Everton Independent Research Data
WIGAN 1 EVERTON 1: MART’S BATTLERS PAY PENALTY FOR HUGO MADNESS
1st May 2011 By Gary Carter
Sunday Star
WIGAN’S survival fight may have been dealt a knockout blow by Hugo Rodallega.
As Roberto Martinez’s men sensed a priceless win that would have lifted them out of the bottom three, up popped the Colombian striker with one of the most stupid things you’ll ever see on a football field. Rodallega proudly spoke of being Wigan’s record Premier League scorer in the match programme. He may have another title now – as the man whose moment of madness condemned them to life in the Championship. Rodallega – under no challenge – handled Leighton Baines’ corner with just 12 minutes left. And Baines showed no mercy to his old club by smashing the spot-kick high into Wigan keeper Ali Al-Habsi’s net. Wigan had already dodged one bullet after harles N’Zogbia conceded a crazy penalty when he charged into Leon Osman on the corner of the box. Oman international Al-Habsi dived to his left to save Mikel Arteta’s effort. So the keeper must have wanted to throttle Rodallega after he dealt what could prove a fatal blow to his side’s chances of Premier League survival. Wigan caused Everton problems from the start – so much so that Moyes was forced to drag Victor Anichebe into midfield to combat Maynor Figueroa.
The striker was caught out though, as the Honduran launched the move that led to N’Zogbia’s opener – a curling shot beyond Tim Howard. Osman then forced Al-Habsi into an eye-catching stop but the brightest thing about the Toffees’ early showing was their shocking pink kit. That was not half as shocking as the schoolboy defending that caused Wigan to concede their first penalty though.
Baines played a corner to Osman on the edge of the box and when N’Zogbia charged through the back of him there was only one outcome – but Al-Habsi came to the rescue. An injury to the influential Mohamed Diame before the break was a blow for the Latics but it took great reactions from Tim Howard to keep out N’Zogbia’s fierce effort just before the break. Wigan had to play the last 36 minutes without N’Zogbia but replacement Victor Moses almost doubled their lead. Rodallega’s stupidity, though, cost them a match they should have won. Wigan boss Martinez said: “Hugo is devastated. Before then he did well at three corners but you sometimes want to do so well it affects you. “He jumped a bit too early and on the way down he hit it with his hand. It was a penalty but Hugo has won many points for us and will carry on doing so. “Everyone expected us to go down but we can defy the odds. We have to go on to the final whistle at Stoke. “I was proud of the way we played. I saw great character and bravery.” Everton assistant-boss Steve Round said: “After missing a penalty you think, ‘Is it one of those days?’ “We thought we’d push on and have a chance of winning it but Wigan are not lying down. If they continue like that over the next few games they’ve got a chance of staying up. “We’ve played decent football but not produced any end product.”
WIGAN: Al-Habsi 8; Boyce 7, Alcaraz 6, Caldwell 6, Figueroa 7; Watson 6; N’Zogbia 8 (Moses (54th) 6), McCarthy 8, Diame 7 (McArthur (44th) 6), Cleverley 6 (Di Santo 79th); Rodallega 5
EVERTON: Howard 7; Hibbert 6, Jagielka 7, Distin 7, Baines 7; Osman 7, Neville 6, Rodwell 6, Arteta 5 (Beckford (66th) 6); Cahill 6 (Coleman (66th) 6); Anichebe 5 (Gueye 82nd)
STAR MAN: Ali Al Habsi Ref: L Mason
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Everton
May 1 2011
by Phil Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
LEIGHTON BAINES cracked home a late penalty as Everton salvaged a point at relegation troubled Wigan Athletic. The Blues looked like they were in for a frustrating afternoon at the DW Stadium having wasted an early chance to cancel out Charles N'Zogbia's strike midway through the first half. But where Mikel Arteta failed to convert from the penalty spot as Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi denied the Spaniard, Baines fired home with authority to make it 1-1. With the fear of demotion driving the home side on, Wigan continued to press for the winner late in the game but found Tim Howard in exceptional form on his 300th league game in English football. The hard-earned draw leaves David Moyes' men seventh in the Premier League table but Wigan still languishing in the bottom three. Ahead of Liverpool's game at home to Newcastle United tomorrow lunchtime, Everton trail the Reds by four points. Arteta made his first start since picking up an ankle injury against Birimgham City in March and was one of three changes Everton made from the side beaten 1-0 by Manchester United last week. In came Victor Anichebe and Tim Cahill with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Seamus Coleman and Jermaine Beckford relegated to the substitutes' bench. The early pace of the game was bright as both sides probed for an opening; Wigan most of all could afford to waste time the least with the threat of relegation hanging over them at kick-off. However the first shot on target did not arrive until the 21st minute and with it came the opening goal. James McCarthy's neat chipped pass put Charles N'Zogbia in the clear and though initially held up by Tim Howard racing from his line, the French international bided his time before curling beyond the Everton keeper into the far corner. Although an excellent strike, Everton will question how the Wigan forward was allowed the time to turn and pick his spot, all unopposed. Typically, it was Leon Osman who tried to stir the visitors into action and within 60 seconds of falling behind his turn and shot brought Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi into meaningful action for the first time. Osman was again in the thick of it when David Moyes' were handed a chance to level the game. N'Zogbia rashly fould Osman just inside the area after the Everton player had collected a short corner but from the penalty, the returning Arteta was foiled by Al Habsi who guessed correctly by diving to his left and palming the ball away to safety. Wigan finished the half strong however and Everton required Howard to be sharp when parrying N'Zogbia's low drive from inside the area. Although the Frenchman leaving the field on 54 minutes came as relief to the visitors, they twice called upon Howard to thwart his replacement Victor Moses with fine saves. The danger woke Everton from their slumber and they began to show the fight missing the opening period. Chances however remained at a premium but Osman's low drive was fumbled by Al Habsi and as Cahill looked to pounce, the Wigan goalkeeper scrambled to his feet and retrieved the ball in time. Al Habsi foiled Phil Jagielka at the back post but was helpless when team-mate Hugo Rodallega handled in the area to gift Everton another penalty. With Arteta off the pitch, Baines stepped up and lashed into the top corner to make it 1-1 on 78 minutes. Substitute Seamus Coleman who have a deflected effort saved by Al Habsi whilst Howard was called upon on numerous occasions deep into the game as he saved from Franco Di Stanto before Rodallega blazed over in the final seconds.
WIGAN ATHLETIC (4-5-1) Al Habsi, Boyce, Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa, N'Zogbia (Moses 54), McCarthy, Watson, Diame (McArthur 44), Cleverley (Di Santo 79), Rodallega. Not used: Kirkland, Gohouri, Di Santo, Gomez, Sammon.
Goals: N'Zogbia (21)
EVERTON (4-2-3-1) Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Neville (c), Rodwell, Osman, Arteta (Beckford 66), Cahill (Coleman 66), Anichebe (Gueye 82). Not used: Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Vellios, Duffy.
Goals: Baines (78)
Cautions: Hibbert, Rodwell
Att: 17, 051
Wigan 1 Everton 1: Latics escape route blocked by old boy Baines
By Joe Bernstein
1st May 2011 Daily Mail
Leighton Baines showed no sentimentality as he hammered a penalty equaliser that could have dire consequences for his former club.Wigan were relishing getting out of the bottom three having taken a first half lead through Charles N’Zogbia. But a moment of madness from Hugo Rodallega gave Baines the chance to level from the spot with just 12 minutes left. Take off: Charles N'Zogbia celebrates putting Wigan into the lead The left-back spent six seasons at Wigan, dating back from their days in the Third Division.But he showed no mercy as he thundered the spot-kick high into the net to earn Everton a point and leave Wigan in the drop zone behind Blackpool on goal difference. First take: High Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi saves a penalty from Everton's Mikel Arteta (second left)‘I did my best for them for the rest of the game,’ joked Baines, who felt his overall performance dropped below his normal high standards.‘It’s a club I know well. I went to Wigan at 18 when they were in the third tier and played six or seven games that season.’ Sharpshooter: Wigan's Hugo Rodallega gets a shot away despite the challenge of Sylvain Distin of EvertonWigan had matched and often outplayed the country’s in-form side for long periods and must have felt it was their day when Mikel Arteta missed a first-half penalty soon after Wigan had gone ahead.
But Rodallega, their top scorer, made a terrible hash when he allowed a Baines corner to hit his arm. Baines did the rest. Look no hands: Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard rushes out to Charles N'Zogbia (left)
MATCH FACTS
WIGAN (4-1-4-1): Al Habsi; Boyce, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa; Diame (McArthur 44mins); N’Zogbia (Moses 54), Cleverley (Di Santo 79), Watson, McCarthy; Rodallega. Subs (not used): Kirkland, Gohouri, Gomez, Sammon. Booked:Diame, Figueroa.
EVERTON (4-1-4-1): Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Neville; Arteta (Beckford 66),
Rodwell, Cahill (Coleman 66), Osman; Anichebe (Gueye 82). Subs (not used): Mucha, Vellios,
Duffy, Bilyaletdinov. Booked: Hibbert, Rodwell.
REFEREE: L Mason (Lancashire).
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is confident that if they play like they did yesterday in their remaining games against Aston Villa, West Ham and Stoke, the great escape is still on.
He said: ‘Hugo is devastated. The corner was swerving in the wind, he jumped too early.
‘It was unfortunate and it probably happened because Hugo wanted to win the game so much it affected him. But he is a real man and he will get over it.
‘It was disappointing not to get the three points but there were aspects of our game that were good. It was one we couldn’t afford to lose.’It was hard in the first hour to work out which team were going for the Europa League, with Wigan full of verve and imagination. They went ahead just after 21 minutes. A clever pass by James McCarthy released N’Zogbia, who tried to take the ball around Tim Howard before turning inside and expertly whipping a 20-yard finish inside the far post.
Wigan 1-1 Everton: Old boy Baines sends Latics closer to relegation
01/05/11 By Anthony Clavane ( Sunday Mirror)
Former Wigan full-back Leighton Baines plunged his old club closer to relegation with a penalty that earned Everton a draw at the DW Stadium.A superb first-half spot-kick save by Ali Al-Habsi had kept Wigan’s lead intact at 1-0 and their survival hopes blooming.But where Mikel Arteta had failed, Baines made no such mistake with 12 minutes remaining.Baines was part of the heroic Paul Jewell side that won Wigan their promotion to the top flight in 2005.After he smashed home his spot-kick, he half-waved to the away fans and then quickly ran back to his position without ceremony.Baines has had a brilliant season, emerging as a surprise target for Liverpool in recent weeks – and Reds coach Sammy Lee was in the crowd watching him yesterday.He is the man touted to fill King Kenny’s left-back void, with up to double the £6million Everton paid Wigan to secure his services in 2007 touted as a potential asking price.The defender, the first England international the Latics have ever produced, would clearly be upset if his goal proved decisive in opening the trap door on Wigan.As Moyes’ assistant Steve Round said: “Leighton’s a professional guy. He knows his responsibility, which is to Everton. He had a job to do and he did it.”But the way Baines’s old side battled suggests they have a chance of salvaging their Premier League status. Perhaps the turning point came when Charles N’Zogbia hobbled off early in the second half.The Frenchman, who is also a Liverpool target, may find his natural habitat at Anfield next season.If so, he is determined to leave the Latics with a bang. His opener, set up by James McCarthy, was slammed home with great force – despite N’Zogbia initially falling over as Tim Howard came out to challenge him.The Toffees should have equalised when N’Zogbia then brought down Leon Osman, but Al-Habsi superbly saved Arteta’s penalty.Victor Moses took over where N’Zogbia left off and had two good chances in the second half – but keeper Howard, making his 300th appearance for an English club, was equal to both shots.Everton appear to have little to play for but they still want to finish above rivals Liverpool.It’s a tough ask, with Manchester City and Chelsea still to come, but Moyes’s Everton rarely know when they are beaten.Still, they were given a helping hand – literally – by Hugo Rodallega, who unaccountably gave away a second penalty. The Colombian should have cleared Baines’s corner quite easily but, in a moment of madness, he handled the ball. Baines converted.Rodallega is the Latics’ record scorer in the Premier League, firing home his 21st strike two weeks ago at Blackpool. He was clearly distraught after his mistake cost Wigan a vital two points.“Hugo is devastated,” boss Roberto Martinez said. “But errors happen in football. Sometimes you try to do so well this sort of thing happens.“He has won so many points for us this season. Most importantly, we turned in a good performance. If we play like that we can avoid relegation.“We are going to go to the wire with this one. I think it will be resolved on the last day of the campaign.”
Wigan 1 Everton 1
1st may 2011-05-01 (The Sun)
LEIGHTON BAINES' late equaliser piled more pressure on relegation threatened Wigan. The England left-back struck a 79th-minute penalty to earn the Toffees a share of the spoils at the DW Stadium. Latics chief Roberto Martinez refused to criticise striker Hugo Rodallega, whose handball gave Baines his chance. Martinez said: "Hugo is devastated, as you can imagine."Those are incidents that happen. Prior to that he had made three great actions at corners, defending with great aggression. "Hugo has won so many points for us and will carry on winning points for us. "That is the nature of the game and we will support him." Martinez insists the spirit in his side will help them in their final three games. He said: "It is disappointing because we couldn't get the three points but we knew it was going to be a very difficult game. "Everton showed the experience they have got and what a competitive side they are. "I see it as another point. I don't think we could afford to lose today. "Unfortunately is going to take the fight to the last week of the season but I think that is what we expected. "It is a real fight, a real challenge. We have got three games to go and I feel we are capable of getting points against anyone. "I saw great character and great bravery today. "We see it as a phenomenal challenge. Everyone expected Wigan to go down and we are really excited to try to defy the odds." Charles N'Zogbia had given Martinez's side a 21st-minute lead after he fired a shot past Tim Howard. But the Frenchman almost turned from hero to villain when he gave away a penalty 14 minutes later following a clumsy challenge on Leon Osman. Despite Baines having scored Everton's last two penalties, Mikel Arteta took responsibility and was denied as Ali Al Habsi saved superbly to his left. It was a moment that re-energised the home crowd but Wigan suffered a blow shortly before the break as Mohamed Diame was forced off injured. Scotland midfielder James McArthur took his place. N'Zogbia had a chance to add a second when a cross dropped to him after evading Hugo Rodallega but Everton stopper Tim Howard parried his powerful drive. Everton controlled possession in the early stages of the second half and Wigan faced more problems when N'Zogbia limped off with a hamstring injury after 53 minutes. He was replaced by Victor Moses and the substitute immediately took on N'Zogbia's creative mantle and brought two good saves out of Howard within eight minutes of coming on. His first effort came after he showed persistence when Everton closed him out on the edge of the area. The England Under-21 international calmly moved away from goal and fed Emmerson Boyce, whose cross was blocked by Phil Jagielka. Moses followed up on the rebound but Howard turned it away for a corner from point-blank range. Toffees No1 Howard then palmed over another well struck shot from Moses from just inside the area. Wigan had a moment of alarm when Al Habsi spilled an Osman shot, but the on-loan Bolton goalkeeper quickly gathered at the second attempt. The visitors tried to freshen up their side by sending on Seamus Coleman and Jermaine Beckford for Arteta and Tim Cahill. And the got their reward soon afterwards when they were awarded their second penalty of the game with just over 10 minutes remaining. Rodallega handballed in the box and referee Lee Mason pointed to the spot. This time, Baines stepped up to thump home a powerful effort from 12 yards to bag his side a point. But the Toffees' slim hopes of claiming sixth place in the Premier League look to be over with the result leaving them four points behind neighbours Liverpool. The Reds occupy the last Europa League spot and have a game in hand on David Moyes' men, who remain in seventh place. Meanwhile Wigan remain third from bottom — level on points with Blackpool but with a worse goal difference with three games to play. Everton assistant boss Steve Round said: "It was a struggle. We were playing against a team that are fighting for their lives. "It was always going to be tough, they were always going to go all out to win. "It was important we tried to stay in the game, control it and take our chances when they came. "Unfortunately we missed a couple of chances and missed a penalty and we thought it was going to be one of those days. "But credit to the lads, they showed great resolve and resilience, as Everton do. "We got the goal and I thought we'd go on to win it then. "But credit to Wigan, they didn't lie down. They went all out to win it again and the last 15 minutes must have been terrific to watch."
Wigan: Al Habsi, Boyce, Gary Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Diame (McArthur 44), Watson, N'Zogbia (Moses 54), McCarthy, Cleverley (Di Santo 79), Rodallega. Subs not used: Kirkland, Gohouri, Gomez, Sammon. Booked: Diame, Figueroa. Goals: N'Zogbia 21.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Osman, Neville, Rodwell, Arteta (Beckford 66), Cahill (Coleman 66), Anichebe (Gueye 82). Subs not used: Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Vellios, Duffy. Booked: Hibbert, Rodwell.
Goals: Baines 78 pen.
Att: 17,051
Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
Everton FC's Steve Round sees encouragement in striker Victor Anichebe
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 2 2011
STEVE ROUND has urged Everton striker Victor Anichebe to realise his potential after the Nigerian was given a rare chance to lead the Blues attack against Wigan on Saturday. The Goodison assistant boss insisted that the 23-year-old must improve his ability to deliver in the penalty area, but says he made a positive start at the DW stadium. He said: “I thought he was better I really did. He gave us a bit of presence up front and we knew they would drop off at the back to stop us getting in behind.
“We need him to hold the ball up, so we could play off him. I thought he did that quite well.
“He had a good energy about him, he was committed. Victor has been through a bit of a tough time but he is only young and he is trying to establish himself. He is coming through and I thought this performance was better from him. “He needs to realise how good he could be and start performing that way. The only way he is going to win the crowd over and establish himself in the Premier League is with his performances on the pitch. "He is strong enough and you see him hold the ball up. What he does need to improve is getting on the end of things and have a better end product. He should be well capable of doing that. “ He has got the ability, it is all about having the belief to go on and do it.” Round added that Anichebe, who has had another campaign disturbed by injury, is beginning to show more self belief in training but must start translating that into Premier League action He said: “He is just starting to mature into a player who can take that belief into games. He has had a stop-start career in terms of injuries. “Whenever he seems to get going, he picks up another injury and keeps him out for a length of time. “If we are patient with him and he has a good pre-season who knows what he can achieve, but we said that last pre-season. He had a good time then and we thought he would kick on but he picked up another injury. It’s time for him to step up to the plate and he knows that.” Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta said he was glad to be back in action despite not being able to mark his return with a goal against Wigan. The former Paris St Germain midfielder had his first half penalty saved by Latics goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi in his first game since tearing his hamstring against Birmingham in March. Arteta has missed the last five games but confirmed he came through the match without any problems. He said: "I felt okay during the game, I knew that I wouldn't be able to play the whole game because I've been out for seven weeks with a serious injury. "I'm happy that I didn't feel anything and fitness wise I want to get back to my best in the final three games of the season." The Blues secured a point against Roberto Martinez's struggling side as a Leighton Baines penalty cancelled out Charles N'Zogbia's first half opener.
Arteta says the team were hoping to push on and find a winner, but was pleased to take a point against a Wigan outfit that were battling bravely for the top flight status. "There's a bit of disappointment, it was good to get the equalising goal at the end and get a point," he said.
"But I think we played some good stuff, conceded a sloppy goal and then missed a penalty, we scored to get the point and at least we haven't lost two in a row."
Wigan 1 Everton FC 1: Blues need to find attacking edge as lack of striking options is exposed
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 2 2011
BY HIS own admission, David Moyes has not enjoyed this season – and he will not be rushing to reassess that verdict after any lingering hopes of an implausible bid for Europe all but disappeared in Wigan. The Everton manager now faces the thorny task of keeping his players focused and fired-up for their remaining three games, while all around him thoughts may start turning to the summer.
It will now require a mammoth effort to overhaul Liverpool in sixth place, as the Reds victory over Newcastle yesterday stretched their advantage over the Blues to seven points. The defiant rhetoric from Goodison about maintaining a desire to win until the season is over despite having nothing to play for is predictable, but against a side as fired-up and desperate as Wigan it seemed potentially empty. In the parlance of the Sunday league, Roberto Martinez’s men just wanted the result more. And the visitors in electric pink’s toothless attack ensured that the Latics really should have had the three points they deserved but for offering Everton a needless life-line not once, but twice.
Everton’s lack of firepower was so glaring that it left another assertion David Moyes will be in no hurry to retract. When the Scot said before kick-off that a lack of goals has been his side’s chief Achilles Heel this campaign, he concluded that an injection of proven goal-scoring in the summer is a must. In the same breath he grudgingly divulged that he would accept going into next season without such necessary additions if “he had to”. To allow him to do so, however, would likely scupper any realistic hope of progress. Even against a side as motivated as Wigan, Everton on paper boasted enough creativity, with Mikel Arteta making his comeback and Leon Osman continuing his tireless fine form, to earn the points. But yet again they had no edge in attack regardless of whether it was Victor Anichebe, who started this game, or his eventual replacement Jermaine Beckford.
It was the Latics who made the stronger start, pressing the ball ravenously and trying to force Everton into mistakes in their own half. And Martinez’s men forged the first early chance when Maynor Figueroa showed his pace by splitting Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin but fired tamely wide.
Despite gradually affording the visitor’s more than their fair share of the ball, Wigan’s hunger saw them strike first. James McCarthy chipped a deft pass to Charles N’Zogbia, and Everton’s weak off side trap failed. The Frenchman did well to stay on his feet when challenged by Tim Howard, and his defence unhelpfully stood and watched as N’Zogbia curled an exquisite shot into the top right hand corner of the goal. Moyes was apoplectic but Wigan soon offered the Blues a way back into the contest. Everton won a corner and Wigan’s defence switched off expecting an in swinger aimed at the lurking Tim Cahill. Instead Leighton Baines cleverly passed to Leon Osman on the edge of the area and the midfielder was hauled over by N’Zogbia as he spun into the box. Baines deferred the spot-kick to Arteta, in hindsight an odd decision given that the England defender has confidently scored his last two penalties. Nevertheless, the Spaniard struck the ball well enough but Ali Al Habsi made a marvellous diving save. Wigan were scrapping as if their top flight status rested on this result alone. Just before the break Ben Watson played in N’Zogbia again who forced a point blank range save from Howard. Everton will have been glad to see the back of the former Newcastle forward when he was replaced through injury early into the second half. But his replacement Victor Moses soon had them flapping again; when he forced another terrific close range save from Howard.
Then Emerson Boyce cut too easily into the area and teed up Moses, only for the inspirational American to push his shot over the bar with his finger tips. Everton were in danger of being dead and buried so Moyes replaced the tiring Arteta with Seamus Coleman, and introduced Beckford for Cahill, but it was Wigan who carried on looking the more dangerous. The toffees were struggling. Jack Rodwell was losing his personal battle in central midfield with James McCarthy, but the Blues were at least stronger from set pieces, and that rare upper hand offered them a way back into the game. They forced a corner, and from Baines’ delivery Rodallega inexplicably handballed to leave Lee Mason with no option other than to point to the spot again. This time the former Wigan academy product strode forward, and left Al Habsi grasping at thin air with an unstoppable rocket that may yet plunge his former side into the Championship. If only Everton’s attack shared their left-back’s ruthless streak. “When we got the second penalty I don’t think Leighton would ever have missed that, he nearly took the net off.” STEVE ROUND is glad the Blues took one of their gifts from the hosts. “We have to remember that Everton had a very good run of late and are a very experienced group.” ROBERTO MARTINEZ was typically gracious in his disappointment.
WIGAN (4-4-1-1): Al Habsi, Alcaraz, McCarthy, Caldwell (Capt), Watson, Boyce, Diame (McArthur, 43), Figueroa, Cleverley (Di Santo, 78), Rodallega, N’Zogbia (Moses, 53). Subs: Kirkland, Gohouri, Gomez, Sammon.
EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Neville (Capt), Osman, Cahill (Beckford, 66), Arteta (Coleman, 66), Rodwell, Anichebe (Gueye, 81). Subs: Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Vellios, Duffy.
GOALS: N’Zogbia (21), Baines (77, pen)
CARDS: Booked – Figueroa, Hibbert
REFEREE: Lee Mason (Bolton)
ATTENDANCE: 17,051.
Everton FC's Phil Jagielka worried tired legs could cost Blues
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 2 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA is concerned that tired legs could undermine Everton’s bid to finish the season at full throttle. The England defender admitted he was struggling to taken any positives from the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Wigan at the DW stadium on Saturday. And the 28-year-old said it is vital that Everton can improve their stamina as a gruelling season nears its conclusion with the visit of Manchester City next weekend. He said: “It’s difficult. The boys are looking a little bit tired and some of them have been out for a while and not played much football. The team itself was a bit up and down against Wigan so hopefully we can refresh the boys and get a bit of fitness back into the lads who need it before Manchester City come. “It wasn’t a great performance. We didn’t look like scoring. “I suppose you can say we didn’t lose and we got a point but that’s the only positives we can take from it.” David Moyes was able to reintroduce Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill to his starting line-up after injuries and both had to be substituted in the second half when their lack of match fitness began to tell. But Jagielka insisted the team’s poor showing was nothing to do with reaccommodating their star men. “They are special players and add a lot to our team,” he said. “We’ve played a slightly different way in recent weeks and picked up some fantastic performances along the way. “Even at Man U it was a decent containing job for most of the game, but it was nothing to do with those two coming back why we didn’t play well. At least that’s 60 minutes under their belt and it will only make them better come the weekend. “They (Wigan) needed the points a little bit more than we did and were a bit more edgy but it was still end to end. We’re not happy with how we played.”
Jagielka accepted Everton must improve if they hope to do the double over Manchester City this season but added that he hopes summer reinforcements to the Toffees’ small squad are imminent.
He said: “We’ll have to play a little bit better than we did at Wigan against City. They will have Champions League football on their minds and we want to stay at least in seventh. “We’ve had a decent enough run against them in recent seasons so it’ll be interesting to see how we get on at home. “They are coming to Goodison wanting to win and it will hopefully be an open game, and we can hit them on the counter attack and score like we did at Eastlands earlier in the season. “If we finish seventh it will be good because we’ve spent most of the season in the bottom half. “Hopefully there’ll be a few players to join us over the summer.”
Wigan 1 Everton FC 1 - Leighton Baines gets Blues out of spot of bother
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
May 2 2011
Everton FC defender Leighton Baines celebrates scoring against WiganWIGAN ATHLETIC manager Roberto Martinez was sure to be in less generous mood after the game. Prior to kick-off with Everton on Saturday, the Spaniard hailed the run of the form David Moyes’ men had strung together in recent weeks but promptly watched his side help the visitors extend it by gift wrapping them a share of the spoils. David Moyes’ men played without the intensity and cohesion which has defined their ascent to seventh in the Premier League table and relied upon Wigan being obliging hosts.
At the second time of asking, Everton accepted the invitation for an undeserved draw when Leighton Baines succeeded where Mikel Arteta failed before him by converting from the penalty spot deep in the second half. Martinez also used his programme notes to warn Wigan of the visitors’ “competitive edge” – their default mode in recent years - but Everton will admit such desire only stirred after the break when the extent of such a poor first half was no doubt explained to them.
Talk of players cruising towards the end of the season is understandable given such a lethargic display the DW Stadium, but the notion such an attitude would be tolerated by Moyes is far fetched.
Goalkeeper Tim Howard – playing his 300th game in the English league on Saturday – certainly provided a counter to that argument as he so often provided a final wall of resistance at the weekend as a high-tempo Wigan found opportunities to shoot with increasing regularity. Given they find themselves embroiled in a battle to avoid demotion, Wigan’s level of hunger was expected and for Everton – without a great deal left to play for – the task was always going to be a difficult one to match but the away contingent will still have anticipated far more. With Wigan’s desperation for points and the Latics always likely to play with am increasing level of abandon, Moyes set Everton up to be tough to beat. Starting with Jack Rodwell and Phil Neville as midfield anchors, the manager recalled Mikel Arteta on the left, pushing recent creative spark Leon Osman on the right flank.
Tim Cahill and Victor Anichebe formed the attacking spine but the formation left Everton lacking.
Cahill and Arteta remain short of match fitness and with the most vibrant player in recent weeks isolated out wide, Everton were difficult to watch. Only when Osman drifted towards the centre, looking for the supply line which had gone mainly in the direction of Arteta, did the away team give Wigan’s defence reason for concern. At that point Everton were trailing to Charles N’Zogbia’s expertly curled effort in the 21st minute. A fine strike – and inventive assist from the impressive James McCarthy – but the travelling fans would rightly be left questioning how the French forward was allowed time to turn and pick his spot, all unopposed in the area. Osman tried to grab his side by the scruff of the neck and within 30 seconds forced a first meaningful save from Ali Al Habsi with a well struck effort from just inside the area. The Wigan goalkeeper would foil Everton again not long after when Osman won a penalty following a wild challenge by N’Zogbia. Arteta sent a firmly struck side-footed effort on target from 12 yards but Al Habsi sprawled to his left and palmed the ball away. It proved further fuel to a fiery crowd intent on driving their side out of the bottom three.
Hindsight allowed supporters to question why Baines, successful in his two previous attempts, was ousted from the role of penalty taker in favour of Arteta. Team rules obviously apply and had Arteta scored, it would have been a short-lived discussion. The more immediate dilemma for Everton however lay in how they would shake themselves from the malaise and the substitute of an injured N’Zogbia – who almost doubled Wigan’s lead just before half-time only to be denied by Howard – provided a degree of relief. Coupled with Osman’s improving afternoon and Everton began to operate, not with total success, but enough to provide hope an equaliser could be found. Osman’s low drive was fumbled by Al Habsi but as Cahill looked to pounce, the Wigan goalkeeper scrambled to his feet and retrieved the ball in time. Al Habsi then denied Phil Jagielka at the back post as the England defender volleyed Baines’ deep free-kick but the goalkeeper was helpless when team-mate Hugo Rodallega cracked under the growing pressure. Handling in the area, the Wigan striker handed Everton a second penalty, one which Baines – with Arteta now off the pitch – cracked home in the 78th minute. Substitute Seamus Coleman who have a deflected effort saved by Al Habsi whilst Howard was called upon on numerous occasions deep into the game as he saved from Franco Di Stanto before Rodallega blazed over in the final seconds. With Manchester City hunting a place in the Champions League, Everton cannot afford to expect such similar understanding next weekend.
Victor Anichebe can be Everton FC success, says Steve Round
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
May 2 2011
ASSISTANT manager Steve Round believes Victor Anichebe has the ability to be a success at Everton.
The Nigerian striker was handed a rare start by manager David Moyes at Wigan Athletic on Saturday and Round says he offered the side a focal point up front as the lone forward. Round hopes the frustrating nature of Anichebe’s injury-hit career can be a thing of the past and believes with a trouble-free run in the side, the academy product can prove himself. Key to this will be a solid pre-season says Round as well as the 23-year-old believing he has the ability to succeed. Round said: I thought he was better today, I really did. “He gave us a bit of presence up front and we knew they would drop off at the back to stop us getting in behind. “We need him to hold the ball up, so we could play off him. I thought he did that quite well. “He had a good energy about him, he was committed. Victor has been through a bit of a tough time but he is only young and he is trying to establish himself. He is coming through and I thought this performance was better from him.
“He needs to realise how good he could be and start performing that way. The only way he is going to win the crowd over and establish himself in the Premier League is with his performances on the pitch. Today he has took a step towards that. “He is strong enough and you see him hold the ball up. What he does need to improve is getting on the end of things and have a better end product. He should be well capable of doing that. He has got the ability, it is all about having the belief to go on and do it. “He is just starting to mature into a player who can take that belief on to the training field and into games. “He has had a stop-start career in terms of injuries. Whenever he seems to get going, he picks up another injury and keeps him out for a length of time. “It’s time for him to step up to the plate and he knows that.”
Everton FC: Tim Howard predicts big signings for the Blues this summer
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
May 2 2011
TIM HOWARD is convinced Everton will make quality summer signings – but then admits there will be no room for excuses. The American goalkeeper says David Moyes’ men have once again overachieved this season as a glut of injuries and a small squad threatened to leave them in Premier League trouble. But Howard believes the addition of a handful of top players before the start of the next campaign can see Everton push on to the next level. Playing his 300th league game in English football on Saturday, Howard thwarted Wigan Atheltic on numerous occasions at the DW Stadium.
The 1-1 draw leaves Everton seventh in the Premier League standings but Howard believes they can go higher next season. “We’ll buy some really good players in the summer and build on what we have, which is a really good core,” said Howard. “We’ve shown that we continue to punch above our weight and by investing in some top quality players we can really push on. “At that stage it is all on us then, there are no complaints about money. We’ve got a really strong core group of players and I think we are going to strengthen the squad. “We trust the manager to buy well. He’s not happy just being in the top half of the table, not happy just being on the cusp of Europe, he wants to progress this club.” Howard admits Everton were ‘below standard’ at the weekend but were rescued by Leighton Baines’ late penalty. Baines’ spot-kick was the side’s second of the afternoon, following Mikel Arteta’s first-half effort. But where the Spaniard failed to convert, Baines left Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi with little chance. "Bainsey's penalties are very difficult to stop," Howard added. "I think you've seen with the last few goalkeepers who have faced him is that they have been bamboozled because he hits them so hard. You stand your ground and make yourself big but sometimes the pace just beats you."
Wigan Athletic 1 Everton 1
Wigan Today
2 May 2011 09:23
FORMER Wigan star Leighton Baines smashed home a late penalty to deny his old club a vital and deserved victory against Everton. Relegation-threatened Latics looked on course for three much-needed Barclays Premier League points as they clung onto a 21st-minute lead given to them by an excellent Charles N’Zogbia strike at the DW Stadium. However, after Ali Al Habsi saved one Mikel Arteta spot-kick, Wigan’s luck ran out as Baines struck from 12 yards on 77 minutes after a Hugo Rodallega handball. Wigan finished strongly but Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was outstanding in the closing minutes. Wigan dictated the pace for most of the game and threatened in the second minute as Rodallega put James McCarthy through on goal, but Howard beat him to the ball. Rodallega had a sight of goal moments later as he raced onto a Ben Watson pass, but the Colombian shot wide under pressure from Sylvain Distin. Everton looked most threatening early on when Baines, sold for £6million to the Toffees four years ago, and a fit-again Arteta linked on the left.
Leon Osman also whipped in a good cross for Victor Anichebe, who controlled well with his back to goal but was unable to turn. Yet Wigan were the more adventurous and fully deserved to go ahead. Their breakthrough came after McCarthy picked out N’Zogbia in the area with a delicate chip over the defence. The Frenchman’s control initially let him down and he then stumbled as Howard challenged, but he recovered quickly and turned to curl the ball home from a tight angle. Despite the goal being just reward for their endeavours, Wigan perhaps began to show their anxiety as they quickly started to sit back. Everton almost grabbed an immediate equaliser through Osman but Al Habsi palmed over a fierce shot. Wigan invited more pressure and survived a scare when a dangerous Baines free-kick was headed behind by Maynor Figueroa for a corner. Everton were handed a glorious chance to equalise in the 35th minute when N’Zogbia was caught out by a short Baines free-kick and tripped Osman in the corner of the area. Despite Baines having scored the Toffees’ last two penalties, Arteta took responsibility and was denied as Al Habsi saved superbly to his left. It was a moment that re-energised the home crowd but Wigan suffered a blow shortly before the break as Mohamed Diame was forced off injured. Scotland midfielder James McArthur took his place. ’Zogbia had a chance to add a second on the stroke of half-time when a cross dropped to him after beating Rodallega, but Howard parried his powerful drive. Everton controlled possession in the early stages of the second half and Wigan encountered more problems when N’Zogbia limped off with a hamstring injury after 53 minutes and was replaced by Victor Moses.
Moses immediately took on N’Zogbia’s creative mantle and brought two good saves out of Howard within minutes of coming on. His first effort came after he showed persistence when Everton closed him out on the edge of the area. The 20-year-old calmly moved away from goal and fed Emmerson Boyce, whose cross was blocked by Phil Jagielka. Moses followed up on the rebound but Howard turned the ball away for a corner from point-blank range. The American then palmed over another well-struck shot from Moses from just inside the area. Wigan had a moment of alarm when Al Habsi spilled an Osman shot but the on-loan Bolton goalkeeper quickly gathered at the second attempt. Everton tried to freshen up their side by sending on Seamus Coleman and Beckford for Arteta and Tim Cahill. Moses wreaked more havoc when he beat Baines and cut inside Jack Rodwell to shoot but his effort was blocked. McCarthy seized on the loose ball but was also frustrated as desperate Everton defenders twice got in the way of his shots from the edge of the area. But Wigan were punished for another error as Rodallega needlessly handled at a corner and referee Lee Mason pointed to the spot for a second time. This time Baines ensured there was no let-off as he blasted the ball into the roof of the net. Wigan upped the tempo in a late effort to reclaim the lead and Everton had Howard to thank for keeping them at bay. He saved twice from Rodallega, beat away a Watson drive and clutched an acrobatic effort from Franco di Santo. Moses also had a chance after a goalmouth scramble in injury time but fired well over.
Teams
Wigan Al Habsi, Boyce, Gary Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Diame (McArthur 44), Watson, N’Zogbia (Moses 54), McCarthy, Cleverley (Di Santo 79), Rodallega. Subs Not Used: Kirkland, Gohouri, Gomez, Sammon.
Booked: Diame, Figueroa.
Goals: N’Zogbia 21.
Everton Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Osman, Neville, Rodwell, Arteta (Beckford 66), Cahill (Coleman 66), Anichebe (Gueye 82).
Subs Not Used: Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Vellios, Duffy.
Booked: Hibbert, Rodwell.
Goals: Baines 78 pen.
Att: 17,051
Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
Everton defender Leighton Baines feels for former club Wigan Athletic
Having already written his name into Wigan's history books, Leighton Baines is keen to avoid doing so again.
By Neil Johnston at DW Stadium
02 May 2011 The Telegrapher
Six years after helping propel Paul Jewell's side to the Premier League, the Everton left back returned to the DW Stadium to deliver a potentially fatal blow to his former club's hopes of staying up. No wonder Baines is keeping everything crossed that Wigan Athletic recover quickly from his late equaliser from the penalty spot. Having played a significant part in their elevation to the top-tier, the England international does not want to be remembered as the guy who helped send them back to the Championship. If they stay up, it will give me a lot of satisfaction," said Baines, after the 10th and most painful goal of his Everton career. "I will always look out for them and have a good feeling towards them. Hopefully they will get the wins to see them over the line. "They have got some really good players and they have got it in them to stay up. Fingers crossed for them. "There are still a lot of people at Wigan from my time. A lot of the players have moved on, but there is a good number of staff and the Chairman Dave Whelan. "The club means so much to him and he is a great man. Hopefully the penalty won't end up carrying too much weight and they will be fine. "They are good enough to stay up." If only Wigan's fans were as confident as Baines. They have lost count of the number of times they have witnessed their team take the lead without winning. It happened again on Saturday. Charles N'Zogbia's seventh goal of the season, a delightful finish from an acute angle, had put Roberto Martinez's team within sight of a priceless win over a tired looking Everton.
Their hopes of climbing out of the bottom three increased further when Ali Al Habsi produced a stunning save to keep out Mikel Arteta's penalty after N'Zogbia had fouled Leon Osman. But after im Howard had twice frustrated substitute Victor Moses, Baines equalised from the spot following a needless hand ball by Hugo Rodallega. My loyalties lie with Everton and nobody else but, of course, Wigan still means a lot to me," added Baines. "Hopefully the penalty won't end up mattering and they will have enough to stay up in the end." Martinez believes five more points will keep Wigan up but with just three games remaining, time is running out. "We've dropped two more points and it's happened too many times," said the Wigan manager. "That's why we're in the position we're in. If we want to be successful this season we have to get points." Everton remain on course for a top-seven spot but they will have to return to winning ways if they are to better last season's eighth-placed finish. Even if they are successful in their final three games against Manchester City, West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea, Howard expects manager David Moyes to strengthen in the summer.
"He's not happy just being in the top half of the table, not happy just being on the cusp of Europe," said the United States keeper. "He doesn't have to say who he's trying to bring in. We trust him to buy well."
Round: To Victor the spoils
The Sun 2nd May 2011
EVERTON assistant Steve Round reckons Victor Anichebe has everything in place to be a Goodison great - except self-belief. Anichebe was recalled ahead of Jermaine Beckford and put himself about but still managed a few El Clasico tumbles. Round said: "He needs to realise how good he can be and start performing that way. "It's time for him to step up to the plate and he knows it."
Bravery is not enough for Martinez's foreign legion
Wigan Athletic 1 Everton 1
By Simon Hart at the DW Stadium
Monday, 2 May 2011 (The “I” Paper)
It is tempting to consider Wigan Athletic a poor man's Arsenal – and not just for the youthful, multi-national make-up of their team. In Roberto Martinez, they have a manager who, like Arsène Wenger, believes his team have been short on luck this season but who is sticking resolutely to his principles, even with the relegation trapdoor yawning.Wigan lie third-bottom, trailing Blackpool on goal difference, but they are still trying to play their way out of peril and their efforts earned the applause of Martinez despite the frustration of two dropped points against Everton. The Spaniard said: "When you are in a relegation battle and you want to play football you need to have real heart. The hardest thing is to get on the ball and be brave to link up play and open teams up. "The bravery was magnificent. I thought we did everything we had to do to win the game – probably the key was when we created chances in the second half – we had to get that second goal which gives you the three points." Wigan have beaten top-10 opposition only once this term but must have thought a second victory beckoned when first Charles N'Zogbia capitalised on James McCarthy's clever pass to curl them in front and then goalkeeper Ali al-Habsi saved Mikel Arteta's spot-kick, following N'Zogbia's foul on the lively Leon Osman. There was plenty of craft and endeavour from a Wigan midfield and attack – all aged 25 or under – but, as Martinez lamented, they failed to take advantage of their superiority in a second period where substitute Victor Moses caught the eye along with Everton's busy goalkeeper, Tim Howard. Unfortunately for Wigan, they not only backed up the pre-game statistic showing they had the division's lowest shots-to-goals conversion rate, but also proved rather more accurate at shooting themselves in the foot. Everton, whose faint hopes of catching Liverpool effectively ended with this draw, "didn't look like scoring," according to defender Phil Jagielka yet received the lifeline of a second spot-kick when Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega handled a Leighton Baines corner. Baines, who played for Wigan in three divisions in a six-year spell, duly denied his old team victory. "I don't think we have had much luck this season, we've had to work really hard for everything and today's performance was a reflection of that. You won't see many penalties like that but that's just the anxiety and how much the players care," said Martinez. With the Spaniard targeting five more points, their ability to continue playing in the face of anxiety will be pivotal – not least when West Ham come to the DW Stadium for Wigan's final home game on Sunday week.
Referee L Mason (Lancashire). Att 17,051.
Wigan 1-1 Everton: Daily Mirror match report
02/05/2011 By David Maddock
Everton manager David Moyes speaks to his player Leighton Baines Pause all supposed to get at least 15 minutes of fame, but for Leighton Baines, barely five seconds had passed before his glory became tarnished.It took just those few, brief moments before his celebrations after scoring an important penalty for Everton turned to disbelief as the ramifications of what he had done sank in.That emphatic goal, so beautifully struck into the top corner of the net, gave his side an unlikely point to keep their own momentum going.But in doing so, the likeable England defender may just have condemned his old club Wigan to the drop. And he knew it too. The look on his face as he cut short an already half-hearted whirl of triumph, told a story he elaborated on with some regret afterwards.“The ramifications of scoring weren’t in my thinking when I took the penalty, I just got on with it as normal,” said Baines.“But later I thought about what it could mean in terms of relegation for them, and I just hope they will be okay regardless, because I probably take less pleasure from denying them points than any other team.“In those positions you have just got to do your job – my loyalties lie with Everton and nobody else.“But, of course, Wigan still means a lot to me, because of what the club did for me as a young lad coming through.”The way Wigan went about their business here they may still have a chance, but with – even in their own manager’s most optimistic assessment – at least five points required from their last three matches, with two tough away trips, Baines’ goal looks a particularly cruel one. He admitted he had a feeling it may well have come to that, even before he set foot on the pitch.The Blues defender was braced for the almost inevitable cruel twist football always seems to deliver, but he still believes he saw enough from his old club to at least soften the blow.“I actually had a feeling I may score. Someone mentioned before the game if I was going to be near penalties.“That made it pop into my mind,” he explained.“I also took a last minute one against them last season at Goodison Park. But you have got to step up and do your job.“I still think they can stay up. They are good enough, and they showed that against us, because they never stopped fighting. Fingers crossed for them.”If it wasn’t bad enough for Wigan that one of their famous sons denied them all three points, then the penalty they offered Baines was enough to make them weep.Tim Howard had kept Everton in the game with a string of fine saves, and just as it seemed the home side would ride out the luck offered when their own keeper Ali Al Habsi had pulled off an earlier penalty save from Mikel Arteta, disaster struck.Hugo Rodallega seemed to lose his senses as he handled a ball he could surely have headed clear, and then compounded the mistake by missing two clear chances to snatch the winner later.The striker was horrified afterwards, and while manager Roberto Martinez admitted it had a devastating effect on his side, he is still convinced they will overcome even that dreadful moment.“Hugo is really down and frustrated, and so is the rest of the team.“We’ve had two points taken away, and it’s happened too many times, which is why we’re in the position we’re in,” admitted Martinez.“The players have a huge responsibility. They’re down but they’ll be ready for Aston Villa and we’ll carry on giving our lives for the three points.“We’ve got West Ham at home which is going to be a phenomenal game and you’ll see two teams who are anxious to get the points.“It’s fair to say 40 points will give you safety. We now need to get five points.“We’re going to give everything we’ve got. I’m proud of the players and I think we’ll be able to finish the season really strong.”
Baines hopes that former club Wigan don't have to pay the penalty
By Dominic King
2nd May 2011 Daily Mail
Everton left back Leighton Baines revealed that he hopes his late equaliser against Wigan at the DW Stadium on Saturday doesn't help to send his former club down.Hugo Rodallega’s lamentable decision to handle a Baines corner with 12 minutes remaining led to a penalty which the England international emphatically put away.Baines spent seven years at The DW Stadium before moving to Goodison Park and he hopes his goal does not turn out to be the pivotal moment that sends Wigan back to the Championship. Emphatic finish: Leighton Baines made no mistake with the penalty'Hopefully they are going to be okay regardless and the penalty won’t carry too much weight,' said Baines. 'But in those positions you have just got to do your job, as my loyalties lie with Everton.'Familiar failings continue to haunt Wigan and Roberto Martinez fears the lack of a killer instinct could ultimately cost them their place in the Barclays Premier League.Wigan had enough chances in an entertaining tussle to haul themselves out of the drop zone but their manager was in no doubt two points had been squandered in the 1-1 draw.Rodallega compounded his earlier mistake by fluffing a series of openings to net the winner. Misfiring: Hugo Rodallega missed a series of chances'Everyone is really frustrated,' said Martinez, whose side led thanks to a Charles N’Zogbia strike. 'We've had two points taken away. It happened against Fulham, it's happened too many times.'That's why we're in this position. The way we're capable of playing, we shouldn't be in the position we're in. The players have a huge responsibility.' Baines' spot-kick was Everton’s second after Wigan keeper Al Al-Habsi had saved from Mikel Arteta in the first half.
Wigan left with uphill struggle after paying the penalty for lapses
Guardian report
Wigan Athletic 1 N'Zogbia 21
Everton 1 Baines 78
Paul Wilson at DW Stadium The Guardian, Monday 2 May 2011
It must be nearly the end of the season, because managers are talking even more nonsense than usual. "We did everything right," Roberto Martínez said, after watching his relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic side squander two precious points by giving away two needless penalties in their penultimate home game. "It was just anxiety. I don't think there will be too many games where we concede two penalties, but if we gave them away it was for the right reasons."Incredibly, Steve Round, the assistant Everton coach deputising for David Moyes, managed to top that. He suggested Wigan had fought well and added that playing like that they would surely manage to drag themselves out of danger.One thing both men could agree on, and it hardly flattered either of their sides, was that Everton would never have scored had not their hosts been quite so generous. "It was disappointing we gave a second penalty away because I couldn't see how Everton were going to score," Martínez said, with no detectable sense of irony.Round was not about to argue. "We played some decent football but lacked an end product," the Everton man said. "It's an area we will be looking to strengthen next season. Victor Anichebe [sole striker in the absence of the injured Louis Saha] held the ball up well and gave us a bit of presence up front, but he needs a better end product too. He needs to realise how good he could be and start to perform that way. He's got the ability, he just needs the belief."To sum up, then, Everton were so feeble going forward they barely managed a shot on target from open play and even made a mess of their first penalty, while Wigan competed well but were fatally undermined by giving their opponents two free shots from 12 yards. Ali al-Habsi saved the first-half penalty from Mikel Arteta after Wigan's goalscorer, Charles N'Zogbia, naively tripped Leon Osman, but was unable to do anything about a much more emphatic spot‑kick from Leighton Baines 12 minutes from the end after Hugo Rodallega tracked back to help defend a corner and absurdly flailed an arm at the ball. Baines had not done much right up to that point on the ground where he made his name, but he gave the goalkeeper no chance with a perfect penalty that left his old club looking at an uphill task.Two of Wigan's remaining three games are away, and though Martínez rarely does anything but look on the bright side, at least he is not fooling himself that beating fellow strugglers West Ham in their last home match will guarantee survival. "It has gone a bit past that stage," he admitted. "We are going to need more than three points. At least we are not playing any of the top five clubs, so it's in our hands. You can play really well against top five clubs and still get a bad result, but in the games we have left we are capable of getting points."It will be difficult, no two ways about it, but if we want to stay in this league we are going to have to get points at Stoke or Villa, as well as winning against West Ham. I think 40 points will bring us safety, so we need five more. One result won't do; we are going to have to do well away from home, but we are due some luck and I believe we can put together a strong finish."
Ian Snodin: Mixed emotions watching my son play against Everton FC
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 3 2011
I WENT to watch Leeds United youth take on their Everton counterparts last weekend. My son Jordan, a first year scholar with the Elland Road side, was playing, so I went with mixed emotions.
As a father all I wanted was for Jordan to be the best player on the pitch but equally, with hopes of winning the title, I didn’t want Everton to lose. Leeds won 1-0 but it was hard to watch Everton get beat. They can still win the league however but it’s in Liverpool’s hands now.
Ian Snodin: Tim Howard proof Everton FC do not want to be beaten
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 3 2011
TIM HOWARD made a couple of great saves on Saturday and he is a great example of how Everton players still do not want to be beaten. His reaction after having to save so many shots tells you everything, he was constantly demanding better from his defenders because Wigan were getting in an awful lot of shots. He has that will to win and gave a number of his team-mates a roasting.
Tim will have that mentality right to the last game of the season and will still be giving rollickings out then.
Ian Snodin: Mikel Arteta is Everton FC's number one penalty taker
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 3 2011
IT was only right Mikel Arteta picked up the penalty duties at the DW Stadium on Saturday. The Spaniard is the club’s first choice taker and even though Leighton Baines had scored twice from the spot in his absence, he was right to take it. Mikel’s penalty was not a particularly bad one either, he hit it with pace, it just turned out to be a terrific save from the Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi. Bainesy took over penalty duties when Arteta was off the field and certainly produced some strike to put it away. But it would have been quite interesting to see what happened after the award of the second penalty, if Mikel had still been on the pitch. Penalties are all about who feels confident on the day and as I young kid at Doncaster I was given penalty duties. At 19, I wasn’t overly confident about taking them but scored my first four. However when I missed the next one I handed the responsibility over to someone else. You have got to be ultra confident, like David Unsworth used to be when he played for Everton. He just put the ball on the spot and was clinical.
Ian Snodin: Everton FC given hope and frustration by turbulent Premier League
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 3 2011
EVERTON were outstanding the last time Manchester City came to Goodison Park - and let’s hope that’s the case again this weekend.We all know Man City have a lot of top class players at their disposal but the Premier League has been inconsistent this season so it often counts for little. Manchester United were not particularly brilliant against us the other week and any side who would have been able to put together a consistent run this year, then the title was there for the taking. Just look at what Liverpool have done since Kenny Dalglish took over, that they are in fifth place is quite incredible especially when relegation was even mentioned earlier in the season. The ups and downs of this season’s Premier League has made it even more frustrating for Evertonians. At the start of the year I, like a lot of people, felt the Blues had put together a squad which would be challenging for Champions League football but ongoing injuries and poor form at times have taken their toll. But because of this surprising season across the board, big sides like Man City are always there for the taking and more so from Everton’s point of view when you consider their recent form against the Eastlands side. They too have the tendency to one week look a different class and then the other, well beatable. With this in mind I was doubly disappointed we went out of the FA Cup to Reading because I really fancied us going there and getting a result. I don’t necessarily see Roberto Mancini’s job as all bad. Yes there is a lot of pressure and expectation to deliver results - the onus is on his side this weekend- but I would imagine most managers in the Premier League would love to be in his position given the finances at his disposal. Everton will be able to go out and relax, playing without fear this weekend. But they will have to be on their guard if David Silva is playing because he’s such a talented player - I’m really looking forward to watching him. The Spaniard tends to float around the pitch, picking up the positions he wants put Everton have got more than enough to cope.
If he pops up on the left wing then Tony Hibbert will be able to deal with him because’s he is a top defender. Tony is very quick, strong and likes a tackle. I believe Everton could get joy down the flanks because City’s full-backs are not great.
Everton FC manager David Moyes inspired by Walter Smith's methods
Liverpool Echo
May 3 2011
EVERTON manager David Moyes admits predecessor Walter Smith remains a source of inspiration as he bids to plug the huge financial gulf separating his team from the top Barclays Premier League clubs. Smith has led Rangers to two successive Clydesdale Bank Premier League titles during a two-year spell when the club’s debt prevented him buying a player. The Rangers manager, who will make way for Ally McCoist later this month, was able to bring players in at the start of this season but saw the size of his squad reduced further. However, his team are pushing Celtic all the way for the title, sitting a point ahead having played a game more, despite being significantly outspent by their Old Firm rivals. Given Rangers’ budget dwarves all their other SPL rivals other than Celtic, Moyes - and Smith before him - faced more frustrating constraints with Everton unable to compete financially with the top English clubs. But Moyes has still led Everton to four top-six finishes since replacing Smith at Goodison Park in March 2002. “Managers have to work with no money sometimes,” Moyes said. “To be a great manager doesn’t mean to say that it’s because you have money and you buy players. “You also have to find ways of winning without money and make the best out your team, and I think that’s what Walter has done.” Former Celtic defender Moyes, who was back in Glasgow for last night’s PFA Scotland awards dinner, added: “Walter has been someone I have always looked up to. “When I played for the Scottish youth team a long time ago it was Andy Roxburgh who was the manager and Walter was the assistant. So I have sort of known him from those days. “When I took the Everton job I had to make sure he was giving me my blessing, that he was happy with that. “I have always found him a really good guy. He will be one of the great Scottish managers, that’s for sure. “Every time I see him I have to say: ’How many trophies have you won? They are coming out of your ears, there are so many.’ “And here’s me standing here with none. One would be nice for me and he’s got hundreds of them.” Everton sit seventh in the table following their 1-1 draw at Wigan on Saturday, a position many would argue is the best they can hope for given the financial might of the clubs above them. Moyes’ future has been the subject of much speculation this season after Everton endured a slow start to the campaign, and last week reports linked him with Aston Villa. But the 48-year-old remains determined to find ways to overcome the financial disparities. “It’s been difficult because we don’t have the cash to spend big,” Moyes said.
“But that’s what you have to do, you have to find other ways and try not to get yourself in a position where you think you have no chance. “I have always hoped, and I think everyone would, that football is not just about money. Unfortunately it looks very much like that. “But I think real football people would like to think that maybe there are some people who can do it out there with no money, and find some players from the lower leagues or non-league teams and can come in and have that freshness to football that I think we were all brought up with.”
Everton FC boss David Moyes taking Blues back to United States to help recreate 2004/05 campaign momentum
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
May 3 2011
DAVID MOYES will attempt to recreate the preparations which helped Everton qualify for the Champions League in 2005 – but admits early transfer activity is vital. The Blues’ boss is taking his side back to the United States for their pre-season tour in the hope it can produce the type of momentum they took into the 2004/05 campaign. Everton won seven of their first 10 league games that season en route to finishing fourth, winning a place in the Champions League third qualifying round, and Moyes believes taking his troops stateside once more this summer can produce a similar reaction. But the Goodison manager knows completing his summer signings as soon as possible is equally important because Moyes believes a shallow squad – and lack of firepower - cost them dear at the beginning of this season. Everton’s opening 10 games of this season, after a summer spent in Australia, saw them pick up just three wins and suffer the same number of defeats with Moyes determined to avoid repeating such a sluggish start. “I am going to try and follow as close as possible the path we took in pre-season in the year we qualified for the Champions League as far as preparation is concerned,” revealed Moyes, whose side face DC United on July 23. “That was our first year in America, we will go there again. That is the one year we got off to a really good start.
“Last year I changed it. the order in which I do the work, we took games early, we did the work in the middle, I changed to somehow see if I could find a solution and you couldn’t say it didn’t work we just didn’t score the goals. The lack of goals in the first six to eight games cost us. “So maybe how we start has nothing to do with our preparations and sometimes for all the things you change, it is down to personnel. Most of our problems have been down to not having personnel in early enough.
“If we are going to have any business I will try and get it done and in place as quickly as possible.
“But we’ll try to go back to what we did in 2004-05 as well. “Our record at the end of seasons is a good thing in as much that if we can get a good start, get in a good position, then Everton look as though they are someone who finishes the season strongly. “But every year I say, ‘can we get this good start?’ and we haven’t.” Everton went to Houston in 2004 before pre-season training in Columbus and Dallas (2006), Salt Lake City and Los Angeles (2007), Chicago and Denver (2008) and then Seattle, Edmonton and Salt Lake City (2009).
Everton FC manager David Moyes hoping American dreams can inspire players
Liverpool Daily Post
May 3 2011
DAVID MOYES is determined to recreate the summer of 2004 as he aims to get Everton off to a flying start next season. The Goodison outfit have lost just one of their last nine Premier League games and remain on course for a top seven finish after coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Wigan Athletic on Saturday. Moyes has been forced to lament his team’s poor start to the season, when just three points from their first six games saw them slump to the bottom of the table. Such an opening is in stark contrast to their efforts in 2004, when 13 points from the first 18 proved the foundation for a top-four finish and a crack at Champions League qualification. And with Moyes once again taking his players to the United States in the summer – as he did seven years ago – the Everton manager is hopeful of a repeat next time around. “Our record at the end of seasons is a good thing in as much that if we can get a good start, get in a good position, then Everton look as though they are someone who finishes the season strongly,” he said. “But every year I say, ‘can we get this good start?’ and we haven’t. I am going to try and follow as close as possible the path we took in pre-season in the year we qualified for the Champions League as far as preparation is concerned. “That was our first year in America, we will go there again. That is the one year we got off to a really good start.” Since 2004, Everton have only once earned more than 10 points from their first six games, leaving them to play catch-up for much of the remainder of the season.
In a conscious effort to address his team’s lacklustre slow starts, Moyes altered pre-season preparations last season only for the Goodison outfit to make their worst opening since 2005.
“Last year I changed it,” said the Scot. “The order in which I do the work, we took games early, we did the work in the middle, I changed to somehow see if I could find a solution and you couldn’t say it didn’t work we just didn’t score the goals. The lack of goals in the first six to eight games cost us.
“So maybe how we start has nothing to do with our preparations and sometimes for all the things you change, it is down to personnel. Most of our problems have been down to not having personnel in early enough. “If we are going to have any business I will try and get it done and in place as quickly as possible. But we’ll try to go back to what we did in 2004-05 as well.” Before then, Everton have three games remaining this season, with home games against Manchester City and Chelsea likely to have a major bearing on issues at the top of the table. Having welcomed back Tim Cahill from injury at Old Trafford the previous week, Moyes was able to call upon Mikel Arteta for the first time in more than a month at the DW Stadium on Saturday. And although seeing a first-half penalty saved by Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, the Spaniard was delighted to be back in action following a hamstring tear. “I felt okay during the game,” said Arteta. “ I knew that I wouldn’t be able to play the whole game because I've been out for seven weeks with a serious injury. “I’m happy that I didn’t feel anything and fitness wise I want to get back to my best in the final three games of the season.”
Academy football: Sad end but Everton under-18s still top of the table
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post
May 3 2011
A SHOCK defeat to Leeds United on Saturday mean Everton under-18s lost must wait to be confirmed as Group C winners of the Barclays Premier League. Neil Dewsnip’s youngsters ended the regular season on a disappointing note with defeat in their final league match in Yorkshire on Saturday. They now hope Wolves can at least take one point off rivals Liverpool, as Sheffield United did on Saturday, in this week’s two clashes between the sides to stay ahead of their Mersey rivals.
Everton are now five points ahead of Liverpool, but the Reds have two games left to play. Following Everton’s superb 4-0 victory over Liverpool at Finch Farm in midweek, they couldn’t grab another win that would have confirmed their table-topping status. Without John Lundstram and Hallam Hope, who are on international duty, Everton lost to a single goal 10 minutes into half. Anton Forrester had headed over the only real chance of note in he first half, while Connor Roberts saved well at the other end. And after the break both Forrester and Tom Donegan were denied by the Leeds keeper. Everton pressed for an equaliser and saw one effort rebound back oft the bar while substitute George Waring, on his U18s debut, was also denied by the Leeds keeper. But it wasn’t to be. Dewsnip said: “Obviously Tuesday was a terrific occasion and we played very well. I don’t think we took anything for granted. We prepared properly. But Leeds had a right go at us – very competitive, very combative and all those dour Yorkshire qualities that exist, they threw at us.”
He added: “It is still all on. It was disappointing to end with a defeat. The team has changed but it has been a great squad effort and if it is to end, I would say they have had a great season.” Hope and Lundstram are away on international duty with England U17s.
EVERTON UNDER-18s: Roberts, Browing, Bidwell, Hammar, Dier (Johns 80), Barrow Garbutt (Waring 60), Donegan, Thomas, Higgins, Forrester. Subs: Fitzgibbon, Harris, Heneghan.
Why Walter Smith is still an inspiration says Everton FC manager David Moyes
Liverpool Daily Post
May 3 2011
EVERTON manager David Moyes admits predecessor Walter Smith remains a source of inspiration as he bids to plug the huge financial gulf separating his team from the top Premier League clubs.
Smith has led Rangers to two successive Clydesdale Bank Premier League titles during a two-year spell when the club’s debt prevented him buying a player. The Rangers manager, who will make way for Ally McCoist later this month, was able to bring players in at the start of this season but saw the size of his squad reduced further. However, his team are pushing Celtic all the way for the title, sitting a point ahead having played a game more, despite being significantly outspent by their Old Firm rivals. Moyes – and Smith before him – faces frustrating constraints with Everton unable to compete financially with the top English clubs but has still led Everton to four top-six finishes since replacing Smith at Goodison Park in March 2002. “Managers have to work with no money sometimes,” Moyes said. “To be a great manager doesn’t mean to say that it’s because you have money and you buy players. “You also have to find ways of winning without money and make the best out your team, and I think that’s what Walter has done.” Former Celtic defender Moyes, who was back in Glasgow for the PFA Scotland awards dinner, added: “Walter has been someone I have always looked up to. “When I played for the Scottish youth team a long time ago it was Andy Roxburgh who was the manager and Walter was the assistant. So I have sort of known him from those days. When I took the Everton job I had to make sure he was giving me my blessing, that he was happy with that. I have always found him a really good guy. He will be one of the great Scottish managers. “Every time I see him I have to say: ‘How many trophies have you won? They are coming out of your ears, there are so many’. “And here’s me standing here with none. One would be nice for me and he’s got hundreds of them.” Everton sit seventh in the table following their 1-1 draw at Wigan on Saturday, a position many would argue is the best they can hope for given the financial might of the clubs above them. “It’s been difficult because we don’t have the cash to spend big,” Moyes said. “But that’s what you have to do, you have to find other ways and try not to get yourself in a position where you think you have no chance. I have always hoped, and I think everyone would, that football is not just about money. Unfortunately it looks very much like that. “But I think real football people would like to think that maybe there are some people who can do it out there with no money, and find some players that can come in and have that freshness to football that I think we were all brought up with.”
Everton feel like Chica tonight
By Alan Nixon – Daily Mirror
Everton boss David Moyes is set to swoop for Espanyol full-back Javi Chica Torres in a surprise free transfer move. Moyes watched the highly-rated defender, who can play on either side of the back four, in a flying visit to Spain and could open talks shortly. Chica, 25, has played for his country at youth level and is a respected player in La Liga. But Espanyol have yet to agree terms with him and he is ready to quit. The Goodison chief faces competition for Chica from Fulham, with boss Mark Hughes also watching him in action against Athletic Bilbao.
Everton FC’s Hallam Hope opens scoring for England as UEFA European U17s championship bid starts with a draw
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Echo
May 4 2011
EVERTON striker Hallam Hope was on target as England under-17s began their UEFA European U17s championship bid with a 2-2 with France in Serbia yesterday. The Blues striker opened the scoring after just eight minutes and Crewe midfielder Nick Powell was also on target for John Peacock’s side.
But twice France hit back through Auxerre forward Sebastien Haller to earn a share of the spoils in the opening Group A clash at FK Indjija. Hope’s Everton team-mate John Lundstram also played the full 90 minutes in defence alongside Liverpool under-18s full-back Brad Smith. His prolific Liverpool club-mate Adam Morgan came off the bench for the final 20 minutes but couldn’t find a goal to give England all three points. Hope opened the scoring from close range after French keeper Quentin Beunardeau couldn’t get close to Alex Henshall’s low cross-shot across the face of goal. But the French drew level on 14 minutes when big forward Haller volleyed home. After 28 minutes England went 2-1 ahead and Hope was involved again. The Everton forward pressured defender Adrien Tameze Aoutsa and Beunardeau into a mix-up and Powell lobbed the half-clearance back over the French keeper. Liverpool’s Smith cleared Haller’s shot off the line at the start of the second half.
But on 65 minutes France drew level again when Haller nodded home from close range. Despite the introduction of Morgan and Crewe youngster Max Clayton it was France who came closest to a winner when Yaisien’s 30-yard free-kick hit the post. England now face Denmark on Friday at Karadjordje Stadium, FK Vojvodina, Novi Sad (kick-off 2pm), before their final group match against hosts Serbia at FK Indjija on Monday (4.15pm).
ENGLAND UNDER-17s: Pickford, Cousins, Smith, Lundstram, Jackson, Powell (Clayton 71), Hope, Magri, Henshall (Morgan 71), Redmond, Turgott. Subs: Sterling, Caskey, Meppen Walters, Garratt. Pickford, Cousins, Smith, Lundstram, Jackson, Powell (Clayton 71), Hope, Magri, Henshall (Morgan 71), Redmond, Turgott. Subs: Sterling, Caskey, Meppen Walters, Garratt.
Everton FC manager David Moyes braced for Yakubu return as Leicester mull over move for Nigerian
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 4 2011
DAVID MOYES is bracing himself for the return of the Yak at the end of this season. The Nigerian striker has struggled to recapture his best form at Everton himself since rupturing an Achilles tendon in November 2008. After seven successive starts yielded only one goal earlier this season he was relegated to the Blues subs bench, then allowed to go out on loan to Championship side Leicester after an anonymous display in the shock 4-1 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion. He has since scored 10 times in 19 appearances for The Foxes, but manager Sven-Goran Eriksson says he remains undecided whether to try and make the move permanent. “I don’t know yet,” said the former England boss. “Maybe we will try (to sign Yakubu), maybe not. “We have to start to talk about that.”
Eriksson believes Leicester’s failure to reach the Championship play-offs, together with prohibitive wages, will make it difficult for Leicester to keep hold of Yakubu and fellow loanee Diomansy Kamara beyond the end of this season. “Players like Yakubu and Kamara, they wanted the play-offs and Premier League, and I understand that, so we will have to see,” he added. “Being in the Championship may make it tough to sign those two but, taking in really good players, I am still fairly optimistic we will find a good squad. “I think football players will know what we want to do, what we are planning to do.” Eriksson said there was no doubt about Yakubu’s goal-scoring prowess.
“He is a goalscorer and the goal he scored at Doncaster was a typical Yakubu goal. “When he gets his chance, he is very quick to finish.” Moyes would be happy to listen to offers for Yakubu, who was Everton’s record signing when he arrived for £11.25m four years ago. Yakubu’s Nigerian international team-mate, Victor Anichebe, led the Blues forward line at Wigan at the weekend and said he relished the opportunity. “It was good to play up front. Sometimes I play on the left, sometimes on the right, sometimes up front – it is no problem to me. “It is good to be playing.
“I have been in and out with injuries but it was good to get some minutes under my belt.”
Assistant-manager Steve Round added: “Victor had a good energy about him, he was committed.
“Victor has been through a bit of a tough time but he is only young and he is trying to establish himself. He is coming through and I thought this performance was better from him. “He needs to realise how good he could be and start performing that way. The only way he is going to win the crowd over and establish himself in the Premier League is with his performances on the pitch.” Another Blues star who was happy to be back at Wigan was midfielder Mikel Arteta, making his first appearance for almost two months. He lasted more than an hour and said: “I knew I wouldn’t be able to play the full game after seven weeks out with a serious injury, but I’m happy that I was able to play again. I’m just unhappy with the final result.” Arteta, who saw a first half penalty saved, added: “It’s only the second pen I have missed in six-and-a-half years so obviously I was disappointed. “But I’m happy that I didn’t feel anything (from the injury) and fitness wise I want to get back to my best in the final three games of the season.” THE new Everton away kit for the 2011/2012 season will be revealed by the Blues’ star player Jack Rodwell at Everton One, Goodison Park, tomorrow. Phil Jagielka, who was originally planning to unveil the striking new strip, is unavailable so it will now be unveiled by fans’ favourite Rodwell. The celebrations for the new kit reveal will run between 3pm and 5pm on Thursday at Everton One, with Radio City DJ Rick Vaughn on hand to host the event with lots going on to celebrate the event. Fans are being invited to come along and be part of proceedings and get the chance to be amongst the first to order the new Everton away strip, which will be worn by the team for the first time when they travel to West Brom for the last away game of the season on 14 May. For those who want to beat the crowds, the full kit is available to pre-order online at www.evertondirect.com. It will then be officially launched and available to buy on Thursday 19 May at Everton One, Everton Two and online.
Everton FC have not been good enough defensively this season - Tim Howard
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
May 4 2011
TIM HOWARD admits Everton have not come up to scratch defensively this season. The Blues’ goalkeeper says just eight clean sheets in their 35 Premier League games is not good enough, but the American believes he and the back four have the ability to tighten up. Howard holds the club's Premier League record for number of shut-outs with an incredible 17 during the 2008/09 campaign, but points to individual errors costing them this time round. Everton are able to boast England internationals Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka amongst their backline but Howard says that even the very best can be ruthlessly punished in the top flight. But the former Manchester United player has backed the side to return to the miserly ways which saw him overtake the marker set by Goodison legend Neville Southall in the Premier League era. “I think eight clean sheets is a low return and is an under achievement for the group we have defensively,” said Howard. “I don't think we’re playing badly defensively. We’ve been unlucky in that we’ve been our own worst enemy at times. “We are all good enough players and big enough to be counted not to worry about those sort of things. “Our goal difference is where it should be for a team in seventh place.
“You try and assess all those things and it’s hard to put your finger on it. It is just those little things, we have been slightly inconsistent and there have been a few individual errors and we've been punished for them. “There is not a huge difference in keeping eight clean sheets and keeping 13 or 14. We've never been blown away in games this season but the little things make the difference.”
Everton can match last season's clean sheet total of 11 by protecting Howard's goal in their final three matches of the season, starting with Manchester City on Saturday. Blues assistant manager Steve Round, however, believes that the American has already raised his game in recent weeks.
Howard was Everton's man of the match as they drew 1-1 with struggling Wigan at the DW Stadium on Saturday – his 142nd consecutive Premier League appearance. Only Neville Southall (212) has made more consecutive league appearances for the Toffees and Round declared: “I think Tim Howard has been outstanding recently he's arguably one of the best, if not the best goalkeeper in the Premier League at the moment. “His performance against Manchester United was outstanding.
“He's been fantastic, he looks quick and athletic at the moment, but he's also calm at the right time which I think is very important for Tim. “Maybe previously he got a bit excited and gets involved in things he shouldn't but at the moment he's reading the game so well, he's relaxed and for the defenders it's a real comfort to have him behind them.”
Everton FC's Victor Anichebe out to spearhead big finish
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
May 4 2011
VICTOR ANICHEBE says he hopes to repay the Everton supporters’ faith in him by helping his side finish the season strongly. Having spent much of the season as an auxiliary wide player, the Nigerian forward was handed a rare start at the head of the Toffees’ attack at Wigan on Saturday as David Moyes’ side collected a 1-1 draw at the DW Stadium. His display prompted Blues assistant manager Steve Round to claim the academy graduate could go on to become a pivotal player for the club.
The 23-year-old says he is happy to play anywhere for the sake of the team, and has targeted a rousing end to what has been an up and down campaign for David Moyes’ men. “It was good to play up front,” Anichebe said. “Sometimes I play on the left, sometimes on the right, sometimes up front – it is no problem to me. “It is good to be playing. I have been in and out with injuries but it was good to get some minutes under my belt. “The last three games are really important, it is important to finish the season on a high. “The fans pay a lot of money to watch us play and we will be giving 100% until the end of the season.” Anichebe has made 14 appearances without scoring for Everton this season, but penned a new four-and-a-half year contract at the club back in January, with the Blues patently light on attacking options currently. Moyes was in Barcelona on Monday evening to watch Espanyol’s 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao at Estadi Cornella-El Prat, with reports suggesting that Argentine-born striker Pablo Osvaldo and Spanish winger Jose Maria Callejon are on his radar. Everton are likely to face competition from Fulham and Tottenham. One striker who could be leaving Goodison Park, however, is James Vaughan. The England U21 man has spent the bulk of this season on loan at Championship side Crystal Palace and Eagles boss Dougie Freedman has revealed he hopes to secure a permanent deal for the 22-year-old. Freedman said: “A deal for James Vaughan is just a case of sitting down and convincing James that this is where he wants to play his football, then looking at the financial situation and putting everything in place and seeing what the outcome is.” Vaughan has scored nine times in 29 appearances for the Selhurst Park club, as he helped ward off the threat of relegation to League One. Meanwhile, skipper Phil Neville has picked up Everton’s Player of the Month award for April. The 33-year-old has been in excellent form of late, and produced a moment to remember by scoring a 20-yard screamer away to Wolves, and says he has been pleased with his side’s battling qualities as they have embarked upon a run of just one defeat in games. “It’s a great feeling,” said Neville. “I think the goal at Wolves helped me seal it and it’s been a good month. “I think we’ve battled back well and showed real grit and character, and we now need to finish the season strongly.”
Everton poised for surprise early transfer deal
May 4 2011
Birmingham Post
Everton boss David Moyes is set to swoop for Espanyol full-back Javi Chica Torres in a surprise free transfer move. Moyes watched the highly-rated defender, who can play on either side of the back four, in a flying visit to Spain and could open talks shortly. Chica, 25, has played for his country at youth level and is a respected player in La Liga. But Espanyol have yet to agree terms with him and he is ready to quit. The Goodison chief faces competition for Chica from Fulham, with boss Mark Hughes also watching him in action against Athletic Bilbao.
Yakubu hoping for permanent Leicester move
May 4 2011 The Daily Mirror
Everton striker Yakubu fancies staying on at Leicester, even though they have failed in their bid to win promotion back to the Premier League. Yakubu has been on loan at the Foxes since January, scoring 10 goals in 19 appearances, and says he'd prefer a permanent move there to a return to the fringes of the Goodison first-team. "I think I've had enough [at Everton] and I have to look for somewhere to go - I would love to stay [at Leicester]," he told BBC Radio Leicester. "Hopefully I can settle things there and come back. If I could come and play for Leicester that would be great."
"I had a great time at Everton but I think I have to move on."
I have no future at Everton FC says Nigeria striker Yakubu
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 5 2011
YAKUBU wants to secure a permanent Everton exit this summer after declaring he has no future at Goodison. The Nigeria international has been on loan at Leicester City since mid-January after David Moyes sanctioned a temporary move to the Championship club. He has impressed for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side since, scoring 10 goals in 19 appearances, and hopes to remain in the Midlands.
Leicester are keen to keep the 28-year-old hit-man, but Everton will not be prepared to sell on the cheap as Moyes tries to boos his own summer transfer war-chest. He said: “I don’t have a future at Everton anymore and I have to look for somewhere to go. "There may be other clubs interested but I would welcome a permanent move to Leicester. “I would love to come back again as it has been really good for me here. "It’s like being at home and it feels as if I have been here for three or four years. "I have really enjoyed my time at Leicester. “Sven is one of the best managers I have ever worked with. "He never puts me under any pressure and just tells me to play my game. “For sure, he will make changes in the summer because he wants to get the club in the Premier League.”
Yakubu picked up the Foxes Goal of the Season award earlier this week for his wonder strike in the 2-0 win at Derby County back in February. Eriksson was thrilled at the on-loan striker’s admission, after he earlier stressed it would be hard to convince him to stay in the second tier of English football. But the former England boss accepts he will not be able to get Yakubu at a knock-down £2m price. He said: “It is fantastic that he wants to stay here even though we are not in the Premier League. That is good. Very good news. What is going to happen I don’t know yet.
“It does help that he has indicated he wants to join us and now we have to see if Everton are now willing to negotiate with us. I guess Everton as all football clubs do, need money and I doubt if they will give him away.” Meanwhile, Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman has confirmed he also wants to make James Vaughan’s loan switch from Everton permanent this summer. The striker has been a big hit at Selhurst Park this season, scoring nine times in two loan spells to help the Eagles secure their Championship status. Vaughan is odds-on to leave Goodison but Palace know they face stiff competition to secure his services, with Premier league new boys Norwich City also reportedly interested in doing a deal. He said: “A deal for James Vaughan is just a case of sitting down and convincing James that this is where he wants to play his football, then looking at the financial situation and putting everything in place and seeing what the outcome is.”
Everton FC skipper Phil Neville urges Goodison crowd to go easy on Joleon Lescott as he returns to Goodison
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 5 2011
PHIL NEVILLE has urged Everton fans to go easy on Joleon Lescott when the former Blues defender returns to Goodison Park for the first time since his acrimonious move to Manchester City two seasons ago. Circumstances have so far prevented the 28-year-old from lining-up in opposition colours against his former team-mates, but that looks set to change when City arrive in Merseyside on Saturday. The England defender went from hero to villain with Toffees fans when he handed in a transfer request shortly before Everton’s 09/10 season began with a 6-1 thumping by Arsenal at Goodison. His attitude was subsequently criticised by David Moyes, who had been determined to hang onto a defender he transformed into one of the best in the top flight after his 2006 capture from Wolves. The uncertainty of Lescott’s eventual £22million departure caused Moyes’ pre-season plans to be damaged, and left a dark cloud hanging over Everton’s early season form. But Lescott was a popular member of the Blues dressing room who is still well-liked by many of the current first team, and Neville hopes the home crowd focus their vocal efforts solely on cheering the Toffees on Saturday. He said: “I want the Everton fans to go easy on Joleon. He played for the club in a magical era and helped us to an FA Cup Final. He left in bad circumstances, but he is a good defender.”
It is a sentiment previously repeated by Leighton Baines, a man who replaced Lescott’s role as a productive attacking full-back for the Blues, and also felt his former team-mate received some undue criticism two summers ago. Asked about the dismal start to that campaign, when the Lescott saga dominated head-lines, Baines told the ECHO last summer: “The stuff with Joleon was rumbling on at the time and he shouldered some of the blame, which took some of it off us. “But for me he wasn’t at fault for a single goal. It was easy for people to point the finger at him. “To be fair to Joleon, even though he was in the process of leaving the club, he was actually happy to take it for the team. "It tells you a bit about him. “He half-blamed himself publicly even though privately he’d done nothing wrong. “He was willing to soak that up and take it on the chin for us and shows what he felt for us.” Lescott kept quiet about the controversy surrounding his move until breaking his silence to a national newspaper last year. “I loved it at Everton, had so many friends there,” he said. “I didn’t expect people to be happy about me leaving but it could have been handled so much better. “I know the chairman loves the club with all his heart but it was good business for them.
“That said, I still had to be the one who made it happen when it came to the crunch. “I felt Manchester City was too good an opportunity to pass up but I think they were waiting for me to show I was serious about going there. I had to show some intent and only then, I think, were they prepared to pay the money.” After an uncertain start at Eastlands, Lescott has established himself in Roberto Mancini’s side this season although he has missed all three of City’s recent defeats by the Blues. Moyes has since gone on record to say he is over his initial anger at how City and Lescott handled the transfer, and now his skipper will hope the supporters can take an equally reflective stance at 3pm on Saturday.
Revealed: The new Everton FC Le Coq Sportif away kit 2011/12 season
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 5 2011
New Everton away kit 2011/12 season
JACK RODWELL is pictured in the new Everton away kit for the 2011/2012 season. The striking new kit will be officially launched by the midfielder for the first time at a special event at Everton One, Goodison Park, from 3pm today. Sure to become a firm favourite with fans, the new kit is inspired by one of the club’s most iconic strips, while still being innovative, exciting and fresh. Fans are invited to come along and be part of the new kit launch and to get the chance to be among the first to order the new strip, which will be worn by the team for the first time when the Blues travel to West Bromwich Albion on May 14. For those who want to beat the crowds, the full kit is available to pre-order online at www.evertondirect.com. It will then be officially available to buy on Thursday, May 19 at Everton One, Everton Two and online.
Everton FC letters: Leighton Baines should be given Blues' penalty duties
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 5 2011
MIKEL ARTETA is a decent penalty taker – but I don't know a single Everton supporter who wouldn’t prefer to see Leighton Baines take the penalties... and the free kicks... and the corners.
Arteta's dead balls, much like his all-round play, have been woeful for the last 12 months, but because he reportedly earns £75,000 a week, it appears he’s above being dropped. Not only would I drop him, I'd transfer list him – because the club can't afford to pay those wages to a player who actually contributes, never mind one who offers little or nothing on the pitch.
Staygold
LEIGHTON BAINES is our best penalty taker – not Arteta. What is Ian Snodin talking about?
And regarding the speculation about Baines’s future with us, he is one of our prized assets and we all want him to stay. But if he does leave, he certainly can get a better club than Liverpool.
Tim_
MIKEL ARTETA should never be allowed to take penalties and free-kicks. And I’ve never been convinced on corners either! Beckford has a lot to learn and I am yet to be convinced, but he needs time.
Pma
AFTER watching all the pre-season preparations here in Australia, we were sure the team would hit the ground running – but alas, it wasn’t to be. We definitely need to improve the squad and it needs to be done straight away. Take the new players to the States and get them bedded in. Good luck Davie, and Come On You Blues!
Twobob
REGARDING Phil Jagielka’s comments about tiredness affecting Everton’s performances as the season ends – Jags, you gotta get real! If you want to feel tired, try working 50 hours a week for a pittance. Modern day footballers have one game a week and some training and we hear this rubbish! I've supported Everton for over 44 years but hearing this sort of rubbish really winds me up.
russ_fae_fyvie
IF we didn’t give the ball away so much, maybe we wouldn’t be so tired, chasing round trying to get it back! I’m sorry, but the first four touches of Gueye on Saturday set up four Wigan attacks!
We could have been beaten by three or four goals and would have only ourselves to blame.
Blue
I SAW the worst display I’ve ever seen from an Everton player in Dinyar Bilyaletdinov’s performance against Manchester United – for example his reluctance to tackle. How did David Moyes pay £10m for him? Finishing middle of the table to as high as sixth is not good enough for Evertonians.
John Murray, Anfield
VICTOR ANICHEBE brings nothing to the team. We have more willing players warming the bench that him. He has never proved himself and I just don’t know why we let James Vaughan go out on loan with the view of a full switch and we gave Victor a new contract.
Paddymedic
WE need to spend £40m each season for the next three years to compete with the top four.
Otherwise, we need a billionaire, not to splash cash as silly as Manchester City do, but to just say to David Moyes each transfer window “name the amount and its yours”.
We don’t have to spend £50m or more on one player.
franki1
EVERTON FC manager David Moyes inspired by Walter Smith’s methods – What Blue didn't groan when they read this headline? I remember the Smith era at Goodison as a total lack of any ambition other than to break even and survive in mid-table. David Moyes came in like a breath of fresh air after dour old Walter, refusing to accept that Everton couldn't crash the Champions League party – often falling short but always striving to be better.
Don't try to emulate Walter, David!
Miketheblue
AN undeserved point at Wigan Athletic last Saturday due to a superb goalkeeping display by Tim Howard. This game should be an indicator to David Moyes that pace is a necessity – especially in midfield to be seriously considered as a top five side. At the end of the season this game totally confirms a watershed is warranted in order to bring in the required personnel – to deliver pace and guile. The direct style or fighting ball to the forwards is becoming too familiar and Moyes must not be timid in his decisions, and not let loyalty get in the way of progress. If this means selling three of our senior players to bring in five or six, then so be it. The pervasive argument that we need a 20- goal a season striker is convincing; but fundamentally, the Toffees need three quality midfielders; two wide with pace and a creative central one to bring out the pace qualities of Victor Anichebe, Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford who all like the ball played in front of them.
David Kearns, Aintree
Everton FC jury: Blues fans on the draw at Wigan, the Champions League and the Royal Wedding
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 5 2011
Richard Knights: Best and worst of football on show in the UEFA Champions League UNLESS you were hiding behind an 18 foot brick wall you couldn’t have missed that global spectacle – xtravagant wealth; some participants acting like spoilt children; over-hyped PR; sycophantic, oleaginous commentators and hysterical spectators. Yes, apart from the Royal Wedding, we also saw the worst and the best of the ‘beautiful game’ in the UEFA Champions League. Everton might not be in the top 20 of the world’s richest clubs (Manchester City have climbed from 20th to 11th place) but our success is due to honest endeavour, not some quick money fix from a billionaire or sheikh.
Another disturbing trend in football is the cult of the manager – Wenger, Ferguson and Mourinho.
Contrast them with the understated David Moyes who just gets on with the task of getting the best out of his players. No whining, no mind games, no excuses. Lee Molton: Great to see Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill return to Everton’s team against Wigan Athletic THE millionaires from Manchester City come to Goodison on Saturday in a fixture that one side has won more than most in recent seasons. No it’s not the millionaires, it is Everton that have the upper hand in this fixture in the last few seasons. You can’t buy what Everton have got – a great team spirit! I wonder whether Mr Lescott will be brave enough to play on Saturday or he will have a mysterious illness and not play again... It was a great sight to see the return of Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill to the Everton team on Saturday. They will both need a few games to get their fitness back. It was a surprise to see Arteta miss a penalty, his first miss for Everton in the League – he will score the next one! Let’s keep our unbeaten home run going for 2011 in the last two games with a win against City and even stop Chelsea from retaining their title. THERE has been a lot of talk about who could be coming or going in the summer. Before we worry about potential targets, I think we need to ensure that there aren’t too many faces leaving Goodison. Players like Baines, Fellaini and Rodwell are integral pieces in the jigsaw that is the future of this club. The trio have all been the subject of transfer speculation – hopefully none of which will prove accurate. David Moyes may have to try and weave a little bit of his old magic in the transfer market. This is due to the spending power of the majority of clubs in this division, being far out of our reach. If we do manage to gather some funds, we should look to bring in a left-sided midfielder to replace the hole left by Pienaar’s departure. Another striker to compete with Saha and Beckford should also be high on our wanted list. David Wallbank: Ronnie Goodlass is the most enthusiastic Evertonian I have ever met EVERTON again struggled to impose themselves on a lesser team at the DW Stadium on Saturday. Arteta and Cahill returned but their lack of fitness was clear for all to see, while Victor again frustrated every single one of the 4,500 travelling fans by showing no footballing instinct or prowess. Osman is finding some real form and looks great at the moment. Phil Neville won Everton’s player of the month, and Fizzer indicated at the awards lunch in the Hilton on Tuesday that the lads are still up for the last three games and that flip-flops are definitely off the agenda as they focus on the visit of Manchester City. I had the pleasure of sitting with Ronnie Goodlass at the event. Ronnie is probably the most enthusiastic Evertonian I have ever had the pleasure to meet! Ronnie talked of how important the next few months are for Everton, and I agree. The summer transfer window could be Moyes’s most important of his tenure.
Everton FC fans urged to take part in family fun day before the Manchester City game on Saturday.
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 5 2011
EVERTON fans are urged to take part in a day of fun in aid of charity before the Manchester City game on Saturday. Between 12pm and 3pm supporters and locals of all ages are being encouraged to head for Stanley Park and get involved in a host of activities to help raise money for Everton in the Community, the Blues’ official charity. Everton in the Community coaches will be running soccer skills sessions, beat the goalie competitions and face painting. Supporters will also get the opportunity to buy unique Everton branded merchandise, with all profits being donated to the life-changing programmes delivered by the Blues’ official charity. Speaking ahead of the event, fundraising manager for Everton in the Community, Rowena Finn, said: “We are all really excited about the family fun day, which will be a fantastic event for the local community and everyone is welcome. “All the proceeds from the day will be invested into the vital programmes Everton in the Community delivers to help improve the lives of people living in Merseyside. We urge everyone coming to the match or who live locally to come along to Stanley Park from 12pm and get involved.”
FOR more information about the Everton in the Community family fun day or to get involved in other fundraising initiatives visit evertonfc.com/community or call 0151 530 5253
No win in four games for Everton FC Ladies following 2-0 defeat to Birmingham
Liverpool Echo
May 5 2011
BOTH Everton Ladies and Birmingham came into last night’s WSL clash with a 100 per cent record of sorts from their opening three games, so something had to give at the Aviva Stadium, Marine.
And it was Birmingham who preserved their winning start to the season meaning Mo Marley’s side are now without a win in four games. The hosts were undone by two first half goals from City defenders Kerys Harrop and Sally Stanton, the first a remarkable effort from the left touchline, the second a header from a corner. Emily Westwood also missed a second half penalty for Birmingham after Amy Kane’s clumsy challenge on Rachel Williams. After 21 minutes Dowie came within inches of giving Everton the lead. The Blues number nine controlled Toni Duggan’s pass but fired just wide of Marie Hourihan’s right hand post. Six minutes later Birmingham took the lead with a goal out of the blue, Harrop smashed an effort from the left hand touchline that flew over Hill’s head and into the net. The Blues went in search of an equaliser and twice went close in the space of a minute, first through Jill Scott before Michelle Hinnigan hit the side netting. But four minutes before the break it was Birmingham who scored the game’s second goal. Mo Marley’s side were forced to defend a succession of corners and eventually defender Sally Stanton made her presence felt to head home for 2-0.
Yakubu ready to quit Everton FC and join Leicester full-time
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
May 5 2011
YAKUBU says he is ready to quit Everton and join Championship side Leicester City this summer.
The Nigerian striker has been on loan at the Foxes since January, scoring 10 times in 19 games, after being deemed surplus to requirements by Toffees boss David Moyes. And despite Leicester manager Sven-Goran Eriksson revealing that no talks had taken place between themselves and Everton, Yakubu has revealed he is eager to secure a permanent move to the Walkers Stadium.
Yakubu said: “I think I’ve had enough [at Everton] and I have to look for somewhere to go – I would love to stay [at Leicester]. “Hopefully I can settle things there and come back. If I could come and play for Leicester that would be great.” Yakubu cost Everton £11.25m when joining the club from Middlesbrough in 2007, and has scored 33 goals in 107 games for the Blues. But he struggled to regain full fitness following a serious Achilles problem in 2008 and, despite Moyes admitting his squad was light on attacking options, he was allowed to join Leicester back in January.
And the former Portsmouth man says he is enjoying life in the Midlands, and is happy to stay at the club despite their ailure to secure a play-off berth this season. “I had a great time at Everton but I think I have to move on,” he added. “I’ve had a great four months [at Leicester] and my season has been really good. “It feels like home and I feel like I’ve been here for three or four years – I’m enjoying it. “The players and the fans have been really nice to me and hopefully I will see them again. “In the end we are disappointed not to get to the play-offs or get to the Premier League. But hopefully next season the manager is going to bring in more players and I think next season we are going to be better than this season.” Yakubu also revealed that Eriksson’s influence has been vital in helping him rediscover his goalscoring touch. He said: “The manager believes in me and even when he rests me it’s normal, he wants to give some other players a chance. “When I came here I never said I was going to have an automatic shirt to play. You have to fight for the shirt, you have to believe and you have to produce every game – if you don’t play well, you’re not going to be in the team. “To get a game and show people that I can score goals has been great.”
Phil Jagielka wants Everton FC end of season boost
Liverpool Daily Post
May 5 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA is hoping Everton can continue their recent good record against Manchester City, as David Moyes’ men look for a strong finish to what has been a mixed campaign. The Toffees have beaten City in each of their last three meetings, and welcome Roberto Mancini’s Champions League hopefuls to Goodison Park on Saturday looking to continue a run of form which has seen them lose just one of their last nine league fixtures. It is a run which has seen Moyes’ side break into the Premier League’s top-7, and Jagielka is eager to ensure the Blues end the season on a high after a difficult first-half to the campaign. “City have got Champions League football on their minds and we want to stay in seventh at the very least,” said Jagielka. “There are points to play for. We've had a decent run against them, especially away, so it'll be interesting to see how we get on at home.”
Moyes’ side completed a league double against City last season, and recorded an impressive 2-1 victory against their money-laden rivals back in December. Since defeat at Bolton on February 13, Everton have seen their form improve drastically, with a late defeat at Manchester United their only league defeat since. The form of goalkeeper Tim Howard has been vital throughout that run. The American was in superb form during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wigan at the DW Stadium, and Jagielka believes the 32-year-old is a key player for the Blues. “He's been playing well recently and he did at Old Trafford as well,” added Jagielka. “He was there (at Wigan) when we needed him to stop the shots. The game was far too open for us and they had far too many shots. “We've three more games and hopefully in our next home game we can perform better and see what happens.”
Howard himself, meanwhile, has admitted his frustration at a season which has seen his side keep just eight clean sheets from 35 league games. “I think eight clean sheets is a low return and is an underachievement for the group we have defensively,” said Howard. “I don’t think we’re playing badly defensively. We have been unlucky in that we’ve been our own worst enemy at times.
“We are all good enough players and big enough to be counted not to worry about those sort of things. “Our goal difference is where it should be for a team in seventh place. It is just those little things, we have been slightly inconsistent and there have been a few individual errors and we’ve been punished for them. “There is not a huge difference in keeping eight clean sheets and keeping 13 or 14. We’ve not been blown away in games this season but the little things can make the difference.” Meanwhile, skipper Phil Neville has urged Everton supporters to go easy on former favourite Joleon Lescott this weekend. Lescott left the club for Manchester City in acrimonious circumstances in August 2009, and is set to make his first return to Goodison Park this weekend.
“I want the Everton fans to go easy on Joleon,” said Neville. “He played for the club in a magical era and helped us to an FA Cup Final. He left in bad circumstances, but he is a good defender.”
Mark Lawrenson: David Moyes is more important than money for Everton FC
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
May 5 2011
IT has been a funny sort of season at Everton. David Moyes’ men are on course to better last season’s Premier League finish, yet it would appear that most around Goodison Park would view this campaign as something of a failure. I must say that my opinion - one that is not shared by a lot of Evertonians, it seems - is that the negativity around this season is rather unfair. Let’s get this straight. David Moyes is a very, very good manager. He has a great record, and has done a great job with limited funds. The problem at Everton, if there even is a problem, is not David Moyes.
The issue Everton, and a lot of other clubs, have is that they need to keep improving their team and their squad in order to stay competitive. And if you don’t have the money to do that, you can struggle. It is hard for any manager, not just Moyes, to keep on turning up bargains and finding hidden gems. Players like Seamus Coleman do not come around every week.
That is why you often see Moyes signing players who can play in a number of positions. He has to cut his cloth accordingly, and fatten his squad by adding versatile performers instead of big-money ones.
Of course David would love to have a bottomless pit of money like Manchester City, this week’s visitors to Goodison Park. Any manager would. But, all things considered, Manchester City are not that far ahead of Everton in the league table, and that is as much a reflection of Moyes’ managerial skills as it is Roberto Mancini’s. Because having an endless money supply brings with it its own problems. City have struggled this season to create a team spirit and camaraderie, something Everton appear to have in abundance. You do have to wonder, though, how David would cope with City’s money. He would have loved to go out and sign Edin Dzeko for £28m back in January, that’s for sure!
Everton FC ladies lose to Birmingham
Liverpool Daily Post
May 5 2011
EVERTON Ladies were beaten 2-0 by Birmingham meaning Mo Marley's side are now without a win in four games. The hosts were undone by two first-half goals from City defenders Kerys Harrop and Sally Stanton, the first a remarkable effort from the left touchline, the second a header from a corner.
Bluewatch: Everton FC players cannot go on their holidays just yet
Liverpool Daily Post
May 5 2011
OUR DRAB display at Wigan on Saturday was a classic example of players counting down the days until their summer holidays. In fact, as the sun shone down on the DW Stadium a few might as well have snuck their beach towels out and put their feet up early, I’m not sure anyone would have noticed. Still, it was reassuring to hear Victor Anichebe of all people proclaim that the team owe it to the fans to finish the season with a flourish rather than a whimper. I’m sure the irony of our not-so-prolific, wealthy young striker acknowledging the large amount we fork out to watch him and his teammates was not lost on the vast majority of Evertonians. Before the players get distracted with packing their suitcases though they should remember we’ve got two big home games to whet the appetite before a frustrating season is finally put to bed, starting with Manchester City on Saturday.
There’s been a lot said about our North West rivals since the Joleon Lescott saga. Money can’t buy you class they say, but in football sooner or later it is going to buy you silverware and they look set to end a long, long wait for it later this month. It’s frustrating to watch City’s rise and even more so when you see our team, put together at a fraction of the cost, comprehensively outplay them twice last season, as well as recording a fantastic away win with ten men back in December. On our day we’ve got the beating of Mancini’s men, but without their financial muscle the odds are stacked against us over the course of the season. Sadly the gap between the two clubs will continue to increase as long as our coffers remain empty. Due to recent results, Goodison Park could now become the focal point in the Premier League title race if reigning champions Chelsea can take it to the wire. That will certainly breathe fresh life into a final day fixture that was looking increasingly likely to be become a meaningless affair. Having ended Chelsea’s FA Cup reign will we also kill off their title hopes? Or will Fernando Torres be parading the Premier League trophy in front of the Bullens Road away end? If someone had told you it would be the latter before the 2010/11 fixtures had been announced, I’m sure like me it would have sent a shudder down your spine!
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is struggling to prove his fitness ahead of the FA Cup final
Liverpool Echo
May 6 2011
ROBERTO MANCINI and Carlos Tevez could be on an FA Cup collision course.
The Manchester City striker is desperate to feature in the May 14 showdown with Stoke at Wembley as the City attempt to end their 35-year wait for a trophy.Still missing with the hamstring injury he suffered at Liverpool on April 11, Tevez has only just started training with his team-mates and has been declared extremely doubtful to be in Mancini’s squad for tomorrow’s trip to Everton.Tevez is convinced with another week’s training under his belt, he will be fit enough to face Stoke.However, that is not enough for Mancini, who feels the 26-year-old has to play some part in a potentially crucial encounter with top-four rivals Tottenham at Eastlands on May 10 if he is to stand any chance of being involved.“If Carlos doesn’t play against Tottenham, it is impossible for him to play in the final,” said the City chief.“There is a chance but, at this moment, it is 50%.“He continues to train and yesterday he did something with us.“But it is difficult to know now what is going to happen in the next week.“We have 10 days but I don’t know. We are waiting. We hope he will recover.”If Tevez is not deemed fit enough, it will only fuel speculation the former Manchester United star is heading for pastures new this summer.History suggests the striker does not remain anywhere very long and by the end of this month, he will have matched the two years he spent at Old Trafford.Inter Milan are said to be amongst those interested, although City officials insist they have not received any approach for the player even if there is a realistic attitude at Eastlands to what drama may surround a player who slapped in a transfer request earlier this season.Understandably, Mancini is not prepared to let anything rock the boat at this delicate stage of the season.“It is no problem,” said the City chief. “Carlos has a contract with the club.“Just now it is very important to think about the next 10 days because they are going to be very important for the club.“We can speak about other things afterwards.”Should City gain the four points Mancini feels will be enough to secure Champions League qualification, a reshaping of his squad is inevitable.However, due to the forthcoming implementation of UEFA’s financial fair play rules, high earners currently out on loan, such as Emmanuel Adebayor, Craig Bellamy, Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz will have to be ushered out of the club before further spending can be agreed.There are others still at City whose futures are uncertain, particularly Brazilian forward Jo, crowd favourite Shaun Wright-Phillips and Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given.However, potential departures do not include Germany defender Jerome Boateng, who is attracting interest from Bayern Munich.“I am happy about that. If Bayern want him, it means he is a good player,” said Mancini of the former Hamburg man.“Jerome has had many problems this year, including three or four injuries. But he is staying here.“I see him as a big part of the future. He is a young player and if he doesn’t have a problem next year he will be one of the best defenders in Europe.”
Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell desperate to be establish as a regular and rid himself of mere ‘potential’ tag
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 6 2011
JACK RODWELL is fed-up of hearing that he is a bright young thing, the next great hope or a young player on the path to greatness. The Southport 20-year-old has been living with the expectations of such epithets since before he kicked a ball for the Everton first team, and now feels like drawing a line under them.Because Rodwell, heralded so often as a future England lion and hyped beyond his actual achievements so far in a royal blue shirt, just wants to become another Premier League campaigner who tastes 90 minutes of action week in, week out.A stop-start campaign largely hampered through an ankle injury suffered last year at Aston Villa has left Rodwell feeling frustrated and fed-up as he has watched from the sidelines for most of a campaign he was tipped to grab by the throat.“I don’t want to be that young up and coming player anymore,” he says as he wears Everton’s new amber 2011/12 season away kit for the first time. “I want to be an established first team regular. For me to do that I’ve just got to get back to back games.“I want 20 games together and some form so people can recognise me as that player. There’s a lot of talk off the pitch and comparisons here and there. Obviously a lot of it is flattering but you’ve got to focus on your own game and not let it distract you from getting your form back. If I can get a few goals and confidence I’ll be OK.“I’ve not had a good run in any position really this season. I’ve come on and played here and there, and I’ve not really nailed down a position.”Rodwell’s most eye-catching goal to date was that strike against Manchester United at Goodison Park last season, but he believes he can score dynamic strikes like that more often.He said: “I know I can score goals. Last season there were times when I got license to roam forward and I’ve got a few goals so that was good for me. I feel like I can do that definitely.”The midfielder is not overly worried that he is vulnerable to being thought of as injury prone, and is philosophical about his various infuriating set-backs.“I’m not worried because that’s part and parcel of football,” he says. “Look at most players and they’ve had a big injury that has ruled them out for a chunk of the season.“For me there’s been a few niggling ones and one serious one, but it’s just how it is. Every athlete gets injured. The first one was a tackle and you can’t do anything about that, and I’ve been feeling it all season.“Look at Felli (Marouane Fellaini). He’s had two serious ankle injuries and he bounced back from them. He’s a great example of getting fit quickly. If I think back to his ankle injury against Liverpool, it was in a really bad way, but he started the first game of the following season and was flying after that.“I take inspiration from that, although my ankle wasn’t quite as serious as his. It was 50/50 whether I’d need an operation and thankfully I got the nod it wasn’t necessary. Ankle injuries can stick with you for a bit, but I feel I’ve shaken mine off.”Rodwell is looking forward to seeing an old friend, in Joleon Lescott, back at Goodison again on Saturday when the England defender returns for the first time with Manchester City looking to solidify their fourth spot in the Premier League and enter the realms of European football’s premium competition.“I was with Joleon for a good couple of seasons,” he says. “He was a big character and a big player who was with us for a couple of seasons, and I think the fans know that.“I’m not sure what reception he’ll get but the fans recognised his ability with us. His transfer was a bit weird because nobody really knows what happened and it was.”Rodwell is fully aware that the visitors on Saturday will carry a goal threat from someone he maintains he been the top flight’s stand-out performer this season, Carlos Tevez.He said: “Tevez is amazing; he’s done it when it mattered. Samir Nasri has really come on leaps and bounds too. He struggled at first in premier league but now he’s clicked and he’s top draw. My aim now is to finish strongly in the last few games, continue to improve my match fitness and then go into the summer full of confidence to show everybody what I can do in Denmark. Hopefully the Everton fans will see a lot more of me next season.”Both are players Rodwell insists are truly living up to their star billing, something he is determined, in his own quiet way, to start doing as well now.
Howard Kendall: Everton FC gave the ball away too easily against Wigan and got what they deserved
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 6 2011
I WAS mystified that Mikel Arteta took Everton’s first penalty at Goodison, but the Spaniard’s miss was not the reason the Blues didn’t take all three points from Wigan.In truth David Moyes’ team didn’t deserve the win, and just didn’t do enough during the 90 minutes to get the required point boost to keep them in the scrap for sixth place.I can only guess that David Moyes decided to let Arteta go back on spot-kick duties to try and boost his morale on returning to the side.That can be the only explanation when you consider that Leighton Baines has scored his last two so confidently.But their most glaring problem at the DW stadium was nothing to do with penalty kicks – it was how cheaply and often Everton gave away the ball.It wasn’t just the visitors – Wigan are a lovely footballing side under Roberto Martinez but they couldn’t keep the ball either.In fact, I’ve not seen a game for a long time when players seemed so uptight on the ball and kept on passing away possession.Perhaps it was because the stakes were so high - especially for the Latics.They are a team under pressure, and you could see that when they fluffed a couple of gilt-edged chances that really should have brought them a crucial home win.Of course Everton lacked bite up front once again, and I can’t help thinking it’s no use changing the strikers all the time. Victor Anichebe started but was replaced by Jermaine Beckford, and while neither scored I think it’d be better for the manager to decided on which one he rates more for now and leave them in the team until the end of the season to see if they can find form that way.I don’t expect Goodison to grant Phil Neville’s plea of clemency for Joleon Lescott on Saturday PHIL NEVILLE is being his reasonable and charitable self asking for the Evertonians at Goodison on Saturday to go easy on Joleon Lescott.It’s clear that the England defender was well liked by his Everton team-mates, and none of them want to see him singled out by the home fans on his first return. However, I think Phil is on a hiding to nothing with his request. While Lescott’s sale was a tremendous piece of business for Everton – and they got a ready-made replacement in Sylvain Distin – many fans won’t forget Lescott’s failure to applaud them before the Arsenal thumping which came shortly before he left.They are entitled to express their displeasure.Sad state of affairs for my two former clubs Preston North End and Sheffield United FC IT WAS with real sadness that I realised that Sheffield United and Preston North End have both been relegated to the third tier of English football after poor campaigns in the Championship.I have been employed by both clubs and have a great deal of affection for them – the only plus point on a personal note is that I wasn’t responsible for taking either of them down!It makes my mind boggle that a city as big and football mad as Sheffield now has its two historic old clubs playing so far from the Premier League.I’m sure League One is not where those supporters want to be watching their football and I hope they can both see their sides gain rapid promotion up through the leagues soon.Back to the Premier League and it looks like the title race is set to go to the wire, which could mean Everton’s final game of the season at Goodison taking on crucial significance for Carlo Ancelotti’s visiting Chelsea side.I wonder if Everton’s former Manchester United players; Phil Neville and Tim Howard, may have extra motivation to try and stop the title going to West London and keep the Red Devils on track for their 19th league win – which would of course better Liverpool’s record.
Dave Prentice – Ex-Everton FC defender Joleon Lescott is a rebel in search of applause
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 6 2011
DESPITE the ironic cries of “Shoot!” whenever he crosses the halfway line, Phil Neville rarely misses the target.Except for this week.“I want the Everton fans to go easy on Joleon,” said the Everton captain, trying to sweeten his former team- mate’s Goodison return for the first time since jilting the Royal Blues for a paler hue, adding “he played for the club in a magical era and helped us to an FA Cup Final. He left in bad circumstances, but he is a good defender.” It’s not often I disagree with anything that comes from the Everton captain. He boasts an exemplary attitude, is a much under-rated performer and a footballer whose very presence always seems to make Everton play better.But well intentioned though Neville’s words were, they were wrong.I’m fortunate enough to have watched Everton play through a truly ‘magical’ era.It started, nominally, with Kevin Brock’s backpass in January 1984 and ended, effectively, with Howard Kendall’s departure in the summer of 1987.It was an era which saw two league titles, one FA Cup, one European trophy and three- and-a-half Charity Shields (it was shared in 1986), not to mention three successive Cup Final appearances, Everton players collecting all the Player of the Year awards for 1985 and ’86 and fans walking on air out of Goodison Park almost every time they witnessed magical talents like Kevin Sheedy, Trevor Steven, Adrian Heath, Andy Gray, Graeme Sharp and Neville Southall. Joleon Lescott played for the Blues between 2006 and 2009, an era when Everton reached an FA Cup final, a Carling Cup semi – and qualified for Europe twice.Occasionally enoyable, the only truly ‘magical’ afternoon was at Wembley when Neville planted a penalty kick past Ben Foster.But hey. I’m fully aware of the irony of a journalist accusing a footballer of using exaggerated vocabulary, so we’ll let that one go.It’s the suggestion that Evertonians shouldn’t boo Lescott which jarred most.Generally, returning players receive a generous reception at Goodison Park – witness James Beattie’s ovation when he turned up with Blackpool earlier this season.But sometimes the reception is more vicious – usually when fans feel slighted. Wayne Rooney declared he was ‘always a Blue,’ then scooted off down the East Lancs Road, Nick Barmby did even worse, he crossed the park, while Joleon Lescott delivered a big fat, custard pie to the face of every Evertonian when he joined Manchester City in August 2009. Everton had just finished 13 points ahead of City.They’d taken Lescott from the Championship and helped him become an England international. And they had aspirations of finally breaking through the glass ceiling into Champions League territory.‘All’ City had to offer was bucketfuls of cash – and that’s something you can’t buy a football fans’ affection with.So Joleon Lescott will be booed tomorrow, and I have absolutely no problem with that.And neither should his former Goodison team-mate. The day an Echo hack got stuck into the boos!IT’S not the done thing to boo in a press box – even if the half-time meat pies are cold.Journalists rarely do boos.Booze? Of course. Jeers and catcalls? Certainly not.Except once – on a memorable afternoon at Elland Road in 1995. It was the day Joe Royle’s Dogs of War upset London’s finest.The Leeds United press box back then was an enclosed room set behind smoked glass – an executive style lounge with all the atmosphere of Pluto.But it meant you could hear every comment and every exchange.And that day there were plenty.That morning the Daily Mail’s London hack had written a triumphant column in which he declared: “I’ve looked into my crystal ball and never have I been more certain that we’ll be seeing a Manchester United v Tottenham Cup final. It’s the dream final.”The Mersey press contingent, predictably, differed in their opinions – none more so than one Echo columnist who was even more outspoken in the flesh than he was on the page.And he didn’t shrink in print.Those views were given voice when Daniel Amokachi’s second goal rippled the Spurs net.Old Hall Street’s finest – I’ll spare his blushes for now – leaped out of his seat and started wagging his finger at the cockney contingent.“How’s your crystal ball looking now?” he rapped, before developing the theme in a far fruitier manner than he ever did in print.It was a tone embraced by the Everton manager in his post-match press conference.“Sorry about the dream final lads, but b****cks to you. And that’s with a double-L,” joked Royle.Football managers often accuse journalists of watching a different game.That afternoon they were singing from the very same hymn sheet.
Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell vows to add goals to his game
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 6 2011
JACK RODWELL wants to prove he can become the complete goal-scoring midfielder at Everton – as he admitted he does not want the season to end. The 20-year-old England U-21 international accepts he has not found enough form or fitness this season, but has set his sights on showing David Moyes he can start to fulfil his potential before the campaign ends.Rodwell has managed to feature in the Toffees’ last three games, as he tries to finish the season strongly and get on the sore sheet in the league for the first time since March 2010.12 He said: “I want to dominate games from central midfield. I want to be getting from box to box and running games, with the play coming through me. But I know I need to get consistency first.“I’ve got two 90 minutes and an 80 minutes under my belt and it’s a bit weird to say that because I haven’t had that many games this season. It’s good for me and hopefully the last three games I can get some fitness.“It’s been a frustrating season personally. There have been a lot of injuries and lack of form due to that but it’s behind me now. I’ve been a long way from top form. It started off with the injury at Villa which put me out for a while and I couldn’t seem to get back going “The next three games are massive for me, then I’ve got the summer and the England U-21 tournament so I want to take a bit of form into that.” Rodwell, who continues to be linked with a summer move to Manchester United or Arsenal, insists he is ignoring the speculation and wants simply to help Everton end another season they started poorly on a high note.He said: “We’ve finished strong so far with only one defeat in nine. Although we didn’t play too well against United and Wigan, we’re still on a good run in terms of results and we want to keep that going.“Speculation doesn’t affect players at all. You focus on the games and don’t let anything like that affect you.”Rodwell hopes he can also help England win some silverware this summer, during the U-21 European championships in Denmark.He said: “Winning a tournament would be a great boost. Having that experience will help everybody’s development and it would also be a huge thing for the country. It is a massive tournament to be involved in.“Personally, I won’t feel tired in the summer because I have not had that many games this season. It would be good for me, if anything, to help get that sharpness back.”
Everton land Barclays Academy Premier League Group C title and take on Aston Villa in play-off semi-final
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post
May 6 2011
EVERTON under-18s finally secured the Barclays Premier Academy Group C title on Friday without kicking a ball.Having already completed their regular season fixtures, Neil Dewsnip’s side had to wait to see if neighbours Liverpool would overtake them and take the place in the national play-offs.Needing a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Kirkby Academy, Liverpool could only draw 2-2, meaning Everton’s stayed on top the north west section table.Everton will take on Group B winners Aston Villa at home on Monday to try and secure a place in the final against either Sunderland or Fulham.Everton coach Dewsnip was naturally delighted. And he said: “We have been preparing as if we were going to play again so we will be ready for the Aston Villa game. Hopefully we can go all the way.”Fellow Academy coach Kevin Sheedy, who along with the players, was among those watching the Liverpool match on television at Finch Farm, said: “The boys deserve it. We have been top of the table for a long time and have been there to shoot at in some regards. But we stuck to our guns and got some good results along the way.”
Manchester City’s FA Cup fever can work for us - Everton FC captain Phil Neville
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 6 2011
PHIL NEVILLE believes Everton can capitalise on any Manchester City minds wandering towards Wembley tomorrow.The two teams clash at Goodison with David Moyes’s men looking to continue their hoodoo over their Eastlands rivals.Everton have won six of their last seven games against City, including a 2-1 away win played in Arctic conditions in December.While the Goodison outfit are aiming to strengthen their grip on seventh place, their visitors know victory could be enough to seal a first-ever Champions League qualification.But with City facing Stoke City in the FA Cup final the following Saturday, Everton skipper Neville is hopeful Everton can take advantage of such a distraction.“Champions League football is massive and when you are trying to get to the very top the best way to do it is in small steps rather than giant leaps,” said Neville.“They seem to be making small steps at the moment, last year Europa League – this year Champions League and if they win a trophy that will spur them on.“People go on about their finances but I don’t. They’ve got quality players and a manager that knows how to bring success.“We just hope that they’ve got one eye on the Cup final because they are a team full of world class players and we’ll have to be at our best and more to get a result.” Everton could come up against former defender Joleon Lescott for the first time since his controversial £22million move to City almost two years ago.The Goodison have since played the Eastlands team three times – winning on each occasion – but Lescott has not subsequently appeared in the fixture.However, the 28-year-old has become a regular in City’s starting line-up following the suspension of Kolo Toure, and Neville has urged the Goodison crowd not to target the player for abuse.“I want the Everton fans to go easy on Joleon,” said the Everton skipper. “He played for the club in a magical era and helped us to an FA Cup Final. He left in bad circumstances, but he is a good defender.”Neville has also warned Everton must be on their guard against controversial City striker Mario Balotelli, who has created headlines not always for the right reasons since arriving from Inter Milan last summer.“He’s a nightmare to play against because more than anything he’s got undoubted ability and when someone has got that ability you’ve got to pay them the respect they deserve,” said Neville.“People forget he’s a young player, and when you’re young you do things that are wrong as well as right, that’s just the fabric of young players.“We’ve got two young players – Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman – and you don’t quite get the consistency you do at that age as you do at 24 or 25. But I’ve watched him (Balotelli) play in the last few weeks and I think he’s been outstanding, forget the rubbish that goes along with him – he’s a quality player.”
Everton v Manchester City: Preview
May 06, 2011 (Manchester Evening Post)
Roberto Mancini looks back at the season and pinpoints the moments when his side’s title challenge faltered and died.And the Blues boss believes that if he and his team can learn the lessons from their brief winter of discontent they will be really ready to take on United, Chelsea and Arsenal next season.Mancini feels a period from the end of January to March, when City suffered a glut of injuries to key players and consequently slipped up in important matches, was the killer.City began 2011 top of the Premier League but then lost away games at Aston Villa, United, Chelsea and Liverpool, with disappointing draws at Birmingham and at home to Fulham thrown in for good measure.That came at a time when key men like Nigel de Jong, Adam Johnson, Micah Richards, Mario Balotelli and Jerome Boateng all had spells out of the side through injury.And Mancini feels that, barring those problems, the Blues might just be facing Everton this weekend with the prospect of fellow challengers United and Chelsea taking points off each other.“We look back at the games where we dropped points, but this is experience,” said Mancini, whose side remain on course to achieve their primary aim of a top-four finish and an FA Cup win.“We lost games when we had five or six important players injured at a crucial time between February and March. That is important experience for next year – it is normal that we make some mistakes.”The manager added that he takes no personal satisfaction in being on the brink of fulfilling his remit, after a season when he has taken some flak for his team’s football, and has been the subject of speculation about his future.
Criticism
“I don’t read newspapers so I don’t know about any criticism, but our target at the start of the season was the Champions League,” he said.“After that, if it was possible, we wanted to get to the final of the Europa League or FA Cup.“We are in the final and have a chance of Champions League so – until now – it has been a good season. But the next ten days will be important and we need to finish the job well.“We have four games left and have a very big chance at this moment. Our first target at the start of the season was to get into the Champions League.”The Blues can secure fourth spot by taking four points from the next two games, as rivals Spurs visit Eastlands on Tuesday after City’s visit to Everton.With a seven-point gap opening up as Tottenham have flagged in the final straight, some see the Blues as home and hosed, but Mancini has warned his players against complacency, especially with bogey team Everton standing in the way.The Merseysiders have won five of the last six meetings between the two, and are the only team to have chalked up three straight wins over the Blues during Mancini’s reign as manager.Mancini has also pointed out that things could still go pear-shaped.“Right now we have nothing,” he said. “We are in the final, but we still have to play that final. We are in fourth place, but there are still four games to go.“We have worked very hard for a year to get into the Champions League and win the FA Cup, but it is still not easy.“We have to play hard in every game.“It is easy for us not to look too far ahead because we have a difficult game tomorrow – it is impossible to think about the final now, or anything else.”But the manager stuck to his mantra that landing Champions League football and winning a trophy could transform the club, not least by helping to attract two or three big-name signings in the summer.“It is important that we reach both targets,” he said. “If we do that and improve the team by buying other good players, we have a chance in the league next season.“I think we need four points to be 100 per cent sure but we have a difficult game and it is important that we play very well against Everton because it is always a difficult game for us. We want to change that.“Bad records always finish sometime, and I hope it can finish tomorrow.“Sometimes it happens that one team always beats another team, and I don’t know why that happens.“Last time we played them we deserved to win but we had a problem with starting games slowly, and did that against Everton, and they scored two goals in ten minutes.“We also had a problem with Pablo Zabaleta being off the field for treatment which meant we played for ten minutes with ten players. But tomorrow will be very hard and we have to be prepared to fight.”The Blues should be boosted by the return of Micah Richards to the bench, with a decision being taken after he trains on Friday.But Pablo Zabaleta and Nigel de Jong are expected to shake off knocks and play, while Carlos Tevez appears to be winning his battle to be fit for the clash with Spurs.But Everton, staging their traditional late-season surge of form, also have players returning, not least Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta, who have both been the scourge of City in recent seasons.Defender John Heitinga is also back in contention.Marouane Fellaini and Louis Saha (both ankle) are the only major absentees having been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Everton (from): Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Neville, Cahill, Rodwell, Arteta, Osman, Anichebe, Beckford, Bilyaletdinov, Gueye, Heitinga, Mustafi, Duffy, Vellios, Mucha.
Manchester City (from): Hart, Given, Taylor, Richards, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, Boyata, Wright-Phillips, Y Toure, De Jong, Vieira Milner, Barry, Johnson, Silva, Dzeko, Balotelli, Jo, McGivern.
Everton league form: DWWLD
Manchester City league form: LWLWW
Key opponent: Tim Cahill - has a habit of scoring against City
Prediction: Everton 0 City 1 - City have been grinding out the games well lately - just what is required at Goodison Park
Angus Loughran: Tim Cahill 7/1 to keep up Everton goalscoring streak against Manchester City
Liverpool Echo
May 7 2011
AS FOR the blue half of Merseyside it’s a tough home match against Man City. I fully expect City to get a Champions League place next season but they won’t find it easy at Goodison Park. Everton have won six of their last seven encounters with City so it might be worth backing the Toffees at 9/5.
Everton will also be boosted by the return to fitness of Tim Cahill and he has the opened the scoring in three of the last four games he has started against Manchester City. The Aussie is a big price at 7/1 to continue this excellent record
Academy football: Everton FC win Barclays Premier Academy league after Liverpool FC are held by Wolves
Liverpool Echo
May 7 2011
EVERTON under-18s secured the Barclays Premier Academy Group C title on Friday – without kicking a ball.Having already completed their regular season fixtures, Neil Dewsnip’s side had to wait to see if neighbours Liverpool would overtake them and take the place in the national play-offs.Needing a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Kirkby Academy, Liverpool could only draw 2-2, meaning Everton’s stayed on top the north west section table.Everton will take on Group B winners Aston Villa at home on Monday to try and secure a place in the final against either Sunderland or Fulham.Everton coach Dewsnip was naturally delighted. And he said: “We have been preparing as if we were going to play again so we will be ready for the Aston Villa game. Hopefully we can go all the way.”Fellow Academy coach Kevin Sheedy, who along with the players, was among those watching the Liverpool match on television at Finch Farm, said: “The boys deserve it. We have been top of the table for a long time and have been there to shoot at in some regards. But we stuck to our guns and got some good results along the way.”Liverpool fell short despite two goals from Congolese forward Henoc Mukendi.Rodolfo Borrell’s youngsters needed to beat Wolves again, having secured a 4-0 win over them earlier in the week, to overtake their neighbours at the top of the section.A dramatic match in which Liverpool led twice, ended in controversial circumstances when in the last seconds of the fourth minute of stoppage time Liverpool felt they were denied a penalty as substitute Michael Ngoo went down. The appeals were in vain as the referee blew his whistle for time to end their title hopes.It was a sad way to end for the Reds youngsters, but they paid for an at times nervous performance and not taking more of the numerous chances they had, particularly in the second half.
Liverpool almost went behind after five minutes.Cameroon-born German youth international centre-back Stephen Sama blocked superbly off the line after Wolves’ Johnny Gorman – who has already been capped at senior level for Northern Ireland – went round Tyrell Belford and shot for goal.
Five minutes later Toni Silva, who had opened the scoring earlier this week in the 4-0 victory, raced on to Kristjan Emilsson’s fine through ball, but he lost his footing as he was about to shoot.After 18 minutes, Mukendi put Liverpool ahead after a superb ball by Krisztian Adorjan set him up to fire low under Aaron McCarey for his first goal of the season.On the half-hour mark, Mukendi found himself in a similar position from another pass by Hungarian forward Adorjan, but this time he was denied by the Wolves keeper.Liverpool started slowly again in the second half and three minutes after the break, Wolves levelled. Liam McAlinden bundled Jordan Cranston’s cross from close range.On 57 minutes, Liverpool regained the lead with a 25-yard curling effort from Mukendi, which bounced over the despairing dive of McCarey.Four minutes later, Mukendi bustled his way through and teed up Ngoo to take on the shot, but the former Southend striker – who had come off the bench to hit a hat-trick earlier in the week – fired over.Wolves were certainly doing their best to try and spoil the party and Liverpool captain Conor Coady had to head clear on a couple occasions as the match entered the last 15 minutes. Then, with 13 minutes left, Wolves’ Republic Of Ireland youth international Anthony Forde fired in a low drive into the bottom corner from 20 yards after the ball had only been half-cleared.A minute later ,Liverpool should really have gone back in front. Adorjan’s free-kick was diverted to Sama at the far post but his weak header was straight at McCarey.Liverpool piled forward in search of the goal that could give them the title, but after Ngoo’s charge into the area was checked, Portuguese forward Silva agonisingly saw his shot go inches wide.With five minutes left, Coady’s header from Silva’s free-kick was easily held. Substitute Walsh saw his cross-shot touched over and then on the break McAlinden broke but his shot was superbly blocked by Belford.Then came the penalty claim – and a red card for Craig Roddan after some over-zealous protests.On that sour note, the title dream was over.
LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Belford, Rafferty, Coady,Sama, McGiveron, Silva, Roddan, Roberts (Walsh 87), Mukendi, Adorjan, Emilsson (Ngoo 45). Subs: King, Stephens, Hatch.
Royal Blue: Psychology behind the booing of former Everton FC hero Joleon Lescott
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 7 2011
EVERTON fans are a savvy bunch with less illusions about their club and more pragmatism than many other modern football supporters.Yet still many Toffees fall into the same traditional trap of expecting loyalty in the face of overwhelming riches from players, particularly those not from Merseyside, that sign for their club.I’m talking of course about Joleon Lescott - since the England defender and former Goodison power-house, will run out at the Old Lady in opposition colours for the first time today since his move to Manchester City two seasons ago.Despite countless examples to the contrary during the Sky Premier League era - and before - supporters allow themselves to confuse their voluntary devotion to a club with the day to day allegiance of an employee.It’s the disparity summed up by many a pub bore who put it rather too simply along the lines of... “If you were head-hunted by another firm/builders/newspaper etc, told you could quadruple your money, and didn’t even have to move house, what would you do?”Furthermore, the argument says, what did Lescott owe Everton?He was born and raised in Birmingham, and playing for Wolves when a bigger club, in Everton, signed him in 2006.The defender had been named Wolves young player of the season for two years running, and as a Molineux academy graduate who was a firm crowd favourite it was probably safe to assume the Black Country faithful were not overly thrilled about him ditching them for a better offer either.Few Evertonians would have been accusing Lescott of being a money-grabber when he signed for David Moyes though.The player had simply performed well enough to earn an opportunity, and then taken it. Everton benefited.Indeed two seasons later, what happened in August 2009 was basically the same thing.It’s not to say the transfer was handled particularly well by Lescott and his representatives, and the England international’s failure to recognise the Goodison applause before his last calamitous appearance in royal blue was to his detriment.But behind the inevitable barracking that the 28-year-old will receive today lies an interesting insight into the psychology of football fans.Essentially it is a form of the same suspension of disbelief that allows people to become enthralled in a fictional film or novel while, as Samuel Coleridge described, ‘suspending judgement concerning the implausibility of the narrative’.In the real world it’s irrational and unrealistic to expect an ordinary individual like a footballer, with no particular emotional ties to a club, to remain loyal to that club in the face of massive incentive to move elsewhere.Supporters are entitled to expect complete commitment and effort from players while they are contracted to their club - and if Lescott is jeered for supposedly allowing his focus to drop in that 6-1 defeat by Arsenal then so be it (even if his team-mates insist that was not the case).It’s natural for fans to react angrily when former heroes like Lescott return, but what does booing really achieve? Surely silent disdain would be a classier retort for players who have walked away.Nostalgia plays its part too, more so in a club as rich in history as Everton, were supporters are passed down folk tales of men like Dixie Dean, Dave Hickson and Brian Labone - Corinthians who they believe loved the club as much as them. In many cases - certainly those three - it’s true.But football has long since become a different entity.Sylvain Distin, one of the trio bought with Manchester City’s £22m, was certainly a key player for Portsmouth but was tempted to Merseyside when Pompey were relegated.The Frenchman is one of the nicest men in football, and was equally highly thought of at Portsmouth, but when a better offer came along he ultimately thought of his himself and his family. Just like Lescott.
Everton FC fan John Higgins gets his hands on more silverware
BLUES fans may still be waiting to see their team lift some silverware – but at least one high-profile Evertonian has got his hands on a trophy this season. Controversial snooker player John Higgins won another World snooker title against worthy opponent Judd Trump recently, and pulled on his Everton scarf to celebrate afterwards. John, whose loyalties are split between the Toffees and Celtic, claimed his fourth Betfred.com World Championship title on Monday as the most harrowing 12 months of his life ended in triumph.Higgins broke down in tears at mention of his late father, the man who guided his career and died in February, but savoured his victory.He said: "It's been great. It's an unbelievable moment."A year ago to the day, Higgins was the subject of frame-fixing allegations which overshadowed the final. He was charged by the snooker authorities, but battled to clear his name and largely succeeded.The fixing charges were dropped and a six-month ban for minor offences around betting kept him sidelined only until November.A triumph at the UK Championship in December was followed by the Welsh Open title in February, just days after the death of his father, John snr.
Barry Horne: Joleon Lescott not to blame for transfer acrimony when he left Everton FC to join Man City
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
May 7 2011
EVERTON welcome Manchester City today, even if David Moyes may not be quite so welcoming of his opposite number after their touchline shenanigans last season! While City’s interest will be focused on their chase for a Champions League place next season, of most interest to Blues fans will be the return of Joleon Lescott. I was a huge fan of Joleon at Everton and he deservedly picked up several Player of the Year awards.But while his bank balance will undoubtedly be much enlarged, he’s not the first player to discover that the grass isn’t always greener away from Goodison Park.Having said that I don’t particularly wish him ill and take no pleasure in having seen his career falter. But I don’t even need to look backwards to realise something I knew at the time – that Joleon appeared to have been badly advised which led to the acrimonious departure.The whole transfer wasn’t handled well and I think you have to blame Manchester City for that and Joleon’s advisors, rather than the player.It is possible that deals can be done where all parties are happy and that should have been the case here.Everton got a lot of money, the player got his move and everyone should have been happy.But City did not act with any class or integrity, ultimately forcing the player into a position where he was inevitably going to have to upset the Everton fans. He was a player who did well for us, we made a lot of money on him and I’m sure that he would have preferred to have left under different circumstances.Most returning players get a good reception from the Goodison fans. His may be lukewarm to say the least, but I don’t think it should be nasty or aggresive.
If QPR are guilty – they should be relegated
I HAVE written in the past about how football administrators seem to make life extraordinarily difficult for themselves by not acting decisively enough.But in terms of dithering the Football League has excelled all expectations with the QPR fiasco.The Football League has known about their situation for months and has presumably allowed the situation to drag on in the hope that it would resolve itself, i.e. that QPR finished in a benign position in the league allowing them to dock points without anyone suffering unduly.As things stand it looks like the only way out is to either clear the club, which given the information already in the public domain seems unlikey, or to fudge the issue.The League must be hoping that QPR at least maintain their points advantage over Cardiff at the weekend which would enable them to dock the club points yet maintain the status quo in respect of the rest of the league.I can’t see any other way they could get out of it. Clubs are regularly docked points for fielding an ineligible player on one occasion and thrown out of the FA Cup, even if that is due to a genuine mistake.If it is proved that QPR have systematically and repeatedly given the Football League false information, as they are have been charged, then that is a whole different level of rule breaking.That is far more serious. If they are found guilty they should be prevented from going up. In fact they should be relegated – a scenario which would cause chaos.
* IN last week’s column I mentioned Everton under-18s’ emphatic derby victory. Since then they have clinched the FA Premier Academy League.Congratulations must go to Neil Dewsnip’s staff, but also the players involved of course. We all look forward to seeing them progress. But I’m sure everyone at the club will be telling them that however hard they have worked to get where they are, they’re going to have to work even harder to make the next step. Sadly for some of those lads the last few weeks will be the highlight of their football careers.For the few who go on to bridge the huge gap between youth and senior football the hard work and sacrifice will be worth it.It will be fantastic if two or three of them go on to be good enough to play for Everton.
Goodison crowds mean we won’t give up the fight says Everton FC boss David Moyes
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 7 2011
David Moyes DAVID Moyes insists there are 40,000 reasons why Everton will not give up the fight to end their season on a high.Because while the Blues’ prospects of moving higher up the league table seem bleak, Moyes insists that two capacity Goodison crowds in the campaign’s run-in will make enough noise to ensure the players stay focused.The Toffees boss is now more concerned at being overhauled by the chasing pack below him in the Premier League, rather than catching sixth-placed Spurs.It might not be the way the Scot wanted to end a season he had such high hopes for, but he is adamant that his players must not show anything but total desire to win in the last three games.“We have got to try and keep the focus,” he says as he prepares for the visit of Manchester City to Goodison today.“The crowds will keep us focused and make sure we finish the season strongly.”While neutral observers may claim finishing seventh would be an achievement for Everton given their lack of resources, Moyes is quick to disagree.“I wouldn’t say that. I thought we had the capabilities to do really well,” he says. “Now for us to hang on to seventh might be the achievement. I thought there were points when we would struggle to get back into the top 10.“I knew we had enough to stay away from the bottom but midway through the season I didn’t know whether we’d have enough to get into the top half.”It is, he admits, far removed from his ambitions last summer. While other members of Everton’s first team have recently described their frustration at a missed opportunity this season, Moyes is determined to prevent them from suffering a psychological hang-over next term.“I think that is exactly how we will feel. We within the camp thought we had a great chance.“We thought we could be successful but it didn’t pan out. We had a chance and we didn’t take our opportunities. We didn’t perform well and made critical mistakes.“I need to make sure that it doesn’t happen next year. I need to make sure that I can do things to combat what happened and see if we can prevent it happening again.”Moyes accept his team are open to accusations of only performing when the pressure is off, after they rose to the challenge against supposedly superior teams like Chelsea in the FA Cup and Spurs at Goodison, then wilted against opponents many believed they should beat like Wolves and Wigan.“Teams were coming here and saying ‘Everton are a good side, let’s park the bus’,” he says. “They waited for us to come and break them down and we were not capable of doing that. It wasn’t because we were playing badly. We just didn’t have the players who might get us the goals.“How do you change that?It’s more to do with recruitment. That needs to be changed.”That recruitment is made far easier for managers like Roberto Mancini. The Italian is the beneficiary of City’s unlimited funds, something Moyes admits he would love even if he insists there is no room for jealousy.The Everton boss is quick to point out the continuing progress of the Eastlands outfit under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour.But while City can take a significant step towards their season’s ultimate goal of Champions League qualification with victory at Goodison, Moyes is not worrying about his own club’s relatively meagre resources.He said: “I think all managers would look and say there is a bit of envy because of what they have got, but you can’t do that.“You have got to get on with your own job and look at your own team and what you can do. The players play for Everton and they play against whoever is put out.“We look at Manchester City and acknowledge they have a team full of talent, but so do we and hopefully we will be able to show that.”Moyes sees parallels between Everton and City as both have spent large portions of their histories in the shadow of more illustrious neighbours. That, he believes, makes for feisty encounters between the sides.“We have always been, in both cities, underdogs,” said Moyes, whose side have won six of the last seven against City.“Both of us have been fighting to overhaul the biggest teams in the city and so from that point of view there is a game on. But Manchester City in recent years have become one of the biggest clubs not just in our country, but the world. It will make for a good game and hopefully a competitive one.”One issue that has been resolved this week is that in-form Leighton Baines will retain penalty-taking duties.Baines scored two from the spot during Mikel Arteta’s recent absence but deferred to the Spaniard, who missed, when the team were awarded another spot-kick at the DW Stadium.Moyes said: “I think it was Bainesy who was happy to pass it back to Mikel when we got it and Mikel normally does the business for us as well.“It is not really a big debate. Lots of really good players miss penalties. Bainesy will get on with taking them.”
Everton FC boss David Moyes urges Victor Anichebe to get back on the goal trail
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 7 2011
DAVID MOYES has urged Victor Anichebe to win over the Goodison faithful by proving he can still score goals for Everton.The 23-year-old striker received a muted reception from the travelling supporters at Wigan last weekend, and has yet to find the back of the net during another injury-hit season.But Moyes believes the Nigerian showed promise in his display at the DW stadium, and hopes he can rediscover the form that saw him voted the fans’ young player of the season for 2007/08.He said: “I think he is someone with a lot in the tank and he needs to show us what he is capable of. "The most disappointing thing is that a year ago he was scoring me goals. "He is doing some bits that are good but he needs to start getting some goals.“I remember Aston Villa a couple of years ago at Goodison Park when he did really well. "He has got to do it more often.”Moyes said Anichebe should ideally be encouraged by supporters before games, although he accepted his players will ultimately be judged on their performances each week.He said: “He didn’t deserve any criticism for his performance at Wigan. All I ever say to the players is that you get judged by what you do on the pitch. If you do well there, you will get selected. To get judged before the game is wrong.“I think anyone who gets criticised by the supporters it has an effect, it doesn’t matter who you are or what club you play for.”Moyes has more personnel options than usual recently as he prepares to host FA Cup finalists Manchester City today.Key pair Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta are both getting closer to full match fitness after playing for just over an hour in last week’s disappointing draw at Wigan. John Heitinga could also come back into contention after two games out with a hamstring injury.Meanwhile, Moyes hopes an England Under-21 call-up won't affect Jack Rodwell next season. The midfielder is in a provisional 40-man squad for this summer's European Championships.If England progress in Denmark it could mean Rodwell’s season is extended until the end of June.And while Moyes appreciates the importance of the 20-year-old being selected for his country, he cited the form of some of England's players this season following the exertions of last summer's World Cup as a reason for caution.“It is good they have been selected for their country,” he said. “You have got to try and qualify for the big tournaments and England have done that. “It is a tournament that goes on for the whole month of June and it's going to affect those players somewhere.“You look at the effect the World Cup has had on key England players this year, I would expect it to have a similar effect on the younger players sometime next year as well.”Rodwell has actually missed large portions of this season with niggling injuries but Moyes was unsure whether extra summer action would be of benefit to his fitness.“I just think playing in a tournament for England is something they should do. I think it is important. Whether it benefits his match fitness or not I don't know. The tournament should do them good.”
David Moyes challenges Victor Anichebe to start realising his goalscoring potential
Ian Doyle
May 7 2011
DAVID MOYES has challenged Victor Anichebe to start realising his goalscoring potential while admitting the striker has suffered from being a target of the Goodison boo boys.Following an impressive end to the previous campaign, Anichebe’s hopes of becoming a first-team regular have been hampered by a spate of injuries and loss of formThe 22-year-old has been singled out for abuse from sections of the Everton crowd after initially turning down the offer of a new contract before Christmas.Since netting his first Premier League goal five years ago today, Anichebe has scored only six more times in the top flight.And Moyes is eager for the striker to start finally delivering on that early promise."All I ever say to the players is that you get judged by what you do on the pitch," said the Everton manager. "If you do well there, you will get selected."I think he is someone with a lot in the tank and he needs to show us what he is capable of. The most disappointing thing is that a year ago he was scoring me goals. He is doing some bits that are good but he needs to start getting some goals."I remember Aston Villa a couple of years ago at Goodison Park when he did really well. He has got to do it more often."Anichebe’s decision to turn down a lucrative deal last December made him the subject of taunts from an unhappy Goodison during the goalless draw against Wigan Athletic.And although the striker eventually penned a contract extension in January, Moyes admits the booing had left its mark on the player."I think anyone who gets criticised by the supporters it has an effect, it doesn’t matter who you are or what club you play for," he said.Anichebe made his first start since February in last week’s 1-1 draw at Wigan Athletic, and will be looking to retain his place for this afternoon’s visit of Manchester City, against whom he was sent off at Eastlands in December.
While an away win would effectively secure City’s Champions League qualification, Moyes believes Everton have scored their own victory by closing in on a top-seven finish following a poor start to the campaign."For us to hang on to seventh might be the achievement," he added. "I thought there were points when we would struggle to get back into the top 10."I knew we had enough to stay away from the bottom but midway through the season I didn’t know whether we’d have enough to get into the top half."Mikel Arteta marked his return to action at the DW Stadium after more than a month on the sidelines by missing a penalty.Leighton Baines later scored from the spot and will now subsequently assume penalty duties, although Moyes is confident Arteta will not be affected by his miss."He just needs to get back to the form we know he can play to," said the Everton manager. "We all know that he has not reached that form but he is an important player and we want him to get back to being that influence that he has been. I’m sure missing the penalty got him down."Your form doesn’t come back straight away. It was never going to be easy against Wigan. We always knew that being out for six weeks very rarely are you at top tilt straight away."Hopefully that will pick up. Mikel looks after himself really well. He is a top professional and prepares himself well."John Heitinga is vying for a recall after missing the last two games with a hamstring problem, with only long-term absentees Marouane Fellaini and Louis Saha unavailable.
Everton FC v Man City preview: Vision of success still lives on - Tim Cahill
By Ian Doyle
May 7 2011
GOODISON will berate the one that got away this afternoon. But while Joleon Lescott braces himself for a barrage of abuse, Tim Cahill is more concerned by something else that has slipped from within Everton’s grasp.The visit of Champions League-chasing FA Cup finalists Manchester City will serve as a reminder of what might have been for David Moyes’s men this season.After all, it was they and not the Eastlands side that Sir Alex Ferguson was tipping to break into the top four at the start of the campaign. A poor opening, which saw Everton drop to rock bottom after six games, put paid to that ambition.And while fears of relegation have long since been banished by a run of one defeat in nine Premier League games, Cahill admits it is impossible to shake the feeling the Goodison outfit have underachieved."100%, this is the season that got away," says the Australian. "The squad that we had included players in the World Cup, players who are playing for some of the biggest countries in the world. "It would have been nice if we had worked together and it had all gelled sooner, but it didn’t. The fans expect something special every year after what we have achieved and so do we as players."The one thing we can be disappointed with is that if we had got those few extra points at the start of the season then who knows, a European place could have been more realistic."We have some great talented youngsters and next season we can look positive with a few additions. We can look forward to a big season next year, even though we say that every year."Cahill adds: "We still believe we can succeed here. That belief remains intact because of the players and the manager. The chairman and manager have to have the same vision as us, to win something. "The vision is also to finish in the top six. Whether it is money that helps or not the players understand that there isn’t a goldmine of funds and we don’t rely on it."Money, of course, has not been a problem for City since gaining access to Abu Dhabi billions in 2008. It hasn’t exactly happened overnight, but that investment now appears to be bearing fruit.Cahill, though, is not envious. "They have spent £300m to build a team, and like Liverpool, they have spent a lot of money," he says."We have a great foundation, a chairman who loves the club, who always supports the manager and the players. We concentrate on giving players long contracts. "We have a good core of players who love the club and run through brick walls for it. What it is probably about next year is adding more quality. If that puts more pressure on the top players, then we have to deal with it."The benchmark for us is adding more quality and making sure we can be consistent from the start. Our record from the last 15 games is up there with the best of them."But City is a big moment for us as players because we seem to rise to the occasion throughout the season." City is certainly a welcome fixture for Cahill and Everton. Since the Australian arrived at Goodison almost seven years ago, Moyes’s men have won nine and drawn one of the 13 meetings between the teams.Cahill has netted five times against City – all different games, all of which have been won with two of the goals being winners at Eastlands. Indeed, the Australian has scored in the last two clashes, the most recent of which was a 2-1 away win on a bitterly cold December evening."I fancy myself every game I play in, but it is nice that I always seem to get a goal against City," says the Australian."Three weeks ago I was told I was out for the rest of the season, so even to be on the bench or any game time – I had 66 minutes against Wigan, I was on the bench against Man U – as long as I am about the pitch or around the lads, that is all that matters."Injuries and international commitments have restricted Cahill to 23 starts this season. And at 31, the Australian accepts there is increasing competition for his place in the starting line-up by the next wave of Everton hopefuls, despite penning a long-term contract last summer."At the start of this season I was speaking with Phil Neville, one of the leaders on and off the pitch, and we were saying how we'd struggle to play because of the development of players here and the team really trying to stay at the top," says Cahill. "You're always there to be shot at. I feel loyalty is very important at any club, when the chairman and manager want you to be part of the revolution. We've got the likes of Jags, Mikel, Ossie, Hibbo, Bainesy, Tim Howard, Sylvain Distin... we want to keep the continuity and then hopefully add to it."What we can do is be part of something special – then again what we have done already is something pretty special too. What the chairman and manager have done, which people seem to forget, is keep our best players."Not all have been kept, of course. Steven Pienaar departed to Tottenham Hotspur in January, while Lescott’s switch to City in August 2009 left a bad taste for Moyes and the club’s supporters."In fairness to Joleon Lescott, he's kicked on to another level, playing international football," says Cahill."If Joleon wins something this season, then that might justify everything. At the end of the day as a person he gave everything for us and that's the main thing. Different players have different ideas of what they want."It is the same with Pienaar. He's one of the best professionals I've played with, one of the best trainers day in, day out in terms of commitment."He's played in the Champions League against Inter Milan, Real Madrid, so you can't say anything too bad about it."Every player has a dream of playing in the biggest games in the world. For us this is our dream, and we have to try to fulfil it with Everton."
Rodwell dismisses talk of Man United move
07/05/2011 By Football Spy (Daily Mail)
Jack Rodwell has moved to distance himself from intense speculation suggesting he could join Manchester United in the summer.The England U-21 star has long been on Sir Alex Ferguson's radar, but the player himself has reiterated his commitment to Everton. "You can't really pay rumours any attention, you can't let off-the-field antics affect you on the pitch so you just have to have to concentrate on your own game," he said."As long as you have got the right people around, which I have, it is easy to put to the back of your mind."Obviously it's flattering, but like I said I just put it to the back of my mind and I am playing for Everton Football Club and I will always give 100 per cent for them."I am an Everton football and I enjoy playing for Everton so I am happy to do that."
Cahill: You can’t buy team spirit By PHIL THOMAS
07/05/11 The Sun
TIM CAHILL will cast a glance at Manchester City's millionaires today and think: You cannot put a price on loyalty. While City's all-star cast has been assembled from across the globe, Everton remain very much the poor relations of the Premier League wannabes. Last week's line-up at Wigan cost a combined total of around £25million and included four players who have come through the Goodison ranks. In contrast, the 11 City put out against West Ham arrived for around SEVEN times that figure - and that's without another £100m or so on the likes of Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and others. Yet while every club is envious of the bottomless pit of cash at Eastlands, Cahill believes Everton have something far more valuable - a team spirit to die for. City's season has been littered with tales of training-ground rows and unhappy players but Everton remain as tight as a drum. And Cahill, at £1.5m one of David Moyes' best bargains, thinks spending fortunes could actually shatter that. The Aussie, 31, insisted: "Loyalty is very important at any club when the chairman and manager want you to be part of the revolution. "We share that vision and I think we're up there in terms of what players can achieve. We don't have the funds to spend a lot but that's the clever part of what the manager does. "He always knows what he's getting and the question with new players is what suits the team. You could probably put Fernando Torres up front for us and would it be right for us? Maybe not. "If you give a manager £20m to buy a striker or a winger, will it be any better than what he already has and is it going to help the team? "We have never spent money like that - spending money does not always work out. For the seven years I've been here, it's been nothing but unbelievable." One of those tempted by City's megabucks was Joleon Lescott, who left Goodison for Eastlands in 2009 for around £22m. With an FA Cup final date booked and possibly a Champions League slot to follow, Cahill has no problem with Lescott (below) trading Merseyside for Manchester. But the move enraged Toffees fans so much, clashes between the teams have turned into needle matches. And for all of City's cash, it is Everton who have had the better of it, winning nine of the last 13 league games - with Cahill himself scoring FIVE times. Cahill added: "We concentrate on giving players long contracts and have a good core who love the club and would run through brick walls for it. The spirit of this team is the thing."
MANCHESTER CITY SLAYER TIM CAHILL WANTS MORE
Tim Cahill's first-ever Everton goal came against Manchester City
Saturday May 7,2011
By Paul Joyce (The Express)
TIM CAHILL and Joleon Lescott will share something in common again today, cast as they are as the players the fans love to hate whenever Everton and Manchester City square up. Yet, despite the antipathy in which each is held by the opposing supporters, the reactions they generate could hardly contrast more. While a crescendo of catcalls will inevitably reverberate around Goodison Park whenever Lescott is in possession for what will be his first game back since an acrimonious £24million move to Eastlands in 2009, a deathly hush is likely to fall on City’s followers if Cahill finds himself on the ball. “City is a big moment for us as players because throughout the season we seem to have been able to rise to the occasion,” said Australian international Cahill. “City fans are always quite good, I don’t get much stick. Maybe it’s because we always seem to get good results against them. On the pitch it’s quite heated because we know how much it means. “It’s not Liverpool v Everton, but it’s probably growing because of the results and the way they’ve gone. I fancy myself every game I play in, but it is nice that I always seem to get a goal against City.”
Tim Cahill's first-ever Everton goal came against Manchester City
Cahill’s mind is playing tricks but his record is still guaranteed to strike fear into Roberto Mancini. His first-ever Everton goal came against City and in total he has five in 12 appearances against them, all in different games and two of them match-winners. Of those dozen matches, Cahill has also won nine and drawn one. It is a surprise, then, that City – or any other Premier League side for that matter – should never have sought to prise him away from Everton. Then again, Cahill has never hidden the sense of loyalty he feels to David Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright, who plucked him from Millwall in 2004. “It’s always easier to leave and jump ship, but a lot harder to stay,” said Cahill. “But I feel loyalty is very important at any club when the chairman and manager want you to be part of the revolution. “When they say, ‘Tim, your time’s up’, then that’s fine. But at the moment we see the vision and the grass isn’t always greener.”Steven Pienaar would testify to that with his January move to Spurs hardly progressing as planned and for 18 months Lescott’s difficulties at City could not be massaged by the fact he doubled his wages to £90,000 a week when joining two years ago. The prospect of City bringing in new faces at centre-back this summer goes with the territory for Cahill’s former team-mate, but at least Lescott might have an FA Cup winners’ medal by then. “If he wins something this season that might justify everything,” said Cahill. “At the end of the day he gave everything for us and that’s the main thing. “Different players have different ideas of what they want. City have done really well. They have spent a lot of money and sustained a great position; they’re in the FA Cup final and probably couldn’t have asked for a lot more.”The reverse is true of Everton. “This is the season that got away, 100 per cent,” said Cahill. “It would have been nice if we had worked together and it had all gelled sooner, but it didn’t. “We are at a stage in our careers that we need to be pushing to do better and finishing higher but also for the manager and the chairman. “We need to look at it now and say, ‘We’re not battling relegation, we have some great, talented youngsters and next season can be positive with a few additions’. “We can look forward to a big season next year – even though we say that every year.”Cahill is just happy to be involved after a foot complaint called plantar fasciitis hindered his progress. “Three weeks ago I was told I was out for the rest of the season, so to be on the pitch or the bench is all that matters,” he said. City will see his presence as a warning writ large.
Leighton Baines to Arsenal talk grows as Kieran Gibbs 'pay issues' revealed
07/05/2011 The Metro
Leighton Baines remains an Arsenal transfer target after Arsene Wenger admitted he has 'issues' to sort out with left-backs Kieran Gibbs and Gael Clichy.Related Tags:Leighton BainesKieran Gibbs.The Everton left-back has been consistently linked with a summer move to the Emirates Stadium in recent months, after enjoying a fine run of form that has seen him recalled to the England squad.Kieran Gibbs is said to be unhappy at Arsenal (PA)
Everton value Baines at more than £10million, but Wenger may find he has to spend big on a left-sided defender after admitting he needs to hold talks with a number of unhappy players in the coming weeks.Among them is Arsenal's own England left-back Gibbs, who is believed to be dissatisfied with both the terms of his contract and his lack of playing time.'Kieran Gibbs, that's a problem we have to sort out,' the Gunners boss conceded.'We have mixed messages from people because we are always told to buy but then I'm told I don't play my players enough.' .And the 21-year-old is not the only Arsenal full-back who Wenger plans to hold talks with.Speaking about rumours that Gael Clichy will leave in the upcoming transfer window because of a contract dispute, Wenger said: 'We will sort all these cases out at the end of the season.'Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Newcastle United's Spanish left-back Jose Enrique, but it is believed Wenger would prefer to land Baines.
Final whistle report: Everton FC stun Euro chasing Manchester City with a brave come-back
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 7 2011
EVERTON 2 MANCHESTER CITY 1
EVERTON staged a memorable comeback at Goodison Park to continue their winning record against Champions League hopefuls Manchester City. The Blues recovered from a woeful first half, when they fell behind thanks largely to the brilliance of City’s sublime Spanish midfielder David Silva who set up Yaya Toure’s opening goal. But boosted by the pre-match presence of the iconic Duncan Ferguson on the Goodison turf for the first time in half a decade, David Moyes’ men came off the ropes to keep Roberto Mancini waiting a little longer for confirmation of a fourth-place finish.
The turnaround, as satisfying as it was unlikely, was also indebted to some inspired tactical changes from David Moyes, who brought on Tim Cahill to explosive effect in and finally coaxed a power-house performance from Victor Anichebe. While the points may not be enough to move Everton up the table, the euphoria of stretching their magnificent record of seven victories in eight games against City should ensure they now finish a disjointed campaign on a high. Cahill had been on the pitch just seconds when he won a free kick on the right of the area. Mikel Arteta delivered and as the Aussie’s presence caused jitters in the City defence, former City star Sylvain Distin leapt highest to beat Joe Harte with a powerful header. It soon got even better. Phil Neville found space down the right and sent a high cross presumably towards the lurking Beckford, but Leon Osman got their first; rising majestically against the far taller Kompany to score with a magnificent header that left him nursing a sore head on the turf as Goodison rocked. It was a brave goal deserving of victory, and despite Mancini throwing Italian striker Mario Balotelli and former Everton loanee Jo into the closing stages of the fray, Everton held out. The final scenes were notable for City’s frustration bubbling over as full-back Aleksander Kolarov clashed with Cahill after the final whistle, and assistant boss Brian Kidd rowed with Blues skipper Phil Neville.
EVERTON: (4-2-3-1) Howard, Hibbert (Beckford, 45), Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Heitinga, Neville, Rodwell (Cahill, 65), Arteta, Osman, Anichebe (Coleman, 87).
Subs not used: Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Vellios, Gueye.
Bookings: Rodwell, Coleman.
Goals: Distin (65) Osman (72)
MANCHESTER CITY: (4-5-1) Harte, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, Viera, Toure, Milner (Balotelli, 81) Silva, De Jong (Jo, 90), Dzeko.
Subs not used: Given, Wright-Phillips. Johnson, Boyata, McGivern.
Bookings: Kompany
Goals: Toure (28)
Ref: Phil Dowd
Everton 2 Manchester City 1
May 07, 2011
ManchesterEvening News
Manchester City's bogey team Everton struck again as the Blues slipped to defeat at Goodison Park.
City took the lead after 28 minutes when Yaya Toure clipped the ball over Tim Howard and Roberto Mancini's men seemed in control. But Everton turned the game around in seven second half minutes, first former Blue Sylvain Distin headed the equaliser before Leon Osman put the Toffees ahead. The result means Everton have done the league double over City for the last two seasons - it is also City's seventh defeat in the pair's last eight meetings. The Blues are still on track for the all-important fourth spot however, with Tottenham only managing a draw against Blackpool in the evening kick-off. City are now six points ahead of Spurs, who they play on Tuesday, with three games left. FA Cup finalists City left Mario Balotelli, Gareth Barry and Adam Johnson out of their line-up and talisman Carlos Tevez, as expected, did not appear. City soon asserted themselves, although Everton had the first chance when Osman fired over from a cleverly-worked Leighton Baines free-kick. The Blues looked composed in possession with David Silva exhibiting some sublime touches.
The Spaniard went close after brilliantly controlling a hopeful punt from Vincent Kompany and beating Tony Hibbert to shoot across goal. He showed more skill when he tapped a James Milner cross into the six-yard box but Patrick Vieira volleyed over. Milner found space in the area as Everton pushed up but he opted to pass instead of shooting and the hosts got back to clear. The respite was shortlived for the hosts, however, as City claimed the lead moments later, in the 28th minute. Silva was again the orchestrator, although he benefited from a lucky ricochet as he took the ball past Distin. He found Toure unmarked to his right and the Ivory Coast international powered forward to clip the ball over Tim Howard. Edin Dzeko tested Howard with a fierce shot from the edge of the area after the restart but the American gathered well. Silva created another good chance for Toure when he threaded a low ball into the area but the former Barcelona midfielder sidefooted over.
Second half
Kompany needed to be alert to deny Jack Rodwell a shooting chance early in the second half.
The ball looked to be rolling to the midfielder in the box after a powerful Baines free-kick struck Toffees substitute Jermaine Beckford but the Belgian defender got a foot in. City replied with a quick breakaway as Silva freed Toure but Howard stood up well and denied the advancing midfielder with his feet. Dzeko then headed wide from an Aleksandar Kolarov free-kick as City built more pressure. A scuffle broke out when Kompany responded to a Rodwell tackle on Nigel de Jong by pushing the Everton midfielder. Rodwell's subsequent reaction led to both he and Kompany being booked. City quickly got back into their stride and Dzeko, looking for his second Premier League goal, struck a firm shot wide from the edge of the area. The Blues paid the price for their profligacy as Everton equalised in the 66th minute through Distin. Everton had sent on Tim Cahill - scorer of five goals against City - just moments earlier and the Australian went straight into the box for an Arteta free-kick. But it was Distin who did the damage, rising at the far post to power a header into the bottom corner which Joe Hart failed to keep out. The goal infused Everton with confidence and Beckford went through. The striker was ruled marginally offside and chipped wide anyway, but nevertheless it was a warning for City. It was one they failed to heed as the Toffees grabbed a second in the 72nd minute. Neville delivered an inviting cross into the area and Osman timed his leap, beating Kompany in the air and glancing a looping header over Hart into the top corner.
It almost got worse for City as Beckford shot straight at Hart from close range. City's frustrations were perhaps evident at the final whistle as Cahill and Aleks Kolarov appeared to argue with each other while Neville exchanged words with the Blues assistant boss Brian Kidd.
Player Ratings
In association with Everton2 - Manchester City1
Star man: David Silva
Manchester Evening News
Saturday 07 May, 15:00
Joe Hart - will be disappointed at not getting a stronger hand on Distin's header 6
Joleon Lescott - booed every time he touched the ball and won almost everything in the air - but it wasn't enough 6
Aleksandar Kolarov - almost on the end of a bewilderingly good goal, but again had no answers when couiple of defensive questions were posed 5
Pablo Zabaleta - dug in when the fight was at its fiercest and made a couple of important interceptions 6
Patrick Vieira - first league start for two months and it showed at times, as he looked stiff and mentally rusty 5
Vincent Kompany - couple of amazing 50-yard passes and some sterling defensive work but caught on his heels by Osman's goal 6
David Silva - some said Everton should have contained him - they had more chance of plaiting fog in a brilliant first half, but anonymous in second 7
Nigel de Jong - on the receiving end of some rough stuff, for once, and after solid first half was caught out a couple of times 6
Yaya Touré - the finish for his goal was coolness personified but the first half threat faded 6
James Milner - helped to knit the midfield together and brought energy and solidity to right flank at first, but faded 6
Edin Dzeko - thankless task on his own up front, but he held play up well at times and showed some neat touches 6
Substitutes
Adam Johnson - (for Vieira 78) little time for an impact 6
Jô - for de Jong 89) no time to make an impact 6
Mario Balotelli - (for Zabaleta 82) needed more urgency
Roberto Mancini stunned after Manchester City defeat
May 07, 2011
Manchester Evening News
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was at a loss to explain his side's 2-1 defeat at Everton.
City were frustrated in their Champions League push as the Toffees came from behind to deny them a victory that would all but have secured a Barclays Premier League top-four place. As it turned out, Tottenham could only draw against Blackpool in the evening kick-off, which leaves the Blues six points ahead of Spurs with three games left. FA Cup finalists City went ahead at Goodison through Yaya Toure and then squandered a number of chances before Everton hit back through former City defender Sylvain Distin and Leon Osman. Click here to see how we rated the Manchester City players and to add your own scores. Mancini said: "It was incredible we lost this game. We dominated in the first half and had four or five chances to score. "But this is football. If you lose concentration, if you concede a yard to the other team, it is difficult. "A game like today we should never lose. If we want to become a strong team, we cannot lose this game. "We shouldn't lose it because we had more chances to score in the second half. "It is not important who scores the goals, it is important the team wins the game." City were without midfielder Gareth Barry and, as expected, talisman Carlos Tevez did not appear. Barry was rested as a precaution after a knock while Tevez now has just Tuesday's crunch clash against Champions League-chasing rivals Tottenham to prove his fitness for next week's FA Cup final. Mancini said of Tevez: "He will need to train with the team and in the next days we will see if it is possible. "If he can play 20 minutes somehow we can see if he can play or not. At the moment I think 50% for the final." Mancini and opposite number David Moyes played down a spat involving personnel from both sides at the end of the game. Tim Cahill and Aleksandar Kolarov appeared to exchange words while Phil Neville was involved in heated discussion with Mancini and his assistant Brian Kidd. When asked what sparked the incident, Mancini said: "I don't know because I wanted to take off Kolarov. I don't know what upset them." Moyes said: "It wasn't Phil Neville. I think one of their players said Seamus Coleman had elbowed them or something like that, but it was nothing. "All the fighting was done in the 90 minutes, not after the game."
Everton 2 Manchester City 1: Stuart Brennan's verdict
May 07, 2011
Manchester Evening News
Thunder rumbled and lightning crackled on an ominously black day on Merseyside. But the threatening grumbles came from the barrel chest of Nigel de Jong, and the electricity was crackling across the frowning brow of Roberto Mancini. Now City fans hope that the storm breaks on the heads of Tottenham as the race for the Champions League reaches a tempestuous climax. To say City were crackling with suppressed fury at tossing away three points is an understatement.
By the time the Blues team bus had passed back through Checkpoint Charlie and into the sunnier clime of Manchester, the metaphorical clouds had already start to clear. Click here to see our player ratings for the game and to add your own scores And a ray of sunshine, known in Blackpool as Charlie Adam, had plunged Spurs into tumult and ensured that this City defeat was not as damaging as it might have been. Adam’s goal in the tea-time kick-off game at White Hart Lane ensured that rather than take a hefty chunk out of City’s erstwhile seven-point lead, misfiring Spurs could only nibble at the edges. That means City go into Tuesday's showdown with Harry Redknapp’s side at Eastlands with all the aces. They know a point will be enough to clinch fourth place, unless City collapse in their last two games and Tottenham somehow brew up a blizzard of goals. But for Blues fans, it would be lovely if their team could earn their first season of Champions League football with a display of the type of football which threatened to overwhelm Everton in the first half at Goodison Park. David Moyes’ stubborn and purposeful side are usually a good barometer for the sides who have ambitions at the sharp end of the Premier League table. Only Arsenal have beaten them twice this season, and of the rest of the top six, only United have taken four points off them. They delight in testing the mettle of clubs which aspire to be a member of the elite, as City have found out.
This defeat means the Blues have lost seven of their last eight league games against the Toffees.
And yet, for 45 minutes Moyes’ side was in danger of being swept away by a cascade of powerful, subtle and eye-pleasing football. City fans have seen it before, however. They swarmed all over Blackburn for 25 minutes, and did the same to West Ham last week, only to hit a brick wall.
At Ewood Park and against the Hammers, they got away with it, and with six points. Everton were not going to be so benevolent, and City have to find a way of pressing home their advantage if they are to be a top-four club in style as well as name. Be assured, if they only play for 45 minutes against Stoke on Saturday, that ‘35 Years’ banner will not be ripped from its Old Trafford moorings, because Tony Pulis’s side will do what they do for the full 90. City fans can be forgiven for turning into schizophrenics after so many years of optimistic pessimism. They can look at the lovely football of the first half and rejoice for a bright future, and then gaze on the panicky poverty of the second half and wonder if it was all a dream. Mercurial David Silva was at his mercurial best in that opening spell, popping up in space like Messi, darting passes, and easing through tight gaps in the Everton defence like water flowing over pebbles. His counter-balance was Yaya Toure, all push and run, then steamhammer power, players bouncing off him. With James Milner adding neatly to the blend with a willing and effective midfield display, Edin Dzeko laying the ball off and Nigel de Jong anchoring it all with his usual parsimony, City were irrepressible. Vincent Kompany joined in the fun, sending two stunning 60-yard crossfield balls to Silva, just in case sceptics felt the first had been simply a centre-half’s lumpen clearance which had luckily fallen under the spell of the magical little Spaniard’s feet. Silva shot across goal from the first of those play-switching passes, and City were in the mood. Milner was the architect moments later, chipping a delightful pass for Silva, whose volley across the area found 34-year-old Patrick Vieira arriving, like the ghost of a 24-year-old Patrick Vieira. Unfortunately, the neat timing of the run was not matched by the finish as the ball was blazed yards over the bar. De Jong then cleverly sent Milner clear, the Yorkshireman drawing Tim Howard but then hastily misplacing a square ball to Silva which would surely have brought a goal had the delivery have been better. Everton are not used to being treated with such disdain, and they were destroyed again seconds later. The harassed Sylvain Distin, worried by Silva’s twinkling presence, took a dive and swipe at the ball, and the Spaniard was onto it. He slipped his pass to Yaya Toure and the big man surged into the box and swept his shot expertly past Howard. The Blues ended the half with more sweet-as-sugar football, dismantling the defence before Yaya’s back-heel found Aleks Kolarov on the gallop. Phil Jagielka managed to lunge in and time his tackle to take the ball away from the Serb’s left foot, just as he was poised to end the game as a contest. Then half-time came, like a guillotine, and it was City’s head on the block. Moyes changed it at the break, bringing on an extra striker, Jermaine Beckford, to support the terribly lonely Victor Anichebe, and sacrificing a midfield body. It was quite a gamble, as City had been so dominant in midfield, but it paid off, especially as Everton came out fired up. What was worrying for City was that the kind of high intensity football which Everton produced after the break is the kind of thing in which Stoke specialise.
Time
The Blues might still have wrapped it up as Silva again freed Yaya, but now he had too much time to think and Howard blocked his shot with his legs. But it was the home side who built up the momentum, and who rocked the Blues with two headed goals which will have Stoke’s towering striker Kenwyne Jones salivating with anticipation. Former City man Distin rose above the defence to head goalwards from Mikel Arteta’s free-kick, and Joe Hart uncharacteristically flapped a soft hand at the ball as it sneaked inside his post. City noticeably faltered and weakened, and Everton pounced. Phil Neville, who had been steamrollered as a midfielder in the first half, re-invented himself as a right-back in the second and chipped a cross neatly for Leon Osman. Normally, the little Evertonian would not be a match for Kompany, seven inches taller, but – like his team – he had the momentum while the City man was, for once, caught on his heels. He rose, and looped his header beyond Hart for the winner. There should be no fingers pointed. Some of the villains of that poor second half display were players who have been outstanding this season, so it simply has to be written off as a bad 45. Now the task for City to piece together two good halves, take some chances, and achieve their dreams in the next five days
Everton 2-1 Manchester City: Sunday Mirror match report
08/05/2011 By Simon Mullock (The Sunday Mirror)
BY the time that Aleksandar Kolarov realised he was in a fight it was much too late for Manchester City.The Serbia defender was certainly up for a scrap with Seamus Coleman at the final whistle after apparently accusing the Everton substitute of giving him the elbow.Kolarov had to be dragged away from Coleman and Everton captain Phil Neville before he committed the kind of offence that would have sparked a Wembley ban.But it was probably insult more than injury that caused Kolarov to lose his rag when the game was already up.This was the day when Roberto Mancini’s side surrendered.There seemed no way City could lose such was the level of their first-half dominance.But when David Moyes’ men invited them to spend the next 45 minutes in the Premier League trenches, they waved the white flag.Personal battles were lost, possession was squandered and an Everton side sniffing blood went straight in for the kill.Former City defender Sylvain Distin cancelled out Yaya Toure’s first-half opener in the 66th minute and six minutes later, Leon Osman scored a winner that sent Goodison Park into a frenzy.Mancini said: “It was incredible we lost this game because we had four or five chances to score in the first half and also had opportunities in the second half.“This is football. If you lose concentration and concede even a yard then you can lose. We have conceded two bad goals. But we did not deserve to lose this game.”Consolation for Mancini came when Tottenham could only draw with Blackpool and City now need only a point from their clash with Harry Redknapp’s men at Eastlands on Tuesday to all but clinch fourth place and a Champions League spot.Both Everton’s goals were headers – and watching Stoke boss Tony Pulis will no doubt order another aerial bombardment when he locks horns with Mancini in the FA Cup final on Saturday.Mancini added: “It is better we conceded these goals today rather than at Wembley.”City should have been out of sight by the break. With David Silva putting Tony Hibbert on the rack, Everton were chasing shadows.Silva fired an early chance wide after fooling Hibbert with a sublime touch that even had the home fans applauding. Patrick Vieira then volleyed over an open goal from six yards before Silva set up Toure to fire clinically past Tim Howard in the 28th minute.Moyes responded by replacing Hibbert with striker Jermaine Beckford and asking Neville to look after Silva.Victor Anichebe was moved wide to block off Kolarov‘s forays forward and Mikel Arteta switched into central midfield. Everton turned up the heat and City just melted. Only Vincent Kompany’s last-ditch tackle prevented Beckford from equalising.When Jack Rodwell sparked a flare-up on the hour with a studs-up challenge on Nigel de Jong, no visiting player was willing to pick up the gauntlet.And when Moyes sent on Tim Cahill as a 65th-minute substitute, City must have really feared the worst from a player who has scored five goals against them.Within seconds Distin rose highest to meet Arteta’s free-kick and score with a downward header that Joe Hart got a hand to but couldn’t keep out.City’s problems were exposed again in the 73rd minute when Neville crossed and Osman’s looping header gave Hart no hope.“We can’t be expected to beat a team like City every time because of their wealth and the talent they have bought,” said Moyes, forgetting his team have now won seven of the sides’ last eight meetings.But he was spot on when he added: “I don’t know what happened at the end. Fighting should be done in 90 minutes, not after the final whistle.”
Everton 2 Manchester City 1
08/05/11 The Sun
EVERTON dealt Manchester City's hopes of claiming third place a major blow with a spirited second-half comeback. Roberto Mancini's men headed to Goodison Park knowing victory would crank up the pressure on nearest rivals Arsenal. They took the lead through Yaya Toure after 28 minutes but failed to build on it and were pegged back in the 65th minute when City old boy Sylvain Distin equalised. And the visitors saw a share of the spoils slip through their fingers when Leon Osman outjumped Vincent Kompany to send a looping header beyond Joe Hart 18 minutes from time. City left Mario Balotelli, Gareth Barry and Adam Johnson out of their line-up and the injured Carlos Tevez was also absent as expected. David Silva quickly began pulling the strings for City but it was Everton who had the first chance when Osman fired over from a Leighton Baines free-kick. Spaniard Silva then went close after brilliantly controlling a hopeful punt from Kompany and beating Tony Hibbert to shoot across goal. He was instrumental for City once again when he tapped a James Milner cross into the six-yard box only to see Patrick Vieira volley over. Mancini urged his side to continue to press and it was no surprise to see Silva involved when they took the lead. He got lucky from a ricochet to beat Distin before finding Toure, who powered forward to clip the ball over Tim Howard. Edin Dzeko tested Howard with a fierce shot from the edge of the area after the restart but the American gathered well and the Toffees made it to the break without falling further behind. Everton slowly showed signs of a comeback after the interval and Kompany needed to be alert to deny Jack Rodwell a shooting chance early in the second half. City replied with a quick breakaway as Silva freed Toure but Howard stood up and denied the midfielder with his feet. Dzeko then headed wide from an Aleksandar Kolarov free-kick as City upped the pressure once again. Kompany and Rodwell were both booked after the Belgian responded to a tackle on Nigel de Jong by pushing Everton's young midfielder. It proved to be little more than handbags at 10 paces and City quickly got back into their stride with Dzeko shooting wide from the edge of the area. The visitors continued to press but paid the price for failing to find a second when Distin levelled. Everton had sent on Tim Cahill just moments earlier and the Australian went straight into the box for a Mikel Arteta free-kick. But it was Distin who did the damage, rising at the far post to power a header into the bottom corner of Hart's goal. The equaliser handed Everton a much-needed boost and they were quickly ahead. Phil Neville delivered an inviting cross into the area and Osman timed his leap superbly, beating Kompany in the air to send his header into the top corner. It almost got worse for City as Jermaine Beckford shot straight at Hart from close range. Mancini cut an ever increasing frustrated figure on the sidelines as the clock ticked down and the Italian was clearly unimpressed when the full-time whistle blew.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Beckford 46), Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Arteta, Heitinga, Neville, Osman, Rodwell (Cahill 64), Anichebe (Coleman 86). Subs Not Used: Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Gueye, Vellios. Booked: Neville, Rodwell, Osman, Coleman. Goals: Distin 65, Osman 72.
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta (Balotelli 81), Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, De Jong (Jo 89), Vieira (Adam Johnson 78), Milner, Toure Yaya, Silva, Dzeko. Subs Not Used: Given, Wright-Phillips, Boyata, McGivern. Booked: Kompany, Kolarov. Goals: Toure Yaya 28.
Att: 37,351
Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
Mancini and Neville at loggerheads in Goodison Park bust-up after elbowing row
By Joe Bernstein
on 8th May 2011 The Daily Mail
FA Cup final manager Roberto Mancini was involved in a stormy bust-up between Manchester City and Everton players following the final whistle at hottempered Premier League game at Goodison Park.Mancini was repeatedly sworn at by Everton skipper Phil Neville as the City manager rushed on to the pitch to drag away his player Aleksandar Kolarov, who squared up to Seamus Coleman following an alleged elbowing incident. Divide and conquer: Neville (left) and Mancini (far right) are seperated at the final whistleMancini’s assistant, Brian Kidd, who used to work with Neville at Manchester United, dived in as peacemaker and Neville was restrained from following Mancini and Kolarovinto the tunnel by Kidd and referee Phil Dowd.The bad-tempered incident followed a 2-1 Everton win which seemed to hit City’s advance towards clinching fourth place and Champions League qualification. But rivals Tottenham, who visit Eastlands on Tuesday, were held 1-1 at home by Blackpool. A City victory over Spurs would clinch fourth before they meet Stoke in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Pointing the blame: City coach David Platt (right) vents his frustration towards Everton skipper NevilleEverton manager David Moyes said: ‘Someone said the City players felt Seamus[Coleman] had elbowed somebody. I don’t think it was anything but once the players gathered at the end, more people saw that and also came over.’Mancini refused to throw any light on why Neville had turned on him.‘I only went to get Kolarov away,’ he said. Hands up: Vieira (centre) clashes with Everton duo Rodwell and Heitinga
The flashpoint occurred after the final whistle when Kolarov and Coleman, who was booked towards the end of the game for kicking the ball at a prostrate Joleon Lescott, had to be dragged apart by a bare-chested Tim Cahill as other players joined the fray.Mancini’s attempts to calm the situation down was met with fury by Neville, who was forced to stay on the pitch until he had calmed down. The FA must wait to see if referee Dowd mentions the incident in his report.
EVERTON 2 - MANCHESTER CITY 1: LEON KING ROARS
It’s unlikely Osman will remember much about it as he was briefly knocked cold from the collision
Sunday May 8,2011
By Mike Whalley (The Sunday Express)
Everton 2 - Manchester City 1
EVERTON fans gained plenty of satisfaction from stalling Manchester City’s final steps towards the Champions League. Not as much as they gained from getting one over on Joleon Lescott, though.Quite how Leon Osman, who stands 5ft 8ins, managed to outjump all 6ft 3ins of Vincent Kompany to head a stunning winner is anyone’s guess.It’s unlikely Osman will remember much about it as he was briefly knocked cold from the collision with Kompany as he headed in Phil Neville’s right-wing cross.Perhaps he was inspired by the sight of Everton great Duncan Ferguson, a mean header of a ball in his day, who was paraded to whip up the home fans before kick-off.Everton manager David Moyes had another former Goodison hero in mind, though. “His goal was Andy Gray-like,” Moyes said.The Goodison faithful didn’t care how the winner came about. They just wanted to bellow: “Lescott, what’s the score?”Those fans have never forgiven the defender for his £24million transfer to City in 2009. His first return to Goodison saw him booed whenever he touched the ball. His despair was Everton’s joy.City are aiming for the stars and have spent £350m since Sheikh Mansour’s 2008 takeover. The Champions League beckons and a 35-year trophy drought can be ended against Stoke at Wembley next Saturday. Everton, though, have a habit of bringing them down to earth.Roberto Mancini has suffered four defeats at the hands of Moyes in 17 months as City’s manager. The latest will be the most puzzling of all.They led comfortably at half-time through Yaya Toure’s clipped finish, following a through-ball from the magical feet of David Silva.They would have been further in front had Toure not fired straight against keeper Tim Howard’s legs from another delightful Silva pass.But then they crumbled. Sylvain Distin, a former City favourite, equalised from Mikel Arteta’s free-kick, despite keeper Joe Hart getting a strong hand to it. Osman won it. Mancini fumed.“It was incredible that we lost,” said City’s manager. “We had four or five chances to score but if you lose concentration it is difficult.“It’s better that we conceded today than against Stoke. We can never lose again like we did today if we want to become a strong team.”The watching Stoke manager Tony Pulis will have noted the aerial weaknesses that City displayed. Both Everton goals were headers.Given the height in Mancini’s side, it is a baffling flaw.“City’s team could probably have played in the NBA,” Moyes said. “It was like the New York Knicks. It was really difficult to match that.”In the first half, Everton didn’t.Silva tortured Tony Hibbert, who was taken off at half-time, partly to allow Moyes to switch formation, partly to spare the right-back more trauma.Moyes’ side were revitalised after the break, as demonstrated when Jack Rodwell clattered into Nigel de Jong, sparking a free-for-all brawl.There would be more confrontation at the end, with Aleksandar Kolarov adamant Seamus Coleman had been guilty of a stray elbow, and Neville having to be restrained by Mancini’s assistant Brian Kidd
Leon Osman goal completes Everton revival against Manchester City
Tim Rich at Goodison Park
The Guardian. Sunday 8th May 2011
In the days when Manchester City won "cups for cock-ups" this result would have surprised nobody. The men from Abu Dhabi may have done much to revolutionise the image of the club but something in its DNA is unalterable. Manchester City will always make it difficult for themselves and, although there is still clear blue water between themselves, Tottenham and Liverpool, it is not wide enough for comfort.Spurs travel to Eastlands on Tuesday knowing they have won all but one of their last seven games at the City of Manchester Stadium. The first phase of the 'project' is not yet guaranteed.Roberto Mancini may have tried to downplay the implications of this defeat for the club's Champions League ambitions but on the final whistle there was frustration spilling everywhere. Mancini's assistant, Brian Kidd, seemed to intervene to separate the Everton captain, Phil Neville, from the Manchester City manager, while City's left-back, Aleksandar Kolarov, vented his anger on the boyish figure of Seamus Coleman and was led away by Tim Cahill.The Everton manager, David Moyes, said the Manchester City players thought Coleman was guilty of "using his elbow."There has been bad blood between these two clubs since Joleon Lescott's bitter transfer two summers ago but Moyes has taken his revenge with an assassin's coolness. This improbable win was Everton's seventh in eight encounters with Manchester City but during the interval it was hard to see how that sequence could ever be maintained.At half-time and beyond, Manchester City's control was complete in everything but the scoreline. David Silva was playing beautifully while Everton, lacking centre-forwards worthy of the name, looked toothless and exhausted. When Yaya Touré, wonderfully slipped through by the immaculate Silva, slid the ball past Tim Howard, Manchester City were, temporarily at least, 10 points clear in the final Champions League place.Just before Sylvain Distin headed home Mikel Arteta's free-kick, Silva sent through Touré once more but what should have been a match-winning move finished with a shot thudding into Howard's body. It was the signal for things to unravel. The easy dominance and the veneer of cool that surrounds Mancini began to evaporate as he visibly lost his temper in the technical area."It was incredible how we lost this game," Mancini said afterwards. "We had four or five chances to win the game just in the second half. But this is football; if you lose concentration, that's what happens. At least it's better that we conceded here than against Stoke at Wembley." Tony Pulis was at Goodison and he would have noted how Manchester City wavered once the long-balls and set-pieces began arriving and nobody plays that kind of football better than his Stoke side. "But we should never have lost this game, never," said Mancini, who said Carlos Tevez was now "50-50" to be fit for the FA Cup final. "We played too deep once they started hitting long balls."Before kick-off, Goodison had risen to greet Duncan Ferguson, the day's guest of honour who pumped his fists to the Gwladys Street End in familiar fashion. But Ferguson was wearing a suit and Everton no longer possess a centre-forward of his calibre. However, under Moyes they are a club that digs deep instinctively and the pattern of the game swung once Cahill was introduced.Two minutes after he came on, Distin met Arteta's free-kick and, although Joe Hart got both gloves to the header, it trickled over the line. Seven minutes later, Neville swung over a cross that Leon Osman, one of the smallest but most tenacious men on the pitch, sent looping beyond Hart's dive. Moyes sank to his knees in the technical area while in the directors' box Ferguson might have wondered how he could have finished any better.
THE FANS' PLAYER RATINGS AND VERDICT
CARL ROPER, Observer reader It was a game of two halves, the first half was pretty grim and the second half was fantastic. City dominated the first half and we offered nothing going forward. The key in the second half was we closed them down in midfield and we found some width. That's four out of four wins for us since Mancini became City manager.
The fan's player ratings Howard 7; Hibbert 7 (Beckford 46 7), Jagielka 8, Distin 8, Baines 7; Rodwell 7 (Cahill 64 7) Neville 7, Heitinga 7, Arteta 7; Osman 8; Anichebe 7 (Coleman 86 n/a)
KEVIN CUMMINS, Observer reader I am disappointed because we dominated the first half and we were on course for an easy run-in. But they got in our faces a bit in the second half and our players looked slightly concerned with the FA Cup final and the game against Tottenham coming up. We played well but we just allowed ourselves to be intimidated. It was typical City – we never do things the easy way.
The fan's player ratings Hart 7; Zabaleta 7 (Balotelli 81 n/a), Kompany 7, Lescott 8, Kolarov 6; Milner 6, De Jong 7 (Jô 89 n/a) Vieira 7 (Johnson 78 n/a); Y Touré 8, Silva 8; Dzeko 7
EVERTON 2 MAN CITY 1: NO GOLD FOR SILVA
May 8 2011 The Sunday Star
8th May 2011 By Paul Hetherington
Everton 2-1 Man City
MANCHESTER CITY had the silky skills of man-of-the-match David Silva – but it was Everton who struck gold. Even a Silva midfield master-class could not inspire the FA Cup finalists to victory in their desperate quest for Champions League qualification. They led at half-time through a Yaya Toure strike but Everton roared back in style with headed goals from City old-boy Sylvain Distin and Leon Osman. And a full-blooded battle carried on after the final whistle with Everton’s Phil Neville and Seamus Coleman and City full-back Aleksandar Kolarov having to be pulled apart by team-mates and coaches. Everton skipper Neville even had to be taken aside by referee Phil Dowd and told to calm down. Both managers played down the bust-up. City boss Roberto Mancini said: “I don’t know what happened – I just went on to the pitch to take away Kolarov.” And Everton chief David Moyes said: “I don’t know what upset Phil. “I think someone said that Seamus had elbowed someone but it was nothing.” Earlier, though, Silva’s skill lit up Goodison and his performance had Everton on the ropes and City firmly in the driving seat. In the ninth minute he demonstrated superb control, before turning Tony Hibbert one way and then the other before sending his left-foot strike across the face of the goal. And two minutes later, his delicate lay-off created a chance for Patrick Vieira but the veteran midfielder fired over from six yards. It was no surprise, therefore, when Silva’s artistry opened the door for City to take a 29th-minute lead when a sharp turn and neat, early pass sent Toure clear for a fine right-foot finish. The same players combined again soon after but Toure failed to get his shot on target from a good position. Everton didn’t seriously threaten the City goal until the 43rd minute when Jack Rodwell headed wide from Tony Hibbert’s cross. Moyes reacted to his side’s poor first-half showing by taking off Hibbert, switching Neville to right-back and bringing on another striker in the shape of Jermaine Beckford. And his re-arranged line-up responded with a spell of early second-half pressure. But even during that period, City came closest to scoring in a breakaway raid but Toure shot straight at keeper Tim Howard. Struggling City striker Edin Dzeko also shot inches wide, before Everton turned the match on its head with two headed goals in double-quick time. In the 66th minute, from Mikel Arteta’s free-kick, Distin powered a header which City keeper Joe Hart got a hand to but couldn’t keep out. Then, just six minutes later, Osman belied his size to climb magnificently and powerfully head home Neville’s accurate free kick. Moyes was delighted. “It was a match in which we showed tremendous spirit,” he said. “We are not the sort of team to go through the motions just because it is the end of the season. “Osman was like Andy Gray in the way he got across the centre-half to score a really good goal.” Mancini, meanwhile, said Carlos Tevez had a 50-50 chance of being fit for the FA Cup Final and that Gareth Barry – missing yesterday – should be fit for Tuesday’s key match with Spurs.
The City boss added: “It’s incredible we have lost. We had four or five chances in the first half and more in the second. “It is better we have conceded goals like this in this match rather than against Stoke at Wembley on Saturday.”
Everton FC under-18s face Aston Villa in Academy League semi-final
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Echo
May 9 2011
EVERTON under-18s are bidding to reach the national final of the Barclays Premier Academy League in today’s semi-final against Aston Villa at Finch Farm (kick-off 12pm). Neil Dewsnip’s side finished top of the Group C table on Friday. Having been ahead of the pack since January, they completed their fixtures last weekend to stay on top. But they had to wait to see if neighbours Liverpool would overtake. But Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Wolves at their Kirkby Academy meant Everton topped the north west section by a point. Villa clinched Group B last Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Chelsea.
Everton will be looking to book their place in Friday’s final against Sunderland or Fulham.
Everton will be without Hallam Hope and John Lundstram, who are both in action for England under-17s. England face Serbia this afternoon (kick-off 4.15pm) knowing only a victory will give them any chance of going to the semi-finals of the UEFA European U17 Championship. England must win this afternoon and hope for either a draw or Danish victory over France in the other match to go through to the last four.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini mystified by defeat at Everton
Liverpool Echo
May 9 2011
MANCHESTER CITY boss Roberto Mancini was at a loss to explain his side’s defeat at Everton. The FA Cup finalists went ahead through Yaya Toure and squandered a number of chances before Everton hit back through Sylvain Distin and Leon Osman. Mancini said: “It was incredible we lost this game. We dominated in the first half and had four or five chances to score. “But this is football. If you lose concentration, if you concede a yard to the other team, it is difficult. “A game like today we should never lose. If we want to become a strong team, we cannot lose this game. “We shouldn’t lose it because we had more chances to score in the second half. “It is not important who scores the goals, it is important the team wins the game.”
Everton FC boss David Moyes hails aerial threat of Leon Osman
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 9 2011
DAVID MOYES hailed the aerial contribution of one of his smallest players, Leon Osman, as he compared the midfielder’s match-winning header against Manchester City to Toffees great Andy Gray. The Blues boss was thrilled with the quality of Osman’s second half headed goal that sealed a terrific comeback from Everton against Champions League-chasing City at Goodison. Moyes, who admitted his team were second best for the entire first half, said he always backs Osman to win headers against any opponent thanks to the 5ft8in star’s masterful technique and courage. Osman was left nursing a sore head after his brave leap against City’s Vincent Kompany and Moyes said: “I always think Ossie has got a chance because he’s good in the air. He reminds me a bit of Andy Gray the way he gets across people. He jumps well and he’s brave. “He came in and said ‘I took one for the team’, and he got a knock on the back of the head. He’s no way an out-and-out centre forward but he reminded me of one with that goal.” Moyes was happy to accept that City’s slick passing football in the first half, sparked by the livewire Spain midfielder David Silva, forced him to call for a change of tact in the second period. He said: “In the second half we knocked a few balls forward. In the first half we couldn’t get near them. What we did was not good enough. My job is to find a way of winning – that’s what we do. “I actually thought it came from a couple of challenges, a couple of people running around. It needed the odd player to spur it on and we did that and gave us a foothold in the game. It gave me encouragement but there were times in the first half when they could have been out of sight. Toure could have made it 2-0. “There’s a big difference between the talent they’re able to put out and what we can. I think for out club heart is important.
“We said to them at half-time they have to show what they can do. Man City caused me problems in the first half which were probably bigger than I’ve had in a lot of games at Goodison against a lot of good teams.” After the game, which saw Everton consolidate seventh place in the Premier League, City boss Roberto Mancini was left to bemoan Everton’s long-ball approach in the second half, but Moyes defended his side’s approach. He said: “What we’ve got to do is find another way of getting results. Yes we might need to kick it long but we have to win. I’d hope we can pass it and I could tell you at the start of the season our passing was great but we didn’t win any games. Mikel went in the middle in the second half and we had a bit of craft. “I would hope that Everton under me, in the main, is about winning. That’s what I want to do with the players I have available I want to win. To get that against City who are on a good run is great.” The Everton manager was also pleased with the contribution of second half sub Tim Cahill, who helped turn the contest in his side’s favour.
“That was his job,” said Moyes. “It’s what he has to do for us. It’s not to provide the best craft, this is where his role almost comes into debate, but what he did was needed. “We put him on and we needed impetus. He was the one who could get us a goal. I knew Victor would be struggling the longer it went on. He has needed it because if you judge what you’ve seen in the last couple of months it hasn’t been at the top of his game. “As long as he’s back to that I’m excited about having him rested and ready next season. He takes the knocks and it’s hard to do it 90 minutes week in week out but when he came on for 20 minutes he did it well."
David Prentice: Everton FC star Tim Cahill has qualities money can’t buy
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 9 2011
TEAM-MATE Tim Howard memorably described him as like “an annoying little gnat.” Manchester City supporters would no doubt have more colourful descriptions. Because Tim Cahill doesn’t need to score to upset the Sky Blue half of the North-West’s second soccer city. He did it again at Goodison Park on Saturday, despite only featuring for the final 25 minutes. Cahill had plundered five goals against City – including his first for Everton – and was a knocking bet to get his name on the scoresheet again. He didn’t – but don’t for a second think that his impact on Saturday’s game was negligible. Everton were a team transformed from the moment he replaced Jack Rodwell. Up until that moment Everton had been tentative, safe, respectful – and utterly outplayed by a David Silva-inspired City. Cahill’s introduction changed all that within seconds. He wrestled with Patrick Vieira and won a free-kick in a dangerous position. He messed City around before Arteta’s delivery, shoving and pushing, making sure all City eyes were on their jinx. And that allowed Sylvain Distin the time and space to ghost in and plant a header past the scrambling Joe Hart when the free-kick arrived.
But more than that he gave Everton a spikiness, an edge that had been missing. Rather than admire City’s silky approach play they tried to disrupt it. Rather than try to play City at their own game they opted for a more direct approach. And rather than settle for a meritorious point they pushed for a winner. And Leon Osman’s glorious, soaring header gave them it. It was a remarkable transformation and one that had looked unlikely prior to Cahill’s arrival. Everton are at their best when they get about their opponents. Osman and Neville can always be relied upon to get in a visitor’s face, but the introduction of the abrasive Australian proved infectious and everybody embraced the idea. Victor Anichebe began to look like the player he first promised to be two years ago, picking the ball up deep and running powerfully at defenders, then tracking back energetically if a move broke down. That was in stark contrast to the magnificently meandering Mario Balotelli.
All Roberto Mancini needed was a branch and a Morris Minor to complete a splendid Basil Fawlty impersonation after his striker had dawdled along the touchline in possession and been robbed by the voracious Seamus Coleman. Of course there was more than just Cahill’s bull in a China shop approach that turned the game, although it was significant. David Moyes changed the shape of his team, too. For the second match in three weeks the Blues boss made a tactical half-time substitution. Despite the presence in the starting line-up of two players who crave centre-stage – Everton’s unquestioned player of the last couple of months, Leon Osman and the mercurial Mikel Arteta – the creative talents were marginalised on the flanks while Everton started with two holding players in the centre, Neville and Heitinga. It was only when the artists replaced the artisans in the middle that Everton began to prosper. The nature of the winning goal was wholly appropriate given the pre-match presence on the pitch of the aerial expert. Afterwards David Moyes likened it to an ‘Andy Gray’ header. Comparisons with either Scottish striker were unfair. Such has been Osman’s form in recent months that his own name should be celebrated by supporters rather than comparisons to faces from the past. But there was one image from yesteryear that remained resonant, though. We’d all expected the centre-half facing his old club to figure prominently in the proceedings. He did, but it wasn’t Joleon Lescott. The former Everton defender barely crossed the halfway line all afternoon, while it was Sylvain Distin who tormented his old employers with the equalising goal. Money can buy you many things, but it can’t buy you attitude and spirit. Everton have that in abundance in the man who cost them just £1.7m from Millwall. To step into boxing parlance, is Tim Cahill one of Everton’s best pound for pound signings of all-time? He won’t be far away . . .
Everton FC 2 Manchester City 1: Leon Osman powers Blues to victory
Liverpool Echo
May 9 2011
Leon Osman after his stunning header against Man CityBACK at his old Goodison stomping ground, Duncan Ferguson pumped his fists and punched the air – but it was the present day Blues who showed all their fighting spirit to secure yet another memorable victory against Manchester City.
At times it seemed that the sublime grace of City’s Spanish midfielder David Silva was going to wrap up this game as a contest before the half-time whistle, such was the potency of his waspish movement and intelligent passing. But just like the Tartan talisman Ferguson in his all-too-brief prime, Everton produced a barn-storming response that the visitors, for all their laudable approach play, were simply unable to live with. When this disjointed season has shuddered to some of its lows, veterans like Phil Neville and Tim Cahill have spoken about the need to go back to basics and rediscover the Toffee’s pugnacious zeal. That never-say-die attitude and reliance on non-fussy direct attacking served Everton well over the seasons, and its return in the second half at Goodison on Saturday was compelling to witness. Roberto Mancini was left to complain about a long-ball approach from the home side, but his moans echoed hollow. Because in his quieter moments, after the euphoria from another against the odds victory over Mancini’s mega-rich has subsided, David Moyes can relax safe in the knowledge that his Everton evolution is ongoing. It is an evolution based on being the Premier League’s best switch-hitters; a side capable of passing and moving when necessary but also getting in their opponents’ faces when all else fails. Yes, their pretty style has flattered to deceive at times this season – too often breaking down in the final third due to a lack of real edge in attack. But Moyes will hope that a few of the right additions to his midfield and attack could yet create a unit capable of competing with City consistently in the Premier League’s top five.
This latest victory over the sky blue half of Manchester came as part of a wonderfully unpredictable afternoon. Who could have guessed Everton would come back with such aplomb after a tepid first half? Or that Victor Anichebe would receive a standing ovation by the Goodison faithful when he was substituted towards the end? The 23-year-old has much convincing to do when it comes to most Everton supporters, but here he worked tirelessly, tracked back and did all the gritty things he has been known to shirk. More of the same could yet see his reputation enjoy a late flourish on the Gwladys Street. It was Anichebe who was busy making space in the area when Jack Rodwell headed narrowly wide from Phil Neville’s cross to register one of the Blues few chances of their lame first half creative offering. Moyes got everything right from half time onwards. He astutely reshuffled his pack to introduce the pace of Jermaine Beckford, and the Blues instantly started sharper, and went close when Leighton Baines’ long range free kick was nicked off Beckford’s toes and slid behind for a corner by Vincent Kompany. The tempo surged as Everton rediscovered their bite. Jack Rodwell was booked for a late challenge on Nigel De Jong, and then had a chance to play in Anichebe moments after. Dzeko should have doubled the visitor’s lead after a searing City break, although Yaya Toure’s marvellous supporting run went unnoticed. Everton began to need extra punch in attack, so Moyes turned to Tim Cahill with 25 minutes left. The indefatigable Aussie had been on the pitch just seconds when he won a free kick on the right of the area. Mikel Arteta, by now thriving in a central role after a quiet first half on the left, delivered a quality set-piece and as Cahill’s very presence caused jitters in the City defence, Distin leapt highest to beat Joe Harte with a powerful header.
It soon got even better. Phil Neville found space down the right and sent a high cross presumably towards the lurking Beckford, but Leon Osman got their first; rising majestically against the far taller Kompany to score with a magnificent header that left him nursing a sore head on the turf as Goodison rocked. Suddenly Mancini’s men were on the ropes, as Anichebe began to turn a toiling performance into a terrific one and Osman rediscovered the form which had sent the Toffees on their recent unbeaten surge. The elegance with which the visitors had dominated the first half had all but vanished as Everton really exerted their dominance. Nonplussed in the technical area, Mancini replaced Vieira, and David Silva never had the chance to shine as brightly once Neville had been charged with shackling him. The Everton skipper’s influence on his side can simply not be underestimated – whether from central midfield or right back, the Blues are a more motivated, robust outfit with him leading the fight. Thank heavens then, that Neville seems so intent on prolonging his career in the Premier League for as long as his ever-green body will allow. It was the effervescent captain who was still fizzing at the end, rowing with Brian Kidd after the final whistle as a spate of hand-bags ensued between Aleksander Kolarov and Seamus Coleman. Furious for a few minutes, Neville allowed himself a brief smile as he walked down the tunnel. He knows that this season may still end with enough gusto to keep everyone interested next time around. “We changed the system round a little bit at half-time and I don't know if it was the system but we got closer to people, looked more attacking and were a bigger threat.” DAVID MOYES reflects on the smart transformation he effected from the dug-out. “This game was incredible. We had three or four chances to end it in the first half but in football if you don’t keep your concentration everything can change.” ROBERTO MANCINI was bemused by his side’s collapse.
EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Howard; Hibbert (Beckford, 45), Distin, Jagielka, Baines; Heitinga, Neville; Rodwell (Cahill, 65), Arteta, Osman; Anichebe (Coleman, 87). Not used: Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Vellios, Gueye.
MANCHESTER CITY (4-5-1): Harte; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov; Vieira (Johnson, 78) Toure, Milner (Balotelli, 81) Silva, De Jong (Jo, 90); Dzeko. Not used: Given, Wright-Phillips, Johnson, Boyata, McGivern.
GOALS: Distin (66) Osman (72); Toure (28).
CARDS: Booked – Rodwell, Coleman, Neville, Osman; Kompany, Kolarov.
REFEREE: Phil Dowd (Staffs).
ATTENDANCE: 37,351
Duncan Ferguson spirit inspired us, says Everton FC midfielder Tim Cahill
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 9 2011
TIM CAHILL believes a chat with his Everton role model Duncan Ferguson inspired him to help Everton complete a remarkable fight-back against Manchester City. The Aussie midfielder came off the bench in the second half of the Blues 2-1 victory against City on Saturday, and won the free kick that led to their equaliser. Cahill, who continues to struggle with a persistent foot injury, revealed how former crowd favourite Ferguson, who was paraded on the Goodison pitch before kick off, set him the perfect example to become another Toffees’ icon. He said: “It’s fantastic. He’s one of my heroes and he’s the reason why I got 13 goals in my first season here and we finished fourth.
“I had chat with him last week, and it’s about keeping the spirit and the dream alive. The dream here is that we have so many good players but we have to keep believing. In the end that belief came against Manchester City. “I’m happy to be on the bench and coming on because three weeks ago they’d written me off and said my season was over. Yes I take a massive risk playing but it’s worth it on days like Saturday.” Cahill is renowned for his aerial prowess, but the 31-year-old joked that heading was one of the few things he did not look to Ferguson for help with. “I always used to make jokes about Fergie that the only thing he couldn’t do was head a ball,” he said. “He was an exceptional talent. The best thing I learned from him was about discipline, attitude and work ethic in training. “He taught me what it means to play for Everton and it’s priceless. I try to be the same example he is as a footballer and a person because he’s a gentleman.” Cahill admitted his foot injury is only likely to ease with a long rest in close season, but he is determined to soldier on in Everton’s final two games. He said: “I still feel my foot injury. I’m going to have to get a massive rest in the summer but I want to be a part of these good moments and help make a change. Maybe sometimes I don’t do myself justice playing because people might feel I’m unfit or not moving well, but the matter of the fact is I’m 80% fit.” Cahill was delighted with the atmosphere inside Goodison as the Blues staged their comeback, and was glad to have played his part. He said: “It was unbelieveable. You could see the game just needed a bit of spice and the manager put Beckford on, who chased after everything, and Victor was exceptional. The lads gave their all and then I went on to play off De Jong and try and win some challenges and change the game and that’s what happened. “ Silva was brilliant for them, but the big thing was the pace of the game was so mellow. Everything in the first half was so smooth and some of the games I’ve played against Man City at their place, you have to get in their face and really unsettle and challenge them. The gaffer changed the game well and made some great results. "The record against them is great and that’s what we’re capable of.
"We all reacted to the lads tackling and putting their feet in, and I just wanted to lift the spirit. You could see a bit of fear in their eyes in the second half and once you sensed that we went for the kill.”
Everton FC 2 Manchester City 1: Blues send a soft City sprawling to the floor
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 9 2011
Leon Osman after his winner against Man CityTHE shrill peep of referee Phil Dowd’s final whistle has barely dispersed from the Goodison air when mayhem ensues. Manchester City are not happy. Aleksandar Kolarov, having made a beeline towards Seamus Coleman and gone toe-to-toe with Tim Cahill, is being ushered away by City manager Roberto Mancini and his assistant David Platt. Mancini, his flailing flamboyant hair exacerbating his emotions, then becomes involved in his own heated exchange with Phil Neville, who is being restrained by City coach Brian Kidd. David Moyes, meanwhile, can be spotted watching on from the touchline, a small smile of satisfaction stretching across his face. “I enjoyed it,” he says. “I enjoyed standing back and watching it all because at the end of the day your job is to fight in the 90 minutes. “I just stood back, I didn’t really see what it was all about. But you have to do it during the game – after the game doesn’t matter. "I was smiling because we won.” Indeed. The fight before the fracas had ultimately been won by Moyes’s Everton side, who pulled themselves up off the canvas following a first-half battering to land yet another knockout punch on City on Saturday. While Kolarov’s gripe that sparked the full-time fracas was ostensibly at Coleman falling too easily under his challenge late on, it more demonstrated the frustration at the way Everton’s pressure had exposed the soft underbelly that has forever undermined City. The visitors probably knew what to expect, having now lost seven of the last eight meetings between the teams and each of the last four. But not even they could have envisaged the manner in which Leon Osman, the smallest player on the pitch, towered above centre-back Vincent Kompany to meet Neville’s right-wing cross and head home the winner with 18 minutes remaining.
Duncan Ferguson, watching on from the directors’ box, would no doubt have been nodding approvingly at the courage and execution of Osman’s intervention. The midfielder has in the past struggled to win over sections of the Goodison support, but his hugely impressive form over the last few months has surely banished any doubters that Moyes’s faith in the player is not misplaced.
Osman received a nasty bump for his troubles and played the remainder of the game in a haze.
But it was City who were left dazed and confused by the intensity and ferocity of Everton’s second-half revival, the Champions League qualification their owners’ vast investment demands remaining tantalisingly out of reach. Of course, Moyes cannot compete with such resource. There are, however, other ways and means, and, for the umpteenth time, his team’s indomitable spirit, and some canny tactical tweaks, helped salvage an unlikely victory. When, in April 2009, City last beat Everton, it was the Goodison outfit who were the team preparing for an FA Cup final appearance while setting sights on European qualification. How Moyes would have traded three points on Saturday to be back in that position. It’s impossible to shake the nagging feeling that every one of their achievements during recent weeks has been laced with the disappointment that, in terms of the season, it has all come too little, too late. But at least it has arrived. Moyes himself accepts the challenge now is to ensure this momentum – one defeat in 10 Premier League games – rolls over into the start of next campaign. This was the proverbial game of two halves. City, with the devastating David Silva pulling the strings, were in total command during a one-sided first half in which some wayward finishing prevented Everton from conceding only Yaya Toure’s 28th-minute opener, the Ivorian dispatching clinically from Silva’s cute pass after Sylvain Distin failed to cut out Nigel de Jong’s ball in to the Spaniard. Silva had earlier shot narrowly wide after brilliantly plucking a huge Kompany punt out of the sky and deceiving Tony Hibbert, and then cushioned a James Milner ball across for Patrick Vieira to blast over from seven yards. Phil Jagielka was later required to make a last-ditch tackle after Kolarov had been released by Toure’s clever backheel, while the only threat Everton could muster was a Jack Rodwell header that floated wide. City remained menacing after the break, Tim Howard saving well from Toure after another incisive Silva pass while a counter-attack ended with the lesser-spotted Edin Dzeko dragging his shot just wide. But if the introduction at half-time of Jermaine Beckford slowly began to turn the tide, it was the emergence of City nemesis Tim Cahill from the bench that sparked the real transformation. The Australian had been on the pitch a matter of seconds when he was bundled over for a free-kick on 65 minutes that Mikel Arteta delivered expertly into the area towards Distin, whose header perhaps should have been kept out by former team-mate Joe Hart in the City goal. Arteta had shifted into a more central role after the interval, and it was his creativity, and Everton’s willingness to play more direct, that struck at the heart of the visitors’ rearguard. After Osman’s wonderful header, Everton almost had a third on 77 minutes when Beckford drew a point-blank save from Hart when meeting Victor Anichebe’s cross from the right. Anichebe went into the game with the words of Moyes ringing in his ears demanding more. And while still on occasion infuriating, the striker heeded his manager’s message at the weekend with a bustling second-half display. The difference in desire between the two sides was graphically illustrated during the closing moments when City’s mercurial striker Mario Balotelli, strolling towards a loose ball, was comprehensively beaten by the eager Coleman. Then came the post-match kerfuffle. Moyes and his players, though, knew the real fight had already been won.
After landing Group C title Everton FC under-18s bid to reach Academy League national final
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post
May 9 2011
EVERTON under-18s will bid to reach the national final of the Barclays Premier Academy League in today’s semi-final against Aston Villa at Finch Farm (kick-off 12pm). Neil Dewsnip’s side finally finished top of the Group C table on a dramatic afternoon on Friday. Having been ahead of the pack since January, they completed their fixtures last weekend to stay on top of the table. But they had to wait to see if neighbours Liverpool would overtake. But Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers in their final match at their Kirkby Academy meant Everton topped the north west section by a point. Now they take on Aston Villa this afternoon. Coach Dewsnip said: “We have been preparing as if we were going to play again so we will be ready for the Aston Villa game. Hopefully we can go all the way.” Villa themselves only clinched the Group B section last Tuesday with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea. Everton will be looking to book their place in Friday’s final against either of the other two section winners, Sunderland or Fulham. Everton will be without striker Hallam Hope and midfielder John Lundstram, who are both in action for John Peacock’s under-17s side. England face hosts Serbia this afternoon (kick-off 4.15pm) knowing only a victory will give them any chance of going through the semi-finals of the UEFA European U17 Championship.
They drew 2-2 with France – with Hope scoring the opener – last Monday, but lost 2-0 to Denmark on Friday. England must win today and hope for either a draw or Danish victory over France to make it through to the last four.
Sylvain Distin warns moneybags Manchester City they can’t buy team spirit like Everton’s
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 9 2011
SYLVAIN DISTIN has warned moneybags Manchester City they cannot buy the team spirit that helped Everton extend their hoodoo over the Eastlands outfit. David Moyes’s side came from behind to earn a memorable 2-1 triumph against City at Goodison on Saturday. It was their sixth in their last seven meetings against their North West rivals and strengthened their grip on a top-seven finish.
After Yaya Toure gave the visitors a half-time lead, Distin nodded the equaliser on 65 minutes before Osman headed home Phil Neville’s cross seven minutes later. And Distin pinpointed Everton’s famed dressing room camaraderie – and a half-time rollocking from manager David Moyes – as reason for their stirring second-half revival. “I would like to say my goal made the difference!” said the Frenchman. “But we had a few words from the manager as well, which woke us up, and we all knew we had to do much better. “The team spirit is something that you can’t buy and you have to create with the players you’ve got. "You can’t buy that, you can’t buy team spirit and it’s something that’s been running through Everton for a long time. “When you arrive you just understand that and adapt and it’s something you learn very quickly.” Distin’s equaliser made amends for the Frenchman being at fault in the build-up to Toure’s 28th-minute opener. “One mistake from me cost us the goal and at the moment that’s how it seems for me,” said the defender. “Every time I make a little mistake, it’s not even like one v one and the player is in, it’s a mistake high up the pitch and it ends up being a goal. “I was a bit frustrated at half-time and most of the other players were as well because we didn’t perform great. “We performed with better intentions in the second half and ended up winning the game.” Everton travel to West Bromwich Albion next week before finishing the campaign at home to Chelsea. And having lost just one of their last 10 Premier Leagues games, Distin is determined to finish the season with a flourish. “Now we’ve got two games left,” he said. “It’s been a long season, very frustrating but coming to the end we’re doing well so we just have to carry on and finish in a good way. “Whatever happens we know there’s not much of a chance to catch the Europa League position but we still want to fight until the end. It’s not the style of the club or the manager to just take it easy now with two games left.” Distin made more than 200 appearances during five years at City before leaving for Portsmouth in 2007 en route to Goodison two years later. And he added: “Even though it’s a completely different team and club from when I was there, but it’s still a bit special. “Since I left there have been two or three different chairmen and the board has changed several times, the manager has changed three or four times and there was one player left that I played with, Joe Hart, who didn’t really play at the time, he was the sub goalkeeper. “It’s a completely different club and everyone has bigger expectations now because of the money they inject in the club and the players every season and they have to perform. “I spent five years there and it was tough times, not the same as now, it was a really tough time, we had to fight every game and I gave my best. “They didn’t like the way I left I suppose but it’s about me, not about the fans and I felt that it was time to go. “If I hadn’t left I wouldn’t have been at Everton today and I wouldn’t have won the FA Cup either (at Portsmouth).”
Chris Beesley: Everton FC’s team spirit shows Manchester City what money can’t buy
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
May 9 2011
EVERTON trotted out former fans’ favourite Duncan Ferguson in a cheerleading appearance before the kick-off of this game but in reality nobody connected with the Goodison Park outfit needed any help in rousing themselves for this contest. Smartly-dressed in a grey suit and still looking like he’s more or less maintaining his lean, mean fighting weight in retirement, the Tartan Talisman has changed little since his marauding days as the Blues’ centre-forward apart from what seemed just a slight thinning of his locks from the vantage point of the Goodison press box. Milking the tumultuous applause – it wasn’t until the second half that the home crowd were again so vocal although they certainly made up for lost time – ‘Big Dunc’ was at his old fist-pumping, chest-thumping best. But for all the official noises that come out of the club – “Go easy on Joleon Lescott”, “There’s no extra meaning to this fixture” – don’t you believe it. Everton and Evertonians love beating Manchester City and thankfully for David Moyes, they have got a happy habit of doing so.
Given Everton’s superiority in this fixture, perhaps Sheikh Mansour’s next move might be to buy their team – after all the entire starting 11 cost less than Edin Dzeko in the visitors’ line-up.
By defeating City again, Moyes’ men showed that there are some things that money just can’t buy – team spirit. Everton’s players, like seemingly every time they face City, wanted this more.
The visitors were showing just why as individuals they command such enormous price tags in the first half when everything was going well for them. David Silva was close to his impish best, zig-zagging his way through the home rearguard and trapping one fast-falling aerial pass so effortlessly he didn’t so much as kick the ball as caress it. Goalscorer Yaya Toure, he of the gloves, tights, hooded top and now outlawed ‘snood’ on that chilly night at Eastlands last December when the sides last met, was also impressive going forward but when the going got tough and he had to run backwards after the break, he like so many of his team-mates, the Ivorian just didn’t want to know.
Seemingly more concerned with avoiding injuries ahead of their big day at Wembley rather than putting their bodies on the line, City were shellshocked. Indeed, Pablo Zabaleta even tried to wave his way back on to the pitch after he’d been substituted. It seemed fitting that Everton’s goals came from Sylvain Distin, a defender who used to play for City before they struck oil money and became football’s version of ‘Beverley Hill Billies’ and former youth product Leon Osman who didn’t cost the Goodison outfit a penny. Ferguson himself would have been proud of the header from Osman that won the game with the diminutive midfielder rising above 6ft 3in City skipper Vincent Kompany to nod past England keeper Joe Hart. It was the one player that City did sign from Goodison, the aforementioned Lescott who finally took centre stage as pantomime villain on his long-awaited return to his former employers almost two years after departing. Despite not missing a game through injury during his three years on Merseyside, Lescott’s creaking knees have prevented him from featuring in the previous three fixtures between these sides since he engineered his lucrative transfer to City in 2009. Victories in those three matches for Everton have ensured that they had to make do with “Lescott what’s the score?” taunts in the hope that he was watching but this time he was there on the pitch feeling the full force of their understandable displeasure. Fans aren’t stupid. They recognise that transfers are part and parcel of football and players come and go all the time. Ferguson of course left Goodison against his wishes before returning to his spiritual home from Newcastle while even Brazilian striker Jo who was hardly an overwhelming success or big hit with the supporters during his loan spells on Merseyside was given a warm reception from the home fans when he entered the fray as a late substitute. Given that he is still only a game away from helping his club to secure Champions League football for the first time and a game away from City securing their first FA Cup since 1969, Lescott may now feel close to vindicating his move in his own mind but given the gargantuan salary he has to help thicken his skin he can have no complaints about the boos and heckles he received from his previously adoring public. Unless there are a couple of huge upsets over the next week, City’s billionaire owners will have bankrolled their way to achieving their season’s goals of ending the club’s long silverware drought and buying a place at the top table of European football. Everton though, who have been tantalisingly close to achieve both on a relatively shoestring budget under Moyes, continue to ask their manager to perform footballing miracles in the world’s richest league by turning water into wine in a vain attempt to keep up with their more moneyed rivals. Individual moral victories like these will help to bring a small amount of feel-good factor to Goodison on what has been a largely frustrating campaign but for how long can Everton keep punching above their weight like this without even some modest investment?
Leon Osman’s header revived memories of Andy Gray - Everton FC boss David Moyes
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 9 2011
DAVID MOYES believes Leon Osman invoked memories of Everton legend Andy Gray with his brave matchwinner against Manchester City. Despite being the smallest player on the pitch, Osman leapt above City defender Vincent Kompany to meet Phil Neville’s right-wing cross and glance home a brilliant header to secure a 2-1 home win on Saturday. The midfielder received a blow to the head for his troubles that left him requiring lengthy treatment and sporting a nasty-looking lump near his temple as he later departed the stadium. And Moyes was fulsome in his praise of Osman’s decisive intervention that extended Everton’s record to six wins in their last seven meetings against City.
“I always think Ossie’s got a chance because he is good in the air, but it reminded me a bit of Andy Gray getting across people, jumping well,” said the Everton manager. “The big thing was he was brave, he came in and said he took one for the team there because he got a bang on the back of his head. " The goal and type of goal reminded me of the old days.” Sylvain Distin, who scored Everton’s equaliser after they trailed at half-time to Yaya Toure’s opener, said: “Ossie’s really, really good in the air. I play against these guys every day and Ossie is really good in the air. “He’s a small player but he can jump with a good spring so no-one should underestimate him.” City were dominant until a half-time teamtalk from Moyes and the introduction from the bench of Jermaine Beckford and then Tim Cahill helped turn the tide. And of Everton’s second-half display, the manager said: “It was really top, I thought the crowd were at it and it actually came from a couple of challenges, some people running around. “I suddenly thought it needed a player to spur it on and start it off and it gave us a foothold in the game. “City could have been out of sight at half-time.
"Even after that, Toure had a chance when he went through which came when we looked like we were going to score from a corner to make it 2-0, but in the second half I thought we were the more likely scorers. “I said at half-time you need to show a bit more of what you are about and what you can do. “I think they did but Man City caused us problems in the first half that were more than in a lot of games here with a lot of really good teams.” Moyes added: “I thought they passed the ball really well and we were struggling to get near them so we had to find another way. "We got closer to them in the second half. “All I can talk about is what we did and I thought the players showed a great determination and attitude. “If you are judging it on talent and you were standing back then their talent is greater than ours so I have to find another way of winning and the players have done that over the years. “They missed chances and we hung in there, we scored a goal from a set-piece which turned it in our favour and they don’t lose many goals, they are quite solid.” Moyes believes Everton benefited from a more direct approach after the interval that put City’s defence under increasing pressure. “We have to find another way of getting results and, yes, we might have to kick it long but I find a balance between that and the passing,” he said. “We passed the ball really well at the start of the season but it didn’t get us results. "I thought Mikel Arteta going in the centre made a difference, he brought craft at the right time.”
Mancini and Neville at loggerheads in Goodison Park bust-up after elbowing row
By Joe Bernstein
8th May 2011
Daily Express
FA Cup final manager Roberto Mancini was involved in a stormy bust-up between Manchester City and Everton players following the final whistle at hottempered Premier League game at Goodison Park. Mancini was repeatedly sworn at by Everton skipper Phil Neville as the City manager rushed on to the pitch to drag away his player Aleksandar Kolarov, who squared up to Seamus Coleman following an alleged elbowing incident. Mancini’s assistant, Brian Kidd, who used to work with Neville at Manchester United, dived in as peacemaker and Neville was restrained from following Mancini and Kolarovinto the tunnel by Kidd and referee Phil Dowd. The bad-tempered incident followed a 2-1 Everton win which seemed to hit City’s advance towards clinching fourth place and Champions League qualification. But rivals Tottenham, who visit Eastlands on Tuesday, were held 1-1 at home by Blackpool. A City victory over Spurs would clinch fourth before they meet Stoke in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Pointing the blame: City coach David Platt vents his frustration towards Everton skipper Neville Everton manager David Moyes said: ‘Someone said the City players felt Seamus[Coleman] had elbowed somebody. I don’t think it was anything but once the players gathered at the end, more people saw that and also came over.’ Mancini refused to throw any light on why Neville had turned on him. ‘I only went to get Kolarov away,’ he said. Hands up: Vieira (centre) clashes with Everton duo Rodwell and Heitinga The flashpoint occurred after the final whistle when Kolarov and Coleman, who was booked towards the end of the game for kicking the ball at a prostrate Joleon Lescott, had to be dragged apart by a bare-chested Tim Cahill as other players joined the fray. Mancini’s attempts to calm the situation down was met with fury by Neville, who was forced to stay on the pitch until he had calmed down. The FA must wait to see if referee Dowd mentions the incident in his report.
Cahill exposes City weaknesses ahead of final
Everton 2 Manchester City 1
By James Wrigley at Goodison Park
Monday, 9 May 2011
It was put to Roberto Mancini that the Stoke City manager, Tony Pulis, who was in the stands at Goodison Park, must have been rubbing his hands after watching Manchester City fold under Everton's second-half onslaught, as he plots his team's approach to the FA Cup final next Saturday. "Do you think so? I'm happy with that," the Italian countered, bristling at the suggestion. Mancini looked rattled after this defeat, although his mood will have lifted in the evening when Tottenham Hotspur could move only a point closer to his team. Provided they do not lose against Spurs at Eastlands tomorrow, City will all but secure a Champions League place and can focus on the danger Stoke's physical style may pose at Wembley. Mancini's players are no lightweights but at Goodison they lacked the controlled aggression required to turn a one-sided first half into a convincing victory. Instead they mirror their manager's tetchy side; Mancini's frustration boiled over in an altercation with Phil Neville at the end, when he would have been better off keeping Aleksander Kolarov and Seamus Coleman apart following Everton's fourth straight victory against City. "After the way we played the first half it was incredible how we played the second very soft and too wide," Mancini said. "It is not easy to come here and dominate the game against Everton. We did that for 45 minutes and had five chances to score. We need to improve, that is for sure." In reality, Pulis, and the Spurs manager, Harry Redknapp, will spend more time worrying about City's attacking capabilities. David Silva gave a masterclass and orchestrated most of City's bright attacking play, including the pass he flicked into Yaya Touré's path for the opening goal. Silva also teed up Patrick Vieira with a stunning piece of skill and went close himself, pulling his shot across Tim Howard's goal.
"They could have been out of sight at half-time," the Everton manager, David Moyes, conceded. "Even after that Touré had a chance when he went through." Howard saved on that occasion. After that, Everton found the intensity that had been lacking in the first period and, with Jermaine Beckford coming on to support the willing Victor Anichebe, began to press. But it was the introduction of Tim Cahill for the final half-hour that was the game changer. The Australian, who had scored in three of his previous four games against City, is only just back from injury but sparked a frenzied effort from Everton, who equalised within a minute of his introduction. Mikel Arteta's free-kick was met by Sylvain Distin, who got above Vincent Kompany to score against his old team. Kompany was also at fault when Osman beat him in the air from Neville's cross for the winner. "It's a completely different team and club from when I was there, but it's still a bit special," said Distin, who left for Portsmouth in 2007. "We had a few words from the manager at half-time, which woke us up, and we all knew we had to do much better." Subs: Everton Beckford 7 (Hibbert, h-t), Cahill 7 (Rodwell, 64), Coleman (Anichebe, 86). Man City A Johnson (Vieira, 78), Balotelli (Zabaleta 81), Jo (De Jong, 89). Booked: Everton Neville, Osman, Rodwell, Coleman. Man City Kompany, Kolarov. Man of the match Silva. Match rating 8/10. Possession: Everton 59% Man City 41%. Attempts on target: Everton 6 Man City 7. Referee P Dowd (Staffs). Att 37,351.
Evertton 2 Manchester City 1
By Phil Thomas
May 9 2011 The Sun
IT was a glimpse of the fighting spirit which has dragged opponents Everton out of so many scrapes over the years. A glimpse into the one thing the doubters have insisted has been missing at Manchester City when things get heated, for all their big-name stars. The only problem for Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini was it came AFTER the final whistle, with the points already lost And that, in a nutshell, was a little cameo of the enigma that is the Premier League's richest club. As ref Phil Dowd called time, Aleksandr Kolarov made for Everton rookie Seamus Coleman with more on his mind than a handshake. His fury stemmed from Coleman's dive which could easily have led to the City left-back seeing red, having earlier been booked. Cue various fingers jabbed, chests shoved and City coach David Platt rushing on to calm things down. Oh, and just for good measure, Toffees skipper Phil Neville let Mancini know exactly what he thought when the Italian tried to add his two penn'orth. Not the first time a Neville has had the last laugh on those neighbours in blue, eh? If only City had been similarly up for the fight in the frantic final 20 minutes, they would already be looking at Euro clashes with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and, yes, those pesky Old Trafford trophy-gatherers next term. A goal to the good thanks to Yaya Toure, it defied belief that Mancini's men were not already home and hosed at half-time. Instead, Everton gaffer David Moyes threw on Tim Cahill - whose presence led to an equaliser for Sylvain Distin within 60 seconds - and it was downhill all the way for City. How Vincent Kompany let little Leon Osman get across him to head a marvellous winner was incredible. But if that was jaw-dropping, it was nothing compared to the lack of heart City showed thereafter. Mancini groaned: "After the way we played the first half, it was incredible how we played the second very soft and too wide. "We need to improve because this situation cannot happen. "We're a strong team and have lost a game we didn't deserve to. But, in England, if you don't pay attention for 95 minutes and from the long ball into the box, you can be punished." Opposite number Moyes insisted: "The job is to fight in the 90 minutes, afterwards it doesn't matter. I enjoyed standing back and watching it. "There's no doubt if you judged it on talent, theirs is greater than ours but the players showed a great determination and attitude." Mancini insisted his side had handled Everton's long balls poorly - just like he did when Blackburn tried the same. No prizes for guessing what is in store when Stoke line up against them at Wembley in six days, then. City will still go into the FA Cup final as hot favourites and are even bigger certs to clinch fourth place. Yet until they discover the guts and granite to accompany all that undoubted talent, only the Eastlands pay packets will be bulging, rather than the trophy cabinet.
DREAM TEAM
STAR MAN - PHIL JAGIELKA (Everton)
EVERTON: Howard 7, Hibbert 5 (Beckford 6), Jagielka 9, Distin 7, Baines 7, Arteta 7, Heitinga 6, Neville 7, Osman 8, Rodwell 6 (Cahill 7), Anichebe 7 (Coleman 6). Subs not used: Mucha, Vellios, Bilyaletdinov, Gueye. Booked: Neville, Rodwell, Osman, Coleman.
MAN CITY: Hart 6, Zabaleta 5 (Balotelli 4), Kompany 6, Lescott 6, Kolarov 5, De Jong 6 (Jo 5), Vieira 5 (A Johnson 6), Milner 6, Y Toure 7, Silva 8, Dzeko 6. Subs not used: Given, Wright-Phillips, Boyata, McGivern. Booked: Kompany, Kolarov.
REF: P Dowd 5
Toffees sweet on strong finish
May 9 2011 The Sun
TIM CAHILL wants to help Everton finish the season on a high before enjoying a much-needed rest this summer. With just two Premier League games left to play, the Toffees have an outside chance at best of overtaking Liverpool and Tottenham to claim fifth and a place in the Europa League
But Cahill, who made a 26-minute substitute appearance in Saturday's 2-1 win over Manchester City, insists the players will not be taking it easy as the campaign draws to a close. The 31-year-old midfielder said: "I'm happy to be on the bench and coming on because three weeks ago they'd written me off and said my season was over. "Yes, I take a massive risk playing but it's worth it on days like Saturday. "I still feel my foot injury. I'm going to have to get a massive rest in the summer but I want to be a part of these good moments and help make a change. "Maybe sometimes I don't do myself justice playing because people might feel I'm unfit or not moving well, but the matter of the fact is I'm 80 per cent fit."
I'm still only 80 per cent fit, says Cahill
May 9 2011 The Mirror
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill admits he needs a "massive rest" in the summer in order to be fully fit for next season but is determined to finish this campaign first. With the Toffees' chances of securing a European place looking distant with just two matches remaining the Australia international could have been forgiven for wanting to take a back seat. However, the 31-year-old, who made a 26-minute substitute appearance in the weekend's 2-1 win over Manchester City, epitomises the spirit within the squad and wants to see the season through to its conclusion before taking it easy.
"I'm happy to be on the bench and coming on because three weeks ago they'd written me off and said my season was over," Cahill told the Liverpool Echo. "Yes, I take a massive risk playing but it's worth it on days like Saturday. "I still feel my foot injury. I'm going to have to get a massive rest in the summer but I want to be a part of these good moments and help make a change. "Maybe sometimes I don't do myself justice playing because people might feel I'm unfit or not moving well, but the matter of the fact is I'm 80% fit."
Stunning strike puts Everton FC youngsters in national FA Premier League final
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 10 2011
A STUNNING late strike by Conor McAleny fired Everton’s Under-18s into the final of the FA Premier League yesterday – edging Aston Villa 3-2 at Finch Farm. Crowned North West champions on Friday, the Blues youngsters looked like having to endure a nerve shredding extra-time. But McAleny created space for himself 20 yards from goal before unleashing a terrific shot that crashed into the top corner. The Blues will now face the winners of the Fulham-Sunderland semi-final in the national final. Coach Neil Dewsnip had to reshuffle his pack early in the game when Johann Hammar was forced off with a knee injury. Jake Bidwell moved into the centre of defence, where he had a fine game alongside Portuguese signing, Eric Dier. Villa drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Graham Burke fired past Adam Davies but parity was restored just six minutes later when Thomas Donegan chased a long punt forward and kept his composure to push the ball past the Villa keeper Calum Barrett before slamming it into the net. Everton continued to press and took the lead in the 39th minute when Gerard Kinsella found the net with a well-placed right foot shot from 12 yards. Villa drew level with 20 minutes to go through sub Michael Drennan, before McAleny’s wonder goal five minutes from time.
Answers to fans’ questions on amber Everton FC shirts
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 10 2011
THE EFC Heritage Society has given the green light to fans’ amber shirts queries. The Society, a brains trust of authors, statisticians, memorabilia collectors, website designers and fanzine writers, was formed last year to offer a human database of Everton expertise. And with the launch of Everton’s new amber away kit, to be worn for the first time at The Hawthorns on Saturday, a number of fans asked when Everton first wore amber as an away shirt. After putting the matter to its members, the Society came up with the following response. “The first time the amber shirts and blue shorts were worn in an Everton match was on 12th August 1967 at Goodison Park when the reserves wore the new change strip in the annual curtain raiser. The first time it was worn in a competitive match is believed to be on 30th September 1967 when Everton beat Leicester City 2-0 at Filbert Street with Alan Ball getting both goals. “Incidentally, it is believed that this amber and blue kit was also the last change strip worn by Everton in a competitive fixture at Goodison Park in their 5-0 thrashing of Colchester United in the 6th round of the FA Cup on 6 March 1971 – thanks to the competition rules about both teams having to change their strips if colours clashed.
“Furthermore, we also know that amber or yellow was used way back in December 1890 v Wolverhampton Wanderers. “Further occurrences include: 7th April 1953 when Everton were thrashed 2-8 at Huddersfield Town wearing an amber strip with black trim on the collar and black shorts. A similar kit was used in 1962 when Everton played King’s Lynn in the FA Cup. “We have also worn Amber shirts with green trim, and green shorts on at least two occasions in games v Chelsea and Leicester City during the 1971/72
EFC Heritage Society can be contacted on info@efcheritagesociety.com.
Ian Snodin: Time for Victor Anichebe to grab his big chance at Everton FC
Liverpool Echo
May 10 2011
VICTOR ANICHEBE deserved every second of the Goodison ovation he received when he came off the pitch on Saturday, covered in sweat. But now he has to realise what a wonderful opportunity he may have at Everton Football Club. The Yak looks like he will be moving on this summer. So, too, does James Vaughan. Jermaine Beckford is still establishing himself as a Premier League striker while Louis Saha is still troubled by injuries and is not getting any younger. if Victor gets his finger out and works hard pre-season, he has a great chance to establish himself as Everton’s first choice centre-forward next season.
It’s entirely up to him.
If he has the appetite and the desire he could take advantage of a wonderful opportunity that has presented itself. Rather than playing in the Championship, he could be leading the line for one of the Premier League’s top clubs – and that’s the kind of chance that doesn’t come along very often in a football career. Certainly on Saturday’s evidence Victor has all the attributes to challenge seriously next season. I thought he was one of the handful of players to have a real go in the first half against Manchester City. He was chasing down defenders, putting himself about and upsetting Joleon Lescott. The way we were playing didn’t help his cause. He was isolated up front and received very little in the way of quality service, yet he still had a go, and that’s why he eventually received such a stirring ovation from the crowd when he came off. The Goodison fans can accept somebody having a poor game, but they won’t accept players hiding or not putting in a shift. Victor did that from start to finish and was one of the main reasons we eventually secured such an impressive victory.
I didn’t see that scoreline coming at half-time. I said at half-time that we needed to make changes – that we needed more pace up front and a lot more fighting spirit. David Moyes achieved exactly that by bringing on Jermaine Beckford up front and introducing Tim Cahill. As soon as Tim came on he was dragging City around and upsetting them. And whenever we won free-kicks in and around the box you could sense the City players thinking ‘Where is he now?’ He was hugely instrumental in the second half turnaround, as was Victor Anichebe. If Victor can show that same kind of attitude and spirit in the last two matches of this season and in his pre-season preparations this summer, it could be a significant turning point in his Everton career. I certainly hope so.
Leon Osman has a head for heights!
LEON OSMAN scored an absolutely wonderful header on Saturday. The biggest tribute I can pay is that it was nearly as impressive as the header I scored on my Everton debut in an FA Cup tie against Bradford! The only difference is that mine was clearly a braver header and the conditions were far more treacherous!
Only joking Ossie!
It was an excellent effort and you don’t need to worry about the whack on the head you took spoiling your looks! To be serious, I wasn’t at all surprised to see Ossie get ahead of Vincent Kompany like that and direct his header over Joe Hart. For a lad of his size and stature Leon has always been excellent in the air. It’s all about aggression, timing and courage and Ossie has all three qualities in abundance. He’s a terrific kid and he has a terrific family behind him, too. His mum and dad are very impressive individuals and it’s no surprise that Leon’s such a well adjusted, hard working lad. He’s been Everton’s best player for the last couple of months without any shadow of a doubt and a goal like Saturday’s is just reward for the efforts he has put in. The fact it was a matchwinner is all the reward Ossie will want.
Alan Ball was right. Once Everton touches you nothing is the same IT was great to see Big Dunc back on his old stamping ground on Saturday – and it was no surprise to see the big fella looking so emotional about the reception he received from the fans. I’ve said it many times before, but it’s no less true for that – Everton is a special football club. Alan Ball famously said “Once Everton has touched you, nothing will be the same” and I couldn’t have put it better myself. Me, a proud Yorkshireman, am back there every other Saturday, Graeme Sharp is a fiercely proud Scot and he wouldn’t be anywhere else, Graham Stuart is a cockney born and bred and he was there cheering the Blues on at the weekend as well. I know Duncan has a special bond with the Evertonians so it was great to see him lapping it up on Saturday, too. I’ve bumped into him a few times recently with him recruiting kids for an Academy in La Manga and he always wants to chat about the Blues. There’s no doubt that Everton grabs you and there’s no better place for a former player to be on a Saturday afternoon. The club looks after you, the fans are always really kind to you and when the atmosphere is like it was at around five o’clock on Saturday it’s a stirring place to be.
Just ask big Dunc!
Why Everton’s trip to West Brom is must win!
TO all intents and purposes Saturday’s trip to West Bromwich Albion appears to have nothing riding on it. I would disagree. We owe The Baggies after the beating they inflicted on us earlier in the season at Goodison. That’s how I’d motivate the lads for the weekend. I’d just remind them of how they felt that afternoon and remind them that they owe West Brom The travelling fans will be brilliant, as ever, and with it being the last trip of the season there will be a carnival atmosphere.
But we could really help the party go with a swing by going out there and doing to West Brom exactly what they did to us!
Everton FC are fighting until the end insists Sylvain Distin
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 10 2011
SYLVAIN DISTIN insists that Everton will not be taking it easy in their final two league games, even if European qualification is now beyond them. David Moyes’ side produced a stirring second-half comeback to beat Manchester City 2-1 at Goodison Park on Saturday, with Distin scoring the equalising goal against his former club. The result extends the Blues recent run of just one defeat in ten league games. And Distin, an ever-present in the Premier League this season, says his side will be going all out in their remaining fixtures – away to West Brom and at home to Chelsea.
“Whatever happens we know there’s no chance to catch the Europa League position,” said the Frenchman. “But we still want to fight until the end. It’s not the style of the club or the manager to just take it easy now with two games left. “We’ve got two games. It’s been a long season, very frustrating but coming to the end we’re doing well so we just have to carry on and finish in a good way.” Leon Osman’s header secured a league double over City for the Toffees, and kept them on course to better last season’s eightth placed finish. And though it has at times been a frustrating campaign, with inconsistency the buzz-word at Goodison, Distin says he is enjoying his football on Merseyside, and says the spirit within the Blues camp is as strong as ever. “I’ve enjoyed it and it’s a good group of lads here,” said the 33-year-old. “It’s not just the games it’s the training as well, every day, training is what the job is and the game is what you’re aiming for when you train hard.
“But through the training sessions and every day I do enjoy it because there’s a good atmosphere, a good group of guys and I’m happy to show that on the pitch. Spirit is something that you can’t buy and you have to create with the players you’ve got. "You can’t buy that, you can’t buy team spirit and it’s something that’s been running through Everton for a long time. “When you arrive you just understand that and adapt, and it’s something you learn very quickly.” The Frenchman’s 65th minute header had special significance on a personal level. Distin spent five years at City between 2002 and 2007, and says it felt good to net against his former employers. “It was special,” he added. “Even though it’s a completely different team and club from when I was there, it’s still a bit special.
“Since I left there have been two or three different chairmen and the board has changed several times, the manager has changed three or four times and there is only one player left that I played with – Joe Hart. “It’s a completely different club and everyone has bigger expectations now because of the money they have injected in the club and the players they have brought in every season. They have to perform.” Distin himself remains unpopular with City supporters, having left the club on a free transfer to Portsmouth four years ago. But the former Paris St-Germain star says he is able to laugh off the jibes of the fans who once idolized him. “Now they (City supporters) can’t really call me greedy anymore,” he said. “I don’t think they can do that anymore but my dad always told me that if people boo you it’s because they love you. “I spent five years there and it was tough times, not the same as now, it was a really tough time, we had to fight every game and I gave my best.
“They didn’t like the way I left I suppose but it’s about me, not about the fans and I felt that it was time to go. “If I hadn’t left I wouldn’t have been at Everton today and I wouldn’t have won the FA Cup either.”
Everton FC captain Phil Neville is irreplaceable says David Moyes
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 10 2011
DAVID MOYES has paid tribute to his “irreplaceable” skipper, Phil Neville. The Blues captain attracted unsavoury headlines on Sunday after rowing with Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini as they left the pitch following Everton’s victory. But earlier Neville had provided the cross for Everton’s winning goal and Moyes preferred to concentrate on his captain’s qualities rather than the post-match handbags. “He has been terrific,” declared Moyes. “He is a great all round captain and leader. He is irreplaceable in many ways, I don’t think there are many of his kind around.” After Tottenham’s failed bid to sign Neville on transfer deadline day there were fears that the player may lose focus. But Moyes pointed out that the opposite has been the case. “He has been as fresh as anybody and looks as focused as he was,” he added. “Mentally he looks as if he is fine. Some players at this moment in time will look as if they are jaded but he is fine. Phil looks as if he has had a new lease of life going into the middle of the park. “I think he is enjoying it.” Moyes played down the post-match flare up which at one stage involved Neville, Mancini, Brian Kidd, Seamus Coleman, Aleksander Kolarov and Tim Cahill. “I enjoyed it,” he smiled. “I enjoyed standing back and watching it all because at the end of the day your job is to fight in the 90 minutes. “I just stood back, I didn't really see what it was all about. But you have to do it during the game. "After the game doesn't matter. I was smiling because we won.”
Everton FC escape any FA action over fracas at the end of victory over Manchester City
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 10 2011
EVERTON will not face any action from the Football Association following the fracas at the end of their win against Manchester City on Saturday. Both teams were involved in an unseemly melee moments after the final whistle of a 2-1 win for David Moyes’s side at Goodison. City defender Aleksandar Kolarov confronted Seamus Coleman and then Tim Cahill before being dragged away by manager Roberto Mancini and assistant David Platt, while Mancini was then involved in a heated exchange with Phil Neville, who was restrained by City coach Brian Kidd. However, after assessing referee Phil Dowd’s report on the match, the FA have decided not to censure the Goodison outfit.
Everton’s victory was their seventh in eight meetings with City, who surrendered a half-time lead in the face of a strong home comeback. Central to that revival was the decision to bring on Jermaine Beckford and switch Victor Anichebe to a right midfield role. Anichebe responded with an impressive performance that earned the plaudits of goalkeeper Tim Howard and assistant manager Steve Round. “We say it all the time, the belief that the coaching staff and the players have in Victor is unreal,” said Howard. “He’s a tough ask for anybody and if we continue to motivate him and if he continues to motivate himself on the training pitch and he’s able to put in performances like that.”
Round said: “It was purely tactical at half-time to bring another forward on, and we felt that we needed a bit of drive down the right-hand side so we moved Victor to that outside right.
“I thought Victor was outstanding and I would argue he was man of the match. He was aggressive, he took the fight to them, he won his headers and he worked back and made great defensive tackles. When he plays like that he really is a good player.” The arrival of City nemesis Cahill from the bench in the 64th minute was another catalyst for Everton’s stirring fightback. And while the midfielder is keen to play a further part in the Goodison outfit’s final two games, Cahill admits he needs a “massive rest” in the summer after a campaign dogged by a niggling foot injury.
“I’m happy to be on the bench and coming on because three weeks ago they’d written me off and said my season was over,” said the Australian. “Yes, I take a massive risk playing but it’s worth it on days like Saturday. “I still feel my foot injury. I’m going to have to get a massive rest in the summer but I want to be a part of these good moments and help make a change. “Maybe sometimes I don’t do myself justice playing because people might feel I’m unfit or not moving well, but the matter of the fact is I’m 80% fit.” Meanwhile, reports have suggested Moyes is tracking Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood as a possible number two to Howard. The 26-year-old has rejected a new offer to stay at Coventry and will be available on a free transfer, with npower Championship rivals Ipswich and Leicester among those interested in his signature. Moyes is likely to be on the look-out for a new goalkeeper this summer with Jan Mucha having previously intimated he may seek a move away from Goodison due to a lack of first-team action.
Conor McAleny fires winner to send Everton under-18s into Academy League national final
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post
May 10 2011
CONOR McALENY’S superb late winner sent into Everton under-18s into the national final of the FA Premier Academy League as they beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Finch Farm yesterday afternoon. Neil Dewsnip’s youngsters had finished top of the north west Group C section on Friday, and after an exciting semi-final clash yesterday they eventually made to the final thanks to McAleny’s goal five minutes from the end. Everton will face either Fulham or Sunderland – who play each other today (kick-off 5pm) – in the final. Everton were forced into a reshuffle early on when influential Swedish centre-back Johann Hammar was forced off with a knee injury. Captain Jake Bidwell moved into the centre of defence and played superbly alongside big stopper Eric Dier. In the aftermath the visitors took the lead on 23 minutes. Graham Burke firing past Everton keeper Adam Davies . But the home side hit back to level six minutes later when Tom Donegan nipped in on a long ball to slip the ball beyond Villa keeper Calum Barrett before firing home. Everton were now in the ascendency and it was no surprise when the took the lead six minutes before half-time. Midfielder Gerard Kinsella fired home from 12 yards. In an entertaining contest both sides were pushing to score at every opportunity. Villa substitute Malcolm Melvin headed over from close range, while at the other end McAleny was denied by Villa keeper Barrett. Villa equalised for a second time with 20 minutes remaining when substitute Michael Drennan made Everton pay for some hesitant defending to score past Davies. With extra-time looming McAleny finally grabbed the winner and it was an excellent strike. After creating space 20 yards from goal he fired an unstoppable shot past Villa keeper Barrett to send Everton into the final with the chance to be crowned national champions.
Former Everton FC manager Walter Smith set to go out on a high at Rangers
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 11 2011
DEPARTING manager Walter Smith is looking forward to leaving Rangers on a high after moving to the brink of another Scottish title following a 2-0 victory against Dundee United . First-half goals from Nikica Jelavic and Kyle Lafferty secured victory in Smith’s final game at Ibrox. Victory also moved the Light Blues four points clear of Celtic, who could concede the title if they lose at Hearts tonight. Former Everton boss Smith said: “If we go out on a high on Sunday I’ll be extremely happy.”
Time for a Swift exit: End of an era for top football policeman
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo
May 11 2011
Bernie SwiftStadium policing at our teams’ matches is an issue many football supporters take for granted but behind the scenes Inspector Bernie Swift has been keeping Merseyside fans safe for a generation. Ahead of his retirement at the end of this season he talks to NICK HILTON about his colourful career. IT WAS a nightmare scenario for police Inspector Bernie Swift. A few minutes before a night-time friendly match between England and Paraguay was about to finish at Anfield, a car rolled to a halt on Walton Breck Road and the driver informed officers that the occupant on the passenger seat had just been shot. Inspector Swift recalled the dilemma: “We had a crime scene and 42,000 people about to come out of Anfield would be walking and driving all over it. “How are we going to preserve the security of the crime scene and avoid traffic chaos in the city by closing off the roads around the incident?” Swift, the inspector from Crosby who has been the main link between the police and Merseyside’s two top flight clubs for the past 23 years, recalls a compromise put together on the hoof. “We were not able to contain the areas as sterile as we would have liked but we did divert people in certain directions.” The incident, in April 2002, was particularly testing, Swift says, because the unpredictable had happened. Keeping hundreds of thousands of Merseysiders and visiting football fans safe on the streets of Liverpool on match day is the bread and butter of Swift’s working life and anyone who attends games in the city will appreciate the Merseyside force’s impressive track record of success. If the work of a good football match referee can be gauged by how little he is noticed, the same can be said of the policing of games. It is rarely a topic for discussion among fans. The Merseyside force has the job of policing more than 50 Liverpool and Everton games a season down to such a fine artŠ that it takesŠ something out of the ordinary to put them on the spot. Major crowd-related incidents in or around Anfield or Goodison Park have been few and far between down the years, even during football’s starkest hooligan days of the 1980s. It is a source of pride to Bernie Swift, who first worked in policing the two grounds in 1974 and has been the inspector acting as the liaison officer linking Everton and Liverpool with the Force Operations Department for the last 23 years. Inspector Swift regards his role as a privileged position and admits to sadness and regret that he must give it all up and head into retirement this summer. Liverpool’s Premier League encounter with Tottenham this weekend will be Swift’s final game at Anfield. A week later he will sign off at Goodison when Everton face Chelsea. “Retirement is going to be difficult,” Swift confessed. “I know you can’t go on forever but I’m going to miss many things about the job. “I have had 29 years as an inspector and perhaps I could have gone further ranking wise. But I don’t believe I could have had the same enjoyment and job satisfaction that I have had from this football role. I would not swap anything I have done. “I reckon I have worked in excess of 1,000 football matches at Liverpool and Everton in this role.” Swift joined the force as a cadet in 1969, moved as a constable from Huyton to Bootle and joined the CID at Seaforth in 1976.
Swift joined the OSD in 1980. He suffered face and head injuries during the Toxteth riots of 1981, was promoted to inspector in 1982 and moved into specialist football planning in 1988. He can recall, back in the 1970s, being part of the cordon of officers who would march large groups of visiting supporters from Lime Street railway station to the ground and back, running the gauntlet of ambushes from home supporters down the length of Scotland Road. “We had running battles outside Stanley Park or in Scotland Road and that does not happen now,” he said. “It is rare for us to do those escorts because fans come in small groups by coach or private car. You don’t get chartered trains unless there is a cup final.” During the 1970s the standing terrace on the Kop had a capacity of close to 24,000. “You had people passing out on the Kop and it was just accepted,” Swift said.
By the time the terrace was closed and replaced by seating the capacity was down to 16,000.
While Šfootball stadiums have changed significantly since Hillsborough and the Taylor report, has the behaviour of Merseyside football fans changed as well? Is the threat of hooliganism as significant as it was in the 1980s? Swift believes the work of undercover officers infiltrating groups of troublemakers has been particularly effective in reducing trouble around grounds. He said: “We have dedicated intelligence staff and their knowledge and experience is second to none. They operate for both Liverpool and Everton and link into the force’s national intelligence system. The gathering of intelligence and the circulation of information is very professionally done. “There still exists a small element of fans across the country who relish trouble at football matches. “The number of Liverpool and Everton fans is very low and I attribute that to the fact that the vast majority of Merseyside football fans are mature. They are too grown up in their attitude to their football to get involved in any nonsense. Some clubs have bigger problems than we do and when our teams play away from home, including abroad, we send officers up and down the country with them.” TOMORROW: Policing the players.
Everton FC academy stars hoping to become the cream of the national crop (GALLERY)
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 11 2011
David Moyes looks on during a Finch Farm training sessionTHEY are the young players who have propelled Everton’s renowned academy onto the brink of national glory. Neil Dewsnip’s exciting under-18s team are just a game away from bringing England’s academy title to Finch Farm after their thrilling 3-2 win against Aston Villa in the semi-final on Monday. The young Blues had already snatched top spot in the North West Group C from rivals Liverpool, who threw away a two-game advantage on their Everton counterparts. And if anything stood out about the Toffees rise to prominence recently, it was a 4-0 thrashing of an acclaimed Reds U18s team last month.
Clinching the national title against Fulham will be a source of great pride for Everton’s academy, in particular Dewsnip and his fellow coach, Blues legend Kevin Sheedy, but who are this talented team – and how likely are they to make the step-up to Premier League stardom?
Connor Roberts
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 18
Wrexham-born Connor signed for Everton as a scholar in July 2009 from Tranmere Rovers. Despite also being eligible for Northern Ireland, he's played for Wales at both Under-16 and Under-17 level, impressing academy coaches with his maturity and shot-stopping.
Position: Right-back
Age: 16
Tall and athletic, this Liverpool-born defender ticks all the boxes. Quick and strong, he also made a handful of appearances for Everton's Under-18s last season. Tyias has also been selected as a part of the new crop of England Under-17 internationals for the annual Nordic Tournament in August, alongside John Lundstram. Also eligible to represent China at international level.
Eric Dier
Position: Central defender
Age: 17
Highly-rated Cheltenham born defender Dier is on loan with the Blues from Sporting Lisbon. Already tipped as a future Premier League performer and England regular, Sporting sanctioned Dier’s move to Finch Farm so he could “grow in a more competitive demanding and environment”. He is ineligible for David Moyes’s first team, however, and Sporting would want a multi million pound fee for any permanent transfer.
Johan Hammar
Position: Central defender
Age: 17
The Swedish teenager joined from Swedish club Malmo FF in July 2010, signing a full-time scholarship. At 6ft4in and blessed with an abundance of natural power, Johan is also a Swedish international, having represented his country at Under-16 level. Could follow Shane Duffy onto the fringes of the first team.
Luke Garbutt
Position: Left back/midfield
Age: 18
Garbutt joined Everton from Leeds United in the summer of 2009 in controversial circumstances. The left-sided defender switched from the Yorkshire side's academy to sign for Blues, much to the irritation of Leeds chairman Ken Bates. Highly-rated Garbutt can play left-back, central defence or in midfield. He's already played for England's Under-16s and Under-17s, scoring for the latter side, and U-19s.
Jake Bidwell
Position: Left-back
Age: 18:
A gritty and determined left-back from Southport who has been at Everton since the age of 11. Bidwell signed scholarship forms in the summer of 2009 and by that time he'd already played for Everton's Under-18s and reserves. Handed a first team debut in the Europa League dead rubber against BATE Borisov in December 2009, and aged just 16 years and 271 days, he became the Blues' youngest ever player in Europe.
John Lundstram
Age: 17
Position: Midfielder
A talented left-footed midfielder with an excellent range of passing, the Scouser has been with Everton from a very early age. Was named the Blues’ Under-16 Player of the Year at the end of the 2009/10 campaign. Shirks nothing and works hard during games.
Thomas Donegan
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
Donegan, from Huyton, became a full-time scholar in the summer of 2009, after previously being a part of Blackburn's academy. Models himself on Jack Rodwell.
Hallam Hope
Age: 17
Position: striker
Mancunian Hope joined Everton from Manchester City in 2005. Powerful and quick with a voracious eye for goal, Hope missed the semi-final win over Villa as he was busy scoring for England U-17’s in the European Championships in Serbia. One to watch.
Anton Forrester
Age: 17
Position:Forward
Anton, from Liverpool, joined Everton at the age of nine and was a key feature for the Under-16s during the 2009/10 season, racking up an impressive tally of 22 goals in all competitions.
Conor McAleny
Age: 18
The Liverpool-born striker joined from Manchester City’s academy aged 11, and scored the emphatic winner against Villa in the semi-final. Quick and clever, he has the right attitude to continue to progress.
EVERTON will face Fulham in the FA Premier Academy League final after the Cottagers defeated Sunderland 4-1 on penalties after a 3-3 draw yesterday.
Phil Jagielka playing better than any other defender in the country says Everton FC boss David Moyes
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 11 2011
DAVID MOYES reckons there is no better defender in the Premier League at present than Phil Jagielka. The 28-year-old was at his dependable best during Everton’s impressive comeback against Manchester City at the weekend, and Moyes believes his England man is the top flight’s most in-form centre-back. Jagielka signed a new four-year contract in March, and Moyes has gone on record to say he expects the former Sheffield United player to captain the Blues in the future.
He said: “What he has about him is as good as anyone in the country, it really is. He’s a great recovery defender. “There are bits of his game that will improve, but who could you not say that about? He is very valuable to us and that’s why we have got him here on a long term contract.
“I’ve said many times I see him as a future captain at Everton, and the way he’s playing just now he’s doing that.” Meanwhile, Louis Saha has begun his comeback from the ankle injury that ruled him out for the season. The Frenchman was injured in the 2-1 win over Fulham in March but has returned to Finch Farm as he focuses on being ready for the start of next season. Saha, 32, has been back in France, but said he was delighted to rejoin his team-mates – even if he can’t play a full part in training. “I can’t join in with training but I’m happy to start my rehabilitation,” he said. “I’ve been on crutches for quite a while now, but I’m pleased to be around the boys again and I’ve seen that they’ve been doing very well. “I think the squad here have done pretty well without me, so we need to make sure that we make a better start (next season) with everyone fit and well.” Saha has made 27 appearances this term, notching 10 goals, but the forward says he has been a frustrated viewer from the sidelines in recent weeks. He said: “It’s always been the case, I always get an injury when I’ve started to build a bit of momentum. “At the time the pain was immense, so believe me, I was thinking about doing the right things to be back on the pitch one day. “No-one can imagine how hard it is, if you ask my missus she will tell you straight away that it is difficult for me to watch.
“But that’s the job, I would prefer to play at my best, it’s painful and frustrating but I will deal with it.”
Blue Watch: Everton show Manchester City what passion and commitment is
by Gary Porter, Liverpool Daily Post
May 11 2011
IT WAS going to take something special to eclipse the vociferous ovation that Big Dunc received from Evertonians prior to Saturday’s clash with mega-rich Manchester City. And in a classic game of two hugely contrasting halves, the Blues obliged with a stunning comeback to maintain our impressive recent record over the FA Cup finalists. Everton were simply unrecognisable from the team that trailed 1-0 at the break following an insipid first half display. We gave Mancini’s men far too much respect, allowing them to completely control and dictate the proceedings.
To go in one down was a bonus.
As they returned to the field after the interval, I can’t imagine for one minute that the City players – having been in cruise control for 45 minutes – would have expected such a dramatic turnaround. Then again neither could we. Having been outmuscled too easily, Everton began to exert their own physical presence and buoyed by the introduction of an extra attacker and switching the skipper to full back, the Goodison faithful were galvanised. Then a late Jack Rodwell challenge on De Jong really lit the touch-paper. The Dutchman’s theatrics in a bid to get the Everton midfielder sent off, along with Vincent Kompany’s attempts to inflame the situation, only conspired to rile the crowd and get them right behind the team. The players fed off the passion in the stands and City began to lose their composure. The introduction of Tim Cahill was timed to perfection. The Australian immediately making a nuisance of himself by winning the free kick that led to Sylvain Distin’s equalising header. City were now on the ropes, while Everton could smell victory. And sure enough a superbly taken Leon Osman header – worthy of winning any game – completed a sensational second-half comeback, in which everyone played a part. Credit where it’s due, Victor Anichebe put in an impressive shift, which is something we’ve not been able to say very often. If the boos aimed towards the returning Joleon Lescott hadn’t given the England centre half a headache, then Anichebe’s aggressive display certainly would have. We shouldn’t forget Tim Howard’s efforts either as he made a couple of crucial stops to keep us in the game. What really stood out above all else though was the passion and commitment shown by the players, who once again put City firmly in their place. If only we could play them every week.
Everton striker Hallam Hope hoping to continue firing England under-17s to European Championship glory
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
May 11 2011
EVERTON youngster Hallam Hope is hoping to continue his red-hot form, as he looks to fire England to glory at the UEFA U17 European Championships. The 17-year-old striker scored twice in England’s 3-0 win over hosts Serbia on Monday, and is currently the tournament’s leading goalscorer with three strikes. And Hope has now set his sights on Holland, whom England face in their semi-final contest on Thursday. “It gives you confidence to keep scoring goals and hopefully, I can do that and help us to win the tournament,” said Hope. “The spirit was a bit down after defeat to Denmark but we knew we had to perform in this game (against Serbia) and it took a big lift from all of the lads together. We’ve done well to come away with the three points really. “I’ve only seen a little bit of the Dutch, but they look like a good team,” he added. I think we have got good enough players to give them a good game though, so we’ll see.”
Mark Lawrenson: What David Moyes could do with money at Everton
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
May 11 2011
EVERY time Manchester City went on the attack in the first half at Goodison Park last weekend, they looked like scoring. But we all know by now that Everton are made of stronger stuff than to be steamrollered by anyone. As I’ve said before, they are a reflection of their manager and at half-time David Moyes will have made it clear they were being murdered by City. David Silva is a top class footballer but when Everton got in his and the rest of the team’s faces then the game changed.
The home side took the win thanks to Leon Osman – and what a goal it was. Osman is currently in the purple patch of all purple patches, playing terrifically. The 2-1 victory once again showed what Everton can do and they never lie down for anyone. As we’ve seen this season they have had periods of poor form but the team spirit cannot be questioned. It must be incredibly frustrating for Evertonians when they can produce such performances on the tight budget with which the manager operates. Moyes does such a good job and though it is easy to say, can you imagine what Everton would be like if he was handed £50m to spend. His track record tells you he would spend it wisely and really improve the team. Moyes is a top manager and deserves to the chance. But it brings us back to the age old questions about investment and who, where and how?
Everton FC: Louis Saha on the road to recovery
Liverpool Daily Post
May 11 2011
LOUIS SAHA says he is on the road to recovery following the ankle injury which wrecked his Everton campaign, and has already set his sights on a return to action next season. The 32-year-old Frenchman suffered the injury in the 2-1 win over Fulham back in March but, after returning to France initially, has returned to begin his rehabilitation at Finch Farm this week. And the former Manchester United man admits he is glad to be back around his team-mates, who he says have performed admirably in his absence. “I can’t join in with training but I’m happy to start my rehabilitation,” said Saha, who netted 10 goals in 27 appearances for David Moyes’ side this season.
“I’ve been on crutches for quite a while now, but I’m pleased to be around the boys again and I’ve seen that they’ve been doing very well. “I think the squad here have done pretty well without me, so we need to make sure that we make a better start (next season) with everyone fit and well.”
Saha’s time at Goodison Park has been littered with niggling injuries, and the striker admits it has been frustrating to watch his colleagues, despite a run which has seen the Toffees lose just one of their last 10 league fixtures. “It’s always been the case, I always get an injury when I’ve started to build a bit of momentum,” he said. “At the time the pain was immense, so believe me, I was thinking about doing the right things to be back on the pitch one day. “No-one can imagine how hard it is, if you ask my missus she will tell you straight away that it is difficult for me to watch.
“But that’s the job, I would prefer to play at my best, it’s painful and frustrating but I will deal with it.”
Steven Reid in the frame to face Everton
Wednesday 11th May 2011,
Express and Star
Steven Reid is set to hand Albion a major boost by declaring himself fit for Saturday’s meeting with Everton. The former Republic of Ireland international is confident of returning from his calf strain in time to reclaim his place at right-back against the Toffees. And Albion are still hopeful captain Chris Brunt could return from a hamstring problem. “I had a tough session yesterday with Brunty,” said Reid. “I’m looking good to be involved. I’d made seven starts on the bounce, which is the longest run of consecutive league games I’d played for a while. “I’ve really enjoyed it and I was disappointed to come off at Tottenham. I was hoping to stay in the side until the end of the season. “It wasn’t to be but at least I was involved in the massive run we had where we gained the points to be safe.
“I’m pretty confident I’ll be involved on Saturday. “I just need to get through today, train tomorrow and hopefully there is no reaction to it. I just want to play these last two games.” Reid was a key member of the team that secured the Baggies’ Premier League survival with an impressive run at the start of Roy Hodgson’s reign as head coach. And, after watching Sunday’s 3-1 Black Country derby defeat at Wolves, Reid is urging the Baggies to ensure they end their campaign on a high.
“The job we set out to do has been done, we’re safe in the league,” said the 30-year-old. “But it’s more than possible now we could finish in the top 10. “To do that and be the top Midland team would be a great achievement and gives you confidence going into next season. It would be disappointing to go out on a couple of defeats now.” The Baggies ensured survival before Sunday’s derby clash and Reid has paid tribute to Hodgson’s impact. The former Ireland international said: “He came in at a time when we were all disappointed by what had happened but he has done an unbelievable job. “To be sat on 43 points with two games to go is an unbelievable achievement.”
West Brom: Steven Reid on the possibility of facing Everton
by Chris Lepkowski
May 11 2011
Birmingham Post
STEVEN Reid is optimistic of returning for Saturday’s match against Everton - a game he hopes will go some way to boosting Albion’s hopes of securing players this summer. Premier League clubs get more than £800,000 for every place they finish in, with Albion still capable of reaching as high as eighth spot if they win their last two games. The extra prize money could be crucial towards this summer's transfer kitty - though minus any bonuses due to the Albion players. And Reid is determined to play his part having missed Sunday’s derby defeat at Molineux due to a calf injury.
The 30-year-old said: “I had a tough session yesterday with Brunty. “I’m in today and I’m looking good to be involved. “I’d made seven starts on the bounce, which is the longest run of consecutive league games I’ve played for a while. “I was hoping to stay in the side until the end of the season.
“It wasn’t to be but at least I was involved in the massive run we had where we gained the points to be safe. “Judging on yesterday I’m pretty confident I’ll be involved on Saturday. “I just need to get through today, train tomorrow and hopefully there is no reaction to it. “I just want to play these last two games.”
Part two of matchday policeman Bernie Swift’s memories: The aim is to be fair, firm and friendly
Liverpool Echo
May 12 2011
AS MUCH as he savoured every moment of his career as a principal liaison officer between Merseyside Police and the city’s two Premier League clubs, Inspector Bernie Swift would be happy if the Boys in Blue were surplus to match day requirements inside Anfield and Goodison. “Why should there be a need for police at football matches, it’s entertainment?” Swift said. “We have traffic movement issues outside the grounds but why should there be need for police inside? You don’t have it at the theatre or athletics events and very little at rugby union games. “Although I have had a wonderful job for the last 23 years, wouldn’t it be better if football was police free?” It won’t happen in the foreseeable future, Swift acknowledges, while alcohol continues to play such an important part in the match day experience of many spectators. To the extent that high-risk games, such as Liverpool versus Manchester United, are routinely brought forward to noontime kickoffs to limit the number of drinks people can consume before entering the ground. Then the matches themselves can throw up sparks to ignite the cocktail. “Things happen on the pitch which can result in confrontation in the stands and on the streets outside,” Swift said. “Robbie Fowler and David Unsworth were sent off for fighting in a derby match to the 1990s and I remember the atmosphere inside the stadium turned electric.” Liverpool striker Fowler was also involved in a notorious incident at Anfield in 1999 when he sniffed one of the goal lines after scoring a goal against Everton. Fowler was fined £32,000 by Liverpool and banned for four weeks by the FA. He was also the subject of a police investigation after complaints were made. Swift said: “I recall the Monday night programme on Sky TV focused on the incident. The police became involved because there were so many complaints from the public about it.” However, Smith does not believe that the police should intrude into on-the-field or touchline issues involving players, managers and coaches unless absolutely necessary. He said: “From a personal point of view I think we can go too far in this. Do we really want the police to get involved with a host of issues on the field? “The police can be drawn into incidents by the number of complaints. But I can’t recall a supporter making a complaint about the conduct of a player from his or her own team. Invariably it about a member of the opposition.
“Fans are more likely to complain about the conduct of players these days than was the case years ago. I can recall a game back in the late 1960s when a well-known Manchester City player dropped his shorts in front of the Gwladys Street end and everyone shrugged it off as a bit of a laugh.
“If that was to happen now there would be a lot of complaints and the police would be obliged to carry out an investigation. Society is changing. People will try to get footballers into trouble. “What happens on the pitch is down to the referee and a good official can control things. I don’t think it is good for the game to see the police involved on too many occasions.” Swift concedes however, that the footballers of today are subjected to greater levels of verbal antagonism from spectators than in the past. “Although modern players are adored by a lot of supporters they also suffer a lot of abuse,” Swift said. “As much as they have a wonderful lifestyle they have to cope with that abuse.” The relationship between Merseyside supporters and the police remains a good one, Swift believes.
“The basis of our philosophy is the three Fs: be fair, firm and friendly,” Swift said. “It is all about treating people with respect, treating them as you would expect to be treated yourself. I personally don’t like to see officers in riot gear, although I accept it has to be done sometimes. Personally I think it sends out a message – it says we are expecting trouble. “I much prefer the site of the traditional bobby talking to the public. I might be regarded as old-fashioned, even a dinosaur.”
'We must never forget the lessons of Hillsborough'
BERNIE SWIFT was at Hillsborough in 1989 as a fan. He had a seat in the West Stand, above the Leppings Lane End terrace. The events of the afternoon had a powerful impact on the man who only a year earlier had been given the job of linking the Force Operations Division to Merseyside’s big two football clubs. “I remember feeling quite embarrassed because there was quite a lot of criticism being directed towards the police,” Swift recalled. “The following day I was the inspector on duty when the pilgrimage of people bringing flowers and tributes to Anfield began. "We did not have a lot of officers available for duty and it was a sensitive and sad day. “I felt uncomfortable but it became apparent that criticism was not being directed towards any officers of Merseyside Police.
“At the time Anfield and Goodison had standing terraces with fences around the pitch, cash turnstiles with huge queues at them on match days. The Taylor Report would change a lot of that and one of the most important changes was allowing away supporters to leave grounds at the same time as home fans. Some people feared a bloodbath but it actually cultivated better behaviour between the fans.” Swift added: “The majority of officers now with the police today joined after Hillsborough and most have only experienced the excellent conditions that now exist at our two football grounds, not least the high standard of stewarding and the advances of CCTV coverage and other technology. “But we always have to guard against complacency. I believe we should never forget Hillsborough and other disasters because they were a wake-up call.”
Napoli clash was 'flashback to the 80s'
BERNIE SWIFT had one last reminder of what can go wrong on a match night when Napoli visited Anfield for a Europa Cup tie in November last year. “It was a flashback to the 1980s,” Swift recalled.
“Napoli had an allocation of 2,600 tickets but Italian travel operators had somehow come into the possession of blocks of tickets for home areas. It was a very unusual situation. I witnessed several hundred people being turned away from the Centenary Stand. They did not appear to be hooligans but were decent people would pay good money for tickets, hotels and flights. “Understandably they were very angry to find we would not allow them in. If we had allowed them in would have breached the club’s safety certificate. “It was one of those matches that tested us. There was trouble after the game, running battles in the streets.” Chief Superintendent Dave Lewis blamed the ticketing issue for the violence after the Napoli game. Police were unable to keep the Italian fans, who were declined admission to the stadium from a minority of LFC fans who, Lewis said, were intent on causing violence. Around 40 Napoli supporters, some armed with sticks and with leather belts wrapped tightly around their knuckles, attacked a group of hooded Liverpool youths after the match. The major flashpoint came on Walton Lane – outside Everton FC’s Goodison Park. Police vans, officers on horseback and on foot swooped to contain the chaos, eventually rounding up the Italians to stop them roaming the streets around Stanley Park. The Walton Lane incident happened at around 11pm, shortly after the Italians with proper tickets were taken from Anfield to their coaches on Priory Road.
Everton FC letters: David Moyes must be more attacking in the future
Liverpool Echo
May 12 2011
AT Goodison on Saturday Everton stunk the place out in the first half with one player up front AT HOME. Goodison was flat with the crowd fuming at Moyes’ inability to understand you can not win a game unless you attack and pressurise the opposition, especially at home. In the second half Moyes put two up front and Goodison was rocking and bouncing, not because they came back and eventually won but because they had a go. They attacked and made the opposing goalkeeper work, something they didn’t do in the first half and also at Manchester United and Wigan. To pick a team to defend as Moyes did at these two clubs when thousands of Blue supporters went to see their team have a go was a disgrace. It is taking the supporters for granted. As an Evertonian I found it extremely embarrassing to watch Moyes’ post match interview against Manchester United, smiling broadly he must have thought he had won some moral victory, instead he had let these supporters down with his ultra cautious display. Maybe in time Moyes will understand Everton fans will forgive a defeat as long as the team has a go, there is absolutely no merit in playing to draw. I realise Moyes has only been manager for nine years, so maybe he will get it right eventually. For me I don’t think enthusiasm, hard work and ambition ever equals talent and ability.
Dave Abrahams
WHY do Graeme Sharp, Ian Snodin, Barry Horne keep paying lip service to Moyes and Kenwright?
Even the Everton jury writers are too easy on the Chuckle Brothers. Why doesn’t Kenwright tell us how much money he wants for Everton, and if anyone has come in for Everton.
John Murray, Anfield
A FORTUNATE win against City, but full credit must be given to David Moyes, who had the courage to change tactics after the break to galvanise the Toffees. The Toffees were totally perplexed in the first half due to City's movement and pace with Silva and Toure the main protaganist.
Equally, Anichebe and not for the first time this season Beckford linked very well together, giving Lescott and Kompany considerably more to think about. For Everton to have any slim chance of a top six place they must sustain the second half momentum, in the remaining games, starting with WBA. The reverse fixture saw Everton totally humbled at Goodison and a repeat would be unthinkable, considering how poor WBA were against Wolves. Everton must go there full of attacking intent to score as many goals as possible to improve our goal difference, which could be a determining factor come the end of season. Apparently, there was a Goodison legend at the game. Of course it was Ronnie Goodlass. Moreover who was the very tall gentleman clapping his hands to the crowd? I am at a total loss who this person is.
David, Aintree
Everton FC jury: Blues fans on the win over Manchester City & the return of Duncan Ferguson
May 12 2011
LEE MOLTON, St Helens
THE legend came home! Big Dunc was back at Goodison on Saturday to a tremendous reception. It was great to see the big man back! The win on Saturday was terrific as the Blues got stuck into City in the second half. There were great performances from Cahill and Anichebe, the Blues did great to come from behind to get the win and the fans made it a great atmosphere too. It was the best day of the season! It looks like United are going to get a record 19th title too, well done to them. A win at West Brom is needed to keep the season going in our last away game, it would really be great for all the fans who have travelled away this season to see one more away win. It is still possible to catch Tottenham up too with them playing our neighbours away this week, it would certainly be great to finish above them in 6th spot.
DAVID WALLBANK, Huyton
EVERTON last Saturday showed real grit and determination to secure all three points against a very capable Man City team. I was impressed with David Silva, who stole the show in the first half that could have seen Man City 0-4 up. But the fact the Blues refused to go down without a fight was fantastic to see. I have always said I don't mind watching Everton get beat by a better team, but we as Evertonians won't accept a team that doesn't try. On Saturday the Toffees put in 110% and got their rewards. Even Big Vic looked motivated, shame the lad doesn't show this type of aggression on a weekly basis! WBA will welcome David Moyes and his men on Saturday. Roy Hodgson already faced the blues this season, and failed will be looking to seek revenge, while I fancy Everton to cash in on the Albion's very gift/giving defence! Only two games to go now and securing seventh position still represents progress, albeit verses expectations it's been disappointing. Certain players need to earn there stripes ie Rodwell/Johnny/Billy or they and other first team players find themselves being swept out of the exit door. We need to finish the campaign strong and finally find the remedy to starting next season with a winning frame of mind.
DEBBIE SMAJE Upholland
WELL what a difference a bit of positivity makes! The first half on Saturday was as bad, as negative and as pointless a half as we’ve seen from Everton this season, but the transformation made from a little bit of positivity like bringing on Beckford, and later Cahill, and we outplayed a side who had walked all over us for 45 minutes.
But we’ve known that for so long.
Much of our best football has come this season when Beckford and Saha have been paired together up front, and while injuries prevent that at the moment, the strikers need support. Is there any worth in starting a game with three naturally defensive players in central midfield? And a completely isolated front man? West Brom have big problems at the back, despite their good form since Roy Hodgson took charge, and we will only take advantage of any weaknesses they have by being positive. It would be great to see us go there and go for a last away win this season, and aim to finish as high as we can.
TONY SCOTT, Walton
AS MUCH cash as Manchester City have got, one thing they can’t buy is team spirit, fight and dignity.
Without doubt the best bit of cash spent on Everton wasn’t on any players it was the £3,000 to build the world's first purpose-built football ground, Goodison Park. It was shaking to its foundations on Saturday and the City players were shell shocked and couldn’t cope with the sheer pressure from the fans and players alike. It’s time to have some words on a plate and eat them while Leon Osman continues to prove me wrong, the lad has been fantastic since January. To finish 7th is an unbelievable achievement from David Moyes considering he's working with one hand tied behind his back from Mr Kenwright. In the summer I think we only need one or two adjustments to the squad but sadly Moyes will have to sell one of his prizes assets yet again rebuild. Over to you Kenwright – but I’m not holding my breath.
Everton FC’s Seamus Coleman wants to banish a true low-point with victory over West Bromwich Albion FC
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 12 2011
IT WAS ice cold in Merseyside on Saturday, November 27 but most supporters exited Goodison Park bubbling over with red-hot rage. And when that anger after a 4-1 humiliation by unfancied West Bromwich Albion had subsided, Evertonians faced the bleak prospect that their hopes of a ‘special season’ were not just on ice, they had already melted away. The Baggies had just recorded their first league win in Walton since 1979, and the blow to David Moyes’ morale was almost as sharp as the elbow Gonzalo Jara delivered to Leighton Baines’ jaw that afternoon. It was not as if things had previously been going to plan either. Before Roberto Di Matteo’s men marked a new low point on a season that had promised so much, Everton had gone five games without a win, and Wolves and Newcastle had already left Goodison smarting. And the Blues were already out of the Carling Cup courtesy of a stinking result away to League One side Brentford. But lying just two points from relegation and facing the prospect of missing Mikel Arteta for three games, after his red card for a stamp on Jara, and with Tim Cahill’s month-long Asia cup duty looming, there was little room for optimism. Seamus Coleman is one Everton player who can afford mixed emotions over the season. While the Irishman will be disappointed with the team’s failure to qualify for Europe, he has enjoyed a fruitful individual campaign culminating with a PFA Young Player of the Year short-listing.
But Coleman, an unused substitute against West Brom, recalls that afternoon with regret ahead of a chance to get one back in the Black Country on Saturday. Moyes’ side have lost only four of their 21 Premier League games since that humbling in November, and the Republic of Ireland international is hoping for a victory on Saturday, knowing a win would secure seventh spot for the Blues. “It’ll obviously be different, but they (West Brom) came here and turned us over,” he says. “We weren’t at our best that day but we’ll definitely be going there remembering what they did to us at Goodison and trying to put that right. “It’s going to be a tough game, I know everybody says it but there are no easy games in the Premier League. “But the way we’re playing at the moment we’ll be quite confident of going there and getting a result.” Saturday’s game sees a clash between two teams who are transformed since Christmas. Everton’s impressive come-back win over Manchester City on Saturday means it’s just one defeat in their last 11 league games, and Roy Hodgson has guided West Brom to safety after losing just two out of 10 games since replacing Di Matteo in February. Coleman is determined to play his part in keeping the Blues curtain-closing form strong, even if he does share his manager’s exasperation at another season hampered by a slow, painful start. “It’s the same old story over the last couple of years, it’s been a slow start but towards the end we’ve picked up form and we’re playing quite well,” says the full-back turned right midfielder who has scored six goals this season. “We’ve got two games left and we’ll be looking for maximum points. The game against West Brom is coming up first and we’ll be looking for three points there and then a big one against Chelsea.” Coleman is aware of another recent irritating Everton trend – namely the club’s habit of rising to the occasion against top four clubs while underwhelming against supposedly inferior opponents. The Blues have at least started to put that right in recent months, beating Newcastle, Fulham, Blackburn and Wolves. But with Everton’s last away game another frustrating slip-up against relegation strugglers Wigan, Coleman senses a steely resolve in the squad to finish their last two league games with six points – a feat that will see the Blues finish on 57 points and a place higher than last time around. “We know we can do it against the big teams so hopefully we can finish the season with two wins,” he says.
Tim Cahill: Victor Anichebe is on the right track to win Everton FC fans over
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 12 2011
TIM CAHILL believes Victor Anichebe’s energetic performance against Manchester City could yet see him win over the Everton fans. Anichebe, 23, has had a difficult campaign and is yet to score in 14 league appearances, but Cahill senses the ovation which the Nigerian international received when he was substituted on Saturday was a turning point. David Moyes tied Anichebe to a new four-and-a-half year contract in January, and fans’ favourite Cahill insists it is not easy dealing with the pressure of Premier League football at such a young age. Anichebe made his first team debut aged 17, and the Aussie insists he still has plenty to offer in a blue shirt. He said: “Victor has had a few injuries but his work ethic and what he did on Saturday showed what the lad is all about. It’s hard, people need to understand he’s still a young boy. “There is a lot of expectation when you break into a first team from such a young age. When you lose the ball and the crowd get on top of you there’s pressure.
“I got it all the time but luckily enough I can deal with it. Other people react differently, but on Saturday his reaction was first class. “This is a turning point for the crowd and Victor. Hopefully he can now fulfil his potential because he’s got a lot of talent.” Meanwhile, Saturday’s opponents West Brom have been handed a boost after Steven Reid declared himself fit for action. The former Republic of Ireland international is confident of returning from his calf strain in time to reclaim his place at right-back against the Toffees. And Albion are still hopeful captain Chris Brunt, who scored in the reverse fixture – a 4-1 humbling at Goodison in November – could return from a hamstring problem. “I had a tough session yesterday with Brunty,” said Reid. “I’m looking good to be involved. I just want to play these last two games.” Reid was a key member of the team that secured the Baggies’ Premier League survival with an impressive run at the start of Roy Hodgson’s reign. “The job we set out to do has been done, we’re safe in the league,” said the 30-year-old. “But it’s more than possible now we could finish in the top 10,” he added
* EVERTON’S FA Premier Academy League final against Fulham will take place at Craven Cottage tomorrow at 7pm. Tickets are pay on the gate and priced £3 for adults and £1 for under 16s and over 65s.
Everton FC braced for Jack Rodwell Manchester City summer bid
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 12 2011
EVERTON may have to repel the advances of Manchester City if they are to hold on to Jack Rodwell this summer. Rodwell had been expected to be the target of another approach from Manchester United, who were rebuffed with a bid last year. However, Old Trafford interest in the player has waned, with neighbours City now emerging as potential suitors for the midfielder. City are keen to bolster their squad with promising young English talent, and 20-year-old Rodwell has moved to the head of Roberto Mancini’s shopping list. While David Moyes has always maintained he has no intention of parting with any of his leading players in the forthcoming transfer window, the Everton manager is aware the tight financial restraints at Goodison could leave him little choice to raise funds for squad strengthening. And City would be expected to make an offer of around £20million for Rodwell, who only signed a long-term contract last summer. A succession of injuries has hampered Rodwell’s progress this season, although the Everton man will nevertheless form an integral part of England’s challenge at the forthcoming European Under-21 Championships in Denmark. And Moyes believes the tournament will be of benefit to the youngster, and said: “Jack has had a few injuries which have disrupted things but he is coming along fine. It’s a good tournament for him to be involved in and I am happy for him to be playing. “I’ve got no problems with it. The problems may come next year, for the lads who end up playing for the full month. It will be like for the England senior boys, who went to the World Cup last summer. “There will be an effect but hopefully it will help his development. He has had a few injuries but that can happen. We would like to see him playing it consistently.” Moyes, meanwhile, has urged Everton to finish the season with a flourish and secure a bumper Premier League pay day. The Goodison outfit extended their fine recent form to just one defeat in the last 11 top-flight games with a 2-1 win over Champions League qualifiers Manchester City. It kept Everton in seventh place, a position they would secure with victory in either of their last two games at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday or at home to Chelsea on Sunday week. Based on last season’s figures, it would earn Moyes’s men an £11.2million windfall under the Premier League ‘merit payment’ system, with each place up the table worth an extra £800,424. Everton still have an outside chance of overhauling Tottenham Hotspur and clinching sixth, with the Londoners five points ahead with the same goal difference.
And while admitting his sights are already being trained on next season, Moyes wants a strong finish during the next fortnight from his players. “Our remaining games are good ones to have,” he said. “I hope this will ensure that our concentration remains as good as it’s been in the last couple of months. “Undoubtedly we’ve been on our best run of form of the season, we’ve shown consistency and our points total has been a fair return for our performances. Every position carries a large purse, so we will be doing everything we can to stay in front of the chasing teams behind us. “Some of my thoughts are now towards next season and how I can improve the club and continue the progress that Everton has made, certainly in recent years.” EVERTON’S FA Premier Academy League final against Fulham will take place at Craven Cottage tomorrow at 7pm. Tickets are pay on the gate and priced £3 for adults and £1 for under 16s and over 65s.
Fit-again Chris Brunt back to boost Baggies
Thursday 12th May 2011,
Captain Chris Brunt today handed Albion a major boost by returning to full training ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Everton. The winger has missed the Baggies’ derbies with Villa and Wolves in the last two weeks with a hamstring injury suffered in training. But the Northern Ireland international returned to full training today along with defender Steven Reid with the duo expected back in the ‘ starting line-up to face the Toffees. Reid, who revealed on Tuesday that he hopes to be back to face David Moyes’ men at The Hawthorns, today backed Youssouf Mulumbu to pip hotshot Peter Odemwingie to the club’s player-of-the-season award. The pair are tipped to dominate the Baggies’ awards ceremony in Birmingham on Sunday night with the club set to celebrate Premier League survival in style. And Reid paid tribute to both players — but revealed he has voted for midfield star Mulumbu in the players’ player-of-the-season ballot. “Obviously most people will go for Peter after his first season in Premier League,” said Reid. “Fernando Torres has one goal for Chelsea and Edin Dzeko has struggled for goals and yet we’re talking about £50m and £30m players there. “So for Peter to come in and score 15 Premier League goals is just incredible. But I’ve gone for Youssouf. He has been unbelievable this season, week in, week out. “He’s been top-quality. I played alongside him when I came here last season and he’s kicked on to a whole new level.
“He’s gone under the radar, which is good for us, but every week he’s one of our best players, and for a defender to chip in with six goals is amazing.” “Jonas Olsson has been tremendous too. We had 12 games or so without a win and it coincided with when he wasn’t fit.” Reid looks set to return to the starting line-up at right-back in place of Gonzalo Jara, who suffered a difficult time against Stephen Hunt in Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Molineux.
Everton Ladies takes narrow win over Doncaster Belles
Liverpool Echo
May 13 2011
EVERTON Ladies came out on top in a hard fought contest at the Keepmoat Stadium in front of the ESPN cameras. A first half strike from Toni Duggan gifted Everton their first victory of the season in a lively final game before the mid-season break. Doncaster were just beginning to get a foot hold in the game when they were hit with a sucker punch as Everton took the lead after 28 minutes. Duggan picked up the ball on the left, cut inside and fired a shot into the bottom corner from just outside the area with her right foot for the only goal of the game.
Howard Kendall: Jack Rodwell rumours won't go away
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 13 2011
MORE rumours have surfaced linking clubs with Jack Rodwell recently, the latest big-spender in the frame being Manchester City. David Moyes will not want to lose a talented player like Jack, who I rate among the best young footballers in the country at present. But the mooted City interest raises the prospect of a potential player plus cash deal, and in James Milner and Emmanuel Adebayor the Eastlands club have a crop of fringe players that Moyes would probably like to accommodate.
If he has to operate on a budget again this summer, he may be forced to sell to improve his squad. That’s when an offer like the one City are reported to be planning could tempt him.
Everton FC scoop top award for successful community work with disabled people
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 13 2011
EVERTON’S official charity has won a top award at the ‘sporting Oscars’. Everton in the Community’s disability programme scooped the Best Community Programme category at the 2011 Sport Industry Awards at London’s Battersea Evolution on Wednesday evening, beating Adidas, Manchester City, the Football Foundation, Premiership Rugby and the Cricket Foundation to the accolade. The Sports Industry Awards, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary, are attended by the glitterati of the European sporting world and recognise the best sport has to offer across a number of areas including marketing, PR, advertising and community. Among those present on Wednesday evening were Ricky Hatton, Alan Shearer, James Cracknell, Amir Khan and David Seaman. The judging panel, which included the BBC’s John Inverdale, paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and Alistair Campbell, former chief press secretary to the Prime Minister, said Everton’s scheme was ‘single minded, highly impactful, and addressed an important social issue.’ The award was collected from Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis and World Cup winner Geoff Hurst by Steve Johnson, who runs the disability programme and Steven Raynor, Everton in the Community’s deputy CEO. There are currently 26 successful disability teams representing Everton, which field a total of eight international players
Dave Prentice: If only Walter Smith had said ‘no’ to Graeme Souness
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 13 2011
GRAEME SOUNESS made a number of damaging decisions as a manager – Istvan Kozma, ‘Lover-pool’ in The Sun and giving a 20-minute run-out to a Southampton triallist who claimed to be George Weah’s cousin – but none were as crippling to Anfield ambitions than the offer he made in the summer of ’86. As Manchester United prepare to celebrate title number 19 – the 12th of Alex Ferguson’s reign – read on and wonder just how different English football might have been but for a job offer Souness made to Walter Smith when he was boss of Glasgow Rangers. Ferguson said: “I was offered the Arsenal job and I wanted to take Walter with me. He was positive about it, saying they were a big club and that kind of thing. So I said to him: ‘Do you fancy coming with me?’ Then he dropped the bombshell that he was going to Rangers. The thing about the Arsenal offer was that they wanted an answer right away but I couldn't give them one because I was going to the World Cup in Mexico with Scotland. So the Arsenal thing fell by the wayside.” Unlike Man United . . .
Howard Kendall: Big Duncan Ferguson was full of emotion at his Goodison Park return
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 13 2011
I WITNESSED from close range how emotional Duncan Ferguson was when he returned to Goodison on Saturday for the first time since retiring. I was sitting next to the big fella and if he seemed pleased when he walked out onto the pitch, it was nothing compared to how he reacted when the Gwladys Street started chanting his name during the second-half. He stood up from his seat to salute them and he was simply thrilled with the reception. As a player he was a fierce individual and a test of your management skills, but once you’d won his trust it was then possible to get the very best out of him. You had to get inside his head, something I think I managed. I made Dunc captain against Bolton and he responded with a hat-trick, then he was captain again for his last ever game against West Brom in 2006 and he brought me his armband from that day which was a lovely gesture. I still have it now, and I was proud that he’d passed such a treasured memento. His presence gave the crowd a lift and the team got it right in the second-half against Manchester City.
People got frustrated, though, because Everton should have had a go at City in the first-half.
It’s hard to understand why the Blues don’t start games with the same positive attitude that they finish them. It’s no use letting Manchester City dominate and having two holding midfielders at home. With a special player like David Silva, City are more than capable of dictating the pace of a game if you let them. Of course, Leon Osman took the plaudits in the end – what a gem he is. He is like an old style top professional who deserves the praise coming his way.
Everton FC’s Victor Anichebe on the painful lessons he has learned during two injury-wrecked seasons
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 13 2011
FORTUNATELY Victor Anichebe has especially broad shoulders. Not just because the 6ft3in striker’s powerful physique continues to endear him to David Moyes, but because he has had to endure some acute criticism in the six years since he made his Everton debut. The Crosby-raised front-man’s topsy turvy career can be summed up in the space of just two recent games. Jeered before kick-off by some travelling Toffees supporters at Wigan’s DW stadium, he left the field to a Goodison ovation just seven days later after a tireless performance against Manchester City. That sustained applause was enthusiastically led by his manager, who has kept the faith in Anichebe – through a difficult season hampered by more injury and contract controversy. Now the striker is raring to continue his mini personal revival against West Brom tomorrow, coincidentally the team he scored his first Premier League goal against in 2006, and he hopes he has turned a corner with the Goodison faithful. Anichebe insists vehemently that he knew nothing about the specifics of his contract negotiations in January, when he was reported to have stalled on a lucrative new salary before signing a four-and-a-half year deal. But he regrets how the saga has haunted his efforts to win over Evertonians, while behind the scenes he has learned a valuable lesson about hard work. “The applause when I came off against Manchester City was nice. It made me feel wanted,” says a reflective Anichebe who has suffered two serious injuries in as many seasons that have left him frustrated and seriously lacking in first team football. “I had such a good pre-season and had high hopes, then I got another setback. “This time it was the hardest to take. At least with my injury last time (a serious knee problem after Kevin Nolan’s x-rated 2009 tackle against Newcastle) it was an impact injury and I knew how long I’d be out. Plus I had Mikel and Jags to help me then.
“But this latest one was worse. It felt like it could be my year, and there was a buzz about the season. I felt strong and confident. I even went on a fitness course in the summer in LA before we went on tour to Australia to try and get myself fitter. “But I got injured before the season started and was out until nearly December, and the annoying thing was we didn't know how long I’d be out. Sometimes I’d try and come back and break down. It was a bone bruise on my left knee and eventually they had to operate and clean it out. “I found it hard going to the games and some of the players would say “We need you back” and I'd tell them I'd be back soon, and kept saying it, but it didn’t happen. The thing with me is I find it hard to get back fit anyway. “But the manager and the staff have helped me a lot. Alan Stubbs has given me reserve games to build myself up. Dave Billows and Steve Tash have helped and kept believing in me. “Then of course when I finally came back the team was struggling, and it coincided with my contract situation.” Anichebe says he can understand why some fans were angry at his perceived reluctance to sign, even if it was not true. “They had a reason because of what they read about my contract,” he says. “I understand in a way where they were coming from. I was injured and then had came back, and the papers were saying I’d rejected £30,000 a week. I didn’t even know what was happening. “I came to the game against Wigan and went into the changing room to ask what happened? My mate texted me that morning to ask if I’d rejected £30k. I hadn’t even heard about the negotiations. “I just leave it to my agent and the club. I didn't even know the figures. “I was only 22 at the time and had been injured so I appreciate it will infuriate the fans if they think someone has knocked back a lot of money. Especially with the economy the way it is. Hopefully everyone has moved on now and they can see I want it.”
Anichebe says his priority now is hard-graft, on the pitch and off. He intends to head to Los Angeles again this summer before Everton’s US pre-season tour for more fitness work, but wants to show his ever-improving stamina in Everton’s last two games. “People keep telling me to set personal goals, but I've been out for 18 months,” he says. “I simply want to keep fit, keep working hard, and the manager has said to me the goals will come then. “Lasting 90 minutes is the main thing for me, or at least the later stages of a game. That’s when you get your goals. “If you come off after 50 or 60 minutes it’s going to be hard, but that’s down to me not the manager. That’s down to my fitness. The manager can play me for as long as he likes and if I’m tiring he has to take me off, but if I can last 85 minutes flat-out working hard, nobody can question you. “That’s what I’ve learned through my experience being injured - if you work hard nobody can question you. “Look at Carlos Tevez – as much as he’s a great player he works his socks off. You don’t see Messi stop running either. Even Drogba when he came to the Premier League; he was always bullying defenders and working. In the past I could do that for 30 minutes, but I want to keep building it up. Once I can do it for 90 minutes I can go a lot of places.”
Everton FC’s Mikel Arteta says Sylvain Distin and Leighton Baines are neck and neck for players’ player of the season award
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 13 2011
MIKEL ARTETA believes there is nothing to choose between Sylvain Distin and Leighton Baines ahead of Everton’s player of the season awards. The Spanish midfielder, himself a past recipient of the coveted player of the year trophy, insists it could be the closest call yet as Everton’s two most consistent stars are set to be neck and neck in the running. Both Baines and Distin have started every league game for the Blues this season, and Arteta believes it will be tough on either to miss out. He said: “Obviously it’s hard to choose one player. Sometimes it can be unfair that only one player has to win it. “I’m not going to say who I have voted for this year but it’s tough to choose. Eventually you just have to give a name - but Sylvain and Bainesy have been so consistent and that’s what it’s all about. “It’s not about having just a few good games, it’s playing every single game like they have and maintaining a high standard throughout the year. “Sylvain is so strong and reliable, and Bainsey has been terrific. It’s not easy as a defender to have such an impact on the game, but he’s been important for us because he gives an extra threat in attack. “He gets underestimated as a defender sometimes which is wrong because it’s not easy to get past Bainsey!” Arteta is looking forward to the end of season award night, which takes place next Thursday at the ACC Liverpool.
“It’s a beautiful night when the supporters and players get together and share that bond,” says the 29-year-old playmaker. “Everyone is there and I’ve got some really good memories from the night over the years. “It’s nice to see the appreciation from your supporters and team-mates.You get a sense of satisfaction that they recognise the job you’ve done. The fans pay a lot of money to be there with us on the night, and we’re respectful and grateful that they want to be there – just like the fans who pay at Goodison.” The glamorous black tie dinner promises to provide a spectacular climax to the 2010/11 campaign. Now into its sixth year, the awards evening has acquired a reputation as one of the most prestigious events in the Liverpool sporting calendar. This year, guests at the ACC Liverpool will once again be joined by David Moyes and the entire first team squad, plus a host of past heroes including cult icon Duncan Ferguson. They will also be treated to a gourmet four-course meal and a night of entertainment, hosted by ESPN presenter, Ray Stubbs.
Voting is under way on the club's official website, evertonfc.com, to decide which names will be engraved onto the 2011 trophies. l There are still tickets available priced at £149 (+VAT). To buy tickets call 0151 530 5300 or visit evertonfc.com/hospitality
Everton FC skipper Phil Neville wants to avoid summer hangover
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 13 2011
PHIL NEVILLE believes the return of influential duo Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill can help Everton avoid a summer hangover. The Goodison outfit aim to extend their recent run of one defeat in 10 Premier League games when they travel to West Bromwich Albion tomorrow, before finishing the season at home to Chelsea on Sunday week. Everton have been bolstered in recent weeks by welcoming back Cahill and then Arteta into the fold after lengthy injury absences. Cahill emerged from the bench to inspire last weekend’s 2-1 win against Manchester City, during which Arteta’s cross supplied Sylvain Distin for the equaliser. And skipper Neville has urged Everton to ensure they finish a difficult season on a high. “Everybody here is totally focused on finishing the season in good shape and hopefully we can carry confidence into the summer and the start of next season,” he said.
“A poor end to a season can linger – and that’s the last thing we want. “It is great to have Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill back in the side. They are big players for us, especially in big games, and their influence can be important during the final run-in.” West Brom inflicted a shock 4-1 home defeat on Everton back in November, since which Roberto di Matteo has been replaced as manager by Roy Hodgson. And Seamus Coleman admits revenge will be on the minds of Moyes’s men when they step out at the Hawthorns. “It’s going to be a tough game, but the way we are playing at the moment, we are confident of going there and getting a result,” said Coleman. “They came here and turned us over and we weren’t at our best that day. We will definitely go there remembering that result and looking to get that back.” Of the season, the Irishman added: “We are playing quite well now. We have two games left and we are looking for maximum points to finish the season off strongly.”
Everton Ladies beat Doncaster Belles
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
May 13 2011
EVERTON Ladie secured a hard-fought victory against Doncaster Rovers Belles at the Keepmoat Stadium. A first half strike from Toni Duggan gifted Everton their first victory of the season in a lively final game before the mid-season break. Despite a second half onslaught, the Belles were unable to force an equaliser and went home empty handed for the second consecutive match. Everton came out of the traps the fastest and created the first opportunity of the game in only the third minute. Captain Jody Handley whipped in a corner from the right that the Belles failed to clear and eventually Duggan forced a decent save out of Helen Alderson, who did well to keep hold of the ball with Natasha Dowie lurking with intent. Everton took the lead after 28 minutes. Duggan picked up the ball on the left, cut inside and fired a shot into the bottom corner from just outside the area with her right foot. Everton’s Dowie was furious not to be awarded a penalty as she appeared to be tripped by the trailing leg of Amy Turner, but the striker’s protests were waved away by the referee.
Everton want Manchester City stars Milner and Adebayor for Manchester United target Rodwell
by Will Swanson.
Fri 13 May 2011 The Lancashire Click
Everton want Manchester City stars Milner and Adebayor for Manchester United target Rodwell According to reports Everton are seeking a player swap in any deal with Manchester City for Jack Rodwell. The Daily Express claims City boss Roberto Mancini is determined to improve his squad ahead of their assault on the Premier League and Champions League titles. The Italian is believed to have earmarked Everton youngster Jack Rodwell as a transfer target and considering a £20 million bid. England Under-21 star Rodwell is also a long-term target of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Everton boss Moyes is keen on taking either Emmanuel Adebayor or Craig Bellamy, who will both return to City this summer after loan spells at Real Madrid and Cardiff respectively.
Moyes also rates James Milner, who has not been a regular at Eastlands since his move from Aston Villa.
West Bromwich Albion v Everton (kick off 12.45pm): Chris Lepkowski's pre-match notes
May 13 2011
WHO’S HOT: Peter Odemwingie – Grabbed his fifth goal in five games last weekend. On a roll.
WHO’S NOT: Two mistakes in two games for Abou Meite. Struggling.
LAST FIVE GAMES
ALBION WLDWL
EVERTON WWLDW
ALBION (from): Carson, Myhill, Jara, Hurst, Reid, Tamas, Meite, Olsson, Pablo, Shorey, Cech, Scharner, Mulumbu, Brunt, Cox, Morrison, Thomas, Barnes, Tchoyi, Thorne, Odemwingie, Vela, Fortuné, Miller. Injured: Dorrans (ankle).
THE OPPOSITION: Everton are still chasing a Europa League place and will clinch seventh spot with victory in either of their last two games. The Toffees will be looking for revenge having been comprehensively beaten by the Baggies at Goodison Park in November.
Referee: A Taylor (Manchester).
FORECAST: Chris Lepkowski Albion win.
MOYES DELIGHTED WITH PROGRESS
West Brom 6/4 Everton 7/4 Draw 9/4
May 13 2011 The Sporting Life
David Moyes believes if Everton can cement seventh spot in the Barclays Premier League it will be feel like winning the Champions League. Moyes takes his team to West Brom on Saturday, anxious to turn the tables on their hosts. Back in November Albion inflicted a humiliating 4-1 defeat on Everton at Goodison Park to leave them in 16th position. Six months on and the situation could not be more different in the blue corner of Merseyside after only one loss in 10 league games. Moyes said: "We are really pleased. It is a good run to be on and something we should be talking about at the end of the season. We aim to try and keep that going. "In November or December I would have looked at getting seventh place like winning the Champions League. "We have kicked on. We should never have found ourselves in the situation we were in but we did. "It was difficult early on but the players have rallied round, showed their true value and how they can play. If we finish in seventh that would be great but we don't want to get caught by the teams behind us. "I never doubted our character and spirit. I didn't think that was the reason we weren't winning games. It was because of quality that was why we didn't win." One of the key players in Everton's recent revival has been midfielder Leon Osman. Moyes said: "I think the supporters recognise how good a talent he is. He has made the most of his ability. Technically he is a gifted little player. "He is tenacious, he is tough and he runs as far as anyone in an Everton jersey every Saturday. He is a valuable to us and is a key member of the team and the squad." Moyes expects a difficult game against a side fashioned by former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson. "Roy has done a brilliant job. He has steadied and organised them, " said the Everton boss. "No-one should be surprised at his success because he has been a top manager. He went to Liverpool and the fit did not work. "But he is very experienced and is proving that once again at West Brom. The Hawthorns has always been a tough place for us. It will be an intense and tough afternoon." Midfielder Tim Cahill is pushing for a place in the team after stepping off the bench and playing a part in the victory against Manchester City last weekend.
Victor Anichebe could retain his place with Moyes pleased with the way the forward is developing.
Moyes added: "What Victor had to do was improve his game generally. He has all the attributes needed to become a top player. "He is starting to show it and because of that people applaud you and clap you. He's had injuries and maybe now he is beginning to regain his confidence and show what he is capable of."
Squad sheets: West Bromwich Albion v Everton
Guardian. Friday 13 May 2011
result of this match may be irrelevant in the greater scheme of things, but while West Bromwich Albion fans will be in the mood to celebrate safety in their final home game of the season, Everton supporters may still be fretting. This is David Moyes's 350th Premier League match as their manager and there are some who fear that after seven years working on a restricted budget, the Scot would find a summer approach from a club with more money, and arguably more ambition, such as Aston Villa perhaps, hard to resist. Richard Rae
Venue The Hawthorns, Saturday 12.45pm
Tickets Sold out
Last season n/a
Referee A Taylor
This season's matches 11 Y44, R2, 4.18 cards per game
Odds West Bromwich 6-4 Everton 8-5 Draw 11-5
West Bromwich Albion v Everton: probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic West Bromwich
Subs from Myhill, Méité, Jara, Fortuné, Cech, Tchoyi, Vela, Ibanez, Miller
Doubtful None
Injured Dorrans (ankle, 22 May)
Suspended None
Form guide LWDLWW
Disciplinary record Y53 R7
Leading scorer Odemwingie 15
Everton
Subs from Cahill, Coleman, Beckford, Bilyaletdinov, Gueye, Mucha, Baxter, Mustafi, Vellios, Forshaw, McAleny, Nsiala, Duffy
Doubtful Cahill (foot)
Injured Saha (ankle, Aug), Fellaini (ankle, Aug), Barkley (leg, Aug)
Suspended None Form guide WDLWWD
Disciplinary record Y53 R3
Leading scorer Cahill 9
Match pointers
• West Bromwich have not kept a clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League home games, the joint-longest run in the competition's history
• Everton have had more shots cleared off the line than any other team in the top-flight – 12
• If matches ended at half-time, West Bromwich would be bottom of the table with 30 points
• David Moyes has started 20 different players this season, a joint-low with Chelsea
• Peter Odemwingie has scored in five successive games for Roy Hodgson's men
Royal Blue: Mick Lyon back in football management with Cockburn City FC
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 14 2011
MICK LYONS is back in football management. The former Blues’ skipper had a setback in April when he was dismissed by Aussie club Stirling Lions, but he has now taken over the reins at West Australian outfit Cockburn City. True Blue Mick is at an upwardly mobile side that may not be A-League material yet but are in rude health And yes, they play in blue and white. Good Luck Mick!
Royal Blue: Still time to enter annual Toffee Lotto Super Draw
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 14 2011
EVERTON will be drawing its annual end of season lottery next week and handing over a £10,000 cheque to one very lucky winner. On Thursday May 19, the Blues will make one supporter very happy by drawing the Toffee Lotto Super Draw, which is now in its second year after Kenneth Ball from Old Swan pocketed the cash in 2010.
For over 50 years Everton has been running a host of lotteries, raffles and prize draws to raise funds for the club. Initially the cash was used to help with stadium up-keep and fund youth development, but more recently they are used to support charity. It’s simple to play and there are over 50 cash prizes every week including a jackpot of £1,000 and it costs as little as £1 per week. Plus someone will win £10,000 in the end of season Super Draw – one of the biggest lottery jackpots in the Premiership. Lotteries Manager, Darrell Turton, said: “For just £1 a week, you can help Everton make a real and lasting difference to the lives of local people and be in with a chance of winning up to £10,000.” There is still time to enter. For Details call 0151 330 2266
Barry Horne: Lord Triesman’s welcome claims have come too late
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
THE Sunday Times’ FIFA expose in conjunction with Lord Triesman’s quite specific allegations will not come as a great surprise to football watchers, but will merely serve to reinforce already deep seated beliefs that FIFA is an inherently corrupt organisation populaetd by corrupt individuals. Having failed pathet- ically in their bid, Lord Triesman’s statements could be viewed as sour grapes. Everybody at the FA must be wishing that when all this skullduggery was going on they had the courage to speak out at the time and to remove themselves from the bid process. Whilst I’m willing to believe that the FA held no truck with these demands, the question must remain that having gone so far through the process, to really claim the moral high ground they should have declared everything at the time and taken the chance they would be blown out of the water – which they were anyway.
Barry Horne: Season’s end has come too early for Everton FC's Leon Osman
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
May 14 2011
I AM fortunate to have been invited to the Everton Player of the Year dinner on Thursday. But as has been the case all season, I’m sure we won’t have to look much further than the left side of our defence for the winner. Tim Howard has had another good year, Phil Neville has been his usual steady, dependable self, but Sylvain Distin has been an outstanding performer – even during the rough times we experienced before Christmas – while Leighton Baines may not have hit the heights quite as regularly as he did last season, but has still been a top class performer. Personally I believe it’s a shame for Leon Osman that the season hasn’t got another four or five matches to go. The psychology of awards voting means that recent performances tend to have more of an effect on the judgement of voters than more distant displays, and Leon has undoubtedly been our outstanding performer in the last 12 games. That spell represents his longest run in the team this year, and started with the memorable victory at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup replay. t’s no coincidence that his sparkling run has coincided with the team’s run of fine form.
Barry Horne: Roberto Mancini’s criticism of Everton FC was . . . incredible
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
May 14 2011
ROBERTO MANCINI’S English is undeniably impressive, but I think somebody needs to work on his vocabulary. He used the word ‘incredible’ several times to describe the outcome of the match at Goodison Park last Saturday. Someone should point out what that word actually means – ie. scarcely believable. There was nothing incredible ie. unbelievable, about the result. This season has seen many spectacular comebacks in the Premier League, but the key to any games at the highest level – and Premier League in particular – is getting a goal when you are on top. In the vast majority of Premier League games both teams will have 15 or 20 minutes at least when they are in the ascendancy. It’s not usual for one team to dominate from start to finish. The trick is to get your goals when you are on top. Manchester City didn’t do that – Everton did. And when Everton weren’t on top, they stuck to their task and rode their luck a little. David Moyes readily admits Everton couldn’t get near City in the first half, but they weren’t exactly peppering Everton’s goal either and the Blues stuck to their task and showed terrific team spirit. The other point that Mancini made a big deal of was use of the long ball. Everton may have gone longer in an attempt to put pressure on City’s back four and in an attempt to play nearer Joe Hart’s goal. But, if I’m not mistaken, the winning goal came from a series of short passes in midfield at the end of which Leon Osman scored with terrific athleticism, courage and no little skill. The watching Tony Pulis must have been almost as delighted with what he saw as David Moyes. Delighted, but not incredulous!
Royal Blue: Everton FC’s Victor Anichebe could still prove the doubters wrong
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 14 2011
IT SEEMS like the jury has long since returned an unfavourable verdict when it comes to many Blues and Victor Anichebe. A quick toe in the water of Evertonian opinion via Twitter confirmed that the 23-year-old is still not exactly a fans’ favourite, despite his ovation after a tireless shift during the recent Goodison victory over Manchester City. It’s not hard to see why he has struggled to win hearts and minds at Goodison. Since bursting onto the scene as a raw but powerful 17-year-old who became popular thanks to a cameo against Nuremburg that lingered long in the memory, the Crosby-raised player has done little of note. Indeed 12 goals in six years does not paint a very productive picture, but as ever there is much context behind the paltry statistics. Anichebe has, for starters, had more than his fair share of rotten luck. Whenever he has managed to get his imposing frame match-fit, and more importantly got his head right too, injury has struck. Anichebe was approaching sterling form when Kevin Nolan subjected him to his particular brand of footballing GBH at St James’ Park in 2009, and although it was a long road back from that severe injury he seemed in fine fettle last summer. Watching Victor dominate defenders and score during Everton’s pre-season tour of Australia he seemed poised to make an impact on the ensuing season. Cue another injury and months of listless rehab, a process that can sap the energy, focus and soul of any sportsman – even if professionals at least get the very best of help at their disposal. Speaking to the forward at Finch Farm this week he revealed a side far removed from the image many supporters believe – an uncaring, unmotivated player who is in it for the money. Instead, here was a genuine young man who was refreshingly honest about his flaws, including an inherent difficulty to get match-fit that hampers him by comparison to differently built players. The Nolan tackle, he says, made him stronger. “The hunger (to play) came back after that. Before then I’d been coming on at various times and maybe your focus dips. But I was on the sidelines then and I really missed it,” he said.
“Maybe things happen for a reason.” Anichebe has the right role models too.
“Bainsey is always doing stuff in the gym at Finch Farm, after training before training,” he says. “I leave here later than most people but Sylvain’s car is always the last here too. It’s no shock that those two are our players of the season. “It would be great for someone to say I’m there starting every game one day.” Ultimately, despite the furore over his contract negotiations in January, something the man himself says he was completely in the dark on, he is not a grotesque, money-grabbing stereotype. “There is a lot more going on in life and the world than football,” he says. “Yes it’s our life but looks what is happening in Japan or Libya. I think a lot, and there are worse things than getting injured. I can come back but the people whose homes are ruined in Japan will struggle. I try to put it in perspective. “Money comes and goes. One day the fans will jeer and maybe they’ll cheer the next but I just want to work hard. “I’m friends with Peter Odemwingie and we’re thinking of setting up a charity in Lagos. We both know how blessed we are to be footballers – there are a lot of poor people back in Nigeria. I take loads of boots and kits over when I go. We take so much for granted here; school and medical treatment.” Now it’s up to Victor. Next season could finally be the chance, possibly even his last, to prove he can fulfil his potential.
Everton FC u18s win national cup after late goals
Liverpool Echo
May 14 2011
TWO goals in the last ten minutes gave Everton’s youngsters the title of the nation’s best youth side.
Neil Dewsnip’s men had the lion’s share of the chances in the FA Premier Academy League final at Craven Cottage, only to fall behind 16 minutes from time. But they proved their mettle by launching a dramatic comeback Then, with four minutes to go, giant substitute George Waring nodded home to spark delirium among the players. Everton began well with Tom Donegan and Gerard Kinsella going close from the edge of the box and Conor McAleny testing home keeper Jesse Joronen.
Kerim Frei replied with a fizzing effort just over for Fulham, but it was the Toffees who went close again, with headers first from Thomas and then from Kinsella. The Blues continued in the same vein after half time with Anton Forrester and McAleny both sending efforts just wide. So it was against the run of play when Ronny Minkwitz rifled in the opening goal in the 74th minute. Everton immediately sent on towering forward Waring and duly equalised in the 81st minute when Thomas slotted home. And there was even better to come when Thomas centred and Waring planted a header back across the keeper and into the net.
Everton FC’s David Moyes says finishing seventh would feel like winning Champions League
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 14 2011
DAVID MOYES admits that if Everton can secure seventh spot it will feel like winning the Champions League. Moyes takes his team to West Brom today, anxious to turn the tables on their hosts.
In November the Baggies inflicted a humiliating 4-1 defeat on Everton at Goodison Park to leave them in 16th position and just two points from the drop-zone. Six months on and the situation could not be more different in the blue corner of Merseyside after only one loss in 10 Premier League games. Moyes said: “We are really pleased. It is a good run to be on and something we should be talking about at the end of the season. We aim to try and keep that going. “In November or December I would have looked at getting seventh place like winning the Champions League.
“We have kicked on. We should never have found ourselves in the situation we were in but we did.
“It was difficult early on but the players have rallied round, showed their true value and how they can play. If we finish in seventh that would be great but we don’t want to get caught by the teams behind us. “I never doubted our character and spirit. I didn’t think that was the reason we weren’t winning games. It was because of quality that was why we didn’t win.” Moyes has long insisted that he had to shift his expectations for this campaign after an awful start, and he could not consider finishing seventh a genuine overall success. “If we had finished seventh at the start we would have been disappointed, but I think the point is that where we have come from after the poor opening to the season,” he says. “We feel like we have been on a great run to get where we are. I thought at one part 'if I can make the top half of the league then this will be a good season'.
Even after the Albion inflicted that Goodison drubbing, Moyes says he did not panic. “I don't think there was a crisis and I never thought about that,” he says. “But I was concerned that we weren't winning the games and I thought 'where are we going to get these wins from now' and we lost Fellaini and Mikel Arteta for a while but it was the opposite. “Those players that came in actually helped us get back to where we were maybe a year or two ago and that revitalised us and got us back on track and that was important.” One of those key players in Everton’s recent revival has been midfielder Leon Osman. Moyes said: “I think the supporters recognise how good a talent he is. He has made the most of his ability. Technically he is a gifted little player. “He is tenacious, he is tough and he runs as far as anyone in an Everton jersey every Saturday. He is valuable to us and is a key member of the team and the squad.” Moyes expects a difficult game against a side fashioned by former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson. “Roy has done a brilliant job. He has steadied and organised them, ” said the Everton boss. “No-one should be surprised at his success because he has been a top manager. He went to Liverpool and the fit did not work. But he is very experienced and is proving that once again at West Brom. The Hawthorns has always been a tough place for us. It will be an intense and tough afternoon.” Tim Cahill is pushing for a re-call after playing a part in the victory against Manchester City last weekend from the bench. And Victor Anichebe could retain his place with Moyes pleased with the forward’s recent form. “Victor has to improve his game generally. He has all the attributes needed. He is starting to show it and because of that people applaud you and clap you. He’s had injuries and maybe now he is beginning to regain his confidence.”
Everton FC increasingly hopeful Marouane Fellaini will sign new deal this summer
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 14 2011
EVERTON boss David Moyes is increasingly hopeful of persuading influential midfielder Marouane Fellaini to sign a lucrative new deal this summer. Moyes is determined to keep the 23-year-old Belgian at Goodison, and wants to prioritise securing his signature quickly, in order to deter a host of other circling clubs. Fellaini went on record last month to insist he is happy on Merseyside, and was looking forward to beginning negotiations with the Toffees. And the Everton hierarchy are quietly confident of tying the cult hero down to a new multi-million-pound deal that would make him one of the club’s highest earners. “Talks are under way, things are happening,” said Moyes. “His rehab is going OK and we are targeting him being back for pre-season.” Fellaini, who Moyes has repeatedly praised for working hard to recover from injury, had hoped to return from an ankle problem before the current season ends. But the 6ft 4in midfielder is now focusing on being fit to take part in Everton’s full pre-season preparations, including their US tour in July. Meanwhile, skipper Phil Neville is targeting a possible late surge to finish above Tottenham in the league. The Toffees captain, who rejected a January move to White Hart Lane, has urged his team-mates to capitalise on Spurs’ collapse and overtake them in the table. Harry Redknapp’s men have endured a terrible run of just one win in their last 13 matches and, after losing their fourth place Champions League qualifier position to Manchester City, could now slip as low as seventh. Writing on his Twitter account, Neville said: ‘Two games left, win both and we will finish ahead of Spurs – that’s our motivation.” Everton would need three points against West Brom today to retain any hopes of sixth place, but Baggies boss Roy Hodgson is determined to maintain his side’s progress. The former Liverpool boss is hoping to guide Albion to a top ten place and said: “We’d have to beat Everton to give ourselves the chance. We are still on course and would like to be the top Midlands club this year.”
Final whistle report: West Brom 1 Everton FC 0
by Greg O'Keefe, Liverpool Echo
May 14 2011
EVERTON crashed to their second defeat by West Bromwich Albion this season as Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was red-carded at the Hawthorns. The Toffees were undone by an early Youssouf Mulumbu goal, after fine work by livewire Peter Odemwingie who tormented the visitors throughout the first half. David Moyes’s side had more of the ball than West Brom, but failed to create enough clear-cut chances, and rarely looked like testing Scott Carson in the Baggie’s goal. Ultimately Everton’s travelling supporters were left to head back home on the motorway, thinking of what might have been if their side had shown a little more attacking flair against opponents who appeared limited defensively. Bilyaletdinov’s red card, after the Russian had been on the field for only five minutes in the second half, came after a rash lunge on fellow sub James Morrison. However TV replays showed little or no contact and underlined the folly of referee Anthony Taylor and his assistants. In truth Everton, wearing their new amber away strip for next season, had not been doing enough to get back into the game anyway – and Bily had blazed their best chance of the game over the bar before his premature exit. Anichebe had turned smartly for Everton’s only other concrete opening, after collecting a smart pass from Arteta, but the Nigerian’s shot was straight at Carson who blocked easily with his legs. Their playmaker Mikel Arteta seemed isolated and underused on the left side of midfield, and Odemwingie’s movement had the away side too often on the back foot. Circumstances elsewhere conspired to mean next Saturday’s Goodison game against Chelsea is likely to be dead rubber, and only FA Cup finalists Stoke can now theoretically prevent Everton finishing seventh.
But it was a disappointing and guile-less way for Moye’s side to sign off a campaign on the road when they have often played some of their best football. Jermaine Beckford failed to offer any real penetration when he came on for Seamus Coleman, and Leon Osman was not at his effervescent best. West Brom embarked on their end of season lap of honour after the final whistle to a crowd thrilled to have survived so comfortably. Everton will have to improve significantly against Chelsea to earn similarly enthusiastic applause next weekend. During a season when they have often raised their game against the top flight’s big guns, the Blues will have to do it again – or a generally disappointing season will end accordingly.
EVERTON: (4-2-3-1) Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Heitinga, Neville (Capt) (Bilyletdinov, 73) Arteta, Osman, Coleman (Beckford, 61), Anichebe (Rodwell, 80).
Subs not used: Mucha, Gueye, Rodwell, Vellios, Baxter.
Bookings: Neville, Heitinga, Bily (red)
Goals:
WEST BROM: (4-5-1) Carson, Olsson, Scharner, Reid, Tamas, Shorey, Mulumbu, Thomas (Tchoyi, 79), Brunt (Capt) (Fortune, 90+), Cox (Morrison, 66) Odemwingie.
Subs not used: Myhill, Miller, Meite, Jara.
Bookings: Thomas, Tamas
Goals: Mulumbu (9)
Ref: A Taylor
Attendance: 25,838
West Brom 1 Everton 0
15th May 2011 The Sun
YOUSSOUF MULUMBU ensured the points were in the Bag with the only goal at The Hawthorns. The midfielder's left-foot strike put West Brom ahead after just 10 minutes. Everton lacked a killer touch up front and their chances of salvaging a draw bit the dust when Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was sent off 13 minutes from time. He had only been on the pitch for five minutes before a rash challenge on James Morrison left ref Anthony Taylor reaching for his pocket. Baggies boss Roy Hodgson later claimed the winger did not deserve a red card, while opposite number David Moyes refused to speak to the media. But Hodgson insisted Moyes' failure to show for the post-match press conference had nothing to do with the dismissal. He said: "David has got somewhere to go. You know David, he doesn't like to lose. I don't like to lose. "He was in a remarkably good mood given the circumstances. He is fine. "I thought the sending off was harsh. I don't like to see players sent off for those challenges. "I'm always sad when those tackles produce red cards because I'm 100 per cent sure he didn't want to make a bad tackle. "I thought it was a harsh decision but it's easy for coaches to sit back and criticise refereeing decisions. I don't think it affected the outcome of the game." The game was an open affair with both sides free from the threat of relegation and opposing strikers Peter Odemwingie and Victor Anichebe were a constant threat. Odemwingie had the first opening when he raced onto a long pass from Mulumbu before drilling his shot into the side netting. The hosts maintained the pressure and Mulumbu broke the deadlock when Chris Brunt chipped the ball into Odemwingie's path. He held off Toffees defender Sylvain Distin before squaring the ball to present his team-mate with a simple tap-in. Everton had the chance to equalise four minutes later when Anichebe spun past Jonas Olsson but Scott Carson turned his shot past the post. Visiting keeper Tim Howard then tipped a Brunt free-kick over the bar after Leighton Baines had brought down Odemwingie. Chances continued to arrive at both ends and John Heitinga headed wide from a Seamus Coleman cross. Jerome Thomas then skipped past Howard inside the Everton box but saw his shot cleared off the line by Tony Hibbert. And Howard made another fine save to keep out Odemwingie's header at point-blank range before Carson turned aside Anichebe's downward header. Everton skipper Phil Neville became the first player to be booked in the 49th minute for a challenge on Mulumbu. The visitors were on top early in the second period and a deep corner from Mikel Arteta found Leon Osman completely unmarked but he sliced wide. Neville then appealed in vain for a penalty for handball after his volley struck Paul Scharner, who had dyed his hair blue and white for the occasion. Jerome Thomas was booked for bringing down Hibbert before Jermaine Beckford replaced Coleman after 62 minutes. Scharner could have doubled the hosts' lead but headed wide from Odemwingie's ball into the danger area. Albion began to sit too deeply as the clock ticked down and substitute Bilyaletdinov shot over from 10 yards out after racing onto Hibbert's cross. He was quickly sent for an early bath and Howard had to deny Odemwingie as Hodgson urged his side forward to kill off the 10-man Toffees. The second goal did not arrive but West Brom had done enough to finish their home campaign on a high.
West Brom: Carson, Reid, Olsson, Tamas, Shorey, Brunt (Fortune 90), Mulumbu, Scharner, Thomas (Tchoyi 78), Cox (Morrison 67), Odemwingie. Subs not used: Myhill, Miller, Meite, Jara. Booked: Thomas, Tamas.
Goals: Mulumbu 10.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman (Beckford 62), Heitinga, Neville (Bilyaletdinov 72), Arteta, Osman, Anichebe (Rodwell 80). Subs not used: Mucha, Gueye, Vellios, Baxter. Sent off: Bilyaletdinov (77). Booked: Neville, Heitinga.
Att: 25,838
Ref: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).
West Brom 1 Everton 0: Full time report
May 14 2011
Birmingham Post
Youssouf Mulumbu boosted West Brom's hopes of finishing as the midlands' highest-placed club in the Barclays Premier League with a first half winner against 10-man Everton at the Hawthorns.
The midfielder scored his seventh goal of the campaign after just 10 minutes as the Baggies finished their home programme on a successful note. Everton had substitute Diniyar Bilyaletdinov sent off late on after just five minutes on the pitch for a challenge on James Morrison. Roy Hodgson's side are now four points clear of local rivals Aston Villa, who visit Arsenal tomorrow, thanks to a dramatic turnaround in fortunes under the former Liverpool manager. They have collected 19 points from 11 games since he replaced Roberto Di Matteo in early February and been beaten only twice.
The game was an open affair with both sides free from the threat of relegation and opposing strikers Peter Odemwingie and Victor Anichebe were a constant threat. It was surprising only one goal was scored given the chances created by both sides. Albion midfielder Paul Scharner was a distinctive figure with his new dyed blue and white haircut in Albion colours, while Baggies leading scorer Odemwingie received his Barclays player of the month award before kick-off. The first threat came from Odemwingie after he raced onto a long pass from Mulumbu but he drilled his shot into the side netting. But after 10 minutes Mulumbu broke the deadlock. Chris Brunt chipped the ball forward and Odemwingie held off the challenge of Sylvain Distin before squaring the ball across the area to Mulumbu who had a simple tap-in. Everton had the chance to equalise four minutes later when Anichebe spun past Jonas Olsson inside the box but Scott Carson made a fine save to deflect his shot past the post. Everton keeper Tim Howard then tipped a Brunt free-kick over the bar after Leighton Baines had brought down Odemwingie. There were plenty of chances at both ends and John Heitinga headed wide from close range when unmarked from a Seamus Coleman cross. Jerome Thomas then skipped past Tim Howard inside the Everton box but saw his shot cleared off the line by Tony Hibbert. Howard made a fine save to keep out Odemwingie's header at point blank range after Olsson had flicked on a long throw from Mulumbu. Carson made another fine save to turn aside Anichebe's downward header low to his left from a Hibbert cross Everton skipper Phil Neville became the first player to be yellow carded in the 49th minute for a challenge on Mulumbu.
Everton were on top early in the second period and a deep corner from Arteta found Leon Osman completely unmarked but he sliced his shot wide. In an Albion counter-attack Cox just failed to connect at full stretch with a low centre from Odemwingie. Neville appealed in vain for a penalty for handball after his volley struck Scharner. Then Tamas made a great block to keep out a fierce drive from Arteta. Thomas was booked for bringing down Hibbert before Jermaine Beckford replaced Coleman after 62 minutes. Scharner could have doubled Albion's lead but headed wide from Odemwingie's ball into the danger area. Phil Jagielka climbed above the Baggies defence to head an Arteta corner over the bar. Albion were sitting too deep and Bilyaletdinov shot over from 10 yards out after racing onto Hibbert's cross. Bilyaletdinov was sent off after 77 minutes for a high challenge on Morrison. Howard denied Odemwingie who went for goal with Brunt unmarked in the centre before Tamas was booked in the final minute for time wasting.
E.T. out of this world at Everton By GRAHAM HILL
15th May 2011 (The Sun)
WEST BROM manager Roy Hodgson hopes Paul Scharner will continue to be the Baggies' very own E.T. - the Everton Tormentor!Hodgson reckons the Austrian's spooky scoring record against David Moyes' side defies logic.Everton have been on the end of almost a third of Scharner's Premier League goals - with the former Wigan man netting five times in nine games against them.When Scharner scored at Everton in December, he even joked they should name a stand after him at Goodison.Hodgson said: "I don't know whether players have good runs against certain clubs."You have to be one of those people who believes in extraterrestrials to believe in that sort of thing."But with statements like Paul makes, he's an automatic pick in his own mind that's for sure!"
City set to test Everton's resolve with £18m Baines bid
15/05/11 By MirrorFootball (The mirror)
Everton are heading for another summer transfer stand-off with Manchester City – with Leighton Baines a target for Roberto Mancini once the season is over.Goodison and England left-back Baines is high on the list of players Mancini wants to recruit for the club’s first assault on the Champions League.But Everton are holding out for a whopping £18million for the speedy defender, who is a big danger at set-pieces.
Man City battle for £18m rated Leighton Baines
May 15 2011 by Steve Bates, The People
EVERTON are heading for another summer transfer stand-off with Manchester City – with Leighton Baines a target for Roberto Mancini once the season is over.Goodison and England left-back Baines is high on the list of players Mancini wants to recruit for the club’s first assault on the Champions League.But Everton are holding out for a whopping £18million for the speedy defender, who is a big danger at set-pieces. That is sure to evoke memories of the acrimonious stand-off between the clubs over defender Joleon Lescott.
Experience
Lescott joined City two years ago from Everton after a bitter and protracted transfer saga, during which Toffees boss David Moyes accused the mega-rich Eastlands club – then managed by Mark Hughes – of “disgusting” behaviour in their pursuit of the versatile star.Everton eventually forced City to cough up a staggering £24m for the defender – and Moyes will dig his heels in again and insist City pay the going rate for 26-year-old Baines, who signed from Wigan four years ago for £6m.Moyes will point to the fact City paid £16 million for 25-year-old Serbian Aleksandar Kolarov from Lazio last summer and the defender had no Premier League experience.Baines is seen as an ideal catch – especially as City seem certain to let Wayne Bridge, currently on loan at West Ham, leave in the summer.Mancini wants to get his squad sorted early this summer, especially as City will probably have to play a Champions League qualifier at the beginning of August.
West Brom 1-0 Everton: Sunday Mirror match report
15/05/2011 By Ian Edwards
Youssouf Mulumbu is known as “Man Beast” and feted as having the “Heart of a Leopard” in his Congolese homeland.But his appeal will have spread so far this season Roy Hodgson faces a battle to keep him on a Hawthorns leash and away from the Premier League fat cats this summer.Some of these clubs pay more than the £175,000 Albion spent on the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder to keep their pitches in pristine condition – but there cannot be better value for money on offer anywhere else in the league.“Dan Ashworth has to take the credit for finding Mulumbu,” said Hodgson. “He was here before I got to the club, but the club have got it right with the signing of him and others such as Peter Odemwingie.“To talk about bringing in other players would be disrespectful. All the credit for staying up should go to the players who are at the club now and who have done all the hard work.”The DR Congo midfielder has been a smash hit at The Hawthorns and lit up the survival celebration party as Albion maintained their hopes of an eighth-place finish – although Everton looked as if they were already on the plane heading for the sun.Mulumbu’s solitary goal was enough to complete the double over David Moyes’ side, who had the added embarrassment of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov seeing a straight red from referee Anthony Taylor after only five minutes as a substitute.The red-faced Russian could face further punishment from the Football Association for making obscene gestures to the crowd as he disappeared down the tunnel. Whatever his manager thought of that, the referee and his side’s poor display will remain a secret.Moyes refused to discuss any incidents in the game after stomping out of The Hawthorns after asking Everton head of media Darren Griffiths to make it clear he would not be answering any questions, leaving Phil Neville to tweet: “Story of r season. Good and in control, but no cutting edge up top.”The Baggies boss offered his own assessment. “David was shooting off,” said Hodgson. “I think he had somewhere to go. He does not like to lose in the same way I do not like to lose.“So taking that into consideration, he was in remarkably good mood under the circumstances. He was fine.”Everton’s first half performance was only missing the sun-tan lotion and shades.The air miles looked as if they had been cashed in, the Havaianas flip-flops were on and the two biggest culprits had been given the kiss of death in the build up.Mikel Arteta reckons Sylvain Distin should win the Player of the Year award on Thursday night – but Moyes has not seen a Premier League central defender play better than Phil Jagielka in recent weeks.The Everton central defenders did nothing to justify those testimonials as they were run ragged and Everton could have been much further adrift than Mulumbu’s seventh goal of the season.Odemwingie embarrassed Distin before cutting the ball back for Mulumbu to tap in and only Tim Howard’s reaction at point-blank range prevented the Nigeria striker adding a second.Tony Hibbert had to clear off the line to deny Jerome Thomas and Odemwingie shot into the side-netting with Howard at his mercy. To add to their general malaise at the back, Everton suffered the further embarrassment of being the first team in 36 games to fail to score against Hodgson’s side.
Albion keep about as many clean sheets as a newborn baby and this was the first time since August they had not leaked a goal, with Victor Anichebe the biggest culprit, failing to score from 10 yards with only Scot Carson to beat.The frustration was there for all to see and Neville summed it up when he was dragged off in the second half – snatching his tracksuit top in fury before sitting down.If that angered Moyes, worse was to come with Bilyaletdinov sliding high and late into James Morrison.
It was clumsy more than malicious and Hodgson said: “I don’t like to see players sent off. I think it was a harsh red card. I am 100 per cent convinced he did not mean to make a bad tackle.”
West Brom 1 Everton 0: Mulumbu bags winner for Baggies against 10-men Toffees
By Sportsmail Reporter 15th May 2011 (The Daily Mail)
Youssouf Mulumbu bolstered West Brom's hopes of finishing as the midlands' highest-placed club in the Barclays Premier League with a first-half winner against 10-man Everton at the Hawthorns. The midfielder scored his seventh goal of the campaign after just 10 minutes to enable the Baggies to finish their home programme on a successful note. Everton had substitute Diniyar Bilyaletdinov sent off after just five minutes on the pitch for a challenge on James Morrison.Roy Hodgson's side are now four points clear of local rivals Aston Villa, who visit Arsenal tomorrow, thanks to a dramatic turnaround in fortunes under the former Liverpool manager. They have collected 19 points from 11 games since he replaced Roberto Di Matteo in early February and been beaten only twice.The game was an open affair with both sides free from the threat of relegation and opposing strikers Peter Odemwingie and Victor Anichebe were a constant threat.It was surprising only one goal was scored given the chances created by both sides. Albion midfielder Paul Scharner was a distinctive figure with his new dyed blue and white haircut in Albion colours, while Baggies leading scorer Odemwingie received his Barclays player of the month award before kick-off.The first threat came from Odemwingie after he raced onto a long pass from Mulumbu but he drilled his shot into the side netting.But after 10 minutes Mulumbu broke the deadlock. Chris Brunt chipped the ball forward and Odemwingie held off the challenge of Sylvain Distin before squaring the ball across the area to Mulumbu who had a simple tap-in.
Everton had the chance to equalise four minutes later when Anichebe spun past Jonas Olsson inside the box but Scott Carson made a fine save to deflect his shot past the post. Everton keeper Tim Howard then tipped a Brunt free-kick over the bar after Leighton Baines had brought down Odemwingie.There were plenty of chances at both ends and John Heitinga headed wide from close range when unmarked from a Seamus Coleman cross. Jerome Thomas then skipped past Tim Howard inside the Everton box but saw his shot cleared off the line by Tony Hibbert. Howard made a fine save to keep out Odemwingie's header at point blank range after Olsson had flicked on a long throw from Mulumbu. Carson made another fine save to turn aside Anichebe's downward header low to his left from a Hibbert cross Everton skipper Phil Neville became the first player to be yellow carded in the 49th minute for a challenge on Mulumbu.Everton were on top early in the second period and a deep corner from Arteta found Leon Osman completely unmarked but he sliced his shot wide.In an Albion counter-attack Cox just failed to connect at full stretch with a low centre from Odemwingie. Neville appealed in vain for a penalty for handball after his volley struck Scharner. Then Tamas made a great block to keep out a fierce drive from Arteta. Thomas was booked for bringing down Hibbert before Jermaine Beckford replaced Coleman after 62 minutes.Scharner could have doubled Albion's lead but headed wide from Odemwingie's ball into the danger area.Phil Jagielka climbed above the Baggies defence to head an Arteta corner over the bar. Albion were sitting too deep and Bilyaletdinov shot over from 10 yards out after racing onto Hibbert's cross.Bilyaletdinov was sent off after 77 minutes for a high challenge on Morrison.Howard denied Odemwingie who went for goal with Brunt unmarked in the centre before Tamas was booked in the final minute for time wasting.
Youssouf Mulumbu keeps Hodgson's West Brom rising at Everton's expense
Harry Polkey at The Hawthorns
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 15th May 2011
Five wins and two defeats in 11 games under Roy Hodgson mean West Bromwich Albion have more than survived, they have prospered. So much so, in fact, that a top-10 finish is very much on the cards for the Baggies. They cannot quite catch Everton, whose run since the beginning of March, when David Moyes suggested they were serious candidates for relegation, had been even better than Albion's.Such was Moyes's disappointment at losing that he not only refused to make any comment to the media, he declined to make any of his staff available either. Captain Phil Neville 'tweeted' to the effect that a good performance marred by a lack of a cutting edge summed up Everton's season.Moyes's petulance seems to have been caused by the sending off of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov for a rash challenge on James Morrison, just as Everton were building up the sort of momentum that looked likely to end in an equaliser."David was in a remarkably good mood in the circumstances," said Hodgson in managerial solidarity, and acknowledged the dismissal of Bilyaletdinov was "very harsh".In general, the game was a story of chances missed. Albion were the first to spurn an excellent opportunity, after eight minutes. It fell to the right man too, Youssouf Mulumbu's long ball giving Peter Odemwingie the chance to outpace Sylvain Distin, but the striker directed his shot into the side netting. No matter. Barely two minutes later, Chris Brunt's lofted pass saw Odemwingie shrug off Distin before drawing the Everton goalkeeper, Tim Howard, and cutting the ball back for Mulumbu – whose pass to Brunt had started the move – to sidefoot into the empty net.Everton should have been on level terms immediately, when Victor Anichebe's turn left Jonas Olsson on the floor. Advancing into the penalty area, the powerful young striker had Scott Carson to beat and almost did so, only for the goalkeeper to stick out a leg and deflect the ball just wide.John Heitinga missed an almost equally good chance, rising unchallenged six yards out only to head wide, and the chances kept coming. Dribbling clear, Jerome Thomas stayed on his feet after being fouled by Howard but his shot was kicked off the line by Tony Hibbert. Howard saved brilliantly when Odemwingie's header from Olsson's flick-on looked certain to put Albion two clear.The second half was only marginally less entertaining. Everton's appeals for a penalty were turned down when Neville's fierce volley hit Paul Scharner's hand, and soon afterwards the Austrian, his hair dyed blue and white for the occasion, dived to head Odemwingie's cross into the side netting. Everton's increasing dominance should have been rewarded, but Bilyaletdinov shot their best chance over the bar before diving in at Morrison."Both teams epitomised the honesty of this league, they both tried hard to win," said Hodgson.
THE FANS' PLAYER RATINGS AND VERDICT
STEVEN WILTON, WBA.VitalFootball.co.uk It was a nice relaxing game to go to and both teams made it easy for the ref, though he made errors everywhere, which ruined an entertaining game. We're about where we deserve to be in the league. There was no way we should have been in the relegation battle.
The fan's player ratings Carson 8; Reid 8, Tamas 8, Olsson 8, Shorey 8; Brunt 7 (Fortune 90 n/a), Scharner 7, Mulumbu 9, Thomas 6 (Tchoyi 78 n/a); Odemwingie 8, Cox 7 (Morrison 66 7)
JOE JENNINGS, SOS1878.co.uk It was symptomatic of our problems in general at the end of another season that has promised so much and delivered so little. We've got to look at the manager and directors - there's a lack of investment and invention. We had eight defenders on the pitch; a forward line with Anichebe and midfield of Arteta and Osman won't get you goals. Moyes should abandon 4-5-1, which four or five years ago was quite innovative but everyone else's rumbled it. West Brom were superb at counteracting it.
The fan's player ratings Howard 7; Hibbert 7, Jagielka 8, Distin 7, Baines 6; Coleman 5 (Beckford 61 6), Neville 6 (Bilyaletdinov 72 n/a), Heitinga 5, Arteta 6; Osman 7, Anichebe 6 (Rodwell 80 n/a)
WEST BROM 1 - EVERTON 0: ROY HODGSON LOOKING TO CLEAN UP
ABOVE: Roy Hodgson praised his team for their first clean sheet in nine months Roy Hodgson praised his team for their first clean sheet in nine months
15th May 2011 By Richard Sydenham (The Star)
ROY HODGSON praised his team for their first clean sheet in nine months – and then slammed the red card that left Everton with ten men. Youssouf Mulumbu scored the only goal of the game as the Baggies jumped up to tenth in the table. There were no relegation or title issues riding on the outcome of this game but Hodgson was still delighted with his side’s performance. And Everton’s afternoon was summed up by the brief appearance of midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. He came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute, missed a golden chance to claim a point and was then sent off in the 77th minute. His lunge on James Morrison was late and his studs were up – but a straight red card seemed a little harsh. Everton boss David Moyes refused to speak to the media after the match but Hodgson did his talking for him. He said: “I thought the sending off was harsh. I don’t like to see players sent off for those tackles. “It was an honest enough challenge, you could just tell it wasn’t a defender’s tackle. “Those decisions sadden me a bit and I get no satisfaction from it personally – but it’s easy for managers to sit back and criticise referees.” Hodgson, who took over at The Hawthorns in February, was very pleased with his side’s dedication and defensive display. He added: “The clean sheet was satisfying, mostly because it gave us the three points. “We lived dangerously at times, there were some good blocks by our defenders and Carson had to make one very good save. “But we had some chances of our own and could have scored more goals. “This group of players have done a fantastic job for me. It would be poor to talk about who I need for next season. “But we will be working hard over the summer to put together a squad that will keep us in the league.” The reception Hodgson received as he led the home side’s traditional lap of honour showed the dramatic change of fortune for the club – and the manager – since he took over. West Brom took the lead in the tenth minute after striker Peter Odemwingie was sent clean through. He managed to brush past Sylvain Distin, before pulling back for Mulumbu to slot in his seventh league goal of the season. Everton might have got level soon after but for a great stop from Baggies goalkeeper Scott Carson. Victor Anichebe turned Jonas Olsson on the edge of the Albion area and curled his shot towards the far corner, only for Carson to put the ball wide with his foot. West Brom could have doubled their lead when Jerome Thomas had his shot kicked off the line by full-back Tony Hibbert. The winger cut inside Distin and skipped past Everton keeper Tim Howard – but he couldn’t divert his strike past Hibbert. And Odemwingie nearly scored his 16th goal of the season after Olsson managed to flick on Steven Reid’s throw-in. But the Nigerian’s far-post header was comfortably saved by Howard. West Brom tried to sit on their lead after the break but the Toffees struggled to create any real chances. Mulumbu didn’t stop working for the home side and often managed to break up a lot of Everton’s possession with his impressive effort. Moyes made two substitutions that saw Jermaine Beckford and Bilyaletdinov brought on to try to introduce some pace and direct play into the game. And the scores should have been brought level with Bilyaletdinov’s first touch. The Russian had a great chance but only managed to blast his shot over the bar. Minutes later Bilyaletdinov was given his marching orders for his clumsy challenge on Morrison. And, with his dismissal, went Everton’s last chance of salvaging anything from the game. Odemwingie looked like he could seal the points for the home side in the 85th minute but Howard pulled off a great save to deny the forward once again.
West Bromwich Albion 1 Everton FC 0: Blues hampered by lack of attacking punch
Liverpool Echo
May 16 2011
NEW Kit, same old problems for Everton – a toothless attack left them sucking lemons in the Midlands. A return to their famous amber away strips of the Seventies failed to provide the inspiration for a swash-buckling Bob Latchford style performance from any of their forwards.
Along with the rest of the Blues squad and coaching staff, skipper Phil Neville declined to address the media after the game, but his Twitter summary hit the nail on the head: ‘Story of our season – good and in control but no real cutting edge up top’. The blame from another disappointing result against a beatable Premier League side should not be reserved just for their strikers however. Everton’s midfield did not provide enough creativity and, the indispensable Leighton Baines aside, nobody put anything resembling a threatening cross into the opposition box. And with clean sheets tougher than usual to come by this campaign, the defence cannot claim total immunity from criticism either despite boasting stand-out performers in Distin, Jagielka and Baines. Neville wanted to get something off his chest clearly. As he tried and failed to enjoy his Saturday evening regardless of a bad day at the office, he provided further dissection via Twitter of a game that summed up an underwhelming campaign. ‘Wigan, WBA, Wolves, Stoke, Newcastle, all teams we’ve dropped points against – not good enough. WE accept that it’s been our downfall. ‘Final third versus bottom half teams has been our problem. Not clinical enough and played too slow.’ Everton under David Moyes are never likely to be the sort of characters that don their flip-flops and mentally begin to browse the holiday brochures until the season is well and truly over, but just in case anyone worried there was real motivation here. If the Blues were able to take maximum points from their two remaining games, it was still possible before Saturday for them to overhaul Tottenham and bag sixth place.
They may have emerged full of intent at the Hawthorns then, but at the highest altitude ground in the league, they soon gave themselves a mountain to climb. While Everton’s top scorer remains the injured Louis Saha, with ten goals, the Baggies had 15-goal hero Peter Odemwingie to put the fear of God into the visitor’s defence. Albion skipper Chris Brunt chipped a delightful ball to Odemwingie, who foiled Everton’s offside trap with his run and evaded Sylvain Distin, before centring far too easily for Yousouff Mulumbu to tap in. Everton’s back four pleaded their off-side case, but the linesman appeared to have made the right call. Whoever runs West Brom’s continental scouting system deserves a raise. Odemwingie, who was twice the Premier League player of the month this season and therefore joined a band of only five select players to have done likewise, was signed for just £1m. Mulumbu, who also impressed in the Baggie’s 4-1 thrashing of Everton at Goodison, cost £175,000. What Moyes would have given for a player with Odemwingie’s potent cocktail of pace and penetration in the first half? Everton at least had the previously maligned Victor Anichebe, who continued his rehabilitation of sorts with another improved display. However, the 23-year old should have levelled from a deft through ball from Arteta, and did everything right, taking a lovely touch and setting himself well, but placed his shot too close to Scott Carson. The chances kept coming for both sides. John Heitinga missed an almost equally good chance, rising unchallenged six yards out only to head wide. Then Jerome Thomas dribbled clear and stayed on his feet after being fouled by Tim Howard but his shot was cleared off the line by Tony Hibbert. Howard saved brilliantly when Odemwingie's header from Olsson's flick-on looked certain to put Albion two clear, and Everton might have had a penalty when Neville’s volley hit Paul Scharner’s hand.
Then the Toffees colourfully-haired Austrian tormentor unusually wasted a chance to score against Everton, heading Odemwingie’s cross into the side netting. Everton had more possession and seemed more comfortable on the ball, but that final third failing never seemed likely to change. Jermaine Beckford was thrown on for one of his quieter cameos, but the same cannot be said for Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. The Russian was only on the field for five eventful minutes but he still found time to blaze the chance of the half over the bar, get sent off for a foul on James Morrison, and then react angrily to the taunting home fans. Anthony Taylor’s ridiculously harsh decision to show Bily straight red for a tackle that warranted nothing more than a booking irked Moyes enough to stage a media black-out afterwards. There will be no chance for the former Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder to repeat his final day Goodison screamer act again this time around. Afterwards, Roy Hodgson covered for his friend in the opposition dugout. “David was shooting off,” he said. “I think he had somewhere to go. He does not like to lose in the same way I do not like to lose.” It could get worse for the Scot unless he conjures another giant killing against Chelsea next weekend. Stoke City may have lost their cup final but they could still really rub salt into Everton wounds by pinching seventh spot.
WEST BROM (4-5-1): Carson; Olsson, Scharner, Reid, Tamas; Shorey, Mulumbu, Thomas (Tchoyi, 79), Brunt (Fortune, 90+), Cox (Morrison, 66); Odemwingie. Not used: Myhill, Miller, Meite, Jara.
EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Howard; Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines; Heitinga, Neville (Bilyaletdinov, 73); Arteta, Osman, Coleman (Beckford, 61); Anichebe (Rodwell, 80). Not used: Mucha, Gueye, Vellios, Baxter.
GOALS: Mulumbu (9).
CARDS: Booked – Thomas; Neville, Heitinga. Sent off – Bilyaletdinov
REFEREE: Anthony Taylor (Manchester).
ATTENDANCE: 25,838
Everton FC: Roy Hodgson agrees Dinyar Bilyaletdinov red card was harsh
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 16 2011
DAVID MOYES chose not to vent his anger or share his opinions after Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s controversial red card during Everton’s defeat by West Brom. The Blues boss and his players declined to face the media following their 1-0 slump at the Hawthorns, as Baggies manager Roy Hodgson agreed that the decision to send off Bilyaletdinov for a rash but harmless tackle on James Morrison was harsh. He said: “I’m always sad when those tackles produce red cards because I’m 100% sure he didn’t want to make a bad tackle. “We got a little advantage but I know that one day it will go against me so I get no satisfaction from it. “I thought it was a harsh decision but it’s easy for coaches to sit back and criticise refereeing decisions. I don’t think it affected the outcome of the game.” A ninth minute strike from Yousouff Mulumbu was the difference between the sides and skipper Phil Neville believes Everton were not clinical enough. He used his Twitter page to bemoan the Blues’ lack of cutting edge, and listed the potentially beatable sides Everton have dropped points against this season. Bilyaletdinov will now miss the Toffees final game of the season against Chelsea at Goodison next Sunday, which the Blues must win to dispel any lingering fears of being overtaken by eighth placed FA Cup runners-up Stoke. Bolton’s defeat by Blackpool ended their hopes of stealing seventh place from Everton, but the Potters have a game in hand and could still overhaul Moyes’ men. Meanwhile, Leon Osman said his 300th career appearance was soured by Everton’s defeat at West Brom. The midfielder has now racked up a triple-century of appearances, all but a handful of which have been for the Blues. Osman said: “It’s nice to have played that many games, most of them were for Everton and hopefully there are plenty more to come.” Of Saturday’s defeat, he said: “It was very frustrating. We came with the aim to pick up three points and it wasn’t the case. “We don’t want to fizzle out, we want to finish on a high and we still have the opportunity to do that.”
West Brom 1 Everton FC 0: Blues rue usual lack of cutting edge
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
May 16 2011
Blues bench is downbeat during West Brom defeatDAVID MOYES must be sick of the sight of West Bromwich Albion. The side who in November inflicted the heaviest defeat of Everton’s season have now completed their first league double over the Toffees since 1978-79. But whilst the Baggies could celebrate securing Premier League survival for another season, and did so amid a carnival atmosphere at the Hawthorns, for Everton the final away game of the season – and the subsequent journey home – was an angry one. Youssuf Mulumbu’s 10th minute strike condemned the Toffees to a tenth defeat of the season, and puts paid to any lingering hopes that a stuttering Spurs could be overhauled in sixth place before the campaign’s end. Moyes’ side should be safe in seventh, although Stoke could bypass them with victory in their final two fixtures. It would represent an improvement upon last season’s finish, but still the cries around the west Midlands were of missed opportunities, irritating inconsistency and the need for subtle, yet significant changes. To be fair, it was not just the supporters who felt the frustration. Phil Neville’s reaction to being substituted late on was as telling as it was out of character, whilst Diniyar Bilyaletdinov – the man who replaced him – must be wondering when his Goodison career will catch a break. The Russian was sent from the field within five minutes of his arrival, having seconds earlier missed the visitors’ best opening of a disappointing second period. His dismissal, a straight red card for a lunge on James Morrison which looked worse than it was, was undoubtedly a harsh one, but his reaction to the taunts of the Albion supporters as he left the field was ill-advised, and could land him in hot water with the FA.
Moyes continued the irate theme after the final whistle, as he refused point blank to speak to the media – a decision which will also prompt a fine from the Premier League. The Scot “had somewhere to be” according to his opposite number Roy Hodgson. The general consensus was that “somewhere to be” meant anywhere but having to explain away this particular performance. It is not that Everton were especially bad. Indeed, for large parts of the contest they looked the more assured side. They forced a dozen corners and had 23 attempts on goal. They may even have had a second-half penalty when Neville’s volley struck Paul Scharner’s arm. Yet to argue that they deserved more from the game is difficult. Albion had, in goalscorer Mulumbu and the excellent Peter Odemwingie, the game’s two outstanding players, and created the more clear-cut openings. For Everton, the fact they have scored just 20 goals in their 19 away league fixtures tells its own story. The fact that they failed to breach a defence that had not kept a clean sheet in 35 Premier League games tells another.
Once more, it was Victor Anichebe who was asked to lead the line on Saturday. The Nigerian international had impressed plenty with his endeavour in last weekend’s win over Manchester City, and had spent the week talking up his chances of establishing himself as a first-team regular at Goodison Park. Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, when the chance to come good on that promise arrived, he fluffed his lines. Receiving Mikel Arteta’s smart pass with his back to goal in the 14th minute, his turn to evade Jonas Olsson on the edge of the Albion box was polished, but the manner in which he sidefooted meekly against Scott Carson’s legs spoke volumes. It is unsurprising that no Everton player has reached double figures in terms of league goals this season. By that time, of course, Albion were already one up, with Odemwingie – an international team-mate of Anichebe’s – causing havoc. The Barclays Player of the Month for April – his second such award of the campaign – had already served notice of his pace and movement when firing into Tim Howard’s side-netting in the 7th minute when, three minutes later, he chased down Chris Brunt’s lofted pass, outmuscled an unusually hesitant Sylvain Distin, before cutting the ball back from the by-line for Mulumbu to side-foot home from close range. The Congolese midfielder, a steal at just £175,000, simply ran the show thereafter. Everton briefly threatened a rally. Anichebe was twice denied by Carson, whilst John Heitinga and Seamus Coleman were off target with efforts of their own. But with Leon Osman quiet, and Arteta’s impact from wide left minimal, it was Albion who looked more likely to score again.
Howard got his fingers to a vicious Brunt free-kick, before producing a better stop to keep out Odemwingie’s back post header, whilst Tony Hibbert was forced to clear from the goal-line after Jerome Thomas had evaded both Distin and Howard cutting in from the left. It was a similar story after the break. Osman did finally find some space from a corner, but slashed wildly wide, whilst at the other end Scharner headed into the side-netting and Simon Cox was inches away from converting Odemwingie’s fiercely driven cross. Bilyaletdinov’s red all-but-ruined any chance of a late siege from the visitors, though Moyes’ decision to send on Jack Rodwell for Anichebe with the Toffees chasing a goal raised a few eyebrows. Magaye Gueye, Jose Baxter and Apostolos Velios remained unused during the last ten minutes, whilst Carson remained untested. It is perhaps indicative of the demands of modern day football that a campaign in which Everton are likely to improve upon last season’s league finish should be viewed as a failure. But from Moyes and his side, the message is clear. A poor start, too many draws and not enough goals have cost in a season where the bigger clubs had been careless enough to leave the door ajar. Sunday sees Chelsea visit Merseyside for what is likely to be a dead-rubber end to the season. And few would be surprised if Everton could produce a rousing finish to bring the curtain down at Goodison Park. Yet even if they did so, it would serve only to prove a point. After all, the big games are not where Everton’s problems lie.
Everton Youth leave it late against Fulham but take national title
Liverpool Daily Post
May 16 2011
TWO goals in the last ten minutes gave Everton’s youngsters the title of the nation’s best youth side.
Neil Dewsnip’s men had the lion’s share of the chances in the FA Premier Academy League final at Craven Cottage, only to fall behind 16 minutes from time to a Ronny Minkwitz strike. But they proved their mettle by launching a dramatic comeback. First Adam Thomas capitalised on the Fulham defence’s failure to clear a free-kick. Then, with four minutes to go, giant substitute George Waring nodded home to spark delirium among the players. Everton began well with Tom Donegan and Gerard Kinsella going close from the edge of the box and Conor McAleny testing home keeper Jesse Joronen. Kerim Frei replied with a fizzing effort just over for Fulham but it was the Toffees who went close again, with headers first from Thomas and then from Kinsella. The Blues continued in the same vein after half time with Anton Forrester and McAleny both sending efforts just wide.
So it was against the run of play when Minkwitz rifled in the opening goal in the 74th minute.
Everton immediately sent on towering forward Waring and duly equalised in the 81st minute when Thomas capitalised on a half clearance to slot home. And there was even better to come when Thomas centred and Waring planted a header back across the keeper and into the net. Wild celebrations followed the goal but they were nothing compared to the scenes that followed after the Blues had survived Fulham’s last ditch efforts at the death. Everton academy coach Dewsnip is delighted to have been crowned the best team in the country. “I am incredibly proud, for the players and the staff and for our Club,” Dewsnip said. “We have been saying all season about the character of the boys and how they keep going is brilliant and they showed it again tonight.
“We have won our section which involves some good competitors and we have beaten the best in the midlands and now the best down south, so why not?”
David Moyes in no mood to speak to media after Everton FC’s defeat to West Brom
Liverpool Daily Post
May 16 2011
DAVID MOYES insisted on a press blackout following Everton’s defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. The Toffees slid to a tenth Premier League loss of the season, as Youssuf Mulumbu’s goal condemned them to a 1-0 defeat at the Hawthorns. Afterwards Moyes was in no mood to discuss the game with the media, skipping his press conference and refusing to speak to television or written media. It is believed the Scot was angry at the performance of rookie referee Anthony Taylor, who sent off Everton substitute Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and failed to award a penalty when Paul Scharner handled Phil Neville’s goal-bound shot. Bilyaletdinov could face disciplinary action after appearing to make a gesture towards the home supporters as he left the field, whilst Moyes is likely to collect a fine from the Premier League after his media no-show. West Brom boss Roy Hodgson admitted the decision to send Bilyaletdinov off was harsh, but refused to criticise Taylor, who is completing his first full season as a Premier League official. “I thought it was a harsh decision but it’s easy for coaches to sit back and criticise refereeing decisions,” said Hodgson. Captain Neville, who reacted angrily to being substituted in the 72nd minute, broke the players’ silence on the match via his Twitter account. The 33-year-old tweeted shortly after the final whistle: “Story of r season good and in control but no real cutting edge up top - 1 game to go got to finish on a high!” Midfielder Leon Osman racked up his 300th career appearance in the defeat, but says his side’s performance made it a disappointing day. “It’s nice to have played that many games,” said the 29-year-old. “Most of them were for Everton and hopefully there are plenty more to come.” “It was very frustrating. We came with the aim to pick up three points and it wasn’t the case. “We don’t want to fizzle out, we want to finish on a high and we still have the opportunity to do that.”
West Brom 1, Everton 0: Chris Lepkowski's match stats and player ratings
May 16 2011
Birmingham Mail
West Brom v Everton man of the match vote
Carson 27.7% Reid 0.8% Tamas 2.3% Olsson 7.7% Shorey 0.8% Scharner 6.2%
Mulumbu 40.8% Brunt 2.3% Cox 0.8% Thomas 0.0% Odemwingie 10.0% Morrison 0.8%
REID...............................7
Steady, reliable. Welcome back.
TAMAS............................8
Durable. Tenacious and worthy of another run.
OLSSON..........................7
Serviced the Baggies’ backline efficiently.
SHOREY..........................7
Worked the left side reliably.
★ SCHARNER..................8
Excellent display. All-action, robust, vociferous.
MULUMBU......................7
Energetic and well-taken goal.
BRUNT............................7
Useful contribution from the Irishman.
COX................................6
Linked up well with Odemwingie. A little in and out overall.
THOMAS.........................7
Had some decent moments. Unfortunate not to score. Shot cleared off line.
ODEMWINGIE.................7
Hard working. Decent contribution for goal.
SUBSTITUTES:
Morrison (for Cox, 68): Worthwhile contribution...........................................6
Tchoyi (for Thomas, 78)
Fortuné (for Brunt, 90+3)
Not used: Myhill, Jara, Meite, Miller.
EVERTON (4-4-1-1): Howard; Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines; Coleman (Beckford, 62), Heitinga, Neville (Bilyaletdinov, 72), Arteta; Osman; Anichebe (Rodwell, 80). Subs: Mucha, Gueye, Vellios, Baxter.
SENDING OFF: Bilyaletdinov (serious foul play, 77) – Everton.
BOOKINGS: Thomas (foul, 62), Tamas (kicking ball away, 90) – Albion. Neville (foul, 49), Heitinga (foul, 64) – Everton.
CROWD WATCH.................................8
Good, vocal support from both sets of fans. Attendance: 25,838.
REF WATCH.......................................5
A Taylor (Manchester): Got so much wrong. Ruined a good contest.
THE MANAGER..................................8
Roy Hodgson picked his strongest side and it produced performance.
GAME RATING...................................7
Had its moments but a little end-of-seasonish.
INJURY WATCH
No fresh worries.
West Brom 1, Everton 0: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict and transfer priority thoughts
May 16 2011
Birminghm Mail
Albion have just thrown away a three goal lead to West Ham, who have been inspired by a rousing speech from Scott Parker. There could only be one survivor. People were looking at the figure in the director’s box and sniggering. Poor Roy Hodgson. From out of the Liverpool frying pan, into a Black Country inferno. Three months on and the revival is complete. Albion are safe. Not only safe but, realistically, looking at a top 10 finish. But for goal difference they would have finished Saturday night in eighth spot. West Ham? Well... So where did it all go right? Hodgson effectively took a screwdriver to Albion. The loose bits were tightened. Sure they can do with some more tightening at times, but this is work-in-progress. Albion didn’t need major reconstruction when Hodgson checked in. The game against Everton summed up many of Albion’s strengths, while also nodding at a few frailties. Where injured players returned and Paul Scharner came back from suspension, came a confidence and realisation that Albion’s best XI are a worthy opponent for any one in the Premier League. And there is Albion’s challenge. Improving on what they have. Youssouf Mulumbu scored the only goal when he finished off the usual act of perseverance from Peter Odemwingie, who wrestled his way past Sylvain Distin before sending over a low cross. Everton had chances to equalise. Scott Carson kept them - notably Victor Anichebe - at bay with a series of saves.
Albion concluded their home campaign with a decent victory which gives much cause for optimism.
So it should. Not many clubs get the privilege of being last on Match of the Day because their seasons are winding down and no longer hinging on crunch results. It’s a good sign. Yet Birmingham City serve a warning to all clubs. Ninth last season, looking over their shoulders this season.
Such a swing can come down to injuries. Jonas Olsson has been pinpointed as a key member of the side, whose very presence increases Albion’s points-per-game ratio. Two seasons ago Albion were without him for two months. Two crucial months which ultimately cost them survival. Olsson, we must remember, suffered an Achilles injury earlier this season that was within a second opinion away from needing surgery. Look at it from another point - where would Albion be had Peter Odemwingie been out for a while? Albion have trod a fine line between success and failure in this respect. On the face of it they have done very well - and they have - but the line is a thin one. Expectations need to be kept in line with this. Next season is another one where survival is the only aim. Anything above will be a bonus. That isn’t to put a dampener on what has been a memorable season. Albion deserve to be where they are. Odemwingie should be lauded, Olsson too. But then so do the club’s medical staff. Albion have to plan ahead to bring in the right blend. A striker to fit alongside or back-up Odemwingie is a necessity. Let’s not forget that he could miss games next winter due to the African Cup of Nations. The defence is likely to be given a facelift. Olsson will be pivotal, but who ends up alongside him is anyone’s guess at this stage - though I suspect there will be new faces at the back. Hodgson must be backed like no other Albion manager has before. The Baggies find themselves in unfamiliar territory. When Bryan Robson kept Albion up in 2005 it was done against a backdrop of euphoria, surprise, shock and luck. But they wasted that opportunity. Too many players who weren’t up to the job were brought in during that summer. Albion survived on the basis of a good, settled side. The following year that momentum was lost because Robson couldn’t settle on his best XI. This is unlikely to be repeated. Hodgson is too savvy for that. And, more so, this Albion side isn’t feeling fortunate to be retaining it’s place. They have dropped into the bottom three once during the normal season (discounting the first weekend) and that was because their game against Stoke fell on a Monday night. This is a Premier League side worthy of its accreditation - not one that’s sneaked through because someone lost a game elsewhere. Salute Hodgson, praise the players, raise a glass to Dan Ashworth and his scouting staff. And don’t forget Robbie Di Matteo’s regime. They played their part too. Before next season comes the beach. Albion fans must enjoy the coming two months. It’s been a rewarding journey.
West Brom: James Morrison tried to stop Diniyar Bilyaletdinov red card
May 16 2011
Birmingham Mail
The Everton substitute was sent off within a few minutes of coming on following a crunching challenge on the Albion man.Morrison admitted he took evasive action by trying to jump out of the way and revealed there was minimal contact.Everton boss David Moyes was so incensed by the official that he refused to speak to the media after the game.“I jumped out of the way,” said the Scotland international. “I tried to tell the referee it wasn’t a dangerous tackle.“These days you can’t fly in but I told the referee he didn’t touch me but he said it was dangerous.“I am a nice guy, maybe too nice. “It’s a competitive game, we’re one-nil up so why spoil it with a red card, which it wasn’t? The player was angry with the red card.”Another player who made an impression on Morrison was team-mate Paul Scharner, who dyed his hair blue and white for the game.“I just saw him and thought ‘what are you doing’?” he added.“The gaffer didn’t notice at first but then he noticed.
“He said ‘bloody hell Paul’ and shook his head. If I was him I’d get rid of it...”
Morri: It’s ref justice on Bily
West Brom 1 Everton 0 (the sun) 16/05/2011
MIDFIELDER Youssouf Mulumbu ensured the points were in the Bag at The Hawthorns
JAMES MORRISON urged referee Anthony Taylor not to dismiss Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. Everton's Russian midfielder was sent off despite pleas he had made no contact with West Brom ace Morrison. Morrison insisted: "I told the referee it wasn't a red card because he didn't touch me - but the ref classed it as a dangerous tackle. "It made our job a lot easier but it was a good game, so why spoil it with a red card like that? "I think their lad was a bit angry and just strolled off the pitch. Hopefully, he will say thank you next time." Everton boss David Moyes ordered a media blackout after the game but opposite number Roy Hodgson said: "The red card was harsh."
Tim Howard hails WNBA superstars
Anthony Jepson
May 16, 2011
Manchester Evening News
Tim Howard and Dawn Staley
Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown aren’t the only Premier League stars thrilled at the prospect of seeing the biggest names of a whole different ball game in Manchester.The Manchester United duo met up with Altanta Dream star Armintie Price at their Carrington training base last week ahead of the US basketball side’s clash with Great Britain women at the MEN Arena this month.And their former Old Trafford colleague Tim Howard is a hoops fans too. The USA goalkeeper, now at Everton, broke away from training to welcome WNBA legend Dawn Staley during her whistlestop tour of the North West. The three-time Olympic gold medalist was in the UK ahead of the WNBA Live event at the Arena on May 29. The city centre venue will also welcome the global superstars of the NBA next year when the USA men’s and women’s national teams will take on the GB teams in the run-up to defending their Olympic titles in London. Howard said: “It was great to see a WNBA legend like Dawn. I’m a massive basketball fan so it was brilliant to meet somebody who has three Olympic gold medals. “I’m excited that the NBA is bringing the best of American talent to the Manchester, starting with the Dream against GB. In the USA, these athletes are absolute superstars.”Fans purchasing tickets for the WNBA event on May 29 will receive the first opportunity to buy what will be highly sought-after tickets for the USA v GB games next year.
Liverpool and Everton 'warned off' Chris Brunt by West Brom boss
The Metro 16/05/11
Roy Hodgson has fired a 'hands off' warning to the likes of Liverpool and Everton who are watching West Brom star Chris Brunt.The two Merseyside giants have been the main names attributed with a move for the impressive midfielder, while Baggies leading scorer Peter Odemwingie, and Youssouf Mulumbu have also attracted attention from Premier League big guns. But Hodgson remains unfazed about any possibility of losing his leading stars, and knows from previous experience how difficult it can be to prize players away from the Hawthorns. When asked if he needed assurances from chairman Jeremy Peace about keeping his team together, Hodgson said:‘I don't need assurances. I don't need them. They're under contract. ‘I know from past experience of trying to get Jonathan Greening out of West Brom that the chairman is very keen on keeping the players that he wants to keep and who are under contract. ‘I don't need assurances. I've never even broached the subject with him. ‘The battle for Greening made me realise that West Brom don't release players they don't want to let go.’
Hodgson wins bragging rights but faces battle to keep players
West Bromwich Albion 1 Everton 0
By Phil Shaw at The Hawthorns
Monday, 16 May 2011
The “I” Paper
When west Bromwich Albion last finished as the West Midlands' highest-placed club, Margaret Thatcher was new at No 10, Art Garfunkel had 'Bright Eyes' at No 1 and a young rookie manager from Croydon had just guided Halmstad to the Swedish title. Roy Hodgson, now 63, has put Albion in pole position to finish as "top dogs", in his phrase, in Birmingham and the Black Country for the first time since 1979. Their surge since he succeeded Roberto Di Matteo could see them accrue nearly 50 per cent more points than in the Great Escape of 2005. Roy Hodgson hopes to retain best West Brom players .Putting down roots in the Premier League will mean resisting offers for the trio involved in the goal – top scorer Peter Odemwingie, captain Chris Brunt and marksman Youssouf Mulumbu – that beat an Everton side who played the last 14 minutes with 10 men after Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's dismissal. "I don't need assurances that we'll keep our players," said Hodgson. "I know from my experience of trying to get Jonathan Greening to Fulham that the chairman [Jeremy Peace] is keen on keeping the players he wants and who are under contract." While the squad will not undergo major surgery, he said it would be foolish to rest on their laurels. "The players here will say: 'We got you 46 points, possibly more, and stayed in the league. In a difficult season we've proved to you the nucleus is good enough.' But you need to improve. The moment you contemplate standing still, you go backwards." Hodgson will look to unearth more talents like Odemwingie and Mulumbu, both spotted by Albion's sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth. Yet all their rivals now had scouts who were "like Leslie Welch" (aka the Memory Man). As a result there were "fewer and fewer bargains out there".
Scorers: West Bromwich Mulumbu 10
Substitutes: West Bromwich Morrison (Cox, 67), Tchoyi (Thomas, 78), Fortune (Brunt, 90). Everton Beckford (Coleman, 62), Bilyaletdinov (Neville, 72), Rodwell (Anichebe, 80). Booked: West Bromwich Tamas, Thomas. Everton Heitinga, Neville. Sent off Bilyaletdinov (77). Man of the match Mulumbu. Match rating 6/10.
Attempts on target: West Brom 9 Everton 10.
Referee A Taylor(Cheshire). Att 25,838.
Ian Snodin: Dinyar Bilyaletdinov red card was harsh
Liverpool Echo
May 17 2011
ROY HODGSON believed Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s red card at the Hawthorns was a harsh one, and I would certainly go along with that. Having seen the tackle again, it is clear to me that the referee Anthony Taylor got it very wrong. It is a booking at the most, but never a red card. I believe even James Morrison, the West Brom player on the end of the challenge, asked the referee not to send Bilyaletdinov off, which tells you a lot. Players know when they have been on the end of a bad tackle, and so it is to Morrison’s credit that he has been so honest in this instance. Unfortunately, it does Everton no favours. Bily is certainly not the type of player to go in dangerously. He had just come on, and will have wanted to make an impression. Sadly for him, he will now have to sit out the Chelsea game, which is a real shame. Trust me, had Peter Reid or Kevin Ratcliffe made that sort of challenge, then all anyone would have been said to them would be “great challenge”! Then again, maybe that sums up just how much the game has changed in the last 25 years.
Everton FC’s Tim Cahill backs Jermaine Beckford to hit double figures
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
May 17 2011
TIM CAHILL is hoping Jermaine Beckford can cap a promising debut season in the Premier League by netting his 10th goal of the campaign against Chelsea on Sunday. The 27-year-old has netted nine times in all competitions since his arrival at Goodison Park on a free transfer from Leeds United last summer, including a memorable equaliser at Stamford Bridge back in December. And Cahill, the Blues’ leading Premier League scorer with nine strikes, says it would be some achievement if the former Wealdstone striker could reach double figures in his maiden top-flight season, having netted 20, 34 and 31 in his final three years at Elland Road. “Beckford is on nine goals and that is fantastic,” said the Australian. “Hopefully he can get his tenth at the weekend and end up as the top goalscorer as that would be really good for him. “It would be a real achievement in his first season.” Cahill’s own season has been disrupted by injuries and his ongoing international involvement with Australia.
The former Millwall man revealed recently that he was risking further damage by playing on with what he described as “a two centimetre tear”, and is unlikely to feature this weekend, as David Moyes’ men welcome Carlo Ancelotti's deposed champions.
Ian Snodin: Everton FC can end season on a high
Liverpool Echo
May 17 2011
SUNDAY sees the curtain come down on Everton’s season – and what better way to round off the campaign than a home game against one of the Premier League’s big boys? Chelsea may have surrendered their Premier League title to Manchester United, but they are still a formidable team, and they will be eager to end their own season on a high I’m sure. Especially if, as is widely predicted, this is to be Carlo Ancelotti’s last game as manager. They will be desperate to give the Italian a good send-off. All told, it should be a cracking atmosphere at Goodison. The last game of the season is always a sell-out, and the fans – who have been absolutely unbelievable all season long – will get right behind the lads I’m sure. Yes there is nothing for either side to play for, but Everton’s record against the bigger sides – Chelsea included – is very good, and David I’m sure will want to continue that on Sunday. With it being a dead rubber as well, we should be in for an open game.
And if a certain Mr Torres plays (and it’s by no means certain he will), I’m sure he will be on the receiving end of some good natured stick from the Gwladys Street End too!
Ian Snodin: Everton FC’s defeat at West Brom was not for want of effort
Liverpool Echo
May 17 2011
DEFEAT to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday was hard to take for David Moyes and the boys, and brings to an end a frustrating away campaign. And from what I saw and heard of the game, I have to say it seemed like a very familiar story. People who should know better have said that maybe there was an ‘end of season’ mentality from the players, and that they had downed tools already, but I can’t see David allowing that to happen. He is a strong minded manager, who insists on the highest standards from his lads, and there is no way he would stand for anybody thinking about their holidays before the season’s work is done. He was clearly upset at the result, and the manner in which it came about, and that, I would imagine, is why he did not come out and speak to the media afterwards. He will have been mightily frustrated, make no mistake. It was clear that, as has been the case too often at times this season, Everton lacked a cutting edge in attack. They worked hard and kept the ball okay, but when it came to creating chances and putting the ball in the net, they were found wanting. I have to admit I was a tad surprised by Moyes’ team selection at the wthorns. I would have thought after the second half display against Manchester City a week earlier, when Everton were absolutely fantastic, that he might have stuck with the same system – with two up front and plenty of support from midfield. But he opted to stick with Victor Anichebe on his own up top, and who are we to argue with the manager? He certainly knows better than me, does David!
And Victor worked hard, you can’t deny that. He was a little unlucky not to get a goal after a great piece of play in the first half, and had another decent effort saved by Scott Carson. But on the day, David Moyes will be disappointed with the performance of certain individuals, as opposed to that of the team in general. Looking at Everton’s squad before the season started, I went on record as saying that a Champions League place was not beyond them, and I genuinely believed it. But we had a poor start, lost a few games, picked up a few injuries, and from then on we were always playing catch up. You look at the league table, and the fact we have only lost 10 games, and it puts things into perspective. But on the other hand, you see that we have only won 12, and it shows where our problems have been. Yet still I would say the season has more positive elements to it than negative. They have given it a right good go since Christmas, and are all but certain to finish higher than last season, when we had a great run. That in itself is worthy of high praise.
Everton FC's Diniyar Bilyaletdinov set to escape further punishment after West Bromwich Albion red card
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
May 17 2011
DINIYAR BILYALETDINOV is set to escape an FA disciplinary charge, despite appearing to make gestures at West Brom supporters during Everton’s defeat at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
The Russian midfielder was issued with a straight red card just five minutes after his arrival as a second-half substitute, following a lunging tackle on Baggies midfielder James Morrison. And as he departed the field to a chorus of boos and cat-calls, it seemed that the 26-year-old had bit back at his tormentors with a hand gesture. The FA, however, have indicated that the former Lokomotiv Moscow man is unlikely to face any additional punishment, though he will be forced to serve a three-match suspension for the dismissal itself. West Brom midfielder Morrison has given his backing to Bilyaletdinov, and revealed he asked referee Anthony Taylor not to send the Russian off.
“I jumped out of the way,” said the Scotland international. “I tried to tell the referee it wasn’t a dangerous tackle. “These days you can’t fly in but I told the referee he didn’t touch me but he said it was dangerous. “I am a nice guy, maybe too nice. It’s a competitive game, we’re one-nil up so why spoil it with a red card, which it wasn’t? The player was angry with the red card.” Everton could, however, face further punishment from the Premier League after manager David Moyes declined to speak to any press following Saturday’s defeat in the west Midlands. Moyes was believed to have been angered by referee Taylor’s display, in which he also failed to award a penalty when Paul Scharner handled Phil Neville’s shot, and shunned his media duties afterwards. But the Premier League has issued a directive stipulating that managers must co-operate with rights-holding broadcasters and the written press after each league game, and Moyes – and Everton – could now face a fine for their refusal to do so. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Iain Turner is set to complete his move to Preston. The Scot has been on loan at Deepdale since February, and set to seal a permanent deal following the Lillywhites’ relegation to League One. Turner, 27, joined the Blues from Stirling Albion in 2003, but has managed just six first-team appearances. His last Premier League outing came in the 4-2 defeat to Manchester United back in April 2007.
Mark Lawrenson: Why Everton FC manager David Moyes may be a wanted man this summer
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 17 2011
SO David Moyes is due for his annual sit-down with Bill Kenwright to discuss the summer transfer plans. I don’t expect it to be a long meeting, perhaps enough time for a cup of tea and a wagon wheel. Kenwright rates his manager and trusts him with the club’s money. The trouble is that obviously Everton don’t have any. While it’s difficult to know exactly how it will pan out, there’s nothing new to this situation. And it may well be that Moyes has to sell some of his better players to raise funds. He’s done it before with Wayne Rooney and Joleon Lescott, so who’s to say that he won’t eventually do it again? The problem with that, of course, is that it is as though Everton would be taking one step forward but two steps back. Moyes has been at Goodison more than nine years, and he may be getting tired of that predicament. Certainly, it is not ideal. I would be worried if somebody like Aston Villa came knocking. I’m not suggesting for one second that Moyes is about to leave for Villa Park, but they would offer a compelling argument if, as expected, Gerard Houllier exits on health grounds at the end of the season. Villa have had an ordinary season, but they are a top-half club and one of resource, most definitely more than Everton. They have been tightening their belts during the last 18 months, however, and if I was the chairman of Villa and I was looking for a new manager, Moyes would be top of my list. He is the type of manager they need because of his impressive record in the transfer window. If Villa came in and offered him a few quid to spend on players, that could easily turn his head at least a little bit. Everton’s season is in danger of ending on a bit of a low note. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov should not have been sent off, but Moyes’s men never really got going at West Bromwich Albion. That said, seventh place would still be a good finish for Everton. Look at the top four, the fifth and sixth-placed teams, and you think ‘where else do you expect Everton to go?’. Once again, Everton are going to be the best of the rest.
Everton FC latest: David Moyes eyeing Bill Kenwright talks over summer transfer strategy
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 17 2011
DAVID MOYES is poised to sit down with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright to discuss the club’s summer transfer strategy. The Goodison manager has yet to be told how much money will be made available for new signings in the forthcoming window. However, Everton chief executive Robert Elstone signalled a warning when he admitted earlier this year that the club “have not got a big transfer warchest” for the summer. While Moyes is determined to hold on to his best players, there are fears he may have to cash in on at least one star name to help facilitate squad strengthening.
Marouane Fellaini has been a long-term target of Chelsea and Real Madrid, while Manchester City have emerged as potential suitors for 20-year-old midfielder Jack Rodwell. Moyes, though, is intent on shortly being able to map out a plan following talks with Goodison owner Kenwright.
“I hope to have the meeting soon to find out what route we can take and how we can go forward,” said the Goodison manager. Everton have been running the rule over several targets in recent weeks, and Moyes was in attendance to watch Ivory Coast forward Gervinho star for Lille in their 1-0 French Cup final win over Paris Saint Germain on Saturday evening. That would explain Moyes’s absence following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion. Managers are obliged to speak to the BBC after non-live games, although it would be up to the broadcasting corporation to request that the Premier League impose a £1,000 fine, which they have yet to do. Everton’s gloom at the Hawthorns was deepened by a red card for Diniyar Bilyaletdinov for a foul on James Morrison.
The Russian had only been on the pitch five minutes as a substitute when referee Anthony Taylor deemed his challenge on the West Brom man to be a sending-off offence. But Morrison has leapt to the defence of Bilyaletdinov, and said: “I jumped out of the way. I tried to tell the referee it wasn’t a dangerous tackle. “These days you can’t fly in but I told the referee he didn’t touch me but he said it was dangerous. “I am a nice guy, maybe too nice. It’s a competitive game, we’re one-nil up so why spoil it with a red card, which it wasn’t? The player was angry with the red card.” Meanwhile, Preston North End are confident of completing a permanent deal for goalkeeper Iain Turner.
The 27-year-old joined Preston on loan in February and impressed manager Phil Brown, despite the Lilywhites being relegated to npower League One. Turner joined Everton in 2003 from Stirling Albion, but has made just five appearances for the club, the last of which came in a 4-2 home defeat to Manchester United in April 2007.
Everton FC and Liverpool FC legends set for Goodison Park charity game
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
May 18 2011
EVERTON and Liverpool legends are lining up to do battle once again at Goodison Park next Wednesday – in aid of a number of local charities. John Aldridge, Jan Molby, John Barnes, Stan Collymore, Robbie Fowler, Alan Kennedy and Jason McAteer are scheduled to line up for the Reds, while FA Cup winners Graham Stuart, Joe Parkinson, Anders Limpar and Graeme Sharp hope to be joined by Ian Snodin, Tony Grant, Neil Moore, Iain Jenkins, Paul Lodge and Stuart Barlow for the Blues. Also set to take part are boxers Tony Bellew, the Smith Brothers, actor Will Mellor and MPs Steve Rotherham and Andy Burnham. Other names are being added on a daily basis. All proceeds from the event – which is just £3 adults and £2 children – will go to Teenage Cancer Trust/Cash For Kids and the Everton Former Players Foundation. Local businessmen and women have been given the opportunity to play on the hallowed turf in the afternoon ahead of the main event, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm the girl band labelled the “next big girl band” by Simon Cowell – Estrella – will perform on the pitch. Then a team of Radio City DJs will take on a line-up of soap stars at 6.30pm – while up to 30 youngsters will be given the chance to enjoy coaching sessions on the pitch with Barcelona legends Eusabio Sacristan, Josep Moratalla, Victor Munoz and Joan Vila. The event is being organised in conjunction with Formby FC. Main Stand tickets will be issued by Everton Football Club via the ticket office. The Directors Box and Corporate Box tickets will be distributed by Cash for Kids.
Tickets can be booked on Radio City’s Cash for Kids web site.
Duncan Ferguson to be welcomed into Everton Giants hall of fame
Liverpool Echo
May 18 2011
As the name suggests, it’s a roll call of the most revered and respected names in Everton’s illustrious history. Pre-War icons like Jack Sharp, Sam Chedgzoy, Dixie Dean and Ted Sagar. The Prince of centre-halfs TG Jones, fifties idol Dave Hickson and legends like Alex Young, Bob Latchford, Neville Southall and Dave Watson – all looked over by the most successful manager the club has ever seen, Howard Kendall. That group of Everton Originals were known as Millennium Giants – voted by a respected panel on the eve of the new century, and such was the success of the venture that a new name has been added every season since. Hence the presence of 24 carat heroes on the list like Alan Ball, Ray Wilson, Kevin Ratcliffe, Joe Royle, Graeme Sharp, Peter Reid, Colin Harvey, Gordon West, Harry Catterick and last year, Trevor Steven. Tomorrow night they will be joined by Duncan Ferguson. Everton will not make any announcement until their Player of the Season awards at the BT Convention Centre tomorrow night. But the Echo understands that Ferguson will be present to accept his induction into the most illustrious gallery of Evertonians ever assembled. In two separate spells at Goodison, Ferguson made 273 appearances, scoring 72 goals – signing off with a goal in the dying seconds of his farewell appearance against West Bromwich Albion in 2006. He was back at Goodison Park last weekend for a walk on part prior to the match with Manchester City and looked genuinely moved by the reception he received from Blues fans. The entire Everton squad will be at the BT Convention Centre on the Waterfront, with full-back Leighton Baines the hot tip for the highlight of the evening, the Player of the Year prize. Baines was controversially ignored by his peers in the PFA’s Premier League team of the year – PFA XI fixture Ashley Cole getting the nod.
It would be more difficult to explain if Baines is overlooked tomorrow. Former Everton favourite Graham Stuart believes Baines should get the vote. “Certainly Baines is very close to it, alongside Sylvain Distin, who has also been very consistent,” Stuart said. “Both have been ever present this season, which always does you a favour if you are looking for a player of the season award.
“I would guess that it is pretty much a toss up between those two players and me being more attack-minded I might just give it to Leighton. “For me Leighton is as good a left back as there has been this season, I think he is a very unfortunate young man that Ashley Cole also plays there,” he said.
“Ashley Cole for me is a terrific player, easily one of the best left backs in world football. “But Leighton is close on his tail and that is testament to him because he has been one of the standout players for Everton this season.” It’s a theory echoed by the player’s manager, David Moyes.
“I have said many times I think Ashley Cole is the best left back in England but I think Leighton Baines is just a tad behind him,” he said. “He needs to keep pushing very hard and improving, he needs to keep continuing his work and get better. “You can see that Ashley Cole over the years has kept going but I think Leighton Baines has been the ‘big mover’. He has done really well. I think he is getting closer to Ashley but in my personal opinion I think Ashley Cole is probably still England's best left back.”' Only Manchester United playmaker Nani has provided more goal assists in the Premier League this season than Baines, who has also scored six goals himself this term. It is a far cry from when he first arrived at Goodison Park when, despite his promise, Moyes regarded him as a raw talent. Moyes said: “For a while he wasn't sure if he was maybe out of his depth but he has matured and his football has got better and better.” Tickets are still available for the Everton End of Season Awards evening.
Everton FC's Johnny Heitinga insists his future lies at Goodison Park
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 18 2011
JOHNNY HEITINGA insists that he does not want to be part of any transfer speculation at Everton this summer. The Dutch defender has been at the heart of speculative stories ever since he arrived at Goodison from Atletico Madrid in 2009 – one of which he even appeared to actively encourage!
There is little the World Cup finalist could do about stories linking him to Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, but on apparent interest from Manchester City he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: “City have ambitions and I am always looking to move to a bigger club.”
But in an interview yesterday Heitinga spoke of his connection with Merseyside and how he he was already preparing for the 2011/12 campaign as an Everton player. “I feel good over here,” he declared. “I have another three years on my contract, the fans are good with me, the manager’s good with me, the play is good and I’m happy here at Everton. “I’m looking forward to next season and hopefully we can get back into Europe. “I miss playing in Europe because that’s the highest level you can play in as a player but hopefully we can reach that with Everton next season.” Heitinga will be available again for the Blues final match of the season against Chelsea on Sunday, but it was confirmed yesterday that Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will miss that match and the first two league matches of next season after the club's appeal against his red card at West Brom on Saturday was dismissed.
The 26-year-old was shown a red card for what referee Anthony Taylor deemed to be a high challenge on Baggies midfielder James Morrison after 77 minutes at the Hawthorns. A statement released by the Blues yesterday read: “Everton were informed on Tuesday afternoon that referee Anthony Taylor's decision would be upheld, thus ruling Bilyaletdinov out of Sunday's Premier League finale against Chelsea, as well as the first two games of next season. “The appeal was dismissed in spite of Morrison providing a statement in support of the Everton player.”
Everton FC latest: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov facing uncertain future after red-card appeal fails
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 18 2011
DINIYAR BILYALETDINOV may have played his last game for Everton after the club failed in their appeal to have his red card at West Bromwich Albion overturned. Bilyaletdinov was contentiously dismissed by referee Anthony Taylor just five minutes after coming on as substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat following a challenge on Baggies midfielder James Morrison. Everton were hopeful the Football Association would rescind the sending-off, particularly after Morrison came out in support of Bilyaletdinov. But it has been confirmed the Russia international will now miss Sunday’s final game of the season at home to Chelsea along with the opening two games of the next campaign.
A statement from Everton read: “The Blues were informed on Tuesday afternoon that referee Anthony Taylor’s decision would be upheld, thus ruling Bilyaletdinov out of Sunday’s Premier League finale against Chelsea, as well as the first two games of next season. “The appeal was dismissed in spite of Morrison providing a statement in support of the Everton player.” With Bilyaletdinov one of several Everton players facing an uncertain future this summer, it could be the winger does not turn out for Moyes’s side again. The 26-year-old has failed to justify the £9million outlay that brought him from Lokomotiv Moscow in August 2009, with Spartak Moscow thought prepared to offer a route back to Russia. Meanwhile, Sylvain Distin has reassured supporters Everton are intent on ending the season on a high with Chelsea’s visit at the weekend. Nothing but pride will be at stake at Goodison, but the French defender does not expect there to be any slacking from either side.
“If you believe that the manager will let us relax this last week and that we will play our second team against Chelsea then you are dreaming,” said Distin yesterday. “If you saw the way we just trained today then you would have seen just how intense it was and how seriously we are taking this game.
“We play every game to win and we play our best team in every game. That is the mentality of the manager and the mentality of the club. “The manager does not need to say anything to us. We have all been here long enough to know what Everton is all about. “Through the week if you see the quality and the intensity of the training we put in then you would see that we are approaching this game in exactly the same way we would approach a game in the middle of the season.”
Everton FC season review: Fans sum up the 2010/11 campaign in a tweet
By Sean Bradbury
May 18 2011
"BUSINESS as usual" was the verdict of one Blue as fans sent in their reviews of Everton FC's season in a single tweet. There were some fantastic responses - take a look further down at the scrolling box to see them all. To add your own tweet, post a message on Twitter using the hashtag #efcseason and it will appear below. You can also fill in our end of season EFC survey - click here.
EFC season review
2010/11 summed up in a tweetcharlatanefc @LivEchoEFC Not so much standing still, as backpedalling furiously. Lack of investment from the boardroom, is killing us #EFCseason
2 hours ago • reply • retweet • favorite
EvertonianCamel @LivEchoEFC Optimism, Realism, Confusion, Deflation. Pride, Passion and Determination. Sometimes Lacking, Sometimes Not: Another #EFCseason
2 hours ago • reply • retweet • favorite
TOFFEEPAUL Much expected, little achieved #EFCseason
3 hours ago • reply • retweet • favorite
LivEchoEFC @seamiecoleman23 Our readers have been summing up #EFC's season in one tweet: http://cot.ag/lbvc3X. Any chance of one from you? #efcseason
4 hours ago • reply • retweet • favorite
macsaywhat lots more negative and predictable football from Moyes, Kenwright wont sell his train set and Neville is still in the team #bleak #efcseason
5 hours ago • reply • retweet • favorite
Haltyboy @LivEchoEFC #efcseason - One season the lack of investment will see Moyes walk and/or take us down
6 hours ago • reply • retweet • favorite
Join the conversation
With Moyes' men getting off to a slow start but hitting form as the campaign drew to a close, most supporters seemed to be rueing what could have been. Here are a few other tweets reviewing EFC's season:
@sambenjaminnow: The sleeping giant is still asleep, there seems to be no sign of anyone waking him up.
@pukkaefc: A drunken mess watching them - from Wolfsburg to West Brom!
@Wazefc83: If only the season started at Xmas - again.
@toffee_finbar: Slow, tired, one-dimensional, square pegs round holes, mediocre, stale.
@leads: Poor start. Strong finish coming too late. No signings. Business as usual.
@spodgemeister: A big letdown. Too man underperforming all season. No money spent. Draining on fans, players and Moyes.
@01FastEddie: A rollercoaster - some great ups, some terrible downs.
@sikehoe: Disappointing on the field and catastrophic off it, falling ever further behind.
@willow71uk: Promised much, delivered nothing.
A few of EFC's players have been busy tweeting all season too. See the next page for some of their messages from the past few months >>>>>>
Turner high on Preston’s shopping list
Turner is coming to the end of his contract at Everton
18 May 2011
Lancashire Evening News
Iain Turner has won a summer call-up to the Scotland squad amid reports he is closing in on a permanent move to Preston North End. The goalkeeper is in Craig Levein’s 24-man squad for the Carling Nations Cup games against Wales and the Republic of Ireland later this month. He’s got Rangers’ Alan McGregor and Matt Gilks of Blackpool for competition between the sticks, but will hope to see some action as he chases his first senior cap. Turner is high on Phil Brown’s shopping list for North End following an impressive spell on loan from Everton in the second half of last season. But media reports of an imminent arrival on a Bosman are a touch premature. It is understood that there is still some work to be done before Preston have their man. Turner made 17 appearances for PNE after joining them on loan from Everton in February. That was his longest run of games at first-team level in his career, one which has seen him loaned out eight times by the Toffees. The 27-year-old is coming to the end of his contract at Everton and will leave on a Bosman this summer. North End are in pole position to offer him regular first-team football – albeit in League One – following his time on loan. They’re looking to sell Andrew Lonergan, the keeper who Turner displaced from the side in February. Lonergan is one of the high earners at Deepdale – if not the highest – and the club are looking to considerably lighten the wage bill after relegation.
Moyes and Redknapp fly to France to watch £10m Lille striker Gervinho
By Sportsmail Reporter
18 May 2011 The Daily Mail
The Everton manager is desperate to bolster his strikeforce during the summer and has already put plans in place to move for Shane Long, should Reading fail to win promotion. Gervinho, who has indicated he wants to play Champions League football next season, was also watched by Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. In demand: Both Spurs and Everton are interested in the £10m rated striker Moyes, who is on Aston Villa's radar should Gerard Houllier leave in the summer, will meet Everton chairman Bill Kenwright in the coming days to formulate his transfer budget and discuss plans for the club. Moyes said: 'I hope to have the meeting soon to find out what route we can take and how we can go forward.' Meanwhile, Preston are hopeful of signing Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner on a permanent deal.
Everton FC letters: So many have failed to deliver for the Blues this season
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 19 2011
David Moyes looks on during a Finch Farm training sessionEVERTON’S season has been woeful. With our strongest squad for years and so much expectancy going into the season, too many people failed to deliver – and that includes Moyes. A dogged refusal to abandon his favoured 4-5-1 (especially at home) saw us surrender so many games and points, for the simple reason that every other coach and team have worked out how to play against it. I’m sick of hearing about our team spirit (which money can’t buy) when it’s totally non-existent against the lesser lights. I’ve also seen too many long balls this season for my liking. Everyone involved with the club needs to up their game next season, starting with the manager, who either believes in his team as an attacking force capable of stringing more than four passes together or he doesn’t. If it’s the latter and next season is a repeat of this, then I’ve got better things to be spending my money on.
Deependofthepool
AFTER all the hype about playing right up until the end of the season etc, etc, Everton’s performance at West Brom was an insult to the travelling fans. Listless and lacklustre, again our Achilles heel was our failure against long balls behind the defence, slack marking and poor set-up between the markers.
Don’t turn up like this against Chelsea or else!
Twobob
CAN anyone remember when Victor Anichebe last scored a goal? ‘Big’ and ‘strong’ does not a Premier League striker make! DAVID MOYES must wear rose tinted specs when watching Victor Anichebe. He offers nothing as a striker; we are a team that obviously likes having a striker who doesn’t score goals. Beckford must wonder what he has done wrong.
Paddymedic
WE made a poor start at West Brom. There was a lack of creativity in centre midfield.
The “best little Spaniard we know” could take a leaf out of the book of “the best little Irishman we know”. Arteta needs to get back the bravado he once had and that Seamus has in abundance.
He has the ability to take on and beat men but doesn’t seem to want it anymore. Maybe that new contract was a mistake. If I thought we’d get a decent price for him (£10m-£15m) then I’d be tempted to take it – but based on recent performances, we wouldn’t get that for him.
Blueblueblue
I AM beginning to think we win in-spite of the manager – not because of. After such high hopes before this season started, I am gutted.
Funfq
I CANNOT wait for the end of the season – we’ve been awful. Being seventh really flatters us and shows how poor this Premier League is.
ScouseBluenose
IN the great scheme of things our club has been punching above its weight for years with Moyesy at the helm. In reality anything above seventh place should be a bonus unless Kenwright unearths an Arab Evertonian from somewhere with a billion pounds going spare.
Magicmckenzie
Everton FC jury: Blues fans on the West Brom defeat and the side's progress this season
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 19 2011
Mike Drummond: Defeat at West Brom was not a surprise given the way Everton FC’s season has gone
GIVEN how our season has been, it came as no surprise to me that we were beaten at The Hawthorns last Saturday. West Brom, although in form of late, are a team that we should be beating convincingly, just like Blackburn, Bolton and Wigan who we have failed to dispatch this season. We need to learn early next season to take advantage of our dominance. This needs to be addressed in pre-season where something needs to change because our slow starts are becoming the norm. Looking ahead to Chelsea’s visit to Goodison on Sunday, we need to get a point off them to ensure we finish seventh – which, surprisingly, is one place better than the 2009-10 campaign. The Stamford Bridge club have nothing to play for now, but that is not to say it will be an easy task.
Having said that, we have had decent results against them the last few times we have played them – including that FA Cup triumph this season – so who knows?
Debbie Smaje: Whether or not Everton FC beat Chelsea, the team has gone backwards this season
SO much for a bit of positivity.
The same negative system that has started the previous two games, and but for the second-half against City where we changed things, it’s been a dire three weeks. People can blame money all they like, but it’s the manager who chooses the team and it is the manager who thinks it is better to start games with a striker who has scored seven league goals in five years, ahead of a player who has scored that this season. It is the manager who chooses to start with two holding midfielders and playing the likes of Osman out of position; it is the manager who chooses not to experiment in this rare stage where we have nothing to play for. It has been a disaster of a season from start to finish. Whether we beat Chelsea or not, and finish seventh or eighth, we have gone backwards.
Richard Knights: I felt sorry for Bily when he was red-carded against West Bromwich Albion
OUR last away game of 2010-11 ended with a whimper at West Brom. I felt sorry for Bily – under pressure to get some tackles in; by the standard of his red card Nigel de Jong would never last 90 minutes. It’s been the ‘what if’ season. But go back to 2004 and after the era of ‘Agent Johnson’ we were the laughing stock of the top flight, the club in free-fall, Rooney gone, favourites for relegation, we couldn’t even sign a player on a loan deal. Between them, Kenwright and Moyes rescued the club and on a minimal budget we’ve over-achieved. ‘Evertonians for Change’ have been selling amber and gold scarves outside Goodison; it’s not on the scale of the Newton Heath revolt and Kenwright is not the Glazer Brothers. However, there are some un-answered questions on investment. Cole Fraser: Playing Victor Anichebe as a loan striker will never be a recipe for success
A TOUGH game away at West Brom was approached in the wrong manner. Playing Victor Anichebe as a lone striker will never be a recipe for success. Victor has managed a miserable seven goals in 91 league appearances – a goal every 13 matches. Sat on the bench on Saturday was Jermaine Beckford – seven goals in 31 league appearances.
Go figure.
Another disappointment is Magaye Gueye’s lack of playing time in recent weeks. The youngster looks to have a lot of potential and David Moyes should have taken the opportunity to play him more. Sunday sees the curtain fall on our season, with Chelsea the visitors. Had Chelsea beaten Manchester United, then this could have been a very different game. However, everybody wants to end the season on a high and I anticipate an exciting fixture. Victory would be sweet.
Everton FC's last day dramas: From Bob Latchford to Graham Stuart
Liverpool Echo
May 19 2011
Chelsea 1 Everton 1
JUST a fortnight earlier this might have been billed as a title decider – but Billy Bingham’s side had fallen apart in the run-in leaving Everton in need of a point just to secure a UEFA Cup place. They got one, thanks to Bob Latchford’s goal, and held off the challenge of fifth placed Stoke, but the draw meant that Chelsea were relegated along with Luton and Carlisle, Tottenham escaping by a single point.
April 29, 1978
Everton 6 Chelsea 0.
ONCE again Bob Latchford was the story, but for a long time it looked like being a frustrating afternoon for the Blues hit-man in his bid to become the first player to score 30 league goals in a season since 1972 and claim a £10,000 cash prize from the Daily Express. Even defenders Billy Wright and Neil Robinson had found the net as Everton ran riot, before Latchford finally headed in goal number 29 from close range. Mick Lyons then scored – and asked referee Peter Willis to disallow the strike and award a penalty instead! – before Willis finally did point to the spot and give Latchford the green light to shoot past Peter Bonetti.
May 2, 1992
Chelsea 1 Everton 2
EVERTON’S Player of the Season, Peter Beardsley, slotted a penalty and Peter Beagrie added a second as Everton edged the battle of two mid-table teams. David Unsworth made his first start for the Blues.
May 11, 1997
Everton 1 Chelsea 2
EVERTON had been in freefall since Boxing Day, a crippling injury list and the shock departure of manager Joe Royle contributory factors. Dave Watson was in caretaker charge on the last day and even though Chelsea keeper Frode Grodas was sent off after 20 minutes the visitors still won comfortably. Danny Cadamarteri made his debut, John Hills his full debut, Michael Ball only his second start and Richard Dunne his fifth as Everton had to blood a number of promising youngsters.
May 13, 2007
Chelsea 1 Everton 1
EVERTON were still mourning the tragic loss of the legendary Alan Ball just a few weeks earlier, and produced a spirited display in tribute at Stamford Bridge. James Vaughan’s goal earned a point and ensured a sixth placed finish. WITH the pressure to secure points turned down, the final day of the season sometimes produces some exhilarating goalfests. Here are some of the more memorable:
May 11, 2003
Arsenal 4 Everton 3
EVERTON refused to lie down against champions Arsenal and goals from Lee Carsley, Tomasz Radzinski and Steve Watson gave the Gunners plenty to think about – but in the end Francis Jeffers’ 83rd minute effort proved the difference.
May 8, 1993
Manchester City 2 Everton 5
THE only Premier League match to feature FOUR goalkeepers – and none of them enjoyed a good afternoon. Jason Kearton replaced Neville Southall, Andy Dibble came on for Martyn Margetson – and Everton romped to a 5-2 away win.
May 24, 1977
Everton 2 Newcastle 0
DUNCAN McKenzie’s goal ensured Everton ended the season with the most perfectly balanced record ever seen! Played 42, points 42. Won 14, drawn 14, lost 14. Goals scored 62, goals conceded . . . . 64! If only Latchford, King and co had managed two more goals!
AND the most famous last days of all-time are surely . . .
May 5, 1928 – when Dixie Dean headed his way into football immortality with a hat-trick against Arsenal, May 11 1963 when a Roy Vernon hat-trick against Fulham crowned Everton as champions for the first time in 25 years and May 7, 1994 when the Blues pulled back a two-goal deficit to beat Wimbledon and preserve their Premier League status . . . just.
The saddest?
The trip to Sheffield Wednesday in 1951 when Everton needed just a point to avoid relegation – and crashed 6-0.
And the latest?
May 28 1985 when Howard Kendall’s champions faced Luton Town with a team full of youngsters – England internationals like Peter Reid, Paul Bracewell, Trevor Steven and Gary Stevens were away on tour – and crashed 2-0.
Plenty to play for Everton FC in Chelsea season closer says Sylvain Distin
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 19 2011
CHELSEA are safe in second place, Everton look secure in seventh – but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to play for as the curtain falls on the 2010/11 season at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The Blues have a solid Goodison swansong record to defend against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Since the 2003/04 season petered out in wretched fashion with a home defeat by Bolton and a calamitous collapse at Manchester City, Everton have always sent their supporters away from the final home match of the season with smiles on their faces. Last season it was Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s last minute Goal of the Season contender against Portsmouth which secured a last day success, in 2009 the players enjoyed their last day farewell lap after a 3-1 defeat of West Ham. The previous season it was Newcastle who were dispatched 3-1, Portsmouth 3-0 in 2008 and Newcastle 2-0 in 2005 – a match which set up a place in the Champions League qualifiers, confirmed the following day. The only slight glitch was a 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion in 2006, and because a late point was earned by a Duncan Ferguson goal in his farewell performance, Blues fans were on a high anyway. The class off 2011 will be seeking to sign off in similarly happy style on Sunday.
“If you believe that the manager will let us relax this last week and that we will play our second team against Chelsea then you are dreaming,” said defender Sylvain Distin this week. “If you saw the way we just trained today then you would have seen just how intense it was and how seriously we are taking this game. “We play every game to win and we play our best team in every game. That is the mentality of the manager and the mentality of the club. “The manager does not need to say anything to us. We have all been here long enough to know what Everton is all about. “Through the week if you see the quality and the intensity of the training we put in then you would see that we are approaching this game in exactly the same way we would approach a game in the middle of the season.” With a sell-out crowd anticipated, Distin added: “To play at home in your last game is perfect. “To finish off with a win in front of your own fans is the perfect way to finish the season, but it is only that way if you win.”
Everton FC charity £1million Lottery help for young offenders
by Alan Weston, Liverpool Echo
May 19 2011
EVERTON’S official charity has scooped nearly £1m to help prevent young offenders slipping into a life of crime. In one of the biggest such awards of its kind, the Big Lottery Fund has given a total of £931,495 to Everton in the Community for a new scheme which will see it working with young offenders’ institutions and secure units across Merseyside. The aim of the project, called Safe Hands, is to target young offenders and to help them back into the community after they leave secure care. Specialist Everton in the Community staff will support up to 150 children and young adults, male and female, aged between 15 and 21, to help them get back on their feet and into either employment or further education. Blues midfielder Leon Osman, who is the club’s charity ambassador, said: “It’s great to see Everton reaching out to even more young people using the power of football. “The Safe Hands programme will make a real difference to the lives of many vulnerable young people across Merseyside and help them to turn their lives around. Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive of Everton in the Community, added: “As Everton Football Club’s official charity, we care passionately about reaching out to support those members of our community who, for whatever reason, face difficulties integrating into society. “We have in the past had great success using the power of sport and, more specifically, our iconic brand to engage vulnerable and hard-to-reach members of our society. “We have made a tremendous impact with our youth programmes and have many success stories from young people who have turned their lives around as a result of the help, support and guidance offered by members of our community team.” Safe Hands will work with young offenders before their release to identify their hopes and fears and an individual support package will be put together. Once they are back in the community, they will undertake activities tailored towards their needs. Once completed, it is hoped each participant will be supported into employment or further education. Andy Myers, Big Lottery Fund’s regional development manager, attended Everton’s training ground, Finch Farm, to present the award. He said: “We are proud to be supporting this brilliant project, which is going to help so many young people.”
Phil Neville: David Moyes is the man to take Everton FC forward
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
May 19 2011
PHIL NEVILLE believes David Moyes is the man to take Everton forwards – but has conceded the club may need to sell one of its star players if it is to progress. The likes of Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini have been consistently linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer, while further reports have suggested Aston Villa could be ready to try to tempt Moyes away from Merseyside. Neville, however, says a decade after his appointment at the club, the Scot remains committed to delivering success to the Blues. The skipper praised his manager’s work ethic, which he described as ‘unbelievable’. “David works so hard it is unbelievable,” said Neville. “He just never switches off, and never stops working. “He has been absolutely fantastic for Everton, and we just want him to stay. “Of course he wants to win things, he is ambitious. But he wants to win things with Everton. “At Everton, our history is always there in front of us. We go to games and the likes of Howard Kendall and Graeme Sharp, great names from the club’s history, are there, and they are treated like heroes. I think David would love to have that himself. “Of course the next step for us is to win a trophy, and that is the biggest step. It will be tough, but I really believe that we can do it.
“We have been so consistent over the last six or seven years that I think, with a manager like David Moyes, we can definitely move forwards with what we have got.” Everton complete their season at home to Chelsea on Sunday knowing they are guaranteed 7th place in the Premier League. It is an improvement upon last season’s 8th placed finish, though the general feeling around Goodison Park has been one of frustration at the side’s perceived inconsistencies. And with key players repeatedly linked with moves – Fellaini is believed to be attracting interest from Chelsea, whilst Manchester United are admirers of Rodwell – there are fears that Moyes’ squad could be broken up this summer. Neville, though, insists that the departure of a big-name player would not be the end of the world for the Blues, citing Wayne Rooney’s move to Manchester United in 2004 as an example.
“It is the way of the world at a club like Everton,” said Neville. “Sometimes to move forward, you might have to sell one of your better players, like we did with Rooney. “But the year after we sold Rooney, we qualified for the Champions League, so it isn’t necessarily a bad thing sometimes.
“Sometimes you just have to take a hit on one of your superstars, and take one step back so you can take two forwards.” With plans to relocate the club to Kirkby having been shelved, the prospect of a new stadium for the Blues looks a distant one. Chairman Bill Kenwright, meanwhile, has admitted he is seeking fresh investment at the club in order to enable them to compete with the Premier League’s richer clubs. Neville admits the idea of leaving Goodison, the club’s home since 1892, is not ideal, but says the club need to embrace the demands of modern football. “Goodison Park is a special place, the atmosphere is fantastic,” he said. “Nobody wanted to leave when the Kirkby plans were announced, but at the same time we cannot stand still. “To push on to the next level, we need a new stadium. We know that. Personally, I don’t really care where I’m playing as long as I’ve got an Everton kit on. That’s clear. “Bill Kenwright is an Evertonian, and everything he does is in the best interests of the club. Sure he might not have the money of Roman Abramovich or the guys at Manchester City, but there is a special spirit at the club. It is something that I bought into when I joined, and we must not lose that.”
Everton FC defender John Heitinga happy to stay at Goodison Park
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
May 19 2011
JOHN HEITINGA has denied reports he is seeking an exit from Everton this summer. The versatile Dutchman has been in and out of the Toffees’ side this season, making 25 starts and five substitute appearances. The form of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin in the centre of defence has led to him often being used in a less familiar central midfield role. And reports in his homeland had suggested that the 27-year-old was looking for a move away from Goodison Park, with free spending Manchester City said to be his preferred destination. Indeed the Dutch newspaper de Telegraaf quoted him as saying: “Manchester City have ambitions, and I am always looking to move to a bigger club.” However Heitinga, a World Cup finalist with the Netherlands last summer, says he intends to honour his contract at Everton, which expires in 2014, and revealed he hopes to help David Moyes’ side qualify for Europe next season. “I feel good over here,” said the former Ajax man. “I have another three years on my contract, the fans are good with me, the manager’s good with me, the play is good and I’m happy here at Everton. “I’m looking forward to next season and hopefully we can get back into Europe. “I miss playing in Europe because that’s the highest level you can play in as a player but hopefully we can reach that with Everton next season. “For me the Premier League is the best league in the world because I’ve played in the Spanish league as well. “There are so many good players in the Premier League it’s hard to win games here so you have to fight for it. That’s why this league is the top level after international football.” Everton will bring down the curtain on a frustrating campaign when they take on Chelsea at Goodison Park on Sunday. They are guaranteed 7th place, an improvement upon last season, and Heitinga believes some shrewd additions to their squad this summer will enable them to move forwards. “Not everybody can play for Everton because Everton is a club of tradition and you have to show your spirit,” he added.. “I think we have a few big names in our squad. Maybe we need a few new players but that’s a hard decision for me to make.” Elsewhere rumoured Everton target Stephane Mbia has announced his intention to stay at Marseille for one more season. The 24-year-old had been expected to leave the Stade Velodrome this summer, with a number of European clubs keen on the £5m-rated midfielder. But Mbia, a player David Moyes has long been an admirer of, says he hopes to remain at the French club for at least another year. The Cameroon international said: “My future? We will see what happens at the end of the season. “A playing career is very short so you have to be careful when making decisions and not always do what the people who look after you tell you to do. They can make wrong decisions. “I am a Marseillais and I love Marseille. I am proud to be here. “I have never said that I want to leave Marseille and one more year here would be fantastic.” Moyes, meanwhile, sent club scouts to check on Racing Genk winger Kevin De Bruyne, during the Belgian club’s top-of-the-table clash with Standard Liege on Tuesday night. The 19-year-old, who plays down the left side of midfield, has been attracting the attention of a host of Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Sunderland and Fulham.
Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell rues injuries after frustrating campaign
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
May 19 2011
JACK RODWELL admits it has been a frustrating campaign for him at Everton as he has struggled to nail down a regular first-team place. The 20-year-old midfielder signed a lucrative long-term contract at Goodison Park last summer, and had been expected to break through as a key player for David Moyes’ side this season. But injuries have plagued the England Under-21 international, and severely restricted his impact on Merseyside. He has netted just one goal, which came in a League Cup tie against Huddersfield Town in August. The talented youngster suffered ankle ligament damage in the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa back in September, an injury which ruled him out for three months, and has since been troubled by further groin and ankle complaints, which have limited his involvement. It has meant he has managed just league 13 starts, in what has been an inconsistent campaign all round for the Toffees. “You have just got to deal with it,” said Rodwell, who has been persistently linked with a big-money summer move to Premier League high-fliers Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea. “I've had a lot of injuries this year and that happens. It is part and parcel of being a professional footballer. “You have just got to get over it and bounce back and try and get as many games as possible.” Rodwell admits he had hoped that this would be the season he confirmed his status as one of the country’s top rising stars, but says he is now focused on finishing the season strongly, and is already looking forward to the next campaign. “I was hopeful, especially after a good pre-season,” he added. “I thought this could be the season where I cement myself in the team, but it hasn't been that way. “But the good thing about football is that the new season comes around very quickly, so I'm looking forward to it.” Rodwell has been called to Stuart Pearce’s provisional 40-man England under-21 squad for this summer’s UEFA European Championships in Denmark, and has spoken recently of his desire to make the ascent into Fabio Capello’s senior squad. The under-21 issue has proven a thorny one in recent weeks. Both Arsene Wenger and Kenny Dalglish have been left frustrated by Pearce’s decision to call up Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll, respectively, sparking a fresh club versus country debate. The fear of burn-out is very real among Premier League managers. Moyes, however, has no such problems. The Everton boss believes the tournament will provide valuable experience for Rodwell, especially in light of such a stop-start campaign. "Jack has had a few injuries which have disrupted things but he is coming along fine," Moyes said earlier this month. "It's a good tournament for him to be involved in and I'm happy for him to be playing. I've got no problems with it. The problems may come next year for the lads who play the full month. It will be like it is for the England senior boys, who went to the World Cup last summer. "There will be an effect but hopefully it will help his development." Everton complete their campaign at home to Chelsea this weekend.
Everton FC win £1 million to help halt a life of crime
Liverpool Daily Post
May 19 2011
EVERTON Football Club’s official charity has won nearly £1m to help prevent young offenders slipping into a life of crime. In one of the biggest such awards of its kind, the Big Lottery Fund has given a total of £931,495 to Everton in the Community for a new scheme which will see it working with young offenders’ institutions and secure units across Merseyside. The aim of the project, called Safe Hands, is to integrate young offenders back into the community after they leave secure care.
Specialist Everton in the Community staff will work with up to 150 children and young adults, both male and female, aged between 15 and 21, to give them the chance of a new start. Everton midfielder Leon Osman, who is the club’s charity ambassador for social Inclusion, said: “The Safe Hands programme will make a real difference to the lives of many vulnerable young people across Merseyside and help them to turn their lives around. “It’s great to see Everton reaching out to even more young people using the power of football.” Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive of Everton in the Community, said: “As Everton Football Club’s official charity we care passionately about reaching out to support those members of our community who, for whatever reason, face difficulties integrating into society. Add a commentRecommend “Our successful Big Lottery Fund bid will enable us to enhance and enrich the work we do as part of our social inclusion programme. We have in the past had great success using the power of sport and, more specifically, our iconic brand to engage vulnerable and hard-to-reach members of our society. “We have made a tremendous impact with our youth programmes and have many success stories from young people who have turned their lives around as a result of the help, support and guidance offered by members of our community team. “This new initiative will provide the opportunity for Everton in the Community to work in partnership with experts from arts organisations and young offenders’ institutions across Merseyside to focus on the personal needs and aspirations of young people leaving secure care.
“This project has been designed to prevent the young people from re-offending, offering a diversion from negative social influences and equipping them with better coping strategies and support structures to deal with life events. “We are absolutely thrilled to have secured such a considerable award and we look forward to working with our partners to deliver a dynamic and creative programme, all thanks to the Big Lottery Fund’s Youth in Focus programme.” Safe Hands will work with young offenders before their release to identify their hopes and fears and an individual support package will be put together. Once they are back in the community, the participants will undertake an extensive programme of activities tailored towards their individual needs to help them get back on their feet. At the end of the programme cycle, it is hoped each participant will be supported into either employment or further education.
Blue Watch: Hawthorns trip reaffirmed Everton FC’s startling limitations
by Gary Porter, Liverpool Daily Post
May 19 2011
THE media no-show from the Everton ranks after Saturday’s defeat to West Brom was fully in keeping with what had unfolded earlier on the pitch. Quite where the Blues backline had vanished to in the opening quarter of the lunch-time clash at the Hawthorns is anybody’s guess. And having been punished by a lively Peter Odemwingie – who set up Youssuf Mulumbu for the game’s solitary strike – Everton were virtually non-existent as an attacking threat for the remainder of their final away game of the season. If the impressive victory over Manchester City was a reminder of what this group of players are capable of on their day, then Saturday’s loss once again reaffirmed the inconsistent nature of this side and its startling limitations. What makes the defeat worse is the fact we were playing a team who had kept only one clean sheet prior to the weekend, and had shipped in more goals than any other Premier League team with the exception of Blackpool. Hardly the most resolute of opposition but, aside from a smart Victor Anichebe turn and shot in the first half, Everton never looked like breaching Scott Carson’s goal. This was an all too familiar defeat and yet another classic example of the type of displays that have plagued our season. Everton dominated possession but lacked the necessary guile to open up the West Brom rearguard. Aimless crosses and corners bore no fruit, and defensively we looked vulnerable and error-prone. How David Moyes solves these problems over the summer remains to be seen. Everton need to strengthen in every outfield department. A top-class centre half, a natural wide man, a playmaker and a prolific goalscorer would give us a chance of challenging.
But that is simply not going to happen.
I just pray that Moyes can find someone who is capable of unlocking a defence, whether that be in the form of a winger or central midfielder, and giving us an extra dimension when we’re faced with trying to break down stubborn opposition. If it hadn’t been for the youthful exuberance of Seamus Coleman and a series of probing displays from Leon Osman, our play would have looked even more painfully predictable than it has during the majority of a frustrating campaign. Another must is a striker. We don’t have the cash to sign a proven marksman but, without sounding too harsh, we must be able to find someone who can offer more than Jermaine Beckford and Victor Anichebe.
The reality is we’re going to have to sell to make any of that possible. Jack Rodwell seems to be the most likely departure if rumours of a Manchester City bid are to be believed. As much as it pains me to say it, if that’s the only option available to us in order to find the cutting edge we’re so desperately craving, then so be it.
Football: Kerry on a high after shooting Everton to trophy treble
May 19 2011 This is Staffordshire
By football michael baggaley
SILVERDALE hot-shot Kerry Welsh is setting her sights on the top flight of the women's game after a superb season with Everton. The 18-year-old Newcastle College student has been with the Merseyside club for three years – and has just enjoyed the best of the lot after a treble-winning campaign with their reserve team. The striker has helped the Toffees win the National Reserve League, the National Reserves Cup and the Merseyside County Cup. Last week's County Cup final was a personal triumph for Kerry, who has missed three months with an ankle ligament injury.
But she bounced back and completed a memorable season by scoring two goals as Everton beat Liverpool Feds in the County final. Her next step could be the first team at Everton, who are part of the newly-established elite Women's Super League. Kerry took up football at Langdale Junior School in Clayton before joining Langdale Ladies in the North Staffs Girls' League. She was snapped up by Stoke City Ladies Academy and played for their under-14s before moving on to Crewe. She also played for Staffordshire before being spotted by Everton. Her medal haul is a huge source of pride for parents Andy and Annette Welsh, who run the Vine pub in Silverdale, and they have been happy to ferry her across the country for games and training. Andy said: "She has worked so hard to get this far. "It is difficult because women's football doesn't get the recognition as the men's game and doesn't have the same safety nets with professional and semi-pro teams. "But she has played a handful of times for the first team and it is possible to make a career in the game because the first team players are on a salary." Kerry also coaches football to boys and girls for Newcastle Borough Council. She began coaching for the council as a 13-year-old volunteer and still combines the coaching with her academic studies. She said: "I love coaching, whether it is going into schools or on courses during the holidays. "When I was younger my role models weren't from this area, but hopefully youngsters can see someone like me who is local and want to go on in the sport. "I would love to play for Everton's first team and go on and play for my country. "In a couple of years I am also hoping to go to the United States of America and experience playing football over there." Everton are one of eight teams in the Women's Super League, which was set up after £3m investment from the FA and began in April when Chelsea played Arsenal. Birmingham, Bristol, Doncaster, Lincoln and Liverpool are also members of the competition which runs until September and features six games televised live by ESPN. The move to summer competition was designed to boost popularity of women's football. The FA hopes the semi-professional league can eventually become fully professional. All eight teams have signed up to a salary cap which stipulates that no club can pay more than four of its players £20,000 or above per season.
Johnny Heitinga is eager to sign off in style when Everton entertain Chelsea on Sunday
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 20 2011
JOHNNY HEITINGA will step out for Sunday’s Goodison Park curtain call against Chelsea with a lingering sense of what might have been. The Londoners were one of the sides beaten on Merseyside in a sparkling second half of the 2009/10 campaign, fuelling hopes that this season could see the Blues challenging for a top four spot and possible Champions League qualification.
It didn’t work out that way. While Everton have once again improved after Christmas and look like ending the season one place better off than the previous year, Heitinga admits there is a real sense that this campaign has been a missed opportunity at Goodison. “If you see the squad, then yes,” admitted the Dutch defender. "We have players like Saha and Arteta. But Mikel was out for a long time and if you have a small squad and if you have to deal with injuries other players have to step up. “In the beginning of the season we played quite well but didn’t win enough games. Then we changed our style a little bit and played a little bit more direct and from that point we started to get some points. “But it’s been frustrating because it’s almost been the same as last season. “We’ve been slow starters.” Heitinga includes himself in that slow starting bracket. Infamously involved in the World Cup final on July 11 – his red card gave Spain the opportunity in extra time to snatch their first world crown – he was back in Premier League action barely a month later.
“It was hard for me after such a short break after the World Cup,” he admitted. “I came back and was hit by a couple of injuries. Then I had a couple of injections in my knee in August. “I am fit now but there’s only one game left! I have two games at international level and then a holiday.
“If you look at how many players who went to the World Cup and have struggled with injury . . . but you don’t want to miss a World Cup. “You take good care of your body but everybody is human.”
Despite the looming summer break, Heitinga believes that the visit of a side as accomplished as Chelsea will act as motivation for everybody on Sunday. The Blues have an excellent record against Carlo Ancelotti’s side – they haven’t lost to the London Blues in five clashes since the 2009 FA Cup final and haven’t lost a league match to Chelsea since April 2008 – and Heitinga added: “I’m looking forward to the holiday but it’s a big game against Chelsea. It’s the last game, it’s at home and we must show the fans we are at back at our best. “Everybody wants to go to the holidays with a good feeling. “That gives you confidence. “It’s always good to play against the better teams in the Premier League. Chelsea is one of them. They had a good comeback until they lost to Manchester United away but they’re still Chelsea. “For me the Premier League is still the best league in the world. I’ve played in the Spanish League but while the Premier League didn’t show the best football last season, there are still so many good players in the league it’s hard to win matches. “You have to fight for it and that’s why, for me, the Premier League is still the top. “When you are a young player in Holland you want to play in the Premier League. “That’s why so many Dutch players play in the Premier League.” Everton have already been scouring the continent for players to augment their own squad ahead of next season. But Heitinga refused to be drawn on whether the Blues would be better off cashing in on some of their assets in order to strengthen other areas of the team.
“I think not everybody can play for Everton,” he declared. “Because Everton is a club with a lot of tradition and you must show your spirit. “We already have some big names in our squad so maybe we need just a few more squad players but it’s not my decision to make. “I think we’ve got a good squad. It’s not the biggest squad but when there’s no money it’s hard to buy players. “But the players who play here have played for a long time together and it’s hard to lose your best players.
“We are a team now. David Moyes is a good manager. “After Ferguson and Wenger he is the longest serving manager in the League. “He is a good manager and gives the players confidence. I think we’ve done quite well after a slow start, like last season and hopefully for him, for the fans and for the players we can get Europe and maybe an FA Cup or a Carling Cup.” But first Heitinga wants to sign off with a winning performance against Chelsea on Sunday – and despite previous interviews where he has expressed his reluctance to play out of position – he doesn’t mind where he is used.
“Centre-back is my preferred position, but I can also play as a midfield player like I’ve played in the last couple of games and I think I’ve done quite well,” he said. He will be hoping to do quite well one more time on Sunday . . . despite what might have been.
Howard Kendall: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov may have played his last game for Everton
by Howard Kendall, Liverpool Echo
May 20 2011
DINIYAR BILYALETDINOV has probably played his last game for Everton. The Russian was sent off against West Brom last week and as a 65-year-old, I would have managed to stay on longer.
Everton appealed the decision but for me, the player was over the top in his challenge. He did not do himself any favours and it was a tackle borne out of frustration. Frustration that he has not lived up to what he and the Blues thought he would be – the Premier League has been too much for him.
There is no chance the club will recoup the money they spent on him but all managers have to take the losses as well as the profits. I have to admit, I’m not a fan of out and out wingers anyway.
When I first joined Everton, Alan Ball gave me one piece of advice and that was never to take the ball off Johnny Morrissey in training. Put it this way, if you did then he’d try very hard to get it back.
Bilyaletdinov’s dismissal capped a miserable afternoon, one which highlighted the areas Everton need to improve. Again, what came from the match was the need to address the frontline and I’m sure David Moyes is looking at his options for the summer. But the manager will know only too well that it remains far more difficult to pluck out a striker who can find the back of net regularly from the lower divisions than it is to bring defenders and midfielders into the Premier League. Selling a couple of your big name players in order to generate funds to strengthen to squad is easier said than done. You have to have these new players already lined up and be sure they will improve you.
It is easier to sell players than it is to buy.
David Prentice: Brilliant Leighton Baines fully deserving of Everton FC’s 2010-11 Player of the Season award
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 20 2011
EVERTON tried to dress their Player of the Year Award up as a contest. The remarkably consistent Sylvain Distin was talked up, Jermaine Beckford’s goals were mentioned and Seamus Coleman’s rise given due prominence. But, in truth, it was no contest. Leighton Baines has played every minute of every match for Everton Football Club this season – and done so impeccably. He has created more goals than any other player in the Premier League – Nani apart – hasn’t made a single mistake defensively, and has proved he can strike a dead ball better even than his talented teammate Mikel Arteta. All of which underlines why Everton must resist overtures this summer from suitors like Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Everton FC season review: Your tweets in pictures
By Sean Bradbury
May 20 2011
This week we asked you to review Everton FC's season in a single tweet. The response was great - click for our original round-up - and below are some of the best suggestions along with a picture of what each could represent. You can still send in your "season in a tweet" by posting a message on Twitter with the hashtag #efcseason. Mat Flusk: Typical. Slow start, strong finish. Disappointing results against lower teams, against the odds wins against the top
Toffee Paul: Much expected, little achieved
Mass Hysteria: The highest of highs and the lowest of lows
David Gilford: Early home wins agains Wolves, Newcastle and West Brom would have put us in 5th place
Add a commentRecommend Andrew Scott: Having a half interested Pienaar for half the season didn't help
Richard Knowles: Poor start, top players underperforming, usual consistent end, Baines brilliant, Osman under-rated, need strikers
Annabelle: Optimism, Realism, Confusion, Deflation. Pride, Passion and Determination. Sometimes Lacking, Sometimes Not: Another EFC season
Everton FC: Annual awards night sees Leighton Baines crowned player of the season
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 20 2011
Everton FC: Annual awards night sees Leighton Baines crowned player of the season
EVERTON Football Club celebrated its very own Leight show last night. Left-back Leighton Baines celebrated a prestigious personal double, receiving the club’s Player of the Year award for 2011 voted by fans and the Players’ Player of the Year trophy voted for his playing peers – and in an emotional presentation the major award was handed over by FA Cup winning left-back Gary Ablett, currently making a recovery from leukaemia. The entire first team squad was present at the BT Convention Centre, along with manager David Moyes, chairman Bill Kenwright and Chief Executive Robert Elstone - plus a host of former players including Dave Hickson, Graeme Sharp, Kevin Sheedy, Derek Temple, Derek Mountfield and Barry Horne The Shareholders Young Player of the Season award, following in the footsteps of James Vaughan, Victor Anichebe and Jack Rodwell, was presented to Seamus Coleman.The young Irishman received his award from Phil Jagielka and Leon Osman and declared: “I’m shocked. A couple of years ago I didn’t think I’d even be at Everton, let alone winning a young player of the year award.Everyone’s been great with me since I came over, the fans and everyone in the first team squad. I’m delighted.”The shortlist for the Goal of the Season included Jermaine Beckford’s first goal for the Blues against Bolton, Leighton Baines’ sumptuous free-kick in the FA Cup tie at Chelsea and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s blockbuster at Wolves.Academy Player of the Year was Jake Bidwell, Everton Ladies’ Player of the Year was Natasha Dowie and reserve team player of the year was Jose Baxter, while the evening opened with a typically emotional address from chairman Bill Kenwright.“Three things happened last week which confirmed to me the truth of those three irreplaceable little words spoken by our manager, David Moyes,” he declared “The People’s Club.”“Everton’s Community Scheme won a national disability award for the second year running in the same week that we received £1m from the Lottery finding to help young offenders. Then last Friday I was at Craven Cottage to watch our under-18s take on Fulham in the national final. It was a lovely, classy West End night. Fulham walked out looking very foreign, very big and very West End, then Everton walked out looking very small, very tough and very Scouse.“But despite having three of our best players missing through injury and international call-ups, we ground them down and came away with the silverware.“Then before the Manchester City game I walked into the ground and saw Dave Hickson - and you all know what Dave means to me. He’s been having a tough time of it lately. He recently lost his lovely wife Pat, he’s been in hospital himself and he didn’t look well. But he was there in his club uniform waiting to do his matchday duties and he said: ‘I just wanted to be here.’“Then Duncan McKenzie came over and said ‘Do you want one of my jokes?’ and I looked across and John Bailey was standing there – and he’s just had a serious dice with ill health. They both wanted to be there.“Then when I sat in my seat in the stand I looked across and there was Graham Stuart – a cockney, diamond geezer, and he said ‘I just wanted to be here.’“I thought ‘what other club in the world has that kind of devotion?“Then at half-time I saw this six feet 19 inch man walking out onto the pitch – the toughest man I ever met - and I saw him reduced to tears by the ovation he received from the fans.”The Howard Kendall Award went to the FA Premier Academy League winning Under-18s side.
Duncan Ferguson was inducted into the respected ranks of Everton Giants - and spoke of his pride at the award - and the connection he still feels with the Everton fans.“The reception I got against Manchester City made an unbelievable impact on me,” he said. “You’re away from football for five years and you worry in case people don’t remember you, but you come back and it’s great.“Everton Football Club is a big part of my life, as is the city. My lovely wife is from here, my kids were brought up here.“I’ve been retired five years and it feels like 20 years, but the fans are still unbelievable to me - as they have been since day one.“Evertonians are the best fans in the country, if not the world.”Frank Daley was named as the club’s Fan of the Year, while FA Cup winners Derek Temple and Barry Horne presented the Disability Player of the Year awards, who both came from the club’s deaf teams.Gemma Hunter, struggling to the stage on crutches as she recovers from an ankle ligament injury, and goalkeeper Gary Spotswood were the proud recipients.
Blues legend Neville Southall on Everton's season, David Moyes, Tim Howard and that Bayern Munich game
By Dan Kay
May 20 2011
LEGENDARY goalkeeper Neville Southall shares his thoughts on Everton's performance this season as well as giving his opinions on David Moyes, Tim Howard and Gary Speed - he also looks on that never-to-be-forgotten night at Goodison at 1985 when Bayern Munich were sent packing in the European Cup Winners Cup semi-final
Everton FC stars Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman claim top honours at club awards bash
Liverpool Daily Post
May 20 2011
LEIGHTON BAINES has capped a fine year at Everton by being named the club’s Player of the Season.
Baines has been consistently outstanding throughout a contrasting campaign for the Goodison outfit, who flirted with relegation until the New Year before an impressive run of form has taken them to the brink of another top-seven finish.The 26-year-old received the prize, which was voted for by supporters, at Everton’s sixth annual End Of Season Awards dinner, held last night at the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool.Baines has been an ever-present this season and has scored six goals, the most notable of which was his last-gasp equaliser in the FA Cup win at Chelsea in February.
His displays have also earned a richly-deserved recall to the England set-up from head coach Fabio Capello having missed out on a place in last summer’s World Cup finals.Seamus Coleman was also rewarded for another promising campaign by scooping Everton’s Young Player of the Season award.
Having broken into the first team last season, the Irishman has continued his progress since making his full Premier League debut at Fulham in September, making 39 appearances and scoring six goals.
Both Baines and Coleman are expected to be in the starting line-up when Everton conclude their campaign at home to Chelsea on Sunday. Jermaine Beckford may have to make do with a place on the bench after emerging as substitute in last week’s 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.But the striker is determined to be involved at some point after revealing his desperation to reach double figures for the season.Beckford is currently on nine goals, the most recent of which came in last month’s 3-0 triumph at Wolverhampton Wanderers.And the 27-year-old said: “I want to get into double figures. It is always good to score – whether it is your first, 10th or 100th goal, but I would really like to have that personal landmark of getting into double figures in my first season.“Also to score in the last game of the season means you go off for the summer in a positive mood and then come back feeling good.”Beckford, signed on a free transfer last summer from Leeds United, has already scored against Chelsea this season, netting the equaliser in the Premier League visit to Stamford Bridge in December.“It was a late equaliser and an important goal,” added Beckford. “It did feel like my career had gone full circle and it did feel good. It was similar to scoring against Manchester United last season, both were good feelings.“Having said that, I don’t really look at the opposition, for me football is football.“I don’t look at opponents and think ‘we can’t beat these guys’ whether it is a lower league team or one of the big boys. I always think I can score and always think we can win – especially with the players we have here.”
Everton FC skipper Phil Neville admits club may have to cash in on best players
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 20 2011
PHIL NEVILLE admits Everton may have to sell one of their leading players if they are to progress.David Moyes is facing another difficult summer working within tight financial restraints having been warned not to expect a big transfer warchest.Moyes has consistently stated he has no plans to cash in on any of his leading players to facilitate his squad strengthening.Everton, though, are braced for expected big-money offers in the coming weeks with Manchester City tracking Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini on the radar of both Chelsea and Real Madrid.And skipper Neville has suggested selling a star name may be a necessary step for Everton, while citing the exit of Wayne Rooney as an example of how it can ultimately work in the club’s favour. “It is the way of the world at a club like Everton,” said Neville.“Sometimes to move forward, you might have to sell one of your better players, like we did with Rooney.“But the year after we sold Rooney, we qualified for the Champions League, so it isn’t necessarily a bad thing sometimes.“Sometimes you just have to take a hit on one of your superstars, and take one step back so you can take two forwards.”Everton will seal a seventh-placed finish with a positive result in their final Premier League game at home to Chelsea on Sunday. The Goodison outfit had flirted with the relegation zone for much of the first half of a campaign that had started with genuine hopes of Champions League qualification.But despite a season of underachievement, Neville is convinced Moyes remains the right man to bring success back to the club.“David works so hard it is unbelievable,” said the skipper. “He just never switches off, and never stops working.“He has been absolutely fantastic for Everton, and we just want him to stay.“Of course he wants to win things, he is ambitious.“But he wants to win things with Everton.“Of course the next step for us is to win a trophy, and that is the biggest step. It will be tough, but I really believe that we can do it.”Much of Moyes frustration is centred on Everton’s financial plight, with chairman Bill Kenwright still seeking fresh investment, particularly after the collapse of the Destination Kirkby project.And Neville admits the club need to move with the times if they are not to be left behind in the quest for silverware.“Goodison Park is a special place, the atmosphere is fantastic,” he said. “Nobody wanted to leave when the Kirkby plans were announced, but at the same time we cannot stand still.“To push on to the next level, we need a new stadium. We know that.“Bill Kenwright is an Evertonian, and everything he does is in the best interests of the club. Sure he might not have the money of Roman Abramovich or the guys at Manchester City, but there is a special spirit at the club.“It is something that I bought into when I joined, and we must not lose that.”
Barry Horne: Leighton Baines deserved Everton’s Goal of the Season trophy, but not with the goal he won it for!
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
May 21 2011
THERE were no shocks at the Everton Awards ceremony on Thursday night.Leighton Baines was a thoroughly deserved Player of the Year, Seamus Coleman was equally deserving of the Young Player titles, while David Moyes and Leon Osman were popular recipients of the chairman’s Blueblood awards.The one award that was probably the most contested was the Goal of the Season.I feel that when judging the merits of the strikes under consideration you have to take into context the circumstances in which the goals were scored.On those grounds Leighton Baines’ equaliser at Stamford Bridge had to be the deserved winner.That meant Leighton capped another fine season by claiming a clean sweep of the major awards.And even if people had been looking for an alternative Goal of the Season, another Leighton Baines effort should surely have been under consideration.I was surprised that Baines’ goal at Manchester City shortly before Christmas didn’t even make the shortlist of three.Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s long range shot at Wolves and Jermaine Beckford’s delightful first top flight goal against Bolton made up the top three.But if you cast your mind back to Eastlands, Leighton finished a superb move with his weaker foot at the end of a long series of Everton passes.I’m sure Leighton wasn’t overly concerned either way, though!
Royal Blue: Joseph Yobo setting European records for Fenerbahce
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 21 2011
0ShareAdd a commentRecommend IT was his reluctance to play through the pain barrier in a European tie which ultimately sowed the seeds of Joseph Yobo’s departure from Goodison Park last summer.But Europe has proved a happier hunting ground for David Moyes’ first Everton signing this season.Yobo has just helped Turkish giants Fenerbahce, where he has spent the season on-loan, set a European record – an astonishing run of 853 minutes without conceding a goal at their intensely atmospheric Sükrü Saracoglu stadium.And he could be rewarded with a Turkish League winners' medal.Fenerbache thrashed Ankaragucu 6-0 last weekend, the latest success in an amazing run which has seen the Istanbul-based club rack up a record of 16 wins and a draw in their last 17 games.That victory parade has seen Fenerbahce tied on 79 points from 33 matches, the same as champions Trabzonspor.They now have to win away at Sivaspor tomorrow afternoon to wrap up the championship.Yobo will be hoping there is no repeat of last season.While he was on the substitutes’ bench for the Blues’ final home game of the season against Portsmouth, Fenerbahce lost the title on the last day of action when they were held to a draw by Trabzonspor.The result sparked a mini-riot with irate Fenerbahce fans setting fire to their own stadium after the draw with Trabzonspor handed rivals Bursaspor the title.Trouble flared at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium as rampaging fans clashed with police on the final whistle.And as officers clashed with supporters a number of fires were started high up in the stands. The fires caught hold, engulfing dozens of seats and required emergency crews to enter the ground to fight the blaze.Bottles, and stones were thrown at officers guarding the VIP entrance outside the ground and inside chairs were ripped up and thrown on to the pitch.Police also used water cannons to disperse the crowds that had gathered outside the stadium.
There were reports of injuries following clashes outside but no fans were hurt as a result of the fires inside the ground.Yobo will be hoping the only noise inside the stadium this time is title celebrations.Fenerbahce hope to make the 30-year-old’s loan deal permanent this summer – and Everton will also be hoping that they can secure a transfer fee for the Nigerian to bolster David Moyes’ summer transfer pot.The Blues boss will also be aiming to bank transfer fees for fellow loanees Yakubu, who has been scoring goals in The Championship for Leicester, and James Vaughan who has impressed at Crystal Palace.Yobo joined Everton from Marseille in July 2002, initially on a 12-month loan with an fee of £1.25m. The following summer he signed a permanent four-year deal with the Blues paying the French club a further £4m.He became a mainstay of the Blues’ defence, offering pace and strength, with just the occasional aberration!It was Yobo’s refusal to play a Europa League match at Benfica while recovering from a head injury – a match which saw Seamus Coleman make his debut in an unfamiliar left-back berth with Tony Hibbert filling in at centre-half – which led to Moyes losing faith in the defender.Yobo’s decision to then play an international match for Nigeria contributed to Moyes’ angst.Yobo’s former team-mate Mikel Arteta hopes that his manager gets the funds to spend this summer.“I think we need to strengthen the squad a lot to get better,” he said. “It’s been a really strange season. I don’t think anybody is happy with the way it’s gone.“We have been very inconsistent, having really bad results and then doing really well against the big teams. It’s been a strange season.“I think everybody was expecting a much better performance this year from the whole team, and we haven’t reached it.“Even if we finish seventh, I don’t think we should be happy with it.”
Royal Blue: Ally McCoist to persuade Everton FC target David Weir to stay at Glasgow Rangers
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 21 2011
0ShareAdd a commentRecommend (4) DAVID WEIR was a welcome guest at Everton’s end of season awards night on Thursday.But don’t expect the Glasgow Rangers’ defender to join the Blues’ backroom staff just yet.New Rangers boss Ally McCoist plans talks with Weir after the 41-year-old defender expressed his desire to continue playing.McCoist said: “Davie has been an absolutely fantastic captain. I’ve not spoken to him because he has been away doing his coaching badges and his UEFA qualifications.“I can’t speak for him and there are a lot of avenues open to him, but we’ll sit down soon and hopefully we can have a great discussion.“I’d hope our out-of-contract players would stay.Nothing has been finalised at all with the other lads but they are all tremendous servants to Rangers and we all know their value to us.“We know, just as importantly, how much Rangers means to them so we’ll be sitting down in the next few days to have a chat.“I’d be hopeful all these boys, with the experience they have, can continue to stay with us.”
Royal Blue: Everton legend Mick Lyons wants semi-pro scousers to join him Down Under
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 21 2011
ANY semi-pro footballers keen to spend a few months in Australia, here’s your chance. And what’s more, you could be playing for an Everton legend!Former Blues skipper Mike Lyons, who recently took over as coach of West Australian state league side Cockburn City, wants to bolster his numbers with a bit of Scouse grit.“I’d like to hear from anyone who would be keen to come and play in Perth for a few months during the close season at home,” said Lyons.“It’d be great if I could get a couple of Liverpool lads with a great will to win. They’d need to be of a semi-pro, say UniBond League, level.
“We’d look at sorting out work so that won’t be a problem. And remember, the beaches are great over here!”Anyone interested in applying should email Cockburn City at heidilazzaro@optusnet. com.au
‘The best bunch of lads I’ve ever played with’ says Everton captain Phil Neville
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 21 2011
captain Phil Neville didn’t pick up an award on Thursday night at the BT Convention Centre – but he took to the stage and declared his belief that he was already a winner.Asked by compere for the evening, Ray Stubbs, what it was like to lead the current crop of Everton players out at Goodison, Neville delivered a glowing tribute.“I think I have the easiest job at the club,” he declared. “The spirit at the club and in the dressing room is phenomenal.“They’re the best bunch of lads I have ever played with. Honestly.“And the supporters just blow us away every time. The spirit away from home is fantastic, and when we were 1-0 down at home to Manchester City and getting battered, we came out for the second half and they drove us on. I think they sucked in the goals to be honest.”Leighton Baines was the night’s biggest award winner, collecting the Player of the Year award, the Players’ Player prize and the trophy for the Goal of the Season.Like his skipper, Baines believed the credit should be collective.Collecting his first award of the evening he said: “I’d just like to thank my team-mates really for helping me during the season.“It’s a big team effort and a privilege to play with them. They are not just my team-mates, but my mates as well.“Phil is an inspiration to a lot of us. He’s had a fantastic career and the way he conducts himself is an example not just to the younger players but to the senior players as well.”But by the time he came to carry off his third trophy he was running short on tributes!“I’m a bit speechless to be honest,” he said. “It’s mind blowing to be up here three times. I’d just like to say thank you to the players and staff.”
Barry Horne: Spirit Everton FC show can take the club a long, long way
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
May 21 2011
EVERTON’S annual end of season Player of the Year awards ceremony went off smoothly – as usual, And there were no surprises.No Everton players made the next day’s headlines by brawling, no-one stayed out late and no players were blown up by their wives on Twitter.The chairman gave an impassioned speech about the club he clearly adores, and the award winners were pretty much as you would have guessed. So congratulations to all concerned.But looking back on a strange season – and not just at Goodison – there are other individuals at Everton who deserve praise for their contributions.I understand that many fans will not be satisfied by an impressive second half of the season, but for me, to recover so magnificently from where they found themselves and to finish not a million miles from where they might reasonably have expected to finish if everything had gone well is an achievement.Everton once again have used fewer players than almost everybody in the Premier League.That might seem like an inconsequential statistic, but when you bear in mind the punishing injury list that David Moyes had to contend with it says a great deal about the training regime and the way the squad has been managed. Someone, somewhere should take credit for that.
The players obviously deserve praise for carrying that burden, but people in the background have also done their job well. Of course having a good unit must help breed the togetherness and tightness which is all too evident. Phil Neville alluded to this togetherness and the affection he has for his squad when he spoke on Thursday.I have to say I played for many teams in a 19 year playing career, but the Everton team I played for under Joe Royle (pictured) was the same.We were a fantastically tight unit and you can go an awful long way if you have got that.To win the league title or the Champions League you need the best players. But with a decent bunch of players and that type of spirit you can still go a long way.
Preview: David Moyes thankful for stability at Everton FC
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
May 21 2011
0ShareAdd a commentRecommend DAVID MOYES is in no rush to swop places with Carlo Ancelotti. Everton host Chelsea in the final game of the Premier League season on Sunday, the fourth time the sides have met since December.Only penalty kicks have separated the teams when the Moyes’ men won a dramatic FA Cup tie in February yet the Stamford Bridge are streets ahead on the financial field.But many would have us believe that with the oil slick millions comes an unhealthy influence from the boardroomReports in January suggested Fernando Torres was not brought to Chelsea after emerging as a target for the manager but because the club’s owner fancied the Spaniard in the capital.These same reports tell us Roman Abramovich has previous in this department as well.Moyes and Everton are crying out for just a slice of the funds resting in Chelsea’s coffers but the Blues boss has something priceless – control of his club.The hot-seat at Stamford Bridge is a centre of constant uncertainty and an acutely sensitive position in an era where sacking the boss comes all too easily.Ancelotti knows only too well, as his future with the London club seemingly hangs in the balance with each passing game.Moyes is not one for resting on his laurels but appreciates the tight grasp he has on Everton - even if the cash he craves remains out of reach for the time being.”Something I’ve not had in my managerial career is mounds of cash and instability,” said the Everton manager.“Everton are the opposite and really well run.“I think one of the newspapers this week ran a piece saying Everton was probably the best run club. We don’t have bundles of cash, we try to finish in a realistic position but we have stability.“I’ve not been in Carlo’s position so I can’t really comment.“Who knows, I might thrive on it but I might not.“But the situation I’m in at the moment is a good one and with a really good chairman.“The chairman obviously runs things but I can control the club.“It is one of Alex’s (Ferguson) biggest comments that the manager has to be allowed to control the club.“In the main we do, I don’t have the funds but I think we have tried to keep a stable club. “Maybe someone could come in and do a better job, a manager might come in and do it better and find another solution to it.“That would be a possibility and is certainly not all about me.“But this is my job.“I am totally enthralled by it and can’t think about anything else other than winning for Everton. That’s what I do.”Even though little rests on Sunday’s game, Moyes does not sit well with the notion the game will be played at anything less than full tilt.“It is a Premier League game,” he said.“Lots of people pay to come.“We have got to try to make sure we can finish seventh, that is the best we can do now.“Chelsea can only stay second but I don’t think any manager goes out not to win a game.”Even though Everton’s campaign will be one that is reflected upon with frustrations, the performances of Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman have given cause for optimism.England left-back Baines scooped the club’s Player of the Season award on Thursday night with Coleman taking the Young Player of the Year gong.The honours were well deserved says the boss.“Leighton has had a really good season,” he said.“He has played well – been good going forward, created goals and scored some goals.“Wherever I go people always ask me about Leighton Baines. They can see how well he is doing and what a good season he has had.“I am pleased for Seamus. He had a really good front half of the season.”
David Moyes: Seventh place may be as good as it gets for Everton FC
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
May 21 2011
DAVID MOYES fears seventh place in the Premier League will be as far as he can take Everton in the future - unless money is made available to buy new players.As the Blues' boss prepares his side for the final game of the season against Chelsea tomorrow afternoon, he issued a stark warning that this may be as good as it gets for the Goodison Park club without an injection of cash.But the 48-year-old remains as committed as ever to the Goodison cause and today has rubbished the rumours he will join Aston Villa this summer.Moyes says he is "not interested" in a move to Villa Park after speculation again mounted this week and said even discussing the position - with Gerard Houllier still in charge - was hugely disrespectful to the Midlands outfit.The Everton boss also poured scorn on suggestions Manchester City would test the club's resolve with a substantial bid for left-back Leighton Baines, saying he expects no offer to be forthcoming.Moyes insists the Blues need to bring quality players in alongside the England left-back if they are to start moving up the table otherwise expectations may have to be reassessed."Seventh might be as good as it can get for Everton with the resources and the way teams are spending now," said the Everton manager.“I hoped we would do better than that this year but I think it is going to be much tougher next year.“But I don’t think we are too far away. I don’t think this football club needs hundreds of millions. “It just needs some fresh cash to try to start again and give us some impetus going into the new season.“We have been able to do it without loads of money, we have been able to do it in a different way.“That will be the route we take and I am hoping we are able to give ourselves a fresh start next season.“We have been doing it that way for the nine years I have been here.“Other clubs might have their own route to try to gain success but we have had to be slower and more progressive over a longer period."If anybody connected with Everton thinks our expectations should be better than seventh maybe they need to start asking the real reasons why. Maybe that is Everton's position. I thought we could do better than that in the summer so maybe I'm the one who got it wrong and maybe I have to reassess where I think Everton can be."On rumours linking him to the Villa job, Moyes said: "I know nothing about it and I think it is wrong to talk about other clubs in this way."They have got a really good manager, I think the last thing he would want is to hear someone talking about his job.”
Cahill a doubt for Toffees while Ramires and Benayoun definitely miss Goodison trip
21/05/11 By MirrorFootball (The Mirror)
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill is doubtful for Sunday's final game of the Barclays Premier League season against Chelsea.The Australian missed last week's defeat at West Brom due to continuing problems with a foot injury and could be given chance to start his summer break early.Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is suspended after his sending off at The Hawthorns while Marouane Fellaini and Louis Saha are out with ankle injuries.Chelsea will be without Ramires and Yossi Benayoun for what could be Carlo Ancelotti's final game in charge.Both have picked up hamstring injuries and will sit out the trip to Goodison Park.
Jose Bosingwa had already been ruled out with a knee problem.
Everton provisional squad: Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Neville, Cahill, Oman, Arteta, Rodwell, Beckford, Heitinga, Gueye, Hibbert, Anichebe, Baxter, Barkley, Vellios, Mucha.
Chelsea provisional squad: Cech, Ferreira, Terry, Luiz, Alex, Ivanovic, Bertrand, Zhirkov, Cole, Zhirkov, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Kalou, Malouda, Anelka, Torres, Drogba, Turnbull.
EVERTON v Chelsea: Injury concern may give Tim Cahill early summer break
By Sportsmail Reporter
21st May 2011 (The Mail)
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill is doubtful for Sunday's final game of the Barclays Premier League season against Chelsea.The Australian missed last week's defeat at West Brom due to continuing problems with a foot injury and could be given chance to start his summer break early. All smiles: But Cahill (centre) has struggled with injury this season
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is suspended after his sending off at The Hawthorns while Marouane Fellaini and Louis Saha are out with ankle injuries.
Provisional squad: Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Neville, Cahill, Oman, Arteta, Rodwell, Beckford, Heitinga, Gueye, Hibbert, Anichebe, Baxter, Barkley, Vellios, Mucha.
Everton v CHELSEA: Injury rules out Yossi Benayoun and Ramires for Merseyside trip
By Sportsmail Reporter
21st May 2011 (The Mail)
Comments (0) Add to My Stories Share Chelsea will be without Ramires and Yossi Benayoun for what could be Carlo Ancelotti's final game in charge at Everton on Sunday.Both have picked up hamstring injuries and will sit out the trip to Goodison Park.Jose Bosingwa had already been ruled out with a knee problem. Hamstrung: Ramires (left) will miss out at Goodison Park
Provisional squad: Cech, Ferreira, Terry, Luiz, Alex, Ivanovic, Bertrand, Zhirkov, Cole, Zhirkov, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Kalou, Malouda, Anelka, Torres, Drogba, Turnbull
EVERTON: DAVID MOYES MERRIER
21st May 2011
By Chris Brereton (The Star)
DAVID MOYES says Everton might be skint, but at least he has the kind of stability that Carlo Ancelotti can only dream of. The Chelsea boss is expected to get the axe next week after ‘only’ guiding his side to second in the Premier League. That position would be dreamland for David Moyes – as would the bottomless pit of money that the manager at Stamford Bridge gets to spend. However, the Scot, whose Everton side face the Blues at Goodison tomorrow, argues that while he might not have unlimited funds, he has the solid support of the club’s board. He said: “Mountains of cash and instability are not something I have had in my managerial career. “Everton is the opposite – it is really well run. “We don’t have bundles of cash, we try and make the best of what we have, but we have got stability. “The situation I am in at the moment is a good one. “I have a really good chairman and I am at a really good club. “Though I don’t like quoting him all the time, it is one of sir Alex’s comments that a manager has to be allowed to control a club – and in the main I do.”
I’m a happy Moy with my Toffees
21st may 2011 (The Sun)
EVERTON boss David Moyes counts his blessings he does not have to cope with the ups and downs of Carlo Ancelotti's job.Chelsea's money-bags owner Roman Abramovich is considering whether to wield the axe at Stamford Bridge.But Goodison boss David Moyes said: "Mountains of cash and instability are not something I have had in my managerial career. Everton is the opposite."We try to make the best of what we have but we've got stability. The situation I am in at the moment is a good one."I have a really good chairman and I'm at a really good club. I can control the club to an extent."
Final Whistle Report: Everton 1 Chelsea 0
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 22 2011
TEN-man Everton clung on to produce a memorable victory over Chelsea at Goodison Park that sealed seventh place in the Premier League. The Toffees survived the second half dismissal of their young player of the season Seamus Coleman, for two yellow cards, only to take the lead courtesy of a fine 75th minute individual goal from Jermaine Beckford. David Moyes will have been thrilled with the application his side showed to fight for an improbable win despite only needing a point to better last season’s eighth place position. Everton defended heroically, with Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin in uncompromising mood, and a disjointed campaign ended on a high against the deposed champions. The first chance fell to Moyes’ men on ten minutes. Jagielka header rattled the bar from an out-swinging Mikel Arteta corner. And the Toffees went agonizingly close again when Coleman exchanged neat passes with Beckford on the edge of Chelsea’s box and burst through on goal only to delay his shot long enough for Alex to block. Then Chelsea survived a penalty scare when the Brazilian defender clattered Leon Osman in the area, but replays showed he had just about nicked the ball. Distin had to be at his immovable best to execute a superb last ditch block on Nicolas Anelka, but otherwise the visitor’s attack generally failed to spark during a ponderous first half hour. Fernando Torres received his predictable boos, but otherwise did nothing to inflame the home crowd or excite the travelling London support. Basically, he did nothing. Player of the season Leighton Baines tried to repeat his FA Cup set piece heroics against Carlo Ancelotti’s when Arteta passed a short free kick to him, but this time the left-back’s long range effort was drilled wide.
Then Beckford swapped smart passes with Arteta and strode into the area only to deliver a shot that smacked suspiciously of a pass, and either way whistled comfortably clear of Peter Cech’s far post.
With the second half in its infancy, Coleman was punished with a second yellow card for a studs-up challenge on Jon Obi Mikel, although Everton’s young player of the season appeared to win the ball, making a mockery of the Nigerian’s subsequent play-acting. John Terry then hit the foot of the post with a powerfully drilled shot after a move featuring a surprisingly sprightly Mikel. One wag suggested that with Torres effectively missing in action for the Londoners, the red card only evened things up. Even so, it was tough on Everton’s young Irish marauder who will be disappointed to have ended such an impressive campaign on a dud note. Things were heating up, and as the Blues went on the attack Tony Hibbert floated a pass to Beckford who typically did everything but apply a decisive finish. But the 27-year-old soon made amends for the miss in spectacular fashion. Taking advantage of a lucky break deep in his own half, the former Leeds man sprinted 80 yards upfield, survived a clumsy challenge from Paulo Ferreria, and applied enough purchase on his chip to defy Cech’s one-handed attempted save. Goodison was ecstatic, as the forward recorded his 10th goal of the season – impressive considering the gap he was asked to bridge last summer. Moyes treated Beckford to a standing ovation, replacing him with Victor Anichebe, and although Chelsea had plenty of the ball as the clock ticked down they were well contained.
EVERTON: (4-4-1-1) Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Heitinga, Arteta (Capt), (Cahill, 90 +) Osman, Rodwell, Coleman, Beckford (Anichebe, 80). Subs not used: Mucha, Gueye, Forshaw, Duffy, Baxter.
Bookings: Heitinga, Coleman (yellow x 2, red), Baines,
Goals: Beckford (75)
CHELSEA: (4-3-3) Cech, Ivanovic, Terry (Capt), Alex (Ferreira, 70), Cole, Lampard, Essien (McEachran, 78) Mikel (59, Kalou), Malouda, Torres, Anelka. Subs not used: Turnbull, Luiz, Zhirkov, Bertrand..
Bookings: Alex, Torres
Goals:
Everton: Beckford is our Roy of the Rovers - Moyes
Monday 23 May 2011
Yorkshire Evening Post
Everton manager David Moyes praised his Roy of the Rovers striker Jermaine Beckford after the 27-year-old’s stunning goal sealed Carlo Ancelotti’s fate. Despite being reduced to 10 men when Seamus Coleman was sent off in the 53rd minute, the home side still managed to hold on for a 1-0 win. Just two hours later Chelsea announced they had parted company with their manager. Moyes was stunned Beckford’s brilliant individual goal. The former Leeds United striker, signed on a free transfer last summer, broke up a Chelsea attack on the edge of his own area and set off on a charge.
He had a stroke of luck on halfway when the ball bounced kindly off Paulo Ferreira but he took full advantage and raced on to clip the ball beyond Petr Cech. The goalkeeper did manage to get a hand to the ball but the shot had just enough power to bobble in. Moyes said: “Roy of the Rovers lives on! It is the sort of thing you would read in one of the magazines - get it in your own box, pass three players, get up there. Okay you get a wee bit of a ricochet and it bounces for you and the keeper just gets his hand on it but it spins inside the post. “It really epitomised the whole performance. We played well with 11 and did well with 10. “I thought we had the best chances and I was pleased with how the players played. “Never mind the result, I was pleased with the performance.” Moyes also had no complaints over Coleman’s dismissal after a reckless challenge on Jon Obi Mikel. “I thought it was a sending off,” he said. “Seamus had a bad touch, let the ball go away from him - meaning he had to lunge in. “He did leave the ground. I think a booking was right and it was his second one. The referee called it right.” Ancelotti was in good humour in his post-match press conference, his last as Chelsea manager. He had won the Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season in charge last year but his side ended the campaign empty-handed. Ancelotti said: “I am now on holiday - but I am not sure how long my holiday will be! “We haven’t arranged any meeting but I think in the next week, now the season is finished, the club can address my job and they will take a decision. “I have to wait and see what happens. “I don’t have to say anything to the club - they can judge me on my job for two years.” Chelsea waited only two hours to pass their judgment, which was that Ancelotti would no longer the man in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Moyes commits his future to Everton after strong end to the season
23rd May 2011
Daily Express
While Carlo Ancelotti's spell as Chelsea manager ended after defeat at Everton, his opposite number looked forward to next season's challenge. The futures of both Ancelotti and Everton boss David Moyes had been the subject of speculation heading into their campaign-ending Barclays Premier League clash at Goodison Park, but the attitude of their clubs differed vastly. Whereas Everton made no secret of their desire to keep Moyes, Chelsea admitted their suspected uneasiness at Ancelotti's position soon after the 1-0 loss by confirming the Italian had been sacked. Staying put: David Moyes reaffirmed his commitment to Everton after guiding them to seventh place The only concern at Everton was whether Moyes himself was happy following rumours he might opt to test himself at a club with greater resources. But after watching his side secure seventh place after a stunning Jermaine Beckford solo goal, the Scot underlined his commitment to the post he has held for the past nine years. Moyes said: 'As far as I know I am here and I am the manager - that is what I want to do. 'I want to have a club where I can give the supporters something. Contrasting fortunes: Moyes (left) will remain at Everton while Carlo Ancelotti was sacked I want to be fresh and have a good, fresh challenge when we come back next summer. Let's hope that's the case.' Everton fully deserved their victory having made all the running against a Chelsea side clearly lacking motivation following the failure of their title bid. They even continued to dominate after Seamus Coleman was sent off in the 53rd minute for a reckless lunge at Jon Obi Mikel that earned a second booking.
Having hit the bar through Phil Jagielka and missed a number of other chances, the Toffees finally went ahead in grand style 15 minutes from time. Beckford broke up a Chelsea attack on the edge of his own area and set off on a run that took him into the opposite box. He got a lucky bounce off Paulo Ferreira mid-charge and Petr Cech got a hand to his shot but he was not to be denied and the ball bobbled over the line. His was his 10th goal of an occasionally laboured but ultimately promising first season since a free transfer from Leeds. Moyes said: 'I think 10 goals is probably what I would have expected from him when we got him. 'He'll get goals but you'll have to live with some other faults. 'I don't think come the end of the season you'll ever be disappointed with his goal return.' Everton's victory emphasised their return to form over the second half of the season after a slow start. Seeing red: Peter Walton sends off Seamus Coleman during Everton's win
The Merseysiders were just three points off the relegation zone at the end of February but lost only two of their last 12 games. Moyes said: 'At the start of the season I was one of the people saying we could do better than seventh. 'But I have had to reassess after seeing what is going to be spent and what has to be done. 'I have got to praise the players for how they have performed from Christmas onwards.'
Everton 1 Chelsea 0: Carlo waves goodbye with a whimper as Toffees finish on a high
By Dominic King
23rd May 2011
The Daily Mail
He spun on his heels, exchanged a brief handshake with David Moyes before scurrying down the tunnel with head bowed, never once taking his eyes from the ground. They were Carlo Ancelotti's last public actions as Chelsea manager and they were in keeping with the final 90 minutes of his two-year reign: slightly embarrassed, lacking conviction and practically apologetic. Ancelotti has been dying a slow death since Chelsea were sent tumbling out of the Champions League by Manchester United, and shortly after Sunday's 1-0 defeat at 10-man Everton, he was put out of his misery.
Crowded out: Leon Osman (centre) tries to hold off Chelsea's Alex (left) and Branislav Ivanovic (right) The announcement was made just before 8pm but it is likely Ancelotti knew it was coming all day. Dressed all in black, the wave he gave the visiting section at 4.15pm after prolonged chants of 'Carlo!' and 'We want you to stay!' was, with hindsight, his way of saying goodbye. For much of the time after that, the only gestures Ancelotti made were born of frustration, as passes went askew, challenges were lost and shots - with the exception of one from John Terry which hit a post - missed their intend target by considerable distances. Close encounter: Mikel Arteta is shadowed by Chelsea's John Obi Mikel MATCH FACTS EVERTON (4-5-1): Howard 7; Hibbert 7, Jagielka 8, Distin 8, Baines 7; Coleman 5, Rodwell 6, Heitinga 6, Osman 7, Arteta 7 (Cahill 90min); Beckford 8 (Anichebe 80). Subs not used: Mucha, Gueye, Forshaw, Duffy, Baxter. Booked: Heitinga, Coleman, Baines. Sent off: Coleman. CHELSEA (4-3-3): Cech 6; Ivanovic 6, Terry 6 (Ferreira 70min), Alex 5, Cole 6; Essien 5 (McEachran 78), Lampard, Mikel 5 (Kalou 61, 5); Anelka 4, Torres 4, Malouda 4. Subs not used: Turnbull, Luiz, Zhirkov, Bertrand. Booked: Alex, Torres.
Man of the match: Phil Jagielka.
Referee: Peter Walton 5.
Chelsea, simply, were unrecognisable from the side that had begun this campaign.
Several individuals gave the impression that they could not have cared less.
Ancelotti, who remained phlegmatic through his final press conference, put it down to a lack of incentive. 'What will I do now?' he asked with a shrug of the shoulders.
'Relax. I am officially on holiday from today but I am not sure how long it will be.
We would have liked to have finished the season differently, but unfortunately we were not able to have a strong motivation. 'When we lost against Manchester United, it was difficult because we were in second place easily.' That they were even able to track United going into the final stages should be regarded as an achievement as, on this evidence, you would say Chelsea will be hard-pressed to stay in the top four next year. Too many of the 11 who started have had their best days and Roman Abramovich would do well to consider it is the squad that needs shaking up rather than constantly meddling with his head coach as Ancelotti goes the same way as Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari. For all that was wrong with Chelsea's efforts, Everton were terrific and the goal that secured three points was remarkable. Jermaine Beckford picked up a loose ball then charged 80 yards, bulldozing past five challenges before deftly chipping Petr Cech. Off: Peter Walton gives Seamus Coleman his marching orders
His adventure and determination was to be admired, sentiments which applied to Moyes's team as a whole. Even when Seamus Coleman was correctly sent off for an ugly lunge at John Mikel Obi midway through the second half, they kept pressing and embarrassed Chelsea with their relentless appetite for hard work. Brave wave: Ancelotti might have guessed his fate after Beckford's wonder goal 'The goal was like something out of a magazine,' beamed Moyes. 'It was Roy of the Rovers stuff. We played well with 11 men, did well with 10 and we had the best chances. 'The performance epitomised our club and it was a great way to end the season.' If only Ancelotti had been able to say the same.
David Moyes pays tribute to Everton FC’s Roy of the Rovers - Jermaine Beckford
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 23 2011
DAVID MOYES paid tribute to Everton’s very own Roy of the Rovers, after Jermaine Beckford scored a remarkable winner for his 10-man Everton team at the end of an 80-yard run.Beckford picked up the ball on the edge of his own penalty area at Goodison Park and dribbled the length of the field, before clipping a tidy finish past Chelsea keeper Petr Cech.Moyes told the media afterwards: “Roy of the Rovers lives on!“It is the sort of thing you would read in one of the magazines – get it in your own box, dribble past three players, get up there. “OK, you get a wee bit of a ricochet and it bounces for you and the keeper just gets his hand on it, you can’t tell if it’s going in but it just goes inside the post . . . while we’re down to 10 men.“I’ve just done your job for you!”Moyes then added that he didn’t know whether he expected Beckford to pass at some stage during his length of the pitch dash or not.“I thought of a lot of things while he was running with it,” he smiled. “But sometimes you maybe don’t give them credit.“The boy today had three chances. He scored one of them and maybe could have had another couple, but we knew when he came here that’s what he does, he gets you chances. There will be bits of his game which infuriate you, but over his career he’s always scored a goal or two.“It was a case of him maybe not recognising other people around him. He went on himself and there was one a bit like that in the first half when he went through and had, I think, John Heitinga waiting for a tap in. But maybe that’s what goalscorers do, they don’t see anybody but the back of the net.“That’s 10 goals this season and I think that’s probably exactly what I would have expected from him. Scored 10 goals, started some games, been sub in others, probably what we would have expected.“He’s scored in some big games as well. He can get his goals but he’s the sort of player you’ll have to live with some other faults.“But I don’t think come the end of the season you’ll ever be that disappointed with his goals return because I think his goals will be the reason he’s on the field.” Moyes added: “It was a really good goal. I thought in a lot of ways the whole performance epitomised Everton.“We thought we played well with 11. I thought we did well with 10. I thought it was a good game.“I thought we had the best chances – Beckford had two, Seamus Coleman had one, we were a little bit unlucky with a couple of headers from corner kicks and I was pleased with how the players played.“Never mind the result, I was pleased with the performance.”The only negative for the Blues on a day they confirmed a seventh place finish was the sending off of Young Player of the Year Seamus Coleman.The dismissal means the young Irishman will be suspended for the opening day of next season, but Moyes had no complaints over the red card for a studs up challenge on Jon Obi Mikel.“I thought it was a sending off,” he said.“Seamus had a bad touch, let the ball go away from him which meant he had to lunge in.“He did leave the ground. I think a booking was right and it was his second one. The referee called it right.”Moyes is already planning for next season and dismissed internet rumours linking him with a move away from Goodison this summer.“As far as I know I’m here and I’m the manager,” he declared.“I want to have a club, though, where I can give the supporters something, I really do.“I want a good fresh challenge when we come back next summer and hopefully that will be the case.”
David Prentice: Everton FC had nothing to play for against Chelsea? Don't you believe it...
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 23 2011
Everton celebrate beating ChelseaTO say there was nothing at stake at Goodison Park yesterday wasn’t strictly true. There was £756,000 for a start – the difference in merit money between finishing seventh and eighth, a sum duly banked by the Blues.There was the need to avoid any red cards and a postponed start to next season – a punishment harshly meted out to Seamus Coleman.Then there was an opportunity for players to play themselves into the manager’s plans for next season.And Everton had several possibles for whom the managerial jury could said to be still out.Reputations can be forged and broken in a single match.Just ask Yakubu.It was the Yak’s plodding performance against West Bromwich Albion in November which was the straw which broke the back of David Moyes’ faith in the Nigerian.He didn’t start again.And fans’ faith in the bright young thing that is Jack Rodwell has appeared to be waning in recent weeks.A growing consensus on the forums and the letters pages appears to be: “Twenty million quid? Drive him there Moyesey!”The manager’s opinion has been more supportive. And Rodwell’s performance yesterday justified his faith.He was powerful, penetrating and tidy in possession.In the sixth minute he raced down the right to clip in a cross which earned a corner, then seconds later dispossessed Frank Lampard as he looked to break clear at the other end.It was a cameo of the kind of player Rodwell appeared to be growing into this time last year.Yesterday he was disciplined, determined and looked once again like a player capable of building a midfield around.With a European Under-21 Championship to sharpen his game this summer – and a run free from injury at long last – Rodwell could get the opportunity to reclaim the young prince of English football crown currently worn by Jack Wilshere.Then there is Jermaine Beckford.Where do you start with the frustrating yet occasionally fertile forward?David Moyes hasn’t for almost a month.But handed a starting place yesterday for the first time since the defeat at Old Trafford, the 27-year-old veered from the sublime to the ridiculous.First came the ridiculous.Six minutes before the interval Beckford played a slick one-two with Arteta, raced into the Park End penalty area, drew Petr Cech – and when faced with the decision to shoot or pass to the unmarked Osman, did neither. His slice across goal was met with howls of despair.His support play was inconsistent, his touch erratic – then he scored a contender for the best goal seen at Goodison Park for years. Yes really. Even Wayne Rooney, in the days before he became a devil, failed to run from one penalty area to another, beating three players on the way, before clipping the ball around an advancing goalkeeper.Beckford did just that – and it was his single-minded, blinkers-on approach, the attitude which sometimes drives team-mates to distraction, ensured only he could have scored a goal like that.Such was the speed of the Everton counter-attack – at a time when they only had 10-men on the pitch – that he only had one opportunity to pass.Mikel Arteta was the ‘out’ ball on the halfway line, but Beckford didn’t even see him.He kept his head down, continued to run – and when he finally saw the whites of Petr Cech’s eyes his finish was classily composed.It ensured a victory that Everton deserved. The home side showed a passion and an enthusiasm which was matched only by match official Peter Walton.David Moyes thought that Walton’s decision to show Seamus Coleman a second yellow card was correct.The young Irishman won the ball with his lunging challenge, but his studs were raised.It was Mikel’s theatrical reaction which sparked a jostling match and ensured Coleman saw red – and the comparison with the red card the Nigerian received in a Carling Cup semi-final against the Blues wasn’t lost on many Evertonians.On that occasion Mikel did his best to geld Phil Neville, but the Blues captain still tried to struggle to his feet while the Chelsea player pleaded his innocence.Carlo Ancelotti’s reaction spoke volumes.He will not be around to manage Chelsea next season, but he still didn’t want to leave his successor any uncessary suspensions to deal with.Mikel was promptly substituted, as was Alex after the Brazilian was also fortunate to avoid a second yellow. In the event the red card simply gave Everton’s performance an added intensity which saw Chelsea overpowered.The victory ensured Everton finished one place higher than last season, but the mood is most definitely more circumspect.Last season’s gallop to the finishing line left Everton fans feeling they could conquer the world . . . or at least break into the top four.This time, despite beating the Premier League runners-up on the last day, there’s a fear that seventh is as high as Everton can aspire to.
Perhaps.
It’s no so long since Everton did manage to reach a Champions league qualifier, graced an FA Cup final and enjoyed back to back fifth place finishes.This current squad is capable of doing at least that – especially with a fully fit Jack Rodwell and a maverick goalscorer with a year’s Premier League experience under his belt in their squad.Expectations can still be high for Everton Football Club. Just like yesterday, there’s still plenty to play for at Goodison Park.
Everton FC 1 Chelsea 0: Greg O'Keeffe sees the Blues hit the right notes as seventh place is secured
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 23 2011
Jermaine Beckford celebrates his winner against ChelseaSEVENTH may not feel like heaven for Everton after a season that promised so much, but as blue skies replaced rain clouds over Goodison Park after victory over Chelsea, the future looked a little brighter again.A thrilling last day win over deposed Champions Chelsea was secured with a pulsating second half goal by Jermaine Beckford, who ran almost the entire length of the pitch to score the 10th strike of his debut campaign.The identity of the goal scorer contained a neat piece of symmetry with this campaign’s disjointed progress.Just like his club, Beckford made a slow start to the campaign but got going in the end, even if his efforts may not be enough to dissuade David Moyes that a top-class goal-scorer must be his summer transfer priority.While yesterday was billed as D-Day for the Premier League’s relegation haunted strugglers, somebody clearly forgot to tell Moyes’ men that little rested on the outcome of their clash with the West Londoners.Only a point was needed for Everton to secure seventh spot, but the Toffees produced a gutsy performance to ensure that a campaign many hoped would be truly special, at least finished on a high note.in adversity Everton flourished. Young player of the season Seamus Coleman was dismissed for a second bookable offence leaving the Blues with a mountain to climb to hang onto that vital point, and sure enough they went one better.If only this combination of spirit, adventure and conviction could be bottled and pumped into the Goodison dressing room before the top flight’s less exalted sides visit Merseyside next summer.On days like Sunday, those frustrating home results against Wigan, Wolves, Newcastle and Bolton seem more costly and infuriating than ever. Because the Blues were unbeaten at home by all but one of the eventual top four, and must ultimately rue the lack of a decisive cutting edge as their over-riding problem. Beckford’s Roy of the Rovers goal may have been wonderful to witness, but of much more value overall to Royal Blue ambitions would be a striker capable of scoring the coveted 20 goals a season.It is not as if Everton do not create chances. They created a few choice ones against a Chelsea team that may have long since had the stuffing knocked out of them, but still featured a defensive unit with one of the meanest records around.Phil Jagielka had the first near miss when his header rattled the bar from an out-swinging Mikel Arteta corner, and Everton soon went agonisingly close again when Seamus Coleman exchanged neat passes with Beckford on the edge of Chelsea’s box, but the Irishman delayed his shot long enough for Alex to block.Chelsea then survived a penalty scare when the Brazilian defender clattered Leon Osman in the area, although replays showed he had just about nicked the ball.At the back Sylvain Distin was at his immovable best, executing a superb last-ditch block on Nicolas Anelka, but otherwise the visiting attack failed to spark during a ponderous first half hour and generally reflected the despondent mood of its soon to be unemployed manager.Player of the season Leighton Baines tried to repeat his FA Cup set piece heroics against Chelsea, when Arteta passed a short free kick to him, but this time the left-back’s long range effort was drilled wide.Then Beckford strode into the area only to deliver a meekly inaccurate shot that whistled comfortably clear of Peter Cech’s far post, and seemed falsely to hint that this would be one of the forward’s more fruitless afternoons.With the second half in its infancy, Seamus Coleman was punished with a second yellow card for a studs-up challenge on Jon Obi Mikel, although Everton’s young player of the season appeared to win the ball, making a mockery of the Nigerian’s subsequent play-acting.Indeed it was a surprisingly sprightly Mikel who then started a move that culminated in John Terry striking the foot of the post with a powerfully drilled shot.One wag suggested that with Torres effectively missing in action for the Londoners, Coleman’s red card had only evened things up. Even so, it was tough on Everton’s Irish marauder who should not let the incident sour the memory of a sensational personal season.Things were heating up, and as the Blues went on the attack Tony Hibbert floated a pass to Beckford who yet again did everything but apply a decisive finish.He soon made spectacular amends. Taking advantage of a lucky break deep in his own half after a sloppy Chelsea corner, the former Leeds man sprinted upfield with the ball, survived a clumsy challenge from Paulo Ferreria, and applied enough purchase on his goal-bound chip to defy Cech’s attempted one-handed save.Moyes treated Beckford to a standing ovation by replacing him with Victor Anichebe, and although Chelsea had plenty of the ball as the clock ticked down they were well contained.What now then? Last season the Blues finished a place lower but the summer generated dreams of glory. As the six clubs above Everton will undoubtedly now spend big once again, nobody around Goodison is likely to harbour hopes of a top four finish unless Moyes finally has some financial muscle.Seventh, he has said, may be as good as it gets. But this is no time for rank despondency; the Scot is likely to play down expectations all summer.In reality Everton are still close to the division’s best sides, and only financial outlay will determine their ultimate chances of catching them.Will Moyes have to sacrifice key men in order to boost his coffers? Will his board somehow conjure up enough money to make a difference?It’s going to be an interesting summer.
EVERTON (4-4-1-1): Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Heitinga, Arteta (Capt), (Cahill, 90 +) Osman, Rodwell, Coleman, Beckford (Anichebe, 80). Not used: Mucha, Gueye, Forshaw, Duffy, Baxter.
CHELSEA (4-3-3): Cech, Ivanovic, Terry (Capt), Alex (Ferreira, 70), Cole, Lampard, Essien (McEachran, 78) Mikel (59, Kalou), Malouda, Torres, Anelka. Not used: Turnbull, Luiz, Zhirkov, Bertrand.
GOALS: Beckford (74)
CARDS: Heitinga, Coleman, Baines (Everton). Alex, Torres (Chelsea) Sent off – Coleman (yellow x 2)
REFEREE: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
ATTENDANCE: 38,712
Everton FC’s seventh place finish is a reality check says Phil Jagielka
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 23 2011
Phil Jagielka PHIL JAGIELKA admits Everton’s seventh place finish has been a reality check – but insists David Moyes will demand better next season despite financial constraints.The England defender was pleased after a deserved Goodison win over Chelsea ensured the Blues finished one place higher than their last campaign, but conceded that finances have ultimately been the deciding factor in their failure to qualify for Europe.David Moyes is shortly set to hold key talks with Everton’s board to determine his spending power in close season, but Jagielka insisted the Scot will still expect more from his current squad regardless of additions.He said: “We’ve got to take a reality check. We’d love to finish fourth, third, second or first. But realistically, look at teams who can even spend £50m in transfers, and we’re not even talking the money Man City spends.“Liverpool sold Torres for £50m and Babel for £9m and replaced them with Suarez and Andy Carroll – it’s spending power we know we haven’t got. Chelsea have spent, Spurs have, Arsenal will probably spend again. Even Villa spent big on Darren Bent.“Yes expectations were high in the summer because of how well we finished last season, and we have done OK. I don’t think we’ve played particularly amazing but we’ve got results in the last 15 games.“Maybe expectations elsewhere won’t be as high this time around, but I’m sure the gaffer’s ambitions will be higher. He won’t want another poor start and he’ll find out why. But hopefully when these games come around towards the end of next season they mean a lot more than trying to secure seventh.”Jagielka, who is waiting to learn if he will be included in Fabio Capello’s England squad for the next month’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland, said he has been pleased with Everton’s impressive record against the Premier League’s top six.“That’s been great,” he said. “Unfortunately it’s been the rest of the games that we’ve struggled. “The boys have done fantastically well to put in the performance we did against Chelsea, because there wasn’t much on it but the gaffer will be happy with his results against the top six but when it comes to the other teams it’s been frustrating. As of recently we’ve found a bit of a game plan and a way to dig out results like we used to, and since January the form has been decent.”The 28-year-old defender was full of praise for goal-scorer Jermaine Beckford, although he said Moyes is still likely to attempt to add to his forward roster this summer.He said: “We can’t rely on just Becks. Thankfully we had Tim for the first part of the season, people may forget but he was very important for the first half of the season and got nine goals in the first six months. Between the pair of them, Louis got nine as well – so the three of them did well but I’m sure the gaffer will be looking to bring some more quality up there. It won’t be specifically to replace Jermaine, just to help him along. I’m sure if he played every game of the season injury free he would have got a few more, but as it was he only had a six month of season starting but he did really well.“We do need fresh faces come the summer, and there might be a few people who’s contracts are up or might not be staying here but the gaffer knows what he’s been doing. He’s been doing it long enough now and the season has left on a positive note. Hopefully we can get some fresh faces, pretend it’s January instead of August when the season begins and get a good start.”
Everton FC’s Leon Osman tips Jermaine Beckford for even more goals next year
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
May 23 2011
LEON OSMAN has hailed team-mate Jermaine Beckford after the striker ensured Everton finished their Premier League campaign on a high note.Beckford grabbed the only goal as David Moyes’ side secured a 1-0 win over runners-up Chelsea at Goodison Park, running the length of the field to beat Petr Cech and net the 10th strike of his maiden top-flight season.And Osman believes the 27-year-old, a free transfer from Leeds United last summer, has proven a shrewd acquisition for the club.“It’s a great achievement for Jermaine to get to 10 goals,” said Osman. “I’d be interested to know how many starts he has had this season, because for much of the campaign he was used as an impact sub, and wasn’t starting many games.“To score ten goals is a great achievement for him and hopefully he can manage even more next season. “Any team pushing towards the top of the league has a player scoring around 20 goals a season. It’s been a while since we had that, but if we can get one of our strikers scoring that amount of goals, or find a striker who can, then it will benefit us hugely.“Of course it is well documented that we don’t have the kind of fees that 20 goal a season strikers demand, but the manager has proven that he can find players. He found Jermaine last season and he has scored ten goals for us, so maybe he can find us another for next season.”Victory over Chelsea ensured Everton finished the season in 7th place, an improvement on last year, and was all the more impressive given the fact that they played the majority of the second half with just ten men, following Seamus Coleman’s dismissal. The win also means the Toffees finish the campaign unbeaten in four meetings with the Londoners.Osman says he was pleased to end the season with a win, but admits there is a frustration at the club over their failure to perform consistently over the course of the season.“It was a positive way to end the season,” he added. “We have beaten Chelsea – one of the top sides who competed for the league – and we have done it with ten men for a large part of the game.“Sometimes it happens at this club that when we are up against it we produce our best football. When we are barely putting a team together, or when we go down to ten men, you seem to see the best of us. It is good when it happens, but we need to show that all the time.
“Our record against the big clubs shows that we are a team capable of doing well. We have a good record against the top teams, but we need to now find a way of doing that consistently, and beating the lower teams. The best teams in the land can beat the good teams and also find a way of beating the lesser teams.“But I feel we are improving at breaking down the lower teams, and hopefully we will continue to do that next season.Osman has enjoyed a strong end to the campaign personally, with a series of impressive displays in an advanced central midfield role.But the 30-year-old insists he is looking forwards, not back, and is hoping to help the club push towards to top of the table next season.“It has been a pleasing season,” he said. “I started the season ok, and then when I got into my stride I picked up an injury, needed an operation and had two and a half months out. But as I’ve got going again I’ve managed to hit some good form, and hopefully I can get that going again next season, and so can the team.“It has happened for a few seasons that teams above us are spending money and getting stronger, but I think that only galvanizes us and brings us closer together. We’ve got some good players here already, so hopefully we can push on from here and have a strong season next year.”
Everton FC manager David Moyes hails ‘Roy of the Rovers’ Jermaine Beckford
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
May 23 2011
EVERTON manager David Moyes was stunned Beckford’s brilliant individual goal.The former Leeds striker, signed on a free transfer last summer, broke up a Chelsea attack on the edge of his own area and set off on a charge.He had a stroke of luck on halfway when the ball bounced kindly off Paulo Ferreira but he took full advantage and raced on to clip the ball beyond Petr Cech.The goalkeeper did manage to get a hand to the ball but the shot had just enough power to bobble in.The goal ensured that Beckford finished his debut Premier League season on double figures despite only starting 14 matches throughout the campaign.The strike will have been particularly sweet for the player who was released by Chelsea as a youngster and Moyes said: “Roy of the Rovers lives on! It is the sort of thing you would read in one of the magazines – get it in your own box, pass three players, get up there.“Okay you get a wee bit of a ricochet and it bounces for you and the keeper just gets his hand on it but it spins inside the post.“It really epitomised the whole performance. We played well with 11 and did well with 10. “I thought we had the best chances and I was pleased with how the players played.“Never mind the result, I was pleased with the performance.”Moyes also had no complaints over Coleman’s dismissal after a reckless challenge on Jon Obi Mikel.“I thought it was a sending off,” he said.“Seamus had a bad touch, let the ball go away from him – meaning he had to lunge in. He did leave the ground. I think a booking was right and it was his second one. The referee called it right.”
Moment of magic rounds off topsy turvy term for Everton FC
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
May 23 2011
GOOD things come to those who wait, goes the old saying. Goodison Park had waited all season for a moment to savour. On the final day of the Premier League campaign, they got just that.Jermaine Beckford’s winning goal fifteen minutes from time ensured Everton finished a topsy-turvy campaign on a peak rather than a trough.The former Leeds United striker ran the length of the field to score his tenth goal of a productive debut campaign in the top flight, and ensure David Moyes’ side improved upon their eighth-place finish last season.That they did so whilst down to ten men, following Seamus Coleman’s dismissal early in the second half, shows the resilience and character which runs deep throughout this team.That it seems to take adversity, and the presence of a top-drawer opponent, to bring the best from them is an issue Moyes will be doubtless eager to address during what could be a pivotal summer at the club.Moyes will know exactly which areas of his squad require strengthening in time for next season; a lack of firepower has been the Toffees’ Achilles heel all season long, whilst quality cover is patently needed in wide areas. Whether the Scotsman is afforded, or can raise, sufficient funds to rectify these matters remains to be seen.With Chelsea guaranteed the Premier League’s runners-up spot before a ball was kicked in the Merseyside sunshine, and with Everton virtually assured of seventh spot themselves, pride was the only trophy on the table at Goodison. The pace at which the opening 45 minutes was played suggested that avoiding injury may have been equally prominent in players’ minds.Moyes made two changes to the side which had flopped at West Brom a week ago, with Jack Rodwell replacing the absent skipper Phil Neville in midfield, and Beckford preferred to Victor Anichebe as the lone front-man.And with the game beginning at testimonial pace, it was Chelsea who looked the more comfortable in possession. Everton, however, looked the more likely scorers. Phil Jagielka might have done so inside seven minutes as he rose to meet a corner from Mikel Arteta, but saw his firm header clip the top of Petr Cech’s crossbar.Soon after Coleman – who collected the club’s Young Player of the Year gong last week – failed to convert an excellent chance following a neat one-two with Beckford The Irishman was left clean through on Cech but delayed his shot too long, allowing Alex to make a scrambling recovery tackle.And the Brazilian defender was involved again moments later as he slid in on Leon Osman as the midfielder threatened to wriggle clear in the penalty area. Replays showed the Chelsea man to have played the ball, albeit clumsily, as referee Peter Walton waved away strong Everton protests.At the other end it was Sylvain Distin who was called upon to make a last-ditch intervention of his own, getting in the way of Nicolas Anelka’s shot after a rare flowing move from the recently-deposed Champions. But, other than a couple of speculative long-range efforts, two of which Tim Howard dealt with expertly from Anelka, the Londoners’ threat remained minimal.Beckford, bright and busy throughout, was given a run at goal as the half drew to a close, as he latched onto Arteta’s smart pass down the inside-left channel, burst clear of Alex but sidefooted his shot horribly wide, with Osman crying out for a square ball.But whilst the first half was a tepid affair, the second took no time at all to burst into life. Referee Walton had already cautioned Alex and Leighton Baines within the opening minutes of the second period when Coleman, already booked for a nothing challenge in the first-half, jumped in on Mikel on the edge of the penalty area.Replays showed the Irishman to have taken a sizeable chunk of the ball, but the manner and force with which the tackle was made, coupled with the furious reaction of the Chelsea players, convinced Walton to reach for his pocket once more, and for the second week running Everton were made to play out the second half with 10 men.John Terry crashed a low 25-yarder against the base of Howard’s right hand post seconds later, but still it was the home side who created the clearer openings. Beckford was again given a clear sight at goal, collecting a lofted pass from Tony Hibbert and turning past Alex before sidefooting straight into the body of a grateful Cech, before Arteta dragged a 20-yard effort wide.Walton further infuriated the home crowd by refusing to issue a second yellow card to Alex, but Everton were indebted to the officials for spotting an offside after Howard had spilled Frank Lampard’s stinging 25-yarder to Branislav Ivanovic’s feet soon after.Yet as Chelsea began to exert some pressure, with a series of dangerous moves down the left-hand side, they were undone by a goal of persistence, pace and quality.The cry from the Park End was to buy some time when the 27-year-old won the ball from Lampard in his own penalty area, but Beckford had other ideas. Driving straight through the centre of the pitch, he evaded three Chelsea defenders, before taking advantage of a lucky ricochet to find himself racing clear on goal.Once there, he remained composed to stroke the ball past Cech, who got an arm to the ball, but could not prevent it from sneaking inside his far post. Rarely has Goodison witnessed a goal of such individualism, with such distance covered.With Chelsea stunned, Beckford was replaced to a standing ovation, as Everton played out the final quarter of an hour with surprising comfort against a side who, in truth, looked like their race was run before a ball was kicked.The Gwladys Street taunted Carlo Ancelotti throughout with chants of ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’. They were wrong; the Italian was relieved of his duties before the Chelsea bus had reached the M62.Fernando Torres, given a predictably hostile reception throughout, was another to have an afternoon to forget. The Spaniard was expertly neutered by the faultless Jagielka, and cut a disinterested figure for much of the game. A last minute booking for a needless trip on John Heitinga summed up his day. Or indeed, his season.
For Everton, the season will be remembered by a series of what-ifs. What if they had started with anything resembling the form and confidence they finished the last campaign? What if Louis Saha and Tim Cahill – who made a last-minute cameo appearance here – had been fit for the bulk of the campaign?And more importantly, what if Moyes’ side could reproduce their form against the Premier League’s elite when faced with the so-called lesser teams?Moyes knows he has the raw materials to make this side a competitive one. The fact that they end the season unbeaten against Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool alone proves that. The key now is finding the consistency. And the problem with that is; every manager in the land is looking for it.
Chelsea begin hunt for new boss after sacking Carlo Ancelotti
23 May 2011 (This is London)
Chelsea wasted no time kicking off their search for a new manager after sacking Carlo Ancelotti barely an hour after their final game of the season.The Blues will start next term with their seventh manager in the last eight years, with Ancelotti given the boot in the wake of yesterday's 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Everton.Guus Hiddink - who had a successful spell as caretaker manager two years ago - is reportedly the Russian's number one target, with Porto's Andre Villas-Boas also heavily touted.But securing either of them will not be easy, with Turkey boss Hiddink reportedly reluctant to re-enter frontline club management and Villas-Boas tied down by a prohibitively high release clause.That could open the door for a raft of other candidates.But any rebuilding must be completed against the backdrop of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich's ruthless ambition, as Ancelotti discovered in the most brutal fashion last night.The Italian was denied the meeting he was expecting with the club's hierarchy next week and was instead given his marching orders by chief executive Ron Gourlay at Goodison Park.It is understood that was pre-planned, with the club keen to resolve any uncertainty about Ancelotti's future before the players went on holiday next week.The timing of Ancelotti's sacking was the only real surprise, with the 51-year-old appearing a dead man walking at Stamford Bridge for several weeks.Despite winning the club's first ever double in his maiden season last year, he followed it up with their worst campaign of the Abramovich era.The Russian had never before tolerated a manager failing to win at least one trophy in a given year and announcing Ancelotti's departure on their official website, www.chelseafc.com, the club said in a statement: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Carlo Ancelotti parted company with the club today."The owner and board would like to thank Carlo for his contribution and achievements since taking over as manager in July 2009, which included winning the double for the first time in the club's history."However, this season's performances have fallen short of expectations and the club feels the time is right to make this change ahead of next season's preparations."Carlo will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge, where he will be given the reception and respect his position in our history deserves."Chelsea's long-term football objectives and ambitions remain unchanged and we will now be concentrating all our efforts on identifying a new manager."There will be no further comment until that appointment is made."Ancelotti was given the boot immediately after completing his post-match media duties at Goodison Park.That had seen him in good humour, saying: "I am now on holiday - but I am not sure how long my holiday will be!"
Chelsea slump to Everton defeat
By Dan Levene
May 22 2011
Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle
Everton 1-0 Chelsea
CHELSEA knew their trip to Merseyside would be largely pointless before they set off, but it ended up being totally pointless. A dour, lifeless performance from the Blues saw them struggle against their opposition when they had a full complement, and capitulate when the Toffees went down to ten men. The sending off of Shamus Coleman at the start of the second half seemed to galvanise the home team, who had already had the lions share of chances. A 50-yard run from Jermaine Beckford produced the only goal in the 74th minute, leaving Chelsea's defence looking bewildered on the half-way line.
Everton 1-0 Chelsea: Beckford ends Carlo's misery
May 23 2011 The Daily Mirror
A stunning individual goal from Jermaine Beckford condemned Carlo Ancelotti's lacklustre Chelsea to defeat to 10-man Everton in their final game of season this afternoon. Beckford ran almost the length of the field after 75 minutes to end Everton's frustrating Barclays Premier League campaign on a high at Goodison Park. It was no more than the Merseysiders deserved, even after Seamus Coleman was sent off for a second bookable offence early in the second half. Didier Drogba was not even among Carlo Ancelotti's substitutes as former Liverpool forwards Fernando Torres and Nicolas Anelka started up front at Goodison Park. Everton captain Phil Neville was also absent as Jack Rodwell and Victor Anichebe came into David Moyes' side. Drogba failed to make the action due to a groin problem while Neville pulled out with a painful mouth infection. The match began at typical end-of-season pace with little urgency shown by either side in the opening five minutes. Everton upped the tempo when Jack Rodwell broke down right and pushed into the box to win a corner.
Phil Jagielka got forward for the resulting set-piece and went close to opening the scoring when he met Mikel Arteta's cross with a firm header which clipped the top of the bar. The Chelsea fans had little to excite them but were vociferous enough as they chanted their support for Ancelotti, making clear they want the Italian to stay at Stamford Bridge this summer. Everton continued to make all the running and Seamus Coleman was denied in front of goal by a fine Ashley Cole tackle after playing a one-two with Jermaine Beckford. Leon Osman then went down in the box under a challenge from Alex but referee Peter Walton played on. It was not until the 24th minute that Chelsea created a serious chance as Torres and Frank Lampard combined to set up Anelka but Sylvain Distin slid in to block the forward's shot. Chelsea were lacking cohesion with Torres again struggling to make an impression but they had a chance when Alex headed over from a Florent Malouda corner. Beckford should have done better when he broke into the area but his final touch was neither shot nor cross and Chelsea survived. Torres stretched the Everton defence with a good run down the left but his ball into the box was too far behind Anelka and the Toffees cleared.
Tim Howard was tested for the first time in the final minute of the first half when he saved twice from Anelka. Everton made a bright start to the second period with Osman winning a free-kick just outside the area, although it came to nothing. Beckford then appeared to beat Alex but was body-checked by the defender and consequently booked. The Merseysiders' afternoon took a turn for the worse, however, as Coleman was dismissed for a second bookable offence after a lunge at Jon Obi Mikel in the 53rd minute. The Irishman lost control but appeared to win back the ball as he dived into a challenge but Walton was unimpressed with the studs-up tackle. After a fracas involving several players from both sides, Coleman was shown the yellow and red cards but he still left to a standing ovation in recognition of an outstanding season. That briefly sparked Chelsea into life and John Terry remarkably went close to opening the scoring with a thunderous low shot from distance which struck the base of the post. Everton quickly responded as Beckford brilliantly controlled a long ball inside the Chelsea box and turned inside Alex but Cech smothered his shot. Arteta then went close as he fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box. Beckford continued to torment Alex and the Brazilian was perhaps fortunate to escape a second booking for bringing him down again just inside the Everton half. Alex was spared further punishment as Ancelotti replaced him with Paulo Ferreira moments later. Beckford was not to be denied and took centre stage in magnificent style to secure victory with 15 minutes remaining. The former Leeds forward broke up a Chelsea attack on the edge of his own box and then set off on a long run into the other box. He got a lucky break on halfway when the ball rebounded kindly off Ferreira but he took full advantage as he continued his charge. Cech came out to meet him as he raced into the box and the keeper got a hand to the ball as Beckford chipped for goal but the shot had just enough power and bobbled over the line. It was just what the hosts deserved and Chelsea lacked the urgency to claw back an equaliser. Ancelotti leaves Chelsea Ancelotti pays heavy price for failing to deliver Roman’s Holy Grail - Martin Lipton on Carlo's sacking
EVERTON 1 CHELSEA 0
23rd May 2011 By Chris Brereton
The Daily Star
EVERTON 1 -- CHELSEA 0
JERMAINE BECKFORD’s ‘Roy of the Rovers’ stunner helped 10-men Everton sink Chelsea and signal the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign. The Italian admitted he was off on his holidays immediately after the game, but Blues owner Roman Abramovich moved quickly to tell him not to come back to Stamford Bridge next season. Abramovich’s obsession with Champions League glory means he is ready to crank up his managerial conveyor belt again. Despite delivering the Premier League and FA Cup Double last time, this term’s silverware drought forced Abramovich’s hand, even though Ancelotti was liked by both players and fans. Yesterday, though, Chelsea were awful on an afternoon where they played for 40 minutes with an extra man following Seamus Coleman’s second yellow card. Beckford sealed the points for Everton with a wonder goal that he will never repeat in a million years. With 15 minutes to go, he ran virtually the length of the field and steam-rolled his way through or around half the Chelsea side before just beating Petr Cech. Earlier, Beckford had a shot that went out for a throw-in – which underlines just how out of sorts he was. But he produced a gem of a moment to add even more misery to Chelsea’s end-of-term report. It summed up Ancelotti’s season, as he admitted his men have been second best. But just minutes before he got news of his chop, the Italian grinned and insisted he was not going to lose much sleep over his future. He said: “I’m going to relax. I’m officially on holiday from today. I’m not sure how long my holiday will be. “We would have liked to have finished the season differently, but unfortunately we were not able to have a strong motivation today. “We didn’t play well. It was difficult to find the right motivation. “When we lost against Manchester United, it was difficult because we were in second place easily. We wanted to finish the season differently. “This is normal at the end of the season. We worked really hard up until losing the title against United.” But despite being upset with how his side finished, Ancelotti insisted that speculation about his own future never affected the team. He added: “I don’t think the players are involved in my situation. I don’t think this was the reason to have less motivation.” Early on, Phil Jagielka’s fine header clipped the top of the Chelsea crossbar as he seemed to hang in the air and beat John Terry from a Mikel Arteta corner. But hopes of a Goodison Park classic were soon dashed in a dreadful first half. Coleman did go close with one effort, while a last-gasp Alex tackle also stopped Leon Osman from scoring. The standard – and the tempers – rose after the break as Coleman got his two yellow cards in the space of five minutes.
But Everton are nothing if not a team of scrappers and they actually played better with only 10 men.
A goalless draw still seemed to be the most likely result, though, before Beckford wrote his own script. A Chelsea move broke down and he looked up to see five players in front of him. However, he muscled and wriggled his way past all of them before slotting past Cech as the home crowd went ballistic. Everton held on to finish in seventh spot – one place higher than last season. And boss David Moyes was baffled and thrilled by Beckford’s finish after a tough season in charge of the Toffees. He said: “I’m thinking to myself, ‘Roy of the Rovers lives on’. “It’s the sort of thing you’d read in a magazine – get it in your own box, get past three players, a few ricochets, keeper gets a hand on it and it spins in off a post. “The whole performance epitomised Everton. We did well with 10. We had the best chances today and it was agreat game. “I wanted to finish seventh today. We finished eighth last year. “Is seventh an improvement? “Possibly, but I think there are a lot of people who’d think that’s not good enough and I was one of them at the start of the season. “I want to have a club, though, where I can give the supporters something. I want it to be fresh.
“I want it to be a good, fresh challenge when I come back next season. Let’s hope that’s the case.”
Dazzling Jermaine Beckford solo earns 10-man Everton win over Chelsea
May 23 2011 The Guardian
Carlo Ancelotti's descent from Double-winning manager to unemployment is complete. The Italian had sat in the media suite at Everton within an hour of this last loss, a game surrendered to 10 men and a staggering goal, and pondered what was next. "Officially, I am now on holiday," he had said. "I'm just not sure how long my holiday will be." The confirmation was delivered within minutes, the Chelsea chief executive, Ron Gourlay, meeting the manager at the foot of the stairs to relieve him of his duties with 12 months of a three-year contract to run. The fight had rather been knocked out of the Italian over recent weeks, as it had been from his team once defeat at Old Trafford had killed off their chances of retaining their title. He accepted the decision, instead of protesting it. Ancelotti had been due to return to Italy on Monday on holiday, returning, presumably, if the anticipated discussions with Gourlay had required him to be present. He will fly out anyway, with a summer to contemplate what is next. His instinct was always to remain in English football, though Roma could yet tempt him to return to Serie A. A manager of his quality will not stay out of work for long. He will have a chance to prove Chelsea wrong. This was still a limp way to go out. Everton have not lost a league game to Chelsea since Avram Grant was in charge of the Londoners and they deserved to finish their season with a flourish, having created the better opportunities here before and after Seamus Coleman's red card. Yet Jermaine Beckford, primarily, had fluffed his lines. Then, 16 minutes from time, Chelsea's short-corner routine was lax and Beckford stole the ball from Frank Lampard on the edge of Everton's penalty area. What ensued was as breathtaking as it was ridiculous, as the striker ploughed upfield, away from flailing Chelsea players. He emerged with the ball after a couple of ricochets when the visiting pack briefly caught him in the centre circle, then wriggled free to bear down on goal. His shot flicked from Petr Cech's fingertips and might have bounced wide but, as Goodison Park held its breath, the spin turned the ball into the net. "Roy of the Rovers lives on," said David Moyes. "It's the sort of thing you'd read in a magazine: you're down to 10 men and he gets it in his own box, gets past three players, benefits from a few ricochets, the keeper gets a hand on it and it spins in off a post." Beckford can be infuriating, a player as capable of the baffling as the dazzling, but this 10th and best goal of the season was a reminder of his talent. Chelsea had no answer, even in the frantic latter stages when they huffed and puffed but were thwarted by vigorous Everton defending. John Terry skimmed a shot against the woodwork from 20 yards but that was as close as they came even after Coleman's dismissal, for two cautions in five minutes. Ancelotti's admission that "motivation" had been a problem since Old Trafford was revealing, though this season had actually slipped away in midwinter, when 10 points were taken from 11 matches.
"They can judge my job over two years and take a decision," the Italian said, before he knew he was to be cut adrift. No such logic was applied in reality, the travelling fans' chorus of "We want you to stay", which had rung out over the course of the afternoon, being ignored by the powers that be. Chelsea are managerless once again.
Ancelotti sacked in Goodison corridor by ruthless Chelsea
By Mark Fleming
Monday, 23 May 2011
The Indepentent
Chelsea sacked their Double-winning manager Carlo Ancelotti in a corridor at Goodison Park minutes after the club's 1-0 defeat to Everton yesterday. It came as little surprise that Ancelotti was dismissed by the club he had led to the Premier League and the FA Cup just a year ago; his failure to maintain a sustained challenge to Manchester United, at home and in Europe, ultimately cost him his job. However, the speed of the sacking and the shabby way it was delivered were unexpected, the blow delivered not by owner Roman Abramovich but by the Chelsea chief executive, Ron Gourlay, immediately after Ancelotti had given a press conference to the media following the defeat to Everton. The Italian then joined the rest of the staff and players on a private plane for the flight back to London to say his goodbyes. Ancelotti, 51, parted company with the players late last night at the club's training ground in Cobham, Surrey, where their cars had ben left before the trip to Merseyside. He then took some close members of staff out for a drink. He last night said: "I received the news of my sacking before the flight. I accept and I respect Chelsea's decision. I spent two fantastic years in this club. I think I did a good job. Now, I think about my future. I would prefer stay in England and in Premier League." Earlier he had been told that results this season had not been good enough, after Chelsea finished second to Manchester United in the Premier League but trailed the champions by nine points. Chelsea also lost both legs of their Champions League quarter-final to United. A club statement said: "This season's performances have fallen short of expectations and the club feels the time is right to make this change ahead of next season's preparations."
Ancelotti, who is due to start a holiday in Italy today, will receive a pay-off of around £6m, as he has one year left to run on a three-year contract. His Italian assistants Bruno Demichelis, Luigi Lasala and Giorgio Ciaschini have also left the club and will be seeking compensation. It is believed Chelsea will insist on a clause in compensation that will prevent him from working for any other Premier League club for 12 months. The next move will depend in part on Guus Hiddink, who acted as caretaker manager in 2009. The Dutchman is currently employed by Turkey who have a key Euro 2012 qualifier in Belgium on 3 June 3. Hiddink is understood to be prepared to return as director of football, working with a coach underneath him and has suggested Marco van Basten, the former Holland and Ajax manager, and Frank Rijkaard, who has worked previously at Barcelona and Galatasaray.
Chelsea are also very interested in Andre Villas-Boas, the Porto coach who has won the league, cup and Europa League in his first season at the club, at the age of 33. Villas-Boas previously worked at Chelsea as a scout during the reign of Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese prodigy recently revealed he has a £13m buy-out clause in his contract, which would be well within the financial means of Abramovich. Didier Deschamps of Marseilles is another candidate, while there is also speculation that a move for Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is being considered. Rafael Benitez, the former Liverpool and Internazionale manager, has made it clear to Chelsea via third parties that he would be very interested in the job, and has been playing up his understanding with their £50m striker Fernando Torres. Whoever comes in will have a hard job replacing Ancelotti, who was widely respected in the English game. Under his leadership Chelsea won the Premier League last season and Ancelotti's free-scoring team broke the record for the most league goals in a Premier League season with 103 and followed it by beating Portsmouth 1-0 to add the FA Cup. However, Ancelotti's failure in the Champions League, losing both legs of a last -16 tie to Internazionale, was a blot on his copybook. The seeds for this season's failure were sown last summer, when Chelsea released five senior professionals – Michael Ballack, Joe Cole, Ricardo Carvalho, Juliano Belletti and Deco. Ballack told The Independent last year that Ancelotti did not want him to leave, although publicly the manager has always said he agreed with the decision. The main arrival was the Brazilian midfielder Ramires for £17m, even though Ancelotti would have preferred to have signed the German player Bastian Schweinsteiger. Ancelotti's position was further undermined in November when Abramovich intervened to sack the manager's right-hand man Ray Wilkins. In addition he promoted in Wilkins' place the little known Michael Emenalo to be his eyes and ears at the training ground. Chelsea promptly went on a run of nine league games which included four defeats, four draws and one victory, which effectively knocked them out of the title race. They dropped back to being 15 points behind United and although they managed to reduce the gap to three, they were still never quite in United's class. His fate was effectively sealed when Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League by United when they lost 2-1 at Old Trafford on 12 April. He looked stressed and distracted when he spoke to the media yesterday following the defeat at Everton. Asked what he planned to do now, when his fate had yet to be decided, he replied: "Relax. I am now on holiday, I just don't know how long that holiday is going to last." A fairly low-key game at Goodison, in which Everton's Seamus Coleman was sent off in the 53rd minute, was settled by Jermaine Beckford's superb individual goal with 16 minutes to go.
Beckford brilliance sends Ancelotti off on 'holiday'
Everton 1 Chelsea 0
By Chris Brereton at Goodison Park
The Indepentent
Monday, 23 May 2011
If, as expected, this was Carlo Ancelotti's last match in charge of Chelsea it seems an undeserved way to be remembered. As for Jermaine Beckford, the scorer of Everton's ludicrously brilliant winner, he will happily pull this out of his personal memory bank for years to come. Ancelotti may have delivered the only Premier League and FA Cup Double in Chelsea's history last season but memories under Roman Abramovich are short and, consequently, Ancelotti's shelf life even shorter. Survival Sunday meant something entirely different at Goodison Park. ith a win percentage of 62 per cent from his 109 games in charge, Ancelotti has more than done enough to justify his existence and he remains popular with players and fans, but a trophy-less season is simply something Abramovich is unwilling to countenance. "Relax," said the Italian when questioned about his future, "I'm officially on holiday from today. I'm not sure how long my holiday will be." The game was sealed by a stunning goal from Beckford as he ran the length of the field to beat Petr Cech and help Everton to a win that was all the more impressive because they played 40 minutes with only 10 men following Seamus Coleman's dismissal for two bookable offences. A bitty opening was illuminated by Coleman toying with Ashley Cole as the Everton man, who cost the home side less than one week of Cole's wages, underlined his startling progress under David Moyes this season. In fact, the former Sligo Rovers midfielder should have opened the scoring with 15 minutes gone as he wriggled into the area but he gave Cole just enough time to get back. Almost immediately, pleas for an Everton penalty were fruitless as Alex clattered Leon Osman in the area but replays showed that the well positioned referee Peter Walton judged it beautifully and spotted it was actually a wonderful, albeit risky, challenge. Chelsea took an age to unlock Everton's defence, which is much-improved this season, and Sylvain Distin managed to block a Nicolas Anelka effort that reminded Everton that the visitors may be an animal licking its wounds but that does not mean it cannot bear its teeth from time to time. It is a shame Everton could not do the same. A Beckford effort went for a throw-in just before half-time to encapsulate the game's mediocrity although Coleman's dismissal for a hefty tackle on John Obi Mikel did ensure a more lively second period. Coleman's second yellow card came just five minutes after his first and while it changed Everton's shape it did not curtail their approach. Beckford again missed a decent opportunity as he found Cech's legs rather than the goal and Mikel Arteta also went close, while Chelsea were so shorn of ideas that it was left to John Terry to try to score from 35 yards out, with predictable results. Beckford had looked as equally unlikely to find the net until, for once, his execution matched his ambition. After a 70-yard dash down the centre of the pitch and through Chelsea's defence he somehow found the winner. Substitutes: Everton Anichebe (Beckford, 80), Cahill (Arteta, 90). Chelsea Kalou (Mikel, 61), Ferreira (Alex, 70), McEachran (Essien, 78). Booked: Everton Baines, Heitinga, Coleman. Chelsea Alex. Sent off Coleman (53). Man of the match Jagielka. Match rating 7/10. Possession Everton 49% Chelsea 51%. Attempts on target Everton 3 Chelsea 9. Referee P Walton (Northants).
Attendance 38,712.
Everton FC rumour mill: Blues set to bolster striking options with moves for DJ Campbell & Jay Bothroyd
May 23 2011
DJ Campbell set to call the tune at Goodison?
DJ Campbell could be the first casualty of Blackpool's relegation as Everton FC look to exploit a £750,000 release clause for the forward, triggered by his current side's drop from the top flight.So says Metro, also reporting the Blues may have to battle Sunderland to secure the striker's signature..Campbell - who fired the winner when Blackpool beat Liverpool 2-1 at Bloomfield Road back in January - is one of several stars Tangerines manager Ian Holloway fears losing in the summer.Never short of a good quote, Holloway said: "I have got a very hard job on my hands now to keep this team together. None of them want to fall into the Championship and some of them will get snapped up by the vultures."
Source: Metro
Blues to snap up Jay Bothroyd?
With Cardiff unsuccessful in their efforts to gain promotion from the Championship, striker Jay Bothroyd will not be offered a new contract and is free to seek a move to a Premier League side.This news has alerted David Moyes according to the Daily Mail, with the Blues manager set to be one of the first to try his hand at offering Bothroyd the step up he craves.
Ian Snodin: Size issue is no laughing matter!
Liverpool Echo
May 24 2011
SO I headed up to Finch Farm on Monday, because I’m doing a bit of training and I wanted to get myself some kit.Thankfully Jimmy Martin, Tony H and Shaun Doran very generously offered to provide it for me, which was nice of them.Slightly less nice was the way in which all three of them came out carrying gear marked ‘XXXL’ for me.I think they were trying to tell me something!Still, I suppose it could have been worse.After all, Yorkshire could have been beaten by Lancashire in the Roses match.....
Ian Snodin: Leon Osman deserves a call from Fabio Capello
Liverpool Echo
May 24 2011
WITH all the fuss surrounding the naming of England’s senior and Under-21 squads this week, it is no surprise to see the usual names banded about.But one name rarely gets mentioned in such circles, and I think it is time that was rectified.Since Christmas, I think it is fair to say Leon Osman, along with Leighton Baines – who thoroughly deserved his Player of the Year award – has been the Blues’ standout performer.I have been saying for some time that Fabio Capello could do a lot worse than have a look at Ossie. In fact, I was saying exactly the same thing to Leon’s father at the game on Sunday.When you see some of the players who are called up by England, especially for friendly matches, it is hard to see many who are in better form than him.He scores goals, he creates goals, he works hard, demands the ball and has a great attitude.He is a great kid, one who always has time for people and always has a smile on his face.And he performs for Everton, week in and week out. He has been so consistent for a number of years, it is about time his quality was recognised outside of Goodison..The lad can’t do much more to catch the eye. A call up would be great reward.
Ian Snodin: A bright future lies ahead for Everton FC
Liverpool Echo
May 24 2011
IT promises to be a big summer at Goodison Park, doesn’t it.In recent weeks we have had Mikel Arteta saying we need a number of new faces, and then Phil Neville saying we don’t need that much.I’d tend to lean more towards Phil’s point of view.Of course I don’t know the situation financially – only Bill Kenwright really knows that – but I do know that this team is not a million miles away from challenging for a top-four spot.We have shown all season that we are well capable of competing with just about any team. Just look at our records against the top-six teams.Yes a few disappointing home defeats have been costly, and there are one or two areas which need strengthening, but on the whole there is so much cause for optimism.We have good players, but just as importantly we have a fantastic team spirit and togetherness. We saw that on Sunday with the way the fans and players greeted each other in the parade after the match.Money can’t buy that, and in that respect it would be hugely frustrating to see any big players leave the current squad.This is a team that has the potential to go places, and hopefully the key players will share that opinion this summer.
How Everton FC star Leighton Baines keeps on running
Liverpool Echo
May 24 2011
LEIGHTON BAINES launched a popular music blog on Everton’s website last season – celebrating styles as diverse as the Walker Brothers to Kasabian.But for a soundtrack to the season just ended, the Blues full-back should look no further than the Spencer Davis Group – Keep On Running.Baines was one of only two outfield players to play every minute of every Premier League match last season.And but for an 81st minute substitution in an August Carling Cup tie against Huddersfield that the Blues had long since won, Baines would have featured in every moment of every club match – plus a couple of England run-outs against Denmark and Ghana.It’s a run of impressive consistency which was rewarded with a trio of awards at the club’s end of season awards night last week.Baines collected the Player of the Year prize, the Players’ Player of the Year award and the Goal of the Season trophy – and Baines believes it was his involvement in so many matches which helped him land the prizes.“I won the players’ award last year and was chuffed to bits with that,” he explained. “It is nice to get that from your team-mates. It helps a lot when you are able to play the majority of the games which I have been lucky enough to do this season.“As a player you appreciate that. People don’t often like to hear footballers whinge about being tired but it does happen, it is human nature, it does take its toll, so your fellow players have an appreciation of that and obviously performances get taken into account as well.”Manager David Moyes was equally appreciative. “Leighton has had a really good season,” he said. “He has played well – been good going forward, created goals and scored some goals.“Wherever I go people always ask me about Leighton Baines. They can see how well he is doing and what a good season he has had.”It’s the kind of form which has also led to a stern hands off warning, with transfer speculation linking Bayern Munich, Manchester City and even neighbours Liverpool with summer bids for the full-back.Baines, signed from Wigan Athletic for £6m in 2007, committed to a new five-year contract only last June.Aware of interest in the Kirkby-born defender, Moyes is adamant he is not for sale. “We have signed him on a five-year deal and Everton sell very expensively,” he said.“I don’t want to sell him and Everton sell very expensively; that’s what we do.“We don’t sell cheap and the chairman looks after the players and gives them what he can. So he is not for sale.”Asked about apparent interest from Anfield, the Everton manager added: “I can’t see it. It’s not for me that one and I think they know that.”
Seamus Coleman will shine for Everton FC next season, says Phil Jagielka
Liverpool Echo
May 24 2011
Everton FC right winger Seamus ColemanEVERTON defender Phil Jagielka expects Seamus Coleman to bounce back from a miserable end to the season to play a big role in the club’s future.Irish winger Coleman was one of the stars of the Toffees’ campaign even though it concluded on a sour note with a red card in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat of Chelsea.The 22-year-old’s form in the closing months of the Barclays Premier League campaign did also not match the high standards it reached earlier but Jagielka thinks there is plenty more to come from the youngster.Jagielka said: “It was hard for Seamus. He has not played at this level for so many games before.“The first 10-15 games he was competing for man of the match almost every game and then in the last 10 it was a bit harder for him, being in and out of the team.“But he will learn from that and come back next season.“He is a normal down-to-earth guy who knows how lucky he is to be playing. “He knows what he has got and what he hasn’t. He has not got his head in the clouds thinking he is the next best thing.“He is a very good player and hopefully next season he will get better.”Coleman has risen from obscurity after a £60,000 move from Sligo Rovers two years ago.He enjoyed a promising loan spell at Blackpool last year but both Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville were preferred to him in his principal position of right-back at the start the latest campaign.A chance soon arose on the right wing however and Coleman, who scored five goals, took it so well that he may remain there next season.Jagielka added: “We all knew he had it in him.“We all knew he was an attack-minded full-back but we weren’t sure how that would fit into our formula.“Thankfully for us when we needed a wide right player he stood up to the plate.“He has scored five goals and probably set up another five or 10. “He is still a young man and is getting to play for his country now.“Hopefully he will grow in stature and when he comes back next pre-season, instead of being one of the young lads, he will be one of the established players.”Sunday’s win saw the Blues end a largely frustrating campaign in a creditable seventh place, behind the better-resourced group now becoming known as the ‘big six’.Everton lost just two of their final 12 games and supporters were left to wonder what might have been had their team not started the season so poorly.Jagielka said: “Yet again it was another slow start and a half-decent finish.“I don’t think we played amazing football in the last 10-15 games but the results speak for themselves.“We have got to try to find a formula where we start the season as well as we finish it.”
Ian Snodin: Win over Chelsea offered a grand old end to the Everton FC season
Liverpool Echo
May 24 2011
Everton celebrate beating ChelseaI have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the manner in which Everton ended their Premier League campaign. A win at home against a Chelsea side that, Didier Drogba aside, was at full strength is some achievement.It just goes to show that having the best names on paper does not necessarily create a successful team.It may not have been a particularly brilliant spectacle for the Goodison Park crowd, but I don’t think anyone could argue that Everton weren’t the better side throughout.We created the better chances in the first 45 minutes, with Jags, Seamus and Jermaine Beckford all having good openings, and I thought we deserved a half-time lead.Yes the game livened up after Coleman’s red card, and the crowd seemed to get going after that.Of course I’d say that, in my day, the tackle young Seamus put in would not be deemed a booking.I actually think that it was the reaction of certain Chelsea players - Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole chief among them - which convinced the referee to act. He looked initially as though he would let it slide, but seemed to change his mind, and I think Seamus was a tad unlucky.But even after that setback, I thought the lads were magnificent. The way we attacked, with Leighton Baines superb down the left, against a quality team, was fantastic.We still went all out for the win, even with ten men, and you’d never have guessed which side had the extra man at times.And what a goal to win the game! Yes, Jermaine had a bit of fortune with a lucky ricochet or two, but the goal was all his own work. That was the beauty of it And I think the lad has had a more than decent first campaign in the Premier League. He has scored ten goals, but it is not as if he has been starting every game. I think for a first season, on a free transfer, a return of ten goals is pretty good going.He has areas he needs to work on – his touch can improve, and he needs to compete better aerially sometimes – but I don’t see any reason why he can’t go away this summer, work on his game and then come back raring to go next season.He has excellent movement, which for a striker is priceless. It is well documented that Everton need a forward, but Beckford could well prove to be a huge asset.
Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell wants to use Euro Under-21 tournament as a springboard for next season
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 24 2011
JACK RODWELL is aiming to use this summer’s maligned European Under-21 Championships as a springboard for next season.While Liverpool and Arsenal have been successful in their bids to spare Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere the demands of the two-week long Championship, Rodwell has been picked by Stuart Pearce in his final squad.The 20-year-old will travel to Denmark with his manager’s blessing – and he can’t wait.Barely minutes after signing off the 2010/11 season with a victory over Chelsea, the Blues midfielder was already looking forward to next season.And he hopes that the international tournament can give him an edge in his pre-season preparations.“I’m definitely looking forward to the Under-21 Championships,” said Rodwell. “Just to get some game time and some form and confidence would be great for me.“The end of the season has come too early for me. "I’m just starting to get fit now and feel the best I’ve felt all season – so the Under-21s has come at a good time for me.“Next season has to be a big one for me. "I thought this season was going to be the big one but I’ve had an off season by my standards and hopefully next season I can do a lot better.”After a breakthrough 2009/10 campaign – between August and November Rodwell started, and finished, 18 out of 19 matches, and made eye-catching contributions in the second half of the season against Manchester United, Hull City and Chelsea – this season has been tormented by injuries.He suffered ankle ligament damage on his first Premier League start at Aston Villa in August which ruled him out for two months then sustained groin and knee injuries each time he looked like getting a run of games together.“It’s definitely been a frustrating season,” he admitted.
“We started off slowly again and picked it up at the back end of the season which is equally frustrating because it proves we can do it.“And it’s been a stop-start season for me, too. I’ve had injuries and not been able to get any run of form going, so I’m looking forward to next season.“At the start of the season expectations were high. We thought we could definitely break into the top four, but we started slow and by the halfway stage we knew it was going to be a tough season. We picked it up again but we’ve got to find that consistency.“I’m not sure why we start slowly. We played well at the beginning of the season but we just couldn’t get the results, whereas we probably haven’t played as well in the second half but we’ve ground out results. We’ve got to find the balance.”Rodwell was the only locally based player named in Stuart Pearce’s England Under-21 squad, while team-mates Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines are in Fabio Capello’s full England squad for the European Championship qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley on Saturday, June 4.
Everton FC latest: Seamus Coleman will learn from red card woe, says Phil Jagielka
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 24 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA believes Everton team-mate Seamus Coleman will learn from his chastening end to the campaign and come back stronger next season.The emergence of Coleman was one of the positives of a difficult period for the Goodison outfit before Christmas when they hovered dangerously above the relegation zone.However, the 22-year-old’s form has dipped during recent months, with Coleman beginning an increasing number of games on the bench.And although Coleman was given a starting role in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Chelsea, he was dismissed shortly after the break for a second bookable offence.But Jagielka is convinced the Irishman can become an increasingly influential part of the Everton team. “It was hard for Seamus,” said the centre-back. “He has not played at this level for so many games before.“The first 10-15 games he was competing for man of the match almost every game and then in the last 10 it was a bit harder for him, being in and out of the team.“But he will learn from that and come back next season. He is a normal down-to-earth guy who knows how lucky he is to be playing.“He knows what he has got and what he hasn’t. He has not got his head in the clouds thinking he is the next best thing.“He is a very good player and hopefully next season he will get better.” Having suffered a harrowing debut a left-back in the 5-0 defeat at Benfica last season, Coleman was restricted to a host of cameo appearances before making his full Premier League debut at Fulham in September.Coleman ended the season with six goals in 40 outings, forging his reputation not as a defender but as a right-winger.And Jagielka added: “We all knew he had it in him. We all knew he was an attack-minded full-back but we weren’t sure how that would fit into our formula.“Thankfully for us when we needed a wide right player he stood up to the plate. He has scored five goals and probably set up another five or 10.“He is still a young man and is getting to play for his country now.“Hopefully he will grow in stature and when he comes back next pre-season – instead of being one of the young lads, he will be one of the established players.”Jagielka and team-mate Leighton Baines have been included in Fabio Capello’s 23-man squad for England’s Euro 2102 qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley on June 4, while Jack Rodwell has, as expected, been named by U21 manager Stuart Pearce for next month’s European Championships in Denmark.Leon Osman believes the numerical disadvantage helped rouse Everton’s famed team spirit against Chelsea and said: “We went down to 10 men and that can happen in football. It had the effect of galvanising us and we are the type of team that reacts well in those situations – for me there was only one team that was going to win it.“It was a great way to finish the season. It was what we wanted.“We had a disappointing result last week and this was our way of putting it right and we can go away over the summer on the back of beating a very good Chelsea team.”
Emails at the ready... Ian Doyle names his Merseyside XI of the season
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 24 2011
Ian Doyle’s Mersey XI of 2010-11
YES folks, it’s that time of the year where the good football hacks of Post Sport sit down to decide on Merseyside’s Team of the Season.And when plenty of readers then contact us wondering what planet we live on.Similar to last year, both Liverpool and Everton were left to rue campaigns that, while enjoying some high points, left an overall sense of disappointment having failed to live up to anywhere near expectations.Over at Anfield, what began as a season with Roy Hodgson working under Tom Hicks and George Gillett ended up with Kenny Dalglish being employed as manager by Fenway Sports Group.David Moyes’s men, meanwhile, lost just two of their final 12 Premier League games yet finished with no European place and not a sniff of silverware.There were a smattering of fine individual performances over the course of the season, and here is an attempt to mould a team that represents the best of the city from 2010-11:
GOALKEEPER: Merseyside is blessed with two excellent goalkeepers. Tim Howard was one of Everton’s most consistently impressive performers of the campaign but, having come close to a fifth Golden Gloves award in six years, Pepe Reina gets the nod.
RIGHT-BACK: While Glen Johnson only came to life with Dalglish’s arrival, Tony Hibbert spent much of the season on the bench. And although Martin Kelly shows great promise, the reliability of the versatile Phil Neville sees the Everton skipper fill the right side of the back four.
CENTRE-BACK: A difficult one, this. For Liverpool, Sotirios Kyrgiakos impressed briefly while Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger missed significant chunks through injury. And with Phil Jagielka having, by his own admission, dipped below his usual high standards for parts of the campaign, his steady defensive partner Sylvain Distin and Liverpool’s ever-present Martin Skrtel take the spots.
LEFT-BACK: As 12 months ago, a simple choice. Fabio Aurelio, while eye-catching on the field, spent too much time injured off it, Glen Johnson is really a right-back and the less said about Paul Konchesky the better. So Leighton Baines retains his place after his fine form earned him a well-deserved England recall.
RIGHT MIDFIELD: This has often proved a troublesome position in our joint team. Just about everyone at Anfield had a go on the flank this season, while Seamus Coleman showed great promise before the festive period. But a narrow midfield means Raul Meireles is in on the strength of an encouraging first campaign in English football.CENTRE MIDFIELD: Usually, there are plenty of contenders vying for a spot in the engine room, but injuries to the likes of Jack Rodwell and Steven Gerrard have made the choice straightforward. Liverpool’s most consistent performer of the campaign, Lucas Leiva, gets one slot, while the other goes to Marouane Fellaini, whose form was impressive before his season-ending ankle injury.LEFT MIDFIELD: While Maxi Rodriguez made a late impact, Liverpool’s lack of a left winger was painfully apparent for much of the campaign. But across Stanley Park, Leon Osman’s fantastic contribution during the final three months gives him the berth.STRIKERS: Fernando Torres (remember him?) was non-descript, Jermaine Beckford hit-and-miss, Louis Saha injured, Yakubu absent and Andy Carroll has yet to get going. It means the Liverpool duo of Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez will spearhead our joint team.
SUBSTITUTES: Tim Howard, Glen Johnson, Phil Jagielka, Jamie Carragher, Martin Kelly, Seamus Coleman, Tim Cahill.
PHIL KIRKBRIDE’S TEAM (4-4-2): Reina; Kelly, Distin, Skrtel, Baines; Coleman, Lucas, Fellaini, Osman; Suarez, Kuyt.
NEIL JONES (4-4-2): Reina; Kelly, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Lucas, Fellaini, Osman; Suarez, Kuyt.
CHRISTOPHER BEESLEY’S TEAM (4-4-2): Reina; Neville, Distin, Skrtel, Baines; Coleman, Meireles, Lucas, Osman; Suarez, Kuyt.
CHRIS WRIGHT’S TEAM (4-4-2): Reina; Kelly, Distin, Skrtel, Baines; Coleman, Lucas, Fellaini, Osman; Suarez, Kuyt.
LAST SEASON’S MERSEY XI: Pepe Reina John Heitinga Daniel Agger Jamie Carragher, Leighton Baines Steven Gerrard Marouane Fellaini Javier Mascherano Steven Pienaar Fernando Torres Louis Saha.
Leighton Baines proves his worth as Everton FC's main supply line
Liverpool Echo
May 25 2011
Everton FC's Leighton Baines celebrates scoring against WiganTHERE was understandable Evertonian anxiety when Steven Pienaar swapped The Street for The Lane in January – and took his rich supply of goal chances with him. Ever since he arrived from Borussia Dortmund the little South African has been Everton’s primary source of assists. Joint top goal creator in 2008/09 and out on his own the season earlier, his departure to Spurs left a large hole in Everton’s creative forces. But one man’s absence is another man’s opportunity – and Pienaar’s left flank partner, Leighton Baines, stepped up spectacularly to the plate. With 14 assists the England defender was out on his own as Everton’s most potent producer of goals. As with the Liverpool statistics, our criteria isn’t as strict as the Premier League’s assist records, which only counts a direct pass or cross to create a goal as an ‘assist.’ I prefer to give credit wherever possible for a goal being scored. So if a player’s goal-bound shot is spilled by a goalkeeper, that counts as an assist. Likewise if a player is fouled for a successful penalty or free kick (Phil Jagielka’s two assists both came in that fashion). But Baines’ assists have been almost exclusively crosses, passes or wickedly dispatched set-pieces – while his spectacular run and cross at Stamford Bridge in December wasn’t even credited as an assist, because Tim Cahill headed the ball back for Jermaine Beckford to score! Perhaps the biggest disappointment for the Blues in 2010/11 was Mikel Arteta’s slide down the assists chart. Top in 2008/09, second in 2007/08 and top again in 2006/07 and 2005/06, last season he was a distant third. His first three assists were all set pieces – and it was only in the second half of the season with a dazzling run and pull-back against Sunderland, a decisive pass at Newcastle and a wicked free-kick against Manchester City that Evertonians finally began to see something like the Mikel Arteta of old. Leon Osman and Tim Cahill predictably chipped in with their share, while Seamus Coleman’s five assists was a solid return in his first full Premier League season. Jermaine Beckford also added to his invaluable 10 goal return by setting up four goals, but after eight goal assists last term Diniyar Bilyaletdinov slid backwards with just three.
EVERTON’S TOP 5 ASSISTERS for 2010/11
14 Leighton Baines, 7 Leon Osman, 6 Mikel Arteta, 5 Seamus Coleman, 5 Tim Cahill.
David Moyes seeks certainty over Everton FC's summer transfer budget
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 25 2011
DAVID MOYES admits it will not be easy to plan his summer transfer strategy until he knows his budget. The Everton boss is preparing for key talks with his board to determine what end of the market he can shop in, as he looks to recruit a top-class goalscorer and add pace to his midfield.
But until he has the green light to spend - and has factored in the cash from expected sales of Yakubu, James Vaughan and Joseph Yobo - Moyes is facing a period of uncertainty as he bids to do business promptly. Everton’s scouting network has been busy preparing a shortlist of potential signings from across the continent, and Moyes is insistent that fresh faces are needed whatever their price. He said: "I want to try and be ready, but it is not easy. "The scouts do a brilliant job at Everton. I work them hard and they have been looking at players up to a value of up to £10-15m but also looking at players for nothing and around say the £60,000 Seamus Coleman amount. "The staff have been on the road for months so when we get the nod we’re ready to give Everton a fresh look. I go to games all the time and that’s why I get linked with players. I like to go and watch a lot of games for myself but also to see what’s new, which players are out there but also you can go to watch a game in general someone can catch your eye. "But that doesn’t mean I’m going to sign them. If someone catches your eye you’ve got to go and have another look, if he’s not already been flagged up. "You need to know if it was just a one-off, I don’t think you’d ever go there, see a player for the first time and sign him straight away, except maybe with a young lad before someone else gets in there. But if it is someone at a decent club you’d do a bit more homework on them."
The Blues boss insists he will not be frustrated if he is forced to target the bargain basement.
"I won’t be disappointed," he said. "I think it is good for the players if they see I’m trying to add quality and I think they want me to do that as well. "There’s not a great deal out there. There’ll be different reasons, there’ll be age, there’ll be price, contract length. There’s not massive amounts in the market. "Every penny we spend at Everton is scrutinised by supporters because we don’t get to spend much and other clubs spend loads of it." Moyes has once again reiterated his desire to add a proven goalscorer, something he was also keen to do this time last year. He said: "I always knew we were a little bit light up front and that has proved to be the case in a lot of the games this season.
"We all felt a little disappointed by our start to the season. I felt we had a really good chance of getting in and about the top four this year." The Scot nevertheless acknowledged Tim Cahill’s early season goal contribution, while again welcoming the Aussie’s decision to rest this summer.
He said: "Tim is an important player for us and most seasons gets us nine or 10 goals. "The first half of this season he was in good form and he was scoring goals to win us games and win us points and that really helped the team. "He has not been the same since the Asian Cup and has had injuries, but maybe there are lessons there for him about how he needs to look after himself now he is the age he is." Moyes admits that a growing injury list to key players this season almost led him to fear his side would never embark on a winning spree. "There was a time when our form wasn’t great and then we lost Louis, Mikel and Felli all roughly at the same time," he said. "I was looking at my board up in the office and thinking ‘how are we going to get a result here?’. But the players here have real mental strength and it is built in to them. They have lots of character." Meanwhile, Everton will face Bury in a pre-season friendly on July 15. The game, which kicks off at Gigg Lane at 7.45pm, is the Blues’ third summer friendly to be unveiled, following the confirmation of a two-match USA tour later in July. The Shakers had an impressive 2010/11 season, securing promotion to League One after finishing second in League Two. Everton have played regular friendlies at Bury over the last few seasons, most recently in July 2009. Skipper Phil Neville has strong family ties with his hometown club, where Everton academy product Steven Schumacher is the captain.
Everton FC rumour mill: Blues in for Vicente Rodriguez, Scott Dann linked
May 25 2011
Scott Dann
Manchester claims Everton are after Scott Dann, who is expected to leave Birmingham City following the club's relegation to the Championship. The Blues may face competition from Man United and Liverpool for the scouse centreback's signature.
Source: Click Manchester
Blues to move in for Vicente Rodriguez?
While Vicente Rodriguez only managed 17 games in all competitions for Valencia this season, David Moyes may take a punt on the talented winger to overcome his injury struggles and recapture the form that made him one of the best players in world football a few seasons ago. talkSPORT claim the Blues and Blackburn are interested in the Spaniard's services.
Everton FC latest: David Moyes admits lack of budget is hampering transfer plans
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 25 2011
DAVID MOYES admits plans to strengthen Everton’s squad this summer are being hampered by not knowing his transfer budget. But the Goodison manager is braced for another bout of bargain hunting having previously been warned not to expect a substantial warchest. Moyes is due to meet chairman Bill Kenwright this week to determine the funds available for the forthcoming transfer window. The Scot is keen to add pace to his midfield as well as a frontline striker, with Everton hopeful of raising money from the sales of Joseph Yobo, Yakubu and James Vaughan to add to the windfall of Steven Pienaar’s exit to Tottenham Hotspur in January. But Moyes admits he and his scouting team are having to cover all bases until he knows how much he can splash out on reinforcements. “I want to try and be ready, but it is not easy,” said the Goodison manager. “But the staff have been on the road for months so when we get the nod we’re ready to give Everton and fresh look. “The scouts do a brilliant job at Everton, I work them hard and they have been looking at players up to a value of up to £10-15m but also looking at players for nothing and around the players at the £60,000 Seamus Coleman amount.” Moyes has been linked with a number of targets, the most recent of which was Lille striker Gervinho with the Everton manager having attended the French Cup final earlier this month. And he added: “I go to games all the time and that’s why I get linked with players. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to sign them. “If someone catches your eye you think you’ve got to go and have another look, if he’s not already been flagged up. “You need to know if it was just a one-off, I don’t think you’d ever go there, see a player for the first time and sign him straight away, except maybe with a young lad before someone else gets in there. “But if it is someone at a decent club you’d try and do a bit more homework on them.” Everton’s financial restraints have left Moyes scouring for bargains in recent years, with the Scot unperturbed at the prospect of another repeat this summer. “I won’t be disappointed,” he said. “I think it is good for the players if they see I’m trying to add quality to the squad and I think they want me to do that as well. “There’s not a great deal out there. There’ll be different reasons, there’ll be age, there’ll be price, contract length. There’s not massive amounts in the market. “As people know, every penny we spend at Everton is scrutinised by supporters because we don’t get to spend much and other clubs spend loads of it.” Meanwhile, Everton will travel to Bury in a pre-season friendly on Friday, July 15 (kick-off 7.45pm). The game is the third summer friendly to be announced, following the confirmation of a two-match tour of the United States. Bury, who have won promotion to League One, have provided the opposition for warm-up games a number of times in recent seasons, the last clash coming in July 2009.
Everton FC review of the season: Deja vu Blues left chasing their more moneyed rivals
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 25 2011
Everton FC review of the season: Deja vu Blues left chasing their more moneyed rivals
IF EVERTON supporters were thinking they’d seen it all before this season, the fact is they probably had. A throbbing sense of deja vu pervaded over much of a curious campaign in which David Moyes’s side and their followers experienced more of the same. There were the great expectations of Champions League qualification that soon gave way to pessimism after another poor start to the season. Then there was the hope of a New Year revival that saw some significant scalps claimed but a European berth remain tantalisingly out of reach. Throw in the good form of defenders, the increasing profile of Leighton Baines, a lengthy injury list, ongoing financial restraints, the departure of a leading player and speculation over Moyes’s future, and it was 2009-10 all over again for the Goodison outfit. And that’s the problem. What should have been a campaign of continued progress instead become one of stagnation, the encouraging end of the season unable to completely mask the disappointment and concerns of what went before it. Given that Sir Alex Ferguson rarely says nice things about a team he envisages as a realistic threat, the alarm bells should perhaps have been ringing when the United manager declared in August that Everton would be challenging for a top-four berth. Rather than stretch the purse strings for reinforcements, the focus last summer had been on maintaining the status quo among the squad, with Baines, Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta, Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman all penning long-term contracts. The policy depended entirely on the tried and trusted remaining as reliable as ever. But, for a variety of reasons, of that quintet only the excellent Baines and improving Coleman could be satisfied with their efforts. And with the batch of new arrivals concentrated on youth and squad players, the lack of form from too many leading players contributed to a struggling start that saw Everton hover around the relegation zone for far too long before Christmas. Moyes’s men took just 18 points from their first 17 games and were bottom of the table at the start of October before earning their first league win at Birmingham City.
That poor beginning made it impossible to persuade contract rebel Steven Pienaar to sign a new deal, with Moyes instead choosing to accept Tottenham Hotspur’s money in January rather than see the South African walk away for nothing at the end of the season. Everton’s turning point came soon after, a 2-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers in February described by Moyes as perhaps the worst performance of his nine-year tenure. Certainly, the only way was up from that dismal Sunday. And while suffering only two defeats in the final 12 league games – a spell during which Leon Osman was outstanding – Everton’s encouraging finish in the absence of any real pressure only gave more credence to the suspicion this squad labours under the weight of expectation. Striker remains a problem position. Yakubu and James Vaughan slipped out of the picture, Victor Anichebe struggled with fitness and negative publicity after initially rejecting a contract and Louis Saha’s New Year promise of nine goals in 11 games – including four against Blackpool – was inevitably cut short by injury. With injuries, age and international commitments catching up with Cahill, who netted nine times before Christmas but none afterwards, the goalscoring burden was shouldered by Jermaine Beckford. Although a free transfer, Moyes admits he was taking a chance when bringing Beckford from the third tier to the Premier League last summer. But while his erratic contribution was neatly encapsulated by his final-day performance against Chelsea – Beckford sending one clear effort out for a throw-in before netting a wonder strike – his 10-goal contribution suggests he was a worthwhile gamble. No European football meant more focus on the domestic competitions, only for Everton to slip out of the League and FA Cups to lower league opposition, Brentford – who were relegated to League Two – and Reading the respective victors. The latter 1-0 home exit was particularly galling for the Goodison faithful given Moyes’s men had, in the previous round, earned a thrilling penalty shoot-out win at Chelsea. Claiming such a significant scalp wasn’t unusual. Everton earned 10 points from six games against the top three – their one defeat came at Old Trafford – and took four points from both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. With only 10 defeats – only one more than Champions League qualifiers Chelsea and Manchester City – Moyes has fashioned a team that rarely loses. The trick, though, is to now transform them into a winning team, one with the creativity to break down well-organised defences. But, in the current Premier League climate, that final step is hugely reliant on the one thing Everton do not have – money. Ideally, the sales of Joseph Yobo, Yakubu and Vaughan would raise some funds. And there would be no surprise if Moyes nudges some of his underperforming players towards the exit, with the infuriating Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and inconsistent John Heitinga surely looking nervously over their shoulders. But while Moyes is understandably reluctant to cash in on any of his prized assets, necessity may see either Marouane Fellaini or, as is more likely, Rodwell depart for big money to facilitate the required squad strengthening – a forward, a left-winger and a pacey midfielder at the top of the shopping list.
Moyes will also look from within for new talent, with midfieldler Ross Barkley, who would have been involved with the first team this season but for a bad leg break, the most obvious graduate. Of course, Everton actually improved one position on the previous season’s showing, but there was a worrying amount of truth in Moyes’s suggestion last week that seventh place may be the limit of their ambitions. Liverpool and Tottenham are sure to spend big. So too are Chelsea and Manchester City, while Arsenal and Manchester United will only improve. Although desperate to remain upbeat in the face of ongoing financial restraints, Moyes patience has shown signs of wavering recently, prompting talk of imminent offers from other clubs. And while the Scot remains committed to the Goodison cause, the desire for the challenge may wane unless history stops repeating. Over to you, Bill.
Everton FC letters: Next season could be a perfect time for Blues youngsters
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 26 2011
Jermaine Beckford celebrates his winner against ChelseaA TREMENDOUS victory against Chelsea with a wonder goal scored by Jermaine Beckford – his 10th of the season. There have been question marks surrounding his ability, but to get into double figures in his first Premier League season is very encouraging indeed, considering he moved up two divisions. Furthermore, his goals have contributed to 15 of Everton’s 54 points, which amounts to approximately 28%. For Everton to have any realistic chance to improve on this season’s seventh then reinforcements are required but finance is always the perennial issue for us. If it means selling some of our better players then serious consideration must be given. Invariably, Rodwell’s name has been mentioned, but David Moyes must look at the older players who would still attract a decent transfer fee – e.g. Cahill and Saha. Everton, especially in the attacking third, need pace and movement and a midfield enforcer or patroller to unlock defences, bringing the best out of the likes of Beckford and Anichebe. Next season would be a perfect opportunity to blood more youngsters in the first team such as Vellios, Duffy and Mustafi.
David Kearns, Aintree
A FINE way to finish the season but I’m sad to say it all felt a little hollow. Sure, the players pulled themselves together for a sustained run in once again – Leon Osman, Leighton Baines and Jermaine Beckford in particular stood out with match-winning displays while the defence finally got it together. However, David Moyes must ensure this consistency is an ever-present with this collection of players otherwise, by his own admission we can hardly better seventh. And therein lies our problem – money. If Bill Kenwright has nothing to offer – and though I do think he is a fine passionate Blue – we will continue to trundle on. Investment is once again the buzzword and you have to wonder how long Moyes will continue to be Everton boss without any significant cash coming his way.
Peter Nelson, Kirkby
HANDS off Leighton Baines!
The vultures are circling over our prize possession and we should not entertain any threat of losing our top assists man and a priceless defender.
Dave Robinson, Walton
IT does make me laugh that Everton are being linked with Michael Owen. I know we have little money but do you seriously think Moyes is going to waste what precious money he has on a spent force like him. Oh, and where are we going to magic up his ridiculous wages?
Do me a favour, I’d rather buy Lionel Messi!
Roger Tinklebury, Formby
IN two years at Manchester United and five at Newcastle, Owen has played hardly any first team football. That’s seven years without a regular game. Add to that his injuries and you can see that even on a free, he is a gamble. Seeing him play for United the odd time, he looks like he’s still got something, but I’m not sure it’s enough.
Still, as we are skint and he is local and available on a free...
TopBalcony
WHAT a goal from Jermaine Beckford – how it missed out on Goal Of The Season from the pundits on BBC’s Match Of The Day is beyond me. Yes, there was the slice of luck with the ball scooping through the crowd of players in the centre of the field but the way he took it down, ran the length of the pitch and chipped over Cech in the Chelsea goal was magnificent. Goal of the season? Maybe goal of the decade!
Jack Simpson, Aigburth
WELL done to David Moyes who once again has done us proud with his pure skill as a manager has got our club to seventh without money.
Bootletimes
A FINE end to another season where we have generally over-performed considering our budget and injuries to key players. We are never going to win trophies under our current ownership so moments like Beckford’s goal should be cherished and enjoyed. I am seriously looking forward to an interesting summer and I don’t mind who leaves as long as David Moyes stays.
copper363636
A GOOD way to finish the season – if we can begin next term with a similar run to the final 10 games, who knows what can happen? Players will leave – Bily, Yak, Mucha – and it’s important that the defence is retained and added to, with at least a central defender and a player that can cover for both full-backs.
Twobob
WE will have to cut our cloth accordingly and start paying realistic wages. That means getting rid of the big earners like Arteta, Heitinga, Yobo, Yakubu and bringing in young, hungry talent who won’t demand silly money. It means using the vast majority of the cash we bring in to pay off debts.
Osman, Baines and Coleman have outshone all the supposed superstars this season and they’ll be on a fraction of the wages.
Staygold
I NEVER thought we would finish seventh this year. I would like to thank David Moyes for what he has already done for this club – because I hate to think where we would be without him.
blueyank
Everton FC jury: Blues fans give their final verdict on a mixed season at Goodison
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 26 2011
Tony Scott: Imogen Thomas is linked with better players than Everton FC IF Everton was a race horse the form guide would read: ‘Start terrible, pick up pace midway and finish strongly’ – but you wouldn’t put any cash on it, would you? On the turf has seen Leighton Baines as my player of the year with special mentions to Distin, Coleman, Fellaini and Leon Osman. During the summer we will be sniffing around free agents and lower league players; even Imogen Thomas is linked with far better players than us. Bill Kenwright continues to say he's skint but he will not look for a buyer so it’s a bit like me walking into a casino and demanding a bet on the roulette wheel with no chips in my hand. Moyes saying seventh in the League is the highest we can get without cash, the chairman saying no money available again (surprise), with star players leaving Everton in the summer (again) – how’s that to whet the appetite for your season ticket for the 2011-12 campaign? Richard Knights: Seventh place finish after poor start was commendable for Everton FC
'THE Dying Swan' was a ballet from Le Carnaval des Animaux a piece d'ocassion first performed in St Petersburg in 1905. Yet none of the 4,000 appearances by Miss Anna Pavlova in the role could have eclipsed the performance by Jon Obi Mikel on Sunday. The game epitomised our season as we finally triumphed over adversity. Seventh place after being left on the grid at the start of the season was a commendable achievement. At Everton we cling on to some of the old traditions – so we might play in a scruffy old stadium, but we still know how to treat people the right way. Sacking the manager in the corridor after the game? It just showed a lack of class, lack of dignity.
Finally, what do Man United, Arsenal and Everton all have in common?
During the last season they're the only top flight clubs where the owners didn't invest any money. The Glazer Brothers loaded Man United down with debt and Arsenal made a mint out of selling Highbury.
Over to you, Mr Kenwright...
David Wallbank: Everton FC manager David Moyes needs to be shrewd in the summer transfer window FINISHING seventh represents progress for Everton, but myself like so many, had higher hopes and a fourth place finish seemed possible last summer. A strange season came to a close with the Blues displaying togetherness claiming all three points against Chelsea. I’m sure every Evertonian will say the exact same thing: ‘If Messi had scored that goal...’ Beckford’s superb effort was unthinkable at the time, he ran the full length of the pitch, passed four or five players and chipped the keeper! Reports described it as ‘lucky’ but I’d say it was goal of the season. With little funds available, Moyes needs to be shrewd in the transfer market, with player trades and player sales being the only option to bring in fresh blood over the summer. Next season, if we again dig in deep and fight, week in week out, hopefully further progression will be achieved. Our aim should be a European spot and some silverware... or is that too much to ask?
Lee Molton: Win over Chelsea was a perfect end to the season
WHAT a perfect end to the season – beating moneybags Chelsea at home! The Blues got stuck in and scored a great goal from Beckford to give him 10 goals for the season – a great return in his first season. The Coleman sending-off was very harsh as he clearly won the ball, but this galvanised the Blues and gave us a better chance of winning. We have to keep hold of our great players in Fellaini and Rodwell and add to the squad, but we could sell some of our fringe players. We are not far away from being a great side! This season has seen some terrific wins against Chelsea twice, Man City twice, Tottenham and the old enemy too. The win at Chelsea in the FA Cup was my highlight of the season with the goal of the season from Baines too while Coleman has had a terrific first season.
Roll on August!
Greg O’Keeffe’s end of season report - The unwelcome return of the slow start left Everton FC too far off the Premier League’s top dogs
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 26 2011
IT WAS a light-hearted aside from Phil Jagielka, but it summed up the ultimate woe of Everton’s season. Asked recently about a strategy for success in the next campaign, the England defender said: “We can pretend it’s January instead of August when the season begins and get a good start.”
Failure to begin the season in a convincing manner has cost David Moyes’ men for a second consecutive year – when at times there was a feeling among supporters of Groundhog Day writ large. Once again, if the season began in January, Everton would be top four material based on their form in the second half of a disjointed term. Indeed factor in injuries to key men, financial restraints in the winter transfer window and a belated surge towards Europe, and the sense of Déjà Vu from the 09/10 season is compelling. Nobody at Goodison can identify the single, precise reason why things did not click from the off-set, but the main problem has its roots in last summer’s transfer inertia. Initially everything went according to plan. Keen to avoid another slow start, Moyes freshened-up his pre-season – this time flying to Australia for a three-game tour and playing friendlies earlier than in previous summers. The manager then coaxed Mikel Arteta through a period of uncertainty when the Spaniard considered leaving, and eventually tied his star playmaker down to a bumper new contract. The retention of Arteta formed part of Moyes’ post-season priority; maintaining the status quo among his squad, with influential figures like Tim Cahill, Leighton Baines, Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman also agreeing new deals. Finances may have been tight, but keeping that nucleus of stars was enough to gild a previously unheard public optimism from corridors of power at Goodison. Even the usually taciturn Moyes predicted a special period. The Scot spoke of the squad being his best ever, and stated outright that a top four finish was in their sights. Like a Toffee flavoured version of England’s supposed ‘golden-generation’, this was supposed to be the squad capable of peaking at the right time. But amid the optimism Moyes worried that he was missing the crucial piece of the jigsaw – an outright centre forward capable of 20-plus goals a season. The capture of Jermaine Beckford, a player with potential he partly fulfilled in his sophomore season, did not quite fit that bill, and with Louis Saha’s brilliance as ever punctuated by consistent injury and Yakubu on the decline, it proved a fundamental flaw right from the start.
Consider the first game, away at Ewood Park. The Blues were defeated by an average Blackburn side that would eventually scrape clear of relegation, but a pattern emerged that would haunt their football for months. While Everton played some confident and stylish football leading up to the final third, moves routinely broke down where it counted. Soon the phrase “a lack of cutting edge” – was to become a regular summary of every contest. Gradually, as results flattered to deceive optimism started to fade. The Blues took only 18 points from their first 17 games and lingered near the foot of the table. To compound a miserable start, those key men who had penned new deals were only delivering in patches due to a variety of reasons. Supposedly inferior sides like Wolves, Newcastle and Fulham left Goodison with points, and it was not until October that Everton’s first Premier League win arrived against Birmingham. Liverpool were comfortably dispatched 2-0 in a curiously uneven Goodison derby. Then a good point at White Hart Lane, was followed by the sort of routine win over Stoke at Goodison that suggested the slump had been reversed just in time. Unfortunately it wasn’t. Another poor run ensued with a point only rescued at home against Bolton by a Beckford injury time goal, a customary defeat by Arsenal, and a 4-1 humiliation by West Brom.
The most obvious route to silverware, the Carling Cup, had already been embarrassingly squandered on a Tuesday night in Brentford, and while the brief FA Cup run offered some highlights – namely a marvellous victory over Chelsea – it was to end in abject defeat by Championship side Reading at Goodison. January started depressingly with a lame New Year’s Day defeat at Stoke, before the unfortunate departure of Steven Pienaar. The silky-skilled South African had played a coy game with Everton over a lucrative new contract, his agent releasing a series of contradictory statements, and eventually he left for the lure of Champions League football with Spurs. It was a blow to Everton’s vital left-sided offensive threat, but as ever in adversity Moyes found a way to flourish. The Blues enjoyed an impressive double over mega-rich Manchester City, starting with a spirited win at Eastlands before Christmas, but their tub-thumping 2-1 victory over Euro chasing Spurs at Goodison suggested the turn in form had finally arrived. While there were other frustrating days, notably a 2-0 defeat by Bolton which Moyes described as one of the worst of his nine-year reign, Arteta found form again in a 2-1 victory at St James’ Park. Then Blackburn were easily swatted aside at home, and Roberto Mancini’s eventual FA Cup winners were once again put to the sword in a pulsating Goodison clash. It is testament to the Blues that they were then the only side in the top flight not to have been defeated in consecutive games. Ultimately, the spirit that made that resilience possible saw some credibility restored with a respectable seventh place finish, one higher than the previous campaign. Nobody at Goodison was satisfied, however, and while there will be no talk of lofty ambitions this summer, there is guaranteed to be a steely determination to put things right next time around. Money will be in short supply in the transfer market again, and the Blues may have to sell before they buy, while resisting any moves for star men like Baines, Fellaini, and Jagielka.
The next campaign will see Moyes mark a decade in control at Everton, and for a manager who has done everything except win silverware during his reign so far, it may be his biggest challenge yet.
End of season awards
Player of the season
LEIGHTON BAINES has emerged as a talent that has made the rest of Europe sit up and take notice.
With 11 assists the left-back was behind only attacking players like Nani, Didier Drogba and Cesc Fabregas in the creativity stakes. His inventive, consistent attacking play and steady defending made him the club’s player of the season. Honourable mentions must also go to the colossal Sylvain Distin, and the inspirational Leon Osman.
Game of the season - EVERTON 2 SPURS 1, Goodison Park, Wednesday, January 5.
Coming after the misery of New Year’s Day in the Potteries, this was the result that proved the spirit Moyes has forged at Everton is simply unbreakable. Darlings of the national media thanks to a rip-roaring Champions League campaign, Spurs were blown away by a thrilling home display that began in sensational style with a third-minute Louis Saha goal.
Goal of the season
It was like watching Barcelona. Everton’s potent left-flank tore Manchester City apart at Eastlands in December, with free-flowing passing of the highest quality finished off with a first-time finish from LEIGHTON BAINES – on his right foot!
Disappointment of the season
MIKEL ARTETA was set to sparkle after confirming his future on Merseyside last summer. But while the fans’ idol never let anyone down or shirked responsibility, he struggled to consistently live up to his very great expectations. Hampered by injury, it has not been a vintage season for the Best Little Spaniard We Know – but don’t bet against him shining once again next term.
2010/11 in fans’ tweets
WE ASKED Everton FC fans who follow our Everton FC news account on Twitter to sum up the season in one tweet - just 140 characters! Here is a selection of the replies we received:
Mat Flusk: Typical. Slow start, strong finish. Disappointing results against lower teams, against the odds wins against the top
Mass Hysteria: The highest of highs and the lowest of lows
Richard Knowles: Poor start, top players underperforming, usual consistent end, Baines brilliant, Osman under-rated, need strikers
Annabelle: Optimism, Realism, Confusion, Deflation. Pride, Passion and Determination. Sometimes Lacking, Sometimes Not: Another EFC season
Wazefc83: If only the season started at Xmas – again.
leads: Poor start. Strong finish coming too late. No signings. Business as usual.
Mikel Arteta: Everton FC must make Goodison Park a fortress again
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 26 2011
MIKEL ARTETA wants to put his below par season behind him and help make Goodison a fortress again next term. The Spanish playmaker says he accepts criticism for some of his off-colour displays during the club’s disjointed campaign, and admits actions will be stronger than words next time around. Arteta, 29, thrilled both manager David Moyes and Everton supporters when he signed a bumper new deal last summer, but struggled to reach his usual heights for large parts of the season.
With injury once again limiting his impact, the midfielder was pleased he was at least able to shine again in the season’s run-in as Everton finished impressively in seventh place. He said: “Again it is down to the spirit and the consistency the lads managed to produce in the games. We have had a lot of criticism this season and we have deserved some to be honest – myself in particular in some of the games. But in the end, we have done a good job.” Arteta believes strong home form at the start of next season can be the key to Everton bettering their 2010/11 campaign. A sluggish first few months left the Blues playing catch-up last season, and Arteta is insistent they do not make the same mistake again. “Hopefully we can take some momentum into next season,” he said. “That is what we want, but we have been saying that for a few seasons and it is no good saying that and then having three or four months of not picking up enough points and not being good enough at home.
“We have to start next season as we finished this one – strong, consistent and winning all of our home games.” Arteta was delighted to end the campaign with a win over runners-up Chelsea, and also pleased that Jermaine Beckford grabbed his 10th goal of the season. “We showed the mentality we have in the dressing room because it is not easy to beat Chelsea with 10 men, but we managed it,” he said. “It was a terrific goal from Becks. He took a chance and went on a great run and then there was the finish at the end of it. “Becks hasn’t played every game but he has done well and you can see he is adapting. He has pace, which is something we have missed. He is the only striker we have who has that out and out pace." Meanwhile, Everton face competition from Sunderland and Aston Villa if they wish to pursue a deal for highly-rated Coventry City goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.
Sunderland’s Steve Bruce has reportedly opened negotiations with the 26-year-old Irish international. Everton may wish to hijack any talks if they need to replace the restless Jan Mucha as cover for Tim Howard.
Everton FC rumour mill: Blues linked with Hammers swoop, Belgian ace eyed, Cedric on Blues' radar?
May 26 2011
Demba Ba
Everton to swoop for West Ham striker?
The Daily Mail are reporting that Everton are eyeing a move for West Ham striker Demba Ba.
The Senegal forward, who scored seven goals in twelve league games for the Hammers after joining in January,in unlikely to stay at Upton Park following the relegation to the Championship and the Premier League are already probing claims from the Upton Park side that Sunderland have been trying to tap him up.
Source: Daily Mail
Blues following young Belgian striker
Scouts from Everton and West Brom have been tracking Racing Genk striker Jelle Vossen, according to Tribal Football. The 22-year-old bagged 20 goals for the Belgian side this season and is tipped for a big future. Genk insiders say as yet no-one has made a formal bid yet.
Source: Tribal Football
Prem clubs on alert for Auxerre wing-back
Auxerre flyer Cedric Hengbart could be on Everton's radar after admitting he is eyeing a move to England. The wing-back, who only has one year remaining on his contract with the French side, was though to have been watched by a string of Premier League clubs in the closing weeks of the season.
"I have a contract until 2012 but will leave this summer," he said. "I have received several offers from the Premier League, I must make a decision."
Source: Tribal Football
Brazilian striker available for free from PSV Premier League clubs are jostling for position after news emerged that Brazilian centre forward Jonathan Reis is now a free agent. The Dutch club have failed to offer Reis a new contract and the player's agent Renato de Moura Ricardo confirmed the hitman is available. "We have heard nothing, the option has not been exercised," he said. "Jonathan is a free transfer."
Source: Tribal Football
Fenerbahce want to make loan deal for Everton's Joseph Yobo permanent
Offer of 2m is well below Everton's valuation
Defender has three years remaining on contract
Andy Hunter guardian.co.uk, Thursday 26 May 2011
Fenerbahce have offered Everton 2m to sign Joseph Yobo on a permanent basis, despite agreeing to a 6m clause when the defender joined the Turkish side on a season's loan last summer.The Nigeria captain scored the goal that clinched the league title for Fenerbahce on Sunday, his header in a 4-3 win over Sivasspor enabling the Istanbul club to pip Trabzonspor to the title on the head-to-head rule after they finished on equal points.Turkey's champions have wasted little time attempting to formalise Yobo's move but their opening offer falls way short of Everton's valuation.Everton's manager David Moyes must again raise his own transfer funds through player sales this summer and wants closer to the original 6m price for Yobo as he looks to rebuild. The defender has three years remaining on his Everton contract but his lucrative salary at Fenerbahce may deter other clubs from declaring an interest and driving up his transfer fee.
Everton FC's Mikel Arteta urges players to hit ground running at Goodison Park next season
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
May 26 2011
MIKEL ARTETA believes Everton must hit the ground running at Goodison next term to prevent a repeat of this season’s Premier League woes. David Moyes’s side won just two of their first nine home top-flight games this season, contributing to a return of just 18 points from the opening 17 games that left them hovering above the relegation zone. But they then dropped only six points in their final 10 games on their own turf to finish the season in seventh place. And Arteta said: “Hopefully we can take some momentum into next season. “That is what we want, but we have been saying that for a few seasons and it is no good saying that and then having three or four months of no performances, not picking up enough points and not being good enough at home.
“We have to start next season as we finished this one – really strong, really consistent and winning all of our home games.” Arteta believes Everton’s final position – their fifth top-seven finish in seven seasons – deserves praise given their disappointing opening half to the campaign. “I think we have done really well to get to where we did,” added the Spanish schemer. “In November nobody would have thought we could get as high as we did in the table. “Again it is down to the spirit and the consistency the lads managed to produce in the games. “We have had a lot of criticism this season and we have deserved some to be honest – myself in particular in some of the games. But in the end, realistically, we have done a good job.” The focus now will be on the summer transfer window once the budget has been determined by Bill Kenwright and the club’s board. “I would like to give the supporters and players a couple of fresh faces if I can and I think it is important,” said the Goodison manager. “Most clubs would say the same and we’d like to be in that position if we can and that is what I’m working towards and getting some new people in. “Last summer we kept Mikel Arteta, we kept all our top players on long-term contracts, so there was good business done by the club. I want to go into the next season the same because we have brought freshness to the squad.”
Howard Kendall: Back to winning ways on my Goodison managerial return!
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 27 2011
I WAS back in the Goodison dug-out on Wednesday for a special charity game featuring Everton and Liverpool masters teams. We were raising funds for Radio City’s Cash for Kids charity, and Gary Ablett, who has been very ill, led the teams out which was wonderful. I had Andy King and John Bailey as my assistants, and we managed to edge out a Liverpool side featuring John Barnes, Robbie Fowler and John Aldridge, 1-0. We did not have as many big names in our side, although we had a striker who is still lightening quick even aged 42 – Stuart Barlow. Stuart scored our winner and managed to do something he never quite did in his Everton career, in scoring past the Reds – and he had enough chances in his time! I had Steve Simonsen in goal, a young keeper the club signed from Tranmere after hearing rave reviews in the early days of his career, and some former highly-rated youngsters in Neil Pointon and Neil Moore. Tony Grant was there to help out the midfield, and I was even able to bring on my own Barcelona star – the former Nou Camp hero Victor. It was a great night, and we also featured local boxer Tony Bellew, while Paul Smith and his brother Stephen turned out for the Liverpool team. Robbie Fowler looked in great shape, and he was telling me that he is still undecided whether he will return to play in the Australian A-League again next season.
Jan Molby was in the away dug-out and we had some laughs, and shared a few memories. Overall, it was a fantastic night and I was thrilled we could support a worthwhile charity and have some fun back on my old stomping ground in the process
Everton FC legends edge out Liverpool FC in charity game at Goodison Park to support Cash for Kids
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 27 2011
The Everton FC masters teamAS A lightening-fast Everton striker he famously missed three gilt-edged chances to settle a Merseyside derby – but Stuart Barlow made no mistake to fire the Blues to derby victory in a charity game at Goodison. Barlow, now 42, scored the only goal of the game during a masters game featuring star names from Merseyside football folklore like Ian Rush, John Barnes and Robbie Fowler. Former Oldham and Wigan goal-poacher Barlow, was joined by fellow former Everton players Graham Stuart, Iain Jenkins, Joe Royle, Steve Simonsen and Joe Parkinson, while true-blue boxer Tony Bellew, politician Andy Burnham and former Barcelona star Eusebio Sacristan also pulled on the Blue shirt, with Howard Kendall taking on managerial duties. And with all proceeds raised going to Radio City's Cash For Kids, the Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as the Everton Former Players Foundation, the event proved a huge success and attracted up to 3,000 fans.
Everton had the first chance of the game but Graham Stuart was thwarted by goalkeeper Eric Nixon.
But Barlow soon had the crucial goal as he skinned Michael Thomas and fired past former Tranmere goalkeeper Eric Nixon in the Liverpool goal. Unlike in their prime, Rush and Aldridge both wasted chances to torment the Toffees and equalise before FA Cup medallist Stuart shot over for the Blues when well-placed. Barlow was narrowly off target as another chance to put the game to bed went begging, before Simonsen produced a superb save to deny Bury striker Ryan Lowe, and referee Dermot Gallagher blew the final whistle. The show-case game came after a day of matches on the Goodison pitch featuring ordinary supporters, soap actors and youth sides. Popular former Everton and Liverpool defender Gary Ablett lead the two teams out to a standing ovation, as he continues to recover from cancer. The day also featured live music from local girl band Estrella, and overall organisers are confident they have raised thousands of pounds. Philip Ross, son of Everton FC chaplain Harry Ross who helped organise the game, said: “It really was a fantastic day and it was great to see so many popular former players back in their respective red and blue. The turn-out from supporters was fantastic and both charities have benefited.”
Howard Kendall: Jermaine Beckford’s wonder goal will ensure he gets the benefit of the doubt next term
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 27 2011
IT’S a pity for Jermaine Beckford that Everton’s goal of the season award was handed out before their final game against Chelsea. The striker would have had a very strong claim for the trophy after his sensational solo effort in a thrilling game against the Premier League runners-up. Chelsea were very disappointing and did not play with much conviction, but they still possess some top players and victory over them at Goodison Park was the perfect way to sign off on a topsy-turvy season.
It was especially an ideal way for Beckford to end his debut top flight campaign. His performance on the final day summed up his season, the lad missed some good chances which he helped create for himself with his clever movement and pace, but then did the business eventually with that wonder goal that had everyone talking. I think Beckford will have a good summer now, with that goal sure to live long in his memory and give him a real bounce in his step -just as it will be fondly recalled for some time by the fans and any of his doubters. Nobody will be thinking about the chances he has missed now because he ended on such a high note and, after all, 10 goals in your first season at the highest level of English football isn’t bad at all! That’s not to suggest Everton do not still need to try and sign a striker this summer – but Beckford has done himself no harm. There have been plenty of plus points throughout the teams in terms of personal performances – Jagielka has been terrific, and Distin, barring the odd error, has also been outstanding. Leighton Baines is rightly player of the season, and Leon Osman has been superb in the last few months.
David Prentice: David Moyes not ready to admit defeat yet
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 27 2011
DAVID MOYES has embraced many personnas in his nine years at Everton. Vibrant young boss, wheeler-dealer, master motivator and dour Scot. But he has never, ever been a man to admit defeat. Which is why last week’s admission was so strange. On Friday Moyes embraced a new role. The Blues boss put on his best Jack Nicholson/ Melvin Udall face and said: “Seventh might be as good as it gets.” Was the Everton manager finally admitting defeat? Was he trying to play down expectations which soared dangerously and damagingly high at the start of last season?
Was he trying to put pressure on his chairman to squeeze out more pounds for his transfer kitty? Or was he just being grimly realistic? I hope the answer is somewhere in between. Because while some fans – wrongly in my view – accuse Moyes of negativity in his team selection, his attitude towards all things Evertonian has never ever been negative. An admission that Everton couldn’t compete at the top was a mindset which characterised Walter Smith’s reign as manager. It was an attitude embraced by many supporters. And it was an attitude spectacularly blown away by the appetite, hunger and zest of an exciting new manager. In a season where he lost his most talented young striker, then his most creative midfielder, David Moyes led Everton to fourth. In a season where Everton lost a first choice strikeforce, then Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka, Moyes led Everton to fifth and a Cup Final. “Seventh might be as good as it can get for Everton with the resources and the way teams are spending now,” said Moyes. Perhaps. As Good As It Gets had a happy ending. And I don’t believe David Moyes is ready to admit defeat just yet.
Everton FC star Leighton Baines’ mother agrees with Jamie Carragher that her son is Premier League’s top full back
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 27 2011
HIS mum was seriously unimpressed, but Leighton Baines had no complaints about this season’s PFA Premier League team of the year. Such was the quality and consistency of the Everton full-back’s performances in 2010/11 – especially in the head to head confrontations with Chelsea – that there was surprise when Ashley Cole retained his place in the team voted for by the Premier League players. “My mum was upset!” declared Baines “but I can’t really have any qualms about it. Ashley Cole is definitely the best left-back in the Premier League.” But while his peers plumped for the Chelsea full-back, Baines had already received a glowing endorsement of his performances from an unexpected source It wasn’t often that the Everton defender was left red-faced last season, but his cross park rival Jamie Carragher managed to do just that when he publicly hailed Baines as the Premier League’s best left-back last season. “I read that,” admitted Baines. “I think we were on the plane back from somewhere and one of the lads showed me that and I was blushing to be honest with you. “It’s nice of him to say it because he’s not just anyone. Jamie Carragher is well respected not just for his footballing ability and what he’s done himself, but for his knowledge of the game. Everyone knows he’s a football maniac. “He’s a top, top player but it’s like it’s come from a top manager as well because that’s the way he thinks and he’s almost on that level already. “It’s great that people think that of me. I’d never have really thought that when I first came to the club. “It’s nice to be regarded like that and if people make those comparisons then that’s great for me personally because Ashley has been and still is the best around. “It’s a compliment just to be compared to him.” Carragher wasn’t alone in proclaiming Baines to be the best performing left back in the country last season – and the stats backed up the alternative view. Every minute played of every Premier League match, more goals scored than Ashley Cole, a record for assists bettered only by only Nani, Cesc Fabregas and Didier Drogba, yet Baines doesn’t think his performances last season were anything out of the ordinary. “I think I’ve done alright,” he added. “The season’s gone quite well. Same as last year really. I don’t feel like I’ve created any more goals than last year . . . well one more maybe, but obviously there’s a couple more goals in there really, but I don’t feel like I’m getting forward any more. It just feels the same as the last two seasons really.” Despite the recognition of his performances by judges as diverse as Jamie Carragher and Fabio Capello, Baines still believes there is room for improvement. And trying to put even more pressure on the player he believes to be the Premier League’s best left-back is one area he can improve upon. “Things have been going along fairly well over the last two or three seasons,” he went on. “Obviously I’ve been looking to improve every season and I’m 26 now, but it’s important that you keep looking to learn and wanting to learn – even the lads who are 30-plus will tell you that they are still learning things and it’s important I keep doing that. “I haven’t looked that deeply into it, but I just want to keep trying to improve. “You can do everything better. Scoring goals is not going to be a massive part of my job but it’s still important, as is helping create them and having a hand in doing that.
“Sometimes your performance won’t be great but you’ll get an assist or a goal and other games you’ll play a lot better and get nothing out of it. “The important thing is to keep trying to play well and help the team.” Baines’ performances clearly helped Everton last season, but despite his consistently classy displays and the Blues climbing one place in the Premier League table, there was a feeling of under-achievement around Goodison. “We didn’t get out of the blocks and we only started showing the team we are in the second half of the season – and it’s too late by then really,” admitted Baines. “I don’t know why that is. I know it will get looked at. We did change our preparation for the summer just gone, but we had the same results. “Sometimes it’s just small things and looking back there were a lot of games that we felt we should have won and we didn’t because of a lack of devilment in the final third or scoring, which was also a problem early on.
“It can be that simple sometimes. Little things can make a big difference.” While the majority of his team-mates have already disappeared for a summer’s break, Baines still has one footballing commitment to attend to. Along with team-mate Phil Jagielka he is in Fabio Capello’s England squad for the European Championship qualifier against Switzerland next weekend. Barring injury, he will almost certainly be along as a deputy to the man who upset his mum by taking his place in the PFA team. His attitude to being an international reserve is similar to learning he hadn’t made the PFA’s end of season line-up. “My mum was upset! But because of who you’re runner-up to – and that’s even if I was because you don’t find that out – I can’t really have any qualms about it,” he added.
“I’m pretty much going with England as back up to Ashley. I have no doubts that he’s first choice – I have no doubts about that whatsoever – but you go there and try to impress hoping that you’re the next guy in line. “The last friendly I got to play a full game which was nice and there are injuries and suspensions so you just keep plugging away. “It’s early days for me. “Going back to Carra at one point he got fed up of always being understudy but he probably did it a lot more than I have. “At the moment I’m second choice but if I’m called upon I’m there.” Pretty much as he has been all season for Everton Football Club.
Everton FC rumour mill: Blues close in on Miroslav Klose, Joseph Yobo to return to Goodison
May 27 2011
Miroslav Klose on the way to the Blues?
Germany ace Miroslav Klose has rejected Bayern Munich's latest contract offer and could be on his way from the Allianz Arena according to the Daily Mail. This is said to have alerted the Blues and Spurs who could snap up the forward on a free transfer, but the Mail believes Juventus and Valencia are also in for Klose. While the 32-year-old's goalscoring has dried up somewhat for his club in recent years - four goals in 45 league appearances in the last two seasons - he remains a prolific international marksman with 17 in his last 20 Germany games.
Source: Daily Mail
Joseph Yobo heading back to Goodison?
Various sources are reporting Fenerbache and Everton are struggling to cut a deal for Joseph Yobo, which could pave the way for the defender returning to Goodison Park. The Guardian claims the Turkish giants tabled a £2m bid to make Yobo a permanent acquisition - but this falls some way short of the Blues' understanding of an agreed £6m price clause inserted in the original loan deal.
Yobo's stock at Fenerbache increased after he scored the winner in a 4-3 victory over Sivasspor which claimed the Turkish title for his club.
Source: The Guardian
Mark Lawrenson: No reason to suspect Everton FC’s Leighton Baines will look to move on
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
May 27 2011
AT EVERTON it has been a season which has seen them improve on last year’s Premier League finish.
But right now, it is difficult to see what more David Moyes can do. The great problem they have at Goodison Park, and it is an issue which is becoming almost boring to be honest, is the need for investment. Everyone can see it, but it is one thing to identify it, another to do something about it.
Everton have sold players in the past, think Wayne Rooney and Joleon Lescott as two examples, and it might be that they need to do the same again in order to bring in one or two new faces over the summer. I hope that isn’t the case, because if Everton can hang on to the likes of Jack Rodwell and Leighton Baines, then they are not that far away from having a very good team. Baines was undoubtedly their Player of the Season, that was a no-contest, And from his point of view, I don’t see what he would get out of moving to a so-called bigger club. He is behind Ashley Cole in the England pecking order; will that change if he moves to Arsenal or Manchester City? I don’t think so.
Leighton seems a good level-headed lad to me, and he seems to play his best football when he is happy and settled. He is happy and settled now, so I don’t see that much reason for him to be moving on.
Rodwell is a little different.
He has had a slightly disappointing season, where he has been hampered by injuries, but he is a special talent. and you could see him developing even quicker at a big club. It may be that he will want to leave, which would be a shame, but if he does, then so be it. The good thing from Everton’s point of view is that they have the best man to deal with that in Moyes. Like Kenny at Liverpool, David makes players better, and has great influence on team spirit and cohesion. He has a very good record in the transfer market over the years, so it is not like they have someone who will waste whatever cash they are afforded. Historically, David has been very adept at bringing in lesser known players – Lescott, Jagielka, Cahill etc – from the lower leagues, and I think that could be a route he may explore again this summer. The trouble he will have is that those players will cost a fortune now, and Everton simply cannot afford to be getting any signings wrong. Moyes has done well when spending what little money he has had in the past. He picked up players like Tim Howard, Steven Pienaar and Phil Neville, who turned into superb signings. He will need to do something similar this summer.
Leighton Baines says Everton FC must rectify inconsistent form next season
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
May 27 2011
LEIGHTON BAINES says Everton’s form against the top sides is all well and good – but must be backed up with results elsewhere. The England left-back concedes the Goodison Park outfit left themselves with too much to do, despite a strong run of form after the turn of the year.
Once hope of Europa League qualification had faded, Baines reckons the Everton faithful will have struggled to get excited as their side played out the final games of a frustrating season. David Moyes’ men rounded off the campaign with a 1-0 win at home to Chelsea but the club’s player of the year says rectifying their indifferent form against teams in the lower reaches of the Premier League is vital for next season. “We have had some really good results against the top sides,” he said. “The Man City games, United at home was a decent point and the Chelsea results were really good and stand out. “When good teams have come to play and have left gaps then we have been good enough to get results. “That (beating the lesser sides) is something we can look at.
“Especially when playing the teams who come and sit back and ask different questions of us. “The overall finish is similar to what it has been in the past but because of the way the league has been this season we have probably lost more games than in other seasons. “It has been difficult to get really excited as we didn’t really give ourselves a platform to build on and that has been the case in the past as well – we will have do something about that.” Meanwhile, Everton will have to wait to see if Leicester City make Yakubu’s loan move into a permanent deal.
Norwich City reported to have agreed a fee for Everton striker James Vaughan
Friday, May 27, 2011 (Norwich Papers) (eveningnews24)
Norwich City were today reported to have agreed a £2.5m deal to sign Everton striker James Vaughan.The newly-promoted Canaries were also reported to have made a second attempt to sign Millwall striker Steve Morison.Manager Paul Lambert said yesterday he wanted to bring in seven new faces, and looks set to waste no time adding to his squad.City declined to comment on the Vaughan link but Sky Sports claimed City had clinched the deal for 22-year-old Vaughan, who had two loan spells with Crystal Palace in the Championship last season.Vaughan, a product of Everton´s youth academy, has also been linked with Celtic and Derby. In April 2005, Vaughan became Everton´s youngest ever player, beating the record previously held by Joe Royle by 11 days - a record since broken by Jose Baxter. A goal on his debut not only made him Everton’s youngest ever scorer, surpassing Wayne Rooney, but he also overtook James Milner as the Premier League’s youngest scorer.Morison, meanwhile, has submitted a formal transfer request at Millwall, which the club have rejected.The Lions are reported to have rejected two bids from the Canaries for the Wales international, according to the South London Press.The 27 year-old, who recently signed a new contract extension at The Den, was the subject of a January offer from City, worth just over £2million.
Norwich City set to sign Everton striker James Vaughan
Friday, May 27, 2011 (Norwich Paper) (eveningnews24)
Norwich City are set to sign Everton’s James Vaughan for an undisclosed fee, subject to the completion of the relevant paperwork. Vaughan, 22, joins the Canaries on a three-year deal and is set to become the first player to arrive at Carrow Road since City returned to the Premier League.The two clubs have agreed the deal, Vaughan has agreed personal terms and passed a stringent medical and the relevant paperwork is now awaiting final approval from the Football Association, the FA Premier League and the Football League.Vaughan told the club’s official website: “I’m really looking forward to it. I’m really happy to get it done so early in the summer. I’m already looking forward to getting back into training.“That’s what I wanted all along, to get it done and make sure I got a full pre-season. I can look forward to the season ahead now.“I was very impressed with Norwich last season and obviously getting promoted two seasons in a row isn’t easy and a lot of credit has to go to the team for doing that.“I went out to Palace last year to play some games and do the best that I could for Palace. I really enjoyed my time there.“Of course it was hard to leave Everton, I’ve been there since I was six and have always been there but now it was time for me to move on and try and get some games elsewhere and I’m pleased that I’ve signed for Norwich.“The club is going in the right direction and hopefully I can join and keep that going in the Premier League.”On his first signing of the summer, manager Paul Lambert said: “He’s someone who fits in with the group in the sense that he’s hungry to do well and has great desire.“He’s already shown great potential as a young player with Everton and when I have seen him playing for them and for Crystal Palace I have always thought he was a threat in and around the box.“I think James will be fantastic for us and provide extra competition for places, which is always good to have.”
Norwich set to sign James Vaughan from Everton for 2.5m
22-year-old scored nine goals for Crystal Palace last season
Injuries ruined forward's prospects at Goodison Park
The Guardian
Andy Hunter guardian.co.uk, Friday 27 May 2011
Norwich City have begun strengthening for their return to the Premier League next season by agreeing a 2.5m fee with Everton for the striker James Vaughan.The 22-year-old spent the majority of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, where he scored nine goals to help the club avoid relegation from the Championship, and is available for a permanent transfer as David Moyes seeks to raise funds for new arrivals. The two clubs have agreed an initial 1.5m deal, rising to 2.5m on appearances, and Norwich have been given permission to discuss personal terms with the former England Under-21 international.Vaughan was tipped to have a successful career at Everton having risen through their youth system to become the club's and the Premier League's youngest goalscorer, against Palace in April 2005. However, the Birmingham-born forward missed crucial years in his development due to a dreadful catalogue of injuries that included a ruptured cruciate ligament on England Under-18s duty, a dislocated shoulder and a severed artery in his foot. He rarely had an extended run in the Everton team as a consequence and, despite being a firm admirer of his abilities, Moyes sanctioned a series of loan moves to increase Vaughan's playing time.Palace wanted to sign the striker on a permanent basis this summer but they are likely to miss out due to both finance and the lure of the Premier League. The Crystal Palace chairman, Steve Parish, had admitted: "It is going to be difficult for us to compete with top-flight clubs."
Young Everton midfielder one of Europe's 'top talents'
Friday 27 May 2011
(FOURFOURTWO)
The debate around the development of English midfielders attracts a whole host of varying opinions, but while many question what needs to be done to develop a generation of highly-skilled, attack-minded flair players, the production line of defensive midfielders appears to be running smoothly.The likes of Jack Rodwell, Fabrice Muamba and Jay Spearing are all hoping to graduate from the Under 21's to challenge Gareth Barry and Scott Parker for places in the senior England setup. That core of solid players continues further down the chain, with Everton's John Lundstram the latest to show huge promise.Lundstram is a powerful, aggressive and all-action box-to-box midfielder, who also boasts an impressive range of passing. His combative displays have earned many plaudits, despite playing in what some consider an 'unfashionable' position.Lundstram is honing his skills at Everton's famous Finch Farm academy, where youngsters are taught the importance of basic qualities such as hard work and determination, as well as developing on a technical level. Already, John's excellent ability on the ball and elegant left-footed style adds a real balance in the middle of the park.It was this diverse range of strengths which earned him a place in UEFA's 'top talents' list for this month's Under 17 European Championships in Serbia (although they also describe the youngster as having a 'whiff' of Steven Gerrard about him...). He was picked for every one of England's four matches, showing a cool head and good leadership in what proved to be a rocky road to qualification for the knock-out phases.England were ultimately eliminated at the semi-final stage, losing 1-0 to eventual winners Holland. It was a big disappointment, but John Peacock's side will get another chance to show their quality at next months Under 17 World Cup. Lundstram will certainly be one to watch.Everton have historically promoted a steady of flow of youngsters into their first-team, and with a little refinery, John Lundstram has a good chance of joining that growing list in the future.
Everton eye Ba move as Sunderland are accused of 'tapping-up' West Ham striker
By Sportsmail Reporter
27th May 2011 (Daily Mail)
Everton are ready to make an offer for West Ham striker Demba Ba - despite the controversy over Sunderland's alleged interest.The Premier League is probing claims from West Ham accusing Sunderland of 'tapping-up' the Senegal striker. A formal complaint was lodged on Wednesday over an alleged illegal approach and a Premier League spokesman confirmed: 'We have received a letter from West Ham United. We will look into their complaint to see if there is a case to answer.' Section K of the Premier League rulebook forbids clubs from directly or indirectly contacting a player contracted to another club without permission.Sources close to Sunderland were quick to distance themselves from the allegations last night, claiming they have no interest in the former Hoffenheim player. Case for the defence: Sunderland deny any wrongdoing A spokesman said: 'Sunderland AFC is fully aware of the Premier League regulations pertaining to player recruitment. If we are interested in any player currently under contract with another club we will speak directly to that club in line with the regulations.'However, Everton, who came close to signing Ba in January will not be deterred by the furore and are ready to explore the possibility of a deal with David Moyes desperate to add more firepower to his squad next season.Meanwhile, West Ham defensive coach Wally Downes has left the club after his contract expired.
Jack Rodwell 'moving closer to Manchester United move'
The Metro 27th May 2011
Manchester United are reported to be finally ready to seal a deal for Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell.The 20-year-old has been a long term target for Sir Alex Ferguson, but up until now the Toffees have stood firm over any attempts to lure him away from Goodison Park. Now though, suggestion is that David Moyes may be finally ready to do business on the £15million-rated England Under-21 star in order to fund a summer spending spree of his own. The Scot has become increasingly frustrated with Everton’s lack of spending power in the transfer market, and senior players like Mikel Arteta have also begun to voice their concerns over the club’s recruitment policy. ‘I think we need to strengthen the squad a lot to get better,’ the Spanish midfielder told Sky Sports News. ‘It's been a really strange season. I don't think anybody is happy with the way it's gone. ‘We have been very inconsistent, having really bad results and then doing really well against the big teams.’
Norwich sign James Vaughan from Everton
Friday, 27 May 2011 ( The Independent)
Norwich have signed forward James Vaughan from Everton for an undisclosed fee as Canaries boss Paul Lambert looks to build a squad capable of keeping the East Anglia club in the Barclays Premier League. The former England Under-21 international has agreed a three-year deal at Carrow Road, subject to the completion of relevant paperwork. Vaughan has had loan spells at Leicester, Derby and Crystal Palace in the past few seasons after struggling to establish himself at Goodison Park. The 22-year-old came up through the ranks with Everton but his first-team opportunities remained limited and he has now become the first new addition to Lambert's Norwich squad ahead of their return to top-flight football. Lambert, who has steered the Canaries to back-to-back promotions, believes Vaughan fits the profile of the type of player he requires. "He's someone who fits in with the group in the sense that he's hungry to do well and has great desire," he told canaries.co.uk. "He's already shown great potential as a young player with Everton and when I have seen him playing for them and for Crystal Palace I have always thought he was a threat in and around the box. "I think James will be fantastic for us and provide extra competition for places, which is always good to have," he added. Vaughan has agreed personal terms as well as passing a medical and the move only requires final approval from the relevant authorities before it is rubber-stamped. The signing of Vaughan is likely to be the first of a number of acquisitions as Lambert attempts to keep Norwich in the Premier League, and Millwall striker Steve Morison may also be on the Scot's radar. The 27-year-old Wales international has had a transfer request turned down by the club after Norwich reportedly had two bids for him turned down. But Millwall are determined to keep hold of their top scorer, who has hit 40 goals in two seasons since arriving at The Den from Stevenage. A statement from the Lions read: "Millwall can confirm the club has received a written transfer request from Steve Morison. This request has been rejected. "There has been regular speculation surrounding Steve's future but he was rewarded with a new contract at Millwall in February which runs through to June 2013."
Everton join Tottenham in race to snap up Bayern Munich star Miroslav Klose
By John Edwards
May 27 2011 The Dail Mail
Everton have joined the race to sign Miroslav Klose after he rejected Bayern Munich’s latest offer of new terms. Bayern were confident they had finally found a solution to the contract stand-off after presenting him with a one-year deal that would automatically kick in for a further 12 months, if he made at least 20 appearances next season. But his agent was due to meet Bayern bosses on Friday to tell them he will not budge from his initial demand for an agreement that would guarantee him another two years at the Allianz Arena. In demand: Miroslav Klose in action for Bayern Munich against Stuttgart earlier this month That has increased the likelihood of a move for the 32-year old World Cup marksman, and Sportsmail can reveal that the four serious contenders for his signature are Juventus, Valencia, Tottenham and Everton. Sportsmail first disclosed over a month ago that Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp had earmarked Klose as one of his top targets for a planned reshuffle up front. Redknapp wants to freshen up his strike force, after being disappointed with their goals return over the past season, and sees installing Klose’s aerial prowess and consistent finishing as one of his transfer priorities. But he faces competition from Everton counterpart David Moyes, who is just as eager to find quality reinforcements for his frontline and has dramatically made it a four-way battle for Klose. Looking for new players: Everton boss Moyes Moyes knows transfer funds are strictly limited, following a meeting with chairman Bill Kenwright. But, with Klose’s current contract about to run out, he only needs to come up with an acceptable wage package to have a chance of landing one of German football’s most prolific scorers. Klose won the Golden Boot at the 2006 World Cup after notching five goals in the finals for the second successive time. His overall tally of 14 goals at World Cup tournaments leaves him just one behind Brazil’s Ronaldo as the all-time record scorer. But, after making it clear he would not relent over his wish for a two-year deal, he could be about to leave the Bundesliga for the first time. Bayern have set a deadline of early next week for a final decision on his future, and Everton and Tottenham are preparing to do battle with Juventus and Valencia as the clock ticks down. Juventus look to be their most serious rivals after vowing to recruit at the top end of the market this summer and failing with an ambitious bid to prise Carlos Tevez away from Manchester City.
Family of Everton FC fans win top prize
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
0ShareAdd a commentRecommend A FAMILY of Evertonians from Aintree won a money-can’t-buy prize at the recent launch of the Blues’ 2011/12 away strip.Andrew and Jackie McCullough, along with their two children James, 7, and Shaun, 5, will be dining with an Everton legend at the Hilton Hotel and have the use of a luxury Audi for a weekend. Andrew, a life-long Toffee, said: “The four of us are over the moon, especially James. To be honest, I think I was born blue so it’s just an amazing prize for me to win. It tends to be me and James who go to all the home games. Jackie has been to around half a dozen as well. It won’t be long before our Shaun is tagging along.”
Everton FC helping to turn young people away from gun crime
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
NOBODY from this city needs reminding about how innocent people can have their lives shattered by gun crime.Evertonians in particular will never forget the memory of little Blue Rhys Jones, who was so tragically killed by a stray bullet almost four years ago.That’s why it’s great to see Everton still playing its part in educating young people, by hosting the finals of the Matrix Challenge Shield, which took place at Finch Farm, on Friday.The shield, which is in its third year, is part of an anti-gun crime initiative put together by Merseyside Police Force's specialist Matrix team.The tournament has grown in popularity and this was the first year that primary school children have been able to participate, with more than 400 children taking up the challenge to join a team and not a gang.The winners of each group were presented with their winners medals by Detective Chief Supt Tony Doherty, head of the Matrix team, who said:"It is part of a wider campaign aimed at educating young people about the consequences of gun and gang crime.“Most teenagers are not involved in guns and gangs. But if we work together with people from different backgrounds we’re more likely to prevent some from becoming involved."
Barry Horne: FIFA shambles is bad for football
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
AFTER writing on many occasions about FIFA and the whole shocking shambles that is world football’s governing body, they have managed to exceed even their own disgraceful behaviour this week.Sepp Blatter likes to talk about the football family – and very often when families row it can be explosive and can lead to long term falling outs.It is commonplace for outsiders to take lay charges at the door of FIFA executives.But now, for the first time, they are fighting amongst themselves.
Mohammad Bin Hamman seems happy to accept that he ‘paid’ what have been described as bribes.
But he sought to implicate Blatter by saying that he sanctioned them.It would be nice to think that the row could be mutually destructive.But more likely is that Blatter will use the allegations against Bin Hamann to remove him from the vote, leaving Blatter the only candidate yet again.If you have a look at the power base now it is divided amongst, without being disrespectful, third rate football nations like Trinidad.Surely there are enough good, honest football men in countries like Germany, Spain, France, Brazil, Argentina and England to get together and say enough is enough and take drastic action to sort out the mess.
Royal Blue’s alternative end of season Everton FC awards
May 28 2011
0ShareAdd a commentRecommend (3) THOSE of you lucky enough to have attended Everton’s official end of season awards may have had your fill of acceptance speeches and gongs – but Royal Blue couldn’t let the season close without dishing out a few of its own plaudits.It’s been a strange, topsy turvy campaign which has ultimately left most Bluenoses wondering ‘what might have been’. But there have been more than a few moments to savour along the way.Anyone who read the Echo’s season review this week will know our verdict on the serious points of order from the 2010/11 season, but here are a few more categories that didn’t quite make the list.The ‘Did I really just say that to a journalist award?’ : “If Barcelona comes, I’d go on a bicycle with a large flag to get there”. So said John Heitinga before the season had even began. Heits made it hard for supporters to love him with some of his attributed comments, but the Dutch World Cup finalist ultimately showed the Goodison faithful that he cares about the Blue shirt with some strong displays – he just occasionally forgets to say ‘no comment’.The ‘Closest thing Goodison has come to a Riot’ award: Goes to Huyton’s tough-tackling finest Tony Hibbert, who didn’t quite manage to get his long-awaited first Everton goal, but did spark dreams of pitch invasion in the Gwladys Street every time he entered the opposition area. It will happen!The ‘Why didn’t I just turn off Fifa 10 when I first looked at the clock’ award goes to...Who else? Jermaine Beckford. The pacy striker ended on a high with his George Weah-esque stunner against Chelsea, but being late for kick-off of the Blues’ dismal FA Cup exit against Reading was not his finest hour. Even if he had the credible excuse of a horrifically-congested M62 after a bad crash.The ‘Relentless Twitter banter’ award, is tweeted forthwith to skipper Phil Neville, who dishes out some wickedly-barbed messages (never more than 140 characters long!) to everyone from Piers Morgan, to his brother Gary, and team-mate Seamus Coleman. @fizzer18The ‘Stays extra in the gym award’ was one hotly disputed category, with Tim Howard displaying some ridiculously ripped abs in an edition of US sports mag, Sports Illustrated, and fitness and conditioning coach Dave Billows leading by example. But the winner is Sylvain Distin, for looking like he could bench press an articulated lorry and also being a dab hand at badminton.The ‘Tim Cahill award for playing even when in nerve-shredding agony’ goes to...Tim Cahill (again) for getting himself back in shape to feature in the Toffees’ run-in despite an ongoing condition in his foot which apparently feels like running on broken glass.‘Self-confessed superstition addict’ goes to Leighton Baines, who reluctantly stopped wearing a battered pair of boots he has sported for years this season, but still wears the same shin pads from his Wigan days, and STILL ties and unties his shoelaces on the pitch before every game.‘Toni & Guy hair care’ award goes to Louis Saha. The King is the epitome of Gallic cool, and when quizzed on his slightly-odd dyed orange fuzz by Royal Blue, simply replied that he did it to make children laugh. That’s just how he rolls. Nobody argued.The ‘Now I see what they mean when they witter on about the grass not always being greener...’ award goes to Steven Pienaar. Peanuts was as popular in the Goodison dressing room as he was with the fans, and although he’s now considerably richer; he is neither playing in the Champions League nor guaranteed a first-team slot. There’s every chance the happy-go-lucky South African will still be a hit at White Hart Lane, but he may well also rue the day he said yes to Harry Redknapp and bye to David Moyes.The ‘Do that to my mate and you’re going down’ award goes to Mikel Arteta. Cast your minds back, a bad day was getting worse. West Brom were schooling Everton at Goodison, and Gonzalo Jara had just somehow avoided an early bath for a scandalous elbow on Leighton Baines. Cue the usually cool and collected Mikel Arteta to leave a size eight imprint on Jara’s thigh and earn himself an early breather.
And finally . . .
The ‘How to almost have your head removed from your shoulders by an irate Scotsman’ award: Goes to ref Martin Atkinson, who unwisely blew up as Everton were mid-attack and chasing all three points against Manchester United in September. Moyes has had some impressive paddies at Goodison, but this was one of his finest.
The Witty brothers cement Merseyside's links to Barcelona ahead of Champions League final
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
1ShareComments (5)Recommend (8) MERSEYSIDE is backing Barcelona at Wembley tonight. But don’t for a second think we’re being unpatriotic. The proliferation of Barca flags around the city has led to accusations of unpatriotism in some quarters, and evidence of our anti-Manchester enmity in others.
As if!
Mersey football fans are simply backing the locals – supporting the club with the greatest local influence.And that’s FC Barcelona.All Manchester United have is Wayne Rooney.Barcelona have the Witty brothers.Arthur and Ernest Witty were old boys from Merchant Taylors’ School in Crosby – and they have been credited with organising Barcelona’s first international match, copying the school’s sports colours for Barca’s strip – and even introducing a style of play which combined both physicality and deftness of touch!FC Barcelona was founded by Hans Kamper (later Joan Gamper), a Swiss commodities trader.But the Witty brothers were also an early driving force at the club.Arthur played for Barcelona in the first Copa del Rey final and later served as club president between 1903 and 1905. Younger brother Ernest also played for the club and was also a founding member of the tennis section of the club, Real Club de Tenis de Barcelona.Legend has it that the Witty brothers also modelled the legendary Barcelona colours, the blaugrana, after the original colours used by Merchant Taylors’ rugby team.However, FC Basel – and other Swiss clubs that the club founder Joan Gamper played for – have also been credited with the inspiration – but we’re backing the local boysArthur Witty became an early president of Barcelona, and according to the club’s official website: “Under Witty, Barça played its first international match in Barcelona against Stade Olympique of Toulouse and on May 1, 1904 the team travelled abroad for the first time to play the same side, Toulouse, in Languedoc.“Witty brought the first regulation size balls back from England and it was also him who introduced goal nets.“As a player, he defended the Barça colours on 74 occasions between 1899 and 1905.“After he had run FC Barcelona for 746 days, the club members, of which there were now as many as 234, were sorry to see Arthur Witty stand down as president on October 6, 1905.”Just as we’ll be sorry to see their memory tarnished by a Manchester United victory.
Really.
Witty’s influence on FC Barcelona may have been relatively fleeting, but the impacts he did make should not be underestimated. A man whose enthusiasm for the game shone brilliantly, it may have taken much longer for football to take hold in northern Spain had it not been for his eagerness to communicate his passion to others. A raconteur as well as a sporting missionary, Arthur Witty more than deserves to go down in history as one of the game’s great European pioneers.
Barry Horne: Classy Everton FC see off classless Chelsea
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
0ShareAdd a commentRecommend (6) I WAS fortunate enough to be at Goodison Park last Sunday for what was, for me, a fantastic afternoon – but an afternoon which in many ways summed up our season – good and bad.The bad was the missed chances.We have drawn too many games this season because of missed chances – and once again we had terrific chances in the first half.But once again, as has often been the case, we took strength from adversity – and the contrasts between the two clubs were there for all to see.Bill Kenwright was sat in the stand looking down on a passionate manager, surrounded by a full house creating a wonderful atmo- sphere, watching a team play with enthusiasm, dyna- mism, athleticism, courage and posit- ivity – despite the fact they couldn’t go up a place and were highly unlikely to drop a place.Who knows where Roman Abramovich watched the game.But he will have watched a disillusioned, dispirited and dispassionate manager – hardly surprising considering he knew he was getting the sack – and a listless lethargic, unenthusiastic display from his multi million pound players, in particular Fernando Torres, who cut a pathetic figure.Not only were Chelsea poor, they were cynical, petty and petulant.There were two moments in the game which, for me, summed up the difference between the clubs. Seamus Coleman took a heavy touch and in his usual, enthusiastic, if raw way, launched at the ball. He took it cleanly, possibly making the slightest contact with Jon Obi Mikel.Ref Peter Walton awarded a free kick and seemed quite happy to get on with the game, until Mikel started thrashing around like a fish out of water and Ashley Cole charged 20 yards and Frank Lampard 30 (probably the quickest he moved all day) to remonstrate.That convinced the ref to change his mind and Coleman was duly shown a second yellow – at which point Mikel miraculously cured himself.Moments later Alex, already on a yellow and fortunate not to have conceded a penalty earlier, was adjudged to have brought down Beckford on his way to goal.The ref awarded a foul, but showed neither the yellow nor the red card the offence merited.The reaction from the Everton players?They got on with the game. No-one remonstrated, no-one complained, no-one rushed to the ref. They just got on with the game.I am proud of that contrast between the petty, classless Chelsea and the dignified Everton.And they were rewarded when Jermaine Beckford went on to score one of the more remarkable goals of the season.It was a great way to end the season and it was certainly a great day to be an Evertonian.
Everton FC can utilise the loan market this summer to increase transfer funds
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
DAVID MOYES will try to put an extra £10m in his transfer kitty this summer – by turning loan arranger. The Blues boss had half-a-dozen players out on loan last season, and will try to strike permanent deals for the majority of them in a bid to give himself some extra spending power.“The scouts do a brilliant job at Everton,” he said.“I work them hard and they have been looking at players up to a value of up to £10m-15m but also looking at players for nothing and around say the £60,000 Seamus Coleman amount.“The staff have been on the road for months so when we get the nod we're ready to give Everton a fresh look.”First, though, Moyes must generate some funds.The Football Echo looks at the players Moyes is hoping to offload, and how much money he may hope to bank from their exits.
Iain Turner
LOAN STAR FOR: Preston North End
ON-LOAN at Preston North End for much of last season, the 27-year-old impressed despite North End suffering relegation to League One.David Moyes is ready to let Turner move on with the player well down the pecking order at Goodison.And Preston boss Phil Brown is keen to tie up a deal with Andy Lonergan set to leave the club this summer.But after signing for £50,000 from Stirling Albion in 2003, and having made just five first team appearances, Turner’s departure is unlikely to swell Moyes’ transfer coffers.
Yakubu
LOAN STAR FOR: Leicester City
THE Nigerian international appears to have scored his last goal in Royal Blue – but it’s far from certain that he’ll be scoring goals in Leicester blue next season either.Foxes boss Sven-Goran Eriksson said he is still undecided whether to make a bid to bring back the Yak to the Walkers Stadium permanently.Yakubu scored 11 goals in 20 appearances while on loan and has previously admitted he would like to return permanently to City.However, Yakubu is on a big wage at Everton and City may decide they cannot offer the 28-year-old the package he wants, and may look elsewhere.City have also been linked with moves for Aston Villa’s Emile Heskey, Coventry’s Marlon King and Bristol City’s Nicky Maynard.“We haven't made any decisions on that yet but you can't take away those 11 goals in 20 games that Yakubu scored,” said Eriksson. “It is a very good total.”
Keiran Agard
LOAN STAR FOR: Peterborough United and Kilmarnock
AGARD endured a frustrating season in the loan system.A January acquisition for Peterborough United, the 21-year-old was on the move again before the end of the month.Manager Gary Johnson left the club and Agard became surplus to requirements when Darren Ferguson returned to London Road, having featured just once - as a substitute in the FA Cup against Fulham.But the young striker, signed from Arsenal during the 2005/06 campaign, was snapped up by Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock.Making three starts and five substitute appearances, Agard notched one goal, an 86th minute volley against Hearts to rescue his new side a 2-2 draw.Agard has featured just once for David Moyes’ men in the Premier League, as a late sub in December 2009’s 3-3 draw at Chelsea, and started the Europa League tie with Bate Borisov the following week.
Joseph Yobo
LOAN STAR FOR: Fenerbache
NIGERIA’S captain scored the goal that clinched the league title for Fenerbahce last weekend.His header in a 4-3 win over Sivasspor enabled the Istanbul club to pip Trabzonspor to the title on the head-to-head rule after they finished on equal points.Turkey’s champions wasted little time attempting to formalise Yobo's move but their opening offer has fallen way short of Everton's valuation.The 29-year-old is keen to make the move permanent, but negotiations hit a snag when Fenerbahce made a bid £4million short of the fee agreed with the Merseysiders when the former Marseille man made the move to Turkey last summer.The defender has three years remaining on his Everton contract, but with Yobo unlikely to willingly return to Goodison Park Fenerbahce will have to raise their bid significantly if the star isn't to be stuck in limbo and Moyes is to receive a cash boost.
Everton FC striker James Vaughan joins Norwich in £2m deal
Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
DAVID MOYES banked his first transfer fee of the summer last night when the Blues agreed a £2m deal with newly promoted Norwich for the sale of James Vaughan.The striker, who still holds a slice of Everton history after breaking Wayne Rooney’s record to become the club’s youngest ever scorer in 2005, scored nine goals in 31 appearances on-loan at Crystal Palace last season.But Norwich boss Paul Lambert has won the battle for his signature.Vaughan tweeted last night: “So happy to have signed for Norwich! Great opportunity for me and I'm really looking forward to it!“I would like to thank everyone at Everton for all they have done for me over the years! I will always love the club and the people there!”Vaughan made 60 appearances for Everton after making his debut in 2005, but tormented by injuries started just 11 matches. His only appearance for Everton last season was as a substitute in the Anfield derby.He scored nine goals, including that historic strike against Crystal Palace on his debut and slotted an impressive penalty in an FA Cup semi-final shoot-out against Manchester United.Now he will be hoping for an extended run in the top flight with The Canaries.Vaughan’s 73rd-minute substitute appearance against Palace made him Everton’s youngest ever player, beating the record previously held by Joe Royle by 11 days.This record has since been broken by Jose Baxter.His 84th-minute goal not only made him Everton’s youngest-ever scorer, surpassing Rooney, but he also overtook James Milner as the Premier League’s youngest scorer.
But after signing his first professional contract in the summer of 2005 he sustained a knee ligament injury whilst on international duty with England Under-18s.A series of complications sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign, then he suffered a severed foot artery in a match with Bolton and in a 2007 pre-season friendly dislocated his shoulder following an innocuous challenge with Preston North End defender Youl Mawene.He recovered to score a penalty in the 2009 semi-final shoot-out and came on at Wembley as a second half substitute in the FA Cup final.Manager David Moyes is also hoping to generate further transfer funds through the sale of defender Joseph Yobo to Fenerbahce. However it is understood the newly crowned Turkish champions have offered just £2m for the Nigerian international, way short of the £6m reportedly agreed upon the start of Yobo’s season long loan last summer.Yobo has three years left on his current deal at Everton and though Fenerbahce are keen on making his loan move a permanent one, the two clubs are way off in their valuation.Moyes, meanwhile, has paid tribute to the Everton supporters.“As I said before the Chelsea game in my programme notes, we can always rely on the supporters,” he said. “They are the ones that come every week, they keep their kids coming, and to make sure in the future they remain Evertonians we need to give them winning teams and a football club we can all be proud of.“Hopefully Evertonians at the Chelsea game would have been proud of their team, been proud of the way the players went about their jobs and we have finished the season on a really good note.”
What does the future hold for Keiran Agard?
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
LOAN STAR FOR: Peterborough United and Kilmarnock
AGARD endured a frustrating season in the loan system.
A January acquisition for Peterborough United, the 21-year-old was on the move again before the end of the month.Manager Gary Johnson left the club and Agard became surplus to requirements when Darren Ferguson returned to London Road, having featured just once - as a substitute in the FA Cup against Fulham.But the young striker, signed from Arsenal during the 2005/06 campaign, was snapped up by Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock.Making three starts and five substitute appearances, Agard notched one goal, an 86th minute volley against Hearts to rescue his new side a 2-2 draw.Agard has featured just once for David Moyes’ men in the Premier League, as a late sub in December 2009’s 3-3 draw at Chelsea, and started the Europa League tie with Bate Borisov the following week.
What does the future hold for Yakubu?
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
LOAN STAR FOR: Leicester City
THE Nigerian international appears to have scored his last goal in Royal Blue – but it’s far from certain that he’ll be scoring goals in Leicester blue next season either.Foxes boss Sven-Goran Eriksson said he is still undecided whether to make a bid to bring back the Yak to the Walkers Stadium permanently.Yakubu scored 11 goals in 20 appearances while on loan and has previously admitted he would like to return permanently to City.However, Yakubu is on a big wage at Everton and City may decide they cannot offer the 28-year-old the package he wants, and may look elsewhere.City have also been linked with moves for Aston Villa’s Emile Heskey, Coventry’s Marlon King and Bristol City’s Nicky Maynard.“We haven't made any decisions on that yet but you can't take away those 11 goals in 20 games that Yakubu scored,” said Eriksson. “It is a very good total.”
What does the future hold for James Vaughan?
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
VAUGHAN impressed in the Championship last season with two loan spells at Crystal Palace, but Norwich City boss Paul Lambert won the race for his signature last night ahead of Crystal Palace, Celtic and Derby.The fee was undisclosed, but the Echo believes that David Moyes banked £2m from the deal.In April 2005 Vaughan became Everton’s youngest ever player when used as a 73rd minute substitute against Crystal Palace, beating Joe Royle’s club record by 11 days.The feat has since been broken by Jose Baxter but Vaughan’s 84th minute goal on his debut not only made him Everton’s youngest-ever scorer, overtaking Wayne Rooney, but he also surpassed James Milner as the Premier League’s youngest player to find the back of the net.Injuries hampered Vaughan’s progress at Goodison, but he played a significant part the Blues’ FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester United at Wembley, netting in the penalty shoot out.
What does the future hold for Iain Turner?
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
LOAN STAR FOR: Preston North End
ON-LOAN at Preston North End for much of last season, the 27-year-old impressed despite North End suffering relegation to League One.David Moyes is ready to let Turner move on with the player well down the pecking order at Goodison.And Preston boss Phil Brown is keen to tie up a deal with Andy Lonergan set to leave the club this summer.But after signing for £50,000 from Stirling Albion in 2003, and having made just five first team appearances, Turner’s departure is unlikely to swell Moyes’ transfer coffers.
What does the future hold for Joseph Yobo?
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
May 28 2011
LOAN STAR FOR: Fenerbache
NIGERIA’S captain scored the goal that clinched the league title for Fenerbahce last weekend.His header in a 4-3 win over Sivasspor enabled the Istanbul club to pip Trabzonspor to the title on the head-to-head rule after they finished on equal points.Turkey’s champions wasted little time attempting to formalise Yobo's move but their opening offer has fallen way short of Everton's valuation.The 29-year-old is keen to make the move permanent, but negotiations hit a snag when Fenerbahce made a bid £4million short of the fee agreed with the Merseysiders when the former Marseille man made the move to Turkey last summer.The defender has three years remaining on his Everton contract, but with Yobo unlikely to willingly return to Goodison Park Fenerbahce will have to raise their bid significantly if the star isn't to be stuck in limbo and Moyes is to receive a cash boost.
Everton’s Vaughan the first of many for Norwich City
David Cuffley
Saturday, May 28, 2011 “Norwich Paper” (eveningnews24)
Striker James Vaughan has been revealed as the first of Norwich City’s secret seven – after signing from Everton on a three-year deal.Your viewEmailPrintGot a story?..To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in.With manager Paul Lambert keen to recruit seven new faces for the Premier League campaign, the 22-year-old became the first addition to his promotion-winning squad yesterday for an undisclosed fee, believed to be at least £1.5m.The deal, just awaiting completion of the relevant paperwork, was announced on a day when the Canaries were also reported to have made a second attempt to sign Millwall and Wales striker Steve Morison.Vaughan was at Everton’s academy from the age of nine and was at one time their youngest ever player, breaking Joe Royle’s record by 11 days. He remains the Premier League’s youngest goalscorer after netting as a 16-year-old on his debut in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace back in 2005, breaking the record previously held by James Milner and, prior to that, Wayne Rooney, when he was an Everton player.The Birmingham-born striker had two loan spells at Palace last season, scoring nine times in 30 Championship appearances, including a hat-trick against Portsmouth, and played in both matches against the Canaries.Vaughan, who had one year of his current Everton deal to run, will join up with former Goodison Park team-mate John Ruddy at Carrow Road.“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Vaughan. “I’m really happy to get it done so early in the summer. I’m already looking forward to getting back into training. That’s what I wanted all along, to get it done and make sure I got a full pre-season. I can look forward to the season ahead now.” Vaughan was not available for media interviews but told the club’s official website: “I was very impressed with Norwich last season. Getting promoted two seasons in a row isn’t easy and a lot of credit has to go to the team for doing that. I went out to Palace last year to play some games and do the best that I could for Palace. I really enjoyed my time there. “Of course it was hard to leave Everton. I’ve been there since I was six and have always been there but now it was time for me to move on and try and get some games elsewhere.” Vaughan scored nine times in 60 appearances for Everton, but only 11 of those were starts. A knee ligament problem suffered on England Under-18 duty was among a string of injuries to hinder his progress.He also had loan spells at Derby and Leicester, and was linked with Celtic and Derby before the Canaries agreed the deal.Vaughan has agreed personal terms and passed a medical and the paperwork was awaiting final approval last night from the Football Association, the FA Premier League and the Football League. Lambert said of his first summer capture: “He’s someone who fits in with the group in the sense that he’s hungry to do well and has great desire.“He’s already shown great potential as a young player with Everton and when I have seen him playing for them and for Crystal Palace I have always thought he was a threat in and around the box. I think James will be fantastic for us and provide extra competition for places, which is always good to have.”City’s renewed interest in Morison emerged yesterday when it was revealed the 27-year-old had handed in a transfer request at Millwall.The Lions are reported to have rejected a fresh approach from Norwich following a bid of around £2m back in January. Morison – on duty for Wales last night in the Carling Nations Cup against Northern Ireland – agreed a new deal in February to remain at Millwall until 2013.But Millwall issued a statement yesterday, confirming Morison had submitted a formal transfer request, which the club have rejected.
Everton’s Vaughan is Norwich City’s first new face of summer
paddy Davitt
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Norwich Evening News
Norwich City’s new signing James Vaughan yesterday described joining the Premier League new boys as a ‘great opportunity’. The 22-year-old striker will become Paul Lambert’s first close season capture – subject to club officials completing the relevant paperwork – after moving from boyhood club Everton for an undisclosed fee, thought to be in excess of £1.5m. Vaughan passed a ‘stringent’ medical and agreed personal terms on a three-year deal at Carrow Road following a successful loan spell at Championship rivals Crystal Palace last season. The former England U21 starlet admitted it was a wrench to leave the Toffees, but is confident he can help City’s Premier League mission.
“I’m so happy to have signed for Norwich,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to it. “I went out to Palace last year to play some games and do the best that I could for them. I really enjoyed my time there. Of course it was hard to leave Everton. I would like to thank everyone at Everton for all they have done for me over the years. I will always love the club and the people there. “I’ve been there since I was six but now it was time for me to move on and try and get some games elsewhere and I’m pleased that I’ve signed for Norwich. The club is going in the right direction and hopefully I can join and keep that going in the Premier League.” Lambert believes Vaughan’s signing perfectly illustrates his summer makeover plans ahead of Norwich’s top flight bow. “He’s someone who fits in with the group in the sense that he’s hungry to do well and has great desire,” said the Scot, who reiterated earlier this week he was only in the market for ambitious recruits after pouring cold water on a potentially audacious move for Germany’s veteran hitman Miroslav Klose. “He’s already shown great potential as a young player with Everton and when I have seen him playing for them and for Crystal Palace I have always thought he was a threat in and around the box. I think James will be fantastic for us and provide extra competition for places, which is always good to have.” Vaughan shot to prominence, ironically against Palace, when he scored as a 16-year-old on his senior Everton debut in a 4-0 win at Goodison back in April 2005 to become the Premier League’s youngest ever goalscorer. A knee ligament injury suffered on England U18 duty the following season stunted his club progress and Vaughan has been restricted to just eight league starts for the Toffees. The Birmingham-born frontman had loan spells at Derby and Leicester prior to an extended spell at Palace last season where he scored nine goals in 30 appearances. “I’m really looking forward to it,” Vaughan told the club’s official site. “I’m really happy to get it done so early in the summer. I’m already looking forward to getting back into training. That’s what I wanted all along, to get it done and make sure I got a full pre-season. I can look forward to the season ahead now. “I was very impressed with Norwich last season and obviously getting promoted two seasons in a row isn’t easy and a lot of credit has to go to the team for doing that.” Various media sources also linked the Canaries yesterday with Millwall’s bustling Welsh international striker Steve Morison. The Lions have rejected a transfer request from the 27-year-old after a reported fresh approach from the Canaries following initial interest back in January.
Morison – on duty for Wales last night in the Carling Nations Cup against Northern Ireland – agreed a new Millwall deal in February to remain at the club until 2013 following intense speculation over his future during the New Year transfer window.
A statement from the Lions read: “Millwall can confirm the club has received a written transfer request from Steve Morison. This request has been rejected. There has been regular speculation surrounding Steve’s future but he was rewarded with a new contract in February.”
• JAMES VAUGHAN FACTFILE
• Age: 22
• Born: Birmingham, July 14, 1988
• Height: 5ft 9in
• Weight: 12st 9lb
• Debut: Everton 4, Crystal Palace 0, April 10, 2005. By scoring he became the Premier League’s youngest ever goalscorer.
• Career: July 2004-May 2011, Everton: 11 starts (plus 49 as substitute) 9 goals; September-October 2009: Derby County, loan: 2 (0) 0; March-June 2010: Leicester City, loan: 2 (6) 1; September-December 2010, January-May 2011, Crystal Palace, two loan spells, 28 (2) 9.
• Total: 43 (57) 19.
• Internationals: England Under-17s 6 (2); Under-19s 3 (3); England Under-21s 4 (0).
Moyes backing Rodwell to make major impact at U21 European Championships
By Joe Bernstein 29th May 2011
Daily Mail
There are three reasons why England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce can remain optimistic about next month’s European Championship despite the high-profile absences of Jack Wilshere, Micah Richards and Andy Carroll.The first is Everton’s young star-in-waiting Jack Rodwell and the other two are both named Daniel — strikers Sturridge and Welbeck, who would have kept Carroll on the bench even if England had not left him out after recent injury problems.While Arsene Wenger was aghast at the prospect of Wilshere being called up for the tournament in Denmark and potentially playing five games in 15 days, Everton manager David Moyes is delighted Rodwell will be in the England line-up in their first game on June 12 that will feature Manchester United goalkeeper target David de Gea and Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets. ‘I think the tournament will be good for Rodwell. I’m all for him going,’ said Moyes, who will look to resist any interest from United and Manchester City this summer to prise away his £20million midfielder.‘People will look at him during the tournament and say we have a real player for the future. He’s a central midfielder who can play a bit differently, who can take the ball from the back and start the attacks going.‘I think in time he will develop into a really good defensive midfield player.’Rodwell has suffered a mixed season despite making 28 appearances, rarely living up to the rave reviews he received when he broke into the team as a teenager. But Moyes has little doubt the Southport-born youngster will follow another Everton apprentice Wayne Rooney and go to the very top.‘The Under-21 Championship is just what Jack needs and I’m looking for him to have a big tournament.‘He didn’t have an easy route at Everton last season. He had to compete with Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini to get in the side and then when he played, the team weren’t playing well, which made it difficult.‘Younger players are going to be up and down. It happened with Wayne as well, the season we sold him [to United], I don’t think he actually played that well. When the team are in good form, it’s easy for the young boys to go with it. But at times they need the senior players to help them.‘Jack will come again, I saw signs of it towards the end of the season. He’s going to be a player.’Pearce will be looking to Rodwell as the team’s midfield general to get out of a difficult group of Spain, Ukraine and the Czech Republic.Their chances of bettering their showing two years ago, when they reached the final but lost it 4-0 to a Mesut Ozil-inspired Germany, were damaged when Wilshere told Pearce he was feeling fatigued and City’s Richards withdrew with a hamstring injury.The absence of Carroll, who has suffered thigh and knee problems this year and was advised to rest by his club, Liverpool, is not being mourned by Pearce, however, who always intended to start with the Sturridge-Welbeck partnership up front.They have been a big success in qualifying and Pearce feared £35million Carroll would be a distraction if he was not playing. Welbeck and Sturridge go into the tournament following successful loan spells.Sturridge, contracted to Chelsea, scored eight goals in 12 games for Bolton after he went to the Reebok in January.Welbeck’s form has been so impressive during a season-long loan at Sunderland from United that their manager Steve Bruce does not think Sir Alex Ferguson will let him out of Old Trafford again next season.Welbeck also made his full England debut against Ghana at Wembley in March.
Joey Barton denies he wants to leave Newcastle to join Everton FC
May 30 2011
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has denied reports he is interested in joining Everton.The Huyton-born 28-year-old used his Twitter account to claim he wants to remain on Tyneside despite an impasse with the Newcastle board over his new contract.He wrote, ‘Finished playing golf, 72 not bad. Came in to questions about joining Everton???I don't want to leave Newcastle but thanks anyways. ‘I will tell all when the time is right, basically they want a younger, better, cheaper player............cant blame (owner Mike Ashley) and (managing director Derek Llambias) can you?
‘Slight problem is, they dont want to spend any money or pay any wages.It’s genius really ha ha
‘I am an employee so have to be careful here."Everyone knows I'd love to stay.’
Everton FC midfielder Jack Rodwell will prove his star potential in England U-21’s summer tournament, says David Moyes
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 30 2011
JACK RODWELL will revitalise his star potential on England U-21 duty this summer, according to David Moyes.The Everton boss insists Rodwell can be a dominant defensive midfielder, and had begun to flourish at Goodison again as the season approached its end.Rodwell, 20, ended on a high with an impressive performance in the 1-0 win over Premier League runners-up Chelsea, and Moyes believes he was unfortunate to have older and more experienced players blocking his route into Everton’s first team last season.Rodwell is expected to start for England’s Under-21 side as they begin their European Championship campaign against Spain next month, and Moyes says Rodwell will benefit from the competition.He said: “I think the tournament will be good for Rodwell."I’m all for him going."People will look at him during the tournament and say we have a real player for the future. “He’s a central midfielder who can play a bit differently, who can take the ball from the back and start the attacks going.“I think in time he will develop into a really good defensive midfield player.”Moyes is determined to keep hold of Rodwell, who made 28 appearances last season, and would ideally resist any bids for the academy-groomed player.“The Under-21 Championship is just what Jack needs and I’m looking for him to have a big tournament,” he said. “He didn’t have an easy route at Everton last season."He had to compete with Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini to get in the side and then when he played, the team weren’t playing well, which made it difficult. “Younger players are going to be up and down."It happened with Wayne as well, the season we sold him, I don’t think he actually played that well."When the team are in good form, it’s easy for the young boys to go with it."But at times they need the senior players to help them."Jack will come again, I saw signs of it towards the end of the season."He’s going to be a player.”
James Vaughan admits leaving Everton FC was hard, but he can’t wait to get started at Norwich City
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
May 30 2011
JAMES VAUGHAN says he can’t wait to get started with new club Norwich City – but admits leaving Everton was particularly hard.The 22-year-old sealed his move to the Premier League newboys at the end of last week, penning a three year contract in a deal which is thought to be worth £2.5m for the Goodison Park side.Vaughan has been with the club since the age of six but with opportunities limited under manager David Moyes, the striker jumped at the chance of moving to Carrow Road.But Vaughan – who spent a part of the season on loan at Championship Crystal Palace – admits leaving Everton was a difficult decision to make.I’m really looking forward to it,” said Vaughan of his move to Norwich.“I’m really happy to get it done so early in the summer.“I’m already looking forward to getting back into training.“That’s what I wanted all along, to get it done and make sure I got a full pre-season.“I can look forward to the season ahead now.“I was very impressed with Norwich last season and obviously getting promoted two seasons in a row isn’t easy and a lot of credit has to go to the team for doing that.“I went out to Palace last year to play some games and do the best that I could for Palace. I really enjoyed my time there.“Of course it was hard to leave Everton, I’ve been there since I was six and have always been there but now it was time for me to move on and try and get some games elsewhere and I’m pleased that I’ve signed for Norwich.“Norwich are going in the right direction and hopefully I can join and keep that going in the Premier League.”Norwich manager Paul Lambert says Vaughan’s attitude was one of the main reasons for prising him from Everton.“He’s someone who fits in with the group in the sense that he’s hungry to do well and has great desire.“He’s already shown great potential as a young player with Everton and when I have seen him playing for them and for Crystal Palace I have always thought he was a threat in and around the box.”
Leicester's £2m-rated defender Sol Bamba chased by Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham
By Sportsmail Reporter
30th May 2011 Daily Mail
Aston Villa, Fulham and Everton are ready to test Leicester’s resolve to hang on to Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba. The 26-year-old former Hibernian stopper, who has a year left on his contract at the Walkers Stadium, has been watched by all three clubs, as well as Marseille and Paris St Germain. He would cost around £2million.
30 years ago today - the appointment of Howard Kendall that changed Everton FC forever
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo
May 31 2011
Howard Kendall celebrates with his team after clinching the 1985 title against QPR at GoodisonThirty years ago today Howard Kendall was appointed Everton manager. The club’s youngest ever boss, he would ultimately become the greatest . . . but success didn’t come instantly. THE board of directors at Goodison Park took a decision, 30 years ago today, that changed the course of Everton’s history.
They appointed a bright, young and relatively inexperienced manager in the hope that his fresh ideas would reinvigorate a club that had not won a major trophy in a decade. Howard Kendall fulfilled those ambitions and much more besides, delivering success on an unprecedented scale. Two First Division titles plus FA Cup and European Cup Winners Cup triumphs inside four glorious years during the mid-1980s eclipsed the achievements of the man who previously held the distinction of being Everton’s most successful manager – Harry Catterick. Kevin Ratcliffe, the Wales international who captained the team from the back said: “We were not a team of individuals but a team in every sense of the word and Howard Kendall was responsible for that. "We felt we were going to win every game we went into.” Midfielder Trevor Steven said: “Howard’s judgement of players was second to none and his man management was terrific.” Front man Adrian Heath added: “There was a great camaraderie among us. We had a lot of young players in the dressing room and then he brought in Andy Gray and Peter Reid and made us into men.” Reid, who followed Kendall into management, said: “We were a side that could mix it a bit and we could play as well. "Everything we did was geared to getting the ball down and passing it. "Howard assembled a really good side with strong characters, who could sort things out on the pitch. "Tactically, he was very good.”
Yet before that brilliant team was built and the success arrived, the patience and nerve of those Everton directors was tested. Kendall’s arrival – or rather return to the club he graced as a player a decade before– did not produce an instant transformation of results on the field. Two-and-a-half years into the job, Kendall found himself under pressure from a contingency of fans who were losing faith with his methods. They were tough, unforgiving times in recession-hit Britain. Attendances at First Division games at Goodison had fallen below the 20,000 mark. Liverpool’s domination of domestic and European football from a base a few hundred yards across Stanley Park was a source of constant envy and frustration for Evertonians. Chairman Philip Carter and his board kept faith and within a few months of the “Kendall and Carter out” leaflets circulating around Goodison in 1983, Ratcliffe and his team-mates were running around Wembley with the FA Cup.
If the lesson about giving managers a workable timeframe to turn a team-building plan into reality was heeded by a few enlightened clubs, notably Manchester United in standing by Alex Ferguson, it has remained an unfashionable approach among generations of owners at every level of the game over the last three decades. Few doubted, back in the spring of 1981, that Gordon Lee’s four-and-a-half-year spell as manager of Everton was coming to its natural end. Lee, a gentleman to the end, acknowledged as much himself. Lee’s pragmatic style brought a succession of near misses for Everton but no tangible success: a League Cup final defeat in a replay with Aston Villa and the controversial FA Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool in 1977. A third-place finish in 77/78, fourth a year later after an 18-game unbeaten run from the start of the season was squandered. Everton lost another FA Cup semi-final to West Ham in 1980 and finished four points above the relegation places.
Lee, seeking improvements by blooding young players, was achieving better results until a collapse in form towards the end of 80/81 saw Everton lose eight of the final 12 games. Meanwhile Kendall, part of the Holy Trinity of midfielders – Ball, Kendall, Harvey – that drove Everton’s imperious title winning team of 1969/70, was making a name for himself as a player manager of Blackburn Rovers.
He guided the Lancashire club from Third to Second Division in his first season (79/80) and the following year missed out on promotion to the top flight only on goal difference. Ratcliffe, a defender with exceptional pace and ability to read the game, was among the young players given regular first-team experience by Lee during the 80/81 campaign. The home produced youngster from Mancot near Queensferry played 27 games, mostly at left-back rather than the centre-back role he believed was his best. Ratcliffe remembers being a young player consumed by the hope that the new manager would see things differently. But Kendall didn’t, at least not at first. Ratcliffe said: “Howard inherited some older players who were still under contract, such as Trevor Ross, Peter Eastoe and the goalkeeper Jim McDonagh as well as some youngsters like Graeme Sharp, Kevin Richardson and myself. “Most of the games I played under Gordon were at left-back and Howard initially had the same feeling about me. I was playing reserve team football at centre-back but left-back if I got into the first team. “I was a young lad and I got a little bit disillusioned because Howard was bringing in his own people, including Mike Walsh, a defender from Bolton. Mike was ahead of me at centre-back and left-back. I think I even played one game in midfield in a pre-season friendly. There was a summer tour of Holland soon after Howard first arrived and I did not even go on that.”
Ratcliffe initially suspected Kendall would attempt to make his Everton revolution without young hopefuls such as Sharp, Richardson and himself. After all, Kendall was quickly followed into Goodison by a clutch of new arrivals dubbed “The Magnificent Seven.”
* Tomorrow: Training ground genius
Kevin Ratcliffe factfile
Born: Mancot, North Wales, November 12, 1960.
Playing career: 1978-93 Everton, 498 appearances; 1993-94 Cardiff City 29 appearances; 1994 Derby County six appearances; 1994-97 Chester City 29 appearances.
Major honours as a player (all with Everton): League Championship 1984/85 and 1986/87. FA Cup winner 1983/84. European Cup Winners Cup winner 1984/85.
International honours: 59 caps for Wales.
Managerial career: 1995-99 Chester City; 1999-2003 Shrewsbury Town.
Everton FC’s stars should remain at Goodison Park - Blues legend Neville Southall
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo
May 31 2011
NEVILLE SOUTHALL believes Everton’s in-demand stars should resist overtures from the Premier League’s top sides this summer to remain at Goodison Park. The likes of Jack Rodwell, Marouane Fellaini and player of the season Leighton Baines have all been linked with big money moves in recent months, as Blues boss David Moyes faces a fight to keep his squad together. Moyes guided his side to seventh in the Premier League table and is desperate to retain the services of his prized assets. But with Chelsea said to be interested in Fellaini, free-spending Manchester City linked with both Baines and Rodwell, and transfer funds in short supply, fears have grown that the Blues may be forced to cash in on at least one of the trio, in order to strengthen their squad. Southall, however, believes Goodison Park is the ideal place for any professional to play their football, and has paid tribute to the loyalty of the club’s supporters. “Why anyone would want to leave Everton is beyond me anyway,” said Southall. “Even for Manchester United, Chelsea or anyone. This is the place to be.
“This club is in the best city in the world, the best football city in the world and with the best football fans in the world. “Goodison is always a special place for me. The fans were absolutely magnificent to me back in my time and I have never come across fans as good as the Everton fans anywhere that I have been. “When you are playing I don’t think you always realise how much the fans really love the club and how much time and money they put in to following the club. “If you could bottle the commitment the Everton fans show then I’m sure the players – even the ones in my day – would all do even better. “When you speak to people and realise the sacrifices they make then it makes some of the money flying about in the game today seem quite embarrassing really.” Southall helped the Toffees to two league titles and two FA Cups, as well as a European Cup Winners’ Cup, during his time at Goodison, and was named Footballer of the Year in 1985 – the last goalkeeper to claim the honour. He is also Everton’s all-time appearance record holder, but says he would like to see his 750-game haul bettered in the future. “It is great for me to have the record but I genuinely hope someone beats it,” he added. “If someone was to beat it then that would mean whoever it was had been at the club an awfully long time and that the club had found a good long-serving player.”
Everton FC striker Yakubu wage demands may price him out of Leicester City move
By David Prentice
May 31 2011
EVERTON FC striker Yakubu could make a reluctant return to Everton this summer – as Leicester are struggling to reach agreement over a pay deal. The striker scored 11 goals on loan with Sven Goran Eriksson’s side last season and earlier this month declared: “I think I’ve had enough at Everton and I have to look for somewhere to go, I would love to stay at Leicester.” But Yakubu, who earns in the region of £35,000 per week, cannot thrash out a wage deal acceptable to both parties and Leicester have switched their attentions to Coventry’s Marlon King and Aston Villa’s Emile Heskey. Failure to move Yakubu on would be a blow to David Moyes’ squad rebuilding plans. After banking £2m from the sale of James Vaughan to Norwich last week he had hoped to bolster his transfer funds with the departures of Nigerian internationals Yakubu and Joseph Yobo who both spent the majority of last season on-loan. Vaughan joined newly promoted Norwich, but admitted severing ties with the Blues, where he had been since he was six years old, was tough. “Of course it was hard to leave Everton,” he explained. “I’ve been there since I was six and have always been there but now it was time for me to move on and try and get some games elsewhere and I'm pleased that I've signed for Norwich. “The club is going in the right direction and hopefully I can join and keep that going in the Premier League. “I was very impressed with Norwich last season and obviously getting promoted two seasons in a row isn't easy and a lot of credit has to go to the team for doing that.”
Everton FC rumour mill: Play-off hero on hit-list, Blues set for Long battle, Milan keeper set for Goodison?
May 31 2011
Milan keeper set for Goodison?
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport is reporting Everton are chasing AC Milan goalkeeper Antonio Donnarumma. The 19-year-old has been involved in the Rossnieri's Champions League squads and is also reportedly being watched by Catania.
Source: Tribal Football
Blues set for Long battle
Everon are set to face competition from Liverpool and Celtic for the services of Reading striker Shane Long. The Mersey giants are rumoured to have been watching the Irish hitman for some time and Royals chairman John Madejski spoke after his side's defeat to Swansea in the play-off final of the difficult task he will face trying to hang on to the player. He said, "How confident am I that we can ward off Celtic's interest for Shane? Not very confident actually. "He's world class and we will just have to see what happens with him. "He's a lovely lad and if Celtic are to land him then they will be very very privileged because he's a super player and a super individual. "Of course I am aware of Celtic's interest. Neil Lennon has been watching him for three games now. I saw Neil at our last game against Cardiff. We're still to hear anything official but it's obvious they are interested. "He's hard-working and extremely cool in front of goal. What value would I would place on him? £20m. He's got all the right credentials to go to the very top of the game."
Source: Tribal Football
Peterborough goal machine Craig Mackail-Smith is being watched by the Blues. according to Setanta Sports. The 27-year-old, who scored his 35th goal of the season in his side's League One play-off final win over Huddersfield, has made no secret of his desire to play at the top level following the Posh's triumph on Sunday.
Everton FC weighing up Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd on free transfer
Liverpool Daily Post
May 31 2011
Jay Bothroyd
EVERTON FC are weighing up a move for out-of-contract Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd as manager David Moyes looks to add to his attacking options. The 29-year-old will leave the Championship outfit this summer after failing to agree a new deal, and is expected to make the step up to the Premier League. Moyes is keen to add at least one forward to his squad, having seen his side struggle for goals this season. James Vaughan has already been allowed to join newly-promoted Norwich City in a £2m deal, whilst Yakubu is also expected to depart, having spent the second half of the season on loan at Leicester City. It would leave Moyes with only Jermaine Beckford, Victor Anichebe and the injury-prone Louis Saha as recognised senior attacking options, with the trio managing just 20 goals between them last season. Everton are interested in Bothroyd, who alone netted 20 goals as the Bluebirds failed to clinch promotion, and made his England debut against France at Wembley last November, but face competition from West Brom, West Ham and Celtic to secure his signature. Indeed Bothroyd’s former Cardiff team-mate Joe Ledley has urged the ex-Arsenal man to join him at Celtic, but admitted there will be plenty of interest from the Premier League. Ledley said: “There will be a lot of interest in Jay as an England international who has just scored 20 goals for Cardiff. “He is big, strong and brilliant with the ball at his feet for a guy his size and only recently won his first England cap, so that proves how good he is. “He’s also quick and has proved he can score goals. “I think he would be a good addition to the squad, but it’s not just going to be Celtic after him - a lot of Premier League teams will be as well. “However, Celtic have a lot to offer. “You don’t get the opportunity at many places to play in front of more than 50,000 fans, and there’s European football too.” Bothroyd is not the only lower-division player on Everton’s radar.
Moyes is also reported to be keen on Peterborough striker Craig Mackail-Smith, who expressed his desire to play in the Premier League after helping his side to promotion from League One on Sunday, and Leicester’s giant defender Sol Bamba. The 26-year-old Bamba has been a revelation since joining Leicester from Hibernian in January, but is believed to be attracting the interest of a number of top-flight clubs. He is valued at around the £2m mark, and Foxes boss Sven-Goran Eriksson could be prepared to use the Ivorian as a bargaining chip as he bids to land Yakubu on a permanent basis from Everton.
Everton FC legend Neville Southall urges club’s stars to stay at Goodison Park
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
May 31 2011
EVERTON legend Neville Southall has urged the Toffees’ star men to resist overtures from the Premier League’s top sides and remain at Goodison Park. David Moyes’ side face a crucial summer having finished their Premier League campaign in seventh place. The Scot has intimated that investment will dictate whether his team can break into the upper echelons of the league, but will have been heartened by his side’s strong second half to the season. And with the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Jack Rodwell and club Player of the Season Leighton Baines all linked with big money moves away from Merseyside, Moyes is desperate to keep the core of his squad together. Southall, who made 750 appearances during 16 years at the club, has urged those players to commit their future to Everton, and believes Goodison Park is the ideal place for any player to play. “Why anyone would want to leave Everton is beyond me anyway,” said the former Wales goalkeeper. “Even for Manchester United, Chelsea or anyone. This is the place to be. “This club is in the best city in the world, the best football city in the world and with the best football fans in the world. “Goodison is always a special place for me. “The fans were absolutely magnificent to me back in my time and I have never come across fans as good as the Everton fans anywhere that I have been. “When you are playing I don't think you always realise how much the fans really love the club and how much time and money they put in to following the club. “If you could bottle the commitment the Everton fans show then I'm sure the players – even the ones in my day – would all do even better. “When you speak to people and realise the sacrifices they make then it makes some of the money flying about in the game today seem quite embarrassing really.” Southall helped the Toffees to two league titles and two FA Cups during his time at Goodison, and was named Footballer of the Year in 1985 – the last goalkeeper to claim the honour. He is also Everton’s all-time appearance record holder, but says he would like to see his 750-game haul bettered in the future. “It is great for me to have the record but I genuinely hope someone beats it,” he added. “If someone was to beat it then that would mean whoever it was had been at the club an awfully long time and that the club had found a good long-serving player.”
Health fears have Houllier heading for Aston Villa exit with boss in line for £5m pay-off
31st May 2011
Daily Mail
Gerard Houllier is set to leave Aston Villa this week after medical tests revealed it was too big a risk for him to return to work. oullier, who been in charge at Villa Park since signing a three-year deal in September last year, suffered heart problems in April. And, according to the Birmingham Mail, the 63-year-old Frenchman will stand down by mutual consent. With two thirds of Houllier's £8million contract still to run, a severance package has been discussed and an announcement could be made on Wednesday. Villa owner Randy Lerner has just ended his dispute with former boss Martin O'Neill and could be looking at a pay out of up to £5m for Houllier. Sources close to Villa were adamant on Tuesday morning that 'Gerard is still our manager" and any final decision still had to be formally confirmed. Houllier, who underwent heart surgery when Liverpool manager a decade ago, missed the final month of last season with the latest setback. Vlla insisted medical tests conducted on Houllier before the weekend would determine his future. It is understood Villa officials are concerned a return to the dugout for Houllier could cause further health problems and may not, therefore, be fair to him or the club. He has struggled to win over the Villa fans despite a revival in the second half of the season which saw the club finish ninth in the Barclays Premier League.
Villa have already been linked with the likes of Everton manager David Moyes, Fulham boss Mark Hughes and former England coach Steve McClaren as possible successors should Houllier's reign be at end.
Easy decision for Norwich City’s new signing Vaughan
Chris Lakey
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Norwich Evening News
James Vaughan admitted it was a “no-brainer” to become Paul Lambert’s first signing of the summer. The 22-year-old striker has put pen to paper on a three-year contract as the City manager’s squad rebuilding for the new season begins to take shape. Lambert confirmed that out-of-contract duo Matt Gill and Jens Berthel Askou have been told they are free to find new clubs, and said there had been inquiries from Aberdeen boss Craig Brown for two other players, believed to be left back Steven Smith and midfielder Stephen Hughes. For Vaughan, it is very much a new beginning, having been with Everton since he was six years old, although his last two season have been punctuated with loan spells. “As soon as I found out there was interest from here it was pretty much a no-brainer for me,” said Vaughan during a press call at Carrow Road on Tuesday afternoon. “I was excited as soon as I heard about it. I was glad to get it done as soon as we did. “I think it is a club definitely going in the right direction. I could tell from when I played here last season there was a great togetherness around the place and everyone looking to strive forward and do the best they can. I am very determine to do the best I can and I think it shows in what the club has done in the last couple of seasons that everyone here is looking to do the same. “I had been at Everton for a long time, but I felt it was time to make the breakaway and get some games and try and further my career so I am glad I have had the opportunity to come here.” Lambert has again struck early in the transfer market, bringing in a player who he tried to sign in January. “We looked at it in January and we couldn’t do it, so we just had to move on and we were fortunate enough to get a second chance at him. “I think the great thing about him is he has played at Premiership level before, he knows what it is all about, he is only 22 and hopefully his best years are in front of him.”
May 2011