LEIGHTON BAINES: I COULD LEAVE
1st July 2012
Sunday Star
By Paul Hetherington
LEIGHTON BAINES has returned from Euro 2012 in the dark about his future as Manchester United eye the Everton left-back. Baines has been strongly linked with a £15million move to Old Trafford, to become the eventual successor to Patrice Evra, 31. But the Everton star said: “I’ve been aware of what’s been sort of said in the press and what’s not. “I don’t know much beyond that to tell you the truth. I can’t really say too much about it. “I’ve got three years still to go on my contract. I don’t think it does anyone any harm to be linked with a club like Manchester United. “But it doesn’t do any good, either. It is just one of those things. It tends to swing around at this time of the year.”
Baines, 27 is known to be happy at Goodison Park. But he admitted: “I think there is a problem in that players do have to be sold. “Obviously, over the years, manager David Moyes has lost players here and there that I am sure he would have liked to keep. “Whether that was because the club has needed the money or whether it’s because they have received what they considered to be a considerable bid for a player, I can’t say. “But the club has always done good business in that sense and the manager has done well in bringing in people at a certain amount and when they have moved on, he has tended to double his money – or more. “But maybe it would be nice to see us hang on to those players and add a couple.” Baines, meanwhile, sympathised with his England left-back rival Ashley Cole, 31, after he missed a penalty in the shootout defeat against Italy. He said: “I sympathise – it’s a terrible way to lose a game of football. “You feel for everyone. I’m a penalty taker myself and you know before the kicks are taken that someone is going to be the bad guy.”

MANCHESTER UNITED BOSS SIR ALEX FERGUSON EYES £15M LEIGHTON BAINES
Sunday July 1,2012
By John Richardson
Sunday Express
LEIGHTON BAINES believes he could become Everton’s next big-name departure with Manchester United lining up a £15million bid for the England full-back. Baines, who was Ashley Cole’s understudy in Poland and Ukraine during Euro 2012, is aware of stories linking him with a move to Old Trafford. The former Wigan player said: “People put two and two together and sometimes they get four, and sometimes they get three or five. “It gets other people more excited than the people actually involved.” But United’s interest is genuine, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson hoping to have 27-year-old Baines on board before the start of the new season. United know that hard-up Everton would struggle to turn down a decent bid. Baines added: “Obviously over the years the manager (David Moyes) has lost players here and there who I’m sure he would have liked to have kept.
Manchester United’s interest is genuine, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson hoping to have 27-year-old Baines on board before the start of the new season “Whether that’s because the club has needed the money or whether it’s because they have received what they consider is a considerable bid.
“The manager has done well in bringing in people at a certain amount. When they have moved on he has tended to double his money or more. “It has never really hindered us. It’s never seen us getting any worse. Maybe it would be nice to see us hang onto these players and add a couple more.”

Steven Naismith’s Everton move could be resolved this week - but Scotland forward yet to undergo medical
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 2 2012
STEVEN NAISMITH’S Everton move could be resolved this week – but claims that the Scotland international has already had a medical at Goodison are premature. The 25-year-old remains a strong target for David Moyes, and is believed to favour a switch to Merseyside ahead of the host of other clubs vying to secure his signature, including West Ham and Stoke City. However Everton today denied speculation from Scotland that the former Glasgow Rangers hit-man has already passed a medical at the weekend. The ECHO understands that Naismith is drawn to the prospect of linking up with former team-mates Nikica Jelavic and David Weir again, since he decided not to become a part of the new Glasgow Rangers ‘newco’. Although Moyes would be keen to add Naismith to his ranks, his number one transfer priority for the summer remains sealing a permanent Goodison return for Steven Pienaar. That process, however, has been complicated by the vacant managerial position at Tottenham Hotspur, and a lack of funds – with the likelihood Everton will have to sell before they can afford to do a deal for the South African playmaker. Meanwhile, Croatian international Daniel Pranjic says he would be “honoured” to play for Everton and has sparked transfer speculation by adding that he expects “concrete develop- ments” this week.
Blues officials, however, have not confirmed interest in the 31-year-old. Pranjic is a free agent after being released by Bayern Munich, and could be lined up as a replace- ment for Steven Pienaar if the Blues can’t agree terms with Tottenham over a permanent deal for the South African who sparkled on loan last season. Pranjic told Croat newspaper Sportske Novosti: “I am honoured that such a successful coach wants to sign me, and would be honoured to play for a club like Everton with such a rich history.” “We were very close to completing a deal in January, but then Bayern prevented it going through. I can’t say that everything is finished, but next week I’m expecting some concrete developments. “I’m hungry to play again, to fight with my team-mates for success, to play for the fans. I missed all that sitting on the bench at Bayern. “I’m 31 years old and physically I feel perfect. I have reached my maturation point as a player and as a person, and I think I’m capable of producing the best form of my career.” Predominantly a midfielder, Pranjic was asked to play a more defensive role at Euro 2012. Everton report back for pre-season training on Thursday and will hope to have at least one new face on show, with Naismith the most likely.

Six Everton FC & Liverpool FC lions set to boost England U19s European Championship hopes
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 2 2012
AN England Under-19 squad featuring six Everton and Liverpool starlets, plus a Sporting Lisbon defender who spent last season on loan at Goodison, kicks-off their European Championship campaign in Estonia tomorrow. With Roy Hodgson’s senior squad dominating the news agenda with their own Euro exploits for the past three weeks, it’s the turn of Noel Blake’s Under-19s this week with an opening match against Croatia in the Estonian capital of Tallinn. The Young Lions have a significant Mersey influence in their ranks. Promising Everton midfielders Ross Barkley and John Lundstram, are joined by Anfield’s Conor Coady, Everton left-back Luke Garbutt, Liverpool’s youngest ever player, Jack Robinson, and young Blues striker Hallam Hope. Eric Dier, who returned to Sporting Lisbon this summer after a season on loan at Everton is also in the Young Lions squad.
The England squad will not lack international experience in Estonia. Conor Coady, the promising Reds midfielder included in Kenny Dalglish’s senior squad for a Europa League tie at Sparta Prague last season, captained England’s Under-17s to a celebrated European Championship success over Spain in Liechtenstein in 2010. Also in the side that defeated Spain in that final were Everton duo Barkley and Garbutt. The Young Lions sealed their place in the Finals last month when they topped their group in the Elite Qualifying Round over Switzerland, Montenegro and Slovenia.
They now head to Tallinn, where they will face opposition from Croatia, Serbia and France in their initial group stage before hopefully progressing to the semi-final should they finish in the top two of their group. Also on offer to the competing nations are places in the FIFA U20 World Cup in Turkey next year, which will go to the top six teams in this competition. England coach Noel Blake said: “Our first target which we set out at the start of the season was to qualify for the Finals, which we managed to do in May through a very tough Elite Round group. “Our next target is now to make sure we qualify for the next round of the Finals and the U20 World Cup, which we can do by finishing at least third in the group. “If we manage to do that, then we can re-assess our next target, but we go there knowing that we will face three very hard games in the group.
“To reach this stage of the competition means they are all very good teams, but as I constantly tell people, there are no easy games at international level anymore, regardless of who you are playing.”
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Manchester United), Connor Ripley (Middlesbrough).
Defenders: Eric Dier (Sporting Lisbon), Luke Garbutt (Everton), Michael Keane (Manchester United), Jack Robinson (Liverpool), Tom Thorpe (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Conor Coady (Liverpool), Ross Barkley (Everton), Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), John Lundstram (Everton), Nathan Redmond (Birmingham City), George Thorne (West Bromwich Albion).
Forwards: Benik Afobe (Arsenal), Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion), Robert Hall (West Ham United), Hallam Hope (Everton).
Croatia up first for England U19s in Tallinn opener
ENGLAND will be playing their first game in Tallinn on Tuesday 3 July, taking on Croatia at Kadriorg in the Estonian capital and kicking-off at 5.30pm (local time) which means a 3.30pm start in BST.
Serbia will be the opponents three days later on Friday 6 July, but there will be a different venue as this game will take place in the town of Rakvere, again with a 3.30pm kick-off. The group games are rounded-off when France are the opponents back in Tallinn on Monday 9 July, with a later start of 6pm. This game will also be shown live on Eurosport. Group A is made up of hosts Estonia, Greece, Portugal and 2011 U19 Euro champions Spain. When both Group tables are finalised, the top two nations from each will progress to the semi-finals and the third and fourth placed teams will be eliminated. However, the third-placed sides will have the consolation of qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Turkey next year.

Everton FC’s Leighton Baines calls on club not to sell big names
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 2 2012
IN DEMAND Everton FC full-back Leighton Baines is hoping the Blues can reverse their summer transfer trend of recent years – and add to their squad. After losing Mikel Arteta to Arsenal last summer and Joleon Lescott to Manchester City in the summer of 2009, Baines and team-mate Marouane Fellaini have been the latest influential stars linked with moves this summer.
But Baines said: “I think there is a problem in that players do have to be sold. Obviously, over the years, manager David Moyes has lost players here and there that I am sure he would have liked to keep. “Whether that was because the club has needed the money or whether it's because they have received what they considered to be a considerable bid for a player, I can't say.
“But the club has always done good business in that sense and the manager has done well in bringing in people at a certain amount and when they have moved on, he has tended to double his money - or more. “But maybe it would be nice to see us hang on to those players and add a couple.”
Despite constant links with Manchester United since the 2011/12 season ended, Baines added: “I've been aware of what's been sort of said in the press and what's not. I don't know much beyond that to tell you the truth. I can't really say too much about it. “I've got three years still to go on my contract. I don't think it does anyone any harm to be linked with a club like Manchester United. But it doesn't do any good, either. “It is just one of those things. It tends to swing around at this time of the year. People put two and two together sometimes they get four and sometimes they get three or five. "It gets other people more excited than those involved." The 27-year-old has always stressed he is happy at Goodison Park.

Croatian international Daniel Pranjic would be honoured to play for Everton FC
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 2 2012
CROATIAN international Daniel Pranjic says he would be “honoured” to play for Everton FC and has sparked transfer speculation by adding that he expects “concrete developments” this week.
The 31-year-old is a free agent after being released by Bayern Munich, and could be lined up as a replacement for Steven Pienaar if the Blues can’t agree terms with Tottenham over a permanent deal for the South African who sparkled on loan last season. Pranjic is currently on holiday after his Euro 2012 exertions, but he told Croat newspaper Sportske Novosti: “I am honoured that such a successful coach wants to sign me, and would be honoured to play for a club like Everton with such a rich history.” “We were very close to completing a deal in January, but then Bayern prevented it going through. I can’t say that everything is finished, but next week I’m expecting some concrete developments. “I’m hungry to play again, to fight with my team-mates for success, to play for the fans. I missed all that sitting on the bench at Bayern. “I’m 31 years old and physically I feel perfect. I have reached my maturation point as a player and as a person, and I think I’m capable of producing the best form of my career.” The Croatian international is also attracting interest from Netherlands, Russia, Turkey, France and Italy and seemed to have his heart set on a move to China in May before that fell through. Predominantly a midfielder, Pranjic was also asked to play a more defensive role by Croat coach and former Everton FC defender Slaven Bilic. Everton report back for pre-season training on Thursday and the Blues will hope to have at least one new face on show, with Steven Naismith keen to join former Rangers’ team-mates Steven Whittaker and Kyle Lafferty in an Ibrox exodus. Whittaker joined Norwich this weekend while Lafferty signed for Swiss club Sion.

Steven Naismith and Everton FC move closer to deal, but transfer not completed yet
By Greg O'Keeffe
Jul 2 2012
STEVEN NAISMITH’S Everton FC move could be resolved this week – but claims that the Scotland international has already had a medical at Goodison Park are premature. The 25-year-old remains a strong target for David Moyes, and is believed to favour a switch to Merseyside ahead of the host of other clubs vying to secure his signature, including West Ham and Stoke City. However Everton today denied speculation from Scotland that the former Glasgow Rangers hit-man has already passed a medical at the weekend. The ECHO understands that Naismith is drawn to the prospect of linking up with former team-mates Nikica Jelavic and David Weir again, since he decided not to become a part of the new Glasgow Rangers ‘newco’. Although Moyes would be keen to add Naismith to his ranks, his number one transfer priority for the summer remains sealing a permanent Goodison return for Steven Pienaar. That process, however, has been complicated by the vacant managerial position at Tottenham Hotspur, and a lack of funds – with the likelihood Everton FC will have to sell before they can afford to do a deal for the South African playmaker.

Leighton Baines wants Everton FC to be a buying club
Jul 2 2012
IN-DEMAND Everton full-back Leighton Baines is hoping the Blues can reverse their summer transfer trend of recent years – and add to their squad. After losing Mikel Arteta to Arsenal last summer and Joleon Lescott to Manchester City in the summer of 2009, Baines and team-mate Marouane Fellaini have been the latest influential stars linked with moves this summer.
But Baines said: “I think there is a problem in that players do have to be sold. Obviously, over the years, manager David Moyes has lost players here and there that I am sure he would have liked to keep. “Whether that was because the club has needed the money or whether it’s because they have received what they considered to be a considerable bid for a player, I can’t say.
“But the club has always done good business in that sense and the manager has done well in bringing in people at a certain amount and when they have moved on, he has tended to double his money – or more. “But maybe it would be nice to see us hang on to those players and add a couple.” Despite constant links with Manchester United since the 2011/12 season ended, Baines added: “I’ve been aware of what’s been said in the press and what’s not. I don’t know much beyond that to tell you the truth. I can’t really say too much about it. “I’ve got three years still to go on my contract. I don’t think it does anyone any harm to be linked with a club like Manchester United. But it doesn’t do any good, either. “It is just one of those things. It tends to swing around at this time of the year. People put two and two together sometimes they get four and sometimes they get three or five. It gets other people more excited than those involved.” The 27-year-old has always stressed he is happy at Goodison Park.

England under 19s coach Noel Blake confident Young Lions will roar
Jul 3 2012
ENGLAND Under-19s coach Noel Blake is confident his Young Lions can rise to the challenge at the European Championships in Estonia. Blake has seen preparations hampered by injuries and call-ups to the under-21s and even senior group for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and goalkeeper Jack Butland. As the Young Lions – featuring Everton’s Ross Barkley, John Lundstram, Luke Garbutt and Hallam Hope, and Liverpool’s Conor Coady and Jack Robinson – look to go some way to lifting spirits back home following disappointment for the seniors at Euro 2012, Blake believes his squad can only benefit from taking part in the competition when the age group will look to emulate their success at the under-17s tournament two years ago. He said: “You look at someone like (Manchester United striker) Danny Welbeck – he played at international tournaments from aged 16 all the way through, there is now just the World Cup finals for him to go with the seniors.
“That is what the system is there for, to help these boys get the international experience.
“The current great Spanish side, virtually all them will have played international tournament football time after time as an age group and they have evolved, so there has to be something in that.” England will kick off against Croatia today, and then also face Serbia and France in the last-eight group stage, looking to make progress which would secure a place at next year’s Under-20 World Cup. Blake said: “I made five changes to the Elite Round squad, and we have lost Will Keane, which was obviously a blow, Larnell Cole and Nic Yennaris, who have all been an important part of the squad this season. “We are also missing the likes of Josh McEachran, Connor Wickham, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Butland, but for nice reasons as they have moved up to the under-21s and seniors. “But we have got all of the players we requested from the clubs for this trip and I am confident that we have enough ability to do well in Estonia.” Blake, 50, feels there are plenty of reasons to be positive. “We know what we face, but I have confidence in our players and what we have got,” added Blake, who had spells with Birmingham, Portsmouth, Leeds and Stoke before moving into coaching and taking up his role working with youngsters at the Football Association in 2007. Most of this squad have been through the system since they were under-16s, 17s, 18s and now at under-19s. “We have a few under-18 boys in the squad too, who played at the Under-17 World Cup last summer after the Under-17 European Championships, so there is a lot of experience in the squad.”

Everton FC checking on Steven Naismith knees ahead of move
By Greg O'Keeffe
Jul 3 2012
EVERTON FC will seek assurances about the condition of Steven Naismith’s knees before pushing ahead with a move for the Scotland forward which they hope to wrap-up this week. The 25-year-old is believed to have visited the Blues’ Finch Farm training ground on Saturday and completed an initial fitness test although he has yet to undergo a full medical. Toffees medics wanted to determine how the former Rangers player’s right knee has healed after he had surgery on it in November 2011 to repair anterior cruciate ligament damage. That operation followed a similar procedure on his left knee in 2008 which ruled him out for eight months, and Everton are understandably leaving no stone unturned as they assess whether both injuries have caused any lasting problems. The Echo understands that so far the Blues have found no major issues and will push ahead with their bid to sign Naismith, ahead of Stoke City, West Brom and West Ham who are waiting in the wings should talks break down. Although a free agent, Naismith will command a signing on fee and a salary which reflects his status as one of the major stars at the former Glasgow Rangers, which means Everton do not want to leave anything to chance regarding his long-term fitness. Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Jack Rodwell will not take part in this summer’s home Olympic games after missing out on a call-up to Team GB. The 21-year-old was thought to be a contender for a place but hamstring injuries have restricted the midfielder to just four appearances so far in 2012 and manager Stuart Pearce has decided not to include the Birkdale-born player in his 18-man party. Academy product Rodwell last week said he was disappointed to learn David Beckham would not be in the squad but will now have to contemplate his own omission.

Everton FC seek assurances on Steven Naismith fitness
Jul 3 2012
EVERTON will seek assurances about the condition of Steven Naismith’s knees before pushing ahead with a move for the Scotland forward which they hope to wrap-up this week.
Play Free Online Bingo at Mecca Bingo.com The 25-year-old is believed to have visited the Blues’ Finch Farm training ground on Saturday, and completed an initial fitness test although he has yet to undergo a full medical. Toffees medics wanted to determine how the former Rangers player’s right knee has healed after he had surgery on it in November 2011 to repair anterior cruciate ligament damage. That operation followed a similar procedure on his left knee in 2008 which ruled him out for eight months, and Everton are understandably leaving no stone unturned as they assess whether both injuries have caused any lasting problems. It is understood that so far the Blues have found no major issues and will push ahead with their bid to sign Naismith, ahead of Stoke City, West Brom and West Ham who are waiting in the wings should talks break down.
Although a free agent, Naismith will command a signing on fee and a salary which reflects his status as one of the major stars at the former Glasgow Rangers, which means Everton do not want to leave anything to chance regarding his long-term fitness.

Everton FC step up chase for Steven Pienaar
by Ian Doyle, DPW West
Jul 4 2012
EVERTON will intensify their efforts to bring back Steven Pienaar on a permanent basis after Tottenham confirmed Andre Villas-Boas as manager. The White Hart Lane side ended weeks of speculation by yesterday announcing Villas-Boas, sacked by Chelsea earlier this year, has signed a three-year contract to replace the ousted Harry Redknapp. Pienaar, who moved from Everton to Tottenham 18 months ago, suffered a frustrating time under Redknapp but saw his career revitalised during a loan spell at Goodison during the second half of last season. The South African has expressed a desire to return to Everton permanently, but last week suggested he would wait until talks with whoever replaced Redknapp as Tottenham manager before making any concrete decision.
In any case, Everton would have to raise the funds to meet the Londoners’ asking price for the player, which is believed to be in the region of £6m. Meanwhile, Everton are confident they remain favourites to sign Scotland international Steven Naismith despite interest from other Premier League clubs. West Ham, Stoke and Wigan have all made contact with the 25-year-old’s representatives, while new West Brom manager Steve Clarke believes the promise of more regular first-team football could sway the striker towards the Hawthorns. However, Naismith, who has not played since October 2011 following a cruciate ligament operation in his right knee and underwent a similar procedure on his other knee four years ago, has already undergone extensive physical tests at Finch Farm. Naismith has not yet undergone a full medical, but Everton are hoping that will prove a formality should they, as expected, tie up a deal for the forward this week.

Liverpool FC & Everton FC starlets aid Young Lions at European Under-19s Championships
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 4 2012
MERSEYSIDE’S England Under-19 contingent made a solid start to their European Championship campaign in Estonia yesterday, Ross Barkley, Luke Garbutt, Conor Coady and Jack Robinson all featuring in an opening 1-1 draw with Croatia. The Croatians had to survive a late onslaught from the Young Lions to ensure both sides made a solid start to the competition. But an out-of-sorts first half performance from England meant they had to improve dramatically after the break and deservedly equalised with a fine strike by Chelsea youngster Nathaniel Chalobah. It might even have been better for Noel Blake’s side, with Blues’ midfielder Barkley seeing a stunning 25 yard shot cannon off the crossbar three minutes after the interval. Harry Kane fed Barkley 25 yards out with the Everton ace instantaneously striking a stunning shot at goal. Sluga was nowhere near it, but it crashed against the bar and bounced out. England were caught out against the run of play, as a cross from Marko Pajac was nodded back down by Dugandzic for Pavicic to sweep in after 57th minutes. But the lead didn’t last long and Barkley and his Everton club-mate Luke Garbutt were instrumental in the equaliser. Barkley started the move by slipping a pass to the left for Garbutt and when his cross was only headed half clear, Chalobah anticipated it, controlled and then sent a right-footer crashing past Sluga and into the top corner from just inside the area. In the first half England had young Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to be thankful for more than once. Liverpool FC & Everton FC starlets aid Young Lions at European Under-19s Championships
MERSEYSIDE’S England Under-19 contingent made a solid start to their European Championship campaign in Estonia yesterday, Ross Barkley, Luke Garbutt, Conor Coady and Jack Robinson all featuring in an opening 1-1 draw with Croatia. The Croatians had to survive a late onslaught from the Young Lions to ensure both sides made a solid start to the competition. But an out-of-sorts first half performance from England meant they had to improve dramatically after the break and deservedly equalised with a fine strike by Chelsea youngster Nathaniel Chalobah.
It might even have been better for Noel Blake’s side, with Blues’ midfielder Barkley seeing a stunning 25 yard shot cannon off the crossbar three minutes after the interval. Harry Kane fed Barkley 25 yards out with the Everton ace instantaneously striking a stunning shot at goal.
Sluga was nowhere near it, but it crashed against the bar and bounced out. England were caught out against the run of play, as a cross from Marko Pajac was nodded back down by Dugandzic for Pavicic to sweep in after 57th minutes. But the lead didn’t last long and Barkley and his Everton club-mate Luke Garbutt were instrumental in the equaliser. Barkley started the move by slipping a pass to the left for Garbutt and when his cross was only headed half clear, Chalobah anticipated it, controlled and then sent a right-footer crashing past Sluga and into the top corner from just inside the area. In the first half England had young Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to be thankful for more than once.

Players like Darron Gibson and Nikica Jelavic give Everton legend Trevor Steven hope ahead of the new season
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 4 2012
HE might have arrived in a low-key fashion with little expectation, but Darron Gibson swiftly established himself as one of the first names on David Moyes’ team sheet. The former Manchester United midfielder’s signing was quickly over-shadowed by fellow January recruit Nikica Jelavic, but each played a significant part in Everton’s impressive end to last season, as the Blues finished above Liverpool and just missed out on a European qualifying spot. And former Toffees hero Trevor Steven – a man who knows more than his fair share about the importance of a balanced midfield and firing strike force – believes both men can pick up where they left off when the 2012/13 campaign begins in August. Vitally Steven feels the pair’s presence can help ensure that all-important strong start to the season. “It should do,” he said. “Every team changes their squad in some shape or fashion, whether players are coming out of contract, whether they choose to leave, or whether management wishes that they move on to get someone else in, because you need to freshen it.
“But the beauty of this season was being able to go into the transfer market last January and spend a considerable amount of money on Jelavic, which was a bargain – he was probably a good 40 per cent discount on what he might have been had the situation at Rangers not been what it was. So that was an intelligent purchase. “And Darron Gibson, who I always thought did well for Manchester United, coming in having something to prove and to show that he’s got the capacity to play in the Premier League and make a difference. He’s been consistent, Jelavic has scored the goals, so what more do you want from players coming in? “I think the quality is there that they can get back into Europe via the league next season. I think it’s belief as much as anything. When Everton get into a run of self-belief and confidence, nobody likes coming to Goodison. And Everton are very difficult to break down away from home, very organised and you’ve got that goal threat as well now.”
And Steven, a man who keenly tracked Jelavic’s progress at Ibrox, has few doubts the 26-year-old will pick up where he left off. He said: “You’ve seen great players come into the Premier League and not make an impact, internationally renowned players far beyond Jelavic’s reputation. But what he has got, I think he’s got honesty and he’s got endeavour, he’s got intelligence to play and he’s good at a lot of things. “He’s not renowned for one particular thing, and if he is going to be renowned for one thing, it’s putting the ball in the back of the net. And he does that on a regular basis.
“Playing up in Scottish football in this particular era, it’s difficult to judge how well a player can do at another level. But he was consistent over in Austria with Rapid Vienna and Walter Smith had done a lot of homework on him. Rangers weren’t just buying players on what they’d seen on a CV. They’d seen him, looked at him, made a judgement, worked at getting him - and they worked hard to get him. “So Everton have ended up with player who has been vetted coming in. And I think they’ve made a really good choice. “So for next season, with maybe one or two more additions and maybe Steven Pienaar coming here full time – I think that would be a bonus as well – it should be good.”

Everton FC’s early season blues cannot be repeated, warns Trevor Steven
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Jul 4 2012
EVERTON hero Trevor Steven has warned the Blues they cannot allow their habit of starting seasons slowly to become a costly psychological complex. The former midfield ace, who was part of Howard Kendall’s all-conquering Eighties team, rates the current Toffees line-up highly, and believes they are capable of qualifying for Europe next season. But he insists David Moyes’ men must not allow their struggles at the start of recent Premier League campaigns to play on their minds as they bid to keep with the pack chasing Euro berths this time around. He said: “A good start could be so important.
“As long as it’s not a phobia Everton have got for that first two or three months. "Because you can lose it in that first two or three months – any great ambition for European places. “As long as they’re there or thereabouts, in the top seven or eight from day one, then that gives them a foundation to move forward.” Everton’s last European action came during the 2009/10 campaign, when they reached the final 32 of the inaugural Europa League. After three seasons away, their hopes of a return could hinge on carrying their impressive form from the end of last term into the new season. The Blues face a tough opener at home to Manchester United this time around, but after that only one of their following 12 opponents – Newcastle – finished above them last season.
“Everything is looking reasonably good, it’s just putting the points on the board early next season, which would take immediate pressure off David Moyes about finding form,” said Steven.
“He’ll be thinking, ‘let’s find the form we know we’re capable of from day one next season and see where it takes us’.”

Everton FC confirm signing of free agent Steven Naismith on four-year-deal
Greg O'Keeffe
Jul 4 2012
EVERTON have completed the signing of Steven Naismith after the Scotland forward put pen to paper on a four-year deal today. The 25-year-old joins as a free agent after deciding to walk away from the 'newco' set-up in the wake of the collapse of his former club Glasgow Rangers.
As revealed in the Echo, David Moyes has long been an admirer of the attacker, and has won the race for his signature despite competition from nine other clubs including Stoke City, West Brom and West Ham. Naismith, who has won 15 caps for his country, underwent fitness tests over the weekend and passed a formal medical yesterday, and will now join up with the rest of the Blues squad for pre-season training at Finch Farm this week. Moyes, who will now turn his attentions back to a permanent deal for Steven Pienaar, said: "We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us.
"He will be an excellent addition to the players we already have and we look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season. "He is an established international who can play in a number of positions. "He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us." Naismith added: "‘It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton’s wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world’s best league: the Barclays Premier League, in front of such a passionate group of fans.
"I look forward greatly to working with the Manager David Moyes and all the staff at Everton and working hard to deliver on the pitch to repay their, and the Chairman Mr Kenwright’s, faith and belief in me." Ever since the former Kilmarnock player decided to object to the transfer of his contract from the old Rangers to Charles Green's 'newco', a move to Goodison Park has been on the agenda. The prospect of linking-up with former team-mates Nikica Jelavic and David Weir, now a coach with the reserves, was enough to convince Naismith that Everton was the move for him, while he is an admirer of former Celtic defender Moyes. Everton are satisfied the signing will not leave them fending off any legal action from Green and his new Rangers, after two further players also walked away - with defender Steven Whittaker joining Norwich last week, and striker Kyle Lafferty joining FC Sion. Despite Greens' previous threats to sue the wantaway players and their new clubs, employment law is on the side of the players who have been entitled not to join his newco.

Moyes delight with flexible Naismith after Scot star walked away from Rangers
July 4, 2012
Daily Post
David Moyes has hailed versatile midfielder Steven Naismith after the Scotland star agreed a four-year deal at Everton. The former Rangers man has moved to Goodison Park on a free having turned his back on the crisis hit SPL club. Naismith, who has been capped 15 times by his county, has been at Rangers since 2007 but has been hit with injury and managed less than 100 league appearances.
But Toffees boss Moyes is nonetheless delighted to have captured his countryman, who had a trial at Arsenal in 2006, before pre-season training starts this week. The manager said: 'We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us. He will be an excellent addition to the players we already have and we look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season. 'He is an established international who can play in a number of positions. He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us.' Naismith added: 'It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton’s wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world's best league in front of such a passionate group of fans.'
Meanwhile, Coventry have signed John Fleck from Rangers.

Rangers newco: Steven Naismith completes transfer to Everton
Scotsman Wednesday 4 July 2012 10:17
EVERTON have completed the free transfer of former Rangers striker Steven Naismith after he terminated his contract with the Ibrox side, having rejected the chance to move over to the newco club. The Scotland international has signed a four-year deal. Naismith, 25, will now join up with his new team-mates for the start of pre-season training this week. “It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton’s wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world’s best league in front of such a passionate group of fans,” Naismith told evertonfc.com. “I look forward greatly to working with the manager David Moyes and all the staff at Everton and working hard to deliver on the pitch to repay their, and the chairman Mr (Bill) Kenwright’s, faith and belief in me.” Moyes was keen to add greater strength to the forward line and believes Naismith will fit in well at Goodison Park. “We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us,” said the Scot. “He will be an excellent addition to the players we already have and we look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season. “He is an established international who can play in a number of positions. “He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us.”

Everton sign former Rangers striker Steven Naismith
Everton have completed the signing of Scotland forward Steven Naismith on a four-year deal from debt-ridden Scottish giant Rangers.
July 4, 2012 The Telegrapgh
Naismith is the second player in as many days to leave Rangers on a free transfer as players cancel their contracts with the troubled club, which has entered bankruptcy protection. Scottish Premier League clubs are set to vote on Wednesday on whether to allow Rangers, which has tax debts of £21 million ($32.7 million), to stay in the league under a new company. The chief executive of Rangers has threatened to take players and the clubs signing them to court if they don't transfer their contracts to the club's new company. Rangers' Scotland Under-21 international Jamie Ness agreed to join England's Stoke City on Tuesday. "It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton's wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world's best league in front of such a passionate group of fans," Naismith told evertonfc.com.

Everton FC eyeing Hugo Rodallega after netting Steven Naismith
by Ian Doyle, The Liverpool Post
Jul 5 2012
DAVID MOYES is ready to dip into the pool of free agents again as he looks to further bolster his Everton FC squad. The Goodison manager made his first capture of the summer on Wednesday when Scotland international striker Steven Naismith signed a four-year deal. Moyes, once more working within tight financial restraints during the transfer window, has put a greater emphasis on scouring for players who are out of contract. And currently at the head of that list is Colombian forward Hugo Rodallega, whose deal at Wigan Athletic has expired. The 26-year-old Rodallega scored 24 goals in 117 appearances for the Latics but was absent from their thrilling fight to avoid relegation last season. Moyes is in the process of restructuring his strikeforce, with January arrival Nikica Jelavic now joined by former Rangers strike partner Naismith. Naismith, who has won 15 caps for Scotland, ignored approaches from West Bromwich Albion, West Ham United and Stoke City to move to Goodison. He became a free agent after rejecting a contract transfer from old Rangers to the new company which was this week kicked out of the Scottish Premier League having been liquidated. And Naismith, who begins pre-season training with his new team-mates this week, said: “It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton’s wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world’s best league: the Premier League, in front of such a passionate group of fans. “I look forward greatly to working with the manager David Moyes and all the staff at Everton and working hard to deliver on the pitch to repay their, and the chairman Mr Kenwright’s, faith and belief in me.” Naismith can operate as a striker or an attacking midfielder, and Moyes admits such versatility made him an attractive purchase. “We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us,” said Moyes. “He will be an excellent addition to the players we already have and we look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season. “He is an established international who can play in a number of positions. He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us.” The arrival of Naismith casts further doubt over the long-term future of Victor Anichebe, who will be a target for Wigan manager Roberto Martinez. Meanwhile, centre-back Shane Duffy admits he may have to move away from Goodison again in search of regular first-team football in the coming campaign. Duffy, following previous loan spells at Burnley and Scunthorpe United, made his Premier League debut in January and went on to play five times for the senior team. And the 20-year old said: “Obviously my aims are to play regular football for the full season. And hopefully I can break into the first team of Everton. That’s the main goal. “But if I can’t do that, I’ll go on loan and see if I can do well at a Championship club and you never know what might happen then. “Last season I really enjoyed my experience at Scunthorpe and felt I learned a lot from it. If I can get experience playing in the Championship that would be great, but I just want to be playing regularly.”

Everton FC coach David Weir backs new signing Steven Naismith to do well
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 5 2012
NEW Everton FC striker Steven Naismith will fly out with his Goodison team-mates today – as David Moyes takes a small party of players on a pre-season training camp to Austria. And Blues coach David Weir, who recommended his old Glasgow Rangers team-mate to Moyes, reckons the new boy will have no problems settling into life at Goodison. Everton’s non-international footballers reported back to Finch Farm yesterday for fitness assessments. Today they will begin preparations for the new campaign, with a rigorous training camp in an Austrian base. And Weir said: “He’ll fit in no problem. “There’s a great bunch of lads here, good staff, and there are people here who have been here a long time who will soon let him know what the club means to people and how important it is.
“He’ll take that on board, he’ll get on with the job and he’ll get on with doing what he does best, which is playing football. “He’ll quickly learn what a nice place it is to work and how good a club it is.
“He (Moyes) obviously asked me my opinion of Steven and I gave him my opinion. I had nothing but good things to say about him. He’s a good all-round footballer. He’s a fit lad, he works hard – which is obviously a necessity at Everton – he’s capable of getting a goal, he’s very good in the air and I think he’ll be a good signing for us.” Naismith signed a four-year deal yesterday after completing a free transfer. Weir witnessed the effectiveness of Naismith’s partnership with Nikica Jelavic at Ibrox first-hand and he believes it can be rekindled at Goodison. “When they played together they did very well and obviously they can combine,” added Weir. “Steven can play in a number of positions and contribute in different areas. He’s got a lot of strings to his bow. The fact that he can play with Nikica is an obvious benefit though and it’s a nice one to have up his sleeve for the manager, I’m sure. I think it’s great to get business done early and get people in.” Moyes, who will now turn his attentions back to a permanent deal for Steven Pienaar, said: “We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us. He will be an excellent addition to the players we already have and we look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season. “He is an established international who can play in a number of positions. He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us.” Naismith himself added: ‘It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton’s wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world’s best league: the Barclays Premier League, in front of such a passionate group of fans. “I look forward greatly to working with the Manager David Moyes and all the staff at Everton.”

Everton FC Rangers link bears fruit again as Steven Naismith signs in
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 5 2012
EVERTON have traditionally looked north of the border for striking talent – and more specifically to West Glasgow to bolster their striking options. From pre-War wonder kid Torry Gillick to current hero Nikica Jelavic, Ibrox has been a profitable source of goalscorers for the Blues. They will hope that Steven Naismith can follow in the footsteps of Duncan Ferguson, Alex Scott and co.
TORRY GILLICK
HAILED as a 19-year-old “Wonder Boy” Everton broke their transfer record just before Christmas 1935 to land a thrilling Glasgow Rangers winger who had scored 17 goals in 17 games for the Ibrox club. Gillick cost £8,000, and in an example of the kind of horse-trading that surrounded player transfers then, the teenager knew nothing about the deal until it was completed! The Liverpool ECHO reported: “Until yesterday Gillick did not know that Everton desired his transfer. Both Everton and Rangers agreed that there should be no mention of the club or the player until, the transfer was completed. Everton made an offer for Gillick, terms were agreed upon by the clubs, and yesterday Mr Theo Kelly, the acting secretary of the Everton club, went to Glasgow to complete the deal.”
Fortunately Gillick was not unhappy to make the switch. A wiry winger, a natural entertainer and an exhilarating sight in full flight, Gillick helped maintain the tradition of top-class Scottish players at Goodison when he won a League Championship medal in 1939. Described as: “A dangerous raider, two-footed, and a rare shot” he scored nine goals in 23 appearances in his first season.
The following campaign he increased that tally to 16 and in 1938/39 helped the Blues to the title, scoring the final goal of the glorious campaign against Aston Villa – and getting knocked clean out at the same time! Like many players of that era his peak years were wiped out by the Second World War and he returned to Rangers in November 1945, after a 133-match Everton career in which he scored 44 goals.
ALEX STEVENSON
IF there was an award for Everton’s greatest Scottish import, the skilful, ball-playing Stevenson would be somewhere near the top. An Irish international when he signed in February 1934, the Liverpool Post and Mercury reported: “Stevenson is a player Everton have tried to secure for some time, but when arrangements were almost completed recently the player decided that he wanted to stay in Glasgow, however he changed his mind.” Everton were delighted he did. He made his debut at Highbury against Arsenal and helped Dixie Dean and co. secure a first league double for two seasons. “A delightful positional player, a shrewd schemer and a fine marksman with either foot,” he went on to enjoy a 15-year career with the Blues, not bad for a player who was initially reluctant to move south. He was a league champion in 1939 and scored 90 goals in 271 games, joining forces with Jackie Coulter to tear many a defence to shreds.
ALEX ‘CHICO’ SCOTT
EVERTON had to spend big again in February 1963 to land the signature of Rangers’ right winger Alex Scott. They were successful, but only after one of the fiercest transfer battles of the decade, with double-winning Tottenham also chasing him. Harry Catterick was the winner, as he so often was in his transfer dealings, but had to spend £40,000. Nevertheless it was money well spent.
Scott won a title winner’s medal in his first season and was an integral member of the 1966 FA Cup-winning team. He made 176 appearances in four-and-a-half years at Goodison, scoring 26 goals, before returning north of the border to Hibernian in 1967.
PAUL RIDEOUT
AFTER several seasons of a ‘midget gem’ strike-force at Goodison, Evertonians were crying out for a traditional target-man to accompany diminutive strikers Tony Cottee, Peter Beardsley and another Rangers old boy, Mo Johnston. When the five feet 11 inch Paul Rideout was unveiled, a £500,000 signing from Rangers, reaction was underwhelming, but Rideout proved his critics wrong.
A clever, skilful leader of the line – he even played one match in central midfield against Tottenham, and was excellent – he really began to flourish as part of Joe Royle’s RAF strikeforce of Rideout and Ferguson. Top scorer in 1994/95, his final goal of the campaign was the header which defeated Manchester United and brought the FA Cup to Goodison. He ended his Goodison career with 40 goals in 140 appearances, but bare statistics can’t detail his value to the Blues.
MO JOHNSTON
HE cost Everton £1.5m from Glasgow Rangers in the summer of 1991, and was allowed to leave on a free transfer two years later. But Johnston, no stranger to transfer deals, was reluctant to leave.
His record of 10 goals in 39 appearances suggests Howard Kendall’s gamble didn’t pay off, but two of those strikes came in derby matches and another in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford. Johnston’s best days were undoubtedly behind him, but he was never a complete flop at Goodison.
DUNCAN FERGUSON
THE big man divided opinion like few players before or since at Goodison. He joined Everton from Glasgow Rangers, initially on-loan, and then in a permanent club record £4m deal in 1994.
For some supporters, he was the Tartan talisman who could do no wrong – a footballing braveheart who regularly turned it on against Liverpool and Manchester United, and a player who loved the club so much he had a crest tattooed on his shoulder. To others, he was an expensive liability with a long injury list and a short fuse, a player who loved himself more than the team, a player who could have been a legend, but lacked the motivation. But there was no doubt he could never be ignored.
He scored 72 goals in 273 appearances in two separate spells with the club, the first bizarrely curtailed when he was sold behind the manager’s back to Newcastle. Those may not be the stats of a goalscoring legend. But statistics cannot conjure up the sensation of seeing him dab on the Braveheart warpaint and go to war. In full cry, he was an inspiring sight. And while those days were far less frequent in his second spell at the club, he turned back the clock in 2004/05 and gave a younger generation of Evertonians a glimpse at what their dads had been going on about.
His performance against Manchester United on April 20 was inspirational and helped guide Everton into a Champions League place, and the goal he headed into the Gwladys Street net a reminder of what he used to do more regularly – and what Blues fans hope Steve Naismith will provide this season.

History with Jelavic key to Naismith deal
July 5, 2012 The Scottish Herald
David Weir, the former Everton and Rangers captain, now a coach at Goodison Park, believes new signing Steven Naismith is a perfect fit for his new club and in particular Nikica Jelavic, the striker with whom he enjoyed a prolific partnership at Ibrox. Five months after Jelavic left Rangers for Everton, Naismith has joined him on a free transfer, signing a four-year deal after he refused to have his Rangers contract transferred to the newco. "When they played together they did very well and they can combine," said Weir. "Steven can play in a number of positions and can also contribute in different areas. He has a lot of strings to his bow and the fact he can play with Nikica is a benefit also." "He is obviously a talented lad and has played at a great level with Rangers in Europe and Scotland and he is an attacking player capable of scoring goals. "He is at a good stage in his career and his best years are ahead of him. I think he is a good all-round footballer. He's a fit lad and works hard, which is a necessity at Everton. He is good in the air and has a lot of good attributes.
"He will fit in no problem. There are people here who have been here a long time and they will let him know how important this club is to people and he will take that on board and get on with his job. I am sure once he gets down I'll help him out and he'll quickly learn what a nice place it is to work and what a good club it is." David Moyes, the Everton manager, was keen to add greater strength to his forward line. "We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us," said the Scot. "We look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season. He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us."
The 25-year-old forward said he was relishing the prospect of a new start in England. "It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton's wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world's best league in front of such a passionate group of fans," he said. John Fleck left Rangers for Coventry City yesterday, although the forward did not follow the path of Naismith and other first teamers who left as free agents. Instead the two clubs agreed terms for the Scotland Under-21 player. Charles Green, chairman of the newco, said: "Coventry City have acted in exactly the right way to ensure that all three parties are satisfied with the deal."

Everton to kick off Premier League season with Monday night clash against Manchester United
Jul 5 2012
EVERTON FC will keep off their Premier League season on a Monday night for the first time after Sky Sports announced their intention to screen the Goodison clash with Manchester United on August 20. The mouth-watering opening weekend clash is one of five games moved for TV coverage after the opening batch of games announced by Sky Sports and ESPN. The Blues again feature on Monday Night Football when Newcastle travel to Goodison on 17 September (8pm) while the following Saturday David Moyes side's trip to face Swansea City will also be shown on Sky Sports (22 September, 12.45pm). The match at Loftus Road against Queen Park Rangers on Sunday 21 October will be shown on Sky Sports at 4pm while the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park the following weekend will take place on Sunday 28 October at 1.30pm (rather than Saturday lunchtime as initially reported) if Liverpool qualify for the group stages of the Europa League.
Full list of Sky Sports fixtures
AUGUST
Wigan Athletic v Chelsea Sun 19 1:30pm
Manchester City v Southampton Sun 19 4pm
Everton v Manchester United Mon 20 8pm
Swansea City v West Ham United Sat 25 12:45pm
Stoke City v Arsenal Sun 26 1:30pm
Liverpool v Manchester City Sun 26 4pm
SEPTEMBER
West Ham United v Fulham Sat 1 12:45pm
Liverpool v Arsenal Sun 2 1:30pm
Southampton v Manchester United Sun 2 4pm
Norwich City v West Ham United Sat 15 12:45pm
Reading v Tottenham Hotspur Sun 16 4pm
Everton v Newcastle United Mon 17 8pm
Swansea City v Everton Sat 22 12:45pm
Liverpool v Manchester United Sun 23 1:30pm
Manchester City v Arsenal Sun 23 4pm
Arsenal v Chelsea Sat 29 12:45pm
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion Sun 30 4pm
OCTOBER
Queens Park Rangers v West Ham United Mon 1 8pm
Manchester City v Sunderland Sat 6 12:45pm
Southampton v Fulham Sun 7 1:30pm
Newcastle United v Manchester United Sun 7 4pm
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea Sat 20 12:45pm
Sunderland v Newcastle United Sun 21 1:30pm
Queens Park Rangers v Everton Sun 21 4pm
Everton v Liverpool Sat 27 12:45pm
Aston Villa v Norwich City Sun 28 1:30pm
Chelsea v Manchester United Sun 28 4pm
NOVEMBER
Manchester United v Arsenal Sat 3 12:45pm
Queens Park Rangers v Reading Sun 4 1:30pm
Liverpool v Newcastle United Sun 4 4pm
West Bromwich Albion v Southampton Mon 5 8pm
Aston Villa v Manchester United Sat 10 5:30pm
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur Sun 11 1:30pm
Chelsea v Liverpool Sun 11 4pm
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur Sat 17 12:45pm
Fulham v Sunderland Sun 18 4pm
West Ham United v Stoke City Mon 19 8pm
Swansea City v Liverpool Sat 24 12:45pm
Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion Sun 25 1:30pm
Chelsea v Manchester City Sun 25 4pm
Aston Villa v Reading Tue 27 8pm
Wigan Athletic v Manchester City Wed 28 8pm

Mark Lawrenson: Hard-working Steven Naismith can be a big hit at Everton FC
by Our Correspondent, The Liverpool Post
Jul 5 2012
I’VE seen a lot of Steven Naismith and I am convinced he will be a good signing for Everton.
In the old days, the question was whether players could ever be the same following a serious injury, but advances in sports science mean that is rarely the case now. Naismith will be hungry, and have some fire in his belly. He’s a typical David Moyes signing in that he has a point to prove, which is exactly what Everton need. It is of course ironic that, given Everton’s cash restraints, Moyes has benefited more than most from the financial collapse at Rangers. There is no problem with that. It’s basic intelligence. If a company is going down the tubes and they have something that would improve your company, you negotiate to buy it. That’s what Everton did with Nikica Jelavic, and now with Naismith. Naismith is a mixture between a striker and an attacking midfielder. When he first moved to Rangers, it was hard to pinpoint exactly what he did, but he improved to become one of their better players. He’s done well at international level and, as a hard-worker, he fits right into Moyes’s DNA. Naismith will know all about the club from speaking to Jelavic, and I’ve no doubt David Weir also had a kind word or two to say. That Everton are looking for free agents suggests there isn’t much money in the coffers again. And their hopes of signing Steven Pienaar may now have taken a knock following the appointment of Andre Villas-Boas at Tottenham.
Unless he has been told by the board to get rid, AVB will want to have a serious look at Pienaar, which means I can’t see Tottenham letting him go much earlier than August 31.

Legal threat from Rangers over Steven Naismith transfer is no concern for Everton
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 6 2012
EVERTON are confident they will overcome any legal challenges to Steven Naismith’s transfer from Rangers. The Scottish Football Association is expected to refuse to release the registrations of any Rangers players heading to English Premier League clubs – with Steven Whittaker joining Norwich and Jamie Ness heading to Stoke. The SFA will ask FIFA to adjudicate on the issue instead, but the Blues are confident that legal precedent is in their favour. Even if international clearance is refused, the Blues are confident their legal team can clear the way for Naismith to be eligible to make his debut against Manchester United on Monday, August 20.

David Moyes says Everton FC will never end up like Rangers
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Jul 6 2012
EVERTON FC boss David Moyes vowed that the Blues would never find themselves in the same position as Glasgow Rangers. The Goodison club has its own financial challenges, but the boss pointed out that careful stewardship meant they would never find themselves in such a damaging situation as the Ibrox club. “Isn’t it terrible that a football club of Glasgow Rangers’ stature finds itself in this position?” he said. “Sometimes at Everton we get criticised a little bit, but we always make sure the club’s always functioning, always running and try to keep our heads above water.
“We have to do that.”

Steven Naismith trying not to think about legal threat from Rangers
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Jul 6 2012
STEVEN NAISMITH has asked newco Rangers to drop their threat of legal action and let him press ahead with his Everton FC career. The Scottish Premier League have refused to hand over the player’s registration, instead handing it to world governing body FIFA who will decide if he can officially leave the Ibrox club. Newco - the reincarnation of the now defunct Glasgow Rangers - are ready to block Naismith’s move to Goodison Park but the 25-year-old hopes a resolution can be found quickly. Everton are confident there will be no spanner in the works and Naismith is leaving all off-field matters to Everton and his representatives. “To be honest, I’m, not aware of any of that,” he said. “I’m just getting straight into pre-season. That’ll be for the lawyers, agents and clubs to talk about. I’m really not interested in that. I just want to focus on the football side of things now. I’ve been talking a lot of legal stuff for months now. “Rangers are going to look out for their best interests, understandably. I took advice on my situation and took the measures I believe are the proper professional ones. That’s all I can do. I’m just looking forward to playing football and talking about my new boots.” Last season, administrators asked all players to take a wage cut in order to help the Rangers’ worsening financial situation. Naismith and several others agreed to the 75% drop yet the outfit still went under. The Scotland international and many of his team-mates have since rejected a transfer of their contracts to Sevco 5088, which will form the newco Rangers club.
Naismith decided, under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations) legislation, not to move to the new company, and believes he is now a free agent.
His move has sparked criticism in some quarters. “Everyone is going to have their opinion,” he said.
“Whether people know the full story or they don’t, they are going to have an opinion.
“As a squad we tried to do our best to come out with a CVA and one good thing to come out of us taking a wage cut was every member of staff moved over to the new company. “And whether they were made redundant or not, they would get a good severance package for the length of time they worked for the old company. That alone is worth what the players did. “We couldn’t do much more but there is going to be a degree of disappointment from a lot of people with the way the players have left but it has been the hardest decision for a lot of them, whether to leave or transfer over.
“The ones who have transferred over are going to be the ones to hopefully bring the club back up to challenging.”

New Everton FC signing Steven Naismith says joining up with David Moyes is a match made in heaven
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Jul 6 2012
KITTED out in the new Everton FC training gear, Steven Naismith reveals his tattooed legs.
They are a tribute to the loved ones in his life but it is two marks on either knee which are a constant reminder that he must also cherish his profession. Football, though richly rewarding for many, can be fickle and cut a player down in his prime. Naismith, who joined the Blues on a free transfer this week, has not kicked a ball in competitive action since suffering cruciate ligament damage in October last year. It was the second such injury the former Kilmarnock man had sustained in as many years, interrupting his progression at Glasgow Rangers and for Scotland. But having officially been presented to the media as Everton’s first signing of the summer, Naismith has allayed fears his knees are a ticking timebomb. The club conducted a thorough medical and found no cause for concern with Naismith also reinforcing his fitness and declaring his full intention to be ready for the start of the new Premier League season. But given the set-backs the 25-year-old has endured in recent times, he knows that opportunities are to be seized and though he would not have wished for the manner in which it came about, any chance to play in England was not to be ignored.
“Football is a relatively short career and you have to maximise that and this is another step forward for me,” he said. “We are just getting checked over and seeing what stage I was at (with his knee); yesterday afternoon I went out training with the squad. “We’ll keep an eye on it over pre-season but hopefully I’ll be involved with the majority of things with the squad.” Naismith believes he is joining a group of talented players. And though he sees proven ability he knows his versatility will open doors at Goodison Park and that he will find like-minded individuals. None more so than the manager David Moyes. Naismith said it did not take long for the Blues boss to persuade him that Everton, and not Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion or Wigan Athletic, was the right move. “It’s his presence,” he said of Moyes. “He has a good presence about him. When he walks in the room you know the manager is there. You can go and chat to him. He will bring you on as a player. The way he works is a factor for me. He expects 100% and that’s what I do as well. It definitely looks like a good match “I spoke to a few managers and I’m grateful for their interest and the opportunities they were going to give me, but speaking to the manager and people around Everton it was clear it was definitely the right club for me. “As a player, I strive to give my best and work my hardest and I’d expect that from my team-mates. I expected that at Rangers and watching Everton they have got that. Everybody works for each other, not as individuals. They want to win as a team and be successful as a team. That’s a big draw to me. I’m in that same kind of mould. Speaking to the manager, he says a lot of things that I believe in. “It is a quality squad but I am definitely going to get opportunities and it is my goal to take them,” he added. “The players here will make me a better player. I have confidence in my own ability and am confident I can do it at the highest level and with the help of my team-mates hopefully we can start the season quickly. “I’m coming to the best league in the world and I need to prove myself and it is a challenge I am definitely up for.
“You only have to look at the teams pushing for the title last season and those clubs behind them pushing for European places - it is a great league and one I am relishing the opportunity to play in.
“Under the manager’s leadership over the last 10 years Everton have been one of the most successful clubs in terms of growing and the facilities are world class. “I think last season showed that, finishing seventh in the world’s best league and above your nearest rivals and doing quite well in the cups. It is what every player strives for. “I have heard a lot from various people who have been in contact with the club over the last few years and there are some great guys in the squad.”
Should he prove his fitness then an Everton debut could arrive on the opening weekend of the season when Everton host Manchester United on Monday, August 20. It remains a stand-out fixture of any season though Naismith admits not to have studied the Blues’ run of games. “I’ve tasted the Old Firm derbies so it’ll be good to hopefully taste the Merseyside one,” he said. “But I’ve not sat and looked at the fixtures. I’m sure every week will be a new challenge and one I will relish.”

Everton FC: David Moyes unveils new signing Steven Naismith – and says there’s more to come
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 6 2012
DAVID MOYES introduced his first signing of the summer yesterday – then revealed he expects more new faces to follow Steven Naismith into Everton FC before the season starts. Naismith was unveiled at Finch Farm following his switch from Glasgow Rangers, almost two months earlier than the Blues’ first signings last season, and the Blues boss said: “Getting a player in early gives everyone a lift. “It gives the supporters a lift and that’s why we’ve got a full room (of press) today because people very rarely see Everton sign players at this early date. “I don’t expect it to be the last either.
“I hope to get some more business done, certainly before the season gets started.”
Moyes refused to speculate on whether names like Junior Hoilett, Daniel Prandjic and Hugo Rodallega – all linked with moves to Goodison – were in his sights. But he did confirm that bringing Steven Pienaar back from Spurs remains a priority. “In time we hope to get something done,” he added. “But I won’t talk about players at other clubs. “Steven’s made it really clear he wants to come back to Everton and in my understanding that hasn’t changed. “My next job in the coming weeks is hopefully to get Steven Pienaar here as well.” Despite constant speculation regarding the Goodison futures of Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, Moyes also revealed that he had had no contact from anybody – and that if he did he would prove a very reluctant seller. “We’ll always have interest in the players we’ve got because we’ve got very good players here, so I would expect that,” he added. “But we don’t sell easy here at Everton. “I’ve always tried to build a team. Of course you’re going to lose players now and again but in the main we’ve kept the bulk of our players and we’re going to continue to try and add to them and try and keep improving. “I’ve heard nothing from nobdy.” He also maintained that bringing in new players was of more importance to him than securing an extension to his own contract at Everton. “I don’t think the manager’s position is that important,” he explained. “I think it’s important that we get the players sorted. “So it’s not desperate. I’ve got a contract here and I’m more than happy. It certainly doesn’t affect my work.”
Moyes hopes that bringing in new players before the season kicks off will have a similar sort of impact to the boost adding three new faces gave to his squad in January. “The season we qualified for the Champions League we had people in place early doors so if we could do that again then we would hope we could replicate what we have done before,” he added. “But the Premier League has changed in the level of squads and the standard but we will go about our business try to start the season better than we have done.” Everton famously lost Wayne Rooney when that 2004/05 campaign was barely two weeks old, but that summer Moyes had already enlisted Tim Cahill from Millwall and Marcus Bent from Ipswich, both of whom enjoyed outstanding campaigns.
“We’re happy to get some business done early,” said Moyes. “The opportunity came along, everybody knows Rangers’ situation and Steven is somebody we’ve had our eye on for a long time.
“I know a lot about him with my Scottish connections and I’ve seen a lot of games in Scotland, he’s always someone who I felt fits Everton, with his work-rate, the way he goes about his business and he can play several different positions for us. “From that point of view he’s what we need and obviously the situation at Rangers meant there was an opportunity for us to try and get him.
“I think we can use him in several areas, he’s played wide for Rangers and we’ll use him where wherever we see fit. “That happens at Everton. When you come to Everton you should be expected to play two or three different roles. “Steven’s still recovering from an injury so I don’t want people expecting too much from him too soon. He won’t be ready to play in the pre-season games right away and we have to give him the opportunity to be right.”

Steven Naismith feels right at home after switch to Everton FC
By Ian Doyle
Jul 6 2012
MOVING clubs to another country is often seen among the greatest upheavals in a player’s career.
Along with grappling the surrounds of a new club in a new league, it often requires a new outlook, a new ethos and a new way of thinking. But from the moment Steven Naismith walked into Everton, he knew the transition from Rangers would be a straightforward one. “As a player, I strive to give my best and work my hardest and I’d expect that from my team-mates,” says Naismith, who was unveiled at Finch Farm yesterday after signing a four-year contract. “I expected that at Rangers and watching Everton they have got that. “Everybody works for each other, not as individuals. They want to win as a team and be successful as a team. “That’s a big draw to me. I’m in that same kind of mould. Speaking to the manager, he says a lot of things that I believe in.”
Naismith sparked a mad scramble for his signature last month when, with Rangers in financial meltdown, he refused to allow his contract to be transferred over to the new company running the club. West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic and Stoke City were all in the running but, once the 25-year-old met with Everton manager David Moyes, his mind was made up. “It didn’t take long for the manager to convince me,” says the Scotland international. “I spoke to a few managers but speaking to the manager and people around Everton it was clear it was definitely the right club for me.
“It’s his presence. He has a good presence about him. When he walks in the room you know the manager is there. You can go and chat to him. He will bring you on as a player. “The way he works is a factor for me. He expects 100% and that’s what I do as well. It definitely looks like a good match.
“There are a lot of great folk here, similar to Rangers, that can tell you a lot about the history and hopefully over the next weeks and months I can learn about the club that I don’t know and become a fan.” Naismith forged a fruitful understanding with Nikica Jelavic before the Croat moved to Goodison, and his former strike partner and ex-Rangers team-mate David Weir were both influential in prompting his transfer. “I have heard a lot from various people who have been in contact with the club over the last few years and there are some great guys in the squad,” says Naismith.
“I spoke to Nikica and David Weir especially. He has been a big part of my career and he told me I would love it and his words mean a lot to me.” Naismith is the most high-profile Rangers player to have left during the financial crisis, polarising opinion among the suffering Ibrox support.
“There is going to be disappointment with some fans and some are going to wish me well and I have had both,” he says. “Football is a relatively short career and you have to maximise that and this is another step forward for me.” The scars on Naismith’s knees bear testament to the fickle nature of the sport. The Scot, whose versatility means he can play both as an attacking midfielder and an auxiliary striker, hasn’t played since sustaining serious cruciate ligament damage in his right knee last October, and suffered a similar injury in his other knee in 2008. And Naismith believes the Rangers players – which had previously agreed to wage cuts – did as much as they could to keep the club afloat. “As a squad we tried to do our best to come out with a CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement) and one good thing to come out of us taking a wage cut was every member of staff moved over to the new company,” says the Scot. “And whether they were made redundant or not, they would get a good severance package for the length of time they worked for the old company. That alone is worth what the players done. “We couldn’t do much more but there is going to be a degree of disappointment from a lot of people with the way the players have left but it has been the hardest decision for a lot of them, whether to leave or transfer over. “The ones who have transferred over are going to be the ones to hopefully bring the club back up to challenging.”
But while Rangers face an uncertain future, Naismith is confident he can make the step up from the Scottish Premier League to the English version. “It is a quality squad but I am definitely going to get opportunities and it is my goal to take them,” he adds. “The players here will make me a better player. I have confidence in my own ability and am confident I can do it at the highest level and with the help of my team-mates hopefully we can start the season quickly. “I’m coming to the best league in the world and I need to prove myself and it is a challenge I am definitely up for.
“There are not many better clubs with the facilities, the staff and the things at their disposal so I think I’ve definitely made the right choice.”

Steven Naismith declares intention to be fully fit for start of Everton FC's season
By Ian Doyle
Jul 6 2012
STEVEN NAISMITH has declared his intention of being fully fit for the start of the season – as he urged former club Rangers to drop the legal threat to his Everton FC future. Naismith was unveiled at Finch Farm yesterday after arriving on a free transfer having refused to have his contract transferred to the newco Rangers. The Glasgow giants are in the process of being liquidated and were this week kicked out of the Scottish Premier League. Rangers’ chief executive Charles Green has written to all English clubs warning players who objected to the transfer of their contracts to the newco were in breach of contract. It has emerged the Scottish club have withheld at least one registration, although players can obtain a temporary registration while the issue is ruled upon by FIFA. But Naismith said: “That’ll be for the lawyers, agents and clubs to talk about. I’m really not interested in that. I just want to focus on the football side of things now. “I’ve been talking a lot of legal stuff for months now. “Rangers are going to look out for their best interests, understandably. I took advice on my situation and took the measures I believe are the proper professional ones.
“That’s all I can do. I’m just looking forward to playing football and talking about my new boots.”
Green has also vowed to seek compensation from players who have cancelled their contracts, but Everton manager David Moyes said: “I think there is a situation which will arise but I think both clubs will be talking. “Obviously Rangers have to do what is right for their club but Everton will certainly do what is right for our club.” Naismith hasn’t kicked a ball since sustaining a serious cruciate knee ligament injury last October. However, the 25-year-old passed stringent medical tests at Finch Farm this week and has set himself a target of being involved ahead of the season opener at home to Manchester United, which will now take place on Monday, August 20. “Yes, I’m fit,” said Naismith. “We are just getting checked over and seeing what stage I was at, this afternoon I’m going out training with the squad. “We’ll keep an eye on it over pre-season but hopefully I’ll be involved with the majority of things with the squad.” Moyes admits the situation at Rangers is a “tragedy” but believes the manner in which Everton conduct their business, despite regular accusations of not spending enough money or failing to find new investment, mean they are intent on not following suit. “I couldn’t tell you all the ins and outs but I am looking at it and thinking isn’t it terrible a club of Rangers’ stature would even be in this position,” Moyes added. “Sometimes at Everton we get criticised a little bit but you have to say we make sure the club is always functioning and always running and trying to keep its head above water and we have to do that.” Moyes will now focus on brokering a deal to bring Steven Pienaar back to Everton on a permanent basis from Tottenham Hotspur. “I’m hoping to get some more business done, certainly before the season gets started,” said the Everton manager. “We are keen (on Pienaar) and I hope in time we would be able to conclude that deal. “I don’t know if the situation has changed (with Andre Villas-Boas coming in as new Spurs manager) but Steven has made it very clear he wants to come back here and my understanding is that hasn’t changed.” Meanwhile, Jose Baxter has become a free agent after turning down the offer of a new contract at Everton. Championship trio Burnley, Birmingham City and Crystal Palace are all interested in the young midfielder.

Royal Blue: Phil Neville is the consumate trainer
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Jul 7 2012
EVERTON have de-camped to the beautiful backdrop of Obertraun in the Austrian Alps.
Lush grass set against dramatic rock faces, it is pre-season in a postcard The Blues players will relish the opportunity to train in such surroundings, even if David Moyes turns taskmaster and puts them through the grinder. But anyone who has spent time in the company of Phil Neville will know the club captain’s professionalism and appetite for training. Neville would be content with doing pre-season in a car park. His attitude must be motivating for the rest of the players - and great for his manager.

Royal Blue: Blue and white wedding bells for Brian Labone’s daughter
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Jul 7 2012
SHE was the apple of Brian Labone’s eye – and last week the daughter of the Last of the Corinthians enjoyed her own starring role. Rachelle Labone married sweetheart Robbie Owens, and appropriately the groom wore blue. Rachelle was given away by mum Pat, who said: “Brian would have been so proud. Rachelle wasn’t just the apple of his eye. She was was the apple of both eyes! It was a lovely day.” Rachelle and Robbie were married in Santorini on June 23, the ceremony held at Samto Winery and the reception at the Santorini Princess. Rachelle had three bridesmaids and a little flower girl. Robbie's best man was his son, Jack. Dad Brian looked on approvingly, no doubt with his own Best Man, Gordon.

Royal Blue: Everton pleased with Sky dates but confused over ESPN shut-out
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Jul 7 2012
TELEVISION executives have rewarded Everton for their exciting form towards the end of the last season.Well, sort of. David Moyes’ men kick-off the new season at home to Manchester United on August 20 as Sky host the first ‘Monday Night Football’ show of the campaign from Goodison.
By the end of November, the Blues will have featured on the platform five times with games against Newcastle United, Swansea City, Queens Park Rangers and the opening derby of the season at home. Privately, the Blues are particularly pleased with that return but are scratching their heads over the shut-out from ESPN. Everton acknowledge that there are some enticing fixtures at the turn of the year which may interest the Disney-owned channel but with no game scheduled yet, they have been bracketed in a less than illustrious group. The Blues are in the club with six other sides who finished below them last season. Fulham, West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Wigan Athletic were all behind Moyes’ men in the standings whilst Reading and Southampton were playing in the Championship. All six are without ESPN coverage so far as well. The last time Everton appeared on the platform in the league, Nikica Jelavic plundered the only goal of the game in an absorbing spectacle with Tottenham Hotspur in March. Harry Redknapp had been thrust into the England spotlight, Jelavic made his home debut and Everton manfully held on in an enthralling early evening game. ESPN, in their defence, have to be selective given their allocation of only 23 games this season but there were some furrowed brows when the first batch of live games were announced this week. It is understood ESPN see stronger ‘storylines’ in other fixtures from August to the end of November and that there is no agenda against the club, but surely Everton are always value for money? Surely they almost always test, push and challenge the very best in the league?
It is the way Moyes’ team has been for a long time. The second round of television fixtures will be announced in late October where December and the rest of the festive period is covered.
Everton face the champions Manchester City, Spurs, West Ham United and Chelsea in the final month of the calendar year and must hope ESPN come calling. For the travelling fans, television can throw up inconvenient kick-off times but with £500,000 on offer for each live game, the more telly the better for the Blues. Last season’s return of just nine games was tough to take but the hope was their form in March, April and May would convince TV chiefs to point their cameras on Everton. Hopefully ESPN will do so.

Royal Blue: Steven Naismith signing revives hope of return to Europe
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Jul 7 2012
STEVEN NAISMITH has described moving to Everton as an “adventure” for him and his family.
Naismith and his fiancee will relocate to Merseyside whilst his other loved ones will travel down for games. No sooner had the 25-year-old talked confidently and articulately with the press on Thursday lunchtime then he was being whisked off to Austria. From there, the Blues’ pre-season schedule takes them to Morecambe, Scotland, Indonesia and Malaga, with Tony Hibbert’s testimonial in between. But what Naismith’s signing has done is revive genuine hopes of qualifying for Europe again next season. Goodison Park under the lights on European nights is unmatched.
Naismith will love it. He was given a taste for football on the continent whilst with Rangers, making his Champions League debut at the Nou Camp in 2007. But it was in September 2010 that the 25-year-old made his mark in European competition, scoring the goal which ended Rangers’ 12 match winless streak in the Champions League. If Steven Pienaar and one or two others follow Naismith then Europe can come back into sight for the Blues.

David Weir advice becoming key for Everton FC - especially about Rangers
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Jul 7 2012
DAVID WEIR may wish to add ‘sounding board’ to his footballing CV. Already an iconic figure at Goodison Park, having served the club with distinction across 254 games, the former captain was a popular addition to Everton FC’s coaching staff last season. It appeared yet another savvy acquisition by manager David Moyes but few could have imagined the immediacy of his impact, especially on the first team. When Moyes wavered on Nikica Jelavic, Weir was the persistent voice in his ear trying to convince him the Croatian would be a steal of a signing. The Blues manager has publicly acknowledged the part the 42-year-old played in his decision and as the squad welcome a new player into the fold this weekend at their Austrian pre-season training camp, Weir has again played a major role. Steven Naismith, the 25-year-old Scotland international, became Everton’s first signing of the summer this week and as much as he felt an instant rapport and respect for Moyes, and was excited about playing for him, it was perhaps the trusted advice of an old team-mate which put the seal on a move for him. The pair played for Rangers from 2007 until January of this year when Weir left the club and following the demise of the Scottish giants, Naismith followed his guidance, and path, to Merseyside. With a host of Premier League clubs also in pursuit of this free agent, Naismith found comfort in Weir’s words who said a move to Everton would be smoothed by familiar principles and traits. “When I moved to Rangers, he was there and I respected him a lot for what he had done and he is one of the nicest guys you’ll meet,” Naismith said of Weir. “I learnt a lot from him and so I was just asking general questions about his time here. “He drew on a lot of similarities with Rangers in terms of the squads, saying there was a good bunch of guys who are in it together and want to succeed together. “He said the facilities are brilliant and the manager expects you to put your all in but he is fair. “He said there is a lot of similarities that way and he said I would love it. I take what he says very seriously.” Before being presented to the media on Wednesday, Naismith bumped into Duncan Ferguson along the modern corridors of Finch Farm and though the former Rangers and Everton striker had not influenced his decision in choosing the Blues, he said there remained plenty to learn from ‘Big Dunc’. There too were a couple of phone calls made to the only person who was truly able to offer Naismith a frontline report. Jelavic made the exact same switch in January and when the two talked last week, Naismith was pleased to hear that a club with warmth and tradition awaited him. “I met Duncan a few years ago but I didn’t speak to him about moving here,” he continued. “I spoke to Jela a few times in the past week or so and he was reinforcing what Davey Weir had said about what a good club it is. “It was when I was away with Scotland under-19s. It was great to meet him, and I met him first thing this morning. “But there are a lot of great folk here, similar to Rangers, that can tell you a lot about the history and hopefully over the next weeks and months I can learn about the club that I don’t know and become a fan.”
There would be no need, of course, for Jelavic to have allayed fears about adapting to the rigours of English football. Naismith has seen for himself the seamless manner in which his former team-mate has found an instant groove in the Premier League. On the pitch together at Rangers, the pair plundered 38 goals in around two seasons, though that period was cut into by serious injury and suspension. And asked if Jelavic’s transition to the Premier League offered him confidence, he said: “It does. I’ve got confidence in my own ability but know I’m going to have to work as hard as I can to first of all impress my team-mates and manager to get a place in the team. “But I’m confident I can contribute and be a success at the club. It’s a great platform for me.”

Phil Neville says Steven Naismith signing can help Everton FC start the season well
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Jul 7 2012
CAPTAIN Phil Neville believes the early signing of Steven Naismith can set Everton FC up for a successful start to the new season – after last summer’s discontent over transfer activity.
The Blues’ skipper was delighted to see Naismith join the club this week and says the Scotland international looks like being a perfect fit at Goodison Park. Everton are two days into a week-long training camp in the Austrian mountain village of Obertraun and Neville says the new arrival has instantly lifted morale. Last year, the Blues had to wait until transfer deadline day before freshening up their squad with Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi joining on short-term deals with just minutes to spare before the window closed. However, Everton FC had sold Mikel Arteta, Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford in the meantime and heading into the first game of the campaign against Queens Park Rangers, supporters were still sifting through the extent of the club’s financial chall-enges, as revealed by chairman Bill Kenwright. Neville spoke with brutal honesty after the 1-0 defeat but now talks with optimism ahead of the season’s curtain raiser against Manchester United on August 20. “It’s a massive boost,” he said of Naismith’s signing. “I think when you get somebody new in the dressing room it challenges the whole squad, it lifts morale and it provides challenges to all the team – one, to impress the new signing and, two, to fight for your place. “We haven’t done that (made an early signing) in the last two or three years and this one is obviously a big boost for everyone.” Before meeting Naismith, Neville quizzed his former Glasgow Rangers team-mate Nikica Jelavic on the 25-year-old forward. And now having taken time to speak with the ex-Kilmarnock man, the Everton captain is convinced the club have signed a player with an appetite to succeed in the Premier League. “In the first couple of days I’ve seen him and spoken with him, he’s got a hunger to succeed and it’s great when you hear that he really wanted to come to Everton,” added Neville. “I think he saw the quality of the team and the quality of the manager and he wanted to be a part of it. “He’s settling in fine.

Phil Neville believes Everton FC will start quickly thanks to Steven Naismith signing
By Ian Doyle
Jul 7 2012
PHIL NEVILLE believes the early signing of Steven Naismith can help Everton FC hit the ground running in the forthcoming Premier League campaign. David Moyes moved quickly to snap up Naismith on a free transfer after the Scotland international refused to transfer his contract to the new company running crisis club Rangers. Everton have been guilty of starting sluggishly in recent years, not helped by a tendency to cram their summer transfer business during the final days before the window closes. And skipper Neville is convinced the capture of Naismith has already made a positive impact on pre-season preparations. “It’s a massive boost,” he said. “I think when you get somebody new in the dressing room it challenges the whole squad, it lifts morale and it provides challenges to all the team – one, to impress the new signing and, two, to fight for your place.
“We haven’t done that (made an early signing) in the last two or three years and this one is obviously a big boost for everyone.” Last season, Everton brought in just Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi on short-term deals, while selling Yakubu, Jermaine Beckford and Mikel Arteta.
Moyes is already looking to further bolster his squad with a move to bring Steven Pienaar back from Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis, and is keeping tabs on free agents Hugo Rodallega and Daniel Pranjic. Naismith is in Austria with his new team-mates for a five-day pre-season training camp in the mountain village of Obertraun. And Neville has already been impressed by the impact of Everton’s new number 14. “He can play in a number of positions and he just looks to me as if he’s the perfect Everton-type player,” he added. “He’s hard-working, he’s got quality, he can score goals, he can play on the left, on the right, he can play behind the front man and we can utilise him in a number of ways. “I’ve spoken to Nikica Jelavic quite a lot about him and he had a good partnership with him too (at Rangers). “In the first couple of days I’ve seen him and spoken with him, he’s got a hunger to succeed and it’s great when you hear that he really wanted to come to Everton. I think he saw the quality of the team and the quality of the manager and he wanted to be a part of it.”
Meanwhile, Chinese side Guizhou Renhe claim they have failed in an attempt to sign Tim Cahill.
The Australian was a special guest at Guizhou’s Chinese FA Cup match on Wednesday, but club coach Gao Hongbo confirmed it was an informal visit and talks about a possible transfer had previously broken down. “We did have negotiations with Tim Cahill but we couldn’t reach an agreement with him,” he said. “There were a couple of issues so we invited him to the club. We hope he enjoys his time here and that he will look favourably at our club.” Earlier this year Moyes insisted that Cahill, who has been at Everton since 2004, still has a part to play at Goodison.
However, the Australian last month hinted he would consider a move to the Middle East or China if the right offer came round, and has reportedly already turned down a lucrative offer from a United Arab Emirates club. Cahill is yet to return for pre-season training having been given extended leave after World Cup qualifying commitments during the summer.

Toffees get stuck in at Alps camp with Naismith and Neville backing Everton trip
By Rik Sharma
July 7 2012 The Daily Mail
Everton players have settled in well at their Austrian training camp in the Alps, where they are being put through their paces before the start of another Barclays Premier League season.
The squad left Liverpool on Thursday afternoon and after flying to Salzburg took a coach to the mountain village of Obertraun, their home until Tuesday. They also went to the same camp last season, which obviously worked well as they ended up finishing seventh - although they did lose six of their first 10 games. Captain Phil Neville knows how important it is to take the training camp seriously. 'I always say in pre-season you cannot look back on what you have achieved because if you stand still in football, and in life, you get overtaken by the young lads coming through and wanting your position,' he said. 'You constantly have to be making improvements, assessing what you did last season but making improvements on that and that is what I did over the summer.
'I used the summer to re-evaluate where I want to be and what I want to do with my career and how to improve myself.' New signing, striker Steven Naismith was also hoping the Austria trip would help him acclimatise to Everton life. 'Being away in that kind of environment will give you that chance to get to know your teammates a bit better,' he said. 'Not everyone's here at the moment but I'm sure over the course of the next month or so I'll get to know them all. 'I met a lot of the players first thing this morning and they were more than welcoming and made a point of coming to see me. It's really nice to get that from your teammates at such an early stage.' There was some sad news for the club amidst their pre-season preparations.
Jimmy Tansey dieds
Former Toffees defender Jimmy Tansey, who made 142 appearances for the team during the 1950s, has died. He was brought up through the youth system and made his debut in 1953, eventually leaving for Crewe in 1960. Tansey passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 83.