosario released Pontius down the left side. Using one touch to turn inside, Pontius raced between two defenders and cut the deficit to 2-1. United outshot the English visitors, 9-4, as the game saw both ends in the second half, but Magaye Gueye’s back post finish off a Jermaine Beckford cross put the game out of reach in the 82nd minute. “The second half, the D.C. boys may have gotten a bit of a telling off and came out a lot more aggressive,” Everton defender Phil Jagielka said. “But I think we approached the game slightly differently. We put the ball in their half a lot more and played in their half rather than maybe a little bit more of a keep ball session in Philly because it was so hot. We were a bit more aggressive, and it worked for us.”
ARSENE WENGER UPS PHIL JAGIELKA BID
Sunday July 24,2011
By John Richardson Sunday Express
ARSENAL will this week increase their £12million bid for Everton’s England defender Phil Jagielka as under-fire boss Arsene Wenger looks to reinforce his back four. Wenger’s critics have urged the Frenchman to install a proven Premier League character in the mould of Tony Adams to help bring greater stability to a suspect defence. Jagielka, who has become a regular in Fabio Capello’s England squad, is Wenger’s first choice ahead of Blackburn’s Chris Samba and Bolton’s Gary Cahill. The opening offer of £12m – the same as Wenger made 12 months ago – was rejected. But the Gunners will be back once Everton boss David Moyes is back behind his training ground desk on Tuesday, following the club’s pre-season trip to the USA. Moyes – who must sell before he can buy – will allow the 28-year-old to leave if Arsenal offer around £17m.
ARSENE WENGER TOLD: £17M FOR EVERTON'S PHIL JAGIELKA
Sunday Star
24th July 2011 By Steve Millar
ARSENAL can win the fight to capture Everton’s England defender Phil Jagielka – if the price is right.
The Gunners officially tabled a £10million bid in midweek which was immediately rejected by the Goodison top brass. Everton boss David Moyes values Jagielka nearer the £20m mark and believes Liverpool’s signing of Jordan Henderson for that figure set the benchmark for summer deals. Moyes will settle back behind his desk on Tuesday after Everton’s USA tour and expects Arsenal to hit him with an improved offer. He is in no hurry to sell an established defender who has won eight England caps since his £4m move to Goodison from Sheffield United in 2007. But Moyes is only too aware that if he is to compete in the transfer market he has got to raise cash from selling his own players. The Everton coffers are empty which is why Moyes will reluctantly accept around £17m for Jagielka, 28, if Arsenal come back. Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright will also listen to offers for Jack Rodwell, 20, and again will sell at the right price. Rodwell’s valuation rocketed to near the £30m mark at the end of the season but now Everton will agree to around half that fee – with Manchester United and City interested.
Early goals make it easy for Everton against D.C. United
By: Craig Stouffer | Examiner Staff Writer
Everton 3, D.C. United 1 (Washington Examiner) 24/07/11
Those who braved the 99-degree game-time temperature at RFK Stadium on Saturday to see U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard would’ve been disappointed – unless they found their way to where he was next to the stands signing autographs before his English Premier League club team, Everton FC, took on D.C. United. That was the closest he would get to the field.And once the international friendly got underway, it was United’s defense that was star struck, mistaking the exhibition as a game to be taken lightly, allowing Everton to waltz to an early two-goal lead en route to an easy 3-1 victory in front of 12,789 that felt much too much like a United regular season contest.“You just can’t do that,” said Chris Pontius, who scored D.C.’s lone goal. “We’ve done it a couple times now. You shoot yourself in the foot. You can’t chase a game like that, especially in this heat. You’re pressuring, and they’re able to keep the ball more, and it’s no fun.”The Toffees, who’d been stunned in 1 -0 friendly loss at Philadelphia three days before, let United have the ball for the game’s first three minutes. In the fourth, defender Leighton Baines threaded a pass to Victor Anichebe, who blew past Brandon McDonald and then chipped United goalkeeper Bill Hamid from a narrow angle.Twelve minutes later and nifty sequence of passes left United defenders wondering what had happened to them as 17-year-old Ross Barkley found a wide-open Diniyar Bilyaletdinov streaking into the box and finishing between Hamid’s legs.“They came with the right mentality from the start,” United head coach Ben Olsen said. “It was men versus boys there for about 20 minutes and then our egos kicked in and we started playing a little bit tougher."Despite the heat, the match offered plenty of lively, attacking soccer. Andy Najar came closest to getting the home side back into the match with a screaming free kick that forced a quick save from Howard’s backup, Jan Mucha, in the 27th minute.Moments later, Najar sent and audacious chip over Mucha’s head from the left side that rebounded back into play off the crossbar.After Josh Wolff re-aggravated a nagging hamstring injury in the first half, ensuring United didn’t escape from the evening unscathed, he was replaced by Pontius, whose performance at forward – he’s played wide midfield all season – was the best of the night for D.C.Two minutes after the second half commenced, Dwayne De Rosario released Pontius down the left side. Using one touch to turn inside, Pontius raced between two defenders and cut the deficit to 2-1.United outshot the English visitors, 9-4, as the game saw both ends in the second half, but Magaye Gueye’s back post finish off a Jermaine Beckford cross put the game out of reach in the 82nd minute.“The second half, the D.C. boys may have gotten a bit of a telling off and came out a lot more aggressive,” Everton defender Phil Jagielka said. “But I think we approached the game slightly differently. We put the ball in their half a lot more and played in their half rather than maybe a little bit more of a keep ball session in Philly because it was so hot. We were a bit more aggressive, and it worked for us.”
United vs. Everton: D.C. can’t recover from dismal opening 20 minutes in loss
John McDonnell/The Washington Post
By Steven Goff, Sunday, July 24
For the first 20 minutes of Saturday night’s friendly, D.C. United played like a team in awe of its revered opponent. Coach Ben Olsen accurately described it as “men versus boys.”
His boys grew up in the second half, but the two-goal deficit to English Premier League club Everton proved too much and United settled for a 3-1 loss in front of 12,789 observers at steamy RFK Stadium.“You don’t just walk onto a field, any field, and play 60-70 percent,” Olsen said. “We’ve got some guys at times that don’t get it, don’t get what this means.”United fell behind by a goal in the fourth minute and by two in the 16th. Chris Pontius scored in the opening moments of an encouraging second half before Everton secured the outcome with an 82nd-minute goal.“We can’t put ourselves behind 2-0 to a good team,” Pontius said. “We can’t do that in MLS, we can’t do that against an EPL team. You’re chasing the game the whole time.”Consequently, United fell to 2-6-6 in all competitions at home and 0-4-4 in the past eight dates at RFK.“I know it’s been a long week [three games in eight days] and maybe I am making a little too much of this because it is a friendly,” Olsen said, “but it wasn’t good enough for me.”The nonessential nature of the match allowed Olsen the flexibility of reintroducing Dejan Jakovic and Marc Burch to the back line after long layoffs from hamstring injuries. He also started five reserves.Therein lies the dilemma in these midseason friendlies against superior opponents: Play the regulars for competitive purposes and risk fatigue and injury. Play the reserves and risk a lopsided outcome. Saving their starters for league play, the Seattle Sounders learned that lesson Wednesday when they were gutted by Manchester United, 7-0.Everton, which used a mix of reserves and regulars as part of this preseason tour, can’t match Manchester United’s firepower, but at the start, the Toffees made D.C. United look bad.In the fourth minute, center back Brandon McDonald was slow to react to Leighton Baines’s through ball, allowing Victor Anichebe a free pass. Goalkeeper Bill Hamid reduced the angle, but Anichebe calmly chipped the ball over him.“With these conditions, it was hard,” Everton defender Phil Jagielka said. But “when you score so early on, it breeds confidence.”After Josh Wolff snapped an equalizing bid wide from 12 yards, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s run infiltrated the heart of United’s defense. The Russian collected Ross Barkley’s through ball in stride and beat Hamid with a low finish.Andy Najar was one of the few D.C. players in quality form, testing Jan Mucha from 23 yards and then delicately chipping an angled bid off the crossbar. Late in the half, the slight Najar made the mistake of messing with the hulky Anichebe, who bumped him out of bounds like a rag doll.Pontius, who had entered late in the first half, cut the deficit less than two minutes after the break. He timed his run perfectly to gather Dwayne De Rosario’s pass over the top and struck a bouncing ball past Mucha.Guided by Pontius, United had the better of possession much of the half and created quality opportunities. After three Everton chances narrowly missed, Pontius made an ambitious run and smacked a left-side shot off the near post.Everton sealed it in the 82nd minute when Magaye Gueye volleyed in Jermaine Beckford’s cross from an acute angle.“The second half the guys showed up,” Olsen said, “and I was proud of that.”United notes: Leading scorer Charlie Davies wasn’t in uniform because of a sore knee. Wolff left in the 36th minute with a hamstring injury. . . . U.S. national team veteran Tim Howard, Everton’s top goalkeeper, returned from vacation late in the week and was not in uniform. . . . United (5-6-8) will resume league play away next Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes. . . . United owner Will Chang attended the match. He will visit the White House on Monday with the World Series champion San Francisco Giants, for whom he is a principal partner.
ARSENE WENGER UPS PHIL JAGIELKA BID
Arsenal will this week increase their £12million bid for Everton’s England defender Phil Jagielka
Sunday July 24,2011
By John Richardson (Sunday Express)
ARSENAL will this week increase their £12million bid for Everton’s England defender Phil Jagielka as under-fire boss Arsene Wenger looks to reinforce his back four.Wenger’s critics have urged the Frenchman to install a proven Premier League character in the mould of Tony Adams to help bring greater stability to a suspect defence.Jagielka, who has become a regular in Fabio Capello’s England squad, is Wenger’s first choice ahead of Blackburn’s Chris Samba and Bolton’s Gary Cahill.The opening offer of £12m – the same as Wenger made 12 months ago – was rejected.But the Gunners will be back once Everton boss David Moyes is back behind his training ground desk on Tuesday, following the club’s pre-season trip to the USA.Moyes – who must sell before he can buy – will allow the 28-year-old to leave if Arsenal offer around £17m.
ARSENE WENGER TOLD: £17M FOR EVERTON'S PHIL JAGIELKA
24th July 2011 By Steve Millar (Sunday Star)
ARSENAL can win the fight to capture Everton’s England defender Phil Jagielka – if the price is right.
The Gunners officially tabled a £10million bid in midweek which was immediately rejected by the Goodison top brass.Everton boss David Moyes values Jagielka nearer the £20m mark and believes Liverpool’s signing of Jordan Henderson for that figure set the benchmark for summer deals. Moyes will settle back behind his desk on Tuesday after Everton’s USA tour and expects Arsenal to hit him with an improved offer.He is in no hurry to sell an established defender who has won eight England caps since his £4m move to Goodison from Sheffield United in 2007.But Moyes is only too aware that if he is to compete in the transfer market he has got to raise cash from selling his own players. The Everton coffers are empty which is why Moyes will reluctantly accept around £17m for Jagielka, 28, if Arsenal come back.Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright will also listen to offers for Jack Rodwell, 20, and again will sell at the right price.Rodwell’s valuation rocketed to near the £30m mark at the end of the season but now Everton will agree to around half that fee – with Manchester United and City interested
Everton beats D.C. United 3-1 in friendly
Tim Howard was rested Saturday night
Sunday, July 24, 2011 (Washington Times)
WASHINGTON — Victor Anichebe and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scored first-half goals and English Premier League team Everton beat D.C. United 3-1 Saturday night.Magaye Gueye added a goal in the 81st minute to cancel out Chris Pontius‘ strike for D.C. just after halftime.Despite a game-time temperature of 99 degrees, the British side started quickly in the finale of its a two-match American preseason tour.Anichebe beat Brandon McDonald to Leighton Baines‘ throughball and scored in the 4th minute. Bilyaletdinov doubled the lead after reaching Ross Barkley’s diagonal pass.Dwayne De Rosario’s long ball found Pontius alone on goal in the 47th minute. But Gueye slotted in Jermaine Beckford’s cross to send United to its second defeat in an international friendly this season.Coach David Moyes continued to rest Everton and United States goalkeeper Tim Howard Saturday after Howard spent June helping the U.S. team reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.Howard is still expected to be Everton’s starter by August 13, when it opens its season at Tottenham Hotspur.
Everton comfortably beaten by Southport FC at Haig Avenue
Liverpool Echo
Jul 25 2011
EVERTON were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Southport in the Liverpool Senior Cup final at Haig Avenue. Losing skipper Jose Baxter summed up the Toffees’ turgid performance after the match, as he tweeted: “For anyone who came to watch us today I can only apologise because we were awful.”
Nobody who witnessed the Blues’ second string’s limp display would argue with the 19-year-old’s admirably honest assessment. Alan Stubbs’ side were undone by two early set piece goals from Karl Ledsham and impressive former Everton player John Paul Kissock in the opening 10 minutes, and failed dismally to find a way back into the game afterwards. Stubbs took charge of a side that was largely similar to the one that contested the Lev Yashin cup in Moscow last weekend, but were without attacking duo Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios, the latter on first team duty in Washington. Liam Watson’s Sandgrounders raced into the lead inside 90 seconds, as the snoozing Blues failed to deal with a long throw-in, allowing Ledsham to finish. On eight minutes Everton’s plight worsened as Kissock, the outstanding player in the first half, curled an excellent free kick past Polish new boy Mateus Taudal in goal from 30 yards. Even though Kissock was substituted with a slight injury at half-time and Everton improved slightly as the second half progressed, Southport skipper Alan Moogan lifting one of the country’s oldest cups. Whether their exertions in Moscow had taken their toll, or this was simply an off-day, Stubbs and co will demand to see immediate improvements when his side of young prospects take on Marine next.
SOUTHPORT: McMillan, Smith, Owens (Lever 65), Akrigg, Grand, Moogan (McGinn 50), Whalley, Ledsham, Gray, Kissock (Spencer 45), Brown.
Taudul, Browning, Duffy, Mustafi, Bidwell, Forshaw, Barrow (Hope 50), Garbutt (Forrester 56), Lundstram, Baxter, Silva (Thomas, 70).
REFEREE: Joe Johnson.
MAN OF THE MATCH: John Paul Kissock.
Everton comfortably beaten by Southport FC at Haig Avenue
Liverpool Echo
Jul 25 2011
EVERTON were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Southport in the Liverpool Senior Cup final at Haig Avenue.Losing skipper Jose Baxter summed up the Toffees’ turgid performance after the match, as he tweeted: “For anyone who came to watch us today I can only apologise because we were awful.”Nobody who witnessed the Blues’ second string’s limp display would argue with the 19-year-old’s admirably honest assessment.Alan Stubbs’ side were undone by two early set piece goals from Karl Ledsham and impressive former Everton player John Paul Kissock in the opening 10 minutes, and failed dismally to find a way back into the game afterwards.Stubbs took charge of a side that was largely similar to the one that contested the Lev Yashin cup in Moscow last weekend, but were without attacking duo Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios, the latter on first team duty in Washington.Liam Watson’s Sandgrounders raced into the lead inside 90 seconds, as the snoozing Blues failed to deal with a long throw-in, allowing Ledsham to finish.On eight minutes Everton’s plight worsened as Kissock, the outstanding player in the first half, curled an excellent free kick past Polish new boy Mateus Taudal in goal from 30 yards.Even though Kissock was substituted with a slight injury at half-time and Everton improved slightly as the second half progressed, Southport skipper Alan Moogan lifting one of the country’s oldest cups.Whether their exertions in Moscow had taken their toll, or this was simply an off-day, Stubbs and co will demand to see immediate improvements when his side of young prospects take on Marine next.
SOUTHPORT: McMillan, Smith, Owens (Lever 65), Akrigg, Grand, Moogan (McGinn 50), Whalley, Ledsham, Gray, Kissock (Spencer 45), Brown.
Taudul, Browning, Duffy, Mustafi, Bidwell, Forshaw, Barrow (Hope 50), Garbutt (Forrester 56), Lundstram, Baxter, Silva (Thomas, 70).
REFEREE: Joe Johnson.
MAN OF THE MATCH: John Paul Kissock.
Former Everton FC boss Walter Smith considers comeback
Liverpool Echo
Jul 25 2011
WALTER SMITH has not ruled out returning to management - but it will not be in Scotland.
The 63-year-old stepped down as Ibrox manager at the end of last season, paving the way for assistant Ally McCoist to take charge.Asked if he had prepared for retirement, the former Everton boss said: “I never said I would retire, I said I would just be leaving Rangers.”He added: “I wouldn’t manage again in Scotland, I’ve managed Rangers on two occasions now and I’ve managed the national team. “But if an opportunity came up to go to England or abroad, I would consider that.”
Smith managed in England with Everton from 1998 to 2002, and also had a short spell as assistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
Phil Jagielka wants Everton FC to push for Europe
Liverpool Echo
Jul 25 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA says he is determined to get back into Europe with Everton.Manager David Moyes handed the captain’s armband to the England international for Saturday night’s 3-1 win at DC United, with Phil Neville left on the bench.Jagielka’s future is one being discussed intently at the moment, with Everton having rejected two bids from Arsenal for the defender’s services.The 28-year-old, however, is happy just to be focusing on the new season, and says he hopes to help the club return to Europe. “We’d like to push for Europe, of course,” said Jagielka. “The season is still a little bit away, so hopefully we will do a bit of wheeling and dealing before then.“But if not, we have proven today that we have got a decent squad. The gaffer changed it round quite a bit - there were only four or five starters in this game that started against Philadelphia - and it worked well.“Hopefully, if we can all stay fit and healthy, it can be an exciting season for us.”Jagielka admitted he felt an extra sense of responsibility, given the presence of youngsters Ross Barkley, Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios on this tour, but said he was happy to give as much support as necessary to his teenage colleagues. “It is fantastic to have them with us,” he admitted. “Ross has been injured for a while, and I think he’d have featured sooner had it not been for his leg-break. He was fantastic in the first-half, he set up Bily’s goal, he always looks for a forward pass, and he has certainly got a bright future.“It was nice for Conor to get on, too. I have played against him in training, and he has done really well. Sometimes young lads come on tour and have to make up the numbers, but the gaffer has given these lads a decent run out, and I’m sure they will go home excited, and wanting to stay around the first-team squad.“I definitely feel a responsibility to the younger lads. Obviously with the gaffer making me captain today, it is an added responsibility. But I’d always like to think that if any young lad needs anything, or has any issue, on or off the pitch, they can come and see me. There are four or five other lads who are in a similar category of course, but it is definitely a role I will be looking to try and perform as much as possible. I enjoy it.”
DC United 1 Everton FC 3: White hot end to Blues' tour
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 25 2011
IT was perhaps fitting that, at the end of a week which saw severe weather warnings spread across America, Everton should save their hottest performance until last. Barack Obama may have been feeling the heat in the White House a couple of miles up the road, but David Moyes' men kept cool in Washington, to ensure that their US tour ended on a high note.With temperatures tipping the mercury at close to 110 degrees – even as darkness descended upon the American capital – first half goals from Victor Anichebe and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, and a second half cake-topper from Magaye Gueye, gave the Blues a deserved 3-1 win over DC United at the RFK Stadium, at the end of a week which will have done wonders as they prepare for the start of the Premier League campaign next month.The manner of Everton's goals – all neatly worked and clinically finished – pleased Moyes especially, but their composure, discipline, and stamina in intense conditions will have impressed most.With Mikel Arteta joining Marouane Fellaini on the sidelines – both men's fitness will be properly assessed by the Blues' medical staff upon their return to Merseyside, amid fears they could miss the start of the new campaign – there were starts in midfield for youngsters Jack Rodwell and Ross Barkley, whilst Victor Anichebe shrugged off his own training ground injury to partner teenager Apostolos Vellios in attack.Skipper Phil Neville was rested, along with Magaye Gueye, Jermaine Beckford and John Heitinga - all of whom started Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Philadelphia Union.Everton were ahead inside four minutes. Leighton Baines was the provider, steering an astute pass down the inside-left channel for Anichebe, who produced an assured side-foot finish past Bill Hamid from a prohibitive angle.Anichebe, a player with clear talent but still plenty to prove to his manager, was looking lively as he turned his way past Jakovic, but saw Hamid push away his cross-shot on 11 minutes. Fortunately Everton did not have to wait long for their second goal. Pleasingly, it was a strike which showcased perfectly the potential which lurks within Moyes' oft-criticised squad; Rodwell's willingness to get on the ball and dictate from midfield, Vellios' awareness and assured touch, and Barkley's sharp football brain all combined to release Bilyaletdinov, and the Russian kept a cool head to stroke the ball under Hamid.Barkley has been described – by Moyes and Tim Cahill, no less – as one of the finest young talents to emerge at the club in years, and he was justifying such praise here. Growing in confidence, the 17-year-old drew a save from Hamid with a skimming 25-yarder. He was replaced at half-time by Leon Osman, but did enough to suggest that there will be more to come from the England U17 starlet in the coming campaign.DC responded at half-time with a series of substitutions, whilst Moyes also brought on Gueye for Vellios. within 90 seconds of the restart, Ben Olsen's changes had paid dividends. One replacement, Dwayne De Rosario, set up another in Chris Pontius, and he fired past Mucha.With conditions clearly taking their toll, the final quarter was a relatively subdued affair. Jermaine Beckford went close on a couple of occasions, before his smart movement allowed him to burst clear down the left and dig out a fine cross which Magaye Gueye converted at the far post .It has been something of a mixed tour for David Moyes and his side. Injuries to Arteta and Fellaini could prove costly and the Blues boss has seen his threadbare squad stretched to the maximum – evidenced by the fact that Vellios and McAleny, as well as reserve goalkeeper Adam Davies, were forced to fly straight from youth team duty in Moscow to provide first-team backup on this tour.And while the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid have found 'soccer' fans only to willing to snap up tickets for their games, the empty seats in the 45,000+ RFK Stadium for this clash told a slightly different tale. Real all but sold out the 60,000-seater Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia just days after the Blues failed to fill the 18,700 PPL Park in the same city. Everton have a way to go before they can call themselves 'box office'.But since when have pre-season friendlies been about packed houses and gate receipts? Moyes has stressed repeatedly that Everton's time in the USA is about one thing and one thing only. Fitness.Judging by the improvement from Wednesday's game in Philadelphia, it looks to be 'job done' on that front.
Everton FC: Victor Anichebe can play a big role this season, says David Moyes
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 25 2011
DAVID MOYES believes Victor Anichebe could play a big role for Everton this season after the striker helped the Blues end their US tour on a high note.Anichebe’s fourth-minute strike set Moyes’ side on their way to a convincing 3-1 victory over DC United in Washington’s RFK Stadium on Saturday night, with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Magaye Gueye completing the scoring in the American capital.
And Moyes believes the Nigeria striker’s potential could be a big asset as his side prepares for the Premier League’s big kick-off, in three weeks’ time.“Victor has got great potential,” said Moyes. “A lot of people in the USA seeing him for the first time will have said ‘wow, what a player’. “We know all about him. He is a very good player. He has had a few injuries, but if he can get rid of those injuries then he has attributes which you cannot buy.“He has great strength, great pace, power, athleticism. And he took his goal really well. He has had a bit of a sore back, which is why he didn’t play (against Philadelphia Union) on Wednesday, but we wanted to give him some minutes on the pitch here.”Moyes was left disappointed after a 1-0 defeat to Union in midweek, but witnessed a much-improved display here. Everton were two up inside 16 minutes, and though they conceded early in the second half, they were never genuinely threatened, wrapping up the win through Gueye late on, amid soaring temperatures. The manager admitted his side’s improvement in the final third was particularly pleasing.“I was pleased that we got a result, and I thought it was a good game,” added Moyes. “They had a few chances and plenty of shots, and we did as well. The conditions played a part, but all credit to both teams for making it as entertaining a game as we could.“The opening goal gave us a bit of a lift, and gave the players a lift, because we didn’t look like scoring on Wednesday really. I thought we had one or two moments where we might have added to our score, but we are much happier to have gotten a goal or two here.”Everton will complete their pre-season schedule with games against Birmingham City, Werder Bremen and Villarreal, ahead of their Premier League opener against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in three weeks’ time.And Moyes believes his side are edging ever nearer to maximum fitness ahead of the big kick-off, despite a week spent training and playing in the most intense of conditions. “It has been hard, but it will do us good I’m sure,” he said.“There is still three weeks to go until the season starts. We are not ready yet, of course, but neither is anyone else.”
Everton FC's Phil Jagielka focusing on European qualification
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 25 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA says he is determined to get back into Europe with Everton.Manager David Moyes handed the captain’s armband to the England international for Saturday night’s 3-1 win at DC United, with Phil Neville left on the bench.Jagielka’s future is one being discussed intently at the moment, with Everton having rejected two bids from Arsenal for the defender’s services.The 28-year-old, however, is happy just to be focusing on the new season, and says he hopes to help the club return to Europe.“We’d like to push for Europe, of course,” said Jagielka. “The season is still a little bit away, so hopefully we will do a bit of wheeling and dealing before then.“But if not, we have proven today that we have got a decent squad. The gaffer changed it round quite a bit – there were only 4 or 5 starters in this game that started against Philadelphia – and it worked well.“Hopefully, if we can all stay fit and healthy, it can be an exciting season for us.”Jagielka admitted he felt an extra sense of responsibility, given the presence of youngsters Ross Barkley, Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios on this tour, but said he was happy to give as much support as necessary to his teenage colleagues.“It is fantastic to have them with us,” he admitted. “Ross has been injured for a while, and I think he’d have featured sooner had it not been for his leg-break. He was fantastic in the first-half, he set up Bily’s goal, he always looks for a forward pass, and he has certainly got a bright future.“It was nice for Conor to get on, too. I have played against him in training, and he has done really well. Sometimes young lads come on tour and have to make up the numbers, but the gaffer has given these lads a decent run out, and I’m sure they will go home excited, and wanting to stay around the first-team squad.“I definitely feel a responsibility to the younger lads. Obviously with the gaffer making me captain today, it is an added responsibility. But I’d always like to think that if any young lad needs anything, or has any issue, on or off the pitch, they can come and see me.“There are four or five other lads who are in a similar category of course, but it is definitely a role I will be looking to try and perform as much as possible. I enjoy it.”
Everton FC’s Victor Anichebe tipped for big season by David Moyes
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 25 2011
DAVID MOYES believes Victor Anichebe could play a big role for Everton this season after the striker helped the Blues end their US tour on a high note.Anichebe’s fourth-minute strike set Moyes’ side on their way to a convincing 3-1 victory over DC United in Washington’s RFK Stadium on Saturday night, with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Magaye Gueye completing the scoring in the American capital.And Moyes believes the Nigeria striker’s potential could be a big asset as his side prepares for the Premier League’s big kick-off, in three weeks’ time.“Victor has got great potential,” said Moyes. “A lot of people in the USA seeing him for the first time will have said ‘wow, what a player’.“But we know all about him. He is a very good player. He has had a few injuries, but if he can get rid of those injuries then he has attributes which you cannot buy.“He has great strength, great pace, power, athleticism. And he took his goal really well. He has had a bit of a sore back, which is why he didn’t play (against Philadelphia Union) on Wednesday, but we wanted to give him some minutes on the pitch here.”Moyes was left disappointed after a 1-0 defeat to Union in midweek, but witnessed a much-improved display here. Everton were two up inside 16 minutes, and though they conceded early in the second half, they were never genuinely threatened, wrapping up the win through Gueye late on, amid soaring temperatures.The manager admitted his side’s improvement in the final third was particularly pleasing.“I was pleased that we got a result, and I thought it was a good game,” added Moyes. “They had a few chances and plenty of shots, and we did as well. “The conditions played a part, but all credit to both teams for making it as entertaining a game as we could.“The opening goal gave us a bit of a lift, and gave the players a lift, because we didn’t look like scoring on Wednesday really. I thought we had one or two moments where we might have added to our score, but we are much happier to have gotten a goal or two here.”Everton will complete their pre-season schedule with games against Birmingham City, Werder Bremen and Villarreal, ahead of their Premier League opener against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in three weeks’ time.And Moyes believes his side are edging ever nearer to maximum fitness ahead of the big kick-off, despite a week spent training and playing in the most intense of conditions.“It has been hard, but it will do us good I’m sure,” he said.“There is still three weeks to go until the season starts. We are not ready yet, of course, but neither is anyone else.“Hopefully in three weeks’ time we will be in the right condition and ready to play. We have got a bit of work to do before then, starting next week, and we will continue trying to improve.”
DC United 1 Everton FC 3: Cautious optimism for David Moyes’ men
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 25 2011
IT WAS perhaps fitting that, at the end of a week which saw severe weather warnings spread across America, Everton FC should save their hottest performance until last.Barack Obama may have been feeling the heat in the White House a couple of miles up the road, but David Moyes' men kept cool in Washington, to ensure that their US tour ended on a high note. With temperatures tipping the mercury at close to 110 degrees – even as darkness descended upon the American capital – first-half goals from Victor Anichebe and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, and a second-half cake-topper from Magaye Gueye, gave the Blues a deserved 3-1 win over DC United at the RFK Stadium, at the end of a week which will have done wonders as they prepare for the start of the Premier League campaign next month.The manner in which Everton's goals – all neatly worked and clinically finished – pleased Moyes especially, but their composure, discipline, and stamina in intense conditions will have impressed most. He is a manager who enjoys putting his players through the ringer, and he will be quietly satisfied with the results from this tour.With Mikel Arteta joining Marouane Fellaini on the sidelines – both men's fitness will be properly assessed by the Blues' medical staff upon their return to Merseyside, amid fears they could miss the start of the new campaign – there were starts in midfield for youngsters Jack Rodwell and Ross Barkley, whilst Victor Anichebe shrugged off his own training ground injury to partner teenager Apostolos Vellios in attack.Skipper Phil Neville was rested, along with Magaye Gueye, Jermaine Beckford and John Heitinga – all of whom started Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Philadelphia Union.DC, the most successful side in MLS history, started in sprightly fashion, carving out the first chance of the game inside a minute as Chris Korb's clipped pass released Andy Najar from midfield, but he was unable to get real purchase on his lob over Jan Mucha, and Sylvain Distin was back in time to mop up the danger.It stirred the Blues into an immediate riposte, and a telling one too, as they were ahead inside four minutes. Leighton Baines was the provider, steering an astute pass down the inside-left channel for Anichebe, who produced an assured side-foot finish past Bill Hamid from a prohibitive angle.Seamus Coleman might have added another just moments later, but declined the chance to shoot on his left foot when in oceans of space, and found himself crowded out after a heavy touch. DC soon responded with a free-kick from captain Josh Wolff which was deflected just over the bar. Wolff then dragged a better chance wide, after Dejan Jakovic had nodded down the resultant corner at the far post.Anichebe, a player with clear talent but still plenty to prove to his manager, was looking lively as he turned his way past Jakovic, but saw Hamid push away his cross-shot on 11 minutes. Fortunately Everton did not have to wait long for their second goal.Pleasingly, it was a strike which showcased perfectly the potential which lurks within Moyes' oft-criticised squad; Rodwell's willingness to get on the ball and dictate from midfield, Vellios' awareness and assured touch, and Barkley's sharp football brain all combined to release Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, and the Russian kept a cool head to stroke the ball under Hamid left-footed for 2-0.DC threatened from the restart with Austin Da Luz's hopful long-ranger, but it was the visitors who were playing all the football. Again Vellios and Barkley linked up neatly, but this time the young midfielder could only prod his effort wide of the near post under pressure from Korb.Barkley has been described – by Moyes and Tim Cahill, no less – as one of the finest young talents to emerge at the club in years, and he was justifying such praise here. Growing in confidence, the 17-year-old drew a save from Hamid with a skimming 25-yarder, struck from his less-favoured left-foot. He was replaced at half-time by the returning Leon Osman, but did enough to suggest that there will be more to come from the England U17 starlet in the coming campaign.At the other end Mucha was called into action to palm away Najar's stinging 20-yard free-kick, before Joseph Ngwenya's delicate chipped effort came back off the crossbar, as the home side looked to get a foothold in the contest.Still Everton created chances, Coleman should have made it three as he ran onto Vellios' neat cut-back, but lashed his effort well over the bar, before Rodwell went close with a well-struck 25-yarder as the Blues finished the half strongly.DC responded at half-time with a series of substitutions, whilst Moyes brought on Osman and Gueye for the impressive Barkley and Vellios.Yet within 90 seconds of the restart, Ben Olsen's changes paid dividends. One replacement, Dwayne De Rosario, set up another in Chris Pontius, and the forward's finish past Mucha was composed for 2-1.Everton could have responded in kind, but Cahill got his attempted dipping volley all wrong, sending the ball in the Volkswagen tent behind replacement 'keeper Steve Cronin's goal. The Australian then went closer, glancing Baines' typically well-flighted cross inches wide after a trademark near post run.Rodwell was next to try his luck, following some enterprising play from sub Conor McAleny. The England U21's curling effort was, alas, deflected over, whilst Cahill's header from the ensuing corner was hacked off the line, and Bilyaletdinov whipped an effort against the top of the bar in the follow-up scramble.Still, DC served notice of their improved attacking threat, through the lively Pontius. His 64th minute dart caused panic in the Blues defence, with Coleman spared what would have been a preposterous own goal as his tentative poke clipped the outside of Mucha's right hand upright.Bilyaletdinov, lively throughout, threatened to make the game safe, but after being played in by Rodwell he allowed his touch to take him wide, and Brandon McDonald snuffed out the resulting cross. With conditions clearly taking their toll on both sets of players, the final quarter was a relatively subdued affair. Jermaine Beckford went close on a couple of occasions, before his smart movement allowed him to burst clear down the left and dig out a fine cross which Magaye Gueye converted on the run at the far post to wrap up the win.McAleny went close to adding an extra in stoppage time, but was off target with his attempted lob, whilst Mucha smacked away a fierce strike from Shanosky in stoppage time as Everton closed the game out.It has been something of a mixed tour for David Moyes and his side. Injuries to Arteta and Fellaini could prove costly, of course, and the Blues boss has seen his threadbare squad stretched to the maximum - evidenced by the fact that Vellios and McAleny, as well as reserve goalkeeper Adam Davies, were forced to fly straight from youth team duty in Moscow to provide first-team backup on this tour.The Blues know they will need to have their wits about them when they begin their Premier League campaign away to Champions League hopefuls Tottenham in three weeks' time, and their week spent Stateside – in some of the most oppressive heat seen in many a year – should provide vital preparation.Moyes will not have learned much about his side during the past week which he didn't already know. An edge is still lacking in attack, and his defence still provides the base upon which any success will be built.Meanwhile, with the likes of Vellios, Gueye and Barkley showing plenty of promise, and big things expected of Rodwell following a season treading water last time out, there is some scope for (admittedly cautious) optimism on the blue half of Merseyside.
Liverpool Senior Cup joy for Southport as Everton FC youngsters slump to defeat
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 25 2011
EVERTON were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Southport in the Liverpool Senior Cup final at Haig Avenue.Losing skipper Jose Baxter summed up the Toffees’ turgid performance after the match, by tweeting simply: “For anyone who came to watch us today I can only apologise because we were awful.”Nobody who witnessed the Blues second-string’s limp display would argue with the 19-year-old’s admirably honest assessment.Alan Stubbs’ side were undone by two early set piece goals from Karl Ledsham and impressive former Everton player John Paul Kissock in the opening 10 minutes, and failed dismally to find a way back into the game afterwards.Stubbs took charge of a side that was largely similar to the one that contested the Lev Yashin cup in Mosocw last weekend, but were without attacking duo Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios, the later on first team duty in Washington.Liam Watson’s Sandgrounders raced into the lead inside 90 seconds, as the snoozing Blues failed to deal with a long throw-in allowing Ledsham to give the hosts the perfect start.On eight minutes Everton’s plight worsened as Kissock, the outstanding player in the first half, curled an excellent free kick past Polish new-boy Mateus Taudal in goal from 30 yards.Adam Thomas produced a brief but lively 20-minute cameo after replacing the disappointing Joao Silva but the Blues were well beaten, and were left to watch from the sidelines as Southport skipper Alan Moogan celebrated winning one of the country’s oldest cup competitions.
SOUTHPORT: McMillan, Smith, Owens (Lever, 65), Akrigg, Grand, Moogan (Capt) (McGinn, 50), Whalley, Ledsham, Gray, Kissock (Spencer, 45), Brown.
EVERTON: Taudul, Browning, Duffy, Mustafi, Bidwell, Forshaw, Barrow (Hope, 50), Garbutt (Forrester, 56), Lundstram, Baxter (Capt), Silva (Thomas, 70).
Everton FC starlet Ross Barkley is full of promise, says Blues legend Graeme Sharp
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 26 2011
ROSS BARKLEY can be a formidable attacking talent for Everton, according to Blues goal-scoring legend Graeme Sharp. Barkley made a bright impression in Everton’s 3-1 victory over DC United in Washington on Saturday, setting up Diniyar Bilyaletdinov for the Blues’ second goal.The 17-year-old shrugged off an ankle injury to feature in the final game of the club’s US tour, and Sharp shares the optimism among Everton supporters who watched his performance with relish.Sharp, who made his Toffees debut aged 20 back in 1980 and was acting as summariser for evertontv in the US, was thrilled with Barkley’s impact along with the performances of Everton’s other junior contingent.
He said: “I thought young Ross Barkley did ever so well in the first half against DC United.“It’s the first time I’ve really seen Ross up close and I thought he looked very, very good.“He looked comfortable coming in off the right hand side, he made one of the goals and was involved heavily and he can be very pleased.”Barkley had missed some training with the squad during their tour of America’s East coast after picking up the ankle injury, but was determined to leave his mark on the tour.The Wavertree-born midfielder could be in line to feature again in the Toffees friendly against Birmingham at St Andrews on Saturday.Alongside Barkley was young attacker Conor McAleny, who impressed Sharp and fans watching the final tour game on ESPN with his own lively cameo.McAleny, 18, who has been used as a second half substitute in both of the games in the States, had made a marathon journey from Moscow to join up with the first team, and Sharp believes he will have learnt a lot from this experience. “Young Conor McAleny got a run out which is pleasing for him, he’ll improve as player and become better but there was some little glimpses of decent play from him,” he says.“He played as an out and out striker which surprised me a little bit but he’s got some nice touches.“The positives to come out of the games are the young players coming in and putting in a shift.”McAleny joined Everton’s academy in the summer of 2008 aged 11, and became part of the Under-18s squad in 2008/09, netting a number of important goals – a role which increased the following season.The Liverpool-born forward was also given a squad number in 2009/10 but didn’t feature for the first team in that campaign.With the Blues plagued by injuries in April 2011 McAleny was named as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at Goodison Park along with fellow academy graduates Adam Forshaw and Aristote Nsiala. He appeared as an unused substitute on several further occasions and also helped Everton’s Under-18s to national glory.In June 2011 he signed a new one-year deal along with fellow academy graduate James Wallace, who is currently on England U-20 World Cup duty in Colombia.
Everton FC return unlikely for James McFadden as Charles N’Zogbia hopes fade
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 26 2011
EVERTON FC are unlikely to offer former midfielder James McFadden a Goodison return – despite their hopes of signing Charles N’Zogbia being all but dashed.Reports yesterday suggested the Blues were weighing up a move for free agent McFadden, 28, after he was released by relegated Birmingham City last month.But despite targeting the free transfer and loan end of the market, Toffees boss David Moyes is reluctant to re-sign a player whose career has been hampered with injury since a £5m departure from Merseyside in 2008.Scotland international McFadden enjoyed five seasons at Everton, and still has many friends at the club, but Moyes’ priority remains goal-scoring reinforcement.Moyes had been monitoring Wigan’s French international forward Charles N’Zogbia, but the 25-year-old is on the brink of completing a move to Aston Villa.The winger is allowed to leave the DW Stadium this summer, and Villa boss Alex McLeish has agreed a fee of around £9.5m for him.N’Zogbia, who was also open to a move to Goodison, yesterday admitted he would be equally happy with a switch to the Midlands.He said: “There are many rumours but my transfer to Villa is not done.“Nobody at Wigan has called me and my agent has not said anything.
“The possibility to play for Villa is something that I would like.“I would be happy because they have greater aspirations than Wigan and the challenge interests me.”Meanwhile,Tim Howard has insisted that the period of rest he enjoyed this summer was crucial.American supporters in Philadelphia and Washington were disappointed when it emerged the USA’s star keeper would not be part of the Everton travelling party to the East coast last week.But Howard, who played for the USA in the Gold Cup final on June 25, has had his four weeks of rest and is now back with the Everton squad.He said: “I think for an athlete at this level your rest is just as important as everything else.“Ultimately I can’t be prepared for this upcoming season without getting that rest. I feel very well rested and I look forward to what is to come.”Howard met up with the rest of the squad in Washington on Sunday and flew back to Merseyside, where they will report back for training today.He is looking forward to regaining a modicum of routine after a hectic summer.“I am looking forward to getting back home and unpacking my bags. I’ve been on the road for three months living out of bags, it’s been like a travelling circus,” he said. “I am looking forward to getting home and getting back to training.”
Everton FC can’t afford another false start, admits Leighton Baines
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 26 2011
LEIGHTON BAINES admits Everton FC have to hit the ground running this season to avoid playing yet another game of catch-up – as the left-back praised the pre-season contribution of Magaye Gueye.The Goodison outfit have acquired the unhappy knack of struggling to get off to a flying start during in recent years. Everton won only three of their first 17 Premier League games last season but ended up in seventh place after losing just five of the remaining 21.And 12 months earlier, David Moyes’s men were beaten only twice in their last 24 top-flight games after losing half of their opening 14 outings.Everton are back on Merseyside having completed their US tour, which ended with an encouraging 3-1 win over DC United in Washington on Saturday evening.And asked if Moyes’s side can make a strong opening to the season, Baines said: “We hope so. "We’re trying to do all the right things now to make sure that happens and not give ourselves a mountain to climb later on. “All these games are necessary in terms of building up to the level we need to be at. In the games out here we are still getting the kinks out and there are some mistakes because we are training really hard. “But this stands you in good stead for later on and the first game is always exciting to get things kicking off again. “It’s been tough, the usual hard work and that’s been intensified by the heat.“Everyone is close though and gets on really well. When we come away you spend more time in each other’s company and that helps team spirit.” Among the early success stories during pre-season has been the form of Magaye Gueye.The Frenchman followed his two goals at Bury 10 days ago with another in Washington at the weekend.And Baines has been impressed by his contribution and that of fellow youngsters Ross Barkley and Conor McAleny, who both also appeared on Saturday.“We have seen flashes of his quality and he is still young,” said the left-back. “He is really keen to learn and improve. When I’ve played with him it has been good because he works hard and tracks back well.“Ross has been the one people talk about but the other young lads have done well. Conor has looked sharp and it was good for him to get on the other day. It could be useful over the next few weeks.”Meanwhile, Everton appear to have missed out on another transfer target with Charles N’Zogbia after it emerged Wigan Athletic have agreed a £9.5million fee with Aston Villa for the winger. N’Zogbia is one of several players the Goodison outfit have been tracking in recent months, although Wigan’s valuation has proven prohibitive.Everton instead have been linked with an interest in former winger James McFadden, who has been released by relegated Birmingham City. But it is unlikely Moyes will entertain a move for the Scotland international, who was at Goodison for four-and-a-half years before moving to St Andrews in January 2008.
Everton in crisis? Why does it look like the club that gave us Dean, Labone, Southall and Rooney are Mersey Beat?
Daily Mail
By Dominic King
27th July 2011
They are the fourth most successful club in English football. They are managed by a man who commands enormous respect throughout the game, have a squad crammed full of internationals and their wide fan base is one of the most fervent and passionate. To a wider audience, Everton are regarded as one of the best-run clubs in the game but some of the natives tell another story. Pressure is building and an increasing number of supporters are becoming agitated that Everton are being left behind. The critics claim the directors are not dynamic; not ambitious enough to give manager David Moyes and his squad the assistance needed to compete.
Feeling blue: There is an uneasy atmosphere around Goodison Park these days As the public face of the board, chairman and staunch Evertonian Bill Kenwright is the man bearing the brunt of the complaints. While Liverpool have spent more than £100million bankrolling the Kenny Dalglish revolution, Everton's cheque book has remained closed and the club have been subjected to intense levels of criticism not witnessed since the late 1990s. In contrast to the increasingly bitter element, other fans believe the situation is just fine. Sportsmail investigates the fractious scene unfolding around Goodison Park...
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The fans say:
Squad strengthening - or, more accurately, the lack of it - is one of the biggest bones of contention Evertonians have with the board. Why must the club sell before they can bring anyone in? Seeing less glamorous sides more active in the market is causing tempers to fray. Grand ambitions: But Everton fans haven't exactly seen the best in recent years 'We have built a potentially very decent squad mainly from selling two players (Wayne Rooney and Joleon Lescott) over the past seven years for big fees but we don't want this to be the way we survive,' says Paul Lipton, 31, a season-ticket holder in the Upper Gwladys Street stand. 'We are jealous of other teams who have backing and Evertonians are sadly resigned to the fact we are severely struggling to compete in the current league.'
The club say:
Aware of the growing chorus of criticism, chief executive Robert Elstone wrote on the club website: 'Despite the "kitchen sink" being thrown into the criticisms, claims beefed up by errors and speculation, the central issue is transfer activity and allied to that, "Where does all the money go?". 'The latter is easy to answer. It goes to Finch Farm (Everton's training ground). As simple as that. It goes on youth development. It goes on players. For the past decade, the club has bought and invested all it has had available, and sometimes more, on the firstteam squad.' Everton say they invest 84p in every £1 the club earn in fees, wages and the academy.
Dominic King says:
Moyes has explained on several occasions that 'every penny I have asked from my chairman, he has given to me' and the manager has broken Everton's transfer record four times since January 2005.
There have been other financial successes. The club announced a record commercial deal with sports firm Kitbag in May 2009, while turnover has mushroomed in the past decade from £30m to £80m. Yet the feeling on Merseyside is that with just a little bit more cash, Moyes could bring in the players who would transform the club's standing. Adding a class striker and flying winger to the squad would significantly improve Everton' s chances of success but seeing targets end up elsewhere because they do not have the finances to match their ambition is becoming an increasing source of frustration for fans.
WHERE IS OUR OLIGARCH?
The fans say:
A growing number want Kenwright replaced by an individual or group who will give Moyes the chance to sign three £15m players per transfer window. 'My view is sadly we are in a new world of football and Everton are trying to play by last year's rules,' says Andy Firr, a season-ticket holder for the past 15 years.
'Let's go global. Get someone in who gives us a chance and let's try and somehow move forward. Otherwise let's just keep quiet and slowly decline to the lower leagues a la Coventry City. Glory days: From left to right, Graeme Sharp, Kevin Sheedy, Trevor Steven and Andy Gray hold the European Cup Winners' Cup trophy in 1985 'I am not somebody who expects silverware every year or indeed every five years. But I find it hard seeing the likes of Wolves and Leicester being in a position to spend money. We surely cannot be so skint that teams are destroying us in the transfer market.' Mark Crotty, who has been instrumental in setting up The People's Group on Facebook and Twitter, adds: 'The biggest concern for Evertonians is the lack of investment or the lack of takeover. 'How much do they want for the club? Evertonians have more pride than just marching up and down streets protesting but it's getting to a point now where frustrations are ready to boil over. If Kenwright is the big Blue he proclaims, surely a solution would have been forthcoming?' The chairman says:
Asked what drives him on, Kenwright says: 'You do it with passion, energy. It is the only way. The expectation at this club is so great you just have to keep going. 'Every time you get a bit closer to where you want to be, or rather need to be, you know the next step is going to be that bit harder again because of the finance involved among the elite of modern football. As chairman, you have to remain buoyant and maintain the spirit of this great club.' King says: The accusation aimed at Kenwright, who has been at the helm since 2000, is that he does not want to let go. He is not oblivious to the talk of the terraces but to say he would not welcome the arrival of a benefactor is wrong. He would have no hesitation stepping aside for the right offer and has said as much at every AGM and EGM in recent years. But, as yet, there have been meetings and telephone calls but nobody has come in with a concrete proposal. Tough task: Manager David Moyes (left) and chairman Bill Kenwright (right) are struggling to find success What is the right offer? Anyone looking to invest in Everton would first have to buy the shares of the club's directors. Then the current debt (last reported at the financial year ending May 2010 as £44.9m and rising) would need to be cleared, so funds could be provided to support Moyes.
Aside from that, to get Everton rolling with the top four, any new owner would have to start thinking about a new stadium. Until Everton get that kind of investment, the fact is that they will struggle to keep pace with those in the Champions League spots. But if Kenwright is being careful about whom he sells to, is that such a crime?
With the except ion of Manchester City, which takeover in recent years has been a resounding success? Birmingham and West Ham have just been relegated and Aston Villa have had to sell their two best players.
Many fans were surprised that Blackburn secured investment - but imagine if Venky's Group bought into Goodison rather than Ewood Park last winter. Around that time, Everton had a string of poor results - who is to say Moyes would not have suffered a fate similar to Sam Allardyce?
HOME NOT SO SWEET
The fans say: Twice in recent years, Everton have explored attempts to relocate but both projects - the King's Dock (2003) and Kirkby (2007) - ended in acrimony. The latter was especially divisive, as seeing a move to Kirkby would have meant Everton relocating outside the city. Many believe the failure to relocate to King's Dock and build an iconic stadium on Liverpool's waterfront is the biggest missed opportunity in Everton's recent history, more so than failing to reach the Champions League group stages in 2005. A sense of bewilderment remains.
'I get a reminder of the financial failings of the current board everyday as I pass the King's Dock,' says Mark Jackson, 33, a Bullens Road and Gwladys Street regular. 'To think, a £30m investment (in 2003) could have provided the club with a new stadium in a prime location. 'There is a lack of forward thinking around Goodison, which is so frustrating. Luckily for Bill Kenwright, his best decision was appointing Moyes: his achievements on the pitch have masked the problems off it.' Gareth Jones asks: 'Why has it taken so long for the club to think about building a new restaurant, shops, office building at the Park End? Also what is happening with the development of it? Nothing?' Time for change: Goodison Park is in need of redevelopment The club say:
Everton continue to talk with Liverpool City Council about finding a suitable plot of land for a new stadium but the redevelopment of Goodison is a virtual non-starter because of economic impracticalities. The King's Dock was a project involving many partners but fell apart due to escalating costs that, at the time, were £1m per week. Everton could have found the initial £30m outlay. Season-ticket prices remain fiercely competitive. Goodison is one of the least expensive venues and the club have a policy of keeping the cost of a seat as cheap as possible. A seat in the main stand for the Merseyside derby is £41.
King says:
Goodison Park might be a reminder of a golden age of British football and it is one of the few grounds in the Barclays Premier League capable of producing a tribal atmosphere. However, it is showing its age and it simply cannot provide Everton with vast streams of revenue. Until Robert Elstone oversaw a revamp of the club's catering business a couple of years ago, stories were commonplace of fans attempting to buy drinks before half-time only to miss the start of the second period because they had not been served. Superficial alterations have been made but Goodison does not have the comfort of many other grounds in the league.
THE FUTURE
The fans say:
It would be wrong to paint a picture that all the supporters are vehemently against the board. As one fan wrote on the Bluekipper website this week: 'Sixth, fifth, fifth, eighth and seventh in past five seasons. Real crisis we are in, aren't we? Just because we are not winning trophies doesn't mean we are failing. (Critics are) good at bringing up all the things wrong with the club but (they) have no solutions.'
Bright young talent: Jack Rodwell
But Paul Lipton summarises many fans' feelings when he says: 'Even though we have a chairman who is passionate about the club, which most teams cannot say, he and his board are totally inadequate to push us forward. There is a lot of pride in the manager and most of the players for keeping us in a very respectable position in these circumstances but how long can this continue?'
The club say:
Everton remain committed to giving Moyes every possible financial assistance. The players believe there is sufficient talent at the club to maintain the standards that have been set during the past five years, in which they have qualified for Europe three times and reached the FA Cup final. Captain Phil Neville said: 'It is a massive challenge for us, but we have done it before. We reached the top four a few years ago but that target seems to get harder and harder each year. Europe is key for us. For a club our size, with the players we have, it is the least we should expect.'
King says:
Spirit is a key word at Everton. This is one thing of which there is a plentiful supply. Every time anyone attempts to write Everton off as a team, they have a habit of pulling off a shock result and while there is a longing to see a new face or two arrive in the dressing room, the squad are not panicking. There are a number of exciting young players emerging, headed by Jack Rodwell. But transfer cash and increased investment are needed. Kenwright knows it, so does Moyes, the players and the fans. Until they are found, the conjecture will continue.
Everton FC Ladies call on Toffees to be 12th man as they take on Liverpool in derby
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 27 2011
EVERTON Ladies are calling on Blues fans to be their 12th ‘woman’ as they take on Liverpool in a tense Merseyside derby tonight. Mo Marley’s side were watched by their largest crowd of the campaign against Chelsea on Sunday, and the atmosphere spurred them on to an impressive 2-0 victory. With the clash against Liverpool set to be a typically fierce affair, captain Jody Handley is hoping Evertonians will back them all the way. She said: “At the away fixture against Liverpool earlier this year there was a lot of people watching and obviously it’s great to see so much interest in both teams on Merseyside. “We are hoping there’s a similar amount of support tomorrow and if we can get around 800 fans at Marine, the team will be buzzing. “All the girls were really impressed with the support we had on Sunday. Obviously it gives you a lift and you want to play well to reward people for coming. “It’s in the back of your mind, there’s lots of extra pressure and you can use that to your advantage and thrive on the pressure.” Everton scored two goals either side of half-time on Sunday to take them within two points of third-placed Chelsea, while Liverpool are four points adrift at the bottom of the FA Women’s Super League. The Merseyside derby kicks off at 7pm at Marine FC in Crosby and Blues fans can come along to support the girls for bargain prices, with tickets just £3 for adults and £1 for juniors (under-16s). As well as watching all the action on the pitch, Evertonians have the chance to go head to head with Reds fans in a derby-day penalty shoot-out at half-time, get their faces painted in true blue colours and one lucky fan will win Fara Williams’ signed World Cup shirt in an exclusive raffle.
Everton FC’s Victor Anichebe vows to put injury nightmare behind him as he prepares to be EFC wing-man once again
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 27 2011
VICTOR ANICHEBE has vowed to put his injury nightmare behind him as he prepares to be David Moyes’ wing-man once again. The Nigerian forward wants to hit the ground running in the forthcoming campaign, after missing the opening four months of last season with an ankle injury which led to the lowest point of his Blues career. But after scoring in Everton’s impressive 3-1 win over DC United in Washington on Saturday, the 23-year-old is hoping to build some momentum ahead of the season opener against Spurs on August 13 – when he will begin repaying David Moyes’ faith in him. He said: “Last season I felt so good in pre-season and I got injured right towards the end of pre-season. “I think I took that one a lot harder that when I got injured off the tackle from (Kevin) Nolan. “I thought I was doing really well, I felt fit and strong and then I got injured – it was a bitter blow to swallow but I had good friends, family and the manager who showed a lot of faith in me
“Sometimes you need to take your mind away from football, it’s our job and we love it but there’s a lot more to think about, it puts things into perspective when you’re injured, it helps you learn,” he added. “I pray that the injuries are past me and that I can show what I’m capable of.” Anichebe has been used both up front and out wide in the games against Bury and DC United as Moyes explores his options in the final third of the field. Perhaps his most consistent spell at Goodison Park came on the right hand side of midfield and the powerful attacker says he is happy to wing it for the good of the team. “I’ve taken playing wide in my stride, I had some good games there last year so I can’t really argue,” he said. “Playing up front is good but the main thing is helping out the team, I haven’t got a preference, playing wide is a lot harder than up-front but I don’t mind. “It’s really demanding playing wide, sometimes from the outside you see other people doing it and you think it’s not that hard but when you get put into that position it is. “I played on the wing against Spurs and I was having to chase down Gareth Bale, it was crazy but it’s about breaking those boundaries.”
Meanwhile, young football fans can put their goalkeeping skills to the test before cheering on Everton Ladies in the Merseyside derby tonight. Local youngsters aged eight to 16 can learn new goalkeeping skills, drills and pick up tips from top coaches as the Continental Shot Stoppers roadshow stops off in North Liverpool. The nationwide roadshow, developed by Continental and the FA, aims to develop youngsters’ goalkeeping skills with interactive activities to enhance speed, reaction, accuracy and reflex. There will also be a host of games, competitions and a chance to meet Everton Ladies goalkeeper Rachel Brown and defender Alex Greenwood. The sessions will be held at Goals Soccer Centre, Park Lane, Netherton, from 2.30pm on Wednesday. To reserve your place, contact contishotstoppers@sportcel.com All those that take part will also receive free tickets to support the Blues as they take on Liverpool.
Everton FC's Tim Cahill tips EFC youngsters to shine this season
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 27 2011
TIM CAHILL says he is not concerned by speculation linking some of Everton’s best players with moves away from Goodison Park and has tipped the club’s young starlets to shine through this season. With no summer signings, manager David Moyes’ concerns have centred on fending off the advances of Premier League big guns towards his star assets. Last week it was Phil Jagielka who was the subject of transfer talk, with the club rejecting a pair of bids from Arsenal, believed to be in the region of £11m, for the 28-year-old England defender. Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini have also been linked with moves away. Cahill, however, is refusing to get caught up in worrying about who will or won’t be leaving Goodison. “I never focus on speculation and I never invite it,” said the Australian midfielder. “If a club wants you they will come and buy you. If they don’t want you, they don’t want you. “The best thing about this club is the relationship with the manager. We stay honest by him, and he stays honest by us. We let everyone else deal with the speculation and we just concentrate on our football. “We have long-term contracts and we are paid to play. I have learned over the years that it is important to have respect for the football club, because of how much the fans and the club puts into us.” The lack of serious transfer activity – young defender Eric Dier, on loan from Sporting Lisbon, is the only new face at the club so far – means Moyes is likely to dip into his pool of young players over the coming season. Apostolos Vellios, Ross Barkley and Conor McAleny all featured in the USA. Cahill added: “The manager always brings the young players through. “Tolos (Vellios) has all the right attributes. He showed the type of performance he can put in, the work-rate he can put in. “Ross Barkley has come back to fitness, he is strong, he is sharp, he is fit. For me, I tip him to be a real up and coming player. “Connor has impressed me just as much because he is a finisher. “The other good thing is they are well-humbled kids. They really enjoy being around the first team, they have great attitudes. “It has been fantastic for them to be a part of the squad in pre-season, because professionalism is something that they need for the future at a football club like this.” Cahill is behind only Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman as the Blues’ longest serving player, having spent seven years on Merseyside since signing from Millwall. And the 31-year-old says he is happy to assume the role of mentor for the club’s young talents. “Having youngsters coming through is something that the club prides itself on,” he added. “The gaffer protects them really well, we protect them as players.”
Everton FC latest: Victor Anichebe vows to repay faith of David Moyes
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 27 2011
VICTOR ANICHEBE is praying his injury nightmare is over – and has vowed to start repaying the faith shown by Everton manager David Moyes. Anichebe admits he suffered the lowest point of his career when he missed the opening four months of last season with an ankle injury suffered in pre-season. This summer has been more productive with the Nigeria international netting in Everton’s 3-1 win over DC United in Washington on Saturday. It prompted praise from Moyes, who believes the striker can prove a major asset should he retain his fitness. And Anichebe is determined to finally make an emphatic mark more than five years after making his debut. “Last season I felt so good in pre-season and I got injured right towards the end of pre-season,” said the 23-year-old.
“I think I took that one a lot harder that when I got injured off the tackle from (Kevin) Nolan.
“I thought I was doing really well, I felt fit and strong and then I got injured – it was a bitter blow to swallow but I had good friends, family and the manager who showed a lot of faith in me. “Sometimes you need to take your mind away from football, it’s our job and we love it but there’s a lot more to think about, it puts things into perspective when you’re injured, it helps you learn.
“I pray that the injuries are past me and that I can show what I’m capable of.” Anichebe has been utilised both up front and on the flank already this pre-season, having impressed on the right of midfield for the first team in recent years. And he said: “I’ve taken playing wide in my stride, I had some good games there last year so I can’t really argue. “Playing up front is good but the main thing is helping out the team, I haven’t got a preference, playing wide is a lot harder than up front but I don’t mind. “It’s really demanding playing wide, sometimes from the outside you see other people doing it and you think it’s not that hard but when you get put into that position it is. “I played on the wing against Spurs and I was having to chase down Gareth Bale, it was crazy but it’s about breaking those boundaries.” Meanwhile, Tim Howard believes he has benefited from an extended break this season. The United States goalkeeper has enjoyed a four-week break since appearing for his country in the Gold Cup final defeat to Mexico on June 25. It meant Howard sat out the Philadelphia leg of Everton’s tour to his homeland, although he linked up with the squad in Washington last week.
And he said: “I think for an athlete at this level your rest is just as important as everything else.
“Ultimately I can’t be prepared for this upcoming season without getting that rest. I feel very well rested and I look forward to what is to come.”
Walsall confirm Anton Peterlin deal
Wednesday 27th July 2011, (Express and Star) Walsall Paper
Walsall today confirmed the signing of midfielder Anton Peterlin on a one-year contract.The 24-year-old midfielder becomes manager Dean Smith’s eighth new recruit in a summer of transformation at the Banks’s Stadium.The San Fransisco-born 24-year-old begins a third attempt to establish himself in English football after previous spells with Everton and then Plymouth.He said: “I’m really excited by this move. I’ve settled in well with the lads already and going on tour to Scotland recently has helped me.“They’re a good bunch and I’m just happy to sign for the club. I’m hoping we do well and get off to a good start to the season.”
Everton FC Ladies 1 Liverpool FC Ladies 0: Natasha Dowie hits Mersey derby decider
by Jamie Bowman, Liverpool Echo
Jul 28 2011
THE tight surroundings may have been different and the segregation a bit more relaxed, but there was no mistaking that the crowd at Marine FC’s Arriva Stadium witnessed a typical Merseyside derby last night. The skill and work rate of Everton and Liverpool’s Ladies teams was a great testament to this embryonic first season of the Women’s Super League, with the girls in blue ultimately winning an entertaining encounter 1-0. As so often happens in these local scraps, chances were at a premium in the first quarter of the game, as Everton looked to assert themselves over their bottom-of-the league rivals. Everton’s centre-forward, Natasha Dowie, lived up to the reputation of her uncle Iain, by giving the Liverpool back four a torrid time, and it was her determination not to give up which led to the home side’s winner. A fairly harmless cross from the impressive Toni Duggan, looked to be sailing away from danger, but the presence of Dowie seemed to unnerve Reds keeper Danielle Gibbons, who hesitated, allowing the blonde-haired striker to poke into an unguarded net.
Winless Liverpool, who looked low on confidence, were unable to pose any kind of meaningful threat until the final minute of the half when towering central defender Nicky Twohig headed a corner high over the bar. For Everton though it was a fine result in front of a record Everton crowd of 1,135 and the Blues now have that precious commodity – momentum – with a third win on the bounce taking them third in a table which makes happy holiday reading for the b blue half of Merseyside.
EVERTON: Brown, Easton, Unitt, Chaplen (Kane 71), Whelan, Johnson, Handley (Harries 71), Scott, Dowie, Duggan, Hinnigan.
LIVERPOOL: Gibbons, Chappel, Twohig, Jones, Shepherd (C Jones 78), Watson (Harding 71), Littlejohn, V Jones, Evans, Brusell.
ATT: 1135.
Everton FC launch pilot citizenship scheme to help city teenagers net jobs
by Ben Turner, Liverpool Echo
Jul 28 2011
EVERTON FC will send 30 city teenagers on a pioneering summer scheme to give unemployment the red card. The teenage volunteers, all approaching their final year of high school, must pledge to convert job skills gained from two weeks with the Blues’ official charity Everton In The Community (EITC) into projects which will improve the places where they live. Everton’s pilot programme is part of the government’s national citizenship scheme, designed to tackle youth unemployment as well as giving teenagers what prime minister David Cameron termed a “a sense of purpose, optimism and belonging”. From the beginning of August, the willing recruits will sacrifice two weeks of their summer holidays and messing around with mates to enrol on the programme. It consists of two week-long residential courses designed to help them make new friends, learn vital skills and educate them on identifying ways to boost their own surroundings. The first week will include working with strangers on a host of problem-solving and team-building activities, such as canoeing and rope climbing at the Tyn y Berth Mountain Centre, in Machynlleth, Mid Wales. The teens, hailing from all parts of the city, will be asked to make reflections on what they have achieved. The teenagers must also spend just under a week at Liverpool University halls of residence, learning independent living skills ranging from managing on a budget to cooking. The youngsters will also spend the day working with staff at Goodison Park learning planning and marketing skills. Other eye-catching items on the itinerary will include a day with the Runcorn Canal Boat Adventure Project to researching who their MP and councillors are. At the end of the two weeks, the participants must commit 40 hours over the following fortnight to develop and, with the help of EITC officials, carry out a project or activity day to benefit their own neighbourhoods. Danielle Azanuwha, volunteer manager for EITC, said the course would allow the students to “develop skills for the workplace and above all have fun making a difference”. She added: “The social action projects can be anything which improves their area, from clearing a playground to painting a youth club – anything which makes a positive change.”
The government-funded scheme will culminate with the teenagers receiving certificates to boost their CVs at a special celebration event at Goodison Park on September 1.
Everton FC hopeful that Mikel Arteta could still be fit for the start of the Premier League season
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 28 2011
EVERTON FC are hopeful that injured playmaker Mikel Arteta could still be fit for the start of the season. The Spaniard had a scan on Monday amid concerns he had broken his foot in the first game of the club’s US tour, but the problem is not now believed to be as serious as first feared. It is now hoped Arteta will recover in a fortnight, allowing him to return to training before Everton’s opener on August 13 against Spurs. The 29-year-old looked sharp during the Blues’ opening 1-0 defeat by Philadelphia Union in America, and David Moyes will be hoping no further complications arise as he bids to have his strongest XI available for White Hart Lane. Moyes already has concerns over Marouane Fellaini, another influential first-team regular who was unable to feature in the second US game against DC United after picking up a knock, as he battles to recover fully from ankle surgery in February. Meanwhile, Birmingham City defender Curtis Davis has described his admiration of Leighton Baines ahead of the Toffees’ friendly at St Andrews on Saturday. Former Aston Villa centre back Davies was England Under-21 team-mates with Baines and said the defender has one of the best left feet in the top flight. “He’s top drawer, he’s one of those players that in training never used to give the ball away and it’s the old saying ‘he’s got a left foot that could open a can of beans’,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve seen many better left feet than his. “Being small people might think that he’s only good going forward but he’s actually a very good defender as well – he’s very intelligent.
“I’m glad to see he’s doing well, obviously he’s gone from being in the Under-21s with me to becoming a full international and I wish him all the best.” Davies signed for Birmingham in January and has experienced relegation from the Premier League and the arrival of Chris Hughton as manager following Alex McLeish’s controversial move across the city to Villa. Now the 26-year-old is hoping a positive display against Everton on Saturday will boost confidence ahead of their league campaign, which begins against Derby County on August 6. “We’re not going to play anyone with the quality that Everton have in the Championship but you go into the game against Everton knowing that if you do half decent that will give you a little bit of confidence going into the Derby game,” he said. “Everton are going to play a different style of football to what most teams will play in the Championship this year, in the Championship sometimes you will be playing against teams that play flowing football and the next week a team that plays really direct. “It’s all good to get used to playing against Everton and the way they play but in the Championship it’s more about being up for the fight,” he added. “We can test ourselves against the quality, and me in particular because Everton have some good strikers, and if you do well it gives you a bit of a boost going into the season.”
Everton FC rumour mill: Two Manchester City stars linked, German midfielder on Blues radar?
Jul 28 2011
Blues in bid to loan Man City star
Everton could be looking to bring in Manchester City winger Adam Johnson on loan, according to the Daily Mail. The highly-rated 24-year-old is thought to have become dissatisfied with the frequency of his first-team appearances under Roberto Mancini while Fiorentina flyer Alessio Cerci has been linked with a move to the Etihad, which would threaten Johnson's hopes for the new season. Chelsea are also thought to be interested in Johnson but City would be reluctant to sell to a Champions League rival.
Source: Daily Mail
German midfielder linked
West Ham and ex-Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger could be on Everton's radar. The 29-year-old, renowned for his fierce left foot, is available on a free transfer after the Hammers' relegation to the Championship. He has won 52 caps for Germany as a Bundesliga's winners medal from his time at Stuttgart.
Source: Sportsvibe
Toffees face fight for defender
Everton are amongst a number of clubs being linked with Man City defender Nedum Onuoha.
The 24-year-old impressed while on loan at Sunderland last season and is thought to be keen on a move to further his chances of regular first-team football. A number of top-flight clubs including Aston Villa are rumoured to be interested in the player who has made 94 appearances for City since making his debut in 2004.
Source: Clubcall
We can help youngsters come through, says Everton FC veteran Tim Cahill
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 28 2011
TIM CAHILL is ready to put a protective arm around the latest clutch of up-and-coming youngsters at Everton. The lack of newcomers to the squad this summer has prompted David Moyes to give a run-out to several promising starlets during pre-season. Both Ross Barkley and Conor McAleny enjoyed their first senior involvement on the tour to the United States while Apostolos Vellios also figured.
And Cahill believes there is reason to take encouragement from Moyes’s willingness to give the youngsters an opportunity. “The manager always brings the young players through,” said the Australian. “Having youngsters coming through is something that the club prides itself on. The gaffer protects them really well, we protect them as players “Tolos (Vellios) has all the right attributes. He showed the type of performance he can put in, the work-rate he can put in.
“Ross Barkley has come back to fitness, he is strong, he is sharp, he is fit. For me, I tip him to be a real up and coming player. “Connor has impressed me just as much because he is a finisher.
“The other good thing is they are well-humbled kids. They really enjoy being around the first team, they have great attitudes. “It has been fantastic for them to be a part of the squad in pre-season, because professionalism is something that they need for the future at a football club like this.”
Cahill has once again insisted Everton’s players will not allow speculation about their futures to affect preparations for the new season. “I never focus on speculation and I never invite it,” said the 31-year-old. “If a club wants you they will come and buy you. If they don’t want you, they don’t want you. “The best thing about this club is the relationship with the manager. We stay honest by him, and he stays honest by us. “We let everyone else deal with the speculation and we just concentrate on our football. We have long-term contracts and we are paid to play. I have learned over the years that it is important to have respect for the football club, because of how much the fans and the club puts into us.” Meanwhile, an Everton team comprising under-16s and U15s has won through to the semi-finals of the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland by beating Swindon Town 2-0 yesterday.
Everton won the tournament in 2009 when they also beat Swindon en route to the final.
Everton win plaudits and points in ladies Merseyside derby
Liverpool Daily Post
Jul 28 2011
THE tight surroundings may have been different and the segregation a bit more relaxed, but there was no mistaking that the crowd at Marine FC’s Arriva Stadium witnessed a typical Merseyside derby last night. The skill and work rate of the Everton and Liverpool Ladies teams was a great testament to this embryonic first season of the Women’s’ Super League, with the girls in blue ultimately winning an entertaining encounter 1-0. As so often happens in these local scraps, chances were at a premium in the first quarter of the game, as Everton looked to assert themselves over their bottom-of-the league rivals. Everton’s centre-forward Natasha Dowie lived up to the reputation of her uncle Iain by giving the Liverpool back four a torrid time, and it was her determination not to give up which led to the home side’s opener. A fairly harmless cross from the impressive Toni Duggan, looked to be sailing away from danger, but the presence of Dowie seemed to unnerve Reds keeper Danielle Gibbons, who hesitated, allowing the blonde haired striker to poke into an unguarded net.
Winless Liverpool, who looked low on confidence, were unable to pose any kind of meaningful threat until the final minute of the half when towering central defender Nicky Twohig headed a corner high over the bar. The second half saw Mo Marley’s side increase their hold in the game with some neat possession play from midfielder Jill Scott and winger Duggen provoking some frustrated heavy challenges from an increasingly marginalised away team. Dowie could have doubled her tally just after the hour but flashed a cross-shot wide. The only other notable chance fell to substitute Amy Kane, who headed comfortably into the keeper’s arms with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Struggling Liverpool will be hugely disappointed after what was an underwhelming performance in front of a record Everton crowd of 1,135. For Everton, however, it was a fine result and the Blues girls now have that precious commodity – momentum – with a third win on the bounce taking them third in a Super League table which makes happy holiday reading for the ladies.
EVERTON: Brown, Easton, Unitt, Chaplen (Kane 71), Whelan, Johnson,Handley (Harries 71), Scott, Dowie, Duggan, Hinnigan.
LIVERPOOL: Gibbons, Chappel, Twohig, Jones, Shepherd (C Jones 78),Watson (Harding 71), Littlejohn, V Jones , Evans, Brusell.
ATT: 1135.
Arsenal's Arsène Wenger ready to move for Phil Jagielka and Juan Mata• Everton may set Jagielka's price at more than £18m
By David Hytner
The Guardian. 29 July 2011
Everton's Phil Jagielka, who could help solve Arsenal's problems at the back, is pictured battling for the ball with Samir Nasri, who is expected to see out the last 12 months of his contract at the Emirates. Arsène Wenger intends to ease the transfer window frustration of Arsenal supporters with successful moves for the Everton defender Phil Jagielka and the Valencia winger Juan Mata.
The manager has waged a battle throughout the summer to retain his captain, Cesc Fábregas, and the midfielder Samir Nasri, and it has felt, even to a section of the club's board, that he has done so to the detriment of seeking new signings. Fábregas looks certain to get his long-touted switch to Barcelona – Wenger wants the issue resolved in the coming days – while Nasri is likely to be held to the terms of his contract, which has 12 months to run. He could then depart on a highly lucrative Bosman free transfer. Wenger has signed the forward Gervinho from Lille for £10.6m, together with the reserve right-back Carl Jenkinson from Charlton Athletic, but many of the club's fans have been desperate to see him make a major impression in the market. The arrivals of Jagielka and Mata, together with the short-term retention of Nasri, would go some way to answering the critics. Wenger has already seen one bid for Jagielka, of around £12m, rejected by Everton but he is preparing a renewed offer that he hopes will force the Merseysiders' hand. David Moyes, the Everton manager, has made it clear that Jagielka is one of the few players whom he does not want to sell and it may need an extraordinary offer, of upwards of £18m, to tempt him and his directors.
Wenger wants a commanding central defender with Premier League experience, a player to address Arsenal's achilles heel of set-piece concessions, and Jagielka, the England international, would fit the bill. Wenger has also been linked to Gary Cahill of Bolton Wanderers and Chris Samba of Blackburn Rovers. Mata would not be a like-for-like replacement for Fábregas. The 23-year-old tends to play on the left, although he could play in a central position. He has emerged as one of Europe's most coveted young players after his starring role for Spain's Under-21s in their triumphant European Championship campaign last month. He was also a part of the victorious senior squad at the World Cup finals last summer. Wenger has experimented in pre-season with Nasri in an advanced central midfield role, rather than his more accustomed position on the left. Gervinho also likes to come in from the flank. Valencia do not want to sell Mata, who is valued at £17.5m, but the technical secretary Bralui Vázquez admitted he could not rule out the possibility. "We have a back-up plan in case Juan leaves," he said. "That's not just the case for Juan, though. We have a plan like that for every player. We have to be prepared if something happens."
Everton FC fans can take consolation that their woes are not as severe as friendly opponents Birmingham FC
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 29 2011
While Everton fans have endured a summer of frustration centred around their club’s lack of transfer activity so far, they can still cling onto one consoling thought – at least they don’t support Birmingham City.From the joy of Carling Cup triumph at Wembley in February, the Midlands club’s faithful have endured five hellish months when their hopes and dreams have unravelled faster than Rupert Murdoch’s public image.Once a regular thorn in David Moyes’ side when Alex McLeish’s well-organised and purposeful team would regularly nick points at Goodison, City have since plummeted out of the top flight and onto the brink of financial melt-down.There were undoubtedly flickers of jealousy from the blue half of Merseyside when Carson Yeung rode into Birmingham on a blaze of promises and dollar signs.But fast forward to the weekend, when Moyes’ side will take on the Brummie Blues at St Andrews, and their opponents’ recent history becomes more of a cautionary tale.Yeung’s assets have been frozen in the Far East pending his money-laundering court case.And shares in the club’s holding company have been suspended, making it difficult to raise money.Now, City chief Peter Pannu has admitted the axe will have to fall and unpopular decisions will have to be made when he returns from the Far East – just one week before they kick-off their Championship season.The financial meltdown at St Andrews has left fans fearing they will become the new Portsmouth, as new boss Chris Hughton (appointed after McLeish was poached by bitter rivals Villa) tries to prepare for the new campaign without most of the club’s big-name players.Rivals like West Brom are trying to snatch keeper Ben Foster and Liam Ridgewell on the cheap while Stoke want Scott Dann and Cameron Jerome; and Barry Ferguson, Seb Larsson, and Roger Johnson have already jumped ship.Add to that the fact that £6m Serbian striker Nikola Zigic is determined to head for the exit door too, and it’s difficult not to feel sympathy for Birmingham supporters.The causes for commiseration don’t stop there.Toffees fed-up at their side missing out on top summer target Charles N’Zogbia can again imagine the frustration of Birmingham City.Before McLeish departed for the second city’s other club, he had almost sealed a deal for the French attacker last season only for it to collapse at the 11th hour.Now City fans must endure watching Villa sign their one-time target – knowing his goals and creativity may well have saved them from the drop.At least Everton have cause to put faith in youth.Magaye Gueye is one of five Everton players that toured the USA who will travel to Oxford United tonight for a reserve friendly ahead of tomorrow’s first-team outing.Alan Stubbs will take charge of the team at the Kassam Stadium which includes a host of the Blues’ best young players.“They’ve (Oxford) had a couple of good results in pre-season and this will be the best calibre of players that we’ll be coming up against,” said Stubbs.“It’ll be a challenge but we’ll have one or two players back in the team.”
Everton FC defender Sylvain Distin - We need to strengthen
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
Jul 29 2011
SYLVAIN DISTIN believes Everton need “one or two” new signings this summer if they are to keep pace with their Premier League rivals.The Blues’ lack of transfer activity has been well-documented in recent months, with Sporting Lisbon teenager Eric Dier the only arrival at Goodison Park since the end of last season.And with Nigerian international duo Joseph Yobo and Yakubu, both of whom missed the club’s recent tour of the USA, likely to depart before the new campaign begins, manager David Moyes’ numbers will be cut further.Distin, who has been a virtual ever-present since arriving from Portsmouth two years ago, believes Moyes’ side would benefit from an injection of new blood, having seen the likes of Sunderland and Newcastle strengthen their squads in the close season.And the 33-year-old believes no targets can be set at Goodison until the transfer window is complete.“We have to wait and see who is going to come and go,” Distin said. “Hopefully none of the top players will leave, but I think we definitely need to strengthen our team a bit. “If you look at the teams around us, they have got three or four if not five players, and quality players too. "You look at a team like Sunderland or Newcastle, teams like that, they have definitely improved their team in both numbers and quality, and that is what we need. We need to improve the squad in terms of quality.“That doesn’t mean we don’t have quality now, but we have a small squad and we will get injuries – that is the Premier League – so it could be tough. One or two players would definitely help.”Distin, like many of his teammates, admits he is excited by the emergence of a number of talented youngsters at the club, with Ross Barkley in particular shining during the US tour.And the Frenchman believes the likes of Barkley, as well as strikers Apostolos Vellios and Conor McAleny, will be needed over the course of the season, to supplement the more experienced first-teamers.“We need them,” he said. “We don’t have a big squad, so we need them to help us, that is for sure.“This season will be a tough season. If we can have a few less injuries than last year it will help, because we have never been blessed with injuries.“But we definitely need the young kids to be there and support us, and we need to help them. So far those who have been training with us have been great. We have some really good players.” Distin was one of Moyes’ most consistent performers last season, featuring in every single Premier League game and making 44 appearances in all competitions. His partnership with Phil Jagielka in the centre of defence is one of the strongest around.Jagielka has recently been linked with a move away from the club, with Arsenal having a £10m bid rejected last week, but his defensive partner hopes he will remain at the club so they can continue their good work together.“I feel comfortable with Jags because we have played a lot of games together,” he added. “But I feel comfortable with Johnny (Heitinga) as well.“I talk a bit less with Jags (on the pitch) because we just get on a bit better in that way. With Johnny we need to speak a bit more on the field, but it doesn’t mean we don’t have a good partnership, just a different relationship.“It is good for the team to have competition, it can only make us better. But you need a bit of consistency too. If you look at the top teams, they don’t change their starting eleven often. Sure, they change one or two players due to form or injury, but they have a backbone of maybe six or seven who play every week.“And that’s what you need. If you want to know your players, and how they play together, you need to play a lot of games together.“The more a team changes, the more difficult that is.”
Everton FC yet to receive second bid from Arsenal for Phil Jagielka
Greg O'Keeffe
Jul 29 2011
Phil Jagielka ARSENAL have yet to return with a second bid for Everton FC defender Phil Jagielka, despite reports to the contrary today..Although the Goodison hierarchy fear Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is readying a second offer for the 28-year-old England international, no formal contact has been received from North London.The Emirates club are widely believed to be preparing a £15m bid for the 28-year-old after their initial £11m offer was rejected last week.Everton are thought to value Jagielka, who they signed for £4m from Sheffield United in 2007, in the £18m plus bracket, but manager David Moyes is still likely to strongly resist any sale of a player he has ear-marked as a future skipper.
Commons watchdog demand 'urgent reform' of Football Association to safeguard future of the national game
Ian Hernon
Jul 29 2011
George Gillett and Tom Hicks COMMONS watchdogs today demanded "urgent reform" of the Football Association.In a hard-hitting report the culture, media and sport select committee ruled that English football's governing body needs to be shaken up if the game is to meet "future challenges."The report follows last year's court battle involving former Reds owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and the ongoing controversey over the future of the Anfield stadium.It did not refer directly to either issue but said that there must be "rigorous and consistent" formal licensing to promote "forward-looking business plans and underpin relf-regulation measures introduced by the Premier League and the Football League, and financial fair play regulations being introduced by UEFA."And a key recommendation is the introduction of "a strong fit and proper persons test consistently applied, with a presumption against selling the ground unless it is in the club's interests."
Other recommendations include:
* A 10-strong FA board, consisting of a chairman, general secretary, two further executive staff, two non-executives, two professional game representatives, and two national game representatives. * A reconstituted board should reconsider whether the 50-50 divide of surplus revenues should be scrapped to allow it to take strategic decisions.* The abolition of the Football Creditors Rule which "epitomises the extent to which financial priorities are being distorted."* An amendment to the financial services and markets act to help fans overcome legal and bureaucratic hurdles when raising cash.* And an FA review of grass roots spending to put an emphasis on coaching education.Committee chairman John Whittingdale said: "No-one doubts the success of the Premier League in revitalising English football."But it has been accompanied by serious financial problems throughout the football league pyramid."Significant changes need to be made to the way the game is run to secure the future of England's unique football heritage, and the econmomic and community benefits it provides."He added: "The FA is the organisation for the job, but it has some way to go getting is own house in order before it can tackle the problems in the English game, and address the future."
Agent claims Wigan Athletic in battle with Everton and Sunderland for Birmingham striker Zigic
by Jack Failsworth. Fri 29 Jul 2011
According to his agent, a number of Premier League clubs are chasing Birmingham City striker Nikola Zigic. Zigic experienced a hit-and-miss season with Birmingham who were eventually relegated after winning the Carling Cup. But his agent claims they have had interest from the Latics, Everton and Sunderland. Milan Calasan said: "A few English teams are showing interest in Zigic, but the obstacle now is his high wage at Birmingham."
Leven set for Oxford United debut
Friday 29th July 2011
By Nick Farrant (Oxford Mail)
NEW signing Peter Leven could make his Oxford United debut when they host an Everton XI in tonight’s pre-season friendly at the Kassam Stadium. Midfielder Leven, 27, hasn’t played a game since signing from MK Dons as he completed his recovery from the metatarsal injury he suffered towards the end of last season. Although he is unlikely to start against Everton, Wilder said he was hoping to give the former Rangers youngster some valuable game time. “He may play a part, said Wilder, who gives a late fitness test to midfielder Simon Heslop ahead of the visit of the Toffees. “Pete has been working really hard in training, so hopefully we can get him on the pitch.” Leven, who was given the all-clear to train again after a scan, admitted it had been frustrating watching from the sidelines as his teammates have put together an unbeaten pre-season run of seven matches. Defender Harry Worley is awaiting the results of a scan on the knee he injured in Tuesday’s 2-0 win against Championship side Birmingham, though Wilder is optimistic that the centre back will be back in action soon. However, Tony Capaldi the U’s summer capture from Morecambe, is unlikely to face Everton, as he is struggling with a back injury. Also missing is Paul McLaren, who is ruled out with a calf strain. Wilder said: “It’s slow progress with Paul, but if he’s not ready then we just have to get on with it – we don’t want any heroes (playing with an injury) against Everton.” The Toffees, who are playing a friendly away to Birmingham tomorrow, are expected to field a side including a host of their best young players. But Wilder warned his players that it will still be tough, despite the lack of any big names in the Everton line-up. “When you are a Premier club in the top eight in the country, all the players are going to be decent. There will be some talented youngsters out there.” Alan Stubbs will take charge of the Everton team, which will include striker Magaye Gueye, their top-scorer in pre-season with three goals, midfielder Ross Barkley and attacking pair Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios all of whom played a part in both games on their US tour.
Everton name squad for United friendly
Friday 29th July 2011 (Oxford Mail)
Everton have named the following squad for thier friendly against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium tonight: A.Davies, Roberts, Browning, Barkley, Gueye, Forshaw, Orenuga, Duffy, Mustafi, Garbutt, Vellios, Silva, McAleny, Nsiala, Bidwell, Hope, Lundstram, Forrester.
Wenger testing Everton as Arsenal boss lines up fresh £15m bid for Jagielka
By Sportsmail Reporter
29th July 2011
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to raise the stakes in his pursuit of Phil Jagielka with a bid of £15million for the Everton defender.Wenger tabled a £10m offer last week for Jagielka - a year after offering £12m - but Everton value the 28-year-old at closer to £18m.Frenchman Wenger is a big admirer of Jagielka and sees the England international as the ideal partner for Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of his defence.
Top target: Arsenal are determined to sign Everton defender Phil Jagielka
Everton have been linked with a move for Birmingham's Scott Dann as a potential replacement for Jagielka while Wenger has also been monitoring his situation at St Andrew's as a back-up plan if he does not land his top target. Bolton's Gary Cahill and Chris Samba at Blackburn are other options but Jagielka has always been the one for Wenger.With both Manchester clubs and Liverpool busy during the summer transfer market Wenger is finally getting down to business with a deal for Juan Mata also close to completion.Valencia are ready to accept £17.5m for the attacking midfielder and personal terms will not be a problem for the Gunners, who are set to offload striker Nicklas Bendtner to Sporting Lisbon for £9m.Mata's arrival will push Cesc Fabregas closer to his dream move home to Barcelona. The Gunners skipper will play no part in this weekend's Emirates Cup and a deal could be done by early next week if Barcelona come up with the money. He's the Juan: Mata is close to completing his move from Valencia to Arsenal The Catalan giants have been unsuccessful with bids of almost £27m and £31m as Arsenal hold out for at least £35m and chairman Peter Hill-Wood admitted the saga is frustrating the north Londoners.He said: 'They have been messing about for a year and a half now and they have got to make up their minds.'The ball is in their court. They have made one bid of around £26m and another rather tentative one. 'If they want to buy the player they are going to have to pay the right price – and when you look at what is being paid elsewhere I don’t think what we are asking is at all unreasonable.'
Homeward bound: Cesc Fabregas
Asked whether the time was approaching when the Arsenal would call off talks, Hill-Wood added: 'We are getting close to that.'Meanwhile, Everton defender Sylvain Distin insists keeping hold of Jagielka is as important as bringing in one or two new faces to take the team forward.Toffees boss David Moyes will probably have to sell players before he can freshen up his squad but Distin does not want to Jagielka leave Goodison Park.'Hopefully none of the top players will leave but I think we definitely need to strengthen our team a bit,' Distin told the Liverpool Echo.'If you look at the teams around us, they have got three or four if not five players, and quality players too.'Sunderland or Newcastle, teams like that, have definitely improved their team in both numbers and quality and that is what we need. We need to improve the squad in terms of quality.'That doesn’t mean we don’t have quality now, but we have a small squad and we will get injuries - that is the Premier League - so it could be tough. One or two players would definitely help.'
Oxford Utd 1, Everton X1 0
Friday 29th July 2011 (Oxford Mail)
James Constable scored the winner as Oxford United wrapped up their pre-season programme with a des-erved victory against a young Everton side at the Kassam Stadium. The former Kidderminster striker stole possession from defender Shane Duffy and smashed home his first goal of pre-season from the edge of the area. It stretched the U’s unbeaten run to eight matches against an Everton side packed with young talent, including Ross Barkley and their French-born £1m signing Magaye Gueye, their top-scorer in pre-season with three goals. Andrew Whing was given the chance to carry on in midfield after his good showing in the 2-0 win against Birmingham on Tuesday, while triallist Liam Davis – a substitute against the Blues –had a first start at left back. Alfie Potter linked up with Constable and new signing Deane Smalley in attack, with Asa Hall, Lewis Davis and Tom Craddock making up the midfield trio. United’s defence looked strong, with Michael Duberry returning in the centre alongside Ryan James, who did so well as substitute against Chris Hughton’s side. James was forced into action making a superb block on Femi Oregnuga as he advanced on Ryan Clarke’s goal. The U’s had to reshuffle their attack after Smalley limped off with an ankle injury to be replaced by Jon-Paul Pittman. Davis then made a superb challenge on Conor McAleny after the ball broke to him in the area on 18 minutes. On 30 minutes, Everton should have gone in front, but Apostolos Vellios headed Garbutt’s super left-wing cross over the bar A late challenge by Shane Duffy on Craddock saw the frontman receive lenghthy treatment before he was allowed to continue. Damian Batt almost put the U’s ahead with a fierce cross-shot from the right, but Adam Davies got a hand to his effort. At the other end, James glanced away a dangerous free-kick from Garbutt, before Clarke got down well to keep out a shot from Oregnuga after he burst down the right of the area. After the break, Barkley had a golden chance to fire Everton in front, but shot wide. And they paid the price, soon afterwards when the U's took the lead. Constable seized on a mistake by Duffy before to smashing an unstoppable shot past Davies from the edge of the area. Everton were trying to get back into the game, but struggled to create chances, with United looking sharp on the break. With ten minutesremaining, Craddock almost made it 2-0, but Duffy blocked his shot. The Toffees kept throwing men forward as the game entered injury time, but United’s backline held firm to complete a satisfactory night’s work.
Oxford Utd: Clarke (Brown 45), Batt, Duberry, James, Whing (Anderson 67), Hall (Leven 70), Davis, Potter (Marsh 87), Smalley (Pittman 16), Constable (Payne 57), Craddock (Woodley 85). Sub not used: Woodley.
Everton: Davies, Browning, Garbutt, Forshaw, Duffy, Mustafi, Oregnuga, Barkley (Lundstrum 67), Vellios (Silva 45), McAleny (Bidwell 62), Gueye (Hope 73). Subs not used: Nsiala, Forrester.
Attendance: 2,461.
Birmingham City: Fans plan protest before Everton clash
by Brett Gibbons, Birmingham Mail
Jul 29 2011
ANGRY Blues supporters are planning a demonstration outside St Andrew’s before tomorrow’s friendly with Everton.Furious fans want to vent their frustrations about the turmoil at the club and demanding that Carson Yeung quits the Blues’ boardroom.Many supporters want answers about the club’s financial situation and some vowed to attend the protest but not go into the ground and watch the game.Businessman Stephen Capewell said the supporters deserved to be heard. “There were 2,000 of us at a pre-season match at Hereford and more than 11,000 have bought season tickets. Birmingham City really matters to these people,” he said.“I think Mr Yeung and his team did not understand the loyalty and strength of felling among the fans when they took over the club. It’s obvious they didn’t realise a club requires investment.”
Arsenal chairman confirms 'a few' new signings are expected soon
29th July 2011, (The Metro)
defender, but suggested they were still working behind the scenes to land their man. ‘We are trying to buy a few players but it isn’t going to happen overnight,’ said Hill-Wood. ‘We have made a bid for him (Jagielka) but they didn’t think it was enough. It is very busy but nothing is actually happening.’ Valencia ace Mata is also hotly tipped to be an Arsenal player within the next week, while Blackburn centre-back Samba remains high on Arsene Wenger’s wish list. Hill-Wood though, also fired a warning to Barcelona over their pursuit of Cesc Fabregas, and said the window was slowly closing for them to strike a deal for the Gunners skipper. ‘They have been messing about for a year and a half now and they have got to make up their minds,’ the Arsenal supremo explained. ‘The ball is in their court. They have made one bid of around £26m and another rather tentative one. ‘If they want to buy the player they are going to have to pay the right price – and when you look at what is being paid elsewhere I don’t think what we are asking is at all unreasonable.’ Asked whether the time was approaching when the north Londoners would call off talks, Hill-Wood added: ‘We are getting close to that.’
Royal Blue: Everton FC Ladies hope for another bumper crowd to roar them onto success
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 30 2011
A RECORD 1,135 supporters turned out to watch Everton Ladies defeat Liverpool 1-0 in a fiercely-fought Merseyside derby earlier this week and the team are hoping fans can give them a boost again this Sunday.Manager Mo Marley was quick to heap praise on the fans.“The turnout was incredible and the players and staff were delighted to see so many fans at the game.“The players really do respond to the backing of the fans and to see so many at the derby was brilliant,” said Marley. “Marine is such a tight ground and when we see numbers like we have done in the past two games the atmosphere is excellent and the ‘fan power’ can really be the deciding factor in tight games.”The match against Arsenal this Sunday is the Blues third home game in the last seven days and is a decisive one for both teams in their quest to close the gap on current league-leaders Birmingham City.Everton go into the match sitting in third place in the league after three wins from their last three fixtures. Arsenal are currently second, just four points behind Birmingham City.Tickets are £3 for adults and £1 for juniors. The match kicks off at 2pm on Sunday at Marine FC in Crosby.
Royal Blue: Everton FC fans are right to be thrilled at Ross Barkley’s potential but must afford him time to grow
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 30 2011
GOD BLESS Everton’s redoubtable academy. In times of extreme austerity surrounding incoming players, supporters of a Royal Blue hue can still look to the youngsters emerging from within their club for reasons to be cheerful.A strong-when-fully-fit first team squad apart, that production line of promising young-guns from Ray Hall’s former empire is what currently provides the buzz factor around Finch Farm these days.And that anticipation has rarely been greater than the murmurs surrounding Ross Barkley.In typical fashion, Barkley’s promise has been heralded for some time.It began when he was much further back in the age scale at Finch Farm, but still doing enough to convince Hall and the other coaches in Halewood they had possibly unearthed a gem of rare quality.The local football jungle drums began to beat, and have continued ever louder until Barkley arrived on the scene properly during the club’s recent pre-season tour of America.The 17-year-old wasted no time show-casing his talent in the second friendly against DC United, when he played a crucial part in setting up Bily’s goal during the 3-1 victory in the capitol.Those uninitiated in the hype were on their way to being believers, and Barkley is likely to carry on tantalising supporters in the remaining friendlies against Birmingham, Bremen, and Villareal.But at the risk of becoming a kill-joy, when joy is at a premium, is there an element of unfairness in all this essential pressure on very young shoulders?Similar hype followed Jack Rodwell’s progress through the ranks and into the first team, and the jury remains out on what good it has done him.“It's a massive season for me,” said the 19-year-old recently.“I've got to try and establish myself. I'm not a kid any more and I want to be a regular.”Then, although he was referring to the England U-21 struggles in this summers Euro championship in Denmark, he could just as easily have been describing his own uneasy progress to date. “There was high expectation and there was hype about us and we didn't achieve what we expected but that's football,” he said recently.It’s a sentiment Rodwell has aired more than once when asked about his future.The Southport teenager has been talked of widely as a full England international and Premier League star before he has really had the chance to fully justify those predictions.Hopefully the expectation on him, which admittedly the local media play as much of a part in building as anyone else, have naturally subsided now, and Jack can go about trying to establish himself in the first team, effectively walking before he starts to run.Because it would be a huge shame if he, and Barkley, were strangled by those lofty expectations.If their every mistake is greeted with howls of disappointment from supporters, or every off-day regarded as indication they do not have what it takes, it will threaten to stymie their chances of developing.Barkley is so good there is every chance he will follow Wayne Rooney’s stellar impact on the game, but even Rooney had dips in form while David Moyes was wisely nursing him through those early days. For every wonder-display against Arsenal at Goodison, there was an off-colour away day at Shrewsbury in the FA Cup.Like Rooney, Barkley seems physically equipped to deal with the rigours of a man’s game while still in his tender teens, but it may take him time to adjust mentally.He should be afforded every bit of patience he requires.It’s completely understandable that everyone wants to bask in the promise of a local boy hopefully set for great things.But for every Rooney there was a Billy Kenny. For every Rodwell, a Cadamarteri.Youth is undoubtedly the future at Goodison, but for now Everton’s fans must be prepared to control their expectations.
Royal Blue: Everton FC legends set to tee off for charity at Formby Hall
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 30 2011
ShareAdd a commentRecommend EVERTON legends will be teeing off for charity next month at a special golf day in Formby.Organised by former Goodison winger Ronnie Goodlass, the event will feature Graeme Sharp, Derek Mountfield, Ken McNaught, and Ian Snodin, while Dave Hickson and John Bailey will be there.It takes place at Formby Hall on Thursday, September 8 2011, with an evening of entertainment from comedian Sean Styles.Price for entry is £650 per team of 4, with 18 holes of golf, a three course evening dinner for 10 and prizes for winning teams, longest drive and nearest pin. Call 01704 875 699 for entry details.
Former Everton FC hero Lee Carsley talks about his latest footballing challenge and why he is
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 30 2011
IT’S A well-worn if nevertheless true cliche that successful football teams need leaders all over the pitch.The Everton team that punched fiercely above its weight to finish fourth in the Premier League in 2005, included men with the inspirational qualities of Nigel Martyn, Davie Weir, Tim Cahill and Duncan Ferguson.And although not always the loudest on the pitch, Lee Carsley led every bit emphatically as the rest.The Republic of Ireland international established himself as an Everton icon with his displays around that era, and arguably made the entire team tick with his fearless tackling and slick distribution from the defensive midfield role he made his own.Despite leaving the Toffees for home-town club Birmingham in May 2008, Carsley is still remembered fondly by Everton followers, present players and manager David Moyes alike. Now, the 37-year-old who scored one of the best remembered derby goals of the last decade with his 2004 pile-driver at Goodison, might have hung up his boots, but is busy preparing for a new challenge.And those leadership skills Carsley demonstrated so ably in royal blue will be put to good use as he coaches Coventry City’s U-18 side in the forthcoming season.The amiable Brummie finished his playing career last season at the Ricoh arena, where he predictably became a fans’ favourite, and was not short of offers to play on - but decided it was time for a change, and to put the lessons he learned on the training pitches of Bellefield and Finch Farm into practise.“You can’t not learn from people like the gaffer (Moyes) and Alan Irvine’s knowledge and experience,” he says after conducting a session with his young squad in the Midlands.“The sessions they put on and the depths they demand of you are amazing.“You are talking about two of the best coaches in the Premier League in my opinion.”Carsley could well be making a return to Finch Farm next season if his Coventry side are pitted against Neil Dewsnip’s all conquering U18 team during the Premier Academy League campaign.“I’ve been back to visit a few times and I still keep in touch with the lads, but I’ll make sure I fill my boot with training equipment when I go next,” he joked.“I’m looking forward to catching up with people like Andy Holden, who’s got a great history for bringing lads through and helping them forge careers with Everton, and if not there at least elsewhere in the professional game.“I’ve been doing all my badges for a while now as coaching was always my first choice when I finished playing.“There is certainly a lot more to it than I first thought. There’s a lot of planning involved, and a lot of the lads are in their first year out of school and it’s their first taste of full time football.“The game has changed a lot from when I was an apprentice and you need to be a mentor to these lads too, and bear with them as they learn.”Away from his new regime at Coventry, Carsley will be interested in events not far from his current base today, as two of his former clubs, Everton and Birmingham City, meet in friendly action at St Andrews.It has, he admits, been a helter-skelter period for fans of the home side, and this fixture is likely to be a painful reminder of the Premier League status they have lost this year.
“It’s been a tough time for the City,” he says. “On the other side of Birmingham it wasn’t long ago that Villa were struggling and changed their manager again, while Birmingham were doing really well and winning a trophy, but since then it’s nose dived.“It’s a big shame that the Blues went down because I know how hard it can be in the Championship when you’re fighting in that division. It’s not easy in the slightest to get out of.“But Everton will be tough opponents for them, and I think it’s the right fixture for both sides in terms of helping their preparation along.”Various candidates have tried to fill Carsley’s role as midfield enforcer at Everton with varying success, but one of the youngest, Jack Rodwell, remains a player the former Derby and Blackburn star rates highly.“I’ll be looking forward to watching Jack Rodwell develop this season,” he says.“There is talk about him stepping-up but he needs to be left to develop as a player, he’s only 20. “It’s not easy playing in the first team but especially when you’re just out of your teens. Physically he is ready but it may be that at times mentally he may still de developing at the top level but he is a fantastic asset. In time he will be a top, top player but he needs the chance to learn and come along naturally.“I’ve heard good things about Ross Barkley too, although I’d not seen him play when I was there. He was always ear-marked as having a big future.”Carsley is full of positivity as he prepares for his debut season on the other side of the white line, and says he knew it was the right point to call time on a playing career that included 166 appearances for Everton and 39 Eire caps.“I was out for a lot of last season from January onwards and just felt like it was maybe my body’s way of telling me enough was enough,” he says.Everton supporters still joke about Carsley’s fearless playing style - bandying quotes about his hard-as-nails approach (‘A Lee Carsley tackle is the preferred method of execution in 16 US states’), but the man himself is ready for the deserved rest.“I could have played 25 games for a team this season too but what benefit overall they would have got from it, or I would have got... I’m not sure.“Coventry have got a fantastic ground and a really good reputation like Everton for producing home grown players that go on to play for the first team.“That’s my sole aim now – making sure that reputation continues and if I can do that I’ll be happy.”If just half of his crop of U-18 hopefuls display the same spirit and professionalism as their new manager, Coventry City could be set for a bright future.
Everton FC cult hero Lee Carsley believes Phil Jagielka is already at the perfect club to progress his career
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 30 2011
LEE Carsley believes Phil Jagielka is already at the perfect club to progress his career – as Everton braced themselves for a second bid for the England defender from Arsenal.The Gunners had not returned with a second bid for the 28-year-old last night, despite reports to the contrary, although the Goodison hierarchy fear Arsene Wenger is readying an improved offer.Wenger is widely believed to be preparing a £15m bid for the England centre half after his initial £11m offer was rejected last week.Everton are thought to value Jagielka (right), who they signed for £4m from Sheffield United in 2007, in the £18m plus bracket, but manager David Moyes remains likely to strongly resist any sale of a player he has earmarked as a future skipper.And former team-mate Lee Carsley believes Jagielka does not have to leave Merseyside to fulfil his ambitions in the top flight.He said: “I just think Jags is the perfect fit for Everton and vice versa. He is a player that David Moyes has worked hard with and given him a real chance to make the most of himself, which he’s taken with both hands.“I can’t see why he cannot fulfil all his ambitions at Everton. There is no reason why they can’t have a fantastic season and qualify for Europe again.“Jags is already an England regular and that has come off the back of great displays for his current club so I just don't see why he would need to leave.”One player currently vying for a career at Goodison is American teenager Liam McGehee- Marley, who was on trial at Finch Farm last week.The 17-year-old Michigan Wolves winger has been bidding for a chance to sign for Neil Dewsnip’s U18 academy side and will learn his fate later this summer.Meanwhile, Everton assistant manager Steve Round says he'll know what to expect from former colleague Chris Hughton and his new club Birmingham City when the sides meet at St Andrew's today (3pm). Round worked alongside Hughton at Newcastle United and has backed the 52-year-old to bring the Birmingham City squad together after their relegation from the Premier League. Round said: “I know the manager very well. I worked with him at a previous club and he'll have them very well-organised and there'll be a good attitude throughout the squad.“It's more of a British- type game than some of the others we've had and we need that in our preparations.“Chris will put his own stamp on it and they will be looking to play football, move the ball across the pitch and through midfield.”The game in the second city will be Everton's fourth friendly of the summer.“We want a tough test, it's part of our preparation, part of our fitness and part of our preparation,” said Round.“We've got two weeks to go from Saturday and it's all part of getting the lads ready.”An Everton XI lost 1-0 at Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium last night.The XI included Magaye Gueye, Ross Barkley, Connor McAleny, Apostolos Vellios and Shane Duffy.
Adam Johnson lined up for Everton loan deal
30/07/11 By David Maddock (Daily Mirror)
Everton are plotting a deal to take Manchester City and England winger Adam Johnson on a season-long loan.The former Middlesbrough man has fallen behind Spain star David Silva in the pecking order at City and, with Euro 2012 on the horizon, it is thought he would be keen on such a move.Johnson, 24, made more appearances as a substitute - 16 - than as a starter - 15 in the Premier League last season.
Beano's back in business for United
Saturday 30th July 2011
By Nick Farrant (Oxford Mail)
James Constable scored the winner as Oxford United wrapped up their pre-season programme with a des-erved victory against a young Everton side at the Kassam Stadium last night. The popular striker, nicknamed Beano, took advantage of a slip by defender Shane Duffy before smashing home his first goal of pre-season from the edge of the area. It stretched the U’s unbeaten run to eight matches against an Everton side packed with young talent, including Ross Barkley and French-born £1m signing Magaye Gueye, their top-scorer in pre-season with three goals. Andrew Whing was given the chance to carry on in midfield after his good showing in the 2-0 win against Birmingham on Tuesday, while triallist Liam Davis – a substitute against the Blues – had a first start at left back. Alfie Potter linked up with Constable and new signing Deane Smalley in attack, with Asa Hall, Lewis Davis and Tom Craddock making up the midfield trio. United’s defence looked strong, with Michael Duberry returning in the centre alongside Ryan James, who did so well as substitute against Chris Hughton’s side. James was forced into action making a superb block on Femi Oregnuga as he advanced on Ryan Clarke’s goal. The U’s had to reshuffle their attack after Smalley limped off with an ankle injury to be replaced by Jon-Paul Pittman. Davis then made a superb challenge on Conor McAleny after the ball broke to him in the area on 18 minutes. Everton should have gone in front on the half-hour, but Apostolos Vellios headed Garbutt’s super left-wing cross over the bar. A late challenge by Duffy on Craddock saw the frontman receive lengthy treatment before he was allowed to continue. Damian Batt almost put the U’s ahead with a fierce cross-shot from the right, but Adam Davies got a hand to his effort. At the other end, James glanced away a dangerous free-kick from Garbutt, before Clarke got down well to keep out a shot from Oregnuga after he burst down the right of the area. After the break, Barkley had a golden chance to fire Everton in front, but shot wide. And they paid the price soon afterwards when the U's took the lead. Constable seized on a mistake by Duffy before smashing an unstoppable shot past Davies from the edge of the area. Everton were trying to get back into the game, but struggled to create chances, with United looking sharp on the break. With ten minutes remaining, Craddock almost made it 2-0, but Duffy blocked his shot. The Toffees kept throwing men forward as the game entered injury time, but United’s backline held firm to complete a satisfactory night’s work.
Oxford Utd: Clarke (Brown 45), Batt, Duberry, James, Whing (Anderson 67), Hall (Leven 70), Davis, Potter (Marsh 87), Smalley (Pittman 16), Constable (Payne 57), Craddock (Woodley 85).
Everton: Davies, Browning, Garbutt, Forshaw, Duffy, Mustafi, Oregnuga, Barkley (Lundstrum 67), Vellios (Silva 45), McAleny (Bidwell 62), Gueye (Hope 73). Subs not used: Nsiala, Forrester.
Attendance: 2,461.
Davis signs for Oxford United after impressing on trial
Saturday 30th July 2011 (Oxford Mail)
Defender Liam Davis has signed a one-year contract with Oxford United after impressing on trial.
He becomes boss Chris Wilder’s ninth summer capture. The former Northampton Town player, 24, made his first appearance in United’s midweek win against Birmingham. And he played at left back in their 1-0 victory over a young Everton side at the Kassam Stadium as United concluded their pre-season programme undefeated in their eight games. It also meant their defence have kept a clean sheet in six of their pre-season outings. A second-half goal from James Constable sealed victory for United in an entertaining game. “Davis has had a good football upbringing at Coventry City,” said Wilder. “He played in League Two for Northampton for two seasons. “He is an attacking full back, but can play in a number of positions and he’s got good pace.” Meanwhile, Wilder was delighted with his players’ attitude in the victory over Everton, who fielded a side of talented young professionals. He said: “When you get to the last game of pre-season it can be flatter than the rest because players are thinking about the new season, but our players were fully committed. “We have had a difficult week, playing against three top sides (Everton, MK Dons and Birmingham) that move the ball around really well and teams have had a lot of possession, perhaps a bit more than I would have liked. “We have been under the cosh, but look at the quality of players we have been up against. “To be nice and tight against these sides, you have got to be delighted. “The players have worked hard in training and in matches and deserve a lot of credit. “I don’t think anyone has given a below-par performance.” Wilder praised the contribution of former Grays defender Ryan James, who was outstanding at the back alongside fellow new signing Michael Duberry. “Ryan was great again. He’s showed he has got some good quality and has really come to the fore. “He’s played against two lively boys and kept a clean sheet, so all credit to him.” Wilder added that defender Harry Worley’s knee injury will be assessed next week to see if he will make the squad for the npower League Two opener away to Rotherham.
Everton stick their name on Milk Cup Junior Section trophy
By Ian Cahoon
Saturday, 30 July 2011 (Belfast Telegraph)
Everton were crowned as Junior Section champions of the Milk Cup last night after a penalty shoot-out win over Cruz Azul. It means the Toffees have now collected the trophy three times in the last four years, such is their dominance of the tournament. Between the two finalists they had notched up 14 goals between them in this year's tournament, but they proceeded to cancel each other out in the decider, with 60 minutes of football finishing scoreless. The ensuing penalty shoot-out finished 5-4 to Sean Lundon's boys as George Newell confidently sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to net the winning kick. Everton skipper Jon Joe Kenny then picked up the trophy before he was mobbed by his jubilant team-mates and covered in the obligatory spray of milk. It was hard luck on Cruz Azul , who had their chances, including an early effort from Andrew Mellado, which he sent over the bar. Ruan Ledson then went close for Everton before Sergio Fuentes dragged an effort just wide for the Mexican side as the game remained scoreless at the break. After the break Everton goalkeeper Richard Griffiths denied Mellado and then Roger Solis as the clock ticked down and eventually took the contest into penalties. Ipswich Town finished third in the Junior Section after they won their final game against Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in Castlerock. Town fought back after conceding an early goal to win what was a tight affair. Mathias Jensen put Nordsjaelland in front after 20 minutes, but substitute Cemal Ramadan scored the equaliser just seven minutes later and he put his side into the lead 15 minutes into the second-half. Ramadan came within a whisker of his hat-trick with five minutes left as he hit the post, but George Clarke was on hand with an easy tap in to make it 3-1. Ipswich academy director Sammy Morgan said afterwards: "It was a good finish to the week for us, after not losing a game in the tournament. "It was hard to follow on from Thursday night's defeat on penalties as I felt we were very unfortunate, but the boys picked themselves up very well." Co Tyrone won their second penalty shoot-out in as many days as they claimed the Globe Decider against Co Armagh after a goalless draw, earning boss Paul Kee the award for best county side in any section at this year's tournament.
Arsenal improve bid for Everton FC's Phil Jagielka
Jul 30 2011 (Daily Post)
Phil JagielkaARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger is ready to bid £15m to land Everton defender Phil Jagielka. The England international is the Gunners boss’ number one target as he seeks to shore up his rearguard ahead of next season.The Goodison club have already rejected a cheeky bid of £11m for the player David Moyes signed for £4m from Sheffield United in 2007. However, Everton officials, who value the defender closer to £18m, are now braced for a further offer from the Londoners.But manager David Moyes is still likely to strongly resist any sale of a player he has earmarked as a future skipper.Former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley, meanwhile, believes Jagielka is already at the perfect club to progress his career. The Gunners had yet to return with a second bid for the 28-year-old last night, despite reports to the contrary although the Goodison hierarchy fear Arsene Wenger is readying a second offer.Wenger is widely believed to be preparing a £15m bid for theEngland centre half after their initial £11m offer was rejected last week.Everton are thought to value Jagielka, who they signed for £4m from Sheffield United in 2007, in the £18m plus bracket, but manager David Moyes is still likely to strongly resist any sale of a player he has ear-marked as a future skipper.And former team-mate Lee Carsley believes Jagielka does not have to leave Merseyside to fulfil his ambitions in the top flight. He said: I just think Jags is the perfect fit for Everton and vice versa.“He is a player that David Moyes has worked hard with and given him a real chance to make the most of himself, which he’s taken with both hands. “I can’t see why he cannot fulfil all his ambitions at Everton. There is no reason why they can’t have a fantastic season and go onto another run that sees them qualifying for Europe again. “Jags is already an England regular and that has come off the back of great displays for his current club so I just don’t see why he would need to leave.” Meanwhile, Everton assistant manager Steve Round says he’ll know what to expect from former colleague Chris Hughton and his new club Birmingham City when the sides meet at St Andrew’s on Saturday. Round worked alongside Hughton at Newcastle United, and has backed the 52-year-old to bring the new look Birmingham City squad together after their relegation from the Premier League. The likes of Chris Burke, Marlon King, Adam Rooney and Morgaro Gomis have all been added to the squad over the summer and Round believes City will provide a stern test. “I know the manager very well. Chris I worked with him at a previous club and he’ll have them very well-organised and there’ll be a good attitude throughout the squad,” Round said. “It’s more of a British-type game than some of the others we’ve had and we need that in our preparations.“Chris will put his own stamp on it and they will be looking to play football, move the ball across the pitch and through midfield – that’s the way he plays,” he added.“I think Birmingham are always a tough test, they are a good club and still have one or two very good players there.”The game in the second city will be Everton’s fourth friendly of the summer after a 4-1 win over Bury and two energy-sapping games on the East Coast of America. Round said: “We want a tough test, it’s part of our preparation, part of our fitness and part of our preparation. “We’ve got two weeks to go from Saturday and it’s all part of getting the lads ready and getting enough players 90 minutes to be ready for the start of the season.”
Final Whistle Report: Birmingham City FC 1 Everton FC 2
by Greg O'keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 30 2011
EVERTON FC maintained their solid pre-season record with victory over a depleted Birmingham City at St Andrews. Louis Saha capped his first slice of action since March with a goal, after Leighton Baines had given the Blues the lead with a trademark free kick from the edge of the area in the second half. On the whole David Moyes’ side controlled affairs against a home side consisting of youngsters and reservists, as the Midlands club’s off the field woes rumbled on. With owner Carson Yeung awaiting trial for fraud in Hong Kong, Birmingham boss Chris Hughton was unable to play first team regulars Liam Ridgewell and Scott Dann, and his side paid the price for some sloppy defending.
Moyes was able to play most of his first team squad in a contest he will have been quietly please with, if only for the chance to get vital game-time for Saha, Yakubu and 17-year-old prospect Ross Barkley. The Blues boss also started with Phil Jagielka in central defence, the 28-year-old playing 45 minutes before being replaced by Sylvain Distin. Despite persisting reports to the contrary, Arsenal are yet to up the ante in their pursuit of the England defender, and he seemed unfazed by the speculation. The result means Everton’s pleasing pre season record is only marred by the 1-0 defeat at the hand of Philadelphia Union during their USA tour. And with a more challenging trip to German outfit Werder Bremen next up, Moyes will be hoping his side can maintain their impressive displays of fitness for this stage in the summer. Birmingham grabbed a late consolation goal, when Irish striker Adam Rooney back-heeled smartly to divert Morgaro Gomis’ shot past Tim Howard.
The American keeper had previously been called into action twice in the first half to make impressive close range blocks from Chris Burke and Rooney.
DISTIN: EVERTON NEED TO STRENGTHEN
July 30 2011 The Sporting Life
Everton defender Sylvain Distin believes they need "one or two" players in order to strengthen before the start of the season - but that is without any departures. Arsenal are reportedly preparing to launch another bid for Distin's centre-back partner Phil Jagielka after having a £10million offer rejected last week. Toffees manager David Moyes is in a difficult position as he probably has to sell before he can buy but he does not want to lose any of his key players. So far the only person he has been able to bring in has been teenager Eric Dier, on loan from Sporting Lisbon, and he is likely spend the majority of his time in the reserves. "Hopefully none of the top players will leave but I think we definitely need to strengthen our team a bit," Distin told the Liverpool Echo. "If you look at the teams around us, they have got three or four if not five players, and quality players too.
"Sunderland or Newcastle, teams like that, have definitely improved their team in both numbers and quality and that is what we need. "We need to improve the squad in terms of quality. "That doesn't mean we don't have quality now, but we have a small squad and we will get injuries - that is the Premier League - so it could be tough. "One or two players would definitely help."
Birmingham 1 Everton 2: Saha returns with a goal as Moyes' men continue solid pre-season form
By Sportsmail Reporter
31th July 2011
French striker Louis Saha made a goalscoring return as Everton continued their fine pre-season form with a 2-1 win over Birmingham at St Andrew`s. Saha capped his first slice of action since March with a goal, after Leighton Baines had given the Blues the lead with a trademark free kick in the second half. Saha so good: King Louis returns with a goal against Birmingham The Toffees, who had won two of their previous three outings, took the lead in the 58th minute when Baines curled home from the edge of the penalty area after Seamus Coleman had been tripped. Four minutes later Saha, back after four months on the sidelines, doubled his side`s lead with a low effort from 20 yards.
Free kick king: Baines gave Everton the lead with a strike from the edge of the box Birmingham, the Carling Cup holders, reduced the arrears after 79 minutes when Adam Rooney converted a cross from Morgaro Gomis.
BIRMINGHAM 1 - EVERTON 2: HUGH AND CRY
31st July 2011 By Daily Star Sunday
BIRMINGHAM produced a highly encouraging display in their final warm-up fixture against top-flight Everton. Chris Hughton’s team played some delightful football and created numerous chances but were undone by two quick goals either side of the hour mark by Leighton Baines and Louis Saha. Adam Rooney reduced the deficit late on and it was the least the home side deserved having outplayed their opponents for much of the contest.
EVERTON TARGET CHRIS SAMBA
Sunday July 31,2011
By John Richardson Sunday Express
EVERTON boss David Moyes wants to sign Blackburn Rovers central defender Chris Samba if he loses Phil Jagielka to Arsenal. As revealed in Sunday Express Sport, Phil Jagielka is Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s main target as he looks to strengthen his side. It’s believed Arsenal still have some way to go before matching Everton’s £18million asking price. But Jagielka, 28, could soon be on his way and Moyes, who has been told he has to bring money in, will demand cash for a suitable replacement.
The Scot has identifi ed Samba, who is also on an Arsenal short-list, as his number one choice to fi ll England defender Jagielka’s boots. A bid of around £10m could land Samba, 27, whose head has been turned by Arsenal’s interest. Moyes would have to convince the French-born Congolese international that he would be advancing his career by moving to Everton. Meanwhile, Argentinian striker Mariano Pavone’s talks with Blackburn over a move have broken down.
Birmingham City 1 Everton 2:
Sunday Mercury
Jul 31 2011 by Colin Tattum, Sunday Mercury
BLUES concluded their preparations for the Championship with a defeat, but plenty of honour and pride. Adam Rooney put a fairer reflection on the scoreline with a neat goal before the end.
But with a bit more luck and a clinical edge, they would have signed off the pre-season on a high, and Everton could have had few complaints. There were a fair few encouraging signs from Blues as Chris Hughton took his bow at St Andrew’s. Nathan Redmond was a constant menace for Everton, giving a performance of trickery and maturity beyond his 17 years. Chris Burke was also a slippery customer and overall Blues’ attitude was refreshingly sharp and always about the offensive.
Hughton opted for a wrinkle to his starting line-up, going with five in midfield and Redmond and Burke on either flank. But the slant was on the positive and not the negative as Blues impressed during the opening half-hour with some vibrant, incisive football. Redmond and Burke went after and past opponents and Keith Fahey delivered some searching passes behind the Everton defensive line. After just two minutes, the tone of that approach was signalled when Morgaro Gomis put Burke through and he forced a save out of Tim Howard at close range. Stephen Carr got forward twice into the heart of the area to cause danager and in the 19th minute David Murphy saw his header from a corner cleared off the line by Leon Osman. It was really bright, eager stuff from Blues and the fans got right into it on a sunny St Andrew’s afternoon. Jordon Mutch had Howard scrambling to turn away a low, long-range effort and Rooney ended up on his backside after completely mis-kicking from a good position from a Redmond pass. Boaz Myhill, making his Blues debut, was only called into serious action once during the opening period. He spread himself well to push away a fierce drive by Jermaine Beckford after he had wrestled the ball from Curtis Davies on the left of the Blues area. All in all, it was an enterprising and eye-catching performance from Blues in the first-half, and this without three first choice strikers because of injury, plus niggles that put Scott Dann (calf) and Liam Ridgewell (leg) on the sidelines. Blues continued to carry the game to Everton and went close twice before the Toffees opening the scoring. Mutch almost caught Howard out with an arching free-kick from 35 yards that had the goalkeeper scrambling to tip over. And a rising drive from Fahey stung Howard’s finger as Blues again showed their determination to try their luck from anywhere. But in the 58th minute Everton got their noses in front and it was tough on Blues. Baines curled a free-kick over the wall and past Myhill’s dive to his left. It was a dangerous place to concede the foul – Gomis tripping Seamus Coleman just as he made his way into the area – and Baines suitably punished Blues. In the 62nd Everton went further ahead as Myhill was caught out by a speculative shot by Saha. On the edge of the area, Saha seized things up before letting fly and the ball kicked up off the turf just in front of Myhill as he dived to parry. It went past him into the corner, an awkward moment for the Albion loanee on his first outing. Everton’s goal burst knocked the stuffing out of Blues a little. It was not what they deserved for their play to that point.
But they kept plugging away and in the the 76th minute the lively Redmond almost produced a moment to savour. Collecting the ball at the back post after Everton half-cleared a cross, he tried to curl it into the top corner. But John Heitinga moved backwards into the line of fire and headed the shot away, to Howard’s relief. Redmond was again at the heart of Blues’ next attacking salvo and this time it brought joy (79 minutes). He tricked and teased his way down the left, occupying two defenders, before laying the ball back for Gomis to have a pop. Gomis drilled the ball hard and low towards goal and Rooney, in among a crowd of bodies, instinctively flicked it with his backheel beyond Howard. Right at the death, Redmond then snacked a volley into Howard’s midriff after a searching long pass by Fahey was headed away. Despite just two goals coming from Blues warm-up matches – both netted by Rooney – there was further evidence of promise and better to come from the team. A little fine-tuning from Hughton and a few more players in to help wouldn’t go amiss.
Birmingham City 1, Everton 2: Pre-season match report
Jul 31 2011 (Birmingham Mail)
Blues concluded their preparations for the Championship with a defeat, but plenty of honour and pride.Adam Rooney put a fairer reflection on the scoreline with a neat goal before the end.But with a bit more luck and a clinical edge, they would have signed off the pre-season on a high, and Everton could have had few complaints.There were a fair few encouraging signs from Blues as Chris Hughton took his bow at St Andrew’s.Nathan Redmond was a constant menace for Everton, giving a performance of trickery and maturity beyond his 17 years.Chris Burke was also a slippery customer and overall Blues’ attitude was refreshingly sharp and always about the offensive.Hughton opted for a wrinkle to his starting line-up, going with five in midfield and Redmond and Burke on either flank.But the slant was on the positive and not the negative as Blues impressed during the opening half-hour with some vibrant, incisive football.Redmond and Burke went after and past opponents and Keith Fahey delivered some searching passes behind the Everton defensive line.After just two minutes, the tone of that approach was signalled when Morgaro Gomis put Burke through and he forced a save out of Tim Howard at close range.Stephen Carr got forward twice into the heart of the area to cause danager and in the 19th minute David Murphy saw his header from a corner cleared off the line by Leon Osman. It was really bright, eager stuff from Blues and the fans got right into it on a sunny St Andrew’s afternoon. Jordon Mutch had Howard scrambling to turn away a low, long-range effort and Rooney ended up on his backside after completely mis-kicking from a good position from a Redmond pass.Boaz Myhill, making his Blues debut, was only called into serious action once during the opening period.He spread himself well to push away a fierce drive by Jermaine Beckford after he had wrestled the ball from Curtis Davies on the left of the Blues area.All in all, it was an enterprising and eye-catching performance from Blues in the first-half, and this without three first choice strikers because of injury, plus niggles that put Scott Dann (calf) and Liam Ridgewell (leg) on the sidelines.Blues continued to carry the game to Everton and went close twice before the Toffees opening the scoring.Mutch almost caught Howard out with an arching free-kick from 35 yards that had the goalkeeper scrambling to tip over. And a rising drive from Fahey stung Howard’s finger as Blues again showed their determination to try their luck from anywhere.But in the 58th minute Everton got their noses in front and it was tough on Blues.Baines curled a free-kick over the wall and past Myhill’s dive to his left.It was a dangerous place to concede the foul – Gomis tripping Seamus Coleman just as he made his way into the area – and Baines suitably punished Blues.In the 62nd Everton went further ahead as Myhill was caught out by a speculative shot by Saha.On the edge of the area, Saha seized things up before letting fly and the ball kicked up off the turf just in front of Myhill as he dived to parry.It went past him into the corner, an awkward moment for the Albion loanee on his first outing.Everton’s goal burst knocked the stuffing out of Blues a little. It was not what they deserved for their play to that point.But they kept plugging away and in the the 76th minute the lively Redmond almost produced a moment to savour.Collecting the ball at the back post after Everton half-cleared a cross, he tried to curl it into the top corner.But John Heitinga moved backwards into the line of fire and headed the shot away, to Howard’s relief.Redmond was again at the heart of Blues’ next attacking salvo and this time it brought joy (79 minutes). He tricked and teased his way down the left, occupying two defenders, before laying the ball back for Gomis to have a pop.Gomis drilled the ball hard and low towards goal and Rooney, in among a crowd of bodies, instinctively flicked it with his backheel beyond Howard.Right at the death, Redmond then snacked a volley into Howard’s midriff after a searching long pass by Fahey was headed away.Despite just two goals coming from Blues warm-up matches – both netted by Rooney – there was further evidence of promise and better to come from the team.A little fine-tuning from Hughton and a few more players in to help wouldn’t go amiss.
DAVID MOYES' PAIN AT CHARLES N'ZOGBIA BITE
31st July 2011 By Paul Hetherington (Daily Star)
EVERTON manager David Moyes has been left frustrated after Wigan agreed to sell Charles N’Zogbia to Aston Villa.The French winger, 25, had become Moyes’ top target and Everton were trying to raise the £10million fee Wigan chairman Dave Whelan was demanding.Everton hoped to do that by selling Jack Rodwell to Tottenham for a reduced fee of £15m.But like Everton, Spurs need to sell players before they can buy on a big scale and that deal failed to materialise in time.In the meantime, Villa and Wigan compromised on a fee for N’Zogbia (below) after the Midlands club’s first offer of £9m was rejected.N’Zogbia is Villa boss Alex McLeish’s replacement for Stewart Downing, sold to Liverpool for £20m.Big Eck had originally tried to sign him a year ago, when he was in charge at neighbours Birmingham.Sunderland and Newcastle – N’Zogbia’s former club – were also in the race originally, but were discouraged as the asking price went up.
July 2011