Everton Independent Research Data
Rooney in for England
By Mark Bradley, Daily Post
Sep 1 2003
SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON last night called up Rio Ferdinand into his England squad despite doubts over his fitness, but accepted that Paul Scholes has to miss the Euro 2004 qualifiers against Macedonia and Liechtenstein. Scholes has been ruled out for about a month by Sir Alex Ferguson due to a hernia problem, potentially even making him a doubt for England's final group game in Turkey on October 11. Ferdinand, meanwhile, also missed Unit-ed's 1-0 defeat at Southampton due to a kidney complaint and is due to see a specialist on Wednesday. However, Eriksson is confident he will recover in time to face Macedonia on Saturday and therefore called him into a 24-man squad, which also sees recalls for Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and Ian Walker. While Darius Vassell has a pelvic problem, Rooney's return is especially welcome to boost England's attacking options.
When asked earlier this weekend if he would have any worries about selecting Rooney from the start away to Macedonia, the England coach had replied: "No, we showed that against Turkey, I think. "Rooney was much better physically against Charlton than when I saw him against Arsenal. That was very positive." Jonathan Woodgate is ruled out through injury, but there is still no place for Gareth South-gate, while goalkeeper Chris Kirkland drops down to play in the Under-21 side.
Scholes' absence will be keenly felt by Eriksson, who has maintained faith in the attacking midfielder despite him not scoring for his country in over two years. Indeed, he has started all but two of the 30 England games under Eriksson so far, the most recent of which was was the friendly against Portugal last September. On that occasion, he was left out of the squad only for Ferguson to pick him against Middlesbrough, leading to the England coach instituting a system in which he routinely called up any players with minor injury doubts. After talks with United's medical staff this weekend, however, Eriksson accepted Scholes' injury is serious enough to warrant complete rest in the hope he could recover in time to face Turkey. Eriksson nevertheless remains confident enough that Ferdinand will recover in time to ensure he did not call up Matthew Upson or Gareth Southgate, even though Woodgate is out injured. Meanwhile Gareth Barry is poised to become the England Under-21s most capped player after being named in the squad for the European Championship qualifiers with Macedonia and Portugal. The current record holder is Liverpool's Jamie Carragher with 26 appearances but Barry is only one behind and will overtake him if he features in both matches.
ENGLAND squad to face Macedonia and Liechtenstein in Euro 2004 qualifiers is: James (West Ham), Robinson (Leeds), Walker (Leicester); P Neville (Man Utd), G Neville (Man Utd), A Cole (Arsenal), Bridge (Chelsea), Mills (Leeds), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Campbell (Arsenal), Terry (Chelsea); Beckham (Real Madrid), Lampard (Chelsea), J Cole (Chelsea), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Butt (Man Utd), Dyer (Newcastle), Murphy (Liverpool), Gerrard (Liverpool), Sinclair (Man City); Owen (Liverpool), Heskey (Liverpool), Beattie (Southampton), Rooney (Everton)
ENGLAND UNDER-21 squad to face Macedonia and Portugal: Grant (Derby), Evans (Swindon), Kirkland (Liverpool); Clarke (Everton), Dawson (Notts Forest), Hibbert (Everton), Jagielka (Sheffield United), Konchesky (Charlton), Johnson (Chelsea); Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Prutton (Southampton), Pennant (Arsenal), Jenas (Newcastle), Barton (Manchester City), Barry (Aston Villa), Tonge (Sheffield United), Etherington (Tottenham), Sidwell (Reading); Ameobi (Newcastle), Cole (Chelsea), Defoe (West Ham), Jeffers (Arsenal), Zamora (Tottenham).
Moyes ponders chasm in class
By David Prior, Daily Post
Sep 1 2003
DAVID MOYES bemoaned the missed chances and defensive mistakes that had cost his side the 169th Merseyside derby - claiming it was evidence of the gap that existed between Everton and the Premiership elite. The Blues boss suggested his Blues side had shaded the contest in terms of goalscoring opportunities but their inability to test Reds keeper Jerzy Dudek had cost them dear.
"You mustn't make mistakes at this level or if you do, you must make sure they aren't costly, but ours were costly today," said Moyes. "Twenty minutes before half-time we were ill-disciplined and didn't do well enough in that period and that's when Liverpool got their goal. I think we should have defended their chances better than we did do. "But overall I think we had more chances than them but chances don't win the games, goals do." A double strike from Michael Owen and a first Reds goal for Harry Kewell ensured a comfortable defeat for Everton at Goodison, but Moyes was philosophical about the result. "The team played with great energy and great commitment so we're really pleased with that - we are trying to bridge quite a big gap," he said. "The gap in quality probably showed when it came down to the finishing and when it came down to the defending.
"We did look a threat and there'll be days when your strikers don't score, but at the end of the day you need your defenders to be reliable and make sure if the worst comes to the worst you get a 0-0.
"We weren't that today, because the goals came without Liverpoool having a massive amount of chances or real play. "What people should realise is that we are trying to bridge a massive gap between Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Everton at present. And in the main we're making a decent go of trying to make that happen. "We have great energy and are competitive but the little bit of quality at both ends told. In some days it does tell and in other games you take your chances and you hang on and you get lucky." Moyes refused to blame Wayne Rooney (left), who after picking up another booking almost let his frustration get the better of him towards the end. "He's a Scouser playing in a derby and he wants to score and he wants to win. I wouldn't really change him," added the Scot. "Obviously we want him not to get in a position like that. I think there's maybe one or two things that he had a right to be frustrated about." Moyes also revealed how he had been disappointed not to have been able to strengthen his starting XI. "What I feel is that I've not been able to improve the team," he rued. "I may be able to bring some people in who might improve the squad and give us a few numbers but at present for us to improve our team which finished seventh in the Premier League last year, that takes a financial level to try and buy that player or players that would make a difference when it counts. "But the game today was not regarding financial situations, it was to do with us and them, and they scored the goals and we didn't." But he added: "It's a challenge and we'll certainly work through it, and the players can do better because they can finish and they can defend better than they did."
Foot the bill for soccer policing
By Mark Hookham Daily Post Staff
Sep 1 2003
MERSEYSIDE'S three main football clubs were last night urged to pay up for the true cost of providing police cover at their games. The chair of Merseyside Police Authority wants Liverpool, Everton and Tranmere, as well as the Football Association, to bear the brunt of paying for policing football. Games such as Saturday's Merseyside Derby which sparked various incidents of disorder including three arrests near Goodison Park - often involve large- scale police operations.
Currently, the clubs only pay for policing within their grounds and its immediate perimeters, with the police authority picking up the bill away from the stadiums where much of the trouble occurs.
Liverpool and Everton contributed £684,869 to the cost of police cover inside Anfield and Goodison last season but that is not a true reflection of the total cost to the force, which is thought to run into millions. Merseyside Police says it is extremely difficult to quantify that cost but Nottinghamshire Police, a force which covers three smaller league clubs than Merseyside, spent £2.4m on policing football last season. Police authority chairman Coun Carol Gustafson said: I would love for the Football Association and the football clubs to pay for more on match day. I wouldn't say it (paying for policing) is a burden but we get money from the Government that is for policing the streets of Mersey-side. "I would, however, like to stress that the region's fans are well behaved and the policing second-to-none." The Association of Chief Police Officers are currently in talks with the Premier League, FA and Football League about police funding. David Swift, ACPO's spokesman on football issues, said the discussions are "sensitive" and would not comment. A British Transport Police spokesman said each year they spend £10m nationally on policing fans. "We would like to see some sort of arrangement to recover the costs," he added. Everton FC pay around £200,000 a year for policing within Goodison Park and make a £20,000 contribution towards neighbourhood policing in north Liverpool. Stadium manager Norman Wibley said: "Our supporters pay their taxes as does the club itself and for this we are entitled to enjoy the benefits of policing on match days." LFC stadium manager Ged Poynton said: "The clubs should definitely not pay. I believe other organisations who put together big events do not pay into the pot for policing so why should the football clubs?" Merseyside Police assistant chief constable Mick Giannasi said: "Football is a vital part of Merseyside's heritage and culture and we are more than happy to play our part in that through the policing of matches. "Policing of football matches is not something is optional for us and the demand on the Force in terms of resources is great. "Resourcing the matches clearly does take officers away from their duties on the Neighbourhoods, but we plan well and Merseyside is effectively policed elsewhere when matches are on."
Fans forum
Steven Mills Daily Post
Sep 1 2003
ANOTHER derby passes with Everton failing to beat our neighbours. Once again the Reds managed to come away from Goodison with all three points. Everton played significantly better than they did back in April and created far more chances, but on that note so did Liverpool who took three of theirs while Everton couldn't even give their fans something to cheer about. Not even the most ardent Reds supporter can say that they deserved to win 3-0 as for the majority of the game Everton enjoyed a territorial advantage only to see Liverpool win the ball back and spring forward. However, we did create many decent chances but one of them should really have been taken. Pembridge hit a free kick just wide early on, Yobo could only shin the ball back to Dudek with the goal gaping and Naysmith hit a decent opportunity straight at Dudek all in the first half. Then just as we expected Liverpool broke Everton's offside trap and once Owen was in that position he was never going to miss. The difference between the two sides was shown just after this as Rooney was presented with a better opportunity than Owen's but stalled at the crucial moment and couldn't poke the ball past Dudek. The second half started with Everton pressure, Dudek produced a flying save from a deflected free kick and Everton couldn't turn in the rebound. While we were sat expecting an onslaught we were caught again as Baros was one on one with Yobo. He gave the goal to Owen.
We had chances after that as Dudek performed a miracle save off a Rooney header and Rooney missed a presentable opportunity. Duncan Ferguson came on and immediately hit the bar with a free kick and we knew then it wasn't our day. Harry Kewell wrapped the game up late on as Simonsen decided to go for an afternoon stroll. Positives from the game: We created chances against one of the best defences in the league so there can't be much wrong. Gerard Houllier will remain as Liverpool manager for the next months. Negatives: Everton can only get so far with this team. Against better opposition we have to take our chances and remain resolute at the back. Pistone had a nightmare and hope-fully that's Simonsen's last chance. We also were reduced to playing long balls with two small strikers yet when Duncan Ferguson came on we played it on the floor more often. The Big Man should really have come on after their second goal went in.
Why bring Gravesen on and play him left wing?
Blues' derby ratings
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
Sep 1 2003
STEVE SIMONSEN: Had little chance with the first two goals but maybe paid for his headstrong rush from his line for Liverpool's third. Otherwise looked calm and composed throughout. Score 7
ALESSANDRO PISTONE: Over-worked in defence and rarely allowed to venture forward, but was slow to react for Michael Owen's opener. Score 6
JOSEPH YOBO: A difficult afternoon for the Nigerian, who was at fault for Liverpool's second goal when he failed to utilise his strength and lost out too easily to Milan Baros. Score 5
ALAN STUBBS: Up against both Michael Owen and Baros, the centre-back was kept on his toes all afternoon but the longer the game progressed, the more his lack of pace in comparison to Owen was exposed. Score 6
DAVID UNSWORTH: Suffered a rare nightmare first half when he was given the runaround by Diouf and it was no surprise to see him replaced at half-time. Score 5
STEVE WATSON: A characteristically energetic and committed performance but on this occasion for little reward. Save one first-half venture, his forward forays often proved futile and became a more peripheral figure. Score 6
TOBIAS LINDEROTH: The Swede improves with every game and this was another encouraging display, protecting the back four and mopping up in midfield. Inevitably sacrificed as the Blues went for goals late on. Score 7
MARK PEMBRIDGE: A very quiet performance from the Welshman, who was often bypassed in midfield by Liverpool's passing. Struggled to get a real foothold in the game and failed to supplement his strikers sufficiently. Score 5
GARY NAYSMITH: Booked within two minutes, the Scottish international should be commended for subsequently avoiding a second successive derby sending-off. Performed well but the edge from his game was eroded by that early yellow card. Score 6
TOMASZ RADZINSKI: Worked tirelessly up front and his pace always posed a threat to Liverpool. When afforded the opportunity, held the ball up well but the diminutive Canadian was not helped by having to compete for an excessive number of high balls. Score 6
WAYNE ROONEY: He may have missed chances, lost his rag a little and picked up a needless booking, but the teenager was still Everton's best player. On another day might have bagged a brace and will eventually gain the mental maturity boss David Moyes is seeking. Score 7
THOMAS GRAVESEN: In replacing Unsworth, the Dane might have been expected to beef up the Everton midfield, but in effect made no difference to the eventual outcome. Score 6
DUNCAN FERGUSON: On for Linderoth, he clattered the underside of the crossbar with a well-struck free-kick but was otherwise ineffective. Score 6
Blues to make Jeffers move
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 1 2003
EVERTON WILL make a deadline day swoop for Francis Jeffers today as their bid for Birmingham firebrand Robbie Savage seems destined for failure. Nigel Martyn is set to become the club's first new signing of the summer today in a £500,000 switch from Leeds United. But Moyes, who could lose Mark Pembridge to Fulham for the same price, remains determined to strengthen his squad and will make a final attempt to end months of transfer frustration before 5pm. Everton have not given up hope of persuading Arsenal to allow Jeffers to return to Goodison Park on a 12-month loan. The Gunners must drop their insistence the Blues buy the England international for £3million next summer for a deal to go through, although Goodison officials will seek a compromise today.
Everton, also linked with a move for Motherwell's James McFadden, were rebuffed in their approach for midfielder Savage yesterday when City director Karen Brady dismissed "a derisory" bid for the Welsh international. Birmingham insist they want £4m for Savage - way above Everton's valuation.
Brady said yesterday: "The offer for Robbie was derisory to both the club and the player and has been rejected. "We are delighted that Robbie Savage is with Birmingham City as he is a committed player. We hope he will continue to play an important part in our endeavours to succeed in the Premiership." The Blues will begin a day of hectic transfer activity by wrapping up a deal for former England keeper Martyn. Martyn came through a medical at Bellefield yesterday after being granted permission to discuss personal terms by Leeds, where he has lost his first team place to Paul Robinson and has just one year remaining on his contract. Everton will pursue several deals before the transfer window closes but may offset Martyn's arrival by allowing Pembridge to be reunited with former Welsh team-mate Chris Coleman at Fulham. Pembridge played in Saturday's Merseyside derby defeat but the Blues may sanction his departure as he is now in the final year of his Goodison contract.
Everton 0, Liverpool 3 (Echo)
Sep 1 2003 By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Correspondent
THERE are those who'll say this Liverpool performance came out of the blue. Pressure was mounting, faith diminishing and whispers of a serious backlash from frustrated fans in the event of defeat gave Saturday's derby a pivotal look. By the end, all the talk was about a result which could kickstart Liverpool's season. I amprepared to go even further. If Gerard Houllier wants it to be, the nature of this victory could become a defining moment in his Liverpool reign. Think Alex Ferguson winning an FA Cup tie at Nottingham Forest all those years ago when one more major slip-up was going to have the vultures ready to pick at the carcass of his career. Without sounding too melodramatic, the stakes may not have been so different here. A win against old foes transforms the mood, restores belief and tempo-rarily halts awkward questions. If Liverpool use what they've learnt from Saturday's performance, they will find the formula to fulfil their potential. It wasn't because they won. Derbies are notoriously unpredictable and can be won and lost on the slightest detail. What was significant from a Reds' point of view was the manner in which they won. Houllier found the courage to stick with a philosophy which encouraged an open, attacking and hugely entertaining football match. It was a risky game to play away, but ultimately the right one and something which should be done all the time. Liverpool conceded chances to the opponents. So what? They created far more, always looked more dangerous and possessed extra class which ensured when opportunities did arrive, they were clinical enough to take them. The biggest compliment you could give the Reds - tough as it may be too acknowledge - is this was reminiscent of watching Manchester United at their best. They always give their opponents a chance. But 95 per cent of the the time it doesn't matter because they score far more than anyone else. One hopes the penny has finally dropped at Anfield. Play to your attacking strengths, stop worrying about what the opposition can do to you and back your-selves to score more. Against most Premiership teams, this will work because Liverpool possess some of the best players, not only in England, but Europe. Liverpool are quite clearly a better team than their neighbours, and the tactics employed at Goodison - allied to some superb performances - allowed them to prove it. As soon as the team sheet arrived, a sense of encouragement came with it. For a start it was the same team for the second consecutive match.
That hasn't happened too much over the last four years. One of the reasons the Reds have been so inconsistent is because there hasn't been enough continuity. The side picked against Spurs showed all the right qualities without an end product. Against the Blues, they found the extra ingredient and ensured one of the most satisfying afternoons of Houllier's reign. This team deserves a prolonged run, even when injured parties are fit again. The midfield was packed with creativity and attack-minded individuals. Harry Kewell, Vladimir Smicer and El-Hadji Diouf inter-changed positions and linked up in a fashion which suggested they could hurt any defence in the country. Kewell popped up on the left, the right and in the middle. He caused problems all over the field, creating one and scoring another. Steven Gerrard gave his most disciplined and mature derby perform-ance yet. No fireworks, but controlled aggression which kept his side in the ascendency from the moment Michael Owen fired the club's first goal from open play this season on 38 minutes. Until then, honours were even in a match which went exactly how one imagined it would. The physical battle comes to the fore in the early stages, but the football takes over eventually. Liverpool knew their hosts would try to unnerve them with some tasty tackles in the first few minutes. There's nothing wrong with that so long as the referee takes control. Mike Riley was surprisingly decent, aside from one or two unnecessary bookings. Both Liverpool's summer signings contributed to the first goal. Steve Finnan - getting better with every game - found Kewell in space and he presented Owen with the chance he'd been waiting four games for. The Blues responded and could point to the fact that Jerzy Dudek was outstanding again as a reason they didn't get on the scoresheet. Wayne Rooney could have equalised straight away. Steve Simonsen, aside from one blip for the third goal, was arguably the home side's best performer, particularly when denying both Kewell and Owen with stunning saves. Once the menacing Milan Baros set up Owen for his second after half-time, there was never any danger of Liverpool losing their first derby of the millennium. For a 15-minute period, Liverpool stopped passing the ball as well as they had been and would have had more nerves to cope with had Duncan Ferguson's free-kick been an inch lower. It was fitting, though, they should have the last word when Kewell found the empty net with his left-footed drive on 78 minutes.
It looked a resounding win and it was. There was a clear gulf in class. A 6-3 scoreline would not have been inappropriate given the way the game opened up after the first goal. Liverpool's players justified their selection in every department. Igor Biscan has been mocked, but on this evidence deserves the chance to prove he can be a top-class centre-half. Jamie Carragher may be a right-footer at left-back, but that didn't stop Denis Irwin becoming an Old Trafford legend for a decade. Carragher too was one of the game's stars. Then there was Owen. When he's having a quiet spell, opponents must always dread facing him because he explodes eventually. He came to life after his first goal and will probably benefit more than anyone else from the new tactics. "The Reds are not dead yet," Houllier proclaimed after the game. To the manager, this win wasn't out of the blue at all. It was waiting to happen. A vindication of the style of football his team played without reward against Tottenham. It's now up to the boss to persist with a winning formula and keep the golden sky which has returned glistening for the rest of the season. After all, one swallow doth not a summer make.
No need for it
Sep 1 2003 By Tommy Smith
WHAT a difference a few goals make! After a frustrating start for Liverpool in the Premiership, they finally got it together at Goodison in what turned out to be a derby of surprises. With the Reds' lack of goals in their three previous games, I was anticipating a hard-fought encounter and would certainly have settled for a draw at the outset. With the Blues a goal down at the interval, I expected them to come out with all guns blazing in the second half and make life tough for their neighbours. It just didn't happen. What we did have, though, was some flowing football, chances at either end, and a striker supreme, who once again showed his importance to the Anfield side.
Yet the start was totally expected. I had watched Everton against Fulham and they did well. With the Reds struggling to score I was quite apprehensive. Early chances for Tomasz Radzinski and Wayne Rooney gave an indication of what the visitors could expect. But, for some reason, David Moyes' side completely lost the plot. They appeared to want to prevent Liverpool from playing, rather than concentrate on their own strengths - and came unstuck. Once Harry Kewell threaded the ball through to Michael Owen, who coolly slotted past Steve Simonsen, the game was effectively over.
Kewell has gained in confidence with every game and his performance mainly down the left helped spark Gerard Houllier's teaminto life. The Reds look a far more confident side when Owen is given the support he deserves. He has already shown this season that the goals will continue to flow, but it is vital he has the likes of Kewell and Steven Gerrard providing the ammunition. Before Owen's crucial second, the expectation was for the Blues to make life more difficult at the start of the second period. But they appeared to want to be involved in a more physical game when there was no need. It was left to Milan Baros to get the better of a tussle with Joseph Yobo down the left before slipping the ball into Owen's path for the striker to finish clinically. Owen then did likewise down the right, beating Simonsen to a ball before his deflected cross was hammered home by Kewell to complete a fine afternoon's work. Duncan Ferguson's excellent free-kick that hit the bar caused alarm for Jerzy Dudek, but generally the Liverpool defence looked very solid, with Jamie Carragher outstanding and Igor Biscan very composed. Gerrard was a tower of strength in midfield and Vladimir Smicer also gave a lively display, while Kewell and Owen combined to good effect.
Manager Moyes remarked later on the difference between the sides was in creating and taking chances, but I thought Rooney, after a bright start, lost concentration and became frustrated. He will learn that things don't always go your way, and you have to keep striving to gain your rewards. Owen is the perfect example for him to follow. I still think the Reds are short of one or two class players, but their midfield will be strengthened when Didi Hamman is fit to return. The German is an essential part of the team. The same has to be said of Owen, but the Reds cannot rely on him to be on the mark in every game. Goals must come from elsewhere, whether it be Baros or Emile Heskey, and the mid-field men can play their part too. Kewell is off the mark now! I still feel the Anfield squad lacks the strength and depth of Arsenal's, United's and Chelsea's, but I feel much better after the derby. A top four place is certainly possible. Everton, having been frustrated in the transfer market, must now make do with what they have got. It won't be easy but the battling qualities they have shown in the past will help them try and live up to what they achieved last season.
Moyes rejects quit rumours
Sep 1 2003 By David Prentice Chief Football Correspondent
DAVID MOYES has dismissed the rumourmongers who believe that the Blues' boss is ready to quit over Everton's inability to add to the squad he took to the verge of European football last season.
Rumours have swept Goodison several times in recent weeks that Moyes was becoming frustrated by a lack of transfer movement and was ready to walk away. "Far from it," said Moyes following Saturday's derby defeat. "It's a challenge and we will certainly work through it. The players can do better than they did today, because they can finish better and defend better than they did.
"In the end, 3-0 probably looks like a complete drubbing, but if you picked the bones out of it, maybe it wasn't quite that bad. "What we are trying to do is bridge a massive gap between Man United, Liverpol and Arsenal and Everton and in the main I think we are making a decent go of trying to make that happen. "We are competitive, show great energy but a little bit of quality at both ends told. "Sure, it's frustrating that I have not been able to improve the team, but I may be able to bring some people in who might improve the squad and give us a few numbers. But for us to improve our team, which finished seventh in the Premier League last season, takes a financial level to buy players who will make a difference. But the game today wasn't about financial situations. " Moyes added: "At the level you play at you musn't concede poor goals - especially the two in the second half - and then when you get your chances you have to be clinical. It's a recipe for disaster if you give them away at one end and don't take them at the other. "We probably had more chances than Liverpool today. "They took their chances today and we didn't. "The team played with great energy and commitment which we needed because we are trying to bridge quite a big gap. "We do look a threat and there will be days when your strikers don't score. On those days you need your defenders to be reliable and make sure if the worst comes to the worst you get a goalless draw. "But the 20 minutes before half-time we were ill-disciplined and that's when Liverpool got their goal. "I think that Michael took his two goals well, but I can't really remember him having any other opportunities to score. In fact, until they shot straight at our goalkeeper in the second half, I can't remember too many chances in the period when the game was still open. "Having said that they got the goals and that's what good strikers do - they take their chances."
Wayne makes the rich list
Sep 1 2003 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S Wayne Rooney has been named in a rich list of Britain's hottest young talent. The teenage striker is tipped to amass a £25m fortune by the time he is 35. He was placed joint eighth in a top 20 rich list of young stars - the oldest of whom is only 20. Rooney was spotted at the age of nine by an Everton scout and has already appeared in an England strip. He famously scored the goal that ended Arsenal's 30-game unbeaten run. Internet entrepreneur Carl Churchill tops the list. The 19-year-old co-founded DMC Internet in July 2000, using £5,000 of personal savings. Now he has contracts with the NHS, Department for Education and many high profile organisations and just achieved his first £1m turnover. His predicted value by 2020 is £100m. Among the other talented teens are actors Keira Knightley and Jamie Bell, Richard Branson's son Sam who is a model, go-karting champion Alexander Sims, and 13-year-old golfer Henrietta Brockway. Together the 20 are predicted to be worth £518m by 2020.
Jeffers is back!
Sep 1 2003 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
FRANCIS JEFFERS today made a sensational return to Everton as the Blues' completed a double swoop ahead of the transfer deadline. The England Under-21 international has signed a one-year loan deal from Arsenal with a view to the switch becoming permanent next summer. His signing follows the capture of Nigel Martyn today in a permanent deal from Leeds. It is a dream move for Jeffers, who has been desperate to return to Goodison after two frustrating years at Arsenal.
He moved to Highbury in an £8m deal in the summer of 2001 but has found first team chances limited under Arsene Wenger. Martyn has been drafted in to add competition for the goalkeeper's jersey. The cost of the 37-year-old former England international's signing has been offset by the departure of Mark Pembridge to Fulham in a £500,000 deal which could rise to £750,000. Manager David Moyes told the ECHO today: "I want more competition in all our positions. "I felt Nigel Martyn would give us that experienced cover in goal and we will require that during the season."
Martyn (right) arrived at Bellefield this morning to join his new teammates. Ironically, the game will be played at Goodison. However, the Blues summer-long search for a midfielder is set to end in disappointment. After the collapse of the Sean Davis transfer because of the Fulham player's knee injury and with Blackburn outbid-ding the Blues for Barry Ferguson, Moyes has revealed there will be no new midfielder. He added: "We made an enquiry for Robbie Savage but it did not lead to any offer in writing. We will not be signing a midfielder today. "We chose the players we were interested in and had we known about the details of Sean Davis' injury sooner it would have allowed us to change track a lot earlier. "We wanted to bring in players we felt would help the team improve. We don't want to bring players in just for the sake of it. "We are now down a little bit on numbers after losing Kevin McLeod and Mark Pembridge. "But Mark is 33 and he was in the last year of his contract. He has done tremendously well for us and I wasn't in a hurry to lose him, but to be fair to the boy he has been able to secure himself a contract and I felt it was right to give him that opportunity."
Home and Away
Icliverpool And Daily Post
Sep 2 2003
Trying times
EVERTON are like Welsh rugby. We used to be good but not anymore, so stop living in the past and give David Moyes more than just £5-6million to play with before he walks to a club that can.
Steve Wilkinson, (via e-mail)
Cash in on Rooney
IT MAY sound bizarre, but I think we should cash in on Rooney. We have struggled to buy one decent player but with the £30m we'd get for him we could buy a whole team.
John Cavanagh, Huyton
Cracking up
WE WERE well and truly put in our place on Saturday. They had more class, more composure and frankly looked a very good team. We are papering over widening cracks. Rooney might have great talent but beneath the surface is a hot head. On the other hand they had Owen keeping his cool like an iceberg.
Alex York, Southport
Jeffers bargain
DAVID Unsworth and Thomas Gravesen both had poor derby games. We should sell Gravesen (£2.5-3.5m), Alexandersson (£500,000), Gemmill (£250,000), Unsworth (£750,000-£1.5m) and with this we could double our budget. We should sign Scott Parker (Charlton) whatever the cost, he's better than Barry Ferguson. An £8m bid and Charlton would have to accept despite him signing a new contract.
Then Koumas (WBA). About £3m should tempt them while Jeffers on loan is still the bargain of the year.
Oliver McAdam, Liverpool
Lack of guile
THE DERBY game again demonstrated our lack of guile in midfield. Too many balls hit over the top for Rooney and Radzinski were easily coped with by the Reds' taller defence. We should have been playing through balls on the ground but because their defence didn't open up like Fulham's did we were unable to create openings ouselves. If ever there was a demonstrated need for a player of the calibre of Barry Ferguson it was there on Saturday. The board will rue the day they didn't improve their offer for him.
Steve Lomax, Mold
Steel worker
WHILE David Moyes is an excellent manager and team motivator, I can't help wondering if perhaps a more experienced Premiership manager would have given a promising first division player a chance given our financial situation instead of going for the already established who cost more money.
Bobby Robson has gone into the lower divisions and Graham Souness went to Millwall for Steven Reid. I don't know much about Michael Brown of Sheffield United, but does anyone think he might be worth a look? Also I don't think Jason Koumas would cost a fortune. Let's hope Sean Davis still wants to come to us at Christmas.
Colin Reid, Cheshire
Shot-shy strikers
ONE OF THE down sides to Saturday's performance was our strikers' inability to get a shot on target.
Why does Radzinski feel the need to blast 99 per cent of the chances he gets in front of goal; surely he doesn't do that in training. Defensive Why isn't Li Tie playing? He seldom gives the ball away and proved last season he works well with Rads and Rooney. Why wasn't Fergy brought on at half time - Rooney should have made way only for the fact he was begining to loose control. The only plus side is that Liverpool will never win the league with that team.
Peter Black, Liverpool
The D-Day landings
Report By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 2 2003
KEVIN KILBANE joined Everton in a £1.25million deal last night as David Moyes shattered his transfer torment with four deadline day deals. On a frenetic final day's business the Blues spent £3.5m to bring Kilbane, Francis Jeffers, Nigel Martyn and highly-rated Scottish star James McFadden to Goodison Park. Moyes was forced to move after a £5.2m deal to bring top target Sean Davis to Merseyside collapsed on medical grounds last Monday. One week later, and as reported in Saturday's Post, he:
* Signed 37-year-old former England keeper Martyn for £500,000 from Leeds on a two year contract
* Brought ex-Everton star Jeffers back from Arsenal for an initial £500,000 season-long loan with a view to a £4m permanent transfer next summer
* Sold 33-year-old Mark Pembridge to Fulham for £500,000 rising to £750,000, then
* Beat Celtic and Rangers to the £1.25m signature of Motherwell's rising star McFadden, who will sign a three-year contract this morning when Everton receive his medical results, and finally
* Landed Republic of Ireland winger Kilbane from Sunderland as we revealed on April 30 this year.
Arsenal will receive half what they paid for Jeffers if Everton make the move permanent. The 22-year-old joined the Gunners in an £8m deal with a further £2m based on appearances in June 2001.
The Blues landed the exciting McFaddenafter making a second firm offer to Motherwell yesterday. They arranged a temporary loan deal to beat the deadline without a medical, the results of which will allow an official signing today. The most surprising arrival was that of Kilbane from the relegated Black Cat s. The 26-year-old played under Moyes at Preston and the Blues manager was anxious to strengthen his midfield in the wake of Pembridge's departure. "He's a younger player than Mark and gives us a bit more natural width," explained Moyes. "I knew him at Preston and this is a big challenge for him. But I know one thing about him and it is that he is totally committed."
Martyn pushing for number one
Report By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 2 2003
JUST BECAUSE Nigel Martyn has spent 12 months on the sidelines at Leeds doesn't mean he'll settle for a place out of the limelight at Everton. The 37-year-old was a member of England's World Cup squad just over a year ago and, despite the most frustrating spell of his career since, hasn't come to Goodison for an easy way out. Martyn's age contradicts David Moyes' philosophy of building a bright young team at Everton but for the next two years he aims to play a key role in its development. After completing his £500,000 switch from Elland Road yesterday, the Cornish-man admitted he'll push Richard Wright for a place just as hard as he did Paul Robinson. But, having rejected a chance to sit on the wealthiest bench in the Premiership at Chelsea, he is determined to win. "I hope my arrival here will help Richard," he said. "As I know from having Paul Robinson challenging me, it pushed me for those years and he felt the benefit of me pushing him. "It'll be a similar situation here. Hopefully, I can provide competition for the good of the club. There are other goalkeepers here who are very capable and we'll all be pushing each other to make that starting place our own." Martyn infamously could have become an Everton player six years ago only to be kept waiting for talks and then being told he could head for Leeds if he wished. The keeper made 277 appearances for the York-shiremen but now he is anxious to grasp a belated chance at Goodison. He added: "I had a great time at Leeds. They were successful years, five of the six seasons that I was there we qualified for Europe. I was disappointed last year because things didn't work out with Terry Venables when he first came in. "I was fresh back from the World Cup and I needed a rest, but Paul came in and did tremendously well. Since then I've had to keep myself fit, keep trying and hoping that something would come along. "I love a fresh challenge. I'm really looking forward to working with new players and getting on with them. The manager's got a great reputation, he seems to have turned this club around and got the club going in the right direction." Moyes, meanwhile, has explained why Mark Pembridge was allowed to bring a four-year Everton career to a close despite being a regular starter this season. The Welsh international joined former team-mate Chris Coleman at Fulham yesterday for £500,000 rising to £750,000. "I felt the offer of £500,000 rising to £750,000 was a good one considering he is coming up to 33 and is in the last year of his contract," said Moyes. "Fulham are probably going to give him a couple of years' contract which at this present time I couldn't guarantee. "We will miss him but in the long term I feel it is the right decision."
I've a lot to prove to some fans - Jeffers
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 2 2003
FRANCIS JEFFERS admit s he must prove the doubters wrong before Evertonians embrace his spiritual homecoming with open arms. The 22-year-old was dubbed many things around the time of his £8million move to Arsenal in June 2001, though only 'fox in the box' can be reprinted in a family newspaper. Everton fans had waited an age for their own homegrown striking star to emerge so when Jeffers ended a rollercoaster Goodison career after just two seasons there was widespread anger. The fact he made a professional choice to improve his career prospects at Arsenal cut little ice, even though the money Everton banked not only looks even better business today but kept the club afloat at the time. Jeffers has returned to a different Everton, though. And, while he hopes opinions have changed too, he accepts the only way to repair relations is to secure the £4m return to Goodison he desperately wants next summer. "I know I have a lot to prove to some Everton fans but the best way I can do that is by helping the club move forward," said the striker. "Hopefully they will be able to see that I am fully committed and I just want to get my head down and start playing football again. That way, maybe I can sign a permanent deal at the end of the season. "What happened before is in the past now and I don't want to dwell on it. I'm looking forward to helping Everton win something. "I think the club has taken some massive steps forward since I was here last and the manager has done a brilliant job. "As soon as I found out he was interested in me I only wanted to come here. There were other clubs who showed their hand but none of them had the same appeal as Everton. "I'm excited about the season. I think it will do my career the world of good. "I'm looking forward to playing every week again, although I know it won't be easy because there are a lot of good strikers already here." David Moyes wasn't around when Jeffers was the first De La Salle pupil to make the transition from Gwladys Street to senior side but is well aware of what went on. However, it is not just Jeffers' commitment to the Everton cause that puts doubts around this deal. The fox has hardly come out of the box at Arsenal, where the ankle problems that dogged his early Goodison years restricted the striker to just 39 appearances in total. But Jeffers did score eight goals for Arsene Wenger's side, 20 in his first 45 appearances for Everton and a record 12 in 12 games for England under-21s. And Moyes admits: "Franny has got the chance to come back to prove to everybody that he wants to play for Everton. "He is here initially on loan and it won't just be me who judges him, the supporters will as well. But I see a hungry Franny Jeffers who wants to deliver the goods for Everton as a good signing. "I feel he can bring an extra dimension to our play so it's up to him now." Jeffers' first chance to complete the De La Salle connection with Wayne Rooney for both Everton and England must wait until Newcastle arrive at Goodison on September 13. He will make a homecoming of sorts four days earlier when Everton host England U21s' crucial European Championship qualifier against Portugal. "The England manager will be at a lot of our games with Wayne and Richard (Wright), so that will be good for me," added Jeffers. "Apart for Michael Owen and Wayne, there's two or three places up for grabs in the European squad for the summer. "Playing with Wayne will help my chances too. It was both our debuts when we played for England against Australia in February and it was made more special for me that it was with Wayne. "Obviously, it's hard to say when you've only played 45 minutes with someone, but I enjoyed every minute of it and I'm sure he did as well." Jeffers returns to Goodison on a mission to form a long-term, homegrown double act with Rooney and with a determination to win over Everton sceptics. What's more, he believes he returns home a better player too. He explained: "I'm sorry it didn't work out at Arsenal but I leave them with good feelings. I played with some of the best players in the world and just by training with the likes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp you automatically become a better player."
Frustrated Blues can still move on forward
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post
Sep 2 2003
IT HAS been a frustrating time for Evertonians - but they will adopt a realistic approach to the new season. The majority realise it is going to be much more difficult than last season, particularly given their struggle to bring in new faces ahead of the transfer window closing yesterday. I don't think they will be able to repeat last year's outstanding finish, but I don't see them in any kind of relegation trouble. It may be a season when they stand still - and that might be difficult for fans to accept - but it won't be for the want of trying. They don't have the financial muscle to flex in the transfer market and the injury to their prime target Sean Davis proved much more serious than first thought, before eventually scuppering the deal. Perhaps if the David Dunn deal had not gone through so early, they might have really gone for him. But it was probably at a time when they wanted to weigh up their options given that the transfer budget is obviously limited. They could still go back in for Davis when the transfer window opens in January and that could signal that the next 12 months could look better for the Blues in terms of being able to progress. Fans will point to the likes of Gavin McCann and Claudio Reyna moving for comparatively cheap fees, but David Moyes will want to improve his squad not just replicate what he already has. McCann is not the creative player Everton are looking for while Reyna has been out for so long he represents a huge gamble, so I can understand why Everton would not want to take that risk. It might have looked good to bring in a few new faces, but not if they do not significantly improve your squad. I can understand Steve McManaman opting for Manchester City instead of putting himself through the rigmarole of being an ex-Red now playing for the Blues, while I think Barry Ferguson was an untouchable as far as Everton were concerned. But Francis Jeffers could prove himself the best goalscorer at the club and if he adds four or five more goals than some of the others it is a worthwhile signing.
WAYNE'S STILL LEARNING HIS TRADE
WAYNE ROONEY could do well to watch a video of Michael Owen's performance against the Blues.
The Liverpool striker turned in a master class in how to keep your cool in the heat of battle and take the chances that come your way. Rooney is still only a teenager and is still learning his trade. He is also a different kind of player to Owen. The Everton youngster often plays the role of play-maker to Tomasz Radzinski while Owen is usually the furthest player forward for Liverpool, not a position Rooney often finds himself in. But Rooney is still capable of doing things that leave you on the edge of your seat and that are way beyond his years. I don't think there is any need to worry about his temprament. It is all part of the learning process.
Blues maintain unbeaten start
Academy Football, With Chris Wright
Sep 2 2003
EVERTON'S Academy sides continued their unbeaten start to the season despite the departure of under-19s coach Alan Harper on Friday. The former Blues utility player left by mutual consent but in his absence assistant Academy director Neil Dewsnip saw the U19s notch up their second clean sheet in a row in a goalless draw with Wimbledon at Netherton on Saturday. Despite dominating, the Blues were left to rue a number of missed chances and had to settle for a point in their second FA Premier Academy League fixture of the season. Joseph Jones and Anthony Barry both had one-onone chances to win the match but both failed to take them. Coach Dewsnip said: "We performed quite well and we had a few chances we should have taken-good chances from Joey Jones and Anthony Barry - so we are a bit disappointed not to have won the game." Everton under-17s came back from a goal down against Wimbledon to keep up their 100 per cent start to the sea-son with a 2-1 victory. Gary Ablett's side dominated the first 20 minutes but went behind as Wimbledon scored against the run of play with a long shot that caught keeper Craig Gallagher off guard. But five minutes before the break Michael Johnson smashed home a left-footed rising shot to equalise.
Again the Blues had the better of the chances after the break but couldn't make the breakthrough. But from a Patrick Boyle corner on the left Mark Hughes towered above the Dons defence to head home what turned out to the winner. Ablett said: "We probably deserved to win by a lot more, but our final ball and decisionmaking in front of goal was miles off the mark. "We are trying to do the right things and play properly and it is not always going to be great every week but they are getting there. We had most of the play and should have won by four or five. But late in the game they came into it and we defended well. One thing this group has is a lot of character. They play for each other and they kept going even when they were behind. And they got their reward in the end."
EVERTON UNDER-19s : Lake, Flood, Gerrard, Potter, Fox, Martland, B Moogan, J Jones, Brown, Pascucci (Lynch 65), Barry.
EVERTON UNDER-17s: Gallagher, Wynne, Hughes, Wright, Boyle, Seargeant, Harris, Wilson, Johnson, Hopkins, Fowler (Vaughan 80).
'Buzzing' McFadden keen to be a surprise
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 2 2003
JAMES McFADDEN last night spoke for the first time about joining Everton - claiming he was "thrilled" at the move and keen to show the Premiership why he was the most exciting youngster in Scottish football. David Moyes will seal the most intriguing capture of his deadline day flurry today after making Motherwell an offer they couldn't refuse for the 20-year-old. And McFadden declared: "I hope I can surprise people in English football. "I am buzzing right now and all I want is a chance to start for Scotland (against the Faroe Islands on Saturday). It would be the perfect end to a great week." McFadden admitted he was sad to leave Motherwell but delighted to be given the opportunity at Goodison. He added: "I was close to crying but I held it off. The place has been my life for so long but it's the right time for me to go and Terry Butcher was full of encouragement. He knows I really wanted this move and now I have it I am just thrilled. "Everyone wants to play in the Premiership and as soon as you get the chance you just don't knock it back. "There will be comparisons with me to Wayne Rooney and what he goes through but they don't tally up. "My main battle here is to try and get into the team at Everton and just look at the day they have had. They signed Nigel Martyn, Francis Jeffers, Kevin Kilbane and myself all in one day and that shows the level of club I am going to. "I wasn't scared by the pressure on me at Motherwell, I loved it. Now there will be a difference, though a big one. I won't be the kid with the reputation and the number 10 jersey on down here. "No-one expects huge things from me yet at Everton so maybe that's a good thing, it means I can't let anyone down. McFadden scored 32 goals in 58 appearances for the Fir Park club, where he has also raised question marks over his temperament. But Moyes, who hinted he could in fact deploy the Scottish international on the right of midfield, insists McFadden may need to bide his time before making the same impact south of the border as north. "He has undoubted talent and ability," said Moyes on the £1.25million buy. "I think he's a really good buy for the future of this club. "I would say there's a bit of Pat Nevin about him. He plays up front and he can also play wide. At the moment I probably see him in that position a bit more." The Blues boss added: "I watched him an awful lot last season and when I realised some of our other deals were not going to come off I felt it was a good time to invest in somebody with potential. "He's not one I would be expecting for Evertonians to see too regularly at present, but if he does well enough and shows enough early doors, there's no reason why he won't be. "We've not been able to attract the players at present that would go right into the team because of the resources. "So we've gone for potential - with the hope that potential will be fulfilled." Motherwell reluctantly let their star player leave when Everton returned with an improved offer yesterday of £1.25m with add-on clauses such as a percentage of any future sell-on fee. McFadden - who scored both goals in the 2-2 draw at Partick Thistle on Saturday - has been the subject of intense speculation since bursting on to the scene at Motherwell. A cheeky bid by Celtic manager Martin O'Neill on Friday to take him on a year-long loan even left the player and his agent John Lonergan stunned.
McFadden promises to hit the mark
Sep 2 2003 By Scott Mcleod Liverpool Echo
JAMES McFADDEN has vowed to transfer his glowing reputation as one of the hottest young talents in the SPL to the Premiership following his arrival at Everton. The 20-year-old Scot enjoyed a dream day yesterday, his £1.5m transfer from Motherwell to Everton. Unfamiliar to the majority of football fans south of the border, McFadden is a striker who can also play wide on the left or as an attacking midfielder. His versatility has earned him a call-up into Berti Vogts senior Scotland squad.
And former Fir Park team-mate Greg Strong claims the Blues have snapped up Scotland's answer to Wayne Rooney. Strong revealed: "I had watched him in training (before his debut) and you could see he had a special talent. "I know when players get big moves people always say that kind of thing, but in James' case it is true. He has all the tricks but, more importantly, the confidence to use on the pitch as well as on the training ground. "I don't think he will be an overnight sensation but when he beds in he will be a very good player for them" McFadden boasts a strike rate of one goal in every other game for Motherwell, despite the Scottish club having struggled at the wrong end of the SPL in recent seasons. He is a big game player, netting against both Celtic and Rangers in Motherwell's victories against the Old Firm at Fir Park last season. A tally of 32 goals in 58 appearances marks him out as a striker, but the player himself believes he can offer much more than that to the Blues. McFadden said: "I hope I can surprise people in English football. "I am buzzing right now. I was close to crying but I held it off. The place has been my life for so long but it is the right time for me to go. "Everyone wants to play in the Premiership and as soon as you get the chance you just don't knock it back. "There will be comparison with me to Wayne Rooney and what he goes through but they don't tally up. My main battle here is to try and get into the team at Everton.
Martyn: Signing me is Wright for Richard
Sep 2 2003 Liverpool Echo
NIGEL MARTYN finally signed in at Everton yesterday, six years after a long wait in an office at Parkfoods convinced him to choose Leeds ahead of the Blues. Now 37, the former England international goalkeeper is delighted to finally make it to Everton following a frustrating spell on the sidelines at Elland Road. Signed by David Moyes for £500,000 on a two-year deal yesterday, Martyn is determined to do all he can to push Richard Wright for the number one slot at Goodison. He believes that pressure will help both himself and Wright improve as players. "I hope my arrival here will help Richard," he revealed. "As I know from having Paul Robinson challenging me, it pushed me for those years. "There are other goalkeepers here who are very capable and we will all be pushing each other to make that starting place our own. "I'm really looking forward to working with new players and getting on with them. "The manager's got a great reputation - he seems to have turned this club around." Martyn was on the verge of a multi-million pound switch from Crystal Palace to Everton in 1997. But after waiting several hours to conclude negotiations at Peter Johnson's office, the Blues cooled on the deal and the player made his way to Elland Road, where he notched up almost 300 appearances.
I'll go back to get Davis
Sep 2 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON boss David Moyes has revealed he still intends to sign Sean Davis when the transfer window reopens in January, despite splashing out £3.25m yesterday. The Goodison chief drafted in Francis Jeffers on loan from Arsenal and completed the signings of James McFadden from Motherwell for £1.5m, Nigel Martyn from Leeds for £500,000 and Kevin Kilbane from Sunderland for £1.25m in a frantic day of activity. But despite the cash outlay, Moyes insists Davis (pictured) remains a top target. The Fulham midfielder was due to sign for the Blues last week in a £5. 25m deal. But the transfer couldn't be completed because of a knee ligament injury. Today, Moyes said he wanted to revive the deal this winter. He said: "I hope to bring Sean Davis to the club at the first opportunity. "We can't do it now. But we will hope to sign him in January when the transfer window reopens. "Provided the player proves his fitness and there are no problems with the knee injury, we will try and sign him. "I hope Bill Kenwright and the board will agree. There's no-one more determined to bring players to Everton than Bill." The England Under-21 international is set to be sidelined for the next month with the knee problem. But he should be fit by Christmas when Everton can swoop. Moyes was pleased with his business yesterday, saying: "We started the season with less players in the squad than we had at the end of last season. "We lost Rodrigo, Brian McBride, Ibrahim Said, Kevin McLeod and Mark Pembridge. "I felt we needed extra numbers and we have managed to sign four internationals. "Three of those are young and have the opportunity to mature and improve with us." Kilbane and McFadden were at Goodison Park today to tie up the loose ends of their deals before joining up with their respective international squads.
Franny: I just want to get going
Sep 2 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
FRANCIS JEFFERS made a dramatic return to Everton yesterday, eager to show he is as true Blue as the young protege he intends to form a long-term partnership with. Signed on an initial one-year loan from Arsenal, the 22-year-old is keen to prove a hit alongside fellow former De La Salle pupil Wayne Rooney and earn a permanent contract at the end of the season. The proposed fee for the transfer is £4m - half what the Gunners paid Everton for the striker two years ago. It would represent excellent business for the Blues, particularly if Jeffers can rediscover the form which made his departure such a blow in 2001. The fact he is a lifelong Evertonian will work in Jeffers' favour now. But it was that lifelong allegiance which made his departure hard to take in some quarters two years ago. Jeffers accepts the best way to build bridges is by producing the one commodity he deals in best - goals. "It is great to be back," he admitted. "I have been away for a couple of years and things haven't gone as well as I would have liked but to be back here has given me a big lift.
"Hopefully now I can kick on and carry on from where I left off, scoring the goals and helping to take the club forward. "It is an exciting time to be at the club. There are a lot of good young players here now and hopefully I can be another one of them. "I know I have a lot to prove to some Everton fans but hopefully they will be able to see I am fully committed and I just want to get my head down and start playing football again. "True Evertonians and the fans that are here every week know I am a true Evertonian and was a season ticket holder for 12 years. "I am still a fan and last season was great. I managed to get to a couple of games and you could see the difference from when I was here.
"There was a lot more team spirit and the whole place was buzzing, because of the manager and because Wayne (Rooney) had come through." Jeffers already counts Rooney as a close friend off the pitch. On it, they have played together for just 45 minutes during England's friendly with Australia at Upton Park earlier this year. But that was enough for Jeffers to fully appreciate how good the 17-year-old is. Now the prospect of playing alongside him on a regular basis thrills him.
He also believes it will provide a spur for his international ambitions, with England on the verge of qualification for Euro 2004. He adds: "It is an exciting thought to play with Wayne. He is one of the best talents I have ever seen and to play with him would be great. "But there are other strikers here and just to get back in a blue shirt will be fantastic. "I am hoping this move can help me push for a place in the senior England squad. "I think Wayne (Rooney) and Michael (Owen) will be definitely be going to the European Championships next summer, if we qualify. But there are two or three other places available and you can probably pick from 10 strikers in the Premier League. "I want to be one of those players. Playing with Wayne will help my chances. "It was both our debuts when we played against Australia in February and it was made more special for me that it was with Wayne. I enjoyed every minute of it and I am sure he did as well." David Moyes is pleased with Jeffers' arrival. He believes he can win over the fans in the best way possible. Moyes said: "Franny has got the chance to come back to prove to everybody that he wants to play for Everton. "He is here initially on loan and it won't just be me who judges him, the supporters will as well. But I see a hungry Franny Jeffers who wants to deliver the goods for Everton." Jeffers has welcomed that backing. "The manager is recognised as one of the best young managers around and it is a great opportunity for me to play under him," added Jeffers. "I have been pleased with what the manager has told me and I can't wait to get going now. I want to cement a regular place here. That is what you want to do, whatever club you are at. "Things didn't work out that well for me at Arsenal but this is a fresh start for me now. "There were other clubs who wanted to take me but when Paul Stretford (my agent) told me of Everton's interest that was the only place I was going to go.
"I hope the style of play will suit my game. The ability we have now in the squad is more attacking and that should suit me." After two years in which he played just a cameo role for the Gunners on their march to a championship and two FA Cup final wins, Jeffers is fresh and raring to go. He also believes he returns to Everton a much better player. "I am sorry it didn't work out at Arsenal but I leave them with good feelings. I played with some of the best players in the world and just by training with the likes of Thierry Henry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp you automatically become a better player. "But the one player I owe the most to is Kevin Campbell. "I have got to thank him the most out of anyone. When I broke into the team here he took me under his wing and was brilliant with me. "We struck up a good partnership and scored a lot of goals together. I will play with anyone but it will be nice to have the chance to work with Kevin again." After completing his move yesterday, Jeffers reported for international duty with the England Under-21s. Ironically, his first game back at Goodison following his transfer will be in an England shirt next Tuesday against Portugal. He shrugged: "I would have preferred to play my first game back at Goodison in a blue shirt, but that chance will come."
A Savage blow
Sep 2 2003 By Andy Gray, Liverpool Echo
THE return of Francis Jeffers to Everton has advocates and opponents, but I believe the Blues should have held out for an even more controversial transfer. David Moyes tried to persuade Birmingham to part with their widely-unloved midfielder Robbie Savage yesterday, but discovered that while Robbie may be disliked outside of St Andrew's, he is highly prized by those who employ him. I can well understand the groundswell of Evertonians upset by the prospect of Savage joining the School of Science. But while I accept their reasons, what I would also say is that wherever Savage has played the fans have come to adore him. That may not necessarily be for his silky soccer skills, but wherever he has played he has inspired affection through his attitude, enthusiasm and never-say-die endeavour - and that is no bad thing. In the event, Birmingham valued him more highly than Everton were prepared to pay - and the Birmingham Blues were delighted he stayed put. But having watched Everton's midfield put comprehensively in the shade by Liverpool at the weekend, I wonder if someone of Robbie's 'in your face' attitude might have made a difference. Of course we'll never know. But while the Blues missed out on his signature, they bounced back with one of the most frenzied deadline day sprees I can ever recall. Four new faces arrived at Bellefield in a single day - and it was the most familiar I found the strangest. With Wayne Rooney and Tomasz Radzinski already available, Duncan Ferguson coming on for the last quarter of Saturday's derby and Kevin Campbell only a week or so from a first-team return, I could not see the need for another front-line forward. That's not to decry Jeffers' qualities as a striker. Some people say you can't have too many forwards - notably Roman Abramovich! - but I'm not sure another striker was a priority for Everton. I spoke to Moyes for about 20 minutes on Saturday morning and he told me how frustrated he had been at his inability to land any of his major transfer targets. Maybe he was just relieved at finally landing a very talented player who was desperate to play for the Blues.
Midfield battle was the derby decider
SATURDAY'S derby match was, quite simply, a tale of two strikers. Liverpool boasted one who took his chances on the day. Everton had one who didn't. That was the major difference between the two teams. But there was a little more to the 169th Merseyside derby than Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney. The biggest difference for me came in the personnel who made up the two midfields. Liverpool boasted the better quality and greater creativity in that department and in the end it was decisive. For half-an-hour it was a typical derby - scrappy, tight with not much football being played. In fact during that period Everton created the better chances. But once Liverpool's midfield managed to get a grip, the match was effectively over. Steven Gerrard was different class, and when you add class like Harry Kewell as well, Everton were always going to be struggling to match their rivals. The Reds could even afford the luxury of a player like Danny Murphy on their bench. But despite the disparity in quality between the two sides, I still saw things for Evertonians to be pleased about. They created numerous chances, despite not playing anything like as well as they can do - and Rooney's influence was still significant despite missing a couple of chances. They can and will, play far better - but it takes a long time to get over a comprehensive derby defeat.
Old boss to miss 'dream'
By David Prior, Daily Post
Sep 3 2003
NEW Blue James McFadden arrives at Goodison with a ringing endorsement from his former boss at Motherwell - who describes the youngster as "a dream to watch". Terry Butcher is backing the 20-year-old to live up to his reputation south of the border - but warned he is someone who dices with trouble on the pitch. But former England defender Butcher said: "He's so exciting. He loves to entertain but most of all he loves to win. "James runs at people with pace and he's strong. He might look frail and a bit timid, but let me tell you he's not. "James has had people criticise his temperament but Wayne Rooney is no angel is he? Neither is James - but he can be a dream to watch. "He will get himself into trouble biting back at people, but I don't have a problem with that because he's a winner. He loves entertaining and he loves putting the ball in the net, which he did with great regularity for us. "Everton fans will be excited with what they see." Meanwhile Motherwell defender Steven Hammell has backed his former team-mate to be an immediate success at Goodison. He said: "It did surprise me because it was so late but it's been a long time coming for Faddy because he seemed to be linked with a different club every day. I think it got to him that despite all the interest nothing had happened. But he's finally got the transfer and it's a brilliant move for him. "He's worth about 20 goals a season to the team and we'll need someone to fill that gap."
James is Vogts winner
By Chris Roberts, Daily Post
Sep 3 2003
BERTI VOGTS yesterday welcomed James McFadden's move to Everton - even though the striker's first-team appearances could be limited this season. The 20-year-old was making his way back to Scotland this afternoon to join his international team-mates after completing his £1.5million move to Goodison Park on transfer deadline day. He became the country's second star to join a Barclaycard Premiership club in the space of three days after midfielder Barry Ferguson joined Blackburn from Rangers in a £7.5million switch. Vogts is happy the pair have decided to better themselves by plying their trade on a bigger and better stage - even though McFadden is unlikely to play as many games as he would have done at Motherwell. The Scottish boss said: "It's a good move for all of them - for Motherwell, Everton and James. There will be a lot of matches and training for Everton and I think it will be a big challenge for him. "He has played matches and done well for Motherwell and it's another great challenge that he must be relishing. "He has to learn and I am obviously hoping that he does play a lot of matches. I saw him at the weekend and he scored some nice goals. "It's not a problem going down there because we are all together in the UK. It's the same for Barry Ferguson and James McFadden now. "But it's no problem to me that he has gone. I am the international manager and I look at the success of the international side. "There is a big difference when you watch Manchester United and Arsenal and Motherwell play Partick. "Last week I saw a lot of matches in the Premier League in England and Scotland and there's a big difference. "I'm also happy that Scottish players are playing here with Celtic and Rangers, but they have to be playing which is more important." Vogts is so behind "the new generation" moving to England that he has urged others to follow in Ferguson and McFadden's footsteps. Many past Scottish greats have graced the English top-flight and the German is hoping it will help uncover the next Kenny Dalglish.
Vogts added: "In the past a lot of key players have played in England although in the last few years the new generation have been playing in Scotland. "But these players are starting to move and they could even play in Germany, Italy and Spain. "It's good for the new generation to learn their trade here, but it's great when someone plays in the English top-flight. Kenny Dalglish always played for big clubs which was good for the national team. "When players move south it is good for Scottish football. I want players to play with the top sides and if that means moving to England then so be it.
"I hope Rangers and Celtic stay in the Champions League. I also hope that both can go on to the next round and that Hearts and Dundee do well in the UEFA Cup." The German named 24 players last week for the double-header with the Faroes and Germany a week on Wednesday and 22 stars have reported back fit and ready for action. "This is a strange position for me having so many players fit," smiled Vogts.
I'm back with guru Moyes - Kilbane
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 3 2003
IF KEVIN KILBANE had even the slightest inclination to return the insults having escaped Sunderland boos for the Blues, there was no sign of it yesterday. With minutes to spare before dashing off to catch his flight for international duty, the Republic of Ireland winger was still bouncing around Goodison Park with barely contained excitement at his £1.25million deadline day move to Everton.
The affable 26-year-old is the first to admit he needed a fresh start when his career at the Stadium of Light turned sour as the Black Cats started to lose their nine lives. But delight at a reunion with David Moyes is founded on playing in the Premiership with Everton rather than escaping the problems he endured in the North East. The mental image of Kilbane's stormy relationship with the Sunderland fans ensured more Evertonian eyebrows were raised over this deal than any of the club's other final day arrivals. Instead of leaving with a parting shot, however, Kilbane insists the experience has only served to make him a stronger person and a better player. "There wasn't really a time when I wasn't enjoying my football at Sunderland," said Kilbane. "It has been hard at times and people might think that things got on top of me too much, but it didn't really. I really enjoyed my time up there. "We've had a tough season at Sunderland with getting relegated and it was a difficult time. No-one wants that on their CV at the end of their career but it's a closed chapter for me now. "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sunderland. They were great people to work for, but now I'm just looking forward to settling into Liverpool and playing for Everton. "I feel I've got a strong character and my aim is to prove my worth here. I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead of me - I'm relishing it. "It's fair to say I needed a fresh challenge, definitely. A fresh start always brings the best out of anyone and I certainly believe I need that. "This is a great challenge and one I'm really looking forward to. Just coming here this morning, you know it's a fantastic club. I don't know what it is but just the feeling about the place tells you what a fantastic club this is." The events of a whirlwind 24 hours hadn't fully sunk in for Kilbane yesterday after a deadline day move that stretched its description to the limit. With Everton tying up deals for Nigel Martyn, Francis Jeffers and then James McFadden, the midfielder faced an anxious wait before the Premier League could ratify his switch ahead of the 5pm cut-off point. He explained: "It was a really late shout, rushed through at the last minute and was a bit of a whirl. It all happened ever so quickly and once it went through I was absolutely delighted. "It was pushing on five o'clock, right to the wire, and I was up at Sunderland waiting for a fax to come through to get it signed and sent off to the Premier League.
"It was on-off all day and I'd resigned myself to the fact it wasn't going to happen but all of a sudden I got the phone call to get myself moving. "It was basically a case of waiting for the fax to come out, ripping it off and getting it signed. That's how it happened." The deal was late but Moyes arguably knows more about this signing than any he has sanctioned before. Kilbane played alongside his new manager for his hometown club of Preston before Moyes moved into a coaching role at Deepdale.
And Kilbane admits the lure of working with the Scot again added to his determination to seal the Goodison switch. "We played in the same team at Preston so he does know a lot about me," he said. "He was my coach for two years as well. "He was a big influence on the early part of my career and I've always looked up to him and always been willing to take advice from him, so I'm delighted to be working with him again. "When we played together he was a tough player, a strong centre-half. But he was always there with advice too. He was always there for all the young players so he was a good person to work with." Kilbane, who spoke regularly with ex-Evertonian and former Sunderland team-mate Gavin McCann about the move, adds: "His managerial record has been very good. He's a very motivated man who's renowned for getting the most out of his players. That's what I hope he can do for me and I hope I can repay him with good performances on the pitch.
"He has raised expectations at Everton to a great height. It's a club steeped in tradition and has won plenty of championships down the years and that is where th is club belongs. It should be at the top of the English game. "The manager is on record as saying this season will be tough and I think everyone realises that. But saying that, the capability is there and the expectation is there. I hope it can all be met." In the current climate, Kilbane's arrival makes perfect sense for Moyes. This is a player with 46 full caps for Ireland, who is seven years younger than the departing Mark Pembridge and who will provide the natural width so sorely lacking at Goodison Park. And for Kilbane himself, the move offers a chance to fulfil ambitions undiminished by the worries of Wearside. He states: "Ultimately I want to win things. I want to be a part of a winning, successful team. I know what a great club this is and what fantastic support it has. "You can't nail down exactly what you are going to achieve, that would be foolish. But I'm looking forward to coming here, enjoying my football and being successful."
Everton Res 5, Wolves Res 0
Daily Post
Sep 3 2003
EVERTON Reserves banished some of the Blues painful derby memories with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Wolves at Haig Avenue. Duncan Ferguson, Lee Carsley and David Weir were all involved along with Ghanaian Alex Nyarko who played his first competitive match since returning to the club.
The midfielder looked classy and adopted a good attitude as he tries to force his way into David Moyes' plans. The Blues were ahead after just 18 minutes and in somewhat of a fortuitous fashion. Leon Osman found Ferguson whose initial shot was saved by the keeper only for the rebound to come back off the big Scot and into the net. Ferguson nearly made it two minutes later but his header was well saved by Carl Ikeme in the Wolves goal. Lee Carsley was back playing again after a knee injury and was involved in Everton's second, sending over a corner for defender Sean O'Hanlon to head home powerfully. Carsley played for an hour and will now join up with the Republic of Ireland squad for Saturday's Euro 2004 game against Russia in Dublin. Everton were just as commanding in the second half with Nick Chadwick and Ferguson both going close before the latter made it 3-0. Carsley was again involved curling in a free-kick which Ferguson crashed in with his head. Nyarko and Ferguson, along with Carsley, went off on the hour and it wasn't long before the Blues had added to their score. Brian Moogan crossed, Alexandersson headed on and Italian youngster Patrizio Pascucci stooped to head home at the far post. Tony Hibbert was in tremendous form as was Chadwick, who thoroughly deserved his goal on the night which rounded off the scoring and made it 5-0 in the last minute. All in all, it was a very good performance by the whole team and one that the watching David Moyes will take heart from.
EVERTON RES: Turner, Hibbert, Moogan B, O'Hanlon, Weir, Carsley (Moogan A 60), Alexandersson, Nyarko (Schumacher 60) , Chadwick, Ferguson (Pascucci 60) Osman. Subs: Symes, Gerrard.
Departed Mark Ful of praise for Blues
By Paul Walker, Daily Post
Sep 3 2003
MARK PEMBRIDGE claims he joined Fulham this week despite being told he had been Everton's best player this season. The Wales midfielder completed a £500,000 transfer yesterday to link up again with former international team-mate Chris Coleman, now Fulham manager. And the Merthyr Tydfil-born midfielder admits the move came as a surprise after he was initially informed of Fulham's bid by Everton boss David Moyes immediately after the Mersey-side derby defeat by Liverpool on Saturday. Pembridge said: "I was surprised. The gaffer told me Fulham had made a bid and I said I would be interested. "I felt that if the club were telling me about the bid and had not turned it down, then they were prepared to accept it and that told me what the situation was. "It was the last year of my contract and there was a year's option as long as I played over 30 games this season.
"David Moyes told me he might be able to offer me another year contract at the end of the season, but he could not be certain. I needed the security of knowing I had a deal in place." Pembridge, 32, has signed a two-year contract at Fulham with an option of another year. He added: "David Moyes said that I had been Everton's best player this season, but that after I had said I was interested in the move, it was a deal he could not match and the club would accept." The midfielder will now turn his energies to Wales' Euro 2004 match in Italy on Saturday, with some regrets at leaving Goodison Park. He said: "I really enjoyed my time there, the fans were always magnificent with me, home and away, and I will have plenty of good memories. "They are a smashing club and with a good manager who is determined to improve them, and he certainly already has. There are some great young players there too, who are going to make a great career for themselves. I will miss the place." Pembridge's departure came at the same time as Moyes launched a signing spree that brought Francis Jeffers, Kevin Kilbane, James McFadden and Nigel Martyn to the club.
More than just a Fad
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 3 2003
JAMES McFADDEN last night revealed he was lured to Everton by David Moyes' long-term strategy to challenge the English elite. Scotland lost one of its most exciting young talents on Monday when Motherwell accepted Everton's £1.25million offer for the 20-year-old striker. Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers were two of the clubs chasing the highly-rated international. But McFadden admits the pull of the Premiership and a part in Moyes' vision to lead a young team to the top made Everton too good to resist. The Glaswegian said: "I know the manager wants to build a young team that will be successful in the future and that was a big part of it for me. It's something I've got to look forward to and I've just got to make sure I am part of his long-term plans to achieve that. "The manager has said he's building for the future and that's exciting. This is a massive club, a Premiership club. It's a great move to go from Scotland to the Premiership and this is a club that is trying to build a team for the future. "I don't think the manager is looking to put me in straight away and I'm not expecting to be, but I've come here to work hard. There are a lot of good young players here and hope-fully the manager can make me a better player." It took a second improved offer by Everton to land McFadden, who officially became a Goodison player yesterday after passing a medical. He added: "I'm delighted to be here. There has been a lot of things said over the last year with a lot of clubs mentioned but I'm glad to finally get something sorted. "There were a few others which Motherwell rejected but I'm just glad they accepted this one. The financial situation is even worse in Scottish football but my concern now is Everton. The deal came out of the blue even though I knew they had been watching me. "I didn't need any convincing but I don't think anyone would for a big Premiership club like this which has got good fans and offers a chance to work with a good manager." McFadden scored 32 goals in 58 games for Motherwell but could be used as a wide midfielder by his new manager Moyes, who has confirmed he will make a renewed bid for Sean Davis when the transfer window reopens in January. McFadden said: "I've played up front for the last 18 months so maybe a striker is my best role, but for the last few games with Scotland I've played wide on the left. That's something the manager will sort out himself once he's watched me in training or reserve team games, but I wouldn't care where I was playing as long as I was getting a chance. "I'm just here to work hard and try and work my way into the squad. I know how hard it's going to be. I'm looking forward to that. I haven't come here expecting it to be easy." Meanwhile, Lee Carsley stepped up his comeback bid last night as a strong reserve side including Duncan Ferguson, David Weir, Tony Hibbert and Alex Nyarko thrashed Wolves 5-0 at Southport.
* Arsenal and FA vice-chairman David Dein has backed the decision to allow loan moves between Premiership clubs. Dein said: "There should be no losers and there are certainly many more positives than negatives. The player gets a chance to perform rather than spending part of his career on the bench or in the stands, such as in our case Jermaine Pennant and Francis Jeffers."
There's no easy ride
Sep 3 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
Nigel Martyn and Franny Jeffers join David Moyes' Blue revolution
DAVID MOYES has warned his quartet of new signings not to expect an easy ride at Everton. The Goodison boss splashed out £3.25m on Monday to secure Francis Jeffers, Nigel Martyn, James McFadden and Kevin Kilbane ahead of the transfer deadline. But he has made it clear the new arrivals will have to match the high standards set by his players over the last 12 months if they are to make it into the side. The new boys are joining a group of players who did really well last season and they are going to have to work very hard to do well in that group," he revealed. "I am pleased to get players in to boost the squad. But there are a lot of good players here already. "What we have done is add to the options and improve the competition for places. "If we hadn't added to the team we would have been five players down from where we were last season. I felt we needed to bring in a number of faces who can add to my options but also offer us a little bit of zest as well. "The money we got from the sale of Pembs (Mark Pembridge) I used to sign Kevin Kilbane. "It was a case of like for like because I felt we needed another left-sided player and it has worked out quite well for us.
"All four signings are international players and that is the kind of quality we were looking for."
Despite his quartet of acquisitions, Moyes remains keen to add Sean Davis to his squad when the transfer window re-opens in January. But if the Blues are to kick-start the £5.25m deal for the Fulham midfielder which collapsed last week they will have to find a way in which to boost their transfer funds. The £3.25m spent on Monday means extra revenue will need to be generated by the club before revisiting the Davis deal. The deal fell apart when the England Under-21 international was unable to pass a medical because of a knee ligament injury which is set to sideline him for another month.
Pair battle it out
Sep 3 2003 Liverpool Echo
WAYNE ROONEY and Emile Heskey are neck-and-neck in the race to partner Michael Owen in England's Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia this weekend. Rooney started England's last competitive game, against Slovakia in June, and proved he can handle the big-match atmosphere in the home victory against Turkey last April. But despite his superb display against Turkey, Rooney was not at his best against Slovakia - while Heskey, who has experience on his side, impressed Sven-Goran Eriksson with his all-round display against Croatia. Eriksson said: "Experience is always very important, but anyhow I haven't decided who is going to play up front. "Michael Owen will start, I guess. But let's see in our practices who will play with him. "Heskey did very well in the last game and was very lively. But Rooney's fitness is getting better and better this season, and that's good for us." There will be no away fans in Skopje on Saturday following the security decision not to take up ticket allocations in Macedonia and Turkey, and Eriksson said: "It's sad that there will be no fans, but I think that's better in the next two away games."
Kerr welcomes Kilbane move
Sep 3 2003 Liverpool Echo
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND manager Brian Kerr today welcomed Kevin Kilbane's move to Everton, believing it will be good for the player and his country. Kilbane moved to Everton from Sunderland for £1.25m on deadline day. Kerr said: "It's a good move for Kevin and I think he will do well there."
Kerr, who is in Dublin for the Republic's Euro 2004 qualifier with Russia on Saturday, added: "The Everton fans will appreciate him because he is an honest worker and does a good job. "I don't know why things didn't work out for him at Sunderland," he added. "From out point of view it's good because it means Kevin will be playing at a higher level and the more players we have at the top level of the game, the better." And Kilbane's move may open the way for Ireland team-mate Colin Healy to force his way into the Sunderland side, which Kerr has also welcomed.
Black Cats made me stronger
Sep 3 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
KEVIN KILBANE has vowed to give the best years of his career to Everton. The Republic of Ireland international was unveiled at Goodison yesterday after dotting the 'i's and crossing the 't's on his new two-year contract following a £1.25m transfer from Sunderland. Kilbane endured a rollercoaster few years at the Stadium of Light, where he suffered constant criticism from a section of the Stadium of Light crowd. But the real low point of his time in the north east was last season's relegation from the Premiership. He believes they have helped him become stronger mentally. And now he wants to put that strength to good use on Merseyside. "I feel as though I have got a strong character and I aim to prove my worth here," revealed Kilbane. "I know I have been linked with Everton a lot in the last few months but there was no sign of anything happening unti l Saturday.
"When I drove up to the ground for the first time I had butterflies in my stomach because this is such a big club. "I am really excited at the prospect of playing here. "I have worked with David (Moyes) before when he was a coach at Preston but I am a much better player now than then. "My game has improved a lot by playing at Sunderland and for Ireland. "There are exciting times ahead and I hope I can bring a little pace and power to the side. "I would like to think my peak will come at Everton. I feel fit and strong and I aim to get better under the manager here. "I left Preston as a young boy, naive to everything. I was only 20 but I have grown up a lot since then and matured a lot. "Hopefully, Everton can see the best of me here. I have always enjoyed creating goals and that is probably what I have been brought in to do. "I do need to improve on my goal tally, though. There are exciting times ahead at a club which is heaped in tradition and which is going places. "I just hope I can be a part of that."
James can get wide role off Pat - Moyes
Sep 3 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES intends to turn James McFadden into a wing-wizard in the mould of Pat Nevin. The 20-year-old Scot has made his name in Scotland as a goalscorer during the last two seasons with Motherwell. And an impressive record of 32 goals in 52 appearances for the Fir Park club is proof of his credentials. But Moyes believes he has seen qualities in the Blues' £1.5m acquisition which could be better utilised on the wing. "We have not brought James here to necessarily play him as a striker. I see him more as a wide player," revealed Moyes. "He reminds me of Pat Nevin in a lot of ways. He is that type of wide player, with the ability to dribble and good close control. "It will be very new for him, making the move down here. So I won't be asking too much of him too soon.
"But he is only 20 and he is already on the verge of becoming a regular Scottish international, so he has quality." McFadden is flattered by the comparison with Nevin, who he worked for at Fir Park.
Nevin was Director of Football at the club last season and can boast 109 appearances and 16 goals for Everton during a four-year spell at Goodison which ended in 1992. McFadden admits: "It is a compliment to be compared with a player like that. He is a bit of an Everton legend anyway.
"But I don't mind where the manager plays me. "I have mainly played as a striker but I have also played wide on the left, wide on the right in midfield and just behind the strikers. "I know it is not going to be easy to get into the team. I just have to get my head down and work hard. "It is one thing scoring goals and doing well in Scotland, but something completely different coming to the Premiership where there are so many good players. The games are faster and the quality is higher.
"Maybe when I come back from international duty next week I will be able to get used to it. "If I work hard enough I think a chance in the team is there for me, but I don't know how much I need to adapt. Hopefully I can do that as quickly as possible in order to push for a place in the squad." Moyes intends to be patient with the 20-year-old, insisting he is a signing for the future. But Motherwell boss and former England international Terry Butcher is confident the Blues have acquired a player who can do a job in the Premiership right now. Butcher said: "He's got great ability, a great left foot and scores goals with his right. He scores goal inside and outside the box and scores penalties and free-kicks. "He loves to entertain but most of all he loves to win. "James runs at people with pace and he's strong. He might look frail and a bit timid, but let me tell you he's not." The player's record of 15 yellow cards in just 58 appearances for Motherwell under-lines that fact. He added to that bad-boy reputation last summer when a boozy night in Hong Kong during a tour with Scotland's Under-21s resulted in the player missing a 2am curfew and the squad's flight back to the UK.
But Butcher insists the player's fiery temperament has helped him become the star he is. "James has had people criticise his temperament but Wayne Rooney is no angel is he? Neither is James - but he can be a dream to watch," added Butcher. "He will get himself into trouble biting back at people, but I don't have a problem with that because he's a winner. "He loves entertaining and loves putting the ball in the net, which he did with great regularity for us. "I spoke to Graeme Souness and told him this boy could go to the top - the very top - but it was up to him. "I'm sure he has what it takes to be a big success in the Premiership. He's got a real chance at a great club like Everton - and players there who will make sure he keeps his feet on the ground." McFadden, or Faddy as he is known in Scotland, has become a regular on the sports pages north of the border because of his goals, his disciplinary record and his hair styles (which have included a red stripe in his hair).
He is looking forward to settling down to life in England away from that spotlight. "I can come down here and just get on with it because there is not a lot of expectation on me," he explains. "People don't really know anything about me so I can just work hard and hopefully the rewards will come.
"I would say I am a player of potential." Moyes believes the standards set by fellow Scots David Weir and Gary Naysmith will ensure McFadden doesn't step out of line. "There are a lot of similarities between James and the way David Weir and Gary Naysmith came down from Scot-land," explained Moyes. "They have all come to England from SPL clubs other than the Old Firm. David and Gary have done very well down here with Everton and hopefully it will be the same with James. "We are beginning to try and build a young group of players who can improve here. "I have not been able to sign the ready-made article. We have tried to bring in players with potential that can come good."
FA rescind Wright-Phillips ban
September 03, 2002
Manchester Evening News
SHAUN WRIGHT-Phillips will not have to serve a three-match ban after Kent referee Barry Knight decided to change his mind over Saturday's red card against Everton. The 20-year-old Blues star was sent-off in the 28th minute of the 3-1 win for a `professional foul' on Gary Naysmith but after reviewing the video of the game Mr Knight saw the incident differently. "Shaun Wright-Phillips will not serve a suspension for his sending off against Everton on Saturday," said a statement from the FA. "The foul was a cautionable offence rather than a sending off offence."
Rooney agent 'blackmailed'
Sep 4 2003 By Tony Barrett, Daily Post
John Hyland, 41, from Woolton, Liverpool, and another unnamed man, were arrested yesterday by detectives investigating claims by Cheshire-based agent Paul Stretford that his life had been threatened. Last night Hyland, who has represented world champions including Shea Neary and Peter Culshaw, was charged with blackmail. He told the Daily Post, through his solicitor, that he had nothing to do with a blackmail plot and insisted that he would be fighting the charges. Peter Quinn, of Liverpool-based Quinn Melville, said: "John totally denies the allegations that have been made against him and he will be pleading not guilty to them. "He will be appearing in court next week and, once the matter goes to the Crown Court, he will be contesting all the allegations." A second man arrested, who has not been named - but is aged 34 and is from the Spital area of Wirral - was released without charge on police bail and will be interviewed again by detectives at a later date.
A Cheshire police spokesman said: "We can confirm that a 41-year-old man from the Woolton area of Liverpool has been charged with blackmailing a Cheshire businessman and has been bailed to appear before Runcorn magistrates on September 9." Earlier, detectives swooped on two addresses on Merseyside where the two men were arrested before being taken into custody for questioning.
Recently, Paul Stretford (left) revealed how he had employed a group of minders to protect him round the clock and upgraded security at his £1m home on a plush estate in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
Stretford, who has 384 football players, managers and personalities on his books, was last night unwilling to speak about the arrests. But a spokesman for his company said: "Proactive Sports Group plc is aware that Cheshire police have today arrested two men in connection with alleged blackmail offences against Paul Stretford. "The arrests are the result of a lengthy investigation which has involved Mr Stretford working closely with police. "The company wishes to stress that none of the alleged offences has ever been directed at Wayne Rooney or his family, against whom no threat of any sort has been made."
McFadden cheap at half the price
By Chris Roberts, Daily Post
Sep 4 2003
SCOTLAND manager Berti Vogts claims that Everton have got James McFadden on the cheap for £1.25million. The German has revealed that former Bayer Leverkusen coach Klaus Toppmoller enquired about the young striker during last season, but Motherwell slapped a £3million price tag on his head. Vogts believes that playing for Scotland has made McFadden's dream move come true, but is still surprised that Everton got him at half price. "I think that playing for Scotland helped James get a move. I couldn't understand all the fuss when we came back from Hong Kong. What was the problem? He missed the plane. Have you not done that before? He had a good night out!"
But Vogts is surprised that the Old Firm missed a "big chance" in not beating Everton in the chase for McFadden. "It was up to the managers at Rangers and Celtic why they let Everton in," he said. "They had a big chance." Vogts is now considering starting with the 20-year-old against the Faroe Islands in the Euro 2004 qualifier on Saturday. "I remember bringing in Fredi Bobic for Germany after he had played just eight matches in the Bundesliga and now he is a hero," explained Vogts. "The Press attacked me then but I knew he would score because he had quality. "James has that and now we must see how he looks in training. He scored a brilliant goal on Saturday but I must assess his fitness.
"He is not full on for 90 minutes yet and I won't pick him just because he is now a big-name Premiership player. "James restarted training only last week and against Partick it was his first full 90 minutes." McFadden faces competition from Paul Dickov, Don Hutchison, Neil McCann and Steven Thompson to partner Stephen Crawford in attack. Portsmouth winger Kevin Harper believes the Scotland national team will benefit from the decision of Barry Ferguson and James McFadden to quit Scottish football. Rangers and Motherwell are mourning the loss of their star players to the Barclaycard Premiership. Harper himself quit Hibernian for Derby County five years ago before making the move to Portsmouth and he reckons the years spent south of the border have made him a better player.
Four buys in one go not ideal - Moyes
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 4 2003
DAVID MOYES last night admitted he wouldn't have plunged for four new faces on deadline day but for the failure to land his top transfer targets. Francis Jeffers, Nigel Martyn, James McFadden and Kevin Kilbane all signed in before the 5pm cut-off point on Monday as Moyes emphatically ended his frustrating summer search. But the Blues manager revealed he only committed to the £3.5million outlay after missing out on key targets Sean Davis and Barry Ferguson. Moyes has already confirmed exciting Scottish striker McFadden is unlikely to claim an immediate Premiership place following his £1.25m arrival from Motherwell. And he admits he is well aware of the dangers of bringing so many new faces into his squad at once. The Blues manager said: "It was not ideal and I'd have preferred not to bring four players in at one time. Last summer we brought four in but at different times. It takes time for them all to integrate. "I didn't want to be in that situation on deadline day but with the Sean Davis deal falling through very late on and us pursuing Barry Ferguson for another week we had only limited time. "We couldn't get those players so we went for potential in Franny Jeffers and James McFadden, and Kevin Kilbane is also a much younger player than what we had in Mark Pembridge." Lee Carsley, meanwhile, has belatedly joined up with the Republic of Ireland squad after coming through an hour of the reserves' 5-0 win over Wolves on Tuesday. The midfielder has been plagued by a knee injury since pre-season but now aims to further his comeback in the European Championship qualifier against Russia in Dublin on Saturday.
"I was never going to make the derby game so everything has been geared up towards me making the international game this weekend," he said.
Fans Forum
Daily Post
Sep 4 2003
This week we asked Everton fans how they felt their club had fared in the transfer stakes - and what would be their dream buys. JUST like a city centre bus, you wait ages for one and then four come along at once. It looked like we would be starting the new season with the same squad as last. Deals for Sean Davis, Robbie Savage and Barry Ferguson came and went and then, at the very last minute, David Moyes pounced to bring in Jeffers, Kilbane, Martyn and McFadden. The Jeffers deal is the one that raised more than a few eyebrows - two years after turning down the biggest contract offer in the club's history he returns from Arsenal chomping at the bit and excited about partnering Wayne Rooney in the Everton attack. It could turn out to be a very shrewed move by Moyes; Jeffers has a lot to prove to Evertonians and there's no doubting his ability. James McFadden is not known to most people but in 12 months' time he could be a household name. After reading the hundreds of good luck messages on a Motherwell website it's clear to see what they feel about him. One message simply read: "Go and show Rooney how to play football." Rather than splash the cash on a player who is no better than what we already have, I think it's wise that Moyes waits untill January to bring Sean Davis to Goodison. Dream signings? I'd loved to have seen Scott Parker come to Goodison and Barry Ferguson too, but given the choice of selling your main asset to finance the deal I'll be delighted to see Davis in an Everton shirt for the second part of the season.
Neil Blythe, Huyton, Liverpool
IT'S BEEN a hugely frustrating summer for all Evertonians who have waited eagerly for some significant signings. Although Moyes failed to capture the pivotal midfielder he's been seeking, it's still pleasing that he managed to strengthen the squad on deadline day. I'm sure all the players recruited will improve the squad and I'm particularly pleased to see exciting young talent in the shape of Jeffers and McFadden. These young players alongside the likes of Wright, Rooney, Hibbert, Yobo (and Davis in the January window) will form the backbone of Everton's team for years to come. Everton can't afford ready-made internationals so the way forward has got to be to recruit young talent and to nurture them yourself. For me the best transfer news this summer is that we are clearly no longer a selling club. In an ideal world I'd like to see the likes of Vieira and Henry at Everton. Realistically Jason Koumas and David Thompson would add quality to the squad.
Danny Gordon, Crosby, Liverpool
Jeffers' sudden impact
Sep 4 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
NEW signing Francis Jeffers has already made his mark at Goodison - without kicking a ball.
Everton boss David Moyes believes Jeffers' return to Merseyside has already provoked an instant response from other strikers in the Goodison Park squad. The Blues' boss is delighted with the fact three of his striker's were on the scoresheet for Tuesday night's reserve victory over Wolves at Haig Avenue. It was an instant response by the forwards already at the club to the arrival of Jeffers on a season long loan from Arsenal. Moyes said today: "I am always looking to increase competition, which is why we have made these signings. "The other night Duncan got a couple of goals, Chaddy scored and Patrizio netted as well. "That is what we want. Strikers don't always score all the time but the ones who are in form and scoring will be the players who get the jersey." Jeffers was drafted in - along with Nigel Martyn, James McFadden and Kevin Kilbane - ahead of Monday's transfer deadline in order to add to the Blues' attacking options. Moyes now has seven forwards at his disposal, with the 22-year-old joining Wayne Rooney, Kevin Campbell, Duncan Fergu son, Tomas z Radzinski, Nick Chadwick and Italian young-ster Patrizio Pascucci. New boy McFadden arrives with an impressive goalscoring record for Motherwell but Moyes intends to use the 20- year- old Scottish international as a winger. The number of attacking options open to Moyes means the manager has no intention of rushing Campbell back to fitness. The forward has yet to play this season because of a hamstring injury. He is in line for a return to fitness in time for the home game against Newcastle on September 13. But Moyes revealed: "With it being a ham-string problem, we don't want to take any risks or to rush him. "But he is doing well. There is no need to rush players back with the options we have, so unless we are really desperate I would prefer injured players to get reserve games under their belt and build up their strength." Meanwhile, Moyes hopes Lee Carsley will be given the chance to play some part for the Republic of Ireland against Russia in Dublin on Saturday after proving his fitness for the reserves this week. Carsley has been sidelined since pre-season with a knee injury. He added: "Tuesday was his first game since recovering from the injury but we didn't want to hold him back. "He wanted to join up with the Irish squad. They were concerned because he has not had much football work and very little training but he got 60 minutes, which he needed to do before going to Ireland. "I only think him joining the squad will be beneficial if he plays. The training for international teams does not tend to be that hard, so I would rather have him training with us. But if he gets involved in any of the games it would be good."
Financial realities should override sentiment
By Ian Hargreaves, Daily Post
Sep 5 2003
ONE OF the first major challenges confronting those about to exploit Liverpool's success in being named European Capital of Culture in 2008 should surely be to persuade the people running our two famous football clubs to join forces in the building of a shared super stadium. Many lifelong fans will doubtless believe this suggestion to be little less than heresy. But the cold, inescapable fact is that both clubs are facing up to the harsh financial realities of life in the modern football world and now is the time do something about a joint stadium. Both clubs have separately been looking at ways of improving their ground facilities, when pooling resources seems an eminently more sensible way forward. Everton face the more pressing financial need with the proposed move to Kings Dock designed to create a revenue stream which could be filtered down to the manager to improve his squad, and, by association the performances on the pitch, with the chances of competing for the game's top silverware. Vice-chairman Bill Kenwright has worked hard to shed the club of its "selling" tag since he took over. Ever since World War II, the club has stood accused of selling its best players while still in their prime. It started with Tommy Lawton and Joe Mercer, continued with Dave Hickson (barely a year after they gained promotion), Alan Ball, Gary Lineker (after just one successful season) and Martin Keown. But if the team cannot afford to recruit top players and qualify for the latter stages of the leading competitions, how much longer can they expect to hold on to Wayne Rooney, not to mention their talented young manager, David Moyes. Some 37 years ago, I was one among many thousands who watched Goodison Park host a whole series of great World Cup games, including those between Brazil and Hungary, Portugal and North Korea and West Germany and the Soviet Union. It was the finest stadium outside London in those days, but the club do now need to move to retain their status among the game's elite. However they remain to battle against the debts of the past and, following the collapse of the plans to play at the Docks, they appear stuck in limbo. At Anfield, the congested situation of the ground has prevented the urgently-needed expansion that would help Liverpool make a final push for top European status and glory.
They might be better off than their local neighbours, but their search for reinforcements does not take them into the spending realms of some of their rivals in the top echelon of the European game.
The main objection to a ground merger would seem to be the supporters' reluctance to say farewell to the famous Kop, but that has been transformed into just another stand following the lessons of Heysel and Hillsborough. Liverpool can, no doubt, finance their move into Stanley Park but how much will it restrict their purchasing power in the transfer market? What both clubs need is a new stadium, with a capacity of 70,000, served by adequate roads and car parks and by a direct rail link.
That may be Stanley Park, but other alternatives should be considered.
Grounds for optimism
Daily Post
Sep 5 2003
SHARED football stadia are still a controversial issue in the UK where fans prefer to stay well away from their rivals. But in Italy, a country renowned for its passion for the game, supporters are prepared to put their tribal mentalities to one side in the interests of their clubs and are happy to back shared grounds. The big clubs in Rome, Milan and Turin all ground-share despite the initial reluctance of the Ultras - the most fanatical group of fans of each club who have a major bearing on decision making. Roman rivals Roma and Lazio play their home games on alternate weeks at the splendid Stadio Olimpico in the countryside of the capital. The stadium was built in 1960 as the home of the Olympic Games of that year and shortly after the two clubs moved in and made it their new base. Serie A giants AC and Inter Milan became joint tenants of the San Siro in the heart of Milan after the ground was constructed as one of Italy's six main stadia for the World Cup in 1990.
Since then both clubs have continued to amass trophies at home and abroad and regularly play to full houses - without any of the colour or tradition of the two clubs being lost. In Turin, Italian glamour club Juventus and local rivals Torino have also put past rivalries behind them to move into the Stadio deli Alpi at the foot of the Swiss Alps. However, the location of the stadium in the extreme north of Italy has caused problems for Juventus who have a fan base throughout the country. For many home European games, the ground is only half full because it is too difficult for fans to get to midweek. Now, Juventus are looking at plans for a new stadium which could be built in the south of Turin - without Torino. But, on the whole, the experiment of shared grounds has been a success in Italy despite the entrenched history of fans from opposing clubs.
Wayne bags the fashion spotlight
By Tony Barrett, Daily Post
Sep 5 2003
EVERTON striker Wayne Rooney may soon be scoring in the fashion game like David Beckham.
The Blues youngster was spotted yesterday with the rest of the England camp at Manchester Airport. But while the rest of the squad carried holdalls and bags, Rooney stood out with an eye-catching Burberry toiletry bag. He is believed to have bought the bag at Liverpool fashion store Wade Smith where he is a gold card customer. The toiletry bag, retails at £69 - but anyone who wants to follow in Rooney's footsteps is out of luck as Wade Smith have none left. A spokeswoman for the store said: "Wayne is a regular customer at Wade Smith and his custom is extremely welcome. It doesn't surprise us that he accessorises his England suit so well." Meanwhile, Everton are believed to be working behind the scenes to get Rooney a role in a Hollywood movie.
The young striker, whose nickname is The Duke in honour of legendary movie star John Wayne, could now be set to follow his hero on the silver screen. His club are negotiating with American agents to make Everton the focus of a £30m movie. The film relates how an American wonderkid moves to the Premiership and Everton are bidding to be the club he makes his name at, the Blues players in the movie's action scenes. They are competing with Manchester United and Newcastle United but are believed to be at the head of the queue, thanks to vice chairman Bill Kenwright's showbiz connnections. The film - Goal - will be part of a trilogy which will see the fictional Hispanic player start in England, move to Europe and eventually lead the USA to World Cup glory. It has been reported that Kenwright has already held talks with the company behind the project - Milkshake Films. Goal's producers are understood to be impressed with what one source described as the "warm and friendly" atmosphere of Everton combined with the city of Liverpool's fame in the United States as the home of the Beatles. The chosen club will be officially announced in Zurich by FIFA, who will also have a hand in the project. Mike Jefferies, a British-born scriptwriter who conceived the idea, said: "We have learnt a lot from the American football film, Any Given Sunday, which shows sport from the point of view of the player, not the crowd."
Post soapbox
Icliverpool And Daily Post
Sep 5 2003
Moyes' mixed bag
DAVID MOYES has made some good long-term buys this week, but I am still not convinced about the loyalty of Jeffers and would hope that McFadden proves to be the long-term partner for Rooney after Radzinski. Kilbane is a proven and Martyn will definitely be of benefit to Wright and Turner. I would still love to sign Davis in January, and would like to see Robbie Savage in the squad as well. Gravesen is too inconsistent and Gemmill is always off the pace. We need another centre-back too, in case we have a couple of injuries. We have enough strikers now, but I think Moyes will sign another one in the summer as Duncan and Kevin are nearing the end.
Anthony Jaras, Widnes
Petit merci
I'M delighted to hear that Everton have finally signed a couple of players. How about buying Emmanuel Petit in the New Year? He is willing to halve his pay in order to find first-team football in the Premiership or elsewhere. It's not as though Chelsea need the money, so we'd probably get him at a cut price.
Peter Jones, Liverpool
David Jobsworth
SO Everton got £500,000 for Pembridge, which was quite good business. All we need to do now is convince Unsworth that his career lies in selling insurance like all bad ex-footballers. Please, Unsworth, do Everton a massive favour and ask for a transfer. Surely being humiliated on Saturday was the signal for your departure? You have persecuted us for too long and it's time to move down a couple of divisions.
Peter Ball, Liverpool
Time to take Harte
ONCE again, Everton seem to lack creativity in midfield. It seems to be a case of pump the ball forward and hope somebody gets on the end of it. Moyes should have used the transfer window to sign Jason Koumas from West Brom and Ian Harte from Leeds. Both would have come in for under £5m.
Peter Farrell, Liverpool
Patience please
I'D like to applaud David Moyes for his transfer activity. We all know his vision for the future is a young, attacking team. McFadden is class and can only get better. Signing Sean Davis in January will make a difference. In another two years when half the old school are out of contract, you'll see a new Everton. Evertonians should have patience.
Tom Roberts, Liverpool
Savage blow? No
CONGRATULATIONS to David Moyes in securing the return of Jeffers and the services of Kilbane, McFadden and Martyn. However, do us a favour and forget your interests in Robbie Savage. Lily Savage would put up a better show than him in midfield, even with the high heels on!
Scouse Ken, Birmingham
Jeffers the good
DAVID MOYES has made some good signings to push the Blues into the top six this year. Francis Jeffers has let Everton down in the past but, other than Wayne, he's the best player we've got. His spell on the bench at Arsenal hurt his pride and he'll be looking to prove Wenger wrong this season. Kevin Kilbane hasn't been too convincing in the past for Sunderland and Ireland, but give the lad a chance. Moyes has the rare talent of turning water into wine.
Jeremy Dolphin (via e-mail)
Jeffers the bad
EVERTON have waited so long for new players, then Moyes goes on a spending spree which can only be described as panic buying. I will never step foot inside Goodison Park now that Jeffers is back. This man deserted us when we needed him. I will switch my allegiance to Chelsea and save a small fortune in travel costs. Jeffers OUT!
John Oxford (via e-mail)
Owen warns of the pitfalls for Rooney
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 5 2003
MICHAEL OWEN last night warned Wayne Rooney is in danger of being contaminated by England's 'build them up, knock them down' disease - just five games into his international career. Merseyside look set to be united in Macedonia tomorrow when Liverpool and Everton's homegrown heroes lead England's attack in the Euro 2004 qualifier. With Rooney losing his cool while Owen led Liverpool to victory in last weekend's Goodison derby the 17-year-old's self-control in Skopje is already under the spotlight. England will have only a handful of fans in the ground amid security fears that have heightened tension around the game. But the nation's senior strike star believes it is not discipline Rooney has to worry about with England but the ridiculous demands heaped upon him. Within five months of being cast as the saviour of English football the teenager's international pedigree was called into question following an uneventful display against Slovakia in June in what was only his second start. Sven-Goran Eriksson increased those expectations by pushing Rooney as the answer to England's hopes against Everton's continual advice. But Owen, who has risen above the same pressures to score 23 goals in 51 appearances for his country, has appealed for realism to take root, and for Rooney to be given the time and space to develop into a "world-beater".
Owen declared: "I had the same sort of thing when I was 18 so I know how quickly players can get built up and then knocked down. "We just have to give him the time and space to become a great player for his country. I don't know what everyone was expecting. "We probably haven't seen his true colours yet. He'll certainly have flashes of brilliance and do great things in games, but you can't expect him to do that in every single game. "He's 17 and if everyone lets him he will develop into a very good player in the future, but at the moment, he's not going to win every game single-handedly. "Wayne played very well against Turkey but I was only on the pitch for the first-half and I was injured quite early on. "Against Slovakia, we won the game and Wayne played his part in that. But I'm sure he would admit that he's had better games than that. "He will develop into a very good player and everyone must give him time to do that as he's a special talent. "After I came off the pitch against Slovakia, everyone was asking about him, saying he had not played so well. It's amazing how people talk him up and then talk him down again. "It would be better just to stay in the middle ground. He's not a world-beater yet, but hopefully he will be if he's given time." Rooney's talent is not an issue for Owen and neither is his temperament, which he stated was already proved on his full international debut against Turkey in April. "I don't think anyone would have any fears about starting with him. I mean, he played well against Turkey and, if anyone is going to wind you up, then I think they probably would," he added. "He's not played too many games but his temperament is very good. He's a winner, you can see that when he plays." And with injuries afflicting England's build-up Owen believes it is not only Rooney's responsibility to show mental strength and resolve tomorrow. He explained: "You need your body to be an athlete but 99 per cent of football is all in your mind anyway. We've been to places like this before and done well. "There won't be any fans, but we've all been around long enough to play without any fans or on a hostile stage. "It can even give you a little spur sometimes if you haven't got any fans. You pull together as 11 men with the substitutes and the management. "There might only be about 20 of you in the stadium but you really clench your fists and think 'it's us against you lot'. "These are the games you really need to show your mettle in. Hopefully everyone will be on their toes and ready to perform." Owen may have backed Rooney's claims to start in Macedonia but he launched a passionate defence of Anfield team-mate Emile Heskey, who is often criticised for his strike-rate after just five goals in 35 England caps. "I know he gets a lot of stick from the media and from fans. But the players appreciate him, if no one else," he insisted. "It's always the way. There are some players who can't do much wrong and then others who everyone seems to make out as a scapegoat. "He's quite a laid-back character, it doesn't seem to affect him. But the players all encourage him and hope he does well. "No matter what people think, when Emile is on top of his game, there are not many players better than him in the world. "Two years ago, he had a patch for Liverpool of about 10 or 15 games in the middle of the season when I couldn't believe my eyes. There was nothing anyone could do to stop him.
"It wouldn't have mattered which defender in the world it was, he was just unplayable. If you can get Emile back to that level, he's some player. "Obviously, he may need encouraging and may not need to have people having a go at him all the time." Whoever partners Owen in Skopje, the Liverpool star expects a tough encounter, but one that England can still triumph in despite their 2-2 draw in Southampton last October. "We never played well in general and it was probably a kick up the backside that maybe we needed," he admitted. "We are under no illusions that if they can get a draw over here, it's going to be even harder over there. "We are missing some key players and we might be cursing our luck if we were playing Turkey away next week, but we still have enough quality in the squad to cope with it."
D-day's transfer frenzy is what we needed
Fanscene By Mark O'Brien Daily Post
Sep 5 2003
AFTER a summer of prudence and cautious negotiating David Moyes did his Viv Nicholson impression on Monday and spent, spent, spent. Well, it was a bit more like spent, spent a bit more rising depending on appearances and loaned, but you get the gist. Obviously we didn't get the allaction, box-to-box, good-engine-on-him-type central midfielder we were after but the manager has at least given himself a few more options, especially up front. It would seem that Moyes doesn't really expect to eke much more out of Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell, given that he brought in both Francis Jeffers and James McFadden on deadline day. Jeffers we know all about, his intelligent movement is his greatest asset, and it will be interesting to see if Moyes prefers that to Tomasz Radzinski's raw pace. That's assuming of course that Wayne Rooney will remain first choice - perhaps the manager will rotate all three. As for McFadden, if he's half as good as Pat Nevin and the rest of Scotland think, he will be a veritable snip at £1.25million. Hopefully he will fulfil his apparently massive potential and become more famous for his skills and his goalscoring than his embarrassing haircuts. Nigel Martyn's possibly wasn't the most exciting of the signings but it could prove the most important. Along with the midfield, the goalkeeping position was our most problematic last season and continues to be so now. Steve Simonsen and Paul Gerrard are just biding their time until they leave and even first-choice Richard Wright leaves a lot to be desired at times. People might say he's a future England number one but that's of little use when he's throwing the ball in the net now. You only have to look at Jerzy Dudek's performance last Saturday to see how important a top-class, dependable keeper is. Martyn will at the very least provide genuine competition. Last, but by no means least, is the Republic of Ireland's Kevin Kilbane. His signature did come as a bit of a surprise but Moyes must rate him even if the Sunderland supporters quite clearly didn't. He will replace Mark Pembridge, a player who struggled badly when he first arrived but who will be fondly remembered for the way in which he never let criticism get to him and eventually won the crowd over with his honesty and endeavour in the face of limited ability and really short legs. If, as Moyes has suggested, we go back and sign Sean Davis in January and the new signings all fit in and play well, we might even give Liverpool more of a game in the next derby.
Ablett looking to build Blues
Academy Football With Chris Wright Daily Post
Sep 5 2003
BUILDING on solid foundations is what makes for a winning team and Everton under-19s aim to do just that. The Blues youngsters are yet to concede a goal after their opening two matches in the FA Premier Academy League this season, and they will be hoping to continue that against Leeds United today at Netherton (kick-off 1pm). But it is in front of goal where they will be looking for improvement. One goal in two matches is a poor return considering the number of chances they have created. Assistant Academy director - and now U19s coach - Neil Dewsnip is expecting to see a marked improvement as the season progresses. Dewsnip said: "We are creating the chances and maybe we just need a little bit more care in front of goal and we will be okay. "We just need a couple of goals. We are still unbeaten and there have been lots of positive things and it is a good platform to build on from here for the rest of the season." The versatile Craig Garside missed last week's match with Wimbledon with an infection in his foot, but the Blues are hopeful he will be fit to take part against Leeds today. Everton under-17s put their 100 per cent record on the line tomorrow, when they entertain Sheffield United at Netherton in a game that kicks off at 11am.
Two games and two wins have made it the perfect start for Gary Ablett's side. But they are not resting on their laurels and are continually looking for improvement - individually and as a team.
Ablett said: "The week before against Fulham most of the stuff came off, whereas against Wimbledon it wasn't quite right. Maybe the lads up front just need a goal to get their confidence going. And hopefully they will be flying. "But overall we have been doing well and there is nothing major we need to be working on. "It is just tinkering."
Pitch battles
Sep 5 2003 By Jenny Watson Echo Reporter
VANDALS trashed Stanley Park's football pitches again, the day before new goal posts donated by Everton FC were due to be installed. Yobs drove a car all over one of the park's eight pitches, leaving its goal posts uprooted and covered in skid marks. They then dumped the car on the sidelines before setting it alight. Steve O'Reilly, who helps run the 3,000-strong Anfield Junior Soccer League, fears the spree was meant as a warning that vandals plan to trash the new posts.
They were due to be delivered yesterday afternoon as a replacement for the eight sets that were broken in a previous attack. Mr O'Reilly, 41, said: "These van-dals drove around and around the goal area, leaving skid marks which I believe were meant as a deliberate message. "We now fear they will come back once the new posts are up." The attack comes just months after the once-glorious park was devastated by a weekend of vandalismin May. Following that attack, Everton's deputy chairman Bill Kenwright offered to fund 16 new goal posts which arrived yesterday ahead of the start of the new season this Sunday. Steve said: "Everton FC have been so good as to put up the £2,100 to pay for these new posts for the players and we are desperate to make sure they don't get targeted. "If that happened we might have to miss the first games of the season and we would never be able to raise the money to replace them a second time." "We've turned this league round in the last three years. We get teams joining from places like St Helens, Warrington and Speke and it would be heart-breaking to fall back gain." "We're the only junior league in the city that holds the Hillsborough Cup Memorial Finals." Mr O'Reilly said when regulations changed two years ago, the league was forced to provide permanent posts. The original posts were paid for by Liverpool FC, which backs the league. The Anfield park was designed by Victorian landscaper Edward Kemp, who was also responsible for Chester's Grosvenor Park and Lymm Hall in Warrington.
Bargain buys no drain on budget
Sep 5 2003 By Howard Kendall
AFTER the derby defeat, Evertonians were no doubt feeling very low. The Sean Davis deal had fallen through and Steve McManaman signed for Manchester City. The fans could have been excused for feeling the Blues had been left with no new faces. Then all of a sudden there were four signings on deadline day. That, though, does not mean that Davi d Moyes has rushed into spending the money that has been made available to him. Francis Jeffers has come back on loan and James McFadden did not cost a lot. Sunderland will have owed Everton money via a sell-on clause when Gavin McCann went to Aston Villa, so Kevin Kilbane was no doubt cheaper to the Blues than anyone else.
Everton let Mark Pembridge go and brought in Nigel Martyn for possibly the same money. It suggests that the manager still has plenty left in the kitty to go after Sean Davis when the transfer window opens in January, if the midfielder is fit. McFadden looks one for the future and I suspect Moyes has had his eye on him for some time. Kilbane has not been consistent in his career, but he has the ability to do something special. Moyes knows him from their Preston days and understands what he can bring to the team. However, if Kilbane had been a first choice target, surely he would have been signed in the summer, particularly given Sunderland's dilemma. That suggests McManaman was the wide midfielder they were looking to bring in. Of course, ultimately only the performance of the new players will determine whether it has been good business.
Martyn first choice?
THE goalkeeper transfer interests me most. I felt Steve Simonsen performed well in the derby considering he has been out for some time and was brought back in for such a big game. The signing of Martyn is a bit harsh on him. A few things have been said in the papers this week that Martyn's arrival will put pressure on Richard Wright. For me, when you go into the transfer market for a keeper, it should be as cover for your number one. It is not a position where you need competition for places. A manager should have every confidence in his first choice keeper. There is no doubting that Martyn has been an outstanding servant for all the clubs he has played for. Perhaps his arrival suggests there is still some uncertainty over Wright's fitness or performances.
Kev's Macca mystery
I FAIL to understand Kevin Keegan's comments after he signed McManaman. The manager came out and said he didn't know in what position to play him. It's as if Keegan has been collecting players and there is a danger in that. You can't bring a player in without knowing where they are going to fit into the overall jigsaw. A manager must know what positions are a priority for strengthening.
Franny was really brave to return - let's cheer him
Sep 5 2003 By Scott Mcleod Everton Correspondent
EVERTON legend Graeme Sharp has praised Francis Jeffers for doing everything he could to make his return to Goodison a reality. When it became clear Arsenal were willing to listen to loan offers for the 22-year-old England Under-21 international striker a host of Premiership clubs entered the chase for him, including Aston Villa, Birminghamand Newcastle. But there was only one club Jeffers wanted to sign for. And on Monday that move became reality when he signed a one season loan deal for Everton which could turn into a £4m permanent switch if he impresses. The player's determination to return to Goodison, despite leaving under a cloud following his £8m move to Highbury in 2001, has impressed Sharp. The Blues goalscoring legend revealed: "When he left a lot of people berated him, but he always said he wanted to come back one day. "There were other teams interested in him and he could have chosen to go elsewhere, so he deserves credit. He knows he didn't leave in the best of terms but he is an Evertonian and he made sure it was this club he came back to. "A lot of people were angry when he left, but when you are a young player and one of the top teams in the country comes in for you it is a difficult decision. "The attraction of Arsenal, with all those great players, was bound to be tempting. It didn't work out, but he has come back with medals which helps explain why he did go there." During his two years in London Jeffers won a Premiership title and two FA Cup winners medals. But his first team chances were limited to just four Premiership starts because of the intense competition at Highbury. However, Sharp believes Jeffers' time with Arsenal has benefited him. "Having watched him recently for the England Under-21s and when he has been given a run-out for Arsenal you can see he has improved as a player," added Sharp. "His touch is better, but that is to be expected when you look at the players he has been working with. "Being surrounded by players of the quality of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp can only benefit us and, with him coming back on loan with a view to a permanent deal, we are in the perfect position. "When you think how much Franny went for, it is good business."
Jeffers has already admitted he is thrilled at the prospect of playing alongside Wayne Rooney. But while the young duo could become the Blues' first choice strikeforce for years to come, Sharp has warned that it will take time for a new partnership to gel. "When strikers are thrown together for the first time you never really know if they will hit it off," he explained. "Franny and Wayne are very different players. At the moment, Franny is a better finisher, although that will come in time for Wayne. But we already know he can play alongside Kevin Campbell because of the success they had together before Franny left. "People are inevitably guessing it will be Wayne and Franny in the front line but I would not be surprised to see Franny, Tomasz and Wayne battling it out to partner Kevin.
"There is certainly no shortage of options now. There are six to choose from and it is up to the players to guarantee themselves a first team spot. "That is good news for the football club. Franny gives us another option and he is sure to score goals. "His movement in the box is excellent and that can help give David Moyes' side an extra dimension. He is a great finisher and nine times out of time he will hit the target. "And he is still only 22!"
Blues have signed 'class'
Sep 5 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
FORMER Everton target Barry Ferguson has praised the Blues for beating the Old Firm to the signature of James McFadden. Ferguson, who was a top target for David Moyes before his £7.5m transfer to Blackburn last week, believes Everton have picked up a bargain with the £1.5m purchase of the 20-year-old forward. McFadden was a childhood Celtic fan but neither Martin O'Neill or his Rangers counterpart Alex McLeish, who had been a confirmed admirer, made a firm bid before the Blues swooped. Ferguson said: "It is disappointing he has had to move south when Rangers and Celtic didn't want to take a chance. "I think it surprised everybody, not just me. But Everton are a great club. "It is disappointing that a great young talent like him has to go south. I think he could have done a job for Rangers, no problem, but I'm not the one who decides that. I'm not Alex McLeish or Martin O'Neill." And Ferguson is convinced McFadden will benefit from life in the Premiership.
He added: "It can only help because he is going to be playing against top club players week-in, week-out. "It will be great for Faddy. I think he is one of the best young players to come through in years." Both players are preparing for Scot-land's Euro 2004 double-header that starts with a Hampden Park bout with the Faroe Islands tomorrow and a trip to Germany on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Everton boss David Moyes has revealed he could be willing to loan out Alex Nyarko, even though the transfer window has now closed. The Ghanaian midfielder is back at Goodison after failing to secure a long-termloan move to China. He played his first game for the club since his return on Tuesday in the reserves' 5-0 thumping of Wolves. But the midfielder is not a part of the manager's first-teamplans. "I don't think the transfer window can prevent you loaning people to the Nationwide clubs, so that could be one option," explained Moyes. "But we have not had any enquiries."
Many clubs see switch as inevitable
By Andy Kelly, Daily Post
Sep 6 2003
A LEADING report into the state of football's finances has revealed a new-found acceptance for stadium sharing among the Premiership elite. Financing Football 2003, by top accountants Pannell Kerr Forster (PKF), sought the views of the financial directors of Premiership and Division One clubs.
It revealed a startling increase in their acceptance of shared grounds, as football continues to come to terms with new-found financial realities. And one of the authors of the report last night told the Daily Post the financial case for groundsharing was "overwhelming". PKF partner Stuart Barnsdall said: "Last year just 14pc of clubs supported the ground share idea but now that is up to 40pc of Premiership and Division One clubs. "The financial case for groundsharing is overwhelming. You are building a major new asset costing up to £100m which has a fixed life of probably 30 to 40 years. Yet you are probably only using it for a few days a year. By sharing with another club, you immediately double the lifetime usage of that asset." So could Liverpool and Everton ever convince their fans that a joint stadium is the way forward, even if the clubs themselves were convinced of the argument? Mr Barnsdall said: "That is the most difficult problem and is the major stumbling block.
"But just look at Europe, particularly Italy, where you have clubs like Roma/Lazio and Inter/AC Milan sharing grounds. "They have managed to get comfortable with it despite strong rivalries, though they are municipal stadiums so they are slightly different."
Is now time for a shared stadium?
By Bill Gleeson, Daily Post
Sep 6 2003
MERSEYSIDE'S two Premiership football clubs are being asked to consider sharing a ground. The North West Development Agency has approached Liverpool and asked the club to look at the commercial case for building a single world-class venue to be shared with Everton. The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company has also confirmed that it is in talks with property developers about the possibility of building a shared ground on land it owns at Central Docks in North Liverpool.
At present, Liverpool is seeking planning permission to construct a 60,000-seat stadium at Stanley Park to replace its current home at Anfield. However, the Reds' proposal is controversial and faces opposition from local community groups. Last year Everton failed to find the funding to build a 55,000-capacity ground at Kings Dock. The club has since said it is putting the whole issue of a ground move on hold. Steve Broomhead, chief executive of the North West Development Agency, said: "With the City of Culture year coming up in 2008 there is a view that we should look at improving the city's sporting facilities and that we should look at building a world-class venue in Liverpool. "The concept of a ground share has come up and we are asking if there can be a rational discussion between the clubs about a ground share. It would be a good idea to have a discussion of principle about the matter." Mr Broomhead said that one of the sites being looked at for a single stadium was the Central Docks in Liverpool. Mersey Docks and Harbour Company chief executive Peter Jones told the Daily Post his company was looking at these latest proposals. He said that an internationally-renowned firm of stadium design consultants has taken an initial look at the project and added: "I believe the waterfront deserves buildings of scale. If you just fill everything up with residential schemes then you miss an opportunity. "If you are looking for a world-class location, there is clear merit in looking at Central Docks. "This attaches itself to the issue of a shared stadium. A shared stadium could be a much better quality stadium than the individual clubs could afford on their own. That's the logic for looking at Central Docks." Dr Geoff Pearson, a lecturer at the University of Liverpool's Football Industry Group, pointed to the experience of European clubs that have shared grounds. He said that, while ground sharing worked in Milan, it was proving unpopular in Turin with Juventus and Torino fans. He also said that the difficulties surrounding the financing of the new Wembley could have been alleviated if the two north London Premiership teams, Arsenal and Spurs, agreed to share the facility. He added: "Sharing also has disadvantages, as it sets some limits on merchandising. Clubs sharing a ground can't sell merchandise relating to the ground in the same way as Liverpool can do now with Anfield or Manchester United can with Old Trafford. That could offset some of the savings from a ground share." Both Liverpool and Everton are reported to have looked at the Central Docks site in the past. Liverpool considered it in case it needs a fall-back position should Stanley Park not proceed. Everton looked at it shortly after the Kings Dock scheme failed. A spokesman for Everton said the club had yet to hear from the NWDA, while a spokesman for Liverpool said the club still intended to press ahead with its planning application for a stadium at Stanley Park.
Macedonia 1, England 2
By Mark Bradley, Daily Post
Sep 8 2003
AT the World Cup, Sven-Goran Eriksson stood accused of not fiddling enough while England burned in the heat of Shizuoka against Brazil. In Macedonia, however, the England coach again answered those critics who had accused him of tactical inertia and uncertainty. Just as he changed his team's shape both home and away to Slovakia at 1-0 down and just as he brought on Darius Vassell at exactly the right moment against Turkey, Eriksson got it right in Skopje. Call it good fortune, call it tactical insight. But, either way, golfer Gary Player's old adage that 'the harder I practice, the luckier I get' never rang more true. For Eriksson emerged with the tactical answer to his side's first-half failings as his calculated gamble on Wayne Rooney and David Beckham paid off handsomely.
He should still be concerned at his team's inability to take command of games early on, with their defensive shortcomings exposed in each of their past four games. Indeed, there are definite concerns about the frequency with which England are exposed on the break, especially when Ashley Cole is caught out of position. It was down that channel that Macedonia seized the lead on 27 minutes when Cole lost the ball and, with Sol Campbell slipping at the vital moment, David James was left horribly exposed. John Terry managed to block the first effort from Goran Pandev, but David James only pushed the follow-up effort from former Barnsley striker Gorgi Hristov inside his own post. England were at last riled into action, Beckham more so than anyone as his whirlwind reaction to a developing spat with several players, including Artim Sakiri, at least proved his fitness.
"He knew the importance of the game and he was a little bit upset coming into the dressing-room but he was calm again after 30 seconds and then said 'come on boys, let's go out and do it'," revealed Eriksson. It was Beckham who lobbed the ball forward eight minutes after the break for Emile Heskey to knock it down into the path of Rooney, who finished with aplomb from the edge of the penalty area. However, while that made Rooney the youngest ever England international to score for his country, it was Eriksson who had come up trumps with his half-time substitution.
Having determined that England lacked "height and weight" up front, he resolved to bring on Heskey but, in a bold move, took off Frank Lampard rather than Rooney, even though the striker had so far made little impact. "I asked Wayne 'how many times have you played in the hole behind two strikers'? He said he'd done that many times. So I said 'go out and do it again'," revealed Eriksson.
"Then again, if he had said he'd never done it before, I would just have explained to him - do this, this and this!" With John Terry then winning England a penalty that Beckham duly converted, Eriksson's side had again fought back from a first-half deficit but also equalled a record of seven consecutive wins. Eriksson, meanwhile, had also once again proved himself in the heat of battle. "I was lucky, but you have your ideas and think you must change something. You can never prepare it before the game as you never know how things will go," he stressed. "In life, I have also been very unlucky with changes many times and, before I leave this country, you will tell me that I did things wrong sometimes as well, I'm sure about that!" The England coach was also heartened by Owen Hargreaves' first-half display on the problematic left flank, where he had struggled against Holland two years earlier. "He had an excellent first half. A less excellent second half, for what reason I don't know, but during the past two years, he's grown up and now he's a regular at Bayern Munich," he said. "I still say it's not his best position but he did a great job." Above all, however, the greatest impact was felt on England's qualifying position as anything short of victory would have left them needing three points from their final group game in Turkey. "If we can beat Liechtenstein on Wednesday night, we can go to Turkey and make a draw," declared Eriksson. "It's quite a difference between needing a draw or a victory in Turkey. That changes everything."
FYR MACEDONIA: Milosevski, Stavrevski, Mitreski, Stojanovski, Simulikoski, Grozdanovski (Braga 56), Trajanov, Pandev (Gjuzelov 48), Sakiri, Naumoski, Hristov (Dimitrovski 88). Subs: Nikoloski, Kapinkovski, Georgievski, Kumbev.
ENGLAND: James, Gary Neville, Terry, Campbell, Ashley Cole, Beckham, Lampard (Heskey 46), Butt, Hargreaves, Owen (Dyer 86), Rooney (Phil Neville 74). Subs: Robinson, Upson, Bridge, Joe Cole.
BOOKINGS: Macedonia's Naumoski, Braga, Hristov and Sakiri and England's Campbell and Beckham.
REFEREE: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).
ATT: 20,500.
Rooney is hot stuff
Mark Bradley Daily Post
Sep 8 2003
FOOTBALL: SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON declared that Wayne Rooney is ready to handle the increased expectations after becoming the youngest ever England player to score for his country. And captain David Beckham also insisted that the teenage striker can go from strength to strength with the confidence boost of his first England goal. At 17 years and 317 days, Rooney's strike against Macedonia on Saturday ensured that he overtook Michael Owen's previous mark, set against Morocco in 1998, by more than six months. Eriksson admitted he is fortunate to have the Everton striker coming through the ranks, even if he clearly still has much development left in his game.
Then again, while Owen had appealed for the nation not to expect too much of Rooney too soon, his equaliser in Skopje has clearly shown what he is already capable of. Eriksson declared: "If you are the youngest player ever scoring for England, that means headlines not only in England but across the world. "I hope he can handle it as that's not easy. "But so far he has shown every time he has come with us that he's ready in his head and in his feet. Am I lucky to have him? Yes, of course. It's a good thing for Everton and England." Rooney made an immediate impact on his first England start against Turkey last April but then struggled to make an impression against Slovakia two months later. He was also a largely peripheral figure against Macedonia before the half-time switch which saw Liverpool striker Emile Heskey brought on to partner Owen, with Rooney moving into the hole and promptly drilling home the leveller from 20 yards. Beckham said: "Everyone knows what a player he is. People say about his age but when you can play like that, perform like that and score a goal like that, he deserves to be in the side. "He is a strong character, a strong player who has a strong club and family behind him. It's good for him to break records so early in his career and I am sure he will carry on. "He is going to get such confidence from that first goal for England. That is the biggest thing it is going to give him now and he will go on from there. "It is important to get that first goal out of the way, especially for a striker, although he doesn't have to score every week as his general performances help the team. "He works hard and puts himself about as well, and when you have a player like that in the team, playing up there with Michael Owen and Emile Heskey, you know you are going to go places." Rooney, meanwhile, was keen to pay tribute to his team-mates for their part in his goal, with Heskey having knocked the ball down to him from Beckham's chipped pass.
He maintained: "It was a great feeling for me to score my first England goal - even better knowing it was in such an important game. "If I am being honest, then I have to say that the result is more important to me than scoring the goal because it was a vital win for us. "It was a difficult game in difficult circumstances but once again all of the lads worked hard and showed a never-say-die spirit.
"With the goal Emile Heskey did really well for me. All I had to do was concentrate on getting a good connection onto the shot - and thankfully that's what happened."
Should Liverpool and Everton share a stadium?
Daily Post
Sep 8 2003
THE North West Development Agency - the body charged with reviving the region's economy - believes taxpayers' money could be saved if Liverpool and Everton football clubs share a new stadium. After reading the Daily Post's story on Saturday, we asked our Fans' Forum, made up of supporters from the two Premiership clubs, for their reaction. Here are a selection of their views:
I FEEL that a ground share would be a great idea and the pros definitely outweight the cons.
Everton have struggled to raise the necessary resources and finding a decent location for our new ground. Pooling our resources with Liverpool would give us more muscle to get a world class stadium. If Inter and AC Milan can do it - why can't we? A 70,000 + seater stadium would in turn attract players, corporate investment and more fans. Goodison Park has served its purpose but now it is too old and sadly lacking any appeal. It does not have the facilities to attract players nor does it have enough corporate facilities and directors boxes. It could also be used for England games, concerts and other sporting events. Okay - we will have to consider Liverpool FC on any decisions regarding the ground but it will not encroach on the fans' loyalties. If Everton are to move forward they need to move into a new stadium, whether it is our own or shared with Liverpool. It looks more likely that a joint venture will be the more viable option.
Robert Greenslade, Crosby, Liverpool
FIRST, it is imperative that Liverpool move to a bigger stadium and close the financial gap between ourselves and Manchester United. It was United's shrewd investment in Old Trafford which launched their cash machine in the 90s. I'm not sure that sharing the ownership of the new Anfield is a great idea as this would reduce our stake in a highly-valuable asset. If a deal involved Liverpool renting the stadium to Everton for their home fixtures, then this would increase long-term revenues and make some sense.
Paul Gilooly (Liverpool fan)
I'VE never really understood why people think the majority of Everton and Liverpool fans would be fiercely opposed to the proposition of ground sharing. Surely the time has come to dump the old-fashioned attitudes and give our great city and its football supporters the biggest and best stadium possible. If the clubs go it alone I suspect we'll end up with two very ordinary grounds rather than one truly magnificent stadium. The building of one super stadium for both clubs on the Kings Dock site must be looked at before it's too late.
Danny Gordon, Crosby, Liverpool
WHERE would we put everything? Wayne Rooney's pies? Duncan Ferguson's embrocation? The Everton Trophy Kiosk? Like two divorcees setting up home, the biggest problem would be squeezing their respective histories into one building. One party with a rich past, a sack full of memories; the other with some heavy baggage. For this is the crux of this discussion: emotion. If it was purely down to finance and commerce, it would have happened years ago. The business case must be unanswerable; surely a city the size of Liverpool cannot afford two under-employed arenas, thumbing their noses at each other across Stanley Park or wherever Everton eventually end up?
Andy Proudfoot (Liverpool fan)
OF COURSE, Liverpool and Everton sharing a stadium is a commercial and sociological ideal; to the grass roots supporter, be they red or blue, it is strictly taboo. Merseyside united was created by the media post Hillsborough. Unfortunately, red and blue don't share a half-time pie. Like it or like it not, ground sharing is no go
Chris Sheard, Wirral
EVERTON should not consider a ground move until we have a team that is capable of competing at the top end of the league on a consistent basis. If we eventually came to move ground, then I'm sure both sets of supporters would be against sharing a ground. Both clubs need a place they can call home. It would be totally devoid of identity and emotion as it could not show any allegiance to either side. There are too many thorny issues that would make it impossible, such as what would the stadium be called? What colours would the seats be? Keep the clubs' stadiums sepa-rate: If Manchester can build two huge stadiums in the city, then surely our city can.
Steven Mills, Knotty Ash
The soft side to Wayne Rooney
By Mike Hornby, Daily Post
Sep 8 2003
WAYNE Rooney's sweetheart Coleen McLoughlin has spoken about her relationship with the Everton and England star and hinted about future marriage plans. The stunning 17-year-old gave her first press interview after Wayne, also 17, became the youngest player ever to score for England in a full international. Coleen, a pupil at St John Bosco in Croxteth, said: "My whole family were at our house to watch the game. "I rang Wayne before the game on Saturday morning and said to him are you going to score for me today and he said, 'Yes'. "When the goal went in I couldn't believe it. I was momentarily shocked. I didn't say or do anything. "Then, when it sank in. I jumped out of my chair and started screaming and cheering. "My mum was screaming even louder than me and the whole family were jumping up and down and hugging each other. I was made up and I could tell by the look on his face that he was as well. "I was so proud of him, I felt he had done it for me."
The couple met five years ago when they both lived in the same street. "At first we were just mates, but we began to spend more and more time together," she said. "He tells me he loves me all the time and he is really caring. "You wouldn't think so on the pitch, but there is a soft side to him.
"We are going to marry - but not yet, there's no need to rush things. "We feel at the moment we are a bit too young. I really want to go to university and Wayne has his career." When the couple do walk down the aisle, there will be nothing "footballers wives" about the affair. "I like the whole thrones and Irish castles thing, but my day will be individual," she said. Going out with the Premiership's brightest young star is not as easy as it looks. Whenever the couple venture out on the streets of Liverpool, Wayne is mobbed by his army of fans. Coleen added: "Once one person comes over, they all do. "So we mostly go to the cinema because it is dark and no-one can see who he is, though now Wayne has passed his driving test things are a lot easier." Behind the couple are two strong families who keep their feet on the ground. Coleen's mum, Colette, 41, describes him as a "caring, lovely lad with a heart of gold". Wayne is also god-father to Coleen's adopted five-year-old sister Rosie, who is severely disabled by a condition called Rett syndrome. "Wayne just loves her. When we take her out all he wants to do is push her. He won't let anyone else do it." Her dad, Tony, 44, and brothers Joe, 15, and Anthony, 14, are all Liverpool fans. "It doesn't cause a problem and I support both teams," she joked. She revealed she was quite nervous about the other players' girlfriends but added: "Everton is a people's team and have really made me feel at home. "When I first went into the players' lounge I had no idea what to expect - I thought it all would be designer clothes and lots of jewellery. "But they were all really nice. "We don't discuss money, it's not important to us. Wayne has bought me a few presents and sometimes he treats me, but he doesn't spend loads on me like people probably think." But the presents Coleen has been given are way out of a normal teenage boyfriend's budget. The youngster is the proud owner of a beautiful watch, similar to one worn by Victoria Beckham. There's also a silver necklace - a memento from their recent trip to La Manga with the England team. But the couple have no desire to fill Posh and Beck's shoes. "I wouldn't want to have as much publicity as Victoria. I don't like it when I go to the shops and people take pictures, and Victoria gets far more of that."
Rooney is hot stuff
By Mark Bradley, Daily Post
Sep 8 2003
SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON declared that Wayne Rooney is ready to handle the increased expectations after becoming the youngest ever England player to score for his country. And captain David Beckham also insisted that the teenage striker can go from strength to strength with the confidence boost of his first England goal. At 17 years and 317 days, Rooney's strike against Macedonia on Saturday ensured that he overtook Michael Owen's previous mark, set against Morocco in 1998, by more than six months. Eriksson admitted he is fortunate to have the Everton striker coming through the ranks, even if he clearly still has much development left in his game. Then again, while Owen had appealed for the nation not to expect too much of Rooney too soon, his equaliser in Skopje has clearly shown what he is already capable of. Eriksson declared: "If you are the youngest player ever scoring for England, that means headlines not only in England but across the world.
"I hope he can handle it as that's not easy. "But so far he has shown every time he has come with us that he's ready in his head and in his feet. Am I lucky to have him? Yes, of course. It's a good thing for Everton and England." Rooney made an immediate impact on his first England start against Turkey last April but then struggled to make an impression against Slovakia two months later. He was also a largely peripheral figure against Macedonia before the half-time switch which saw Liverpool striker Emile Heskey brought on to partner Owen, with Rooney moving into the hole and promptly drilling home the leveller from 20 yards. Beckham said: "Everyone knows what a player he is. People say about his age but when you can play like that, perform like that and score a goal like that, he deserves to be in the side. "He is a strong character, a strong player who has a strong club and family behind him. It's good for him to break records so early in his career and I am sure he will carry on. "He is going to get such confidence from that first goal for England. That is the biggest thing it is going to give him now and he will go on from there. "It is important to get that first goal out of the way, especially for a striker, although he doesn't have to score every week as his general performances help the team. "He works hard and puts himself about as well, and when you have a player like that in the team, playing up there with Michael Owen and Emile Heskey, you know you are going to go places." Rooney, meanwhile, was keen to pay tribute to his team-mates for their part in his goal, with Heskey having knocked the ball down to him from Beckham's chipped pass.
He maintained: "It was a great feeling for me to score my first England goal - even better knowing it was in such an important game. "If I am being honest, then I have to say that the result is more important to me than scoring the goal because it was a vital win for us. "It was a difficult game in difficult circumstances but once again all of the lads worked hard and showed a never-say-die spirit.
"With the goal Emile Heskey did really well for me. All I had to do was concentrate on getting a good connection onto the shot - and thankfully that's what happened."
McFadden greedy for more
By Lisa Gray, Daily Post
Sep 8 2003
EVERTON new boy James McFadden admits he is desperate to face Germany after scoring his first international goal for Scotland against the Faroe Islands at the weekend. The 20-year-old came off the bench at Hampden to net his first goal in five caps to secure a 3-1 win and a vital three points for Berti Vogts' men. But the Scots were expected to defeat the minnows - and they know the real test comes in a few days time when they take on group five favourites Germany. Rudi Voller's side have not enjoyed the best of qualifying campaigns so far and they were forced to settle for a goalless draw against group leaders Iceland after being held to a 1-1 draw by Scotland in June. Now McFadden is desperate to be let of the leash and given the opportunity to add to his Scotland goal tally in Dortmund in the crucual Euro 2004 qualifier. He said: "I'd love to start against Germany but if I don't start then hopefully I can come off the bench and score another goal. "Their team changes a lot but we know that whoever we come up against will be high quality so we'll need to lift our game for it. "I think we can get a result in Germany. I'm not overly confident because we know how good they are. "But we drew with them at Hampden and there is no reason why we can't get something over there." McFadden emerged as one of Scotland's brightest talents over the last year with Motherwell and that star quality earned him a £1.5million move to Everton. While his place in the starting line-up under Terry Butcher at Fir Park was all-but guaranteed every week, he admits the switch to Goodison means he will have to work twice as hard to force his way onto the field for both club and country. He added: "There is no guarantee now that I'll get game but that's up to me.
"I just have to go down there and work hard and hopefully get into the first team as soon as possible. "It's up to me but no-one else would have knocked back a move like that so hopefully things will work out for me." Neil McCann opened the scoring for Scotland before his goal was cancelled out by Julian Johnsson. But the Scots hit back through Paul Dickov before McCann set up substitute McFadden for the third goal but he admits he was less than impressed by his own performance. He said: "I wasn't too pleased with my performance to be honest but it's hard to come into a game and just get straight into it. "I felt I didn't really get into the game but I was happy with the goal and absolutely delighted with the victory. "Neil McCann made it easy for me and I couldn't have missed that - if I'd missed it, I would have chucked football!" Scotland boss Vogts said: "I am happy with the three points. The performance was okay and we started very well in the first 20 minutes. "Then they sat back and I cannot understand that. After the equaliser Barry Ferguson and Colin Cameron pushed the team further forward and there was some good combination football.
"I am very, very happy. The performance was not so important to me. For me what was important was the three points." He added: "The 0-0 draw in Reykjavik is a good result for Germany and for us too. "We know we have to win in Lithuania and, as long as Iceland don't win in Germany, we are in the play-offs. But we are
We're so proud of Wayne - Moyes
Sep 8 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES today paid tribute to Wayne Rooney after the Everton striker became the youngest ever England goalscorer. Rooney netted the equaliser for England in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Macedonia at the age of 17 years and 317 days. In doing so he beat Michael Owen's record as the country's youngest goalscorer at senior international level. "Everyone at Everton is delighted for Wayne," Moyes said. It is a great achievement to become the youngest goalscorer for your country and it is also a fantastic achievement to be playing in the national side at 17." Rooney is set to earn his sixth senior cap in Wednesday's Euro 2004 qualifier against Liechtenstein at Old Trafford. But while Moyes is pleased to see his young striker doing so well at international level, he remains determined to do everything he can to protect the Blues' star asset. "He is still only 17 years old and there are a great deal of expectations on the lad which shouldn't be there," added Moyes. "He is an exceptionally talented footballer and we are trying to make sure he remains that and becomes better in the future. "He is a good lad who wants to learn and wants to listen. We are really pleased at Everton that he is playing for England. "But we have always thought that if we were going to play a 17-year-old in every game it would show we had problems. That is the same for England. "He needs looking after. I am pleased he is involved at the moment because he needs the games" Rooney put England's Euro 2004 ambitions back on track with his 53rd minute equaliser. David Beckham netted the wner 10 minutes later from the penalty spot. A delighted Rooney admitted: " It is a great feeling to score my first senior goal for England and I am honoured to be England's youngest ever goalscorer. But even better than that, it came in such an important game. The lads have worked hard and played with never say die spirit. "Emile Heskey did great for my goal and all I had to do was concentrate and get a good boot connection. Fortunately I did." There was some bad news for the Blues over the weekend though. Lee Carsley made his first senior appearance for the season in the Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Russia. But the midfielder aggravated the knee which has kept him on the sidelines at Goodison since pre-season. It is not thought to be serious and Carsley should feature in the Reserve match against Aston Villa tomorrow night. * TOMORROW: The chance to win an England shirt signed by Everton's trio of Under-21 internationals who will be in action tomorrow night at Goodison against Portugal.
Lucky Sven may have dug Blues out of hole
Sep 8 2003 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
ADVOCATES of the Lucky Sven philosophy, rather than Sven the Shrewd Tactician, were handed high-octane fuel for their arguments at the weekend. Apparently - and the words came from the England coach's lips selves so we have no need to doubt them - a conversation in the Skopje dressing rooms on Saturday night ran thing like this. England manager: "Wayne, have you ever played in the hole behind two strikers?" Seventeen-year-old striker: "Yeah. Loads of times." (failing to mention the last was probably for Croxteth High's first XI). England manager: "Could you have a go for me please?"
The rest is history.
Having struggled to impose his prodigious talent on a scrappy, dog of a match, the physical focus provided by Emile Heskey allowed Rooney to exert more and more influence on England's crucial qualifier in Macedonia. And an exquisitely controlled footed volley, coupled with goalkeeper best Hans Segers impression, saw Sven retrieve the FIFTH cit of this Euro campaign to scramble a vital victory. To think we all believed such off-the-cuff tactical thinking only belonged in old videos of Do I Not Like That. But while he would hardly pay tribute to an England coach's ideas, Everton boss David Moyes will have learned much from Eriksson's latest happy accident. Many at Everton have pondered the of Rooney operating behind two strikers - a role his wonderful vision and ability to deliver a penetrating pass makes him perfect for. And with Francis Jeffers now on board, a forward who plays his football in the most advanced role imaginable - always on the last defender's shoulder - a partnership looks tailor-made. Of course there are difficulties. Players who operate "in the hole" are notoriously difficult to accommodate. Teddy Sheringham is the only modern player to truly successfully adapt to the position. Everton's attempts to incorporate Peter Beardsley and Nick Barmby resolutely failed. Beardsley was reluctantly transferred, Barmby re-invented as a left-midfielder. But those arguments are for another day. For now, Moyes has been given a glimpse of a new opening for the most talented youngster on these shores. And he has Lucky Sven to thank.
Your text messages
Sep 8 2003 Liverpool Echo
ONCE A BLUE, ALWAYS A BLUE, UNLESS ARSENAL COME IN FOR YOU. MICK O'DONNELL, FAZAKERLEY. JEFFERS AN INSULT. MARTYN FINISHED. KILBANE SAME AS PEMBRIDGE. RESULT: PANIC 3 G OD BUY 1. STEVE HUYTON
once again great business by moyes with limited funds come on blues lets get behind him+everton our time is near.brian true blue l15
WHY NIGEL MARTYN HE HAS TURNED US DOWN ONCE JOE TRUE BLUE ROONEY IS TEN TIMES THE PLAYER OF OWEN. SO COPITES SIT DOWN! KEV FROM WAUERTREE I THINK LIVERPOOL FANS SHOULD SIT DOWN AND HAVE A REALITY CHECK 2 SEASONS AGO THEY WERE CHALENGING 4 THE TITLE NOW THEY WIL STRUGLE 2GET IN CHAMPS LEAGUE
Obvious lessons 2 be taken from derby defeat -but in David Moyes we have a Manager with the skill and vision 2 do just that! . "In Moyes we trust" a much needed win 4 the reds to ensure houlliers tenure? 4 now! much 2 the delight of most evertonians who think he is doing a great job? steve,
ANY TRUE BLUE SHOULD SEND BACK SEASON TICKET BACK JEFFERS IS A RAT WHO ISN,T WORTHY 2 WEAR THE SHIRT .WEZ NORRIS GREEN
we need a centre half left back 2 more midfields we dont need jeffers mick Runcorn now its rooney and jeffers is going to get yea and i think mcfadden is a bos transfer play martyn and kilbane is better than pem is write moyes ant skem
SUNDERLAND FANS BOO KILBANE ALL SEASON AND EVERTON DECIDE HE IS THE MAN TO SORT OUT THE MIDFIELD. IT'S GOT PANIC BUY WRITTEN ALL OVER IT. S.CULLEN. WELL DONE DAVY LAD LETS GET R SELFS BK OVA THEM LOT STEVE 4EVA BLUE
At least losing the derby means Houllier stays at Anfield. Not all bad news for us blues ! Ian, Garston.
JEFFERS&MCFADDEN GREAT. NOT SURE ABOUT KILBANE. BUT TRUST IN MOYES ( GARETH. HUYTON)
moyes has made 4 excellent signings. Welcome back franny! from ryan hagedorn, merseyside
,now that we have a glut of forwards,i think that we should use the speed of RATZ,and play him in DUFF role .MR A MILLER, TOWER HILL, KIRKBY. I THINK THAT ROONEY SHOULD GO DEFENDER AND WE SHOULD GET RID OF GEMMIL CAUSE THERE IS NO POINT HE NEVER PLAYS AMY BIRKENHEAD
Once a Blue always a Blue. From RK in Hunts Cross I am totally devastated with Saturdays result. Yobo should now be renamed Oh-No after yet another howler. cryin in my cornflakes! BRENDAN MITTY, MAGHULL
wat a match to lose even though it was a bit predictable cos we havnt spent a penny all summer plus the team played rubbish Kieran unsworth, pembridge,stubbs, 1st division players Osman should be given a chance to show his quality. Better luck next time Moyesie. From KB. Woolton.
STUBBS AWFUL, UNSWORTH PATHETIC, WEIR IS TOP CLASS HOW IS STUBBS PICKED AHEAD OF HIM.
Mike Riley is an absolute discrase how does he sleeps at night AN ANGRY BLUE PAUL KIRKDALE
go roonie its my mums bday blues are going to show the reds how to score. HOW to use our Blue Watch service >>>>
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Young Blues' perfect start
Academy Football With Chris Wright Daily Post
Sep 9 2003
EVERTON under-17s kept up their 100 per cent record in the FA Premier Academy League with a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United at Netherton on Saturday. Gary Ablett's side have yet to concede a goal and Saturday's victory made it three wins from their first three matches. Goals from Michael Johnson - his second of the season - and Andy Fowler were enough to give the Blues victory.
Everton opened the scoring after captain Mark Hughes' headed clearance was forced through to Johnson by Paul Hopkins under pressure from the visitors' defence. Johnson rifled a low shot into the far corner. And the clincher was an excellent team goal which started with the Blues keeper and ended with Fowler pouncing on a loose ball after the Blades keeper had spilled a cross. Coach Ablett said: "It took us half an hour to get going but after that we controlled the game. "The captain Mark Hughes led by example again, but apart from the first half hour it was a great all round team performance. Our goalkeeper didn't have a save to make, but his distribution was first class so it shows that his concentration level is as it should be. "That distribution from the back was the base of our performance and our win. "We are going very well at the moment, but we won't get too full of ourselves." Everton's under-19s are also unbeaten, but they had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw at Leeds United on Friday afternoon. The Blues dominated in the early stages and took the lead on the half hour with a superb goal from England youth international midfielder Scott Brown. After a sweeping move the 18-year-old cut in from the right to smash an unstoppable shot into the top corner from the edge of the box. But Leeds hit back to level before the break. The Blues pressed for a winner but couldn't make the breakthrough. U19s coach Dewsnip said: "It was a very competent performance and we started very well. We played very well for the first half an hour and it was a terrific goal from Scott Brown. But we just mentally relaxed a little bit and gave away a disappointing goal. Just that one lack of concentration cost us a goal. The second half was fairly even but we did particularly well in the first half."
EVERTON U19s: Lake; Flood, Potter, Gerrard, Fox; Brown (Martland 85), Barry, B Moogan, J Jones (Booth 60); Garside, Pascucci (Lynch 85).
EVERTON U17s: Gallagher; Wynne, M Hughes, Wright, Boyle; Seargeant, Harris, Wilson, Johnson; Hopkins, Fowler. Subs: Vaughan, Phelan, Foran, Irving.
Sven's hole new era with Rooney
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post
Sep 9 2003
WAYNE ROONEY is off the mark - and I am sure it will be the first of many. It's another record breaker for the Everton teenager and if he keeps his feet on the ground and maintains the same kind of approach I am sure it will not be the last. Rooney probably thought he was going to be taken off at half-time with England trailing to Macedonia, but he is the sort of player, like Michael Owen, who will produce moments that can alter the course of games. It looked like the Macedonian keeper had taken a spread bet on the result. If David James had let in a goal like that, he would have been splashed all over the back pages. Not that Wayne will worry. It was a neat knock down by Emile Heskey and a smart finish. England looked brighter with Heskey on and he is the sort of player who can make an impact from the bench by sowing some seeds of panic in the opposition defence.
I still think Rooney's best role is playing off a front man - whether that be one or two players. With Michael Owen as the man to play off the shoulder of the last defender, Rooney can pose problems by playing in the gap behind, leaving the opposition with the question of who marks him - a midfielder or a defender coming out of the line. England still seem to be searching for their best formation and abandoned the diamond formation at half-time for a more conventional 4-3-3. Diamonds are not forever because they do not have the right players to use it on the left-hand side.
Players who have been tried there like Frank Lampard, Kieron Dyer and Trevor Sinclair favour the right foot and want to cut inside to get involved. It is a waste of Steven Gerrard to use him there because his best position is the middle where he can have more influence on the game. I think it might be time for Sven-Goran Eriksson to bite the bullet and use Wayne Bridge and Ashley Cole down the left. They are interchangeable, defend well and offer an alternative. As it is, England remain consistent in their inconsistency and seem to stumbling across results, across the lesser lights, and their old faults were still on show against Macedonia. The left-hand side and defence remain to convince. They will beat Liechtenstein by however many they care to apply themselves to and can avoid defeat in Turkey because that is exactly the sort of game and challenge that seems to bring the best out of them. Their second-half fightbacks show the character in the team but mask some of the problems they have had. But it is all about delivering results and Sven's team seem to have developed a knack of that. It's just with the players England have got, you feel they should be doing much better. The football authorities must stamp out the racist abuse at Europe's grounds - or it will never stop. To the credit of players like Emile Heskey, who had to run the gauntlet of hate against Macedonia, the reaction was fantastic because there was no reaction. Being booed at an opposition ground is probably to be expected, but the sort of abuse that is being heaped on the players now is unacceptable. UEFA or FIFA need to come down hard on the countries and hit them where it hurts and in the case of teams like Macedonia that means a fine and an order to play the next home game behind closed doors. Moyes makes right moves
DAVID MOYES delivered a canny bit of business on the last day of the transfer window. The Blues boss has brought in four players all with something to prove. I saw Kevin Kilbane play for Ireland at the weekend and thought he was their best player. He had a tough time at Sunderland but is back in the Premiership working with a manager who will know his game inside out, having played together in their days at Preston. He is not going to beat two or three players on a jinking run, but will work up and down the left side all day long. He will give the Blues an extra outlet and likes to get in on the far post when attacks come down the other flank. James McFadden is clearly one for the future and will want to prove he can cut it in the Premiership. It is a big leap, but he will be determined to take his chance. He still has work to do on his game, but the portents are good. Francis Jeffers made a big-money move to one of the top two clubs in the country but his career has really gone backwards since. He will want to prove a point not just to Evertonians, but to himself and the rest of football that he can still be a potent goal scorer. Nigel Martyn has done it all before at the top level and will want to show he still can. The competition will be good for Richard Wright, but if Martyn gets a sniff of a first-team chance he could prove difficult to dislodge. All in all, Moyes has upped the ante in the dressing room with competition for places right through the squad. And that can only be a good thing.
Jeffers eyeing perfect return
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 9 2003
AS IF De La Salle High School, Everton and England weren't enough, international goal-scoring records could tonight become the latest tie that binds Wayne Rooney and Francis Jeffers. Four days after his Goodison successor wrote another chapter in the history books Jeffers is out to follow Rooney's lead and grab his own slice of England history. Goodison Park is the venue for the mouth-watering visit of Portugal - Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Viana, Helder Postiga et al, a game David Platt's team must win to stand any chance of qualifying for next summer's European Under-21s Championship. Friday's draw in Macedonia looked to have ruined England's qualification hopes until group leaders' Turkey handed them a lifeline by winning in Portugal the following day. The result means Portugal and England are battling for second place, while Jeffers is fighting for a place in the record books too. The boyhood Blue will become the U21s leading marksman if he nets tonight, beating the record of 13 he currently shares with Alan Shearer. Time is running out for the 22-year-old to claim that honour, so while tonight offers Goodison a preview of their latest 'arrival', for Jeffers and England the contest means an awful lot more. "I've been back to Goodison before with Arsenal and it was emotional then, so it's going to be very emotional this week with this game and Newcastle on Saturday," explained Jeffers. "Turning out for England will give me a taster and hopefully I'll then play this weekend, but the England game comes first and I want that record.
"It's an ambition and there's no better place for me than doing it at Everton. The result is all that matters but breaking the record at Goodison would just be perfect. I think playing there, with all my family and friends there, will give me a lift. "Wayne is a class act but I don't see him as a spur for me. I'm my own person and I want the record for myself. I am only one goal short now and it would be a big disappointment if I didn't get it. "I can't wait to get out there and hopefully I can score, but the most important thing is we win the game. I want to beat the record but even without it this will be the biggest international game I've ever played in." England's under-21s are treading a similar path as their senior counterparts in trying to qualify for next summer's competition; their coach is under pressure and victory tonight will leave England needing to beat Turkey next month to guarantee a place. Jeffers admits: "Turkey winning in Portugal is our 'Get out of jail' card. We were disappointed with the display in Macedonia, we didn't perform to the best of our ability, but there's no better place to bounce back against Portugal than Goodison Park. They are passionate all over Liverpool and I'm sure they'll get behind us." Jeffers' return to Goodison adds spice to tonight's proceedings. Before Rooney exploded on the scene and cemented hero status it was Jeffers who offered Evertonians hope only for the lure of Arsenal to cut-short his Blues' career before it had truly flowered. The striker is determined to win over the sceptics in the only way possible, by turning a 12-month loan deal into a permanent transfer next year. And he admits it was not just Everton and Rooney that enticed him back, but the prospect of relaunching a career that was going stale on the bench at Highbury. Jeffers said: "It will be great to partner Wayne. I think the England manager will be at a few Everton games with Richard Wright and Wayne playing, so it'll then be up to me to impress him while I'm playing for Everton. "It won't do me any harm playing alongside Wayne, but then that goes for anyone because he has already shown what a great player he is. "On Saturday against Macedonia, they made it difficult for him in the first half, but in the second half he came into his own, found his feet and it was a great goal. "I'm really looking forward to partnering him, but I felt I had to make the move from Arsenal anyway. I've been there two years, which I enjoyed, winning trophies, and I've no regrets about joining Arsenal. When a club like that comes in for you, you don't say no. "In my first year we won the double, and I played my part scoring a couple of goals as I did last year when we won the FA Cup. But I had to move on because I was coming to a stage in my career where I was just going stale. "Sitting on the bench every week, it just wasn't good enough for me and I felt like I needed a different challenge. "I just want to get my head down and to break into the team because it's going to be difficult doing that with the quality of strikers in the squad.
U21s coach Platt agrees. A former Arsenal man himself, he said: "You just need to look at the amount of games Franny has played over the last year. Some of them have been in the Champions League and he's trained with the likes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp every day so it has been good in that respect. "But he'll only get sharper by playing the games so the move does make sense." Platt, who admits failure to qualify will have a serious effect on England's future development, will have captain Gareth Barry available again after he missed the 1-1 draw in Macedonia with a groin strain, while Southampton's David Prutton is free of suspension and Forest's Michael Dawson comes into contention after recovering from a virus.
Home and Away
Icliverpool And Daily Post
Sep 9 2003
Blues buoyed
NOT a bad weekend for Everton. Rooney scored for England as did McFadden for Scotland and Kilbane was man of the match for Ireland. Rooney is continuing to progress and young McFadden looks full of promise and maybe Kilbane was an inspired signing for us. Well done, Wayne - we are all proud of you.
Si York, Merseyside
Fran-tastic
WELL DONE Everton for getting Francis Jeffers on loan. He's got that finishing touch Rooney hasn't yet acquired. Give Wayne a year underneath Jeffers' wing and he'll be finishing like Henry next term.
Martyn is class and will keep Wright on his toes, but McFadden is an unnecessary buy considering we've bought Jeffers.
Tom Rowe, Wirral
Wayne reign
A BIG well done to King Rooney for making history... long may he reign.
Claire Duggan (via e-mail)
WHAT more can we say about Wayne? The boy is a genius.
Neil Baines, St Helens
St Michael
GOOD on Michael Owen for his very welcome and sensible comments regarding the proper treatment of Wayne Rooney. He's a scholar and agent - even if he did stuff us in the derby!
Barry Stevens, Merseyside
Do you think I was rubbish on Saturday?
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 9 2003
WAYNE ROONEY rang his Everton team-mates just minutes after his latest record-breaking feat on Saturday - to complain about his first-half display against Macedonia! A stunned Francis Jeffers last night revealed that Rooney was straight on the telephone after he became the youngest ever player to score for England in Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier in Skopje. But rather than revel in his latest piece of history, the 17-year-old sensation sought assurances over his performance for Sven-Goran Eriksson's side instead. David Moyes is now braced for a new wave of hysteria to surround the Goodison prodigy. But the Everton manager will be comforted by news Rooney remains as unaffected as ever by the hype. Jeffers explained: "I spoke to Wayne after the game on Saturday. He rang me and Tony Hibbert to ask us how we thought he'd played. "He was a bit worried because he didn't think he had played well in the first half. But I thought he did really well. They tried to contain him in the first half but his class told in the end." Jeffers aims to make his own piece of international history tonight when he makes his first appearance at Goodison Park since his deadline-day return from Arsenal. The on-loan striker is one goal away from breaking Alan Shearer's record of 13 strikes for England under-21s, who face Portugal in a must-win European Championship qualifier. But despite tonight's high stakes, Jeffers admits he cannot wait to make his Goodison return with Moyes' side against Newcastle this Saturday. "To be honest, I'd rather be playing for Everton first," said Jeffers. "It will be a great day for me when I play for them again, hopefully this Saturday against Newcastle, and I can't wait. I'm excited about playing for Everton again. I can't wait to get training with the lads and to start enjoying my football again."
* EVERTON officials are urging fans heading to tonight's game to purchase their tickets early. Goodison's capacity has been reduced to just under 36,500 and though fans can pay at the gate that only applies to certain sections.
Rooney 'buzzing' after strike - Gerrard
Sep 9 2003 By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL'S Steven Gerrard is sure Wayne Rooney has scored the first of many international goals after his crucial strike in Macedonia. Gerrard and Rooney have become pals since meeting at international level and the Liverpool a ce was as thrilled as anyone when the teenager grabbed the first for his country. "I spoke to Wayne after the game on Saturday and he was really buzzing," said Gerrard. "There was a lot of pressure on him to get that first goal but now he's done it he can go on from there and I'm sure he will. There's been a lot of talk about him playing in 'the hole' behind the strikers, but I'm not sure about that. As far as I'm concerned he's better as an out and out striker and I'm sure that's where he'll score lots of goals." While Gerrard heaped praise on Rooney, he was even more complimentary about Liverpool team-mate Emile Heskey. "It was a great strike by Wayne but the player who deserves most credit after Macedonia is Emile Heskey," said Gerrard.
"He set Wayne up for the first. I was very pleased for Emile. As everyone knows, he's taken a lot of stick but I thought he came on and changed the game on Saturday. His was the kind of performance we were crying out for at the time and I hope the way he played will give him the confidence to go on and score a lot of goals." Gerrard had the frustration of watching the Macedonia game on tele-vision, but has now fully recovered from an ankle injury. He confirmed: "I'm fit. I'm fully recovered now and available for selection. "It was touch and go whether I'd be able to make it last Saturday. But after I twisted my ankle it swelled up and I felt it wasn't right for a game of that importance. "There was too much at stake. I needed the extra two days rest and now it's fine. "
Park Ender William sings heart out for the Blues
Sep 9 2003 Jblue, Liverpool Echo
OUR search for the JBlue Fan of the Year goes on. We want to highlight the young Evertonians who go that extra yard to support their beloved club. Every month we will feature your nominations and at the end of the season a panel of Everton and ECHO judges will vote for the Fan of the Year. The lucky winner will receive a superb prize that will make them the envy of their friends - a VIP day out at Goodison and a signed match ball. This week we feature eight-year-old WilliamJones, of Knowsley. He has been a season-ticket holder since he was five, attending every home game and many away matches with his dad Stephen. William can be found leading the singing in the Park End at Goodison - even when things are not going well on the pitch. Mum Wendy said: "In the derby he was standing up on his own singing his head off even though Everton were losing. He's always singing and shouting. My husband told me that on one occasion when Everton weren't doing very well William actually stopped singing and sat down. The man next to my husband said: 'Things must be bad if he's sitting down'. "He had his first Everton kit when he was three months old and it has gone on from there. For his birthday recently he got two new shirts, one with Hibbert on the back and one with Radzinski on it. They are his favourite players."
* Send your nominations to JBlue Fan of the Year, ECHO Sport, PO Box 48, Old Hall St, Liverpool L69 3EB or e- mail sport@liverpoolecho.co.uk. Please include the nominee's name, a daytime phone number to contact their parents, their JBlue membership number and explain why they deserve to be Fan of the Year.
* KEEP your letters coming in. We want to hear your views about football in general and Everton in particular.
International wait is over
Sep 9 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
THE last time Goodison Park played host to a competitive international game involving England, 'Tie A Yellow Ribbon' by Dawn was on top of the charts and Space Hoppers were all the rage. Sir Alf Ramsay's England defeated Northern Ireland 2- 1 in the Home Nations Cup at Goodison on May 12, 1973, courtesy of a brace of goals from Martin Chivers. The wait for England's return finally comes to an end tonight, when the under-21s take on Portugal in a Euro 2004 qualifier at 8pm. Chief-executive Michael Dunford said: "We hope to see a crowd of between 25,000 and 30,000.
"We have been on the waiting list for a few years while the FA have taken the games around the regions. We are delighted to have them here now." After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Macedonia in Skopje on Friday, tonight's game is a must-win contest for David Platt's side, currently third in Group 7 behind the Portuguese and Turkey. The man with the task of inspiring England to their first win over Portugal in six attempts is Everton's prodigal son, Francis Jeffers. If the 22-year-old - joined in the side by Everton teammates Peter Clarke and Tony Hibbert - scores tonight, he will set a new record at Under-21 level, surpassing Alan Shearer's best of 13. Platt knows all of his players will have to be on top of their game if they are to mark the return to Goodison with a victory.
Portugal's squad will include new £12m Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's summer buy from Sporting Lisbon, Ricardo Quaresma. "Portugal are an excellent team with outstanding individual talent," admits Platt. "But Goodison Park is a fantastic stadium and I hope that the local fans will turn out in force and help us get a win." Everton would love to host a senior international, but Dunford admits: "The likelihood of that happening is remote. "But I have to reiterate that it is nice to be recognised by the FA and we are pleased to welcome them." Everton are also confident there will be no repeat of the chaotic scenes which marred the ground's last international in 1995, when fans had to be turned away from the Umbro Cup clash between Japan and Brazil due to a lack of available turnstiles.
Franny out to clinch record
Sep 9 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
FRANCIS JEFFERS returns to Goodison Park tonight determined to cement a place in the England record books alongside Wayne Rooney. Jeffers, who returned to Everton on a season-long loan deal last week after a two year spell at Arsenal, will set a new Under-21 scoring record if he nets against Portugal at Goodison. It is a game England have to win to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the European Championship finals. Rooney became England's youngest ever scorer on Saturday when he netted for the senior national side in the Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia. If Jeffers scores tonight he will break Alan Shearer's Under-21 goalscoring record of 13 goals. It is a mark he is determined to achieve, although he insists Rooney's exploits have not acted as further incentive.
"Wayne is a class act but I don't see him as a spur for me," admitted the 22-year-old. "I'm my own person and I want the record for myself. I am only one goal short now and it would be a big disappointment if I didn't get it. "I can't wait to get out there tonight and hopefully I can score, but the most important thing is we win the game. I want to beat the record but even without it, it will be the biggest international game I have ever played in." Jeffers is a close friend of Rooney and hopes to partner the 17-year-old in his first game back at Everton on Saturday against Newcastle. The striker has revealed how Rooney rang him on Saturday to seek reassurance after his goalscoring display against Macedonia. Jeffers adds: "I spoke to Wayne after the game on Saturday. He rang me and Tony Hibbert to ask us how we thought he played. "He was a bit worried because he didn't think he had played well in the first half. But I thought he did really well. "They tried to contain him in the first half but his class told in the end." Jeffers will be hoping it will be a similar story for him tonight. "It will be great to be back at Goodison playing again in what is an important week for me," he added. "I've been back before with Arsenal and it was emotional then, so it is going to be very emotional this week with this game and Newcastle on Saturday. "Turning out for England will give me a taster and hopefully I will then play this weekend, but the England game comes first and I want that record." David Platt's England are currently third in Group Seven behind group winners Turkey and tonight's opponents Portugal. Jeffers is set to be joined in the starting lineup by Everton defender Peter Clarke, while full-back Tony Hibbert is expected to be amongst the substitutes.
Gareth Barry returns from a groin injury to skipper the side and equal the 27-game appear-ance record of Jamie Carragher. Meanwhile, Duncan Ferguson scored a brace for the second time in a week yesterday in a behind- closed- doors friendly against Rotherham. A strong Everton team defeated a full-strength Rotherham 3-0 in the game at Bellefield. Ferguson scored twice and Guy Branston scored an own goal in a game which also marked Nigel Martyn's first appearance in an Everton jersey. The 37-year-old is set to play again for the reserves in tonight's match away to As ton Villa. He is expected to be joined in the side by Ferguson and fit-again midfielder Lee Carsley.
Rooney agent charge denied
By Mike Hornby, Daily Post
Sep 10 2003
LIVERPOOL boxing promoter John Hyland yesterday promised to "lift the veil on the dark and murky world of football agents" as he began his legal fight against blackmail allegations. Hyland appeared at Runcorn magistrates court accused of blackmailing Wayne Rooney's agent Paul Stretford. A former Olympic boxer, Hyland, of Quarry Street, Woolton, was formerly charged with making unwarranted demands with menaces from Mr Stretford between November 13, 2002 and June 4, 2003. Dressed in a black suit and silver tie, the 41-year-old spoke only to confirm his name and address during the five- minute hearing. He was granted conditional bail and ordered to surrender his passport until a further appearance at Warrington Crown Court on September 15. Speaking afterwards his solicitor Peter Quinn said: "My client completely denies the allegations against him.
"The Crown Court trial will give him the opportunity to answer the scandalous allegations that have been made against him and lift the veil on the dark and murky world of football agents." Hyland, who was arrested on September 3, boxed for Britain at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984, before joining the world of management and promotions. His firm, Munro-Hyland, based in Liverpool, has represented world champions Shea Neary, Peter Culshaw, and Colin Dunne. Recently he became the joint agent of the hottest prospect in Merseyside's youth football, Adam Pepper. The 11-year-old has already had scouts from the Premiership's top clubs beating a path to his door as word leaked out of his goal-scoring exploits with Liverpool schoolboys. Mr Stretford launched his firm from scratch in 1987 and it has become one of the leading names in sports management and marketing. Based in Cheshire, it has offices across Europe, in Australia and the United States.
The Group is responsible for the personal management of more than 400 of Europe's top footballers. Anfield hero Kenny Dalglish is the firm's football operations director. As well as Rooney and Francis Jeffers, the company also looks after the interests of Blackburn's Andy Cole and former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
Growing pains
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 10 2003
UNHAPPY RETURN: Franny Jeffers tries his luck on his return to Goodison Park CHRIS KIRKLAND and Francis Jeffers suffered international misery at Goodison Park last night as sorry England were knocked out of the European Under-21 Championships. The Liverpool keeper's injury jinx struck again when he was struck down by a groin problem in the warm-up to England's controversial defeat by Portugal. And he could be set for another month on the sidelines if coach David Platt's assessment of a pulled groin muscle is confirmed by the Reds' medical team at Melwood today.
Everton striker Jeffers, meanwhile, could see his hopes of setting a new goalscoring record for the under-21s dashed by last night's defeat. Portugal secured second place in Group Seven courtesy of a clear handball by Tottenham striker Helder Postiga in the 79th minute, after boyhood Evertonian Joey Barton had cancelled out Ricardo Quaresma's free-kick opener in front of 23,744 spectators.
And it could prove to be Jeffers' last appearance for the U21s after Platt admitted he may blood a new generation of players in next month's final qualifier in Turkey. The on-loan star is ineligible for the U21 side next year and so faces sharing Alan Shearer's record of 13 goals unless he is selected to face the clear group winners in Istanbul, a game now irrelevant to England's campaign. Platt, whose own future is under the spotlight after England's exit, said: "We will go to Istanbul looking for a victory. There are no friendlies at international level, but whether I take a squad of players who can play in the next qualifying campaign, rather than those who can't, I don't know." Platt refused to blame referee Athanossios Briakos for England's early exit, despite the match official's failure to spot Postiga's handled winner even when it was replayed on the Goodison TV screens. He said: "We put our backs to the wall in this group with our other results. It wasn't just tonight. "Everything we hit tonight seemed to hit their keeper. With the amount of chances we had I'd have expected more goals but it was difficult when we went 2-1 down with 10 minutes to go. "I haven't spoken to the referee about the second goal. What's the point? It's in my contract not to criticise match officials anyway." Platt's own contract is now the subject of intense speculation. But he added: "I have absolutely no intention of jacking this in."
Bosses' depth of despair
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 10 2003
DAVID MOYES and Sven-Goran Eriksson don't usually see eye-to-eye where England internationals are concerned but last night they were brought together... in despair. England's elimination from the European Under-21 Championships at the qualifying stage is, as coach David Platt forewarned, a major setback for the development of the game in this country. It was also cruel in the extreme, with their exit sealed in the 79th minute when Helder Postiga delivered his 'Hand of God' impression and referee Athanossios Briakos ignored all the evidence of a clear handball. But, sadly, it was not much of a surprise either. Spoilt as we, the watching Sven, Moyes and Gerard Houllier, are by the procession of young, world-class talent to emerge from this region the harsh realities are that below senior level there is a dearth of international promise, graphically exposed at Goodison Park last night. Of Platt's starting line-up only one player, his captain Gareth Barry, is a guaranteed regular with a Premiership club. A disturbing fact for a squad now losing valuable experience next summer, but one that proves how few options are available to the top man Eriksson. So while the consequences of a full England career on Wayne Rooney's long-term development will rightly cause Moyes continued concern, his place at the highest level has been cemented for good. The Everton manager could console himself with the knowledge his recent acquisition from Arsenal, Francis Jeffers, looked a cut above his team-mates while Peter Clarke produced a more solid display than the centre-half he was perhaps monitoring for the future, Nottingham Forest's Michael Dawson.
He will have been none too pleased, however, with the sharp reminder that a player matching all his criteria of young, British and preferably Blue talent, Manchester City's Joey Barton, returned to his boyhood ground to level Ricardo Quaresma's fourth minute free-kick. Barcelona paid £10million for the hugely-promising Quaresma this summer, while more Premiership transfer money has been spent on three of his equallytalented compatriots - Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Viana and Helder Postiga - than on the entire England squad, of whom only £8m Jeffers, £6m Glen Johnson and £1.5m Bobby Zamora have commanded sizable fees. Another should have been included in that list, £6m Chris Kirkland, only to suffer another injury headache when he sustained a groin strain in the warm-up. Just a week after admitting he must banish his injury curse to deliver a sustained threat to Jerzy Dudek's place at Anfield, Kirkland will be praying for a kind medical verdict at Melwood today.
Portugal's winning goal soured their win, but that, their over-elaboration and a determined recovery by England could not disguise their superior technique, craft and skill on the night. A view from the stands offered more reason for despair, too. A minute after Quaresma had fired in his free-kick, awarded after the third foul in the opening four minutes on Ronaldo, the United player back-heeled the ball to the goalscorer who sent a chipped, first time pass towards the intelligent run of Postiga.
"Snap him!" came the instruction from the Main Stand. Leaving no-one in any doubt that the size of task facing Eriksson and Platt is clearly a monumental one.
Aston Villa Res 6, Everton Res 2
Sep 10 2003Daily Post
MOUSTAPHA HADJI scored a hat-trick as Everton reserves were thrashed 6-2 by their Aston Villa counterparts. The Blues had a number of players with first-team experience on show, but the home side were far too strong and took the lead after just eight minutes. Hadji ran at the Everton defence before squaring the ball for Dion Dublin, who slotted home with a deflected shot. Three minutes later it was 2-0 when Hadji shrugged off two challenges to fire past Steve Simonsen. However the Blues keeper was unfortunate as the shot was again deflected. Stephen Cooke fired just over the bar as Villa threatened to run riot. Stefan Moore then saw an effort deflected wide. Everton's chances were limited. However, Nick Chadwick showed a lot of endeavour up front, coming close to pulling a goal back on 15 minutes. Everton ended the half much stronger as Chadwick hit the bar on 43 minutes with a shot from the edge of the box and just on the whistle he reduced the arrears, heading past Postma from a Niclas Alexandersson cross. Everton made the brighter start after the interval and were unlucky not to score again with Chadwick once more the threat. However, Hadji stretched Villa's lead on 66 minutes after good work with Dublin and the Moroccan completed his hat-trick 10 minutes later when he ran on to a Moore pass to finish. Chadwick got his and Everton's second on 82 minutes, volleying past Postma after Carsley had helped on Alexandersson's cross. Four minutes later Villa had a fifth as Hadji this time created the opening for Moore, who fired home from close-range. Cooke added a sixth five minutes from time to complete the scoring and round off a deeply disappointing night for Andy Holden's side.
EVERTON RES: Simonsen, B Moogan, Hughes, O'Hanlon, Gerrard A, Carsley, Schumacher (A Moogan 60), Alexandersson, Nyarko, Chadwick, Osman. Subs: Turner, Symes, Pascucci, Brown
VILLA RES: Postma, Amoo, Jackman, Cahill, Ridgewell (L Moore 45), Bewers, Cooke, Hadji (Brazil 90), S Moore, Dublin, Foley (Troest 88). Subs: Henderson, Aaritalo
Is it true love, money or ego?
Sep 10 2003 By Stuart Rayner, Liverpool Echo
YOU only needed to glance at yesterday's newspapers to see that Peter Kenyon's move to Chelsea sent shock-waves throughout football. Players and managers come and go, but to see people moving boardroom - as Kenyon did by leaving Manchester United to become chief executive of Chelsea on Monday - is much more rare. Some though, have gone further still, by actually buying into more than one club - at different times in most cases, of course. Men like Irvine Scholar, Ken Bates, Peter Johnson, Bill Fothergill, Geoffrey Richmond and Peter Ridsdale. As far as I can see, there are three reasons for owning a football club: Egotism, love and making a fast buck. So when a businessman switches his allegiances between clubs, the alarm bells should start to ring. Any football fan will tell you, you can only truly love one club. So they're right to be suspicious when businessmen start switching their allegiances, like Michael Knighton did when moving from Manchester United director to Carlisle United chairman, for example. But you can't be a good chairman without that feeling for a club. When Bill Kenwright bought Everton nearly four years ago it wasn't because he sensed a good business opportunity, I suspect. It was a labour of love.
Because properly-run football clubs shouldn't make a profit. Their purpose is to accumulate silverware, not money. This week it was reported that Real Madrid are £308m in debt. Arsenal have also embarked on a major cost-cutting exercise. With clubs like that struggling, what chance have the likes of Tranmere got? United may have made a few quid under Kenyon's stewardship, but that hasn 't s topped fans demanding greater invest-ment in the team to finally emulate Liverpool's European Cup success of the 1970s and 1980s. The only way to be sure of making a fast buck from owning a football club - particularly one without the history and fan-base enjoyed by the likes of United, Arsenal and Real - is to run it badly. That's what Peter Johnson did at Everton before turning his attentions back to Tranmere and what Peter Ridsdale did at Leeds before jumping ship to Barnsley. Geoffrey Richmond brought short-term success to Scarborough and Bradford City at huge cost to their long term futures. He is now chief executive of Notts County - the club which was given a three-month stay of execution on Monday after spending more time in administration than any other in the history of the Football League. If the motivation is neither love nor money, that leaves one thing: The ego. I'm sorry but I just can't think of another reason why a supposedly devoted fan of Leeds United like Ridsdale would want to plunge himself deep into the financial mire of Barnsley. To say it's another world would be an under-statement: He certainly won't be able to spend £240 a year on goldfish for his Oakwell office like he did at Elland Road. He certainly can't claim it had anything to do with Barnsley Football Club itself as he moved in a matter of weeks after unsuccessfully leading a bid to take over the equally skint OldhamAthletic. I expect Ridsdale will tell you he was excited by the challenge but I suspect it might have more to do with the fact that he was running out of ways to get his face in the paper. But then I always was a cynic. The danger with fly-by-night chairmen is that sooner or later they might get bored and swan off into the sunset. Mohammed al- Fayed pumped millions into Fulham, but now he seems to have tired of English football the club has gone from shopping in the £12m aisle for the likes of Steve Marlet to scraping the bottom of the bargain bin to pick up the likes of Mark Pembridge. The nagging thought of Roman Abramovich doing the same must be one of the few worries in the minds of most Chelsea fans right now. But they should have no such worries with Kenyon. Although the United fan basically ran the off-the-field operation at Old Trafford, he had no stake in the club - apart from some share options - and is unlikely to do so with Chelsea. As chief executive, Kenyon is simply an employee of the company. He will never have to decide whether or not to pay for a new signing (or lower down the leagues, the gas bill) out of his own pocket or let the club go without. That is the dilemma which faces most football club chairmen at some point or other. And that is why fans must always be wary of strangers bearing gifts.
Clarke's Blues bonus
Sep 10 2003 By David Prentice Chief Sports Writer
PETER CLARKE reminded club boss David Moyes of his potential last night - with a towering performance for his country. Everton's young defender produced an excellent performance in England under-21s' 2-1 defeat against Portugal, under the admiring eye of Moyes. It was Clarke's first appearance at Goodison Park for 18 months, and Moyes said: "I thought he did well last night and has done well pre-season for us. "The way things are at the moment we have Alan Stubbs, David Weir, Joseph Yobo and Peter. Centre-half is his position - and I would have no qualms whatsoever about using him there. "He has had spells on-loan, but that doesn't mean we are trying to offload him. I am not keen to see any of our young players leave. "But as a manager of a football club I have a responsibility to get footballers playing football matches, in a first team if possible, and if that means players going out on-loan so be it." Clarke has made only nine starts for Everton since his debut at Coventry in January 2001 - and only two in his favoured central defensive berth. But Moyes added: "We see him play in that position for the reserves all the time and in training every day, so we know what he can do there." Moyes was also impressed by the sharpness of striker Francis Jeffers, but admits he hasn 't decided yet whether he will start against Newcastle on Saturday. Jeffers' chances depend on how Wayne Rooney comes through tonight's England international at Old Trafford. Richard Wright is winning his race for fitness, but Alan Stubbs is receiving treatment for a groin strain. "Richard has done well in training and has a chance," said Moyes.
Blues let goalscorer Barton go
Sep 10 2003 Liverpool Echo
SCOUSER Joey Barton provided Evertonians with a glimpse of what could have been last night.
The Manchester City midfielder netted in England Under-21s' 2-1 defeat to Portugal at Goodison.
The 21-year-old from Huyton admitted afterwards he took special satisfaction from that goal because he was released by his beloved Everton as a youngster. He said: "I used to support Everton when I was younger. I had a season ticket at the Park End. "I was even at the club as a kid but they didn't fancy me so they let me go. So there was a bit of personal satisfaction to score here." But while Barton was thrilled to net his first international goal in only his second under-21 match, the defeat was his biggest concern. "Th is is a football-orientated city and the crowd were magnificent.
"It was just a pity we couldn't transfer their enthusiasm into a better result." Barton has cemented a place in Kevin Keegan's mid-field this season, where his style of play has led to comparisons with Steven Gerrard. He adds: "He is a player of world-class ability, so even to be mentioned in the same breath is a compliment to me. "He actually only lives a couple of minutes away from me and I ring him up for advice. I have got Robbie Fowler to help influence me and it is nice to have players of that quality pushing you in the right direction." The defeat leaves England with no chance of qualifying from Group Seven. Manager David Platt could now revamp his squad, which could mean Liverpool's Chris Kirkland and Everton's Francis Jeffers have played their last games for England Under-21s.
Win new guide to grounds
Daily Post
Sep 11 2003
WITH football grounds changing almost on a monthly basis the new edition of a well-established book gives you the chance to reaquaint yourself with the stadiums of England. The release of the fully revised 11th edition of Aerofilms Guide: Football Grounds brings you right up to date, with the newest Premiership stadium - Manchester City's City of Manchester Stadium - featured. And the Daily Post has teamed up with Ian Allan Publishing to offer you the chance to win one of three copies of the book. The book offers views of every Barclaycard FA Premiership and Nationwide League club's stadium. As well as the new stadium in Manchester, other clubs to have relocated, like Darlington and Hull City - in their new Kingston Communications Stadium - are featured in full detail.
There are fantastic aerial shots of each stadium, plus information for visiting supporters including travel directions, ticket availability, addresses and phone numbers, ground facilities and much more.
For your chance to win one of the three copies we have to give away free, simply answer the following question:
Why I believe in joint approach - Robinson
By Nick Hilton, Daily Post
Sep 11 2003
FORMER Liverpool chief executive Peter Robinson first proposed Merseyside's two major football clubs should ground-share as far back as 1966. He remains strongly in favour of the idea on a personal level, although since retirement from administrative duties at Anfield in 1999 he is unwilling to become involved in any political issues between Liverpool and Everton. Robinson (pictured above) said: "I have always been a firm believer that Liverpool was a city where the relationship between the supporters of the two clubs was suitable to make a ground-share realistic and workable. "I have always favoured the idea that Everton and Liverpool should share one ground.
"My thought in '66 was that we could develop a new stadium for both clubs to use at Aintree. "The motorway network was coming to the area then and there was a close link with railways. "The two clubs were successful at the time and Liverpool as a city was getting great help from its local MPs."
Opposition from supporters of both clubs and reservations within the two boardrooms caused the plan to be shelved. Robinson remembers reading letters in the local papers calling him an "upstart" for advocating such an idea. But he stuck to his beliefs. The idea was put forward again after the Hillsborough dis-aster in 1989. This time the principal stumbling block was financial. Robinson recalled: "The site, astride the M57 motorway, was perfect from an infrastructure point of view, even though it was outside the City of Liverpool. "There would have been parking for 10,000 cars.
"The M58 would have brought in fans from the north and the M62 from the city and the east.
"There were two train lines within a mile. The Kirkby and Ormskirk lines ran either side of the site."
Today, with each club actively seeking new accommodation, Robinson believes supporters would be more likely to accept the idea of sharing a home with their rivals. Said Robinson: "Fans can see these fine shared stadia on the Continent and they realise that a shared stadium on Merseyside would be one of the best in the country. "The two clubs want to move to new grounds and should move. Both are in stadiums that are no longer up to their requirements. "It makes all the sense in the world to me for them to share." Robinson points out that sharing the San Siro Stadium has not undermined the individual identities of Milan clubs Internazionale and AC Milan. He said: "In Milan they had separate dressing rooms, with Inter on one side of the stadium and AC on the other. "The livery of the stadium could be neutral or you could go the other route and have one side of the ground in Everton's colours and the other in Liverpool's."
Our fans forum give their stadium viewpoint
Daily Post
Sep 11 2003
THE FIRST thought that springs to most minds when asked the question about Everton and Liverpool sharing grounds is: No chance, I'm not sharing with that lot. I have to admit I used to think the same. But when you actually sit down and weigh up the pros and cons it makes so much more sense. The cost of a new stadium runs into millions of pounds, something Everton clearly don't have. So why not halve the cost and the money put aside for Kings Dock could be given to David Moyes for team rebuilding. There would be lots of disagreements along the way: what colour would the seats be, what would the stadium be called, what would happen to Gwladys Street and The Kop. But I'm sure something could be sorted out. The city doesn't have a big enough stadium while pop concerts have to be held in an outside arena or in Manchester. Let's not forget Italian clubs share their stadiums: Inter and Milan at San Siro and Lazio and Roma at The Olympic Stadium. They don't seem to have a problem with it. It would also help when it comes to World Cups or European Championships. Imagine hosting the World Cup Final at The Stadium of Merseyside with 60,000 people watching Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen leading the line for England. So let's be sensible. Let's join together and have an arena to make the people of Liverpool proud.
Neil Blythe, Huyton, Liverpool
AT PRESENT I don't think it is feasible. Little things such as the seat colours could lead to unrest among fans that see over a hundred years of culture and heritage wiped out. For the city of Liverpool I think it's important to have as many landmarks as possible, reducing two of the most important to one is not a positive move. LFC made a huge misjudgement in the last 10 years, basically rebuilding three sides of the ground. For this to happen and then the proposed new stadium to be reduced to rubble would be a bitter pill to swallow. A joint stadium should have been planned just after the Taylor report; such a move would have been a step forward. But now I don't think Everton and Liverpool fans will give up their 'independence'.
Peter McCleery, Liverpool.
MY INITIAL reaction was . . . NEVER! However, after thinking about it, I am not against the principle but consider that the devil is in the detail. Financial commitments would have to be equal, along with club museum arrangements, corporate arrangements etc. But it's easy to find hundreds of reasons why it cannot be done, but look at the positives. A pooling of each club's skills, for example. The whole scheme will have the added benefit of regenarating the region.
Michael Kostrzewski (Everton supporter)
ECONOMICALLY, a ground share would make perfect sense. It works all over the world between the bitterest of rivals. Inter and AC Milan are the example that first springs to mind. But some fans aren't going to like it, economically beneficial or not, and I cannot see the boards of both clubs agreeing to it. Everton FC and Liverpool FC are separate footballing entities.
Alex Okell (Everton fan)
INITIAL reaction is no, no way, never! Not just because of a sense of pigheadedness, either. From a pragmatic point of view Liverpool could sell out 60,000 on a fairly regular basis, Everton 40,000. It can be argued that success on the field would help Everton bridge the gap. However, 15,000-20,000 empty seats is not something I would enjoy seeing and would be detrimental to the team. There could be many positives of course, the tangibles of increased revenue and improved facilities are a must. A shared ground would take both clubs forward, but it will never be seen as ideal. If the suffestion is serious, we all need to do some thinking. If we follow instinct and dismiss the very thought out of hand, would we be denying ourselves our best opportunity to compete at the highest level?
Paul Cooper, Liverpool
EVEN IF the mutual revulsion of having a ground contaminated with the colour of the enemy eventually subsided, and personally I fear I would never recover, we would still be left with more questions than answers. For instance, would Liverpool, as the more financially competitive club, be able to punch more weight when it came to the important decisions? More pressingly, would Everton really be happy having to make do with a comparative pigeonhole for their trophy cabinet?
A shared stadium would do nothing but dilute the marked identities of both clubs. It might also risk inflaming the recent worsening of relations between the two sets of fans.
Alistair McHenry (Liverpool supporter)
Rooney a diamond
By Frank Malley, Daily Post
Sep 11 2003
SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON last night hailed Wayne Rooney after the 17-year-old Everton star guided England to within a point of the European Championship finals. Rooney followed up his feat of becoming the youngest-ever England goalscorer on Saturday against Macedonia with a second-half strike in England's 2-0 triumph against Liechtenstein at Old Trafford. Michael Owen also scored his 24th goal for his country with a glancing header within a minute of the half-time interval. But it was Rooney's mature and imaginative performance, playing in the hole behind Owen and James Beattie, which won the man-of-the-match award and prompted Eriksson to admit it would be difficult to prise him from his new role as central playmaker. "In that role he's doing very well," said Eriksson. "He's clever, he plays people in, he scores goals. For a 17-year-old boy he has started international football in an excellent way. "We'll see him score for England in the future and it would be very difficult to leave him out if he plays like that." Liverpool striker Owen also praised his Merseyside counterpart following his impressive display at the head of a four-man midfield. "We have players who have a speciality in that role - but Wayne has ability," said Owen. "Turkey was always going to be the big game in the group - and we're looking forward to it." Owen's goal - which like Rooney's strike, was created by Steven Gerrard - means he has matched the tally England legend Geoff Hurst managed in his entire career at the age of just 23. But Owen added: "I'm not even half-way to the main target. I won't think about it until - if - I'm in the 40s. "I had a golden chance in the first half which I don't know how I missed - but we killed the game at the start of the second half." Eriksson admitted last night's performance was not as good as the result and insisted his side had to learn to become more ruthless. "We were professional," said Eriksson. "We could have scored more goals but we could also have conceded one near the end. When you are 2-0 up you should be looking to keep the ball. We are not good at that because we want to attack. Today it wasn't important and the job has been done. "I'm happy to be top of the group. Now it's fingers crossed for fit players for next month." England, however, will now go to Turkey knowing they need only a draw and Eriksson knows what atmosphere his side will face. "When we qualified for the World Cup going to Germany was the same pressure," he said.
Wayne continues to set international stage alight
Sep 11 2003 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
'GET in the hole!' is a plea usually associated with American golf fans who boast voices louder than their trousers. And it grates. Even when it crosses sporting codes the message causes irritation.
David Moyes expressed fears yesterday that a 17-year-old who was still learning how to play as a striker, was being unecessarily confused by being asked to operate in a different, deeper role in international football. The Blues' boss is worried that asking Wayne Rooney to play 'in the hole' could leave him with a whole lot of explaining to do. He needn't have worried. Against Liechtenstein at Old Traf-ford, Rooney was wonderful. Four days after the Everton star capped a scrappy performance with a cleverlyexecuted strike in Skopje, the youngster flourished on home soil. Another goal, another outstanding performance - and just like at the Stadium of Light last Spring, Old Trafford reverberated to chants of "Roooney! Roooney!" Watching the 17-year-old's astonishingly mature display it was easy to forget his age. Displaying the fearlessness of youth, Rooney also exhibits an intelligence which can only be described by one word: genius. It's easy to lapse into hyperbole at such moments. But is it an exaggeration to describe Rooney as such?
Not according to the dictionary definition of the word. Genius, noun, natural endowment; natural faculty or aptitude of mind for a particular study or course of life. Rooney's particular study is football, and with the touch of an angel, the vision of a mind-reader and the ruthlessness of an assasin, Rooney is the most naturally-gifted footballer these shores have witnessed for years.
Regular visitors to Goodison Park have seen history in the making during the past 12 months.
Simply taking possession of the ball is enough to create a buzz inside a stadium - and it is a sensation which has now been witnessed at stadia from Highbury to St James' Park. The axis of Sven Goran Eriksson's Euro championship-chasing squad is based on Merseyside . . . and has youth on its side.
Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard are just 23 years-old, while Rooney, astonishingly, will not reach that age for another six years. Critics, and there weren't many last night, could put Rooney's performance into perspective by pointing out that the opposition were one of the weakest But acknowledged world-class talents like Beckham and Owen were on the same pitch, and Liechtenstein made life difficult for them. Like he did against Tottenham on his Premiership debut 13 months ago, against Arsenal when he celebrated his first league goal and against Turkey in the Stadium of Light, Rooney showed a physical assurance and a mental maturity which marked him down as different. And he is very much a product of this city. "People might say I come from a quieter area, if you like, but Stevie and Wayne are from similar back-grounds and have similar characters," said Michael Owen last night. That should be as much a source of civic pride as the capital of culture nomination. In 2008, Rooney will still be just 22-years-old, a few years from his footballing peak. There will be troughs in between times - when Rooney will need the support of his city more than ever - but in the meantime, just sit back and enjoy. sides in Europe.
Li Tie hopes hit by injury
Sep 11 2003 By Scott Mcleod Everton Correspondent
LI TIE'S hopes of an instant recall to the Everton midfield have been scuppered by injury. The Chinese international missed the Goodison derby 12 days ago because of suspension. Mark Pembridge's deadline day switch to Fulham for 500,000 meant he was in contention to return to the starting line-up for Saturday's home clash with Newcastle. But a foot injury has prevented the midfielder training all week and he will not figure against the Magpies. It leaves David Moyes with a shortage of options in the heart of midfield. Scot Gemmill is still on the sidelines because of injury and Lee Carsley is not fully fit after making his first competitive appearance of the season for the Republic of Ireland against Russia last Saturday. That should mean Thomas Gravesen making only his second start of the season. "Li Tie has a foot injury and won't start training again until next week," revealed Moyes. "It is something which has been developing and he needs rest to sort it out." Moyes will have all of his four new signings available for Saturday's game. Francis Jeffers and Kevin Kilbane were back in training at Bellefield today alongside Nigel Martyn, who has been working with his new team-mates for over a week. James McFadden will report in tomorrow after only returning to the country late last night following Scotland's 2- 1 defeat in Germany.
Cottee debates fixing probe
Sep 11 2003 By David Prentice Chief Sports Writer
THE match- fixing allegations which surrounded Everton's dramatic relegation escape in 1994 sur-face again tonight - in a brand new series of Sky TV's Football Years. The last match of the 1993-94 season has gone down in Everton folklore, after the Blues came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and secure a place in the Premiership. Tony Cottee, who played in that match, is interviewed in the 10pm show and said: "The first time I knew we were safe was when I was walking along the tunnel and Fash (John Fashanu) is in the tunnel and he's waiting for me and he's gone 'Yes, TC, you're safe' - and he's given me the high fives and everything. "I said 'Oh cheers, Fash,' and I don't know why Fash was so happy that we'd stayed up." Cottee assumed it was because Fashanu was a friend, although he felt it odd that an opponent should be so pleased for him and his team. Match-fixing allegations came to light some months after the match and Cottee added: "As soon as it was mentioned I thought straight away 'what about that third goal?' "I wonder about the third goal just because of the way it went in. When you see it, when you look at it in slow motion, it looks like one of those shots that Hans (Segers) would have saved 99 times out of 100, but perhaps it was just the one time out of 100. "I'd like to think Hans and Bruce Grobbelaar were honest and that was just a genuine mistake. I would like to think it because if you lose the honesty in football, then you haven't got a football game any more." John Fashanu is also interviewed and says: "I remember Hans had a howler. But we're not going to fix for our arch rivals Everton." Mel Goldberg, Segers' solicitor, said: "All the suspicious matches were looked at during the trial by the courts, including on video, and in both trials they found that there were no suspicious circumstances and that the goal Hans let in was just one of those things. "Wimbledon were winning 2-0. If they were going to throw the game, why take such a lead?" The Football Years, Sky One, 10pm.
The Evertonian - OUT NOW
Sep 11 2003 icLiverpool
THIS month's issue of the Evertonian will keep you bang up to date on David Moyes' four transfer deadline-day signings and where the boss himself sees them figuring. Naturally, the main spotlight falls on the return of the prodigal 'fox in the box' Francis Jeffers, who has left the Highbury set to return to his familiar Goodison habitat. Franny takes us through his Arsenal experience and tells just how good it feels to be back home again. Wingman Kevin Kilbane explains how he is looking forward to teaming up with David Moyes again while Nigel Martyn signs in and young Tartan hot-shot James McFadden tells of his excitement at getting a chance in the Premiership. Another significant influx of new players is remembered as we start a new series about the 'Magnificent Seven' of 1981 brought in by Howard Kendall at the start of his Goodison managerial career, with the first player featured being flaxon-haired frontman Alan Biley. There's a further bonus for supporters who remember that era as we talk to Gordon Lee about his eventful but ultimately unfulfilling spell as manager. He looks back over the ups-and-downs of his four-year spell in charge and gives his view on the man who faces a similar task to the one he did in restoring the trophy habit back to the School of Science. As we prepare for the visit of Stockport County in the newly-named Carling Cup, we look back at some of the lesser-known prizes the Blues have competed for over the years like the Zenith Data Systems Cup and the Screen Sports Super Cup. Lee Carsley gives us his musical do's and don'ts, we launch our EFC Masters series looking for the top Everton stars in nine different categories, Dave Watson's spell as Caretaker Manager is remembered and Brian Labone retraces some famous Blue landmarks in an 125th anniversary 'Walk of Fame'.
Moss gobbles up Toffee
September 11, 2002
Manchester Evening News
DAVE Moss has moved quickly to fill the gap left by Lee Glover, signing 20-year-old left-sided forward David Eaton from Everton on non-contract terms. Eaton, however, is unlikely to make the starting line-up for the first round Worthington Cup tie against Barnsley tonight (Wednesday).
Moss may want to keep the same side that beat Bristol Rovers on Sunday, with his preferred midfield of Chris Byrne, Danny Whitaker and Chris Priest finally able to play consecutive games together. Moss knows, however, that he must continue to keep golden boots Byrne under wraps and he sensibly brought him off after an hour at the weekend as he still struggles to regain full fitness after a succession of injury worries. Michael Welch, the under-18 Irish centre-back, will play against his old club and, alongside Whitaker, is beginning to attract the attention of scouts.
Barnsley have been in free-fall since their Premiership days and are now struggling in the bottom half of Division Two. They will be without former Manchester City duo Chris Morgan and Lee Crookes, who remain sidelined with long-term injuries. Macclesfield have risen to the challenge presented by the Worthington Cup, despatching both Stoke and Bolton and giving Middlesbrough a nasty scare in the last three years.
Ground share prompts a debate of two halves
By Tony Barrett, Daily Post
Sep 12 2003
MERSEYSIDERS are split on the burning issue of whether or not Liverpool and Everton football clubs should share a new stadium. A poll carried out by the Daily Post on our website icLiverpool.co.uk has revealed that the region is split virtually down the middle - reflecting the controversial nature of the debate. By Saturday (13 September) almost 5,000 people have voted, with 2,323 (47pc) in favour of a ground share and 2,576 (53pc) against. Last week the Daily Post revealed that the North West Development Agency (NWDA) has written to both clubs urging them to share a stadium instead of pursuing separate schemes. NWDA put the case to Everton and Liverpool that their commercial interests would be best served by building a single world-class venue. At present, Liverpool is seeking planning permission to construct a 60,000-seat stadium at Stanley Park to replace its current home at Anfield. An application is expected to be submitted shortly. Last year Everton failed to find the funding to build a 55,000-capacity ground at Kings Dock and the club has since said it is putting the whole issue of a ground move on hold. But the intriguing possibility of Merseyside's two Premiership clubs joining forces to construct a shared stadium has ignited debate on both sides of Stanley Park. Those in favour point to the fact that many of the top clubs in Italy share a ground. But those against are concerned of the loss of heritage and individuality that both Merseyside clubs and their fans have built up in their history. The poll results surprised Liverpool fanzine writer Sam Johnstone who had expected a bigger majority against the proposals. He said: "Over the last few years, I have changed my opinions with regard to the possibility of sharing a ground with Everton. "I think it is a serious possibility now because of the state of football finances.
"The game is no longer awash with money as it once was and it does make sense for clubs to pool resources wherever possible. "If Liverpool and Everton were to share, it would free up revenue to bring in new players by reducing the outlay each club would have to make if they proceed separately. "I would much rather Liverpool were tied up with Everton than be in heavy debt to a bank. "But the poll result does surprise me because I expected many more people to be against the idea." But Mark O'Brien, editor of Everton fanzine website When Skies Are Grey, hopes the time never comes when the club he has followed all his life moves in with their rivals and neighbours.
He said: "I don't think it's a good idea because where would you draw the line? "The financial arguments are all well and good but, even if a shared stadium did cut costs and increase revenue, the game is not just about money. "It is important that we don't start to dilute our identity because the next thing would be people suggesting we should merge the two clubs. "But I'm not that surprised that the vote was so close because both sets of fans have come to accept that moving from Goodison and Anfield could happen and once that taboo was broken I think anything else was not quite as significant."
LIVERPOOL FANS
UNLIKE Everton, we have not been offered a prime city centre location, offered a great deal of the funding, given planning carte blanche and given help in a million and one other ways only to still make a mess of getting a stadium built. If that opportunity had been offered to LFC, we would have been in a new stadium by now. Both clubs have too much individual history to combine in one stadium.
Peter Sharples, Liverpool
THE only way we can compete with Manchester United is to build a bigger better stadium which will generate £1.5m plus per game. If the sole method of doing this is to team up with the paupers' club in order to qualify for planning permission and EU money, then so be it. We'll have the last laugh when we fill the 60,000 capacity with season ticket holders, whilst their main income stream will be flogging scabby pies to a half-empty stadium.
Paul Bradley, Liverpool
EVERTON FANS
IT'S no secret that our finances are bad. But then LFC's aren't too healthy either - they're unable to compete with those of MUFC/Chelski. Groundsharing would be cheaper for both our clubs leaving us better able to invest in players. Also a new prestige stadium (which neither could afford separately) would get something for others in the city. For example, the idea of athletics in Gateshead was once a joke, now it's a given.
Terry Booth, Waterloo
GROUNDSHARING with them is by far the best way forward. Time to forget the rivalry for a minute, think rationally, and take the opportunity to get a much finer stadium than we could ever afford on our own. How much better for Liverpool to have one truly superb venue, rather than two also-rans?
Matt O'Connell, London
Why it's unwise to place Rooney in a hole
Fanscene By Mark O'Brien Daily Post
Sep 12 2003
HE'S not bad is he? Harry Harris is going to need a fork-lift truck to deliver the royalties from his forthcoming Wayne Rooney book if the teenage striker keeps scoring for England. In the two games this week he gave two very different performances, struggling in Macedonia yet still scoring and then absolutely stealing the show at Old Trafford. Much has been made of the fact that against Liechtenstein he revelled in the freedom he was afforded and perhaps that is the best way to utilise him. It's easy to sacrifice a midfielder against a team as poor as that though; there's no way he'll be allowed to please himself like that against Turkey, for instance. Similarly in the Premiership, David Moyes has experimented with three strikers before with dubious results. Hopefully he's not tempted to try again to accommodate Francis Jeffers. Our returning fox in the box's international week was in stark contrast to Rooney's as he failed to break the England under-21s scoring record against Portugal on Tuesday night. The script was all written as well - he was to break the record back at Goodison in front of the packed stands writhing with expectant children. Unfortunately nobody reckoned on the far superior skills of England's opponents. Obviously Helder Postiga's goal was unfair but that aside the gulf between the two teams was immense. It was only Portuguese tendency to over-elaborate and the last-ditch heroics of our own Peter Clarke that prevented a much heavier margin of defeat. Our under-utilised central defender is admittedly no Beck-enbauer but when it comes to getting stuck in and being brave he is in the Dave Watson mould. After all this international malarkey though it's time to get back to the brass tacks of the Premiership tomorrow.
After the disappointment of the derby a game against Newcastle United is not exactly the easiest, especially as, like Liverpool, they come to Goodison without a league win. We'll have to be on top of our game if we're to stop them from ending this bad run, although Moyes will be feeling positively Ranieri-esque this week with all his fancy new signings to pick from. So, while you're watching this dashing new look Everton strutting their stuff at Goodison tomorrow, spare a thought for those of us who got our dates wrong and thought England were playing this week when booking our wedding.
Things to build on for hopefuls
Academy Football With Chris Wright Daily Post
Sep 12 2003
EVERTON'S Academy sides look to continue their unbeaten start to the FA Premier Academy League season tomorrow. Gary Ablett's under-17s will look to make it four wins out of four at home to Leeds United (kick-off 11.30am) tomorrow, while Neil Dewsnip's under-19s - who have won once and drawn twice so far - visit Derby County. Dewsnip is pleased with the start his side have made and expects to see improvement as the season progresses. He said: "It's been a steady start and it gives us a platform to build on." Derby will be smarting from last week's 7-2 defeat to Bolton, who lead Everton's Group A section with maximum points. Dewsnip added: "I think Derby had started well in their own division so it should be a good game. But it is mainly about ourselves. The team is performing generally very well at the moment. "We are a little disappointed not to have won at Leeds and last week against Wimbledon. "With a bit more care in front of goal we might sneak a goal or two more." Dewsnip will have a full squad to choose from. Ablett is hoping for more of the same at Netherton. In their three victories so far the Blues are yet to concede a goal, but the under-17s coach knows there is still room for improvement. He said: "It is good to see the boys doing so well. They are enjoying training and are playing with a smile on their face. We've got to make sure they have that same attitude right through to six months' time. "We are ticking along nicely, but we must make sure we don't get too ahead of ourselves. There are still plenty of things to work on. Defensively we are very sound but there are things to work on going forward." Ablett also has no injury worries to report.
Rooney bridging great divide
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 12 2003
GARY NEVILLE, as his Manchester United signature tune suggests, is not overly enamoured with those of us from the sunnier end of the East Lancs Road. But records aren't the only thing being shattered by Wayne Rooney's fledgling career. Preconceptions are too. Few, if any, Scousers have trotted off at Old Trafford with the Stretford End standing in salute, yet that is exactly what greeted the Croxteth hero following his mesmerising display against Liechtenstein on Wednesday. And the adulation was not merely confined to the terraces either. Neville is 11 years, 51 caps and countless medals senior to Rooney but even that wealth of experience has not shielded the United defender to the adulation surrounding his Merseyside rival. "People try to shield 17 or 18-year-olds but sometimes you just can't when they perform like that," said Neville of the Everton striker's latest elevation. "If you look back to his first performance against Turkey, which was his first start for England, then it was nothing short of exceptional to be honest and I don't think you can talk about his age any more. "This is an international footballer and one who will only get better. Age doesn't matter. Ryan Giggs was doing it at 17 and you can see it is the same with Cristiano Ronaldo at 18.
"Wayne showed that age is not a factor. His performances for England prove he deserves to be there." Rooney fired home his second England goal in two games in the Euro 2004 qualifier, but it was his skill, intelligence and passion for the game that left Neville in raptures. He added: "The best players are the ones who, when you are in a difficult situation, you can just give them the ball. Wayne is like that. "You just want to give him the ball because he will turn or jink out of a hole and he has the ability to beat players. "His strength and understanding of the game is fantastic but one of his biggest assets is that raw enthusiasm whereby every time he gets the ball he wants to do something special. "He won't have that when he's 28 so we'll use it now while he's 17. "It doesn't seem to matter which role you play him in, he was picking the ball up off the front and then out wide. "He was causing problems for defenders wherever he went because he turns and runs at them and commits defenders. Defenders don't like that." England now need just a point from Turkey next month to ensure their place in Portugal next summer. Easier said than done, but Neville believes the rise of Rooney could just be the difference between usual false optimism and genuine hope. He added: "It's great to have everyone talking about England having a player like this rather than another country because in the matches that are really tight someone who can just beat a man and produce something out of nothing will win us the game. "We have great passers of the ball in Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and David Beckham. Michael Owen's pace and instinct for goal is something else. But Wayne is something different again."
Post soapbox
Icliverpool And Daily Post
Sep 12 2003
Peter the great
I THOUGHT Peter Clarke was absolutely magnificent for the under-21s this week. He was clearly up for it and turned in the kind of Alan Stubbs and David Weir can only dream of. David Moyes should seriously consider giving him a go along Joseph Yobo. Also, I thought Jeffers looked a far better player than he was when he left. He should start on Saturday along with Radzinski, with Rooney coming on later in the game. And does anyone else think McFadden looked decidedly average for Scotland? He kept giving the ball away against the Faroe Islands. I've heard a lot about the lad but to me he looks like he's destined for a few cameos this season and nothing more. He also has a spectacularly daft haircut.
Derek Haggerty, Liverpool
Set Wayne free
OUR Wayne has now shown us his best position - EVERYWHERE - and he showed us what he is good at - EVERYTHING (can he play in goal?). Frankly, he is unbelievable. Food for thought for Saturday... Newcastle won't know what to do with him. The wraps are off!
Steve Jones (via e-mail)
Wayne in the hole
I THOUGHT Wayne Rooney was excellent in the role behind the front two for England. I would like to see him play that role for us, behind Tomasz Radzinski and Francis Jeffers.
Claire Toms (via e-mail)
We love our Wayne
OUR Wayne voted yet again man of the match for England on Wednesday and scoring his second goal in five days for our national side. This boy is certainly something special! Last February he broke James Prince's 124-year-old record becoming the youngest ever player to play for England and last Saturday he broke Michael Owen's record, becoming the youngest ever player to score for England. All this while he is still an Everton player. I have supported Everton for 37 years and have never witnessed a player of this quality coming through for club and country! This boy can become world class! What am I saying, this boy IS world class!
Jeffrey Dolphin (via e-mail)
In for the Kil
KEVIN KILBANE will give Everton nothing more than we have already at the club. Okay, he was man of the match for Ireland against Russia but was still way over-rated. Everyone at the game beside me were bemused he got it. They must take turns getting man of the match for Ireland and against Turkey Kilbane was so-so. This is a "jobs for the boys" signing. He is a mate of Moyes.
Kilbane is poor and always will be.
Tom McGahana (via e-mail)
Don't Roo anything
I'VE just read that Rooney's sweetheart has declared she wants to marry our Wayne. All I can say is I hope Wayne keeps a level head and not let his private matters interfere with his football. Come on Blues, we need three points against the Geordies. Remember, we want to be Bobby dazzlers! And Wayne, a word of advice. I may be only 16, but don't get big headed. Keep your head down and do all us fellow Blues and our great nation proud.
Good luck mate - we'll always be watching!
Dom Fitzpatrick, Wallasey
He's ready for Turkey shoot
By Mark Bradley, Daily Post
Sep 12 2003
SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has been urged to unleash Wayne Rooney on Turkey next month, with England captain David Beckham and Steven Gerrard insisting Everton's hero can handle the high pressure. Eriksson has no worries about Rooney's temperament, being perfectly willing to throw him into the heated atmosphere awaiting his side in Istanbul. Indeed, he believes that opponents would be happier to see the "extraordinary talent" of Rooney on the bench rather than in the starting line-up as he can achieve virtually anything in his career. The real question, however, will be whether Eriksson believes that England would be better served by Emile Heskey's physical presence and experience, rather than Rooney's precocious ability. After all, Eriksson has already signalled that for all of Rooney's success in the 'hole' behind two strikers in the past two internationals, Paul Scholes will return to that role when fit again. Not that Scholes' fitness is assured for the October 11 qualifier, but fielding a trio of Rooney, Heskey and Michael Owen could be something of an attacking luxury in such a frenetic encounter. Rooney, who doesn't turn 18 until after the game, would therefore seem to be in direct competition with Heskey for a starting role in Istanbul.
Gerrard meant no disrespect to his Liverpool team-mate, but was unequivocal in his belief that the Everton striker should be found some role in the side after his back-to-back scoring displays.
"I think he deserves to play. He was unbelievable against Liechtenstein and played very well in that deeper role, although he's played some magic games up front for England as well," he declared.
"He has got everything about him. He can pass, he can run at people, cause havoc for defenders, he can score and make goals and I'm sure we'll see a lot more of that." Beckham, meanwhile, added: "We've always known that Wayne's capable of performing like that, he has done it for his club and now he's doing it for his country. We are lucky to have a talent like that. He's only 17 but it doesn't matter what age you are if you can play like that and put yourself around the pitch like that. "He deserves to be in the team - he would deserve to be in any team." Asked whether Rooney could cope with the pressure in Turkey, Beckham insisted: "Of course he will. "He's a young player but he's already played in volatile atmospheres before and and he will be able to handle it, as will the rest of the team." Eriksson seems similarly convinced about Rooney's ability to take anything in his stride, just as Roberto Baggio managed at the same age when he coached him in Serie A. "He is not afraid of anything and not too impressed by anything either. He is a very confident boy, he knows he is a good footballer and you are born with that," he stressed. "He is always calm and goes out there to play his football in an excellent way. I haven't picked the line-up yet, but I shouldn't be afraid to put him in at the start. "He's extremely clever for his age and has shown he can do that new role excellently. His defending and tracking back were also very good." Most importantly, Rooney displayed the priceless ability to find space and then either pick out a defence-splitting pass or ghost past his marker. With a month left before the allimportant game in Istanbul, when England need a point to progress, injuries could yet affect Eriksson's thinking. However, asked whether opponents would be happier to see Rooney on the bench, he admitted: "I think so, because he doesn't just have one talent, such as goalscoring. "He's good at many things. He can also play in people, drop off, dribble with it or shoot. Can he achieve anything in his career? I think so. I mean, at 17, he can play for how many years still? 15? 16? "What will happen to him, you never know. But he's one of those extraordinary talents that is very difficult to find. Hopefully he will continue like that." The last word must nevertheless be left to Liechtenstein keeper Peter Jehle, who admitted that "I knew all about Rooney but he's even better than I thought". Jehle added: "I think he must play in Turkey because he will make it so hard for their defenders." Meanwhile Glenn Hoddle has told Eriksson he cannot afford to leave Rooney out of the England team. Tottenham boss Hoddle, himself a former England coach, believes Rooney should be an automatic choice for that match. "With a talent like that you shouldn't be talking about finding a way to accommodate him - he should be playing, no matter what age he is," said Hoddle. "He used to be good at doing a job from the bench but he has now shown he can do it when he starts. "Rooney is a young man who has a wonderful international career and club career ahead of him. He is at a tender age and everything is just starting for him.
"If he continues to get the right guidance both on and off the pitch then his success will continue."
When Rooney first burst on to the scene last season, Hoddle was one of those managers who always felt he could form a formidable partnership with Michael Owen. Hoddle, who oversaw Owen when he first made his mark on international football, said: "Rooney and Owen are different types, strangely from the same city. They are different sorts of players which in the long run could complement each other."
Hammer time for outcast
Report By Andy Hunter Daily Post
Sep 12 2003
EVERTON outcast Niclas Alexandersson last night joined West Ham on loan - as David Moyes knocked back a similar offer from Ipswich for Duncan Ferguson. The Swedish international, who has not figured since scoring in the FA Cup defeat at Shrewsbury in January, has agreed a two-month loan deal with the Hammers. And if successful, the 31-year-old is expected to complete a permanent transfer to the first division outfit when the transfer window reopens in January.
The Blues yesterday rejected a similar attempt by former boss Joe Royle to take Ferguson on loan to Ipswich. Royle, who first signed the Scottish striker for Everton from Rangers in 1994, wanted to take the injury-prone star on a temporary basis to Portman Road. But David Moyes, whose transfer budget remains limited by the lucrative contracts awarded to the likes of Ferguson, rebuffed the approach. "Ipswich made an enquiry but we told them no," he said. Ferguson has made just one substitute appearance this season, against Liverpool, and still has two years left on his Goodison deal. Royle confirmed: "We have made a serious attempt to bring Duncan to Portman Road.
"I feel he is a big impact player who could have made a statement here and I am disappointed that our efforts have been turned down. "I have been speaking to David Moyes but I understand the reasons why he has declined our request."
How soon for Jeffers magic?
Sep 12 2003 You Bet, With Adam Oldfield
AFTER an absence of two years in an Everton shirt, the blue half of Merseyside will wel-come a familiar face back to Goodison Park tomorrow. No, not Duncan Ferguson, but the menacing Francis Jeffers - the man who has been busy plying his trade alongside some of the best talent Arsenal reserves have to offer. The long-term loan, with an option to buy for £4 million, is an exquisite piece of business by David Moyes, and along with Kevin Kilbane, James McFadden and Nigel Martyn, Jeffers will make a valued contribution however long his stay. At Highbury his inactivity in the box may have ranked alongside David Blaine, but unlike the madcap magician, Jeffers refuses to have the proverbial taken out of him any longer. It remains to be seen whether he will be given a starting role against Newcastle tomorrow, but if he does, Bet365 offer 11-2 that he finds the back of the net first and 6-4 to score any time. Stanley's have opened a book on when Jeffers will first get his name back on an Everton scoresheet. They quote 7-2 the Middlesbrough game, 9- 2 Leeds, 7- 1 Tottenham, 8-1 Southampton, 11-1 Aston Villa, 14-1 Chelsea and 18-1 Blackburn.
* Everton are a top-price 6-4 (Stanley) to win tomorrow, Newcastle 13-8 and it's 2- 1 the draw.
Davis may be a star too far for Blues
Sep 12 2003 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES has already displayed a happy knack for tapping directly into his supporters' psyches.
His "People's Club" proclamation might have come straight from the Shankly book of football philosophy - and it helped lift a club listing at a dangerously low ebb. And after the most depressing of derby defeats the Blues' boss launched another psychological pick-me-up. He immediately embarked on a frenzied recruitment drive - and then said he still intended to go back for his original number one target in January. It was an admirable statement of intent, but one which looks doomed to failure. Everton stuck steadfastly to a £5.5m budget throughout their prolonged pursuit of Sean Davis this summer. Even Moyes' undoubted admiration for the player couldn't prise further funds from his boardroom's reserves. Then a knee surgeon's verdict ended the interest. It was time for Bill Kenwright to rummage down the back of the couch at his Little Venice pad - a home already remortgaged to buy out the club in the first place - and find a few bob more. His search must have come up with more than an old bus ticket and a couple of coppers, because Everton immediately managed to find £6.5m for Barry Ferguson. That bid failed, too. Now, cards on the table time, a grade C 'O' level is the sum total of my mathematic achievement. But years of reporting on a club almost perenially prefixed with the words 'cash-strapped' has given me the ability to add up.
And Nigel Martyn (£400,000), Kevin Kilbane (£ 1m), James McFadden (£1.25m) and Francis Jeffers, nominally nothing, comes to £2.65m - plus four salaries instead of one. Even taking into account the handsome £750,000 promised for Mark Pembridge, that doesn't leave much. So quite where another £5m is going to come from in January is uncertain. Maybe Moyes was simply sending a well-meaning pick-me-up message to Sean Davis, a player whose world was shattered two weeks ago. Perhaps he was warning his board-room he wants to squeeze one more transfer fee out of them. But the truth is, Bill Kenwright has bent over backwards to find the funds for the four players Everton enlisted last week. And if David Moyes goes to the well again at Christmas, he may find it has run dry.
Martyn wants it for keeps!
Sep 12 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON goalkeeping legend Neville Southall has warned Richard Wright that if he loses his battle to be fit for tomorrow's game against Newcastle he may face a long spell on the sidelines. Nigel Martyn has impressed the coaching staff at Goodison following his £500,000 transfer from Leeds and is in line for his first start for the club if Wright fails a fitness test tomorrow morning. The 25-year-old resumed training this week after recovering from a knee injury sustained in the 2-2 draw at Charlton last month but is still having trouble with his kicking. Southall warned: "If Martyn gets in the team he will stay there, because he is very steady and very consistent. "He is not a keeper who is prone to mistakes and if he gets in, it is unlikely he will give the manager any reason to drop him.
"The manager can choose between a former England keeper or a keeper pushing for an England place. Nigel has more experience and is very solid. "But he could also push for an England spot himself if he gets in the side. "Wright is still young and a few years off his peak. He will benefit from the challenge." Blues boss David Moyes could also take the opportunity to rest Wayne Rooney tomorrow after a hectic week for the 17-year-old. The arrival of on-loan Francis Jeffers gives Moyes an extra option in attack. Moyes admits: "We have always tried to protect Wayne and will continue to do that." Niclas Alexandersson completed a two- month loan switch to West Ham last night.
The Swedish international has not played since the FA Cup third-round defeat at Shrewsbury earlier this year. If he impresses at Upton Park the move could become permanent. But the Blues have turned down a request from former boss Joe Royle to take Duncan Ferguson to Ipswich on loan.
Ferguson has netted four goals in his last two reserve outings and is impressing in training following the arrival of new strikers Jeffers and Scotland's James McFadden. McFadden is unlikely to be involved tomorrow but Kevin Kilbane is expected to make his debut on the left.
* Wayne Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, has been accused of demanding £700,000 from Middlesbrough over the proposed transfer of Sean Davis.
Linderoth has a Swede dream
Sep 12 2003 By Scott Mcleod Everton Correspondent
TOBIAS LINDEROTH'S push for a Euro 2004 berth will begin tomorrow - with the Swede determined to ensure the Magpies don't pass any more bad luck his way. The last time Linderoth faced Newcastle it signalled the end of his season. He suffered a hamstring injury in the early stages of the Worthington Cup third round tie at St James' Park in November last year. The injury brought to an end a run of three consecutive starts and left him out of the first-team picture for the remainder of the season. Ten months on and the new campaign has started well for the 24-year-old. He has been in the starting XI for each of the Blues' four games this season - already the best run of matches in his 20 months at Goodison. And on Wednesday night he was on the bench as Sweden won 2-0 in Poland to book their passage to Euro 2004 alongside France, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.
After a lack of first-team opportunities at Goodison, Linderoth is determined to do everything he can to stay in the frame for Everton - and book a place in the Swedish squad for next summer's finals in the process. "I didn't play on Wednesday against Poland but that is because I haven't been in the team for over a year," conceded Linderoth. "But if I can get regular football at Everton then hopefully I will stay in the national squad as well. "We are going to Portugal and that is an added incentive for me this season. "I want to show that I should be going there. I had a good World Cup last year and I think we can do well in Portugal. I want to be there." Linderoth has moved up the pecking order at Goodison following injuries to Thomas Gravesen, Scot Gemmill, Lee Carsley and Li Tie. Gravesen is fit again, while Carsley returned to action for the reserves at Aston Villa on Tuesday night. But Linderoth is expected to keep his place in the side tomorrow, particularly with Mark Pembridge now at Fulham following a £ 500, 000 deadline-day transfer. After a frustrating start to his Goodison career, the Swede can now sense the opportunity to show the Everton faithful what he is really made of. He added: "I think I have played alright so far but I think I can play a lot better. But you can only do better if you play a lot of games and get a tempo going in your football. "I am starting to do that now, I am starting to get the feel of the games and hopefully I can build on that.
"I feel like I am improving and hopefully I can do enough to keep a place in the team. "My main priority is to stay clear of injuries and get a full season under my belt. "Last season I had played a couple of games in the team and was feeling good when the injury came. It was unlucky for me in terms of the timing. "Now I want to stay fit and do a good job for the team." With just 10 league starts under his belt, Linderoth remains a Premiership rookie. The prospect of facing a Newcastle side brimming with talent and eager to make amends for a surprisingly lacklustre start to the season should be a daunting one. But, with typical Swedish pragmatism, Linderoth is unconcerned.
"If I am playing I will just have to do my job and work hard as usual," he adds matter-of-factly.
"It doesn't matter about the opposition. I am just happy to be fit and playing again. I am always happy when I am playing, although I think we could have started the season a little bit better.
"Newcastle have had a poor start but it is still a very good team and will be a difficult game for us."
Linderoth's f irst- team chances this season have been boosted by David Moyes' failure to add a new central midfielder to his squad ahead of the transfer deadline. Sean Davis was all set to check in at Goodison before a medical revealed the full extent of the Fulham midfielder's knee injury.
Then the Blues lost out to Blackburn in the battle to secure the services of Barry Ferguson.
Moyes has made no secret of his determination to bring Davis to Everton at the earliest opportunity.
But until January he will have to make do with the players at his disposal. Having performed the holding role in midfield in 28 internationals for his country, the player is certain that, given the opportunity, he can prove to the manager that he has what it takes to become a success in that role in the Premiership. "I played a holding role in midfield for Sweden during the World Cup and in the qualifiers before that," he adds. "I have often played in that role and I am used to that job.
"International football is slower than the English game. Here the tempo is quicker and the games are much faster. "It is a bit special that way and it does take a little getting used to but I believe I can do the same job here as I do for the national team." Prove that to the Goodison Park boss over the coming weeks and Linderoth's chances of spending next summer in Portugal will be significantly improved.
Martyn's starting
Sep 12 2003 By Andy Hunter Daily Post
DAVID MOYES believes Nigel Martyn has increased the stakes in the race for the Everton number one spot - and is set to reward the 37-year-old with a starting role at Goodison tomorrow. The Blues manager will have all four of his deadline day signings available for the home clash with Newcastle United, with the £500,000 capture from Leeds poised for an immediate impact. Richard Wright only returned to full training on Wednesday following the knee injury that forced him to miss the Merseyside derby. And despite Steve Simonsen's impressive display against Liverpool, Martyn - who didn't appear at all for the Elland Road club last season - is expected to get an early chance to press his claims while Wright recovers. Manager Moyes will make a final decision later today, but has welcomed the added competition the former England keeper's arrival has already generated. "We needed good competition," said the Blues boss. "With Richard having a problem with his knee, we needed to take the plunge before the deadline and Nigel is the best option. "All the top teams have good competition for their keeper's place, the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
"I felt we needed to do the same and put more competition on Richard Wright. I don't think anyone can complain about Nigel Martyn coming in." Martyn lost his Leeds place to Paul Robinson on his return from World Cup duty last summer. And Moyes believes a fresh start could even resurrect the veteran's international career that was put on hold as a result. He added: "If Nigel got into the side I don't think there is any doubt the England manager would consider him. "I'm sure Nigel hasn't given up hope of playing for England again. Football changes very quickly. Players lose form or get injured, so you never know. "But to start with, Nigel is here to work alongside Richard Wright, Steve Simonsen and young Iain Turner. We needed more competition for Richard's place." Fellow new boy Kevin Kilbane will also come into the midfield reckoning with Mark Pembridge sold to Fulham, Lee Carsley short of match fitness and Scot Gemmill and Li Tie injured. The £1.25million signing starred for the Republic of Ireland this week and Moyes believes he is another who will thrive on a new challenge at Goodison. Moyes said: "Kevin will benefit from a fresh start. When you're a left winger who is six feet two inches tall, you can look a bit ungainly but he has done tremendously well for the Republic of Ireland. He is very well respected over there. "If you're not a tricky-dicky on the wing it looks ungainly but he will do well. We are playing with two small centre-forwards at the moment so we need stature in different positions. "He'll get forward, he can score with his head and he has a powerful left foot." The Blues boss added: "Peter Reid isn't a bad judge of a player and if you ask him he'll tell you that he could always rely on Kevin. He never hid and would play anywhere he was asked. This is now a good chance for him."
Everton 2, Newcastle 2 (D, Post)
Sep 15 2003 Andy Hunter Reports From Goodison Park, Daily Post
WAYNE ROONEY'S return to Goodison Park on Saturday was, according to Sir Bobby Robson, akin to the conqueror coming back to the Colosseum. That hope was crushed with Olivier Bernard's clumsy, some might say deliberate collapse on the Everton sensation's ankle on 21 minutes. But, ignoring a referee who is on a par with the Lions of ancient Rome when it comes to devouring a spectacle, the septuagenarian may still have called it right. Even after Rooney limped out of Saturday's cardfest, the stage was set for a returning hero to take a bow and Goodison was not disappointed. There was a thunderous ovation for a striker back in blue and a display that reminded us why elevated status was secured all those years ago. The problem was, it wasn't the Emperor everyone was expecting. Francis Jeffers did reappear to a reception even he couldn't have dreamed about - a tumultuous roar showing Goodison is in the mood to give everyone a second chance these days - but it was Duncan Ferguson on a mission to show he deserves another one too this weekend. He was on the field only 30 minutes, yet transformed a game notable only for the sheer incompetence of the match official into one worth watching with a display of the usual menace but also the skill and passion presumed lost forever to the treatment table. Whether it was the sight of his old club, the prospect of a loan move to the first division or the arrival of younger strikers for the future that reignited Ferguson's fire we won't discover from his lips, and, until such performances become the norm and not the exception, the doubts will remain. But on days like these, when the big striker adopts the unplayable mantle, he can still rouse a team and the terraces, albeit with frustration at what might have been but for the catalogue of injuries never far away. The talk was of a different Jeffers returning to a different Everton, yet there is real hope if there has been a change in Ferguson too.
Signs were there on Saturday: racing back to the Everton corner flag to dispossess Alan Shearer with a wholehearted challenge; showing referee Rob Styles how it's impossible to leap without using your arms with a mocking pogo act; rallying the Gwladys Street during the game; keeping his cool to level from the penalty spot in the 88th minute and then getting his tattoo out for the lads afterwards.
Team-mates too were enthralled by his contribution. As Alan Stubbs said: "When Fergie came on he was a real lift for the team. We weren't getting through them too much and he was exactly what we needed. "He gives us a different option but we didn't go route one. We tried to get it to his feet or chest if it was on, and if not then you put it in the air. "You know, he's done really well to come back from that operation. A lot of people thought he wouldn't come back but he has worked his socks off to get to a level where he can be involved with the team, he really has. "That's a tribute to him. He had a major operation on his back, it wasn't just a routine clear-out job. It was an operation to make or break his career. We haven't seen as much of him as we'd have liked but it's great that he's back in the team. "To be honest I felt really sorry for him today. He was penalised every time he tried to win the ball when there were two men grappling with him! "I would hate to play against him. He's big, strong and he is awkward. He is a great player. The referees see him as a big, strong fella who is doing wrong straight away. He's not." Ah yes, the referee. David Moyes admirably refused not to divulge his thoughts on Styles, now responsible for more than a third of dismissals in the Premiership this season. But allow us. He delivered, even in a world of Winters, Rileys and Rennies, the most inept refereeing display Goodison has seen for years, and if he ever gets near a top-flight game again pity the poor souls whose money he will inevitably waste. All referees infuriate with the human tendency to make mistakes but the man from Waterlooville, aided and abetted by two poor assistants, called it wrong for both sides from start to finish. Even before kick-off he showed he was the wrong man for the job, bear-hugging England hero Rooney in a pathetic attempt to take the spotlight he ensured he stole once the game was underway. Three penalties were awarded and one strong appeal was waved away when debutant Kevin Kilbane was tripped inside seven minutes. Yet they were arguably the least offensive decisions of the day. Some achievement. With bookings handed out for breaking wind, Styles backed himself in a corner from the start, so when Laurent Robert foolishly jumped into Tobias Linderoth 15 minutes after his first yellow card there was only one outcome. Just as against Arsenal on the opening day of the season Everton failed to convince with the one-man advantage, labouring like a team lacking in cohesion - which is exactly what they were with three new faces on display. Kilbane was thrown in from the start after Alessandro Pistone failed a fitness test and showed the benefits a natural left-sided wide man will bring to a team previously without one. Jeffers was industrious but ultimately crowded out by a packed Newcastle defence, while Nigel Martyn, in for the injured Richard Wright after 25 minutes, had only two Shearer penalties to prove his worth and no-one stops them. Newcastle's first against the run of play was, incredibly, called right by the referee. A lapse in concentration by Joseph Yobo was punished by Shearer, who turned his missed header into a through ball for Kieron Dyer and when last man Gary Naysmith's tackle took the man not the ball the inevitable red card and converted penalty followed. Everton's response was to throw on Ferguson and thankfully, with his team-mates not resorting to the long ball approach at all times, his impact was ideal. Nine minutes after falling behind the big Scot caused mayhem in the Newcastle area. Jeffers was pushed over but play was allowed to continue, and when Andy O'Brien's clearance cannoned off Linderoth it fell for Tomasz Radzinski to turn home the loose ball from eight yards. The Blues may now have been down to 10 men but if anything increased their momentum, even with Ferguson punished every time he won possession. That frustration was nothing, however, to the fury that greeted Styles' decision to hand Newcastle a second chance to take the lead from the penalty spot with seven minutes to go. Bernard, booed throughout for his part in Rooney's injury, pounced when Jeffers missed a header on the edge of his own area. He danced past Thomas Gravesen's challenge but when Yobo approached he tumbled, despite the Nigerian defender making a point of pulling out of the tackle. The referee though was conned and Shearer again converted. Fortunately Everton, with Ferguson leading by example, kept their cool and two minutes from time Styles evened matters out when Radzinski raced on to Kilbane's slipped past and was sent tumbling by Jermaine Jenas' needless lunge.
Everton have become renowned for comebacks and Ferguson completed this one with a nerveless penalty high into Shay Given's goal. It was the 50th Premiership goal of the striker's career, but it will mean much more if it starts his comeback too.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Wright (Martyn 25); Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Naysmith; Watson (Ferguson 62), Linderoth, Gravesen, Kilbane; Rooney (Jeffers 29), Radzinski. Subs: Weir, Unsworth.
NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Given; Griffin, O'Brien, Bramble, Bernard; Bowyer, Dyer, Speed (Jenas 70), Robert; Shearer, Bellamy. Subs: Hughes, Ameobi, Caig, Viana.
BOOKINGS: Everton's Watson, Linderoth, Jeffers (fouls), Ferguson (dissent) and Stubbs (ungentlemanly conduct) and Newcastle's Bernard, Griffin, Jenas (fouls) and Bellamy (dissent).
SENDINGS-OFF: Everton's Naysmith (professional foul) and Newcastle's Robert (two bookable offences).
REFEREE: Rob Styles.
ATT: 40,228.
Fans forum
By Alex Okell, Daily Post
Sep 15 2003
FROM THE moment he first blew his whistle, it seemed Rob Styles was on a one-man mission to spoil the game. Everton, however, started the game well. Kevin Kilbane impressed in the first half, with some good running on the ball. It wasn't long before we witnessed the first penalty appeal but Styles denied Everton a chance from the spot. It then descended into a scrappy match with some niggling fouls. Olivier Bernard appeared to stamp on Wayne Rooney, who then went off with an unrelated injury. Francis Jeffers came on and was, for the record, disappointing. Just before the break, Laurent Robert was sent off for fouling Tobias Linderoth. Having seen the TV replays, it did look a bit harsh. In the second half, Radzinski and Jeffers both forced Shay Given into saves and it looked as though Everton would finally take advantage of the opposition being a man down. Then, out of the blue, Keiron Dyer was released by Shearer, Naysmith lunged across him and bundled him down in the area. Penalty - no arguments. Alan Shearer obliged, Naysmith was dismissed. Everton continued to attack. Jeffers went forward again and appeared to be fouled in the box, everybody looked to the ref who said no penalty, in which time Radzinski had slipped an equaliser into the open net. Bernard was played into the box, and flung himself to the ground after minimal contact from Joseph Yobo. Shearer scored again. Two minutes to go and Radzinski runs into the box, Jenas was over aggressive and Radzinski went down easily. Ferguson converted the penalty. There is something wrong when Newcastle enjoy two shots on target (both penalties) and a 2-2 draw in the same match. It could have been a good game. It was, however, ruined by an inept refereeing performance.
Sound of silence on Styles' shambles
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 15 2003
THE CORRIDORS of Goodison Park matched the United Nations for diplomacy after Rob Styles' shambolic performance on Saturday. Eleven bookings, two dismissals and three penalties from a game lacking a nasty challenge left managers and players from both Everton and Newcastle sporting looks of utter bewilderment at the Waterlooville official's display. At the same ground four days earlier, David Platt admitted "it's in my contract not to criticise the officials" after Athanossios Briakos failed to spot the punch from Helder Postiga that knocked his England under-21 team out of the European Championships. And mindful of the Big Brother paranoia at the FA, those caught up in Saturday's maelstrom were forced to tread a similarly delicate line. "Please don't ask me about the ref," asked Alan Stubbs at the start of the post-match interviews, as a team-mate walked by shaking his head and muttering "terrible, terrible, terrible." But even following those instructions, the 'star' of the Goodison show couldn't be avoided. Stubbs said: "I don't want to talk about one person when I should be talking about the game but the fact it's hard to avoid it says it all. "We had two sucker-punches against us and for other reasons things didn't go our way. To be honest, they didn't go Newcastle's either. "I didn't see a bad tackle in the game. Maybe one or two were bookable offences but if you look at how the game went players were lucky to escape with just one booking, even with two getting sent off. "There were three penalties, loads booked and it wasn't even a dirty game. It was a decent game, end to end; they were fighting for a result after a poor start and I thought we did well. They never really threatened our goal except from the penalty spot." The Blues defender added: "I know it's what they all say but I didn't get a good look at their penalties. I thought the first one was easy for him to give, but if he hasn't got the ball then it's a penalty. The second one their player made the penalty rather than Joseph catching him. I thought he kicked Joe's foot because the ball had already gone. "I think he's been fooled. That's how I saw it on the pitch." Manager David Moyes has vowed to curb the honesty that landed him in trouble last season when poor officials were told that fact. And that self-discipline is clearly working after surviving the ultimate test from Styles. Moyes said: "I'm trying not to get involved in controversy with referees this year, I had a word with myself about it, but maybe others should have a word with the people who appoint these referees in the first place. "I'm trying not to say anything but at the same time it's important your supporters see you care and I do care. I don't need to say anything about his performance, though, because the crowd told him themselves." Strangely, it was not just Styles that managed to infuriate Moyes, but the linesmen and the fourth official too. "I asked the fourth official how much was going to be added on at the end and he told me four minutes," revealed the Blues manager. "Then he put two minutes on the board. I asked him why and he said 'That's what I've been instructed'. "So I will mention that in my report."
Signings can buoy Ferguson - Moyes
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 15 2003
DAVID MOYES hopes his deadline-day transfer deals have provided the catalyst for Duncan Ferguson to revive his stalled Everton career. The injury-plagued Scot delivered a stirring substitute's display against former club Newcastle on Saturday, with his 88th-minute penalty rescuing a point for Moyes' men. Ferguson's spot-kick was his first goal for the Blues in 17 months, and the 50th of his Premiership career. And his manager hopes extra competition for a striking role at Goodison since the arrival of Francis Jeffers and James McFadden has provided the motivation for Ferguson to prove he can deliver in the Premiership afterall. Moyes, who rejected a loan bid from Ipswich boss Joe Royle for the big striker last week, said: "There has been a lift around the place with the other players arriving, albeit one that didn't show in the overall performance against Newcastle.
"Duncan's training in the last few days is the best it has been since I've been here. I hope it is the catalyst for him. "I don't want us to be a direct side that plays the long ball because he is six foot five. I am trying to make us a good passing team. "We have got to learn to play with him better, although when he came on against Newcastle we were chasing the game and hadn't found a way through for the smaller strikers so it was the right thing to do. "It is always another option but he is a terrific football player. He has as much strength in his feet than he does in the air. In fact I would say he has more ability in his feet than in the air." Ferguson's last major problem was a serious back injury that could have forced him to retire from football. "Duncan has got himself in a condition to play and perform regularly," added Moyes. Moyes continued: "Now it is my decision as to whether he plays. He's trained every day this season which I think is his longest period for some time. We are all unsure because he hasn't played that much in the last few years so whether he's changed his style I don't know." Moyes, who saw Gary Naysmith red-carded in the 2-2 draw, is facing a fresh injury problem with goal-keeper Richard Wright. The England international's return to the first team lasted just 25 minutes before his recent knee injury flared up again. And, despite undergoing surgery at the end of last season, a further operation could now be an option. "Richard passed the fitness test without any problems but then felt his knee again when he was kicking during the match," said Moyes. "Rest might be the best option and he could be back training again on Monday. We don't think it is a problem but we may have to take a look inside if it continues." He added: "Alessandro Pistone failed a fitness test just before kick-off, and that's the only reason why Kevin Kilbane was in from the start. "I didn't want to start with so many new players but we ended up with Kevin, Franny and Nigel on the pitch and we ended up looking like a team that wasn't quite sure of itself." Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, is expected to be fit for next Sunday's game at Middlesbrough despite limping out of Saturday's game with a sprained ankle. Newcastle's former Everton midfielder Gary Speed said of the game: "There was not much good football because there was not much time to play any.
"It is frustrating and disappointing when you see fouls and bookings given for nothing."
Everton 2, Newcastle 2 (Echo)
Sep 15 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
THE alarm bell sounded at 2.59pm.
It was in that moment that, as Everton and Newcastle lined up at Goodison awaiting the kick-off of their Premiership encounter, referee Rob Styles wrapped his arms around Wayne Rooney in the centre-circle and whispered a little nothing into the 17-year-old's ear. He held that pose for a good few seconds. Long enough for the 40,228 people in the ground to realise exactly what lay ahead.
We can only speculate as to what was said. But if Mr Styles told Wayne to step aside because it was his turn to be the star of the show would you be surprised? Styles' extravagant action was that-ong-of a man who clearly enjoys the spotlight refereeing in the top flight affords. And in the 90 minutes that followed he did enough to ensure the talking point after the game was not the football, but the referee. The departure of Rooney with a sprained ankle on the half hour mark didn't help matters. He was one of the few players in a Blue shirt who seemed to be in the mood to lift the gloom in a game played under the hefty shadow cast by Styles. There were three penalties, two dismissals and 10 yellow cards despite only 35 fouls being committed. Many of the cards were unneccessary or simply wrong. Laurent Robert deserved to feel hard done by. He received his marching orders for one mis-timed challenge and a clumsy, foolish barge on Tobias Linderoth. Robert should have known better but it didn't deserve a dismissal. The enthusiastic way in which Styles pointed to the tunnel before even brandishing the second yellow suggested he had been waiting to add to his substantial red card collection from the outset. Further needless cards followed for Alan Stubbs, Duncan Ferguson, Andy Griffin and Jermaine Jenas. The really bad challenges - a late charge on Linderoth by Kieron Dyer and a foul in the area on debutante Kevin Kilbane by Andy O'Brien - went unpunished. The consistency of Styles' inconsistency really was impressive. David Moyes suggested afterwards that the problem is not with the referees, it is with the men who appoint them. When you realise just how many poor match officials there are in the top flight, it is hard to disagree.
Styles, Uriah Rennie, Graham Poll, Jeff Winter, Mike Riley, David Elleray. They are all poor on a regular basis. A combination of Styles' bad decisionmaking and the failure of either side to impose themselves on proceedings meant it was not a good game. But, for sheer drama, the final half hour offered something. And, ironically, it was all thanks to Styles and one of the decisions he did get right. It was the second sending off which saved the game as a contest. Having failed to impose themselves when they had a numerical advantage, the Blues came to life when they fell a goal behind and lost the services of Gary Naysmith. The Scot hacked down Dyer as the forward sprinted into the Everton area. As the last man, he had to go. With 32 minutes left to play the numbers were even once again and the Blues were behind, courtesy of Alan Shearer's first thumping penalty of the afternoon. The silver-lining of the Styles horror-show was provided by Duncan Ferguson. Had the ref not left such a large imprint on the game, then Big Dunc would not have entered the fray in the second period to prove Everton's saviour. Moyes deserves bags of credit for his decision to do just that. He opted to switch to a 4-2-3 formation following the loss of Naysmith, with Ferguson joining Francis Jeffers and Tomasz Radzinski in a bold attacking line-up which finally provided the Blues with a cutting edge. Having looked too lightweight before his arrival, Ferguson shook things up with the kind of marauding, powerful performance which earned him the hearts and souls of Evertonians during his first spell with the club. Too often since his return he has been a pale imitiation of that blood-andthunder striker. But on Saturday he wasn't living on past glories. Something has happened. Maybe it is the return of Jeffers, who received a hearty reception on Saturday. Maybe it is the strong words exchanged with the manager a couple of weeks ago. Maybe it is the fact he is benefiting from a decent pre-season and a decent run without injury. Whatever the reason, Ferguson dragged Everton back into the game by providing a focal point for the Blues' attacking play.
There were even reported sightings of him chasing down Alan Shearer in the left-back position before winning the ball fairly. Within moments of his 63rd minute arrival he forced Shay Given into the best save of the afternoon with a towering header at the back post. Suddenly, his flick-ons were presenting Jeffers and Radzinski with the chance to run at the Newcastle defence down the inside channels. And their pace caused ample problems for the lethargic Titus Bramble and O'Brien.
The Magpies were rattled and it was no great surprise when the equaliser came. The ball fell to Jeffers' feet on the penalty spot. He was bundled over by Olivier Bernard (yes, it should have been a penalty, but surprisingly Styles wasn't in the mood) and the ball ran loose. Linderoth reacted quickest, squaring to Radzinski who swept his shot low beyond Given from 10 yards out. It wasn't a pretty goal, but it hadn't been a pretty performance. Guts and guile had provided the fightback and those same qualities should have led to a winning goal. But with seven minutes remaining Styles was putting more obstacles in Everton's way. Bernard won possession on the edge of Everton area, skipped past one challenge and acrobatically threw himself over the leg of Joseph Yobo. It was far less clearcut than the challenge on Jeffers in the build-up to the first equaliser, but Styles pointed to the spot anyway. Nigel Martyn, who entered the fray for the injured Richard Wright after just 26 minutes, must have wondered what he had done to deserve a debut like this. Having to stare down one Shearer penalty is bad enough. But two? The second went in the same spot and, once again, Martyn dived the right way but the sheer ferocity of the kick was enough to beat the 37-year-old.
With just minutes remaining Radzinski provided another lifeline. He latched on to a Kilbane through ball and charged into the left side of the Newcastle area before being brought down by Jenas. It couldn't have been scripted any better. Having made an eye-catching impact as a sub, and with normal penalty taker David Unsworth keeping the bench warm, Ferguson stepped up to take the kick. A cheeky stutter in his run-up wrong footed Given and he blasted the ball into the roof of the net. It was a reasonable end to a frustrating afternoon. As for Ferguson, his display was refreshing. One swallow doesn't make a summer. He still has much to do to suggest he is anywhere near the player who became a folk hero at Goodison in the 1990s. But at least he has given Evertonians reason to be optimistic.
Why sorry seems to be hardest word
Sep 15 2003 By David Prentice
IT was hard to feel sorry for Newcastle. It says much for a side which boasts one of the most genial, liked and well-respected managers in football, not to mention an English icon up front, that they have become almost universally disliked. The presence of loathsome individuals like Lee Bowyer and Craig Bellamy (four matches, four yellow cards this season, every single one for dissent) clearly contributes. But it is the attitude of their supporters which is most irritating. Their self-appointed title of "most loyal fans in the land" is totally unwarranted. And they display an arrogance which is entirely inappropriate to th e ir team 's achievements. I have been at St James' Park to watch Newcastle lose to Tranmere in the First Division, where empty black and white seats outnumbered those which were occupied - when the capacity at St James' was 37,000. And as for on-field achievement, a lovely true story witnessed inside the Winslow Hotel opposite Goodison Park speaks volumes. Proud Blue landlord Gary Pepper was being ribbed by a fat, tattooed Newcastle fan (are there any other type?). "Where did ye get your tie, bonny lad?" he asked. "From a lucky bag, is it?"
Quick as a flash, Gary hit back. "No. It's a 1987 League Championship tie. What's yours? Texaco Cup winners 1975?" If loyalty is worked out by numbers of fans to hardship endured, Manchester City's are easily the best in the land. Newcastle's are just a sad by-product of the Sky TVage.
Rooney injury is not serious
Sep 15 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
WAYNE ROONEY today provided a fitness boost for Everton. The 17-year-old striker hobbled off with an ankle injury midway through the opening half in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Newcastle, after going down in agony. It was the same ankle which the player strained in July against Rangers and which sidelined him for much of the club's pre-season training programme. But after an examination yesterday, the injury has not been deemed serious and manager David Moyes the forward to return to full training later this week. Richard Wright has also given the Blues a boost by joining training today, despite having to be substituted early in Saturday's game because of a recurrence of the knee injury which prevented him playing in the Goodison derby. "Wayne doesn't seem too bad but it will probably keep him out of training for a couple of days," said Moyes. lad just wants to train and he will be okay. "Richard Wright will train today but we want him to see a specialist again. "He is still having a problem with his kicking and we want to know exactly what the situation is." Alessandro Pistone, who wasn't involved on Saturday after failing a fitness test on a back strain, is also in contention for a return to the side for Sunday's pay-per-view televised trip to Middlesbrough.
Meanwhile, Everton have distanced themselves from Sunday newspaper reports which suggest the club are set to offer Rooney a new five-year contract worth £25,000 a week when he turns 18 next month. Chief executive Michael Dunford said: "The details of Wayne's contract were calculated a long time ago and we believe the figures are sensible. "It is not a subject we want to start discussing publicly."
It's striking how much Blues need Radzinski
Sep 15 2003 By David Prentice
GOODISON was awash with striking stories on Saturday. From Ferguson's 50th, Shearer's brace of penalties, Wayne Rooney limping off and Francis Jeffers racing on, there were forwards making head-lines everywhere. But the forward who deserved the most praise probably received the least.
Tomasz Radzinski (pictured with Duncan Ferguson) has received damning and deserved criticism on these pages before, for the shocking admission that there were times towards the end of Walter Smith's reign when he possibly didn't try as hard as he should have done in training and in some matches. He has also received a public apology since - for the spectacular fashion in which he has re-invented himself. Radzinski's form, fitness - and most importantly attitude - has been impeccable under the motivating Moyes. Everton currently boast five front line forwards in Campbell, Ferguson, Rooney, Radzinski and Jeffers, plus enthusiastic back-up in Chadwick and maybe even McFadden.
But there's no doubt in my mind that the most important to Everton's continued health is the small, pacy Canadian. Unless a tall, rangy Scot can convince us otherwise...
Ferguson will be tower of strength
Sep 15 2003 By Scott Mcleod
ALAN STUBBS believes Duncan Ferguson will prove his worth to Everton this season - having finally put his injury woes behind him. The big striker transformed Everton's fortunes in Saturday's game with Newcastle, proving the catalyst for two fightbacks against the Magpies following his arrival as a 63rd minute substitute. It was Ferguson who netted the penalty which earned the Blues a point and Stubbs believes the quality of his performance is proof the Scot still has a lot to offer the club. "I thought Fergie lifted the team when he came on," admitted Stubbs. "We weren't having too much direction getting through them and I thought he was exactly what we needed at the time. "We didn't go route one. We just tried to get the ball up to his chest or down the sides if it was on."
Ferguson underwent a major operation on his spine last year, keeping him sidelined for much of the campaign. He made just seven appearances as a substitute all season, leading to questions about his future with the club. The arrival of Francis Jeffers and James McFadden on transfer deadline day two weeks ago intensified those questions. But when former Everton boss Joe Royle attempted to take Dunc to Portman Road the enquiry was met with a firm'No' from David Moyes. Stubbs believes it is because the 31-year-old is finally back to full fitness. He adds: "He has come back since the operation and is doing really well. A lot of people thought he wouldn't get back but he has worked his socks off. "He has got back to a level where he is involved in the team and you have to take your hat off to him. It was a major operation he had, it wasn't just a routine thing. "It was one that was going to make or break his career. We haven't seen as much of him as we would have liked but it is great for me that he is back in the team. "It is quite obvious that if other strikers come in it is going to spur you on. Sometimes it is a kick up the backside which makes you give that extra bit that maybe you haven't been doing." Moyes is also pleased with the reaction to the new signings from Ferguson. He revealed: "We have got a competition for strikers now and if I think anybody is doing well I will use them. "There has been a lift around the club and everybody has to pull their socks up a little bit more and fight for their place. "I think Duncan has got himself in a good position to play now. It will be my decision whether we use him or not. "His training in the last couple of days has been as good it has been since I came to the club and hope-fully that will be a catalyst for Duncan to be back in amongst them. "But we don't want to be a direct side that knocks it up because he is six foot five. I am trying to make us a better all round passing team and our boys will have to learn how to play with Duncan and not just hit him on the head. "Against Newcastle it was the right thing to do because we had found no way through and we were chasing the game. "But Duncan is a terrific footballer. If anything, he has as much strength in his feet as he has in his aerial ability. "If we could get the ball to his feet more often he would be a threat."
Born again Dunc
Sep 15 2003 By David Prentice
EVERTON lost two points but maybe, just maybe, found a new player on Saturday. Duncan Ferguson's contribution to Everton's cause in the past 17 months has been marginally more productive than Alex Nyarko's, very marginal that is. And word from Bellefield is that David Moyes had had enough. The pair exchanged views recently which are best described as frank; the Blues' boss making it clear he only wanted forwards at the club capable of running until they dropped.
There were two possible outcomes. Big Dunc (pictured) could have got angry, very, very angry - and turned into the Incredible Sulk. Or he could have got his head down, worked hard and tried to prove a sceptical manager wrong. His response was there for all to see on Saturday. It wasn't the sight of Ferguson confidently converting an 86th minute penalty - his 50th Premiership goal -which was most telling, nor even the far post header from Gravesen's cross which came within a scuttling Shay Given save of producing his first headed goal for five years. No, it was the sight of Ferguson determinedly chasing down Alan Shearer in the left-back slot to regain possession for his side which was a flashback to a long-forgotten age. It had been a long time since Ferguson scored at Goodison, even longer since he started a first team match -and longer still since he regularly produced abrasive, inspirational performances. Saturday's display suggested those occasions might not have gone forever. And for that Everton may have a 17-year-old to thank as much as their manager. It has been suggested, by individuals inside Everton as well as those who merely watch, that Ferguson has been irked at his replacement as the club's number one crowd idol by Wayne Rooney. Such sentiment doesn't exactly suggest all-encompassing team spirit, and am I the only person who thought the celebrations which followed the second equaliser on Saturday to be just a little subdued? The crowd exploded, of course. Fergie gave us a rare glimpse of the tattoo, but only one team-mate ran to offer his congratulations. The last time an Everton player witnessed such a lukewarm reaction from his team-mates to a goal - and an important goal at that - was when Andrei Kanchelskis' Goodison career was in its death throes. It may take a little more than a half-hour cameo to convince everyone that Duncan Ferguson is well and truly back.
Model pupil keeps on doing his homework
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 16 2003
WAYNE ROONEY has left school, just, but dedication to a football education means homework is still on the timetable for the Everton sensation. Rooney has been taking home videos of Alan Shearer and Ruud van Nistelrooy to study as part of David Moyes' mission to give the 17-year-old every chance of realising his potential as one of the greats. The Blues manager admits he is lucky to be working with someone as blessed as Rooney, who rejected the offer of a morning off after England duty last week and was first in for training with the Everton at 9.30am instead. That commitment is just one reason why Moyes admits Rooney remains a model pupil, despite all the acclaim and attention that could turn many teenagers' heads. Said Moyes: "Right now I'd say he is a very, very good player but not yet the great one he is equipped to be. He still has a lot to learn. "Everything he has now is completely natural. Nobody else can claim a shred of credit for what he is. But there is a responsibility to educate him while preserving all that natural talent. "We do specific coaching with him and show him videos of the likes of Alan Shearer and Ruud van Nistelrooy and tell him, 'Here are people who are very good at things we want you do be good at. What can you pick up from them?'
"The next two or three years will be vitally important, the time that can be the making of a truly great player. I am lucky to be working with him." But it is not just fortune that has turned Rooney's natural gifts into a major international talent, the youngster's commitment to his club and career have been instrumental too. Moyes adds: "Wayne's an absolutely terrific boy. He's a breath of fresh air. As soon as he is out on the training field he wants to be doing something with a ball. "I've got to say to him 'Would you go and stretch and do some proper warming up?' That's the biggest thing about him, his hunger to play and be involved with the game. "His breakthrough into the Premiership and the national team has not affected that attitude in the least. "He has been going to every reserve match he could possibly attend, travelling on the bus with the lads as far as mid-Wales. The difference between good players and great players is often humility. "At the moment he is showing that." Moyes insists Rooney is still short of last season's levels as a result of his pre-season ankle injury and his own, continuing, natural growth. But the Everton boss admits: "Wayne is just about there now but needs a few more games to be exactly where he should be, where he was last season. "There were things he was producing then that I'm not yet seeing. His explosive acceleration from a standing start, that ability to burst past people and leave them for dead, hasn't been fully regained but I'm sure it soon will be. "We've all got to be careful about how we handle Wayne, of giving him the maximum chance of realising his full potential. "He is still growing and we, and he, have to think about what kind of player he will be at the age of 27."
Home and Away
Icliverpool And Daily Post
Sep 16 2003
Schoolboy Blues
WHAT is the use of even turning up for Everton games if our back four keep committing schoolboy errors? I wish they'd stop giving away stupid free-kicks around the box and goodness knows how many penalties! We are making a rod for our own backs. Come on David Moyes, get a decent centre-half and two fullbacks now, otherwise I may as well go and see the same mistakes made in my local Sunday League games.
John Boates, Kirkby
It's just foul
AGAIN two penalties conceded by Everton and that's five so far in five games plus one free-kick which has resulted in a goal against us. Poor defending and unimaginative midfield play once more cost us dearly against Newcastle. Why is our bench still being cluttered up by oldsters, when we have Clarke, Osman and even McFadden? If we wait till we get beat to change, it will be too late. Please inject some youth and pace and find someone who can beat his man and pass correctly to give our strikers some decent service.
Trev Lynes, Wrexham
Short-sighted
EVERTON are doing nothing to secure their long-term future. Where is the revenue-earning stadium they promised us? The board had better take their heads out of the sand and get real. This Rooney feelgood factor is distracting from the key issue - the club's long-term future. If this is ignored, it will be a permanent seat in Division One for Everton. Moyes and Rooney will not be here forever and if the opportunity arises to sell Rooney for £40million, he should be sold to finance the stadium. The stadium is essential to the club's future, Rooney could break a leg next year. Also, if the stadium does not come, Moyes will be off to a well-financed club.
John Davies, Liverpool
Hands off Dunc
DUNCAN must stay! Why does Joe Royle want Dunc anyway? I know for a fact Joe Royle had him sold to Villa a few years back but Peter Johnson pulled the plug on it. Apparently, Royle thinks Dunc never did any good at Everton under his management.
So hands off, Joe!
Steve Jones, Everton
Cheats aren't playing game with referees
Sep 16 2003 By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post
FIVE games into the new Premiership season and once again the headlines are dominated not by the players or managers - but the referees. Yellow cards were brandished like confetti at the weekend - with 47 players finding their way into the referee's notebook. Three of those later got sent off - with a further three players, including Everton's Gary Naysmith and Lucas Neill of Blackburn, receiving straight reds. The number of players booked this season has already topped the 200 mark to re-open the debate about the standard of refereeing in the Premiership. There is clearly a problem, but this is an area where I feel everyone has a role to play. Referees need to show more consistency and apply common sense to maintain the flow of a game. There is more cheating in the game today which leaves referees exposed when they get conned into giving the wrong decision and this needs stamping out quickly. And managers must be prepared to condemn the actions of any players who overstep the mark - even if they are one of their own. The lack of consistent refereeing has been a problem over many years and has always proved tricky to resolve.
I believe the best referees are the ones who are able to read the game and communicate with the players on the pitch. And that doesn't mean demanding that a player walks 10 yards to you just so you can put his name in the book. The idea of former professionals joining the ranks of the referees is worth pursuing. I do not expect David Beckham or Michael Owen to take up the whistle when they finish playing, but for someone in the lower divisions it might offer a viable alternative when their career is over. The best referee in the world is Pierluigi Colligna. He knows exaclty what is going on in the game, whether there are any little vendettas being settled, and he'll just have a word in the ear of the players to stay on top of things. Paul Durkin is the best in this country because his another prepared to talk to the players and is not setting out to make an example of them. Players respect the officials far more if there is good communication out on the pitch. Referees are under greater scrutiny than ever before with their own assessors sitting in the stands and cameras covering their decisions from every angle. But that is how it should be. Referees should be accountable and should be interviewed about their decisions after matches. They are only human and if they have got something wrong they should be prepared to look at decisions and overturn a sending-off, for example. More openness about the decision-making will help clear up a lot of the grey areas.
But I do worry that referees are sometimes playing to the assessors, making sure everything is done by the exact letter of the law instead of being giving more room to interpret how a game is flowing.
The game has become so quick and there are more players cheating, which is not helping. I see nothing wrong with using a video panel and taking retrospective action against players in these kind of situations. A referee sees things from one angle which can be revealed as a very different story from another view. To help stamp it out both the club and the player needs to feel the effects of any punishment so a suspension would hurt. Managers would not want to be losing their star players at a crucial stage of the season. THE prospect of a loan move to Ipswich might just have been the kind of wake-up call Duncan Ferguson needed. Joe Royle's interest in his former player certainly seemed to produce a reaction on Saturday when he turned in a bristling show to step off the bench and salvage a draw for Everton against Newcastle. Duncan is a real handful for any defence and the supporters love him at Goodison. He offers manager David Moyes another attacking option, especially if he is ready to take on the challenge presented by the extra competition for places following the arrival of Francis Jeffers. If he does, he might well rescue a career at Everton which appeared to be reaching the end of its natural life.
Blues make it four in a row
Academy Football With Chris Wright Daily Post
Sep 16 2003
EVERTON under-17s kept up their 100 per cent start to the FA Premier Academy League season with a superb 3-0 victory over Leeds United. A James Harris double and a further strike from Andy Fowler inflicted Leeds' first defeat of the season and made it four wins in a row for Gary Ablett's side.
Harris volleyed home a stunning opening goal after a corner was only half cleared to the edge of the box. Michael Johnson set up Harris for his second and the youngster's rising shot flew into the top corner. The Blues killed the game off early in the second half with a nice shot on the turn form Fowler. Coach Ablett said: "The performance was very good first half but we ran out of steam a little bit. But we fully deserved the 3-0 victory. "James Harris' first goal was a fantastic goal technique-wise. He volleyed it with his right foot back over his left shoulder into the top corner."
The Blues are back in action again today at Derby, a match brought forward as they are having work done on their Academy. Defender Stephen Wynne is doubtful with an ankle injury. But Ablett will be looking for more of the same. He added: "I haven't had to criticise them because they are doing everything we ask of them at the moment. So it is a case of keeping doing the same things and just keeping the lads feet on the ground." It was disappointment for Everton's under-19s as they lost their first match of the season, 4-1 at Derby County. Neil Dewsnip's side had no answer to the Rams, who bounced back from a 7-2 defeat to Bolton the previous week with three goals in a 20-minute period before the break. And even though the Blues rallied in the second half with Brian Moogan's 75th minute strike, it came a bit too late to make any difference. Coach Dewsnip said: "We missed loads of chances. We could have scored a lot of goals and we defended poorly in a 20-minute period just before half-time. We conceded three very, very disappointing goals down to individual errors. But generally apart from that period we played very well."
EVERTON UNDER-19s: Lake, Flood, Gerrard, Potter (Lynch), Fox, Garside, B Moogan, J Jones (Booth), Brown, Pascucci (Martland), Barry.
EVERTON UNDER-17s: Gallagher, Wynne, Hughes, Wright, Boyle, Seargeant, Harris, Wilson, Johnson (Molyneux 75), Hopkins (Phelan 75), Fowler (Vaughan 75).
Crocked Wright's month on sidelines
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 16 2003
RICHARD WRIGHT faces a month on the sidelines after Everton opted to cure his persistent knee problem once and for all. The Blues number one will undergo exploratory surgery on Thursday over the injury that forced him out of Saturday's draw with Newcastle. Wright lasted just 25 minutes at Goodison before the complaint that kept him out of the Merseyside derby flared up again.
Scans yesterday failed to find the cause of the problem, which affects the same knee Wright had fluid drained from at the end of last season. Everton physio Mick Rathbone confirmed: "Clearly there is some problem so we'll have a good look inside the knee, although we don't think there is anything seriously wrong. All the scans have been normal and he's been able to train, but sometimes if he catches the ball wrong when kicking then he feels some pain." Wright, who trained normally yesterday, would have been out for several weeks even without surgery as an extended rest was the only alternative available to the Blues. The latest setback means new £500,000 signing Nigel Martyn will press his first-team claims at Middlesbrough on Sunday. Wayne Rooney should be fit for the trip to The Riverside despite spraining his ankle against Sir Bobby Robson's side. The Everton sensation missed training yesterday and may not return until tomorrow, but is expected to make a full recovery by the weekend.
I'd like to stay at Upton Park - Niclas
Sep 16 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
NICLAS ALEXANDERSSON wants to stay at West Ham as long as possible because he doesn't believe he figures in David Moyes' plans at Everton. The Swedish midfielder was loaned to the Hammers for two months last week. After making his debut as a substitute in Saturday's 1-0 home victory over Reading the 31-year-old admitted he was not happy with his role at Goodison. “It was obvious David Moyes didn't want to play me," said Alexandersson. "It is very disappointing but he has a certain style of playing and felt I didn't fit in. "If things go well at West Ham I would like to stay because it does not look like I have a future at Everton under David Moyes. "If things turn out well the loan could be extended but we have to see how things go and whether the club is happy and I am happy. "If that is the case I don't see why it can't be any longer, we will just have to take it a month at a time. At the moment I am just looking forward to playing again." Alexandersson was signed from Sheffield Wednesday by Walter Smith for £2m in July 2000. He has played 66 times for Everton but only started four games last season, his last start came in September's win over Middlesbrough.
James set for Blues debut
Sep 16 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
EVERTONIANS will finally get the chance to see James McFadden in action tonight when he lines up for the reserves at Haig Avenue. The 20-year-old Scot was the only one of the club's four deadline day signings not involved on Saturday against Newcastle. He will make his first appearance in an Everton shirt tonight against Manchester City. Manager David Moyes is determined to be patient with the forward, who made his full senior debut for the Scotland side in Germany last week. He is the only one of the club's four new faces involved tonight. Manager David Moyes confirmed: "James is one for the future. "We will be patient with him but he is a player with a great deal of natural ability and we are very pleased to have him here." One player who will not be in action at Haig Avenue is Duncan Ferguson, underlining the prospect of his return to the first teamframe.
Doubts were raised over the 31-year-old's long-term future at Goodison last week when Ipswich boss Joe Royle attempted to take the striker on loan. Having made just seven appearances as a substitute last season, it seemed Ferguson's days at Goodison could be numbered. But Moyes' negative response to the loan proposal and Ferguson's starring role as a sub in Saturday's 2- 2 draw against Newcastle suggests the forward still has a role to play at the club. He has been omitted from the reserve team for tonight's match at Haig Avenue along with the club's first- team regulars.
Meanwhile, Richard Wright visited a special-ist yesterday and was told he needs to undergo an exploratory operation to get to the bottom of the knee injury which has been troubling him since the 2-2 draw at Charlton. The keeper could be sidelined for up to a month, presenting new signing Nigel Martyn with the opportunity to stake a claim for a regular first-teamplace. Moyes said: "The doctors are just going to have a look inside to see if there is any damage. "He is only being scoped and if there is nothing there he will not be out too long. "But even if there is no serious problem he will still need rest to cure it. That will bring Nigel Martyn to the fore. "He has been doing very well in training and seems to have a new lease of life since arriving here. We are happy with him."
Why Rooney has already come of age
By Len Capeling Daily Post
Sep 17 2003
WAS there any part of the Old Trafford pitch where Wayne Rooney didn't glitter for England? Seemingly not. Wherever you looked, there was The Kid playing like a man. Wherever a significant pass was unfurled, there was the boot of Wayne Rooney guiding it on its way. Playmaker, pace-setter, pugnacious disrupter of defences, the 17-year-old showed himself to be adept at every facet of the game, and every facet was furiously polished. The doubters - and there are still a few - say, hold on a minute, it was only Liechtenstein! One of the world's weak-est soccer nations, with only one competitive win in their whole history But that ignores the fact that this was a serious struggle for everyone but Wayne Rooney. And as he showed against Turkey - one of football's finest sides - his talent is such that he can function against anybody. Just give him the ball and watch him go. There were other significant signs at the theatre of dreams. Players like Frank Lampard and James Beattie looked out of their depth, while Rooney with nothing like the experience of either, blossomed wherever his twinkling toes took him. Which represents a massive bonus for Sven-Goran Eriksson, as he was quick to acknowledge. Before the game, I suggested - with some trepidation I must admit - that Rooney might give England some possibilities down the left. No sooner said than there he was, hurtling down that wing and delivering such an exquisite cross that David Beckham ought to have done better than merely wrap it around the crossbar. The left wing might keep Rooney out of things at times, wide players sometimes get overloked, but Wayne is so hungry for involvement that even this caveat is likely to be blown away by the sheer genius of the lad. He's a natural. The learning process will continue under David Moyes and Sven, but the basic blueprint that inks him in as something special is already there: like the Deans, the Lawtons, the Finneys and the Dalglishes, he has the God-given gifts which enable him to know what he's doing. It's as easy to him as breathing. As Sir Bobby Robson remarked: "he's so unbelievably young yet you don't see any weakness in him. "The most amazing thing is that he can function in so many different positions. He can take the ball with his back to goal and make things happen. That's the mark of a world-class player." Rooney demonstrated all of those skills for England. He created for others. He rarely played a pass that didn't give a team-mate a better position. He produced a clever header that needed a back-breaking save from the Liechtenstein keeper to prevent it finding the net. He then brought another desperate block out of the keeper and finally showed the power of his shooting by making the game safe for England with his second goal in four days for his country. It brought a lump to the throat when the whole of Old Trafford rose to salute his achievements on a night when there could only be one man of the match. Michael Owen got in on the act - just - with a deft headed goal after an early assist from you-know-who and Steven Gerrard grew into the game when someone told him he was not supposed to be an auxiliary defender. But history will show that Wayne Rooney was the man as he scored his first goal for his country in England. We don't need to repeat that it will be the first of many - for England and his beloved Everton. AMID all the excitement surrounding the Croxteth crackerjack, there were more than a few minus points. Chief among them was the inablity of some of the reserves to grab their chance - as Rooney has done so magnificently. It was unfortunate that Emile Heskey didn't get another chance to show us that he can be a force in white and red. James Beattie - his nominal replacement - hit the bar after a slick bit of skill but generally looked to be the palest shadow of his hero, Alan Shearer. We may not see him again. Frank Lampard remains an enigma. So forceful and fancy for Chelsea, he again seemed to be overwhelmed by life in the fastest lane. Admittedly, his case for continued inclusion wasn't helped by being asked to patrol the dreaded left side, where he proved so right-footed that every England move screeched to halt when he got the ball. Wayne Bridge did okay and may find himself retained for the Turkey game, with Ashley Cole moving further forward. I would have played Jamie Carragher at left-back against Turkey to stiffen the defence - before his season was brought to a shuddering halt by Lucas Neill's X-rated tackle. Nicky Butt is likely to be fit to partner Gerrard, and, with David Beckham free of yellow card restraint, England should have enough about them to see the job through.
* IF James McFadden requires a template for his fledgling Goodison career he need look no further than hall-of-famer Graeme Sharp. Sharp was the last young Scot to be tempted south of the border by Everton. Gordon Lee did the courting, causing a whole forest of eyebrows to be raised at first sight of an exceedingly raw striker. But year by year Graeme showed consistent improvement until the finished article tempted comparisons with great Everton centre-forwards of the glorious past.
Sharpie became an intergral part of Howard Kendall's record-setting 80s side and still strides the Goodison corridors, looking as young as ever. What an example for young Jamie to follow, and let's hope he does just that.
Everton Reserves 3, Manchester City Reserves 0
Daily Post
Sep 17 2003
EVERTON Reserves bounced back from their heavy defeat at Aston Villa in a well-deserved victory against Manchester City at Haig Avenue last night. The Blues included new boy James McFadden, but it was Nick Chadwick who again found the net giving the home side a 2-0 lead at the break.
McFadden had tried his luck from 25 yards before Chadwick broke the deadlock on 23 minutes. Leon Osman fought well in the box to feed the big striker who then curled his shot round Ellegaard in the City goal. Everton were rarely troubled by the City attack which was led by former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, and went further ahead on 38 minutes. The hard-working Alex Nyarko played a good ball to Chadwick, Mikkel Bischoff pulled him down and the Blues striker converted the resulting spot-kick. Everton continued to have the upper hand in the second half and went close to extending their lead on 55 minutes when McFadden slipped past three City defenders only for his right-footed shot to go inches wide of the post. Still Fowler and company were frustrated at the other end, the former Liverpool man's free-kick blocked well by the Everton wall. The Blues kept on breaking through the City defence and their persistence paid off on 76 minutes when McFadden was stopped on his way though goal, but the loose ball came out to Nyarko who rifled home a shot from 25 yards out. It was no more than the Ghanaian international's performance deserved. A tremendous display by Lee Carsley in midfield and McFadden's and Chadwick's tireless running up front typified this comfortable victory.
EVERTON RESERVES: Turner, O'Hanlon (B Moogan 46), Unsworth, Clarke, Weir, Nyarko, Osman, (Moogan A 86), Carsley, Chadwick, Pascucci (Schumacher 67), McFadden. Subs: Gallagher, Symes.
MAN CITY RESERVES: Ellegaard, Bischoff, Jordan, Wiekens (Murphy 84), Dunne, Reyna, D'Laryea, Wheelan (Ireland 81), Fowler, Berkovic (Tandy 46), Elliot. Subs: Collins, Schmeichel.
Moyes striking it lucky with forward options
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 17 2003
DAVID MOYES faces an embarrassment of riches at The Riverside this Sunday with all his senior strikers pressing for a place against Middlesbrough. New £1.25million signing James McFadden made his bow for the Blues last night as the reserves beat Manchester City 3-0 at Southport's Haig Avenue. And while the Scottish international is to be eased into his Everton career following his deadline day switch from Motherwell, Moyes still has a striking dilemma to solve against the struggling Boro. Wayne Rooney returned to light training yesterday just three days after spraining his ankle in the draw with Newcastle. And he has been joined by Kevin Campbell, who is now close to a first team return following a hamstring injury. Campbell has yet to appear this season after suffering the setback in the pre-season friendly against Bologna five weeks ago. He could come into the reckoning on Sunday - although Moyes is under no pressure to rush the powerful centre-forward back. Duncan Ferguson, not included for the reserves last night, is likely to retain his place in the first team squad after giving an impressive cameo at the weekend. And with Tomasz Radzinski and Francis Jeffers also in contention Everton should be at full attacking strength in the North East.
Midfielder Li Tie, however, remains doubtful with the foot injury that forced him to miss Saturday's clash with the Toon Army. Gary Naysmith's professional foul in that game, meanwhile, will see him suspended for the Goodison visit of Leeds on Sunday, September 28.
Joint stadium could benefit Reds and Blues
Sep 17 2003 By David Prentice Chief Sports Writer
THE clock is ticking on the prospect of Everton and Liverpool sharing a stadium, before the topic has even been properly debated. The proposal was first voiced back in 1966, by Liverpool's visionary secretary Peter Robinson. The issue was raised again this month when North West Development Agency spoke out in support. But after October 3 it could vanish for good. That is the date Liverpool Football Club submits a planning application for a new £100m super stadium. Once that is passed and the foundation stones laid for Liverpool's new home, the possibility will recede permanently.
Numerous obstacles prevent the idea even being discussed, notably the reluctance of leading figures at both clubs to even consider the prospect. Both David Moores and Bill Kenwright are acknowledged groundshare sceptics. But if a shared stadium meant Liverpool spending £50m rather than £100m they would surely consider the idea. And with Everton still recovering from the blow of the Kings Dock collapse, and shoring up their 111 year old stadium the only viable alternative at present - they could also be convinced of the benefits of sharing. Professor Alan Harding, of the Centre for Sustainable Urban and Regional Futures (SURF) at Salford University, is adamant ground-sharing makes sense. He first aired his views on the Everton website Toffee-web in April 2001, when Everton's move to the Kings Dock arena was still viable. But his views remain valid. "I find it incredible that no-one among the club's board members has been prepared, at least in public, even to go as far as considering the advantages of this alternative," he said. "It would obviously be cheaper for the clubs to build and maintain one ground rather than two. New stadiums are staggeringly expensive and no-one makes the decision to up sticks lightly. Some clubs - Manchester United is the obvious example - are lucky enough to be able to expand into the surrounding neighbourhood without too much trouble. Everton and Liverpool cannot. "It will be a tremendous wrench for the fans when the gates close at Anfield for the last time. But we all know it's going to happen. Just take a look around the city, at what is happening in the docks, the city centre, Speke and Garston. Slowly, but surely, the city is being refitted for the needs of the 21st century. Football is inevitably getting caught up in this change. "Wouldn't the money the clubs could save by building just one ground be better used in trying to establish new footballing dynasties?
"Seen like this, isn't the ground sharing option a potential boost to the prosperity of both clubs and some-thing that can help guarantee, rather than threaten, their independence? "Most importantly, the clubs literally have a once in a lifetime opportunity to combine their strengths for the good of the city as well as themselves. "Building one new stadium would give the clubs a chance to try something more imaginative than either could contemplate alone. Together they could build something of international importance and prestige and send a message to the world about the city's place in the global game. "Gone are the days when clubs were happy to see their biggest asset lie empty 98 per cent of the time. In the last couple of years I've visited Pride Park, the Stadium of Light and the JJB Stadium - each time to visit conferences. "The city's two great football clubs have one chance to break with the old ways of thinking and consider a truly radical change. If they do not take it, the issue is dead for another century at least." 'Follow San Siro example' PROFESSOR Harding believes Everton and Liverpool can follow the Italian example, where clubs like Milan and Inter, Genoa and Sampdoria and Lazio and Roma have shared stadia for years. "Why not?" he said. "Genoa and Sampdoria have cohabited happily for many years. But even more relevant to Merseyside, what about AC Milan and Internazionale? Football clubs don't come much bigger than these two and you have to travel a long way to find supporters as passionate in their rivalry as the Milanese. "And yet the two clubs share the San Siro without there being so much as a hint of their independence being compromised. Why couldn't the same happen in Liverpool?" He added: "There is something unique in the Liverpool air that makes the city's football clubs leading candidates for partnership. Everton and Liverpool fans are passionate about their teams, but they are also the friendliest rivals in the country. There is a long and proud tradition of tolerance and camaraderie between the two sets of supporters."
Blues still searching for Jamie's best position
Sep 17 2003 By David Prentice Chief Sports Writer
DAVID MOYES must decide what Jamie McFadden's best position is after the young Scot sparkled in his first appearance in an Everton jersey last night. The £1.25m signing is at home up front and in midfield, and played on the left in last night's 3-0 team victory over Manchester City at Haig Avenue.
He didn't score, but delighted his watching boss with an energetic display and some positive running.
"Jamie did very well. He took a little time to settle but after that was fine," said Moyes today. "We started him wide on the left, but that's not necessarily where we will continue to play him. We will look at two or three different roles for him, but we played him on the left last night and he didn't disappoint. We also moved him across to the right for 20 minutes and he did well there, too. "He will probably tell you himself that he is not sure what his best position is. It's maybe a bit too soon to talk about him in the first team squad, but after last night's display we will be looking at him with that in mind." Alex Nyarko found the scoresheet with a ferocious 20-yard drive, but it was the younger players - particularly two-goal Nick Chadwick - who caught Moyes' eye. "The likes of Leon Osman and Nick Chadwick continued to do well and Peter Clarke had another steady game. I was pleased with him," added Moyes. "But Nick has been terrific. He is another young player and sometimes you forget that because he has been in and around and maybe pushed in sooner than we would have liked. "When I first arrived here Kevin and Duncan were both injured and he had to go straight into the first team - and scored a couple of goals. But he is doing fine at the moment."
Kevin Campbell has resumed training after his hamstring injury and will target a reserve team run-out next week, while Richard Wright will have a scope on his knee tomorrow to gauge the extent of the problem which has troubled him this season.
Nyarko remains in Blues wilderness
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 18 2003
ALEX NYARKO will remain in the Everton wilderness despite delivering a timely reminder to David Moyes this week. The Ghanaian international capped an impressive reserve team display on Tuesday with an excellent goal in the 3-0 win over Manchester City. But that is unlikely to be enough to force Nyarko into Moyes' first team plans - or deter Everton's determination to get the £4.5million midfielder off their wage bill. The 29-year-old failed to agree terms over a proposed loan move to a Chinese club in the summer, while similar deals at both Monaco and Paris St Germain did not deliver permanent contracts. With two years still remaining on a lucrative Goodison deal, the Blues will continue to explore exit routes even though options are limited by the closure of the transfer window. First division Millwall, where former Everton assistant manager Archie Knox now coaches, are monitoring Nyarko's progress back in England but have yet to follow up interest in a loan with a firm enquiry. Teenager Iain Turner, meanwhile, is in line for only his second Premiership call-up this weekend after Everton were hit by another goalkeeping blow yesterday. Steve Simonsen picked up a thigh injury in training and is now a major doubt for Sunday's trip to Middlesbrough.
With Richard Wright undergoing exploratory surgery on his persistent knee problem today and Paul Gerrard on loan at Sheffield United, Moyes has only the 19-year-old Scot and veteran Nigel Martyn available for The Riverside clash. Turner was on the bench for the derby against Liverpool last month and is highly-rated by the Blues' coaching team and also starred in the reserve team defeat of City. Moyes confirmed: "Steve's got a bit of a thigh strain he picked up in training kicking the ball. We don't think it is too bad but it may keep him out of the game at the weekend." Everton are monitoring 20-year-old Huddersfield striker Jonathan Stead. The six foot three forward, who scored twice against Northampton at the weekend, has attracted scouts from Everton and Leeds to the cash-strapped third division club this season.
To share or not to share
Sep 18 2003 By David Prentice, Chief Sports Writer
PETER ROBINSON, the visionary former Liverpool Chief Executive who first proposed a Mersey ground-share, has warned Everton and Liverpool that such a move is now or never. "If the chance is not taken now, it will be gone forever," said Robinson. "Both clubs have accepted in recent years that they have to go to new grounds - and if ground-sharing is ever to happen now is the time to do it." Having retired from office at Anfield in 2000, Mr Robinson is reluctant to involve himself in today's inter-club politics. But he remains a firm advocate of the ground-sharing scheme he first proposed in 1966. "Back then we received a great deal of support from local politicians like Harold Wilson and Bessie Braddock, but there wasn't sufficient support at either club for it to work. "But I still firmly believe Everton and Liverpool should share a stadium. "Financially it makes no sense to build separate stadia - and a joint venture could give us the opportunity to build a truly worldclass venue. "But I also feel they should ensure that they get the infrastructure right, which so many new stadia have not. "Fans can spend up to two hours sat in car parks trying to get away from a ground because the infrastructure is not in place "Park and ride schemes are all very well, but fans do not want to stand in the cold and the wet waiting to get onto a bus - and you can't move vast numbers that way anyway. "You need rail networks and adequate car parking, preferably under cover - and there are options available on Merseyside to do that now. "It makes all the sense in the world to me for them to share."
It's good to talk about ground share
Sep 18 2003 By John Thompson, Echo Sports Editor
LET'S get one thing straight about the idea of Liverpool and Everton potentially sharing a ground - an issue we're highlighting this week. I'm not saying it's a good idea and that it should happen tomorrow. But right now, we are staring an opportunity for sharing a stadium in the face. Such a scenario is very rare in Merseyside's proud football history. If it's a good idea and can be made to work, then the truth is we are about to miss the boat. If it's a complete non-starter, then for God's sake let's have it out once and for all and just admit it. But for Liverpool and Everton to stand back to back, whistling nervously in the air with eyes closed while this rare opportunity passes by, is surely madness. Anyone who knows how passionate this city is about football - and believe me I do - knows how sensitive a subject this is. That's why it is so difficult for either club to really go public on this one. Why should Everton - a huge club with a huge history (and for all the latter-day doom merchants still a true giant of the domestic game) - risk being emasculated by Liverpool? And why should the Reds, still Britain's most successful club for all Manchester United's recent dominance, even consider giving up its own on-course plans for a new stadium, to consort with the cash-strapped enemy across Stanley Park? These are just two of the questions that should be asked.
Not to ask them, and not to demand the answers, would surely be the biggest crime of all. Right now it seems we are about to commit that crime. A straw poll running recently on the ECHO's icliverpool website seems to show opinion is divided almost 50-50. Tomorrow, until Monday night, we're opening up the ECHO phone lines to ask: "What do you think?" We won't ask you if you think sharing a stadium should definitely happen. Because the truth is that many of you are probably not that sure. The issue is still to be debated before minds can be made up and firm proposals shaped.
But the clubs and the authorities ought to know if you think it is an idea which should at least be explored, publicly and properly, before it's too late. If sharing is simply anathema to Liverpool and Everton supporters then we can probably forget it right now. Never mind any so-called business sense, it will be a non-starter in the eyes of the people who matter most - the fans. But if, as respected ex-Liverpool secretary Peter Robinson believes, we live in a city where Reds and Blues, for all their rivalry and passion, are decent enough people to live side by side sharing the same ground, perhaps it has got a chance. For heaven's sake let's talk about it. Now and before it's too late.
Common ground 'is beginning of end for Blues'
Sep 18 2003 Liverpool Echo
HOME SWEET HOME? An artist's impression of how Everton's new ground may look IAN MacDONALD is a spokesman for the Independent Blues Fan Club. He is also firmly not for sharing. The true blue Evertonian outlines his fears and concerns over the repercussions ground-sharing would have for his club. TO ground-share or not ground-share, that is the question. Sharing a ground in a big football-mad city might make sound economic common sense, but when did common sense come into the make-up of a passionate football fan? How will a new stadium be funded? Will the cost be shared equally - and hopefully added to by generous grants? Liverpool, with their seemingly bottomless money pit, may well stump up their estimated £50million. But how will our club? We have no money! It hurts to say that of the once-Mersey Millionaires, but we have to live in the present, not the past. This was cruelly shown when the time came to 'Show us the money' in the Kings Dock stadium process. Our original contribution was a paltry £30million for a stadium and development project valued at £350m. We will never afford such a stadium again unless we whore ourselves. See how Arsenal have been hit by rising costs. Could we sell Goodison? In today's market you would be hard pushed to get £4m for the grand old lady with national moneybags being deterred from inner-cities by the government monopoly boards. We could sell Rooney for £50m to Chelski, but it's in the constitution of the Evertonian that Wayne can never be sold unless he wanted to be. The Everton board would be asked: "How long do you want the rope from which we will hang you!" Sell the kid now and you sell our future and dignity. So straight away we would be the poor relations in the nice Merseyside family stadium and our bargaining power, regarding the colour of seats etc would be very low. As for the naming rights of the stadium, the Reds' sponsors would have the upper hand. But which Evertonians are going to go to the Carlsberg Stadium to see a home game? The next thing you know it won't be just a ground share it will be a total amalgamation. The old rule that only one club per city can play in Europe may just come into force in the G14's brave new world. Liverpool (incorporating Everton) will be playing Real Madrid. Then the 'incorporating Everton' bit will be left off in a couple of years. The local jails would be full, as Evertonian martyrs would get themselves locked up. An Evertonian could set fire to himself in protest in the ground. We could lose our identity in 20 years, as the richer, fatter fellow tenant becomes a cuckoo throwing us out of the Mersey-side family nest. Goodison Park is not falling down, though you can only tart the grand old lady up so many times. But it's ours, paid for and cherished. If the local council commissioned and paid for a new stadium at a location suitable for both sets of fans with no 'favourite' tenant, a watertight lease, maintained it and satisfied the demands and fears of Evertonians, I'd look twice at the shared stadium project. But I can't see it.
A ground-share will never happen as the fans' opinions are so entrenched that both boards would never broach the subject publicly for fear of the backlash. Ask the Old Firm if they want to share a stadium. But wear a helmet, we Scousers will at least give you a reply in print, not with a Glasgow Kiss!
Faddy's goal is a Blues role
Sep 18 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
JAMES McFADDEN has vowed to put club before country as he bids to become a first team player for Everton. The 20-year-old broke into Berti Vogts' Scotland squad for the recent games against the Faroe Islands and Germany, scoring as a sub against the Faroes and starting in Dortmund last Wednesday. He is expected to be included in Vogts' squad for next month's crucial final Euro 2004 qualifying game against Lithuania. But the forward, who made his first appearance for the Blues on Tuesday night in a 3-0 reserve win over Manchester City at Haig Avenue, is more concerned about breaking into the teamat Everton. He said: "Scotland have got a big game coming up next month and fully I will be involved. But I am looking to be involved in the first teamhere before anything else.
"I haven't come here expecting I will get straight into the team. I know I've got a lot of hard work to do and as long as I work hard then I will get my rewards." McFadden earned warm praise from manager David Moyes yesterday for his performance on Tuesday. The player added: "It was a good night for me. It was hard work, but I am glad to get my first game out of the way. "It is a big challenge for me here at Everton. It doesn't matter what position the manager wants to play me in, I know it is going to be tough to break into the side, but I am looking forward to the challenge.
"Hopefully, I will become a better player during my time here, which I am sure I will do because there are some very good players and I am under a good manager and coaching staff." Richard Wright will undergo an exploratory operation tonight to dis-cover the extent of the knee injury which has been dogging him for much of this season. The keeper has been struggling with pain in his left knee when kicking the ball. The problem flared up in the 2-2 draw at Charlton last month. He seemed to have overcome it but had to be replaced less than half an hour into his comeback against Newcastle last weekend. The former Arsenal man is facing up to four weeks on the sidelines. An d, with Steve Simonsen struggling with a thigh strain sustained in training, Moyes is set to call 19-year- old Scot Iain Turner into his squad for Sunday's televised pay-per-view trip to Middlesbrough as cover for Nigel Martyn. Turner was signed from Stirling Albion for £50,000 in January. * The Everton Former Players' Foundation is holding a dinner with Blues' legends at Wallasey Town Hall in Birkenhead on Friday, September 26. Colin Harvey, Derek Mountfield, Gary Stevens, Andy Hinchcliffe, Earl Barrett and Barry Horne will be among the guests.
Council calls for ground talks
Sep 18 2003 Exclusive by Jane Woodhead and Dave Prentice
LIVERPOOL and Everton Football Clubs were today (Thursday, September 18) urged to attend talks over a possible ground share. Council chiefs in the city have urged the two sides to seriously consider having a joint stadium and have revealed that public money could be available for such a project. Liverpool council says it is keen to act as the broker in any discussions which take place.
And it confirmed today that it has written to the chief executives of both clubs asking them to meet.
Liverpool's chief executive, David Henshaw, said: "The future success of both clubs - both on and off the field - is critical to the future success of the whole city. "We are at a crucial time for the future of Anfield and Goodison Park. "It is important that all the options are carefully and thoroughly examined. That must include the ground sharing option. "There are many positive advantages for both clubs in sharing a stadium - not least the substantial savings to them in building a new ground and in running costs - money which could be spent by them on team development." Liverpool council leader Mike Storey stresses the council is not taking a view on whether a ground share would be a good or bad idea. He added: "This is a serious issue for the city and one which needs mature debate. It is not only of enormous significance to the clubs but to the future development of the city at one of the most crucial times in its history. "Substantial funding may be available to support the building of a joint stadium." News of the possible talks comes as Liverpool is poised to submit a planning application at the beginning of next month for its own multi million pound stadium in Stanley Park. Earlier this month the North West Development Agency said it believed the right way forward would be for the two clubs to share a stadium. The NWDA said it believes taxpayers' money could be saved and a better quality stadium built if the clubs agreed to have joint venue. One potential location is Central Docks in North Liverpool. Any such move, however, is likely to face resistance from some fans at both clubs. The idea of a joint stadium was first mooted by former Liverpool secretary Peter Robinson in 1966 but despite support from leading politicians at the time, including Harold Wilson and Bessy Braddock, opposition from both clubs meant the idea never came to fruition. A proposal was raised again in 1989 following the Hillsborough disaster but on this occasion it never reached the discussion stage.
£30m carrot to persuade clubs to share new ground
Daily Post
Sep 19 2003
AN INCENTIVE of £30m of public money could be available to persuade Liverpool and Everton to share a new ground. A senior regeneration specialist last night told the Daily Post that millions of pounds would be set aside for a world class stadium if the two Merseyside clubs came together on such a project. The latest development comes just 24 hours after council chiefs urged the Premiership giants to at least discuss the possibility of sharing. The regeneration specialist, who did not wish to be named, said: "A stadium shared by both clubs would be a very attractive proposition for public sector support. "There would almost certainly be Objective One money available to help pay for the costs of the infrastructure, but there would also be other contributions from the public sector. "Liverpool is pursuing one option and Everton has pursued another and this made their projects less attractive to the public sector because they would have had to split funding. "But if the two were to come together to build a stadium that would represent the city of Liverpool, rather than the separate interests of the two clubs, I could foresee as much as £30m being made available."
Liverpool is set to submit a planning application next month for a new stadium to be built in Stanley Park at a cost of around £100m. But, after Everton's Kings Dock dream floundered earlier this year club chiefs have committed their immediate future to Goodison Park. However, a £30m carrot, leaving the two clubs to find around £70m between them, could be attractive to the clubs' money men in the current financial climate. The city council admits public money could be available to help fund a joint stadium and has written to the chief executives of both clubs asking them to meet.
Liverpool council chief executive David Henshaw said: "The future success of both clubs, both on and off the field, is critical to the future success of the whole city. "We are at a crucial time for the future of Anfield and Goodison Park. It is important that all the options are carefully and thoroughly examined. That must include the ground sharing option. "There are many positive advantages for both clubs in sharing a stadium, not least the substantial savings to them in building a new ground and in running costs, money which could be spent by them on team development." Liverpool council leader Mike Storey said the council is not taking a view on whether a ground share would be a good or bad idea. He said: "This is a serious issue and one which needs mature debate. It is not only of enormous significance to the clubs but to the future development of the city at one of the most crucial times in its history. "Substantial funding may be available to support the building of a joint stadium." A Liverpool FC spokesman said the club is yet to hear from the council: "We have not received any letter from the council and as such we will not be making any further comment on the matter. "But I can confirm that we are working towards submitting a planning application for the new stadium in the near future." No-one from Everton was available to comment.
We need to get back into winning groove
Fanscene By Miles Shackley, Daily Post
Sep 19 2003
THANK goodness for Rob Styles. If it wasn't for him, Saturday may well have been a dour one-goal affair with little of note to talk of and three points the only consolation for an afternoon badly spent.
Or it may not. We'll never know. One thing we can all agree on was that Saturday afternoon started off as a tale of two teams who both desperately needed a win and ended up as a poor man's version of the Three Stooges, with Styles ably flanked by his two assistants. I don't know how it works in your circles but in my limited experience of real life, if you do your job badly over a prolonged period of time you get told off, and if you continue in the same vein then you get the sack. Yet week in, week out, we see the same group make the same poor mistakes, picking up their professional's wage seemingly without recourse to atoning for their sins. I appreciate it's a difficult job, and it's done under intense media scrutiny. Big deal. If they can't referee to an acceptable standard, they shouldn't be allowed to referee at all. In fact, I'm not even sure that media scrutiny is an issue. When you go to a match, you don't need seven replays of the same incident from seven different angles to realise that these people are actually getting worse at their job. All of that said, I really enjoyed Saturday. If nothing else it was incident packed and you got the chance to shout a bit. In fact, Saturday afternoon football has stopped being the chore it used to be two years ago. You're guaranteed entertainment at Goodison if nothing else. It may not be total football, but often value for money. Again though, we dropped points that we really shouldn't have. In an ideal world, you get entertainment and points. If you can't have that, you'd probably take points over entertainment. Ask any Liverpool fan if you don't believe me, they've made do with it for the last three seasons. Despite the fact that we have played well enough in four of our opening five games - let's just eat around the derby - we've registered just one win. This in spite of the fact that we played better than Newcastle and Charlton, to whom we very charitably gave two penalties each, and played against 10 men for over an hour against Arsenal. I'm not suggesting alarm bells should be ringing - we all know that we're in reasonable shape and are perfectly capable of repeating last season's jaunt into the higher echelons of the Premiership - but a couple of wins would be just smashing, chaps. Middlesbrough is usually a tough place to go and they're guaranteed to make us work hard. They haven't won yet and their new kid Mendieta is yet to score. Most sides would see that as encouraging, but we're Everton, aren't we?
Superb Blues are five stars
Academy Football With Chris Wright Daily Post
Sep 19 2003
EVERTON under-17s made it five wins out of five with a 3-1 victory at Derby County in the FA Premier Academy League on Tuesday afternoon. The game was brought for-ward from tomorrow because the Midlanders are having some building work undertaken on their Academy and Blues wasted no time in adding to their superb start to the season. Everton coasted to a 3-0 lead by half-time to stay top of the Group A table. Michael Johnson hit his third goal of the season with a shot from the edge of the box into the top corner. Andrew Fowler scored his third of the campagin to made it 2-0, steering in Patrick Boyle's cross from the left. Then Paul Hopkins sealed the points when he broke onto a Christian Seargeant through-ball to finish comfortably under the Derby keeper.
Derby grabbed a goal back as the Blues eased off in the afternoon heat. And although Ablett was happy they maintained their 100 per cent start, he felt in the second half his side dipped below the standard they have set so far this term. He said: "Obviously I am pleased to have won, but in the second half we underperformed. Maybe it was the heat or the fact that we were 3-0 up, but we didn't play as well as we have previously this season." Everton under-19s, meanwhile, aim to bounce back from their 4-1 defeat last week to Derby against Barnsley at Netherton tomorrow (kick-off 11am). Neil Dewsnip's side paid for poor finishing and a number of errors at the back last week.
But they will be hoping to eradicate those mistakes this week. Coach Dewsnip said: "We can do better at both ends of the field. We can do better in front of goal and better when we are defending our goal. "We are working hard individually and as a back four to improve. That's what we will be playing attention to. "And hopefully when they get chances the lads up front can put them away."
James Potter, Patrice Pascucci and Joseph Jones all came off last week against Derby with injury, but the Blues expect all three to be fit to face Barnsley.
EVERTON U17s: Gallagher, Wynne, Hughes, Wright, Boyle, Seargeant, Harris, Wilson, Johnson (Molyneux 80), Hopkins (Phelan 70), Fowler (Vaughan 70).
Post soapbox
Icliverpool And Daily Post
Sep 19 2003
Dignified silence
ONLY GOOD luck prevented Gary Naysmith's leg from being broken and, as I recall, Gerard Houllier failed to apologise for the tackle saying it was just one of those things and not intended to be malicious. Now the boot's on the other foot and he's "outraged." It's also worth pointing out that David Moyes maintained a dignified silence after the derby and didn't indulge in the sort of unseemly slanging match we have seen this week.
Steve Callan, Birkenhead
Sign of times
I AM disappointed that Everton again haven't been able to take advantage of a game with one man more. It seems to make us underestimate the challenge in front of us. We have to remember what we are good at and that is to work very hard for one another. We do not have that creative spark in our side to rely on at the moment (what about Michael Tonge?). Delighted by the new signings, Kilbane and Martyn will prove their worth. I've been following Faddy for a while, and if can handle the switch, then we will have a new star to enjoy. I think it was right to bring Franny in on loan, as he can prove his quality before we make it permanent or not.
Svein Lysvoll, (via e-mail)
Gentleman Bobby
POP Robbo must have taken ten minutes to sign autographs for at least 40 Everton kids before the game last week. Well done, that man. It was a bit disappointing last Saturday from a team point of view. He were playing against a fractious side in battle mode, but there were some very encouraging individual Duncan did well last Saturday and don't forget he more than any other player was responsible in keeping us up when Moyes arrived when he responded to the master-stroke of making him captain. Duncan turned in the sort of performance against Newcastle we have been screaming for.
Steve Jones, (via e-mail)
Bring in youth
NICK CHADWICK got two more and Osman and McFadden both starred in the reserves. Bring in Clarke, Osman, McFadden and Chadwick to the first team squad and breathe some youth and pace into the team. Too many times we have one-on-one situations at the back costing us countless free-kicks and penalties. Give these youngsters a run of at least four or five games. McFadden could be the answer to our midfield problems.
Trevor Lynes, Wrexham, ex-Liverpool
Lay off Duncan
I'VE watched Everton since '66 and have seen the boo-boys pick on many undeserving players, but the treatment being given to Duncan Ferguson is disgraceful. Dunc carried us on his shoulders for years. When we had no-one else, he gave us something to hold our heads up about. He took when the team couldn't pass the ball to his feet and when he didn't have a decent strike partner. He played nearly every game of one season with an injury, but didn't ask to be left out because the team needed him. If he'd put himself first then, maybe he wouldn't have needed the major surgery. Duncan's one of us, get behind him.
Gaynor Ford, Liverpool
Panic buying
I WRITE with a heavy heart. Above all, I love Everton but panic buying as a cheap method to somehow give the appearence of activity is not progress.
Rod Anderson, (via e-mail)
Shared values
IT'S THE Football Club that matters most, not the stadium. If we are to move grounds then I want to move to the very best stadium that is possible. But as long as Everton FC remains, playing 19 home games a season at a new location will not matter. It's not where or when we play that concerns me, it's how and who, it's the team. With my new-found thinking, I can see the benefits of sharing a stadium far out way the negatives.
M Tilley, (via e-mail)
* To have your views considered for publication here, visit the messageboard by clicking the link below.
James can be a Blues great
By Paul Walker, Daily Post
Sep 19 2003
GOODISON legend Alex Young, one of Everton's finest ever players, has backed James McFadden to become a major star for the Blues. The 20-year-old, who made a deadline day from Scottish Premier League side Motherwell, has already made a big impression on Merseyside and is pushing for a first-team place despite boss David Moyes insisting he is "one for the future". McFadden is fighting for recognition alongside Wayne Rooney, Tomasz Radzinski, Duncan Ferguson, Francis Jeffers and Kevin Campbell. But his initial impact suggests he could get a first-team call quicker than expected. Now Young, a legend of the 1960s and inspiration for Everton's title triumph of 1963, has voiced his view that McFadden will also become a Goodison great. Young said: "I've seen him play a few times and out of all the young players in Scotland, he was the one you would pick out." Young, now 66 and back in the Edinburgh area where he first made his name with Hearts, has watched McFadden's development in Scotland with interest over the past few years. He added: "He is a quality player and I am sure he will improve. And if he does, Everton are going to have a great player on their hands. "He's a reasonable size, he has got good pace and superb control. He goes past people as if they are not there. I am delighted Everton have signed him." McFadden is already making Moyes re-think his softly-softly policy, and the young striker said: "I have not come to Everton expecting to be in the team. "But although Scotland have got big games coming up, I am looking to be involved in the first team here before anything else. "It is a big challenge for me here, but as long as I work hard then I will get my rewards." McFadden's decision to put his short-term club future ahead of country will no doubt cheer Goodison boss Moyes, who saw the Scottish international make his first appearance for the Blues in Tuesday's 3-0 reserve win over Manchester City. The youngster has already made his mark with Scotland and has pushed them towards the Euro 2004 play-offs, scoring his first goal for his country in the 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands earlier this month. Of his reserves game bow for the Blues, McFadden said: "It was a good night for me. It was hard work, but I am glad to get my first game out of the way. "It is a big challenge for me here at Everton. It doesn't matter what position the manager wants to play me in. I know it is going to be tought ot break into the side, but I am looking forward to the challenge. "Hopefully, I will become a better player during my time here, which I am sure I will do because there are some very good players and I am under a good manager and coaching staff."
FACTFILE
1983: Born April 14, Glasgow.
2000: Makes first team debut for Motherwell as a substitute in a 3-0 defeat at home to Dundee on Boxing Day.
2001: Scores first goal for Motherwell in 3-2 win over Aberdeen at Fir Park.
2002: May - Makes Scotland debut as a substitute against South Africa in Hong Kong.
Misses flight home from Far East after night out in Hong Kong where he 'slept in', but not at the team hotel.
August - Begins run of 10 yellow cards in 18 games for Well to spark fears over temperament.
2003: January - Sent off for first time in career in 2-2 draw with Partick Thistle.
April - Puts Motherwell 2-1 ahead with a fantastic goal in Tennent's Scottish Cup final before Rangers eventually run out 4-3 winners.
May - Scores first ever hat-trick for Well in final day 6-2 win over Livingston but Fir Park club still finish bottom of the table.
September 1 - After several failed bids from Preston End and a cheeky year-long loan offer from Celtic, Everton manager David Moyes succeeds in buying the 20-year-old.
Chadwick: It's just got tougher
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
Sep 19 2003
NICK CHADWICK has admitted he is running out of time in his attempt to become an Everton first-team regular. The young striker hasn't featured for the Blues in the last two games, despite starting the opening match of the season against Arsenal at Highbury. And the 20-year-old's hopes of making an impact at Goodison were further dented by the deadline-day arrivals of James McFadden and Francis Jeffers to add to the competition from fellow strikers Wayne Rooney, Tomasz Radzinski, Kevin Campbell and Duncan Ferguson. Chadwick played a starring role for Everton's reserves on Tuesday, scoring twice in the 3-0 win over Manchester City at Southport. But despite being reassured by boss David Moyes, the striker concedes he is having doubts over his Goodison future.
"It hasn't been made easy for me with what happened on transfer deadline day, but there's nothing I can do about that," said Chadwick. "The only thing I can do about it is what I have done. Play as well as I can and score goals. "I've spoken to both David Moyes and (reserve team coach) Andy Holden. The gist of what I'm hearing from them is that I haven't got anything to worry about. "Whether I see it like that I'm not sure because if the club sign two people in your position around a similar age to yourself you have to start asking questions." Moyes - who will discover this morning whether Richard Wright requires further surgery following an exploratory operation on his left knee last night - had said in his programme notes prior to last weekend's 2-2 draw with Newcastle United that Chadwick remained an important member of the squad. And the striker, who spent a spell on loan at Derby County last season, said: "What the manager said in his programme notes has given me a boost. "I think everybody at the club always does speak well about me. It's just a bit of a concern that it's getting to a time now when these words have got to be put into actions, but I can't let that worry me and I don't think I have. "I've just got to try to continue to play the best I can and make sure that the nice things that are said about me continue and something will hopefully come of that."
* THE Everton Former Players' Foundation is holding a dinner at Wallasey Town Hall in Wirral on Friday, September 26, which will be attended by a host of great names from the club's past.
We'll build you new stadium
By Bill Gleeson And Tony Barrett, Daily Post
Sep 19 2003
ONE of the world's largest construction groups is proposing to build a shared stadium for Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs. Kajima Urban Development, which has built sports grounds and leisure facilities throughout the United States, has already held talks with Liverpool's finance director, Les Wheatley, and Everton's chief executive, Michael Dunford. KUD has linked up with Mersey Docks and Harbour Company and North West property group DTP about constructing a £100m stadium at Central Docks, a 90-acre expanse of disused land one mile north of Liverpool city centre. As well as constructing the stadium, KUD would help finance the development costs. It would guarantee the price of the new stadium that the two clubs would have to pay and any cost overruns would be met by KUD. The construction group would also allow its own assets, worth around $2bn, to be used as collateral to guarantee bank loans raised by the clubs to pay for the stadium. KUD managing director Tom Winter told the Daily Post: "In the case of the stadiums and aquarium in the United States, we guaranteed completion on time and to budget. "We have already looked at the scheme with DTP and Mersey Docks and we are prepared to back that up with guarantees about completion and that should help the two teams in putting their financial backing together." MDHC chief executive Peter Jones (pictured above) said: "If you can get the two clubs together this would be a fantastic opportunity to build an international class stadium for the city.
"People would fly in from around the world to see it and every time there was a match on television showing aerial views, people would see what a great place this was. "It would be a fantastic advert for Merseyside." KUD built the recently opened 70,000-seat stadium for American Football's Philadelphia Eagles. Manchester United played a pre-season friendly against Barcelona there this summer. In 2000, KUD completed a 40,000-seat stadium for the San Francisco Giants, a baseball side. The company has also developed a huge aquarium at Long Beach, in California, and is currently applying for planning permission to construct a similar aquarium attraction as part of a £1.5bn regeneration scheme at Silver-town in East London. KUD is a New York-based subsidiary of Kajima Integrated Development Services, a 160-year-old Japanese construction group operating in 30 countries and employing 16,000 staff. DTP is owned by David Taylor. He was formerly managing director of Salford Quays-based Amec Developments before becoming chief executive of regeneration agency English Partnerships in the early '90s. He joined Stock Market-quoted Enterprise as chief executive, but quit the company in 2000 and now runs his own property develop-ment firm. He is a director of Preston North End Football Club and has over-seen the redevelopment of that club's Deepdale ground. The Central Docks scheme would be looking for public money to cover the cost of a new railway station to be built at Vauxhall between Moorfields and Sandhills stations on Merseyrail's Northern Line. Grants would also cover highway improvements, site clearance and new utility services. The public money is likely to come from Merseyside's European Union-funded Objective 1 programme and the Northwest Development Agency.
Spin-off developments could include residential, commercial, leisure and some retail facilities. Mr Jones predicted that the total development value of the entire site would approach £500m.
Three developers have been shortlisted to redevelop Stanley Dock. They include Tom Bloxham's Urban Splash. Site owner Kitgrove is expected to make a final decision later this year. Outline planning permission for 1,750 flats and commercial use was approved earlier this year for Central Docks, but that did not include a football stadium.
THE STORY OF ANFIELD
PLANS to move away from Anfield were first announced in the autumn of 2000. Two years later, Liverpool FC revealed it was planning to leave Anfield and build a new 55,000 seater stadium, 300 yards away in Stanley Park . But Anfield Regeneration Action Committee has said it will continue to fight the plans, claiming they would have a negative impact on local residents. Liverpool have been looking at plans for a new stadium for some years. The new stadium will seat 16,000 more fans than Anfield, allowing the club to generate an extra £10m to £14m in gate receipts each season, irrespective of whether the club has a good run in Europe. It would allow them to keep up financially with the likes of Manchester United. Anfield first became home to Liverpool FC in 1892 when the club came into being after a boardroom row at Everton, who had used it for the previous eight years.
The Blues moved to Goodison and built a new stadium.
THE STORY OF GOODISON
AFTER spells at Stanley Park, Priory Road, and Anfield, Goodison Park became Everton's permanent home in 1892. The stadium has staged more top flight games than any other ground in England.
The club first lodged an official bid for Kings Dock in October 2000. In April, 2001, Everton are named one of the two most favoured bids for redevelopment. Two months later, English Partnerships confirmed Everton's Kings Arena plan as the preferred developer for Kings Dock.
A battle to win £35m of Euro funding for Kings Dock was launched. In August, 2002 there was a serious setback when it was revealed Everton were struggling to find funding. Everton called reports of a collapse of the Kings Dock plans "idle speculation" but a few months later they did collapse because of spiralling building costs. Last month, Everton admitted to shelving plans for a new stadium indefinitely.
Pistone tips ground-share
Sep 19 2003 By David Prentice Chief Sports Writer
ALESSANDRO PISTONE has experienced the practicalities of sharing a stadium. Everton's Italian defender played a full season with Inter - one half of Europe's most famous ground-share. And Pistone believes that it is the Italians who have it right. "I grew up in an atmosphere where every major city has a shared stadium, so for me it is normal. "I was actually surprised when I came to England with Newcastle and realised that nobody shared. Everyone had their own stadia. To me that didn't seem right or sensible. "But there can be problems. There have been examples of supporters tearing out seats in some stadia in derby matches, because their rivals usually use those seats, even though it is their own stadium. "The fans can create a problem, which is bad, but that is not a common problem. "Although I believe Juventus are actually looking at the possibility now of owning their own stadium, rather than share with Torino." Pistone spent a full season at the famous San Siro, wearing the blue and black of Inter - and explained the novel way the Italian giants got around the logistical problems of ground-sharing. "We have our own individual dressing rooms," he said. "There is one for Inter and one for AC, and whenever Inter were at home the visiting team would use the AC dressing room. It is a system which works very well. "I certainly felt that the San Siro was my stadium. I didn't feel like I was sharing it with anybody else. "They have blue and red seats inside the stadium, but they are split equally between 70,000 people. "As a player you definitely feel like it is your stadium. And obviously with two wealthy clubs involved they are able to make it bigger and better than they would normally be able to afford. "There is certainly not a situation where one club has prior-ity over the other. "It is not really a big deal in Italy."
Nic's not got knack
Sep 19 2003 By David Prentice
NICLAS Alexandersson is a thoroughly decent bloke - polite, courteous and media-friendly. But he'd also put a glass eye to sleep. Think the monotone drone of the schoolteacher in The Wonder Years and you have something approaching his speaking voice, like a man on Mogadon with Horlicks chasers. Sadly the same affliction seemed to creep into Alexandersson's football, which is one- paced, pedantic and ponderous. So his claims this week that "David Moyes didn't want to play me. It was very disappointing, but he has a certain style of play and felt that I didn't fit in," had a hollow ring. That 'style' is about energy, pace and aggression. West Ham fans must hope the equally charismatic Trevor Brooking can find some in the somnambulant Swede. Baby-faced assassin
INTER'S, ahem, hard man Marco Materazzi warned Arsenal this week that he intended to give them "a good kicking!" He added: "I love the manly type of football they play in England. This is football, not the ballet." Yes. That's the same Marco Materazzi who sat against the Goodison Road advertising hoardings and blubbed like a baby when Craig Bellamy kidded the referee into showing the Italian the third and final red card of his brief Everton career. What's Italian for ironic?
Open and shut case
DAVID JONES, the Wolves' boss formerly of this parish, has been summoned by the idiots of the FA to explain why he described Uriah Rennie as "useless." It should be a short meeting. FA: "Why did you call Mr Rennie 'useless.'" Jones (scratching head): "Because he is." Glenn Hoddle must appear before the same fools to explain his comments about Rob Styles. Matt Le Tissier sounded almost surprised when he told Sky TV viewers on Tuesday: "This referee is having a really good game."
It was not a Premiership official. English referees would arguably fare better if they weren't in fear of the spy in the stand. Referees are hindered by the authorities who appoint and police them.
Harsh referees can end diving
Sep 19 2003 By Howard Kendall
THE best way to prevent players diving is to stop dishing out penalties. There have been far too many examples of play-acting earning penalties in the Premiership this season. Last weekend's effort by Robert Pires in the game against Portsmouth was a prime example. It needs to be sorted out. Cheating and diving was prevalent in Spain when I was in charge at Athletic Bilbao. It was a real problem. As a response I am sure many of the referees went out determined not to give a penalty. If more referees shared that attitude in this country you would find players would not go to ground as easily. Obviously, stonewall penalties should be given. But if there is any doubt, referees should not put the whistle to their mouths. So far this season the majority of penalties have been earned through gamesmanship. It makes sense then that if fewer penalties were given, less mistakes would be made. Diving is nothing new. Francis Lee had a reputation for it, earning the oriental nickname Lee-Win-Pen back in the '70s. But it is more prevalent now than ever before and drastic action needs to be taken. Handle with care ARE goalkeepers not as tough as they used to be? Everton's Richard Wright has been sidelined once again by a knee problem and Liverpool's Chris Kirkland has been dogged by injury problems since his arrival at Anfield. It is a far cry from the '70s and '80s, when the likes of Ray Clemence, Neville Southall and Bruce Grobbelaar rarely missed a game. I recall signing two keepers for the Blues during the '80s, Fred Barber and Gerry Peyton, as cover for Big Nev. Neither player made a senior appearance. Nowadays, clubs need three or even four keep-ers to make sure they are not caught out by injuries. But it is unfair to suggest players are going soft. The reality is that keepers train harder than ever before. They may not work hard physically on a matchday, but they don't half make up for it in the week. For that reason, it is no surprise injuries are more common now. No need to vilify Neill LUCAS NEILL'S bad challenge on Jamie Carragher has led to a debate about the disciplinary system. There have been calls that the punishment should fit the crime. I have even heard a suggestion that a player who injures an opponent should be suspended for as long as his victim is out.It is terrible to see a player suffering a broken leg and I wish Jamie a full and quick recovery. But I do have some sympathy for Lucas.
Yes, it was a very bad challenge, but I do not think it was intentional. It brought back memories of Gary Stevens' challenge on Jim Beglin which left the Liverpool player nursing a horrific injury which ended his career. Liverpool were incensed by the challenge, but Gary did not mean to inflict the harm he did and was gutted about what happened. Gary was a good, honest pro and the incident with Beglin was just two players going for a 50/50 ball. It was the same last weekend. Neill deserves to be punished. But he does not deserve to be vilified. Only the player himself will know if it was deliberate. I suspect it wasn't, and so Neill does not deserve a harsher punishment than would be dished out for any other instant red card.
Fully fit Ferguson is a true asset
Sep 19 2003 By Scott Mcleod Everton Correspondent
AFTER almost a decade spent avoiding the media it is hard to know where the real Duncan Ferguson ends and the legend begins. Since his first arrival on Merseyside in 1994 the big Scot has preferred to keep his own counsel, dodging journalists and only occasionally talking to official club publications. Because of that reluctance to indulge in interviews, the public perception of the player is almost entirely based on what he gets up to on the football pitch. And in recent years, that has been very little - thanks to a succession of injuries and his drop down the pecking order.
But another Blues legend insists the image Ferguson has been given is unfair and that it is wrong to assume his best years are behind him. Dave Watson was the skipper at Goodison when Joe Royle swooped to sign Ferguson from Ibrox for £4m nine years ago. He has played alongside him, coached him and managed him. He knows the real Ferguson. And he believes the striker's impressive display as a substitute against Newcastle last weekend was evidence of why the player deserves more credit than he has received for the problems he has had to overcome in recent years. "Duncan has struggled with his injuries and that can be really frustrating. But as a result he has had a lot of questions asked about him," said Watson. "He has not done much with the press, so he has never been able to respond. Maybe his image doesn't reflect it but he is a good fella. "I know the lad and I know what he has been through. "I know how hard it is to over-come persistent injury problems because I had enough of my own. "I always liked knowing he was on our side when I was playing, put it that way. "He is a good guy to have around the dressing room as well as on the pitch and you cannot question his commitment." Watson believes that commitment has allowed Ferguson to bounce back from the spinal operation last year which threatened his career. He went under the knife in a bid to finally solve the problems which have dogged him for much of his career and which have restricted him to just 158 appearances in a Blue shirt from a possible 325 games. A year on, and with a full pre-season behind him, Watson is hoping to see the striker recreate the form which made him a hero. Away from the white-hot atmosphere of Goodison, Ferguson's resurgence will be tested at Middlesbrough on Sunday. Too often the player has threatened to produce the goods on a consistent basis only to suffer another injury setback or a dip in form. "He is a great motivator for the team but if you are carrying injuries you are going to struggle," adds Watson. "That is what has happened to Duncan. He has not been fully fit for a long time, that has been clear when he has played in games. "He has tried to get through games when maybe he has not been fully fit. "But if you can get Duncan 100 per cent and firing on all cylinders he will be awesome. He can be great for Everton in the way he was when he first came to the club. "He can give the side another dimension and offers something very different to the other strikers at the club. "The lads who train with him will tell you what a good footballer he is. It is important not to get sucked into just hitting the ball long, but with Duncan in the teamhe does give a side that option if there is nothing else on. "When you are up against it, that can help a team. Now he is fit he can add competition for places and put pressure on the other lads."
* THE Everton Former Players Foundation is holding a dinner with Blues legends of the recent past at Wallasey Town Hall in Birkenhead on Friday, September 26. Colin Harvey, Derek Mountfield, Gary Stevens, Andy Hinchcliffe, Earl Barrett and Barry Horne will be among the guests.
Wright injury boost
Sep 19 2003 By Scott Mcleod Everton Correspondent
RICHARD WRIGHT could be back battling Nigel Martyn for a first team place within three weeks.
The England International goalkeeper underwent an exploratory operation last night on the knee injury which he sustained at Charlton last month. Manager David Moyes has revealed there was no major problem and the keeper should return to training after a couple of weeks of rest. Moyes said: "The operation revealed no serious damage to the knee. “A couple of floating pieces of bone had to be removed but it was nothing too serious. "That is good news but now Richard needs to give the knee some rest and he should be better in a couple of weeks." Wright will be replaced by new signing Martyn for Sunday's trip to Middlesbrough. It will be the 37-year-old's first start for the club after coming on as a substitute in last weekend 's home draw with Newcastle. Meanwhile, Francis Jeffers and Steve Watson missed training today. Jeffers has got a minor back strain and Watson is suffering from illness but the manager has not yet ruled either player out for Sunday's match. Wayne
Rooney, who went off injured against Newcastle, has been training since Wednesday and will be in the squad for Sunday's match. The referee for the trip to the Riverside is Alan Wiley. He is the individual who sparked controversy last season as the fourth official for Everton's game at Arsenal.
Wiley was heard warning the referee: "Keep an eye on Ferguson." However, Everton are not concerned about the official taking charge of Sunday's match.
Construction giant in stadium talks
Sep 19 2003 by Neil Hodgson, Liverpool Echo
A JAPANESE construction giant has had talks with Everton and Liverpool over a shared stadium.
Officials from Kajima Urban Development have spoken to Liverpool's finance director Les Wheatley and Everton's chief executive Michael Dunford. Yesterday the ECHO revealed that Liverpool council wants the clubs to discuss the prospect of sharing a stadium. Both clubs need a new ground.
Everton lost out on its plan to move to the Kings Dock and is on the look-out for an alternative site, while Liverpool will make its planning application for a new stadium at Stanley Park next month.
With the Anfield proposals already at an advanced stage it is possible the clubs could be asked to consider sharing at Stanley Park. But an alternative would be the site between Stanley and Waterloo docks to the north of the city where land owners the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board want to redevelop 90 acres of disused land. Kajima, which has built a number of sports stadia in the US, is involved with MDHS and North West property group DTP on regenerating the land opposite the Stanley tobacco warehouse. As well as constructing the stadium, KUD would help finance the development costs. It would guarantee the price of the new stadium that the two clubs would have to pay and any cost overruns would be met by KUD. The construction group would also allow its own assets, worth around $2bn, to be used as collateral to guarantee bank loans raised by the clubs to pay for the stadium. KUD managing director Tom Winter said: "We have already looked at the scheme with DTP and Mersey Docks and we are prepared to back that up with guarantees about completion and that should help the two teams in putting their financial backing together." MDHC chief executive Peter Jones said: "If you can get the two clubs together this would be a fantastic opportunity to build an international class stadium for the city. "People would fly in from around the world to see it and every time there was a match on television showing aerial views, people would see what a great place this was. "It would be a fantastic advert for Merseyside." KUD is a New York-based subsidiary of Kajima Integrated Development Services, a 160-year-old Japanese construction group operating in 30 countries and employing 16,000 staff. It is hoped the stadium development would spark further regeneration of the surrounding area, including the grade ll listed Tobacco Warehouse at Stanley Dock, the world's largest brick-built structure. Spin-off developments could include residential, commercial, leisure and some retail facilities. Mr Jones predicted that the total development value of the entire site would approach £500m.
Reds' stadium may face two-year inquiry delay
By Bill Gleeson Daily Post Staff
Sep 20 2003
LIVERPOOL Football Club's proposal to build a new stadium at Stanley Park could face a two-year delay or even rejection because of problems gaining planning permission. The plan for a 60,000-seat stadium to replace the Reds' existing Anfield home appears to contradict Liverpool City Council's guidance contained in its Unitary Development Plan. According to the UDP, Stanley Park has been included in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens by the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission. It is registered Grade ll by reason of its layout, features and architectural ornaments. The document adds: "The city council will take positive action to protect the character and setting of the historic parks, gardens and cemeteries. "The council will not grant planning permission for development in or adjacent to an historic park, garden or cemetery which will adversely affect their character or setting. "(It) will resist development for uses not related to their original function." The UDP is submitted to central government and is used as a benchmark for planning decisions taken by Whitehall. Despite this planning guidance, Liverpool City Council has been a keen advocate of the plan to build a stadium at Stanley Park though the Government could throw out the stadium plans altogether. A spokesman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said yesterday that any changes to the UDP would need the agreement of his department and, since it involved an historic facility, could also require approval from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. He added that any large development could be "called in" for a full-scale public inquiry conducted by a Whitehall-appointed inspector and warned that process could take two years to complete. Whitehall reviews schemes once they have won local authority planning permission.
If the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister calls in the scheme, its inspector will apply what is known as the sequential test. This seeks to establish whether there are any suitable brownfield sites that could be used in preference to greenfield ones. A spokesman for Liverpool City Council said: "As far as we are concerned at the moment, there is only one credible venue for a new football ground of the size envisaged and that's Stanley Park. Clearly this makes the case for a shared stadium more compelling as there is nowhere else for a shared stadium." But Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry was concentrating on Liverpool's own plans last night. He said: "We've spent millions so far in putting together a robust and deliverable project, but the timescales are now absolutely critical.
"It's vital for the City of Culture programme that the stadium is open for the start of the 2006-07 season so work can be completed on the Anfield Plaza and associated projects. We need to start building in 2004." Everton responded to Mr Parry's comments with a terse statement on their club website. It said that Everton Football Club "noted with interest" the suggestion by Liverpool City Council for a ground-share proposal. Everton was also currently considering its own new stadium options. Japanese property developer Kajima Urban Development, which has constructed major sports stadia and other leisure developments throughout the United States, has proposed an alternative site for a joint stadium at Central Docks on Liverpool's waterfront.
One ground makes sense, says Sir Terry
Daily Post
Sep 20 2003
EVERTON fan Sir Terry Leahy said last night that a ground share with Liverpool warranted a serious discussion for financial reasons. On a visit to his home city, the chief executive of Tesco (pictured) said he was pleased that Liverpool City Council had taken a lead in investigating the possibility of a ground share because of the possible financial merits for both clubs. "If there are one or two solid ingredients in place a ground share could be a valid option. It is a great site and if they can sign a developer with a proven track record and secure the financing then it could be a good business move for the clubs. "It is very challenging to develop a club alone - look at Arsenal - and ground share has proved very successful in Europe. Although it is not ideal in terms of timing for the clubs because they are at different stages of development, one thing I have learned in business is that if a good opportunity comes along you just have to take it." Sir Terry was in Liverpool to officially open the new office in the Corn Exchange of stockbrokers Shore Capital. In a major move to expand its reach throughout the UK, Shore Capital has chosen Liverpool as its centre for stockbroking research and institutional sales.
Middlesbrough 1, Everton 0 (D, Post)
Sep 22 2003 Andy Hunter Reports From The Riverside, Daily Post
WITH A belated first win of the season under his belt Steve McClaren could ignore the blind linesman at The Riverside. David Moyes, however, cannot avoid the dangers of deaf footballers much longer. For the countless occasion since a dismal display at the same stadium gave him the Everton job, Moyes had to wait 45 minutes before his team kicked off yesterday. The Blues manager admits he has grown sick and tired of his players only listening to his half-time verbal volleys and not the first whistle in too many contests. Maybe they should be put on half pay to ease the Goodison cash crisis, but the bottom line is that until his instructions are followed to the letter last season's achievements cannot hope to be repeated. Moyes' men were lauded for turning a record number of deficits into triumphs last term yet, on the evidence of this, that says just as much about their sluggish nature as their determination and collective spirit. An impressive second half recovery showed those assets are intact but it was too little too late and a start to a season described as "okay" by the Blues manager on Friday is now, with three defeats from six games, a poor one.
Crawling out of the traps is not the only problem yet to be rectified, however. Defensive lapses are continuing to haunt this campaign in its infancy too. A collectively poor display piled the pressure on the Blues' backline yesterday and while they are not guilty of glaring errors, they are prone to lapses in concentration in the wrong places, at the wrong times and are being punished accordingly.
Moyes' gave the players, who he admitted under-performed against Newcastle, an immediate opportunity to redeem themselves when he selected an identical starting line-up. In that respect they let him down woefully. There was a promising start - it lasted all of six minutes - but then the Blues were unforgivably second-best to a poor Middlesbrough team whose solitary point before kick off came in a goalless draw at Leicester. Even worse is the fact they allowed themselves to be 'out-Evertoned', if such a horrible word existed. A key factor in last season's Goodison revival was the relentless work-rate encouraged by Moyes, with lost causes always pursued and opponents hunted down in packs. It was again in evidence at The Riverside, but only from those in red as the Blues were criminally negligent before the break. Maybe it's something about the former Cellnet stadium that scares Everton stiff. Their first half display was reminiscent of the FA Cup performance that signalled the end for Walter Smith and only poor finishing and a generous linesman prevented them facing a similar 3-0 scoreline at the interval. This was billed a must-win match for Steve McClaren and with star midfielder Gaizka Mendieta ruled out with a calf injury the visitors looked well-equipped to capitalise on the pressure Middlesbrough were undoubtedly under. But after a purposeful start they were again undone when they switched off at the back. Problems began with a needless short corner that once lost put the Blues on the back foot as Boro raced forward in numbers. Then, just as the breakaway seemed covered, George Boateng sent Malcolm Christie clear with a simple through ball, Alan Stubbs kept him onside and Joseph-Desire Job beat Joseph Yobo to stab the striker's free cross home. Middlesbrough were clearly fighting for their manager and Everton were offering little resistance. The travelling substitutes were sent out for their first warm-up after just 17 minutes, while their team-mates on the other side of the line were torn wide open by Jonathan Greening and Bolo Zenden down the flanks. Yobo and Stubbs both failed to punish the loose ball that dropped at their feet following a Thomas Gravesen free-kick on 23 minutes, while Job should have converted a clearer chance when he sent a free header looping over from Zenden's inviting cross. The Blues were second best to almost every challenge as the home side threatened to run riot and their distribution was also second rate. The phrase 'lucky to still be in the game' can be open to conjecture at times. But not here, as Everton somehow survived a clear second goal seven minutes before the break when Franck Queudrue headed home a Zenden corner off the underside of the bar. The fact the ball dropped behind Tony Hibbert who was standing on the goal-line should have given the referee's assistant some idea of where it landed but, incredibly, play was waved on. With the home crowd still seething in first half stoppage time Wayne Rooney should have added insult to injury when he started a rare flowing move from the Blues. But having arrived in time for the return from Tomasz Radzinski's cross the 17-year-old miscued completely and the chance went begging. Rooney was nowhere near his magical best yesterday, either in front of goal or as the creative foil once Duncan Ferguson joined the fray. Another harsh early booking, lending more credence to Moyes' assertion that referees are only too keen to brandish a yellow for his first indiscretion, didn't help matters but ultimately his obvious frustration stemmed from Everton failing to find the equaliser their recovery merited. The teenager thought he'd levelled within a minute of the restart when he smacked home substitute Lee Carsley's header at the second attempt only for the midfielder to be adjudged offside. That set the tone for an admirable response from the Blues. It was the least they could do, yet still it wasn't enough to prevent a third defeat of the season. Radzinski (left) glanced a neat header just over with Mark Schwarzer rooted to his line and sent another effort into the sidenetting in the 69th minute. The Canadian's involvement should never have been necessary, however, after a fine move ended with Hibbert's deep cross hitting Boateng and rolling across the goalmouth to Carsley. But from six yards out he sliced a golden opportunity wide, and Radzinski had no chance of converting the follow-up. For the second game in succession Ferguson delivered a purposeful and intelligent contribution as a late substitute. He was unlucky that one Rooney-inspired break hit his midriff in the 76th minute, and even more unfortunate two minutes from time when a towering header from Thomas Gravesen's corner was stopped on the line by Szilard Nemeth. In between Rooney wasted a great chance to equalise when, having stepped inside Queudrue, he opted to beat a second defender instead of shooting and was foiled by an outstretched boot. An unseemly spat between the respective benches broke out in the final seconds when, having thrown the ball out for a suspected injury to Rooney, Middlesbrough were incensed that Everton failed to give possession back. In reality Gravesen did offer Boro the ball back but Zenden unwittingly charged his pass down and played on. Becoming the latest team accused of gamesmanship was the least of Moyes' worries yesterday though.
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Mills, Cooper, Southgate, Queudrue; Greening (Ricketts, 75 mins), Boateng, Doriva, Zenden; Job (Riggott, 80 mins), Christie (Nemeth, 84 mins). Subs: Nash, Juninho.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Martyn; Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Naysmith; Watson (Carsley, 46 mins), Gravesen, Linderoth (Ferguson, 69 mins), Kilbane (McFadden, 78 mins); Rooney, Radzinski. Subs: Turner, Pistone.
BOOKINGS: Everton's Watson, Rooney, Kilbane (fouls), Middlesbrough's Mills, Greening (foul)
REFEREE: Alan Wiley
ATTENDANCE: 28,113
I'm sick of this - Moyes
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 22 2003
DAVID MOYES admits he is sick of having to rally his team with half-time blasts after Everton slumped to defeat at Middlesbrough yesterday. The Blues manager believed his side deserved a point for a dominant second-half display at The Riverside. But he was ultimately left rueing another of the sluggish starts which he insists are undermining Everton's start to the new campaign. Joseph-Desire Job pounced in the sixth minute to give Middlesbrough their first win of the season and spark a poor first-half performance from the Blues, who have taken only five points from their opening six games. They would have been two goals down by the break had a header by Franck Queudrue that struck the crossbar and bounced over the line been spotted by referee Alan Wiley or his assistant.
And Moyes said: "I'm getting sick of it and we need to do something about it. "It's got nothing to do with heightened expectations or finding things more difficult this season, it's just down to starting well and winning games. "The first half simply wasn't good enough. You saw what they could do in the second half, there was a massive supremacy there, but we didn't get the goal we needed and we lost a goal from our first corner down to bad play. "Middlesbrough were up for the challenge but we gave them all the encouragement they needed to go for it. "We did enough to get something out of the game in the second half but obviously not the first. "In fact, we were fortunate not to go in two-nil down at the break." Moyes continued: "We got lucky with the header that seemed to go over the line and we could have been further out the game at that point." The Blues manager was also furious with another costly defensive lapse when Malcolm Christie was played onside in the build-up to Job's winner. "Our centre-backs did well today although one could have done much better for their goal when he tried to play offside and it was never an offside situation," he said.
Moyes and Steve McClaren were involved in an angry exchange in stoppage time when the Middlesbrough manager accused Everton of not returning the ball to his side following an injury to Wayne Rooney. But the Blues manager said: "It was nothing at the end, just a misunderstanding after Thomas Gravesen tried to give them the ball back and it was charged down by one of their players. That's all." Asked whether he had thought Everton had been trying to hold onto possession or had been angered by Rooney attempting to win a penalty, McClaren said: "Several things annoyed me in the game and I got irate, and that was just one of many incidents when I did today.
"It was something which everybody saw and you make your own judgements on that. "These things happen in football. It's a passionate game and everybody's tempers get frayed at times, but it was quickly defused and we shook hands at the end." Moyes added: "Tommy went to kick the ball back to their goalkeeper and one of their players closed him down. It made it looked as though we had instructed him to keep possession which was nonsense. "The player wanted to kick it into their box, and the player's closed him down, so it was rather difficult to kick it there." McClaren continued: "In the first half we played very well, played some great football and after that we needed a second goal, but when we did get it from Franck's header unfortunately the linesman didn't see it had crossed the line."
Fans forum
By Danny Gordon, Daily Post
Sep 22 2003
EVERTON were truly awful in the first half of this crucial match. Although they improved greatly after the break, at no time did they reach the level of performance they are capable of. The first half was as poor as the infamous cup debacle against the same opposition 18 months ago. That match finally saw Bill Kenwright lose patience with Walter Smith. There's no chance of the manager losing his job this time but nevertheless questions must be asked as to why the players needed a half-time rocket before they finally decided to make a match of it. There seemed to be a real lack of desire and will to win the game, which is not something you can normally say about David Moyes' Everton teams. Only one shot on target in 45 minutes against a side whose confidence was rock bottom before the game shows how bad Everton were. And the goal the Blues conceded was simply dreadful. Greening should never have been allowed to cross the ball and then Yobo (pictured) reacted too slowly to stop Job from scoring. The second half was much better but still very frustrating. Everton dominated possession but woeful finishing let them down, but at least we created enough chances to win the game easily. I believe Francis Jeffers and Kevin Campbell are the best natural finishers at the club and I'd like to see them back together in attack at the earliest opportunity. The added advantage to that would see Wayne Rooney back on the bench. His performance in this game showed he's not yet ready to mix it every week with top-class defenders like Gareth Southgate. For now he's better coming off the bench with 30 minutes to go. I can see James McFadden being used to similar effect. It's not a crisis yet but a good cup victory in midweek against Stockport will give everyone a lift.
Middlesbrough 1, Everton 0 (Echo)
Sep 22 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
THERE was proof at the Riverside Stadium yesterday that the cavalry doesn't always save the day.
Battered and bewildered after a dismal first-half performance against Steve McClaren's men, Everton boss David Moyes rallied his troops at half-time and inspired a far better display from his boys after the break. But it was not enough to cancel out Joseph-Desire Job's early goal and salvage a point on an afternoon when the quality didn't match the endeavour. Not even Duncan Ferguson (pictured), fast becoming Everton's latest supersub, could make the difference. The sight of the big Scot charging onto a football field in the royal blue of Everton has always been welcomed by a roar of approval. It was no different here, when for the second consecutive week he was called on to lead a three-pronged attack. It is a ploy which worked well against Newcastle at Goodison and earned a hard-fought point. It should have worked here too. But the fact such a change was required at all will infuriate the Goodison chief. He should not be having to call out the cavalry every week - he certainly shouldn't be having to do it against a side like Middlesbrough. The arrival of Lee Carsley, James McFadden and Fergie in the second period helped transform the fortunes of the visitors. But the inquest into this defeat will not revolve around how Everton somehow contrived to miss the handful of glorious opportunities they created in the second period. It will centre on how they produced such a lacklustre, soulless display in the opening half. The midfield was overrun, with Steve Watson struggling with illness on the right of midfield and Thomas Gravesen failing to impose himself on the game. As a result, the home side enjoyed the lion's share of possession and fully merited their half-time advantage. Moyes insisted this week that there is never a good or bad time to be playing any side in the Premiership. His argument was that the quality of all the clubs in the top division meant that, regardless of their recent form, they remained a threat.
But you couldn't help thinking that had the Toffees played this match a week earlier then it would have a been a very different Boro side and - as a result - a very different outcome. A 2-0 defeat against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium proved the final straw for Steve McClaren, who made sweeping changes for this match to ensure the Blues were not faced by the shot-shy, defensively susceptible outfit which had shipped 12 goals in five games. The first half proved a tortuous affair for Everton's travelling fans. Malcolm Christie and Job were proving a real handful. And it was they who combined for the opening goal of the game after just six minutes. Everton failed to make the most of a corner and within seconds they found themselves under pressure at the opposite end.
George Boateng probed forward down the right, cut inside to avoid the attentions of Alan Stubbs and slipped a neat ball into the path of Christie as the forward capitalised on the gaping chasmin the Everton defence. With the Blues' backline stretched, Christie was played onside by Stubbs wide on the left. He darted into the penalty area and pulled a low cross back into the six yard box which Job scooped in from close range. It was the perfect start for the home side, who had been desperate to avoid a nervous opening. With that strike the confidence came flooding back for Boro. Down the left Franck Queudrue was linking well with Boudewijn Zenden. That could have had a bearing on the half-time substitution from Moyes, who removed Steve Watson from the right side of midfield to be replaced by Lee Carsley. The alarm bell should have sounded for Everton in the 15th minute when a Zenden corner from the left was headed narrowly over by Queudrue. The lesson was not heeded and when Zenden sent another corner over from that side six minutes before the interval the French full-back connected once again. This time the ball found the target, hitting the underside of the crossbar and appearing to land over the line before Tony Hibbert launched the ball clear.
On second viewing, the goal should have been given. But it is about time a poor decision from a match official actually counted in Everton's favour. After that let-off for Everton finally seemed to wake them from their slumber. Having failed to trouble Mark Schwarzer in the 45 minutes of normal time in the opening period, Rooney was presented with a glorious opportunity to level deep in injury time. Radzinski scampered down the right flank and dragged a low cross into the area for Rooney. The 17-year-old's usually impeccable timing deserted him for a moment and his attempted half-volley merely connected with fresh air as the ball skipped between his legs. No doubt a rollicking from the manager at the interval can explain the transformation. They even had the ball in the net within two minutes, only for it to be ruled out for offside. A long ball from the left picked out Carsley at the back post. But as he headed a pass into the path of Rooney, who rifled home at the second time of asking from close range, the linesman's flag went up. The fact the boys in blue did not argue too much about the decision suggested that, for once, the linesman had got it right.
Bar for a couple of heart-in-mouth moments when the experience of Nigel Martyn had to be utilised, the majority of the second half was spent with Everton in possession. It may not have been cultured at times, but it was gutsy. And it deserved to provide a lifeline. But luck was proving elusive, as Carsley's scuffed effort from close range midway through the half proved. Having failed to connect his head with Hibbert's cross, it seemed the chance had gone begging. But the ball bounced back into his path off Boateng, only for the sub to miss the target. And so Moyes called for the cavalry. Duncan Ferguson entered the fray in place of Tobias Linderoth in the 70th minute and the Blues switched to 4-3-3. The attacking triumvirate combined with 13 minutes remaining, Rooney losing Queudrue and scampering 35 yards before squaring a low ball into the area for Radzinski. With his back to goal, the Canadian attempted to lay it off for Ferguson but the ball wouldn't sit down for the big striker and the opportunity was gone. And the frustration intensified moments later when Radzinski delivered a ball from the left which Ferguson dummied, enabling Rooney to take possession. He evaded Queudrue only to find Boateng in his path as he lined up a shot and the chance was lost. The match followed minutes later. Not even a towering Dunc header could prevent that outcome. With two minutes of normal time remaining he powered a header goalwards from a Gravesen corner. It flew beyond Mark Schwarzer but Szilard Nemeth was on the line to head to safety.
Time for a Merseyside San Siro
Sep 22 2003 Merseyside Academic Professor Alan Harding Puts The Arguments For Ground-Sharing
THE announcement that Liverpool city council is asking the city's football clubs to come together for a summit on whether to share a ground is great news. Liverpool's two footballing giants have been sending clear signals to their fans for some time that Goodison and Anfield are set to become distant memories. But the idea of sharing a single Merseyside super-stadium has been kept firmly off the agenda. Will it stay that way? Your guess is as good as mine, but here are five reasons why the clubs should give the option serious consideration. First, ground sharing can and does work. Granted we have seen some less than successful partnerships in English football in recent years. But in no case have two clubs, operating as equals, combined forces to build a new stadium. Instead, one club has become another's tenant, forced into a shotgun marriage because they were Temporarily homeless. We should not be looking to the Crystal Palaces and Wimbledons for good examples of cohabitation, but to Italy. How about the experience of Genoa and Sampdoria, or Roma and Lazio, who have shared a stadium happily for many years? Even more relevant are AC Milan and Internazionale. Football clubs don't come much bigger and you have to travel a long way to find supporters as passionate in their rivalry as the Milanese. And yet the two clubs share the magnificent San Siro stadium without there being so much as a hint that their independence is compromised. Why couldn't the same happen in Liverpool? Second, it makes more sense in terms of planning and transportation to go for one stadium rather than two. Football grounds, more than ever, are huge undertakings and an enormous amount of work needs to go into assembling land, getting planning permission, ensuring safety and putting in the infrastructure that guarantees fans can get to and from games quickly and economically. Why go through this rigmarole twice if there is an opportunity to do it once? Third, there is something unique in the Liverpool air that makes its football clubs ideal candidates for partnership. For all their intense rivalry, there is a long and proud tradition of tolerance and camaraderie between the two sets of supporters. The idea that Arsenal and Tottenham, or Celtic and Rangers, should move in together would rightly be laughed out of court. But is it really so daft in the case of Merseysiders? Fourth, it would obviously be cheaper for the clubs to build and maintain one ground rather than two. New stadiums are staggeringly expensive, just ask Arsenal - and no-one makes the decision to up sticks lightly. But both clubs have already decided to write off the investment they have sunk into their historic homes and follow the path blazed by the likes of Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Manchester City. As has happened in other parts of the city, the docks, the city centre, Speke-Garston, Liverpool's football facilities need redesigning for the 21st century. Will it really make that much difference to the fans if they end up at the same ground on alternate weeks? The money the clubs could save by building one stadium could be used to try and establish the footballing dynasties that are needed to challenge the unmentionables along the M62. Seen like this, ground-sharing is a potential boost to the prosperity of both clubs and something that can help guarantee, rather than threaten, their independence.
Finally, and most important, the clubs have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine their strengths for the good of the city as well as themselves. Building one new stadium would not only cut costs but also enable the clubs to go for something bolder and more imaginative than either could contemplate alone. Together they could build some-thing of national and international importance and send a message to the world about the city's place in the global game. The stadiums of the future will not just be about football. Gone are the days when clubs were happy to see their biggest fixed asset lay empty 98% of the time. Look at what has happened around the country.
In the last couple of years I've visited Pride Park, the Stadium of Light and the JJB Stadium and on none of these occasions did I see anyone in sports gear. They were all hosting conferences.
If Everton and Liverpool go for separate grounds, they will set themselves up in competition for all the extra-curricular activities that go alongside modern football. But if they move in together they'll get a far bigger bang for their bucks. Restaurants, bars, fitness centres, conference suites, community facilities, merchandising outlets, a hotel, a museum of football - the possibilities are endless, but they'll come together best within one venue. And how often have we moaned about the way Wembley, without even trying, dominated the national and international football calendar? Anfield and Goodison, even Old Trafford, were never able to break the soccer strangle-hold of London. Now that the "national" stadium is out of action, all the plum games are being played in Wales, for goodness' sake. A Merseyside super-stadium would have the best chance of breaking the monopoly of the capital, with all the benefits that would bring. In fact, if Liverpool could get its "Wembley of the North" up and running fast enough, why bother with a new Wembley in the south?
Hats off to Liverpool council for putting the ground-share option back on the agenda. The city's two great football clubs have one chance to break with the old, inward-looking tribalism and go for truly radical change. If they do not take it, the issue is dead for another century at least. If they do, they - and the city - might never look back. nProf. Alan Harding is co-director of the Centre for Sustainable Urban and Regional Futures, a research group at the University of Salford which special ises in urban and regional regeneration. He lives in Aigburth and writes here in a personal capacity.
Moyes and McClaren play down bust-up
Sep 22 2003 Liverpool Echo
RIVAL managers Steve McClaren and David Moyes attempted to play down a bust-up during Middlesbrough's 1-0 victory over Everton. The pair clashed after Wayne Rooney tumbled in the penalty area and needed treatment. Boro put the ball out for a throw and when Thomas Gravesen attempted to return it upfield, his clearance was charged down by Boudewijn Zenden. There followed a heated, finger-jabbing confrontation on the touch-line between McClaren and Moyes (pictured) which ended with the managers being kept apart by a steward. Asked whether he had thought Everton had been trying to hold onto possession or had been angered by Rooney attempting to win a penalty, McClaren said: "Several things annoyed me in the game and I got irate, and that was just one of many incidents when I did. "It was something which everybody saw and you make your own judgements on that. "These things happen in football. It's a passionate game and every-body's tempers get frayed at times, but it was quickly defused and we shook hands at the end." Moyes said afterwards: "Tommy went to kick the ball back to their goalkeeper and one of their players closed him down. It made it look as though we had instructed him (to keep possession) which was absolute nonsense. "The player wanted to kick it into their box, and the player's closed him down, so it was rather difficult to kick it there." Joseph-Desire Job's early strike was enough for Middlesbrough to record their first Barclaycard Premiership victory of the season, and it should have been 2-0 when Franck Queudrue headed a corner against the underside of the bar and over the line only for the assistant referee to fail to spot it. McClaren added: "Getting your first win was never going to be easy, never going to be pretty, and we had to dig in, but it was very, very important to get the first win." Moyes accepted he will have to change Everton's approach to the game which has seen them start each match poorly. He said: "I thought in the second half we had done enough to get something from the game, but we were not in it in the first half, we were not good enough.
"We were fortunate not to be two goals down - as far as I know the ball crossed the line, so we got a bit lucky there - but you saw what we could do in the second half, it was massive supremacy." Moyes also held Alan Stubbs to blame for the goal, saying: "Overall the two centre-backs played very well, but one of them could have done much better for the goal when he played everybody onside."
Diego tips Roo for top
Sep 22 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
DIEGO MARADONA, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, has described Everton's Wayne Rooney as a jewel. The former Argentinian international has been impressed with what he has seen of the Blues' rising star. He said of the 17-year-old: "From what I have seen of him he is a special talent and one that the English should cherish. "They don't come along that often, players who can go on and become real world-class stars." But while Maradona has tipped Rooney to go on to greatness, he has warned that the youngster should not succumb to the pressures of being a star.
He added: "I know when I was making it in football the pressure was immense. "It is one thing having talent, but another handling the pressure that comes with it. "I would have sleepless nights worrying about how I would perform because I wasn't allowed to have a bad day. "When you are special a lot is expected of you. "When you are 16 or 17 you need a lot of strong people around you to take the burden of the pressure away. You have to draw strength from other s because the expectations can destroy you as well." Meanwhile, Lee Carsley believes Everton would have left Middlesbrough with a victory had the chances they created in the second half fallen to the right people. The 29-year-old is angry he squandered two gilt-edged opportunities after coming on as a half-time substitute at the Riverside. "If the chances had gone to the right people then perhaps it would have ended differently," he said. "I had a couple myself and if it had been Wayne on the end of them instead of me it would have been a different story." Carsley's arrival as a half-time replacement for Steve Watson proved the catalyst for a much improved performance from the Blues. "I would normally expect to finish chances like that to be honest but the more games I play the sharper my finishing will be," he added candidly. "A half-chance as good as that doesn't come along very often in the Premiership." Carsley insists the Blues cannot afford to take so long to get into their stride in matches in future. He adds: "Last season we did well because we outfought people, won the battles and earned the right to play. We didn't do that here until after 60 minutes.
"We did more than enough to deserve the win but we couldn't do the toughest thing, which is putting the ball in the net. That proved very costly."
Ground move - your text messages
Sep 22 2003
Here are the text messages you sent in to the Blue Watch service over latest moves for Liverpool and Everton to share a ground EFC a Board of cheapjacks + a team a of non league players dressed in EFC shirts.APPALLING springs to mind. Steve Huyton
SHARE WITH THE REDS? I WUDNT SHARE DAYLITE WITH A RED, LET ALONE A GROUND! (A.NOLAN. Walton) never! I'd rather share a bell with ian brady. The people from the people's club would never share with our nationwide neighbours. P. Merrall
GOOD IDEA TO GROUND SHARE ON A BROWNFIELD SITE
Re ground share: NO! NO! NO! Jen Tierney Southport re groundshare: 2 teams playing league, F.A., Carling cup and european games week in week out in all weathers? I'd pity the groundstaff if it ever
this city has ALWAYS needed multipurpose stadium. The "prawn sarnie" brigade jumping on bandwagon to make them look good for 2008! They're not rea no sharing. Its only everton+goodison. Let the reds sink or swim on their own.
AS A STRONG BLUE SUPPORTER. I WOULD RATHER SHARE A GROUND WITH MAN U THAN LIVERPOOL. EFC ARE THE PRIDE OF MERSEYSIDE. LFC ARE THE PRIDE OF CHEATING.
all 4 ground move bluenose Anfield yes it makes sense.
IVE BEEN A BLUE SINCE THE WOMB AND I SAY SHARE . GRAHAM DEVINE NETHERTON
L"pool will never build on Stanly! Toffees dont have the muny 2 build their own. Both clubs should sit an talk about a world class stadium. We deserve 1!
there is no city in the world more suited to a shared stadium,many red's and blue's even share a house. Mr A MILLER,TOWER HILL,KIRKBY
IF EVERTON CAN'T BUY A £10 MILLION POUND PLAYER HOW CAN WE AFFORD 2 BUILD A STADIUM OF OUR OWN.SO GROUND SHARE MAKES A LOT OF SENSE.WHO AGREES WITH ME?
YES WE SHOULD.IM A TWIN AGE 67 HE IS RED IM BLUE.I BET IN M.SIDE THERE IS NOT ONE FAMILY WHO R 1OO PER CENT RED OR BLUE.THEY WILL DIFFER YES YES GO 4 IT.
WHY DONT WE GO THE WHOLE WAY AND MERGE THE 2 GREAT CLUBS INTO ONE. MAYBE CALL THE TEAM "EVERPOOL" DONT BE SO STUPID! RE-DEVELOP GOODISON! STE.
ask any milan fan they hate shareng - lazio want there own grnd - when they play Roma theres mass riots-the days of the all mside cup finals r l
AT ONE END DIXIE DEAN STATUE AND AT OTHER END SHANKLY GATES.SIMPLE. SI. LPOOL 15.
WHO R CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE.ANSWER AC MILAN,SO SHARING SAN SIRO WITH INTER DIDNT DO THEM ANY HARM.SI.LPOOL 15. COME ON BILL KENWRIGHT AND DAVID MOORES DO THE RIGHT AND SENSIBLE THING AND DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF GROUND SHARE IT MAKES SENSE.SI LPOOL 15. YES WE SHOULD EXPLORE SHARING A GROUND WE CUD SHARE A STADIUM CALLED 'THE MERSEYSIDE STADIUM'.
Let the fans vote
I THINK GROUND SHARING WUD LEAVE MORE MONEY 2 SPEND ON PLAYERS 4 BOTH CLUBS WHICH HAS GOT 2 A SENSIBLE IDEA.
get both chairmen in a room with sir bob no evertonian in thier right mind would want to share a seat with a red and the feeling should be mutual. mark allerton WHY A DEBATE? It makes sence it keeps the local community,pubs + busineses in place whitch can only be good news 4 the city. Geoff, Litherland .Its a simple NO.So lets find somethink else 2 write about please. share logical financial
MAKES ECONOMIC SENCE TO ME STEVE..WALTON
imagine a 70000 seater stadium in stanley park shared by blues and reds imagine the money both clubs would make most games by both clubs would sel
AMENDMENTS TO MY LAST MESSAGE. SHOULD HAVE READ TAKING..NORMAL. STEVE HUYTON
Bill Scrooge + the Misers are taking us b? to our mormal league position they give USELESS a bad name. Steve Huyton
ROB STYLES SHOULD NEVER B ALLOWED 2 REF AN EVERTON MATCH AGAIN!! ISN"T HE THE SAME REF WHO SAID KEEP AN EYE ON FERGUSON AT HIGHBURY? FURGO, BIRKENHEAD.
we have got 2 start putting r chances away well done big dunc who needs jeffers get well soon wayne keep up the gud work.and never leave everton!hands away mr abramovich u can buy a dream team but not a roonaldo!mat.wirral well done dunc4 summing up rob styles this avi.let that be a msj4 all the uva useless referees out ther.pity bout the booking tho Any chance of a decent ref at an EFC game?Well done the lads 4 a 1pt,well deserved,ours WILL COME!!True as the day is.Ryan J ,L'pool 6 well done Rooney, you have already showed the premiership what you can do, now your showing the world. Alan s Bootle Rooney is gonna break the goal scorin record 4 England! He's just mega. Prezzo, Netherley i note the reds r no longer call the derby our cup final, more like theirs going by their celebrations after their wins - siy sthelens
£30m of grants hang on Liverpool's decision
By Bill Gleeson, Daily Post
Sep 23 2003
LIVERPOOL Football Club has been told it must share with rivals Everton if it wants to secure public sector grants to part finance its proposed new stadium at Stanley Park. News of the ultimatum emerged as Everton and Liverpool's chief executives met the leaders of two major public agencies yesterday to explore the ground share proposals. While that meeting ended with a bland formal statement being issued to the press, the Daily Post has learned from a senior public sector source that the North West Development Agency and Liverpool City Council have warned they may withhold funding if a ground share is not agreed. Two weeks ago the Daily Post revealed the regional development agency was calling on the two clubs to share one stadium. Since then the local authority has given its support to the idea. Liverpool FC plans to build its own stadium and the ground share proposal has split opinion between both sets of fans. At stake is up to £30m of grants to help meet the £100m cost of the Stanley Park stadium. The source said: "The public sector agencies are putting pressure on the clubs. They are using their leverage to ensure the issue of a ground share is properly addressed." Liverpool has always wanted some public funding for auxiliary developments alongside its new stadium, such as a conference and visitor centre. Now it appears the club also wants grant support for the ground itself. The public sector source said: "If they want public money for the ground, it gives the public sector some say in how it's used." Liverpool FC has spent the last three months trying to raise money from investment banks in the City. Potential investors include Bear Stearns, which raised £30m for Everton through a season ticket securitisation two years ago. The majority of that money was used to repay the club's £20m overdraft. Liverpool FC wants the City to lend it £75m to pay for the costs of the new stadium and the club is seeking further sums to help buy new players. A £75m loan secured against season ticket sales could cost the club around £5m a year in interest payments over 25 years. The proposed Stanley Park stadium would be able to seat 60,000 fans, 14,000 more than the club's current Anfield home. Liverpool hopes to persuade potential investors that the resulting extra gate revenues, worth up to £14m a year, would allow it to comfortably meet repayments. However, one football finance expert suggested last night the Reds might be finding it difficult to raise the money it needs at an acceptable price. James Dow, a director of Cheshire-based corporate finance firm Dow Schofield Watts, said: "It might be problematic in the current environment. There is speculation about the servicing of Leeds United's debt, particularly if things don't pick up on the pitch." Mr Dow, a former partner in KPMG, has advised Everton, Barcelona and Ajax in the past. "There is only a finite interest in this sort of deal in the City. "It's a specialist area and it's small change for the big firms, so it ends up being a small market place. "£75m is on the high side, but not inconceivable. Its at the top end of what they could reasonably expect to raise. "The problem is there is no guarantee that all those extra seats will be sold. If you are lending money at 6pc interest, at that level of return, you don't want to be taking risks. As soon as it looks risky, the rate goes up," Mr Dow said.
Fit-again Campbell won't be rushed
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Sep 23 2003
DAVID MOYES will resist handing Kevin Campbell an immediate recall in the Carling Cup clash with managerless Stockport tomorrow. The Blues striker has now trained for a week after recovering from the hamstring strain that has kept him on the sidelines all season. But, with the luxury of six other fit forwards to select from, Moyes will ease Campbell back via the reserves rather than against second division County. "Kevin is training, but we will want to give him a reserve match before involving him in the first team," said Moyes, who has lost Leon Osman for tomorrow's clash with a cracked rib. The Blues manager could shuffle his strikeforce, however, as side look for only their second victory of the new campaign. Duncan Ferguson pressed his starting claims with another impressive substitute's display against Middlesbrough on Sunday, while James McFadden or Francis Jeffers, who missed the Riverside defeat with a back strain, could ease the pressure on Wayne Rooney. The 17-year-old started the season lacking in match fitness after a summer ankle injury but has now started the last five games for his club plus two internationals for his country. Moyes yesterday welcomed back Scot Gemmill to full training for the first time this season. The Blues midfielder has not played since the pre-season friendly with Roda JC on August 5 due to a torn thigh muscle and he has spent the past six weeks battling for fitness. Gemmill's return has not come quickly enough for the Stockport game but he could play in next week's mini-derby against Liverpool.
Two weeks that changed the ground rules
Daily Post
Sep 23 2003
SEPT 6: Daily Post business editor Bill Gleeson exclusively reveals that the NWDA has approached Liverpool FC to consider the possibility of a ground share with Everton.
SEPT 13: A vote on the Daily Post's website icliverpool.co.uk shows the votes of 5,000 fans split 53pc-47pc against a ground share.
SEPT 15: Liverpool FC says it will not forget the residents of Anfield as it prepares to submit planning application for its own new stadium on Stanley Park on October 3.
SEPT 18: Liverpool city council enters the fray and urges the clubs to look at the possibility of a ground share.
SEPT 19: Public sector sources reveal £30m of public money could be made available for a shared stadium.
SEPT 22: Liverpool and Everton chief executives meet the NWDA and Liverpool council leaders at secret location to discuss ground share.
VOTE UPDATE: Last night, our website vote had attracted more than 15,000 votes with 9,896 (63.39pc) against sharing a stadium and 5,716 (36.61pc) in favour.
Home and Away
Icliverpool And Daily Post
Sep 23 2003
Boro blues
MIDDLESBROUGH! How can we be made to look so inept by Middlesbrough? Then it gets worse. The manager indicates that he cannot motivate the players. Ah, yes, it's the players' fault now, is it?
Say what you like about Walter Smith, but I never heard him whinge that he couldn't motivate the players.
Rod Anders, (via e-mail)
Changes please
OUR FA cup capitulation at Boro brought about the end of Walter. I hope acle will bring about changes in the starting 11. Surely Wednesday's match will be the ideal time to blood Osman, Clarke and Chadwick. Moyes has been patient so far this season but surely he saw enough yesterday to know changes are required. Already the Carling Cup is looking like our best hope of Europe!
Tom Roberts, Liverpool
Riverside despair
EVERTON were absolutely awful on Sunday. Kilbane is not a Premiership player, Yobo is a ball-watcher and clumsy in the tackle and we lack guile and ideas. When teams like Boro beat us a relagation battle looms.
Michael Bennett, Liverpool
Drop Rooney
AFTER Sunday's game Rooney should be dropped and spend some time in the reserves. His form for Everton this season has been dire. One goal at Charlton and terrible performances against Liverpool, Newcastle and Middlesbrough. He moans so much that he'll soon be on Alex Ferguson's shopping list.
Jack Dixon, Liverpool
Sit back
WAYNE ROONEY should sit behind Jeffers and Radzinski as he did so well for England a few weeks ago. That is the best attacking option we have right now.
Alan Thompson, (via e-mail)
Not impressed
I WENT to the match on Sunday and I was not impressed with the first-half display. In the second half we did a bit better but not enough to win the match. Moyes needs to get them playing the way they did last year. We are meant to be fighting for a European position this year. Let's see if we do any better tomorrow against Stockport in the cup.
Terry Mathers, Liverpool
Gareth's Rooney warning
By Martyn Ziegler, Daily Post
Sep 23 2003
GARETH SOUTHGATE has warned that England must not put too much pressure on Wayne Rooney's shoulders ahead of the final European Championship qualifying tie against Turkey next month.
Southgate kept Everton's 17-year-old closely shackled during Middlesbrough's 1-0 win at the Riverside but rates him highly and fears expectations of the teenaged striker for the match in Istanbul on October 11 may be too great. He said: "I'm a big admirer of Wayne and the way he has handled promotion to the England senior team. I watched him first hand in the England training camp and I'm always impressed by his positional awareness for a player of such tender years.
"He's a very intelligent footballer with a natural talent for exploiting space and finding team-mates around him, but the one thing we have to learn is to not put too much pressure on him." He added: "There's a lot of talk about our final Euro 2004 qualifier with Turkey next month but we shouldn't be relying too much on one young player, highly talented though he is." Southgate and Colin Cooper were superb against Rooney on Sunday, but the matchwinner was Joseph-Desire Job, the Cameroon international who spent last season being rehabilitated at Middlesbrough and can now finally claim that his 'zero to hero' course of treatment is finally complete. Job has shaken off enduring suspicions about his appetite for Premiership football - 18 months ago his career was at such a low point that he was farmed out on loan to Metz - to become a reliable member of Steve McClaren's strike-force. New strikers have arrived at the Riverside in the form of Malcolm Christie and Michael Ricketts, but Job looks to be the man in form, highlighted by his decisive goal in Sunday's 1-0 defeat of Everton to give Boro their first win of the season. Job said: "Of course, I was delighted to be in the starting line-up and to score."
Expectations are too great
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post
Sep 23 2003
EVERTON fans will be bitterly disappointed they did not get anything out of the game at Middlesbrough. After a tough opening including matches against Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle a trip to struggling Boro was approached with high hopes. Steve McClaren's side have been made to pay for a number of individual mistakes in games, but ironically it is the same kind of problem that has crept into Everton's start to the campaign. They were caught out early in the first half, but then dominated the second and will feel aggrieved by the final outcome. Manager David Moyes has warned his players to buck up quickly. Last year saw Everton impose themselves on games and the players need to rediscover the same kind of mental resolve. Nobody said this year was going to be easy after they did fantastically well to over-achieve last year, but Moyes will demand total commitment to the work ethic from his players. There is no need to worry about the threat of relegation, but Everton fans may need to lower their expectations. Bosses need to learn to just say sorry now SORRY seems to be the hardest word for Premiership managers. Which is a pity because often a simple apology can defuse the most explosive of situations. I am a big fan of Arsene Wenger and what he has achieved at Arsenal with far less financial muscle than Manchester United. But his players went totally over-board following Ruud van Nistelrooy's missed penalty on Sunday - and the manager should have said so. Wenger should have come out after the match and said the reaction of his players was not good enough and that the people involved would be warned about their future conduct. Likewise Graeme Souness could have been quicker to apologise for the Lucas Neill tackle that broke Jamie Carragher's leg. Everybody could see it was an awful tackle. Graeme could have pointed out that he sees Lucas in training every day and knows he is not the sort of player to go out and intentionally harm a member of the opposition, that he was sorry for the tackle and hoped that Jamie enjoyed a speedy and full recovery. I think supporters would respond to such honesty.
Instead Arsenal are facing an FA inquiry for the amazing scenes at Old Trafford while last week's headlines were not dominated by the Champions League but the spat that developed between Souness and Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier. The games between United and Arsenal are always a bit of a powderkeg and when Patrick Viera kicked out at the Dutch striker the intent was there even if the contact was not. It was a second bookable offence which meant he had to go. What probably inflamed the situation is a feeling among some Premiership players that van Nistelrooy walks a very fine line and makes the most of situations. Defenders feel goaded by him but that does not excuse Arsenal's reaction. I think the FA will stop short of deducting points although a hefty fine must be heading Arsenal's way. For all Wenger's achievements, their disciplinary record is poor and the FA could leave the threat of a deduction hanging over them if they do not put their house in order.
To be fair to Sir Alex Ferguson, when his players surrounded Andy D'Urso in a mass melee a few years ago he read the riot act to them a few days later and they have a very good disciplinary record. They play hard but Sir Alex makes sure they know where to stop. Arsenal have done a fantastic job just to be up there with United, but they need to take a step back and reflect on their disciplinary problems and how they can deal with them. For 70-odd minutes at Old Trafford there was nothing in the game and Arsenal had played well across the midfield and were keeping possession. Martin Keown had done a great job in making van Nistelrooy a largely anonymous figure. They emerged with a good point from the game - which they did not need to sour by their antics at the end.
Clubs told: Share a ground or there's no cash
By Bill Gleeson And Tony Barrett, Daily Post
Sep 23 2003
LIVERPOOL Football Club was last night warned it must share its new stadium with rivals Everton - or miss out on public grants of up to £30m. The stark message was delivered at a secret summit between the chief executives of the two clubs and their opposite numbers at Liverpool city council and the North West Development Agency. Only one venue for a new shared stadium was on the agenda at the meeting - the site of Liverpool's proposed 60,000-seater new home in Stanley Park.
Council chief executive David Henshaw, and NWDA chairman Bryan Gray and chief executive Stephen Broomhead told Liverpool's Rick Parry and Everton's Michael Dunford that up to £30m could be available from the public purse - but only if the two clubs agree to share. Both clubs are understood to have deep reservations about a ground share, but the financial argument is a persuasive one. Liverpool FC needs to borrow £75m for its new stadium, but could save itself a huge amount of debt by agreeing to share. Cash-strapped Everton, meanwhile, are thought to be worried about getting involved in Liverpool's project at such a late stage - but has no other realistic prospect of a new home to replace ageing Goodison Park. Further talks are now being planned between the four parties.
Clubs in talks over shared home
By Tony Barrett, Daily Post
Sep 23 2003
EVERTON could be set to share Liverpool's Stanley Park stadium dream after senior officials from both clubs met for top-level talks yesterday. The summit meeting was hosted by the North West Development Agency (NWDA) at a secret location outside Liverpool. The talks were attended by the most important powerbrokers from both clubs, Liverpool city council and the NWDA. Rick Parry and Michael Dunford, the chief executives of Liverpool FC and Everton FC respectively, council chief executive David Henshaw and Steve Broomhead and Bryan Gray from the NWDA talked for more than three hours. And a further series of meetings are expected to take place soon. Yesterday's meeting discussed the recent call from the city council and the NWDA for the Merseyside football rivals to discuss the possibility of ground sharing. Liverpool will submit a planning application for a new stadium at Stanley Park on October 3, with Everton currently examining their own options following the collapse of the Kings Dock project. But all involved got round the table yesterday to discuss whether a shared world-class stadium could evolve out of the two clubs' apparent desire to pursue their own separate plans. A source close to the discussions said: "It is really encouraging that the call for this issue to at least be discussed fully has been heeded so quickly. "It now looks likely that this will grow into a mature and sensible discussion about whether ground-sharing would be in the best interests of the two clubs and the city." Crucially, it is understood that the only location being considered for a shared stadium is Stanley Park. The source said: "Other places such as Central Docks have never been on the agenda. The only location being discussed was Stanley Park." Liverpool's plans for a £100m stadium with a capacity of 60,000 on the historic park are already at an advanced stage. Although the club's planning application is expected in the next fortnight, that application could be subject to amendment should Everton come on board. One major sticking points is believed to be Everton's reluctance to get involved in a project seen as Liverpool's "baby" at such a late stage. And as the Goodison Park club struggled to raise the £30m needed to fund its Kings Dock dream, the question of finance could again prove tricky. But that problem could be surmountable if a pot of public money believed to be available for a shared project becomes reality. Liverpool could also be reluctant to take a partner on board at such a late stage after spending millions in development. If the two clubs were to unite at Stanley Park it would also solve the city council's dilemma of the possibility of their regeneration plans for Anfield and Walton being jeopardised by one or both clubs moving out of the area. A council spokesman said: "Everyone at the meeting is committed to the future success of both football clubs and and we will continue to talk very seriously about any proposals which can help deliver what they want and which will be a boost to the city." NWDA chairman Bryan Gray said: "The NWDA together with Liverpool City Council, has asked Liverpool Football Club and Everton Football Club to discuss the economic development and regeneration benefits of building a new, world-class football stadium in Liverpool.
"The agency is supportive of Liverpool Football Club's plans to build a new stadium and is keen to ensure that the development brings the greatest possible benefit for the city and the wider Northwest. "It is also aware of Everton's ambition for a new home. "Hence, discussions are taking place between NWDA, Liverpool City Council and the two football clubs. "No early outcome is expected and the decision will not affect Liverpool Football Club's intended application for planning permission." Following yesterday's talks, Liverpool did not totally close the door on the option of sharing a stadium although chief executive Rick Parry did reiterate the club's desire to go it alone.
Mr Parry said: "NWDA support for our stadium project is key to its success, which is why we were happy to meet with them today. "It gave us the opportunity to explain just how far advanced our plans are and reiterate our commitment to Stanley Park, the amount of work undertaken and considerable investment that has already gone into the project over the last three years. "We also outlined the benefits to the whole community. "The NWDA's support for those plans is very welcome indeed. "However, we made clear the timescales involved are now critical if the stadium is to be ready for 2006 and the regeneration package completed in time for the European Capital of Culture in 2008. "That is why our planning application will be submitted as scheduled at the beginning of October. "We understand why the NWDA wishes to raise the issue of ground-sharing, but we also understand the fundamental importance of this issue to our fans and their emotional concerns about a shared ground. "These discussions will at least give the opportunity for the pros - and the cons - to be debated."
Blues hit back against Tykes
Academy Football With Chris Wright Daily Post
Sep 23 2003
EVERTON'S under-19s bounced back from their first defeat of the FA Premier Academy League season with a superb 3-1 win over Barnsley at Netherton on Saturday. Neil Dewsnip's side had lost the previous week 4-1 to Derby County and the Blues' coach was hoping for a response - which he got in the solid display against the Yorkshiremen. De fender Mark Hughes opened the scoring for the Blues in the 25th minute after the Barnsley defence had failed to clear a Damon Martland corner. The 16-year-old defender has been captain of the under-17s for most of the early part of the season, but having made his reserve-team debut against Aston Villa recently he marked his first U19s start of the season with the opening goal. The Blues doubled their advantage after 36 minutes when Gavin Lynch scored his first goal of the season. Despite several other opportunities either side of half-time Barnsley hit back in the second half and pulled a goal back after 75 minutes. But Dewsnip's youngsters restored their two-goal advantage five minutes later with Robert Booth scoring his first goal in the U19s. The 17-year-old midfielder fired home from 10 yards after a cross from Paul Hopkins, making his first appearance of the season for the U19s. Coach Dewsnip said: "It was a good performance and I was pleased with the reaction after last week's defeat. "The lads worked hard in training and did well in the match and they got their rewards on Saturday. "We play very well in the first half, but we dipped a bit in the second. That was when Barnsley got a goal back but I was delighted with our reaction to that, because we went down the other end and scored to kill the game. "The under-17 lads who played - Paul Hopkins, Mark Hughes and Laurence Wilson - all did well and they can be proud of their performance, as can the entire team." Ablett's under-17s were not in action having kept up their 100 per cent start in midweek. Their next match is this Saturday at Middlesbrough. EVERTON UNDER-19s: Lake, B Moogan, Hughes, Gerrard, Fox, Booth, Wilson, Barry, Martland (J Jones), Lynch (Thorbinson), Pascucci (Hopkins).
You say No to ground share
Sep 23 2003 By John Thompson And David Prentice
MORE than 60 per cent of Merseyside football fans believe Everton and Liverpool are wrong to even discuss the prospect of sharing a stadium. That is the result of a special Echo Sport poll carried out over the last four days, with more than 2,000 supporters responding to the question: "Is it right for Everton and Liverpool to explore the possibility of sharing a new stadium?" Some 61 per cent said no, with 39 per cent replying that they are in favour of the talks. Seven hundred and seventy-nine people voted yes to the talks proceeding, but 1,222 readers voted no. There's also been a surge of interest to a separate vote which has been running here on icliverpool. At the time of going to press 16,000 fans have now registered their feelings on the site. Currently 65.6 per cent say Liverpool and Everton should not share, with 34.4 per cent saying they should. The ECHO's phone poll closed at midnight last night, but the website poll remains available to receive views. Gunners The result comes just hours after Everton and Liverpool chief executives Michael Dunford and Rick Parry sat down for a historic first meeting between Merseyside's Premiership giants to explore the potential for ground sharing. Liverpool City Council chief executive David Henshaw and officials from the North West Development Agency were also present and further talks are now planned. However, the ECHO poll result, while not a strictly scientific sample, will provide a stark reminder to all parties that the majority of fans are either dead set against the idea or will clearly need much convincing to change their minds.
McFadden lined up for debut
Sep 23 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
JAMES McFADDEN will make his first senior start for Everton tomorrow against Stockport in front of a bumper crowd at Goodison. The Blues have slashed ticket prices for the Carling Cup second round game to encourage a big attendance. Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £5 for juniors where in the ground, building the success of similar schemes in previous seasons. Two years ago 21,000 watched the Blues take on Crystal Palace and in 2000 more than 25,000 were at Goodison for the Worthington Cup tie against Bristol City. That attendance was more than double the meagre turnout of 10,000 for the previous season's tie with Oxford, when prices were at the normal rate.
Davi d Moyes has revealed McFadden will start after impressing as a substitute against Middlesbrough on Sunday. The 20-year-old Scot, signed from Motherwell for £1.25m on September 1, will replace the cup-tied Kevin Kilbane. Moyes could also start Duncan Ferguson after two eye-catching cameos against Newcastle and Middlesbrough. Moyes said: "James will start tomorrow. We are pleased with him. "I felt we needed to bring him in and get him involved on Sunday and when he came on he did some good things." Steve Watson is a doubt because of illness. Scot Gemmill returned to training yesterday after recovering from a thigh injury.
Fad adjusts to pressure
Sep 23 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
JAMES McFADDEN has had a rude awakening in the last three weeks. He arrived at Everton as the hottest young property in the SPL and on the verge of becoming a full Scottish international. But despite his pedigree, the 20-year-old admits he still wasn't fit enough for the Blues and the Premiership when he checked in at Bellefield for the first time. He has faced a steep learning curve to adjust to the high standards David Moyes sets everyday. His efforts have paid dividends though, earning plaudits for his first run out in the reserves last week and making his first team debut as a substitute at Middlesbrough on Sunday. The £1.25m signing from Motherwell will make his first start in a blue shirt against Stockport tomorrow night. But he is taking nothing for granted. "I am just taking things as they come," he revealed. "I have still got a lot to do to merit a starting place but if I keep working hard and putting in the performances then maybe I will get a chance. "Training has been different to what I was used to up in Scotland and I have found it hard to adjust, but I amgetting there. "You need to be a lot fitter and you need to be at your best everyday. That is something I am getting used to but I am still young and I have got a long way to go. "It was a wee bit of a surprise to be involved against Middlesbrough, but the manager was happy with my performance in the reserve game. I was hopeful I would get a slot on the bench and this is part of my progression. I just hope to be involved again against Stockport." McFadden admits he has been in awe of some of his Goodison teammates over the last couple of weeks. He already knew a lot about players like Duncan Ferguson and Wayne Rooney when he arrived from Motherwell. They have lived up to their reputations. He added: "You can see how good the players here are when you work with them in training. I am delighted to be working with people like Wayne Rooney and Duncan Ferguson.
"I enjoy coming in to training every morning because it is a step up for me. I just want to keep working hard to put pressure on the manager. "All the lads have been brilliant and made me really welcome. "It has been easier for me to settle in because the lads have been so good for me." McFadden is confident his move will improve his international chances. "Doing the work I have been doing should benefit me for Scotland," he adds. "I am hoping to be involved in the Scotland squad again but I am not taking anything for granted because I am far from being a regular for my country."
Stadium debate
Sep 23 2003 By Andy Gray, Liverpool Echo
I'M still not sure whether Everton and Liverpool sharing a ground is a good idea or not. But I would certainly never dismiss it out of hand. It has to be worth talking about, if only for the financial ramifications involved. Even if it never happens - it has to be worth investigating. Bennett was the real victim . . .
IT'S an old saying that familiarity breeds contempt - and that is never more evident than on a football field. Steve Bennett was the man in charge of Sunday's controversial Manchester United versus Arsenal clash - little more than a month after he refereed the Community Shield bust-up betwen the same sides. It was a situation almost guaranteed to pour petrol onto an already smouldering situation - and there is only one man who is responsible for that. The referees' chief Philip Don should have his bum kicked for placing Steve Bennett in a position like that. As it happens I thought Steve refereed the game well, but it was not a wise decision to put him into that position.
When the FA Premiership created an elite panel of 20 top flight referees, it was designed to improve refereeing standards. Whether it has worked or not is a different argument altogether. But what is clear is that officials are being uncessarily pitched into potentially compromising situations. It is a situation which can easily be avoided. David Elleray didn't take charge of a Manchester United fixture for more than 18 months after sending off Denis Irwin in a game which ensured he missed a Cup final. There are enough referees to ensure that a sensible rotation policy is carried out. But there is little doubt refereeing standards need to improve. I can't remember a start to a season where there have been so many incendiary flashpoints, arguments and criticisms of officials. All I can compare it to is the continental example, which is magnificent. The Arsenal v Inter game was a Champions League clash of huge significance, yet it wasn't refereed - it was managed by the man in the middle - without a single yellow card being shown. If Rob Styles had taken charge of that match I can guarantee there would have been 10 yellow cards, and you can't tell me that is good for the game - because it isn't. The Referees' Association in this country needs to take a long, hard look at itself.
Anfield doesn't want a two-club stadium
By Tony Barrett, Daily Post
Sep 24 2003
LIVERPOOL and Everton football clubs were warned last night they have no mandate from the people of Anfield for a shared stadium on Stanley Park. The Daily Post revealed yesterday that a high-powered meeting had taken place where the option of a ground-share on the historic park was discussed. But now Anfield councillor Keiron Reid is warning the two clubs they would have to launch a whole new consultation process with residents, who would face double the nuisance from a shared stadium that would be used twice as often. Liverpool are already set to submit plans for a 60,000-capacity stadium on Stanley Park on October 3 after the club won the support of 58pc of residents who took part in a public consultation. But with the North West Development Agency and the city council urging the two Merseyside clubs to consider sharing a stadium on the site, Lib Dem councillor Keiron Reid is concerned that the people of Anfield will be railroaded into something they have not supported. Coun Reid said: "A ground share at Stanley Park is utterly unacceptable. "The whole consultation with residents in Anfield and the surrounding areas to Stanley Park was only about Liverpool Football Club and a regeneration package. "A ground share put forward there would totally invalidate that consultation. "For years councillors have lobbied for investment in Anfield not linked to the football ground. "We were always told due to lack of Government funding that couldn't happen. "The council has made Anfield a priority and work on regeneration is under way. "I have always opposed development on green space but as an elected councillor I have to advise residents that the deal on offer is the best deal we could get. "I have always supported the principle of a joint stadium but a joint stadium would only be acceptable if it was not in Anfield - the north docks is an ideal location - and if there was Government money to regenerate what would be a derelict stadium site in Anfield. "When I get my hands on the unelected bureaucrats at the NWDA here at party conference at Brighton I will tell them so." However, at Monday's meeting between Liverpool and Everton chief executives Rick Parry and Michael Dunford, Liverpool city council chief executive David Henshaw and Steve Broomhead and Bryan Gray from the NWDA, Stanley Park was the only location on the agenda. And NWDA chairman Bryan Gray last night warned there was only enough public money to support one new stadium in Merseyside. And neither do the fans
A SOURCE close to Everton FC told the Daily Post last night that the club had been taken by surprise by how quickly the ground share debate had sprung up. He said the club was continuing to explore its own plans for a new stadium and had not been encouraged by the apparent lack of enthusiasm for a shared stadium coming from the Liverpool camp. But he added: "If it was a progressive financial way forward, we would have to look at the idea, with one proviso. Everton will never play second fiddle to Liverpool, it's as simple as that." A Daily Post poll into the feelings of Liverpool and Everton fans has shown that an overwhelming majority are still to be convinced that sharing a stadium is the answer.
Duncan ready to answer cup call
By David Prior, Daily Post
Sep 24 2003
DUNCAN FERGUSON is in line for a start against Stockport tonight with Everton assistant boss Alan Irvine admitting the Scot is as fit as he's ever seen him. The big striker, who was suspended for the first three games of the season, has since made telling second-half appearances against Liverpool, Newcastle and Middlesbrough. And with Everton's first-choice frontline currently enjoying an unprofitable time in front of goal, David Moyes may see tonight's Carling Cup clash at Goodison as the perfect opportunity to give his compatriot a first start since April 2002. "Duncan's done well when he's come on," admitted Irvine. "He's as fit as he's been during the time I've been at the club, so Duncan's certainly in contention. "He's trained very, very hard all the way through pre-season.
"He's either not missed a session or certainly hardly missed a session and he's in very good condition. Certainly Duncan will be considered, along with the other strikers." Irvine added: "We haven't scored enough goals, that's for sure, and we've missed too many chances in too many games. "That's something that can't go on. Having said that, our barren run for strikers can very easily turn into a run when they start to score every other game. We know that with the players we've got we are capable of scoring goals. "It's just a matter of when that happens and hopefully that will be soon. "We haven't sorted out the team for the game yet and in the squad we've got four strikers, plus James McFadden if you want to call him a striker. "We will look at the best permutation bearing the game tonight and the game coming up on Sunday (against Leeds)." Ferguson started the campaign desperately needing a decent season to convince sceptics that he was worth his substantial weekly wage. And after a good pre-season he finally appears ready to remind fans just what made him such a hero on the terraces in the first place. Missing against former Evertonian Kevin Richardson's County tonight however will be Francis Jeffers, who has a slight back strain, and Leon Osman (cracked ribs). Irvine added: "It's very unlucky for Leon because he probably would have been involved in some way. It's a real shame because he's been doing exceptionally well in the reserves." Goalkeepers Richard Wright (knee) and Steve Simonsen (thigh) remain sidelined while Kevin Campbell and Scot Gemmill - back in full training after injuries - won't be considered for first team duty until they have played for the reserves. Meanwhile, Niclas Alexandersson and Paul Gerrard will not be allowed to play for their loan clubs in the Carling Cup.
Alexandersson is currently at West Ham and Gerrard at Sheffield United but both clubs have been refused permission to use the players.
Tonic needed not a bitter pill
By David Prior Daily Post
Sep 24 2003
A COMPETITION that has tended to deal only bitter pills is the last place Everton would normally look to for a potent shot of confidence. Yet that is just the predicament they find themselves in as, with second-round defeats to Oxford, Bristol Rovers and Crystal Palace still firmly lodged in the memory, David Moyes' side welcome Stockport tonight with a mixture of relief and dread. Relief that they have the chance to finally kick-start a season that promised much but is yet to get off the ground, Sunday's defeat at The Riverside obliterating whatever fragments of optimism the opening games had generated. But dread too at a return to the League Cup competition where Everton have made a habit of trying to out-do themselves on the embarrassment scale, with the illustrious trio of clubs above - the Blues' conquerors in 1999, 2000 and 2001 - at least preluding a comparatively 'respectable' 4-1 exit at the hands of Chelsea last term. As ever though there is a story brewing, with ex-Blue Kevin Richardson - now assistant to caretaker boss John Hollins at Edgeley Park after Carlton Palmer's dismissal - looking to show as much regard for his old employers as Kevin Ratcliffe and Shrewsbury did in the FA Cup nine months ago. But Alan Irvine, Everton's assistant manager and a member of the side that reached the League Cup final against Liverpool 19 years ago, is determined to ensure that the newly-named Carling Cup is an altogether more predictable competition for the Blues. "You would hope that it's the kind of game where we went out, played really well and scored plenty of goals, and all the strikers got a taste of that," he said.
"In reality it doesn't happen that often although obviously we hope that we do play well. But we're not going into this game thinking we're going to score five or six. "It doesn't feel like a distraction, it feels like another important game for us. "I see it as being a good opportunity for us in this competition to get to a cup final, qualify for Europe and a great opportunity for the players to get a fantastic day out towards the end of the season. "But this game brings plenty of pressure as we know from the game against Shrewsbury last year." And it is not just the memory of cup upsets gone by that has upped the ante for tonight's clash. An underwhelming start to the season sees the Blues down at 15th in the Premiership, their haul of five points from six games testament to a tough first month's opposition but also to misfiring strikers and gaffe-prone defenders. And Irvine recognises that improvements have to be made quickly. He added: "We're still very disappointed with the first-half performance against Boro, but much happier with the second-half performance although not so much with the finishing. Without a doubt it was an important game for us, it's the type of game where we need to be picking up the points. "Everyone looked at the start of the season and said we've got Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle and you know that it's going to be difficult to pick up a whole lot of points from those games. "But we've certainly got to pick up points in the games against those teams against whom we would be expecting to be competing against. "We've actually looked quite solid at the back in most of the games but we've made individual errors and that's been costly. We've been punished quite heavily for any little mistake we have made. "The first five minutes against Middlesbrough we got in behind them twice and two terrific crosses into the box. They defended them both well, they had two corners, and from the second one they broke away to score. That gave them a massive lift because they looked very nervous. "For the first 30 minutes there wasn't that much between us but then they got in behind us a couple of times and we came off thinking we'd played pretty badly. "It wasn't quite as bad as we felt at the time, but then in the second half we had a much better response from the players." Irvine can draw some consolation from last year's start, at least, although it was victory over Middlesbrough - ironically at the same, sixth game in - that sparked the recovery. Irvine added: "We're not too despondent about how the start's been because from the first five games last year we had five points. "We had exactly the same going into the Middlesbrough game last season, although the difference then of course was that we won then. We then went on to get 21 points out of 28, so we're getting too concerned about all of that just now." Second division Stockport are unlikely to be a pushover despite a poor start to the season, and stand-in boss John Hollins is expecting the players to stand up and be counted. The former Chelsea boss said: "We've had a few home truths in the dressing room - but we have got to get hold of a result." Aaron Wilbraham and Jon Daly are likely to start up front for the second game in succession as Luke Beckett continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury. Kevin Ellison may be fit after missing Saturday's league defeat by Blackpool with a minor knock.
Barlow dreams of 'Port winner
Sep 24 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
FORMER Blue Stuart Barlow has revealed he has dreamt of scoring the winner for Stockport at Everton. The 35-year-old striker is one of three Scousers in the Stockport County squad for the Carling Cup second round tie at Goodison, along with Kevin Ellison and Rickie Lambert. He is unlikely to start but is hopeful of getting his first taste of competitive football at Goodison since leaving for Oldham in 1995. "I have dreamt about this game a few times and every time I am coming on as a substitute to score the winner at the Gwladys Street end," reveals Barlow, who joined the second division club from Tranmere on a free in the summer. "I would love to be involved, because it could be my last chance to play at Goodison. "The best five or six years of my career were at Everton and I will never forget what they did for me. "It was Everton that took me from non-league and gave me the opportunity to have this career and so everything I have now is down to them. I would love to play there again. "I came close for Tranmere but was told at 10 to two on the day of the FA Cup tie (in 2001) that I wasn't even on the bench. That was a big disappointment and I would hate to miss out again." Stockport arrive at Goodison without a manager following Carlton Palmer's sacking last Friday. John Hollins and former Everton midfielder Kevin Richardson are in caretaker control. Barlow's dream of treading the turf at Goodison once again is in their hands. The striker is fully aware of Everton's poor form agains t lower league opposition in the last decade. But he adds: "I have played against David Moyes and I know how competitive he is. He will not take this game lightly because he doesn't take any game lightly. "Everton are in a nowin situation because we are a lower division club. Over the last couple of weeks we have played really well but not got the results.
"Games like this don't come around too often and we have to make the most of it." Moyes has lived up to Barlow's expectations, saying: "The most important thing is getting a good a result. We need to dispose of Stockport before thinking about a cup run. "We will be looking to make home advantage tell." Assistant boss Alan Irvine is confident, but admits the Blues have to up their goals return.
He said: "We know that with the players we've got we are capable of scoring goals. "It is just a matter of when that happens. We have missed too many chances in too many games. "But we are not going into this game thinking we are going to score five or six. I see it as being a good opportunity in this competition to get to a cup final." James McFadden will start in place of the cup-tied Kevin Kilbane on the left of midfield. Duncan Ferguson could also be given his first start of the season in place of either Tomasz Radzinski or Wayne Rooney. Steve Watson is a doubt because of illness and Francis Jeffers will not be risked as he continues to struggle with a back strain. Leon Osman will not be involved because of cracked ribs. * Tickets for tonight's match have been reduced to £15 for adults and £5 for children in all areas of the ground. The match will kick-off at 8pm.
Everton 3, Stockport 0 (D, Post)
Sep 25 2003 Ian Doyle Reports From Goodison Park, Daily Post
A SURGE of Scottish power helped re-energise Everton's season last night. But while Duncan Ferguson provided the goals, it's James McFadden who will see his name up in lights this morning.
An electric display by the youngster (right) making his first Goodison start safely guided the Blues into the third round of the Carling Cup and highlighted why David Moyes was determined to hold his nerve and take a chance on the 20-year-old. The Blues boss finally made his move on transfer deadline day, signing the Scottish international for £1.25million from Motherwell. And if he continues to produce the kind of pacy, incisive attacking football which wowed Goodison, that outlay could prove one of the finest pieces of business Moyes does. Okay, so it was only Stockport, managerless, with only one league win all season but these kind of games Everton have struggled to come through in recent years - think Shrewsbury Town, Bristol Rovers, Tranmere and Crystal Palace - due in no small part to a lack of the creativity and imagination which flowed freely from McFadden last night. A 50-yard run past three defenders and the goalkeeper to set up Ferguson's second goal and Everton's match-clinching third was the pinnacle of a performance which oozed quality. McFadden arrived at Goodison as a striker first and foremost, but it is in the wide position he excelled in last night from which he promises to do most damage in the short term. As well as being an instant beneficiary of his countryman's inclusion, Ferguson netted from the spot to set the Blues on their way to a comfortable victory last night, with Nick Chadwick justifying his selection up front with a well-taken first-half goal. Other positives came in the performance of Thomas Gravesen, who was instrumental in the opening two goals, and the general all-round play of Ferguson, who seems to have found a second wind following the arrival of extra competition in McFadden and Francis Jeffers. A first clean sheet since March was another bonus, but for a manager as demanding as Moyes, the defence must continue to cause concern. In the first half in particular, passes went astray and opponents were left unmarked as the lack of concentration the Blues boss had been critical of beforehand again threatened briefly to undermine the good work of the Everton attackers. The Blues' policy to go for the jugular paid dividends and once they nudged their noses in front, there was never any chance of a repeat of those cup aberrations. And given their slow start to the season, the victory must act as a confidence booster ahead of Sunday's Goodison assignment against Peter Reid's Leeds United. Often regarded as a necessary evil by some of the top Premiership clubs, Moyes underlined in his programme notes the importance of the League Cup to the club - namely a potential cup final and the prospect of Europe success brings. But despite that, and Everton's recent track record against lower division opposition, the Blues boss opted to relieve six players from duty following the Sunday surrender down by the Riverside against Middlesbrough. It meant Ferguson was handed his first start of the season after a series of encouraging substitute appearances, lining up front alongside Chadwick. David Weir replaced Alan Stubbs in defence, with McFadden replacing Kevin Kilbane. But the Blues found it difficult to provide an instant response to Moyes' pleas that they start games with the same vigour and determination which has permeated their second-half showings. That said, it was the home side who fashioned the first chance of the evening, Alessandro Pistone playing the ball inside for the on-rushing Steve Watson to fire wastefully over the cross-bar from 20 yards. Stockport, skippered by former Tranmere defender Dave Challinor, took the game to their more illustrious opponents in the early stages. But the game was low on quality and excitement, encapsulated in one incident in which Pistone's attempted clearance ballooned across the Blues penalty area to the unmarked Rickie Lambert, only for the Stockport man to produce an even worse mis-hit and sky the shot high and wide. It was a relief, then, when Everton were gifted the chance to take the lead on 25 minutes. Gravesen's pass through to Tony Hibbert inside the area resulted in the defender being left on his backside after an agricultural tackle by Robert Jones. Ferguson rattled the spot-kick past Nick Colgan to net his second penalty inside 10 days. The goal provided Everton the pick-me-up they sought and an instant second almost followed. A break from McFadden gave Chadwick a sight of goal, but after the striker cut inside a defender he shot weakly at Colgan. The Stockport keeper soon produced a more impressive stop to beat out Weir's header from a Gravesen corner as the Blues collectively stepped up a gear, McFadden coming to the fore with a series of intelligent runs coming off from the left wing. Some desperate Stockport defending stemmed the Blue tide until bowing to the inevitable a minute from half-time. Again Gravesen was instrumental, robbing Chris Williams in midfield before bursting forward and sliding a pass into the path of Chadwick, who had beaten the offside trap and blasted his shot through Colgan into the goal. The second half brought more of the same, with Joseph Yobo seeing a volley cleared off the line by John Hardiker and Ferguson having a goalbound effort similarly blocked. But the game was finally made safe 12 minutes after the restart with a goal which owed everything to McFadden.
The youngster gained possession on the halfway line, and then ran. And continued running. Leaving one, then two, then three defenders in his wake, McFadden reached the by-line and, after losing and regaining his footing, flicked the ball over the diving Colgan and into the path of Ferguson to tap into the unguarded net. Everton were safely through to the next round, and the Gwladys Street had found a new hero.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Martyn; Hibbert (Rooney 59), Yobo (Clarke 59), Weir, Pistone; Watson, Carsley, Gravesen (Unsworth 59), McFadden; Ferguson, Chadwick. Subs: Turner, Radzinski.
STOCKPORT COUNTY (4-4-2): Colgan; Clare (Daly 46), Challinor, Jones, Smith; Williams (Barlow 87), Lescott, Hardiker, Welsh; Wilbraham, Lambert. Subs: Spencer, McLachlan, Morrison.
REFEREE: Mr C Webster.
ATT: 19,807.
Irvine hails new Goodison hero
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
Sep 25 2003
ALAN IRVINE hailed new Goodison hero James McFadden last night after the Scottish international inspired Everton into the third round of the Carling Cup. Duncan Ferguson netted twice and Nick Chadwick once as the Blues saw off Stockport County 3-0 in the second round tie at Goodison.
But it was new boy McFadden who stole the show on his first start for Everton, creating one goal with a fantastic 50-yard run and endearing himself to the home crowd with an impressive man-of-the-match performance. And assistant boss Irvine said of the 20-year-old: "James was very good. He started a bit nervously but got more and more into the game as it went on and the terrific run for the goal was the highlight of a fabulous debut. "He gives us something extra in midfield. We all love people who can go past players and he is the type of player who will excite people. "We said when he joined that he is the type of player that Everton fans will love and they will go home tonight hopefully thinking that. "It was important that he was positive and if he failed then he could go and try it again another time. "We did not sign him to just pass the ball. We signed him to get the ball and beat people." McFadden, a £1.25million signing from Motherwell, made his name as a striker in the Scottish Premier League but was selected on the left wing last night. And Irvine admitted: "He does not know where his best position is. He is happy to play wide on the left, up front, behind the front two or even on the right. We asked him and he just said he'd just be happy to be on the pitch."
Ferguson set the Blues on their way with a 25th-minute penalty after Tony Hibbert had been fouled, and netted the third on 57 minutes to sandwich Chadwick's 44th-minute strike. "It was a real bonus to get 90 minutes out of Duncan," said Irvine. "It has been a long wait for Duncan to get his chance. He has had a full pre-season for the first time in a long time, and for him to get 90 minutes was a massive boost for both him and us." The 3-0 scoreline gave Everton their first clean sheet since the goalless Premiership draw at home to West Ham United on March 15. "It is very pleasing," added Irvine. "It is our first clean sheet in a long time, and we would have taken a 3-0 scoreline before the game. It is good to get the goals too, although we could have had more. "Our great run last year was on the back of our clean sheets and we need to get back to that. We gained a reputation last season as a team that was hard to beat and that is the platform for us to go and attack." Stockport's caretaker boss John Hollins admitted his side could take heart from their performance, but were given a football education by the Blues. "Everton gave us some respect by picking a good team," he said. "We showed that we can do something, and I thought that before their goal we were knocking the ball around with confidence. "There were a lot of players falling over and I think that is how they got their penalty. It was a definite penalty, but our player slipped and was wrong-footed by the Everton player (Hibbert). "The second goal was poor. We gave them an opening but with Premiership players they usually only need to get one chance and they put it away. "In the first 25 minutes, I thought we had a chance of pulling off a shock, but then Everton got their goal. It was a great education for us. Big Duncan was like a man mountain. He was magnificent and I don't think he gave the ball away once all night. "It was hard when we kept giving the ball away and hopefully our players can learn from it."
Rooneys send best wishes to Bruno
Daily Post
Sep 25 2003
EVERTON star Wayne Rooney last night wished Frank Bruno a speedy recovery as the ex-world champion boxer continues his battle with psychiatric problems. The Rooney family have grown close to Bruno after Wayne's younger brother Graham, a promising young boxer himself, stayed at the exfighter's home and was given expert tuition on the fight game. The pair were also seen together in Liverpool and when Everton played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season many Everton fans were stunned to see Bruno accompanying young Graham in the away end. Last night, a spokesman for the Rooney family said: "Frank has the best wishes of the Rooney family at this difficult time. "They all wish him well for his future recovery." Bruno had been seen wandering the streets of Liverpool looking for a "long lost friend" 48 hours before being locked up in a mental hospital. Families in Walton told how the ex-world champion knocked on doors. When the residents of Well Brow Road said the man he wanted did not live there, Bruno stopped and chatted for almost an hour to a crowd that had gathered. Just two days later, on Monday afternoon, Bruno, 41, was taken to a mental hospital by police and paramedics from his home in Brentwood, Essex.
The former world heavyweight champion was sectioned under the Mental Health Act at Goodmayes Hospital, Ilford. Marie Rigby, 36, said Bruno happily chatted and was pictured with her son Thomas, four, and his pal, Carl Halford. She said: "I saw a Bentley parked at the end of the road at about 2pm on Saturday afternoon and thought it was strange. "Then my friend came round and said Frank Bruno was in the street. "He was posing for photos and signing autographs for the children. I was so surprised when I heard he is ill, he seemed absolutely fine and was great with everyone." Bruno's chauffeur and a friend stayed in the car. Carl Halford Snr, 35, said: "He was really friendly, the kids were flocking around him. I don't know what happened to him but he seemed to be acting normal with everyone here."
Everton 3, Stockport 0 (Echo)
Sep 25 2003 By Scott Mcleod At Goodison Park, Liverpool Echo
GOODISON witnessed the arrival of a new Fad last night. But unlike most, this one looks capable of staying around for some time. Duncan Ferguson and Nick Chadwick may have been the goalscorers, but it was James McFadden who got the pulses racing on his home debut as the Blues cruised to a straightforward victory. The Scot, nicknamed Faddy, wowed the crowd with his fancy footwork on the left flank and when he left the field at the end of the match he earned warm applause from every fan in the ground. Those present who were also at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground this time last year could have been forgiven for feeling a sense of deja-vu. It was at the same stage of this com-petition last season that Wayne Rooney confirmed his arrival as a first team regular with his first goal for the senior side. To make direct comparisons between the ability of the two players would be to weigh down McFadden with an unfair burden. But it is not unfair to suggest he could provide the kind of spark within the squad this term which Rooney illicited last season. Indeed, so eager are the Everton fans for him to be a new hero that they were cheering even his simple passes early in the game. The 20-year-old's toughest tests lie ahead. But if the moment of magic he conjured shortly before the hour mark is anything to go by, then David Moyes uncovered a gem when he paid Mother-well £1.25m for the player on transfer deadline day. The winger received the ball on the halfway line and set off towards the County penalty area, utilising an eyecatching turn of pace to evade the double challenge of Robert Jones and John Hardiker. The crowd rose to its feet in anticipation as he entered the penalty area with defenders hot on his heels. He rode the challenge of Aaron Lescott on the byline and chipped the ball over the advancing keeper, teeing up Ferguson for the simplest of goals from close range to seal the result. But the standing ovation which followed had nothing to do with the fact the strike booked Everton's place in the third round - it was for McFadden. It was the kind of fine footwork and wizardry which the Blues have been in need of in midfield for some time. He is not the finished article yet. Indeed, it remains to be seen how he will cope against defenders with far more to offer than the likes of Robert Clare or Hardiker. But on this evidence there is justifiable cause to be excited about the youngster's future. Ties like this have proved a banana skin for the Blues on way too many occasions in recent years. Even the Moyes era has failed to eradicate such aberrations, as Shrewsbury Town proved earlier this year. As a result of that FA Cup exit and a series of unlucky Worthington Cup draws last year, this match was Moyes' first cup tie at Goodison. His side didn't let him down, despite a valiant attempt from County.
John Hollins, who was named care-taker at the second division outfit last Friday following Carlton Palmer's sacking, clearly likes the ball to be played on the deck. His young side didn't let him down, refusing to revert to smash-and-grab tactics in their bid to make an impression. Stockport, however, cannot boast a strong defence. And so it was only a matter of time before the Blues made headway.
They recovered from a sluggish start to take the lead via the penalty spot. A neat through ball from Thomas Gravesen proved the catalyst for the opener. Tony Hibbert took possession a yard inside the County area as he dashed in-field from the right flank. He guided the ball beyond Robert Jones but was unable to follow because of the defender's clumsy challenge. Referee Webster, who provided the kind of understated authority which is sadly now virtually extinct among top flight officials, calmly pointed to the spot. Ferguson's powerful drive into the left corner of the net left Nick Colgan clawing at thin air. The second came on the stroke of half-time. Chadwick, who had gone close on three previous occasions, finally got the reward for his ceaseless running. Lee Carsley won possession, Gravesen turned provider with a sliderule pass and Chadwick slotted the ball under the advancing Colgan. Having underlined his determination to do well in the competition by fielding a strong starting line-up, Moyes wasted no time resting legs with one eye on Sunday's clash with Leeds when it was clear the outcome was beyond doubt.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Martyn; Hibbert (Unsworth 60), Yobo (Clarke 60), Weir, Pistone; Watson, Carsley, Gravesen (Rooney 60), McFadden; Ferguson, Chadwick. Not used: Turner, Radzinski.
STOCKPORT (4-4-2): Colgan; Smith, Jones, Challinor, Clare (Daly 46); Welsh, Lescott, Hardiker, Williams (Barlow 58); Wilbraham, Lambert. Not used: Spencer, McLachlan, Morrison.
ATT: 19, 807.
REF: Mr C H Webster
BOOKINGS: Hardiker.
Irvine praise for crowd pleaser McFadden
Sep 25 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON assistant-boss Alan Irvine has saluted Goodison's new crowd pleaser. Duncan Ferguson scored twice in Everton's comfortable 3-0 Carling Cup defeat of Stockport County, but it was winger James McFadden who left the ground clutching a couple of bottles of Man-of-the-Match champagne. "We all love people who can go past players and he is the type of player that will excite the fans," said Irvine. "I said to him before the game that I felt he was the type of player Evertonians would love and I think that will probably be how people feel. Let's hope that's how they feel in the future as well. "He started a little bit nervously but got more and more into it as the game went on. "Obviously it was a terrific run for the third goal which capped off a fabulous debut.
"I told him it was important to be positive and if he failed, to go and try to take the man on again. We signed him because we want him to beat people." Irvine added, however, he was still unsure where McFadden's most effective position might be. "He doesn't know what his best position is from talking to him," he said. "I think he's happy to play wide left, up front, off the front or even on the right hand side. We have asked him where he would put himself and he just said 'anywhere on the park.' " Irvine was also delighted that Duncan Ferguson completed his first full 90 minutes for almost 18 months. "That was another real bonus without a doubt. Obviously it's been a long wait for Duncan to get his chance and he has worked really hard. "He has got a full pre-season in for maybe the first time in a while and to get the full 90 minutes was a masive boost for him and for us."
The third round draw for the Carling Cup will take place at 5.30pm on Saturday.
Fans' views must be considered
Sep 25 2003 By John Thompson, Sports Editor, Liverpool Echo
IF a week is a long time in politics, then it is an eternity in football. Because in the past seven days the suggestions that Everton and Liverpool should at least examine the feasibility of ground sharing have not only grown into a fully fledged debate. They have given way to the first ever meeting between the Merseyside giants to actually discuss the basic pros and cons. It is worth acknowledging just how historic a meeting this was, or perhaps will come to be seen. Enormou s credit must go to chief executives Mike Dunford and Rick Parry for getting together so quickly -when a week ago there wasn't even an agenda to work with, let alone a forumfor discussion. Not that most fans seem happy to see them sitting down to exchange views. Our own telephone and text poll has this week shown that a majority of fans believe it's a non-starter and not even worth talking about. That will rightly register its own deep concerns with the clubs and their directors as more meetings to discuss the basic issues are pencilled in. The fans' views must be listened to. And if the supporters are not convinced it's even worth debating, or worse still they suspect a hidden agenda here to get the clubs to share, then holding further talks may risk a dangerous backlash. Let me repeat, I am not saying the clubs should share. Or backing the case for or against. But I do believe that as the drawbridge on sharing is about to lift, we should be big enough to at last get this issue on the table and have it out one way or the other. At least in the decades to come the city and the supporters can then look back and say we made a conscious decision when a rare opportunity existed. A week ago the council issued a statement offering to broker the talks, insisting there would be no pressure to force sharing upon the clubs. That's why it is worrying to hear reports of thinly veiled threats being made, suggesting that if they don't share, then the clubs might miss out on millions of pounds of public funding. If such a tone is true then it sounds less like brokering and more like banging heads together. And if that's the case the authorities should back off right now. Because arranged marriages, whatever the size of the dowry, are never likely to succeed with top soccer clubs. For once money won't necessarily talk when it comes to persuading passionate fans that sharing is a good idea. Particularly if it is used as a stick, rather than a carrot. Such an approach will only harden attitudes.
Double Scotch tonic
Sep 25 2003 By David Prentice, Chief Sports Writer
FOR those of us who can cast minds back to when Goodison had half-moons behind the goals, James McFadden's exciting emergence had parallels with Duncan McKenzie's home debut. On December 18, 1976, Mick Lyons pulled his new team-mate to one side and whispered: "Do a few tricks early on. The crowd will love you." He did - and they did. Alan Irvine confessed he used the same tactics with another potential Super-mac last night. "The wingers' union came out and I told him it was important to be positive," he said. "I said to him before the game I felt he was the kind of player the Evertonians would love and I think that will probably be how people are feeling tonight." But tucked away, hidden almost, amongst the warm glow of satisfaction created by McFadden's debut - was a less appealing but nonetheless more important event. Everton kept a clean sheet. Nothing exceptional in that I hear you mutter. After all, David Moyes' men won five in a row 1-0 last season.
Except it had been 14 matches since an Everton goalkeeper last left a pitch with his goal intact.
Not since West Ham were held to a goalless draw at Goodison Park six months ago had Everton celebrated a clean sheet. And that gave Alan Irvine almost as much cause for satisfaction as the three goals. "That's very pleasing," he said. "Our great run last year came on the back of a number of clean sheets and it's important that we get back to being difficult to score against. "Everyone said last year that we were very difficult to break down and for me that's the platform for you to go and attack. So if you get that bit right you've always got a chance." The platform provided by the defenders allowed the forwards to shine -with Duncan Ferguson now revelling in the role of leading scorer. A couple of months ago the talk around Everton was of Scotch on the rocks. Last night it was a double-Scotch tonic.
Nash sees red for Reserves
September 25, 2002
Manchester Evening News
BLUES' back-up keeper Carlo Nash will miss Manchester City's clash with Chelsea after being sent off during the Reserves defeat against Everton last night (Tuesday). Nash was adjudged to have handled the ball outside the box 12 minutes from time, and joins Danny Tiatto, who received a three match ban for a straight red against Blackburn, on the sidelines for the visit of the west London side on October 19. Following Nash's dismissal, City's second string were dealt another blow when Leon Osman struck the game's only goal the last minute. Blues boss Kevin Keegan can take a crumb of comfort from the game as Cameroonian international Lucien Mettomo came through the 90 minutes unscathed after being sidelined through injury.
City Res: Nash, Charvet, Tiatto, Loran, Mettomo, Bischoff, Whelan, Whitley, Vuosa, Kerkar, Shuker
Sunderland Res 1, Everton Res 2
Sep 26 2003Daily Post
KEVIN CAMPBELL made a goalscoring return to action as he helped Everton reserves to victory against Sunderland at New Ferens Park in Durham. Campbell was making his return after missing all of Everton's games this season with a knee injury sustained in Colin Harvey's testimonial in August.
The night didn't start positively for the Blues though as Sunderland took the lead after just two minutes through Michael Proctor. Everton were caught out as they failed to clear the early ball and Proctor capitalised on the mistake with a low drive past Iain Turner. It wasn't long though until the Blues were back on level terms. Barry found space for a cross which Campbell met superbly to score past former Blues keeper Thomas Myhre in the Sunderland goal. Young Barry was also involved in Everton's second on 22 minutes when he found Alan Moogan who unleashed a tremendous drive past Myhre. Sunderland put Everton under serious pressure at times during a second half which saw a number of good saves from Turner. However Everton too had their chances with the returning Li Tie going close and Italian Pascucci also nearly getting on the score sheet. The home side had strong claims for a penalty late on but Andy Holden's inexperienced side held on to inflict the Black Cats first defeat of the season. Campbell may well now figure on the bench against Leeds United on Sunday.
EVERTON RES: Turner, Moogan B, Wilson, Clarke, Gerrard (Hughes 80) Nyarko, Barry, Tie, Campbell, Pscucci (Hopkins 80), Moogan A. Subs:Lynch, Gallagher, Fox.
SUNDERLAND RES: Myhre (McLean 74), Scott, Babb, Ramsden, James, Teggart, Leadbitter, Black, Dodds (Reddy 86), Proctor (Smith 46), Brown.
Striking dilemma for Moyes
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
Sep 26 2003
DUNCAN FERGUSON has handed David Moyes a striking poser for the weekend - as Kevin Campbell stepped up his return to first-team action last night. Ferguson played his first full 90 minutes in almost 18 months as Everton eased past Stockport County 3-0 in their Carling Cup second round clash on Wednesday. The big striker netted twice against the second division side which, added to the penalty he converted to earn a draw with Newcastle United a fortnight ago, makes him the Blues' top goalscorer this season. And Moyes must now decide whether the striker has done enough to continue up front when Leeds United visit Goodison on Sunday. Tomasz Radzinski and Wayne Rooney have started the last five Premiership games in attack, although the Blues boss may opt for a three-pronged strikeforce. Meanwhile, fellow striker Campbell continued his recovery by playing 90 min-utes and scoring in the reserves' 2-1 victory at Sunderland last night. It was his first appearance since sustaining a hamstring injury during the Blues' pre-season friendly at home to Bologna in August. Campbell's return to training this week was deemed too late to put him in consideration for Wednesday's cup tie. Chinese international Li Tie also made his comeback in last night's reserve encounter after having been sidelined by a foot injury. Another Blues forward, Nick Chadwick, is hoping his strike against Stockport will act as a catalyst for further first-team involvement. It was the 20-year-old's first senior goal in more than a year, and he said: "I'd like to think that I've been doing well enough over the past couple of weeks to be involved. "I really believe I can challenge to be in the starting eleven. If I didn't believe it then there'd be no point in me being here. I realise I'm only 20 years of age but for 20 years of age I'm doing really well here.
"It's a big club and I just need to push the manager, keep making it hard for him to leave me out and that's what I intend to do."
Post Soapbox
Icliverpool And Daily Post
Sep 26 2003
Unleash Duncan
DUNCAN Ferguson must have pressed his claims for a first-team start against Leeds on Sunday.
With the way they are playing at the moment, they should be cannon fodder for us and Ferguson would strike the fear of God into them. All he needs is a clear run in the side and he will silence all those terrace booboys.
Dave Simms, Liverpool
James the peach
JAMES McFadden is a must for Everton's match against Leeds. He was outstanding against Stockport. He looks to have everything. Let's hope he can do it against Premiership opposition. Moyes is certainly building a young side for the future.
Tom Roberts, Liverpool
Franny who...?
SO what's going on with the prodigal son Francis Jeffers? If James McFadden and Duncan Ferguson keep stealing the headlines - Rooney is a dead cert to start when fit - then young Franny is going to struggle to get a game. Looks like he may be heading back to Arsenal at the end of his loan deal an unwanted player.
Bill Medley, Bootle
Mcfad-in
FROM his performance on Sunday against Middlesbrough alone, McFadden should definitely start against Leeds in the left-wing position. I would also play Ferguson and Rooney up front. This will defintely get the fans going. We should go for all-out attack, especially as Leeds have Roque Junior as the weak link in the team.
John Platania, Walton
Wayne looney
I HEAR and read all about Rooney being the complete player. I disagree because of one major flaw in his set-up, namely his temperament. Six games, four bookings - one more and he faces a ban. He constantly harasses the referee when he feels injustice has been served his way. Is it juvenile exuberance? Most probably, but he needs to nuture it and use it to better means. I have watched three games and in all three he reacted pettily on numerous occassions. Look at Lineker - not one single card in his career. Look at Sharp and Gray, both more physical than Lineker. They received occasional yellows but seldom reds. They never let adversity control them, they controlled it.
Rooney needs to learn to do the same.
Gary Harlingen (via e-mail)
Youngsters in
FIRST off, so there is no mistake, I fully support David Moyes. He has done more to inspire a sense of self-belief and expectation than many of his recent predecessors. But with Everton's attack currently wasteful, their midfield weak and defence wobbly, it's time to freshen things up and give Chadwick, Osman and Clarke a go. Too much reliance on the old guard is what eventually finished Walter.
Barry Croydon (via e-mail)
No sharing, say fans
By Louise Davies, Daily Post
Sep 26 2003
MERSEYSIDE football supporters have said NO to Liverpool and Everton sharing a stadium. More than 20,000 people voted in the Daily Post poll on ground sharing which appeared here on our website icliverpool.co.uk. The poll closed last night with 70pc of those who voted saying they did not want a shared stadium. Only 30pc voted in favour. The possibility of Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton moving in together has been a major talking point over the past fortnight following Liverpool City Council's call for the two clubs to at least discuss the idea. Liverpool FC are currently finalising plans for their new 60,000 capacity stadium on Stanley Park, but club chief executive Rick Parry this week met with Everton FC counterpart Michael Dunford at the request of the city council and the North West Development Agency. At that meeting it was suggested that extra public money would be made available for a joint project, and that there was only enough revenue available to fund one scheme. But immediately after the meeting Liverpool and Everton both moved to distance themselves from a ground share with Rick Parry stressing the importance of the supporters in any decision-making process. The supporters of both clubs have rejected the idea via our internet poll and if their views are to be respected the NWDA, the city council and both clubs will have to ditch further talks on the controversial issue or come up with a new way of winning the fans over. The problem remains that none of the parties have yet come up with a definitive statement.
NWDA and the council say they are acting as "honest brokers", while Liverpool and Everton say they are not looking to share a stadium but are yet to completely dismiss the idea. The Daily Post letters pages and our specially commissioned poll show a majority of Merseyside's football supporters are opposed to sharing a stadium. The ball is now back firmly in the court of the clubs, the NWDA and the city council and it remains to be seen whether they are to continue their verbal feasibility study into ground sharing or if the opposition from the fans has condemned this concept into the dustbin of history.
Fad's in fashion as cup shock is averted
Fanscene By Mark O'Brien, Daily Post
Sep 26 2003
A STAR is born by the looks of it. Scottish supporters kept telling us that James McFadden is the real deal, that we've landed a bargain, and on Wednesday night he gave an indication of just what all the fuss is about. Admittedly Stockport County are not exactly Inter Milan, but everyone knows that in the early stages of the random beverages cup Everton are always the favourites to produce 'the shock of the round'. Luckily we avoided what has become known as 'an Oxford' this time around because we had just enough players with points to prove. Duncan Ferguson continued his recent renaissance with a good display and two goals while Nick Chadwick and David Weir took their opportunity to try and remind everyone that they're still about. It was McFadden though who most impressed. We've been crying out for a wide player who can run with the ball and help ease the attacking burden on the strikers - the hairy Scot certainly seems to fit the bill. It will be very difficult for David Moyes to leave him out against Leeds after that display, especially as very few players covered themselves in glory at The Riverside on Sunday. That defeat against a shocking Middlesbrough side was very disappointing, especially given that the likes of Southampton and Birmingham won away the day before. Last season we were generally beating the bad teams, and very rarely losing to them, and that's why we finished as high as we did. If we're to get back on track and repeat that form then we really must be looking for maximum points from the next two games.
Hopefully the return to form of Duncan Ferguson and the emergence of McFadden will provide that bit of spark that's been lacking thus far and maybe even allow Moyes to give Wayne Rooney a bit of a rest. The youngster's played a lot of games lately and looked frustrated against Middlesbrough, hence the constant moaning to the referee and the odd wild challenge. With his rapid rise to the top, especially his performances for England, it's easy to forget that he's still only 17. The Everton management have done a great job of handling him so far but he still needs protecting and nurturing. Moyes could do with having a word with him about his temper too, but after Sunday's 'touchline-rage' incident he is probably afraid of being the pot who called the kettle black!
At least it shows they care.
Blues seeking six of the best
Academy Football With Chris Wright Daily Post
Sep 26 2003
SIX-in-a-row is the aim of Everton under-17s tomorrow. Gary Ablett's young side entertain Middlesbrough at Netherton tomorrow (kick-off 12noon) with the only 100 per cent record in the FA Premier Academy League Group A. The Blues youngsters have won five out of five and conceded just two goals since the start of the season. And with three of Ablett's side - Paul Hopkins, Mark Hughes and Laurence Wilson - continuing their own unbeaten run in Neil Dewsnip's under-19s last Satur-day, they are in buoyant mood. Ablett said: "It is just a case of keeping it going. We were a little disappointed with the way we won at Derby, although we did win. The performance wasn't one of our best, but we know we have got things to work on. "But winning always breeds confidence so they couldn't be any more confident than what they are now, but we don't want that to turn into complacency." But the Blues coach is looking forward to another good examination of his side's ability. He said: "Middlesbrough will give us a good test. They have got a good youth set-up and they will possibly come here and play 3-5-2, which is what they try and do throughout the club. It is something we haven't encountered before, so it is something we will have to play well against to win." The U17s have a fully fit squad, bolstered by Irish youngster Alan Kearney, who received his international clearance to play for the club after turning 16 on Monday. Ablett said: "Alan is left-footed and can play anywhere - left midfield, central midfield, centre-half, left-back. He's a great player to have in the squad." Everton under-19s are not in Academy League action tomorrow, but will play a friendly against Coventry City. The Blues will be happy that they bounced back to winning ways with a 3-1 vic-tory at Derby last week and they will be aiming to continue that when they return to League action next Saturday against Liver-pool at Netherton. Midfielder Scott Brown is back on Merseyside after helping England U19s reach the second round of the UEFA U19s Championships in Russia. Brown played a key role as Dick Bate's side won all three matches, beating Liechtenstein 2-0 in opening game. The Blues midfielder scored the last goal in the 4-0 win over Andorra in the first qualifying round stage. And England topped Group Eight after a 1-0 victory over hosts Russia on Wednesday.
An unholy alliance which simply would not work
By Tony Barrett, Daily Post
Sep 26 2003
LIFELONG Liverpool FC supporter and Daily Post reporter Tony Barrett explains why, along with the majority of Merseyside football fans who voted here on icliverpool.co.uk, he believes there should never be a shared stadium in this city SOME concepts take longer than others to disappear. The Sinclair C5, Betamax videos and laser disc players have all been and gone since the possibility of Liverpool and Everton sharing a stadium first reared its head in the 1960s. But the truth is ground sharing is an idea even worse than even these failed experiments. The two Merseyside giants do share a city, they also have massive followings. And on some occasions the two mix as well as Alka and Seltzer. But they are separate and that is how they should remain. The thought of Z Cars being played by mistake as Liverpool run out at a packed shiny new stadium is enough to send shivers down any Kopite's spine. Those in favour of the unholy alliance talk of the extra revenue that a shared stadium would produce. But football supporters are not driven by money. We all want success - but not at any cost. You don't sacrifice over a century of heritage simply because of cash incentives. If we were that fickle we would all be down the M1 every other week to watch the Chelsea millionaires in action. Economic sense does not always equal common sense where football is concerned. If it did then surely it makes economic sense to have one team in a city of 250,000 people with no competition for the fanbase. Then that one entity could cash in on merchandise with a global brand to rival even that of Man United. Football is about rivalry and healthy competition, particularly on Merseyside. A shared stadium would not be OURS. Every other week your seat would be sat on by an Evertonian or an away fan. Instead of having a home ground you would have a shared community facility. And does any self-respecting Red really want to go to home games and see statues of Dixie Dean, Harry Catterick and other Goodison favourites?
Liverpool are big enough and should have enough money to finance their own stadium. If not then rather than share I would much prefer to stay at Anfield rather than give up everything our great club is about in return for a half-share in a concrete carbuncle. Peter Robinson had many great ideas during his time as Liverpool's chief executive, but moving in with the Blues wasn't one of them.
Some things just don't go well together and, like Robson and Jerome, it would be better for all concerned if they stayed apart. After 109 years of intense but healthy rivalry, Liverpool and Everton should heed this lesson.
Fad worth wide berth
Sep 26 2003 By Howard Kendall, Liverpool Echo
JAMES McFadden has impressed wide on the left in his first couple of games for Everton. He is a confident young lad with neat footwork. Since his arrival at Everton, McFadden's best position has been the subject of some debate. But he looked the part on the left against Stockport and Middlesbrough. Wednesday's Carling Cup win will give the Blues a useful lift. In recent seasons Everton have had a tendency to go out of the competition at an early stage and that has been very disappointing for the fans. The team now has to focus on the Premier-ship. The visit of a struggling Leeds on Sunday could be just what is needed. A word of warning, though. In their last three league fixtures the Blues have come up against sides below them in the Premier-ship who were struggling for form. Against Liverpool, Newcastle and Middlesbrough, David Moyes' men did not earn a win.
You fear that Leeds' luck has to change. Sunday sees Peter Reid back at Goodison under difficult circumstances. The club has sold most of its best players and he has had to bring in quite a number on loan. That can be a big gamble if you have had to rely on videos and recommendations. Leeds are leaking goals at the moment - Leicester put four past them and even Swindon scored two in the Carling Cup on Wednesday. Everton will be keen to exploit this. Ban the brawlers THE FA must come down hard on the behaviour millions of viewers saw in the Manchester United-Arsenal match last weekend. Players cannot carry on like that, although the wind-up between the managers before each meeting simply fuels the players. The FA will be looking to teach them a lesson. The rest of the league will not stand for leniency. Fines are no deterrent in an age of massive salaries. The only acceptable punishment is a ban. Then the managers will have to do something about this kind of behaviour. Be cruel to be kind THERE are times when a manager has to be cruel to be kind. Wolves' predicament at the bottom of the Premiership reminded me of the time I told Andy Gray he could leave Goodison. He had been a great servant to us, but I was bringing in Gary Lineker and I did not want Andy to be sitting on the bench each week. It was better for him that he got regular football elsewhere. At the end of last season, Dave Jones should have thanked Paul Ince and Denis Irwin for helping them gain promotion - then wished them all the best at another club.
Why Naysmith is happy he's pushed to back
Sep 26 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
MANAGERS love to tell you that competition for places is a good thing. But when players echo those sentiments it never really seems heartfelt. With Gary Naysmith though, it is a very different story.
The 24-year-old Scot was genuinely pleased when James McFadden and Kevin Kilbane were signed ahead of the transfer deadline earlier this month, even though their arrival meant there would be further competition for a place on the left of Everton's midfield. The greater strength in depth meant the Scottish international would be able to stake a claim for the full-back slot he prefers.
He didn't have to wait long. Having spent the last year playing his football in midfield, Naysmith returned to left-back against Newcastle a fortnight ago - and promptly earned a red card. He will have the chance to face up to the irony of the situation from the stands on Sunday as the Blues entertain Leeds. "I would like to (stay at left-back) but I haven't done myself any good really with getting myself sent off," he concedes. "I have said before that I would play wherever, but my preference is left-back. "It is disappointing to be suspended after only two games in that position."
It is the same kind of luck which cost him at the start of last season. Naysmith started the campaign at full-back, but after four games was ruled out until November because of injury. When he returned he was given a place in mid-field and that is where he remained. The likelihood of the player returning to that mid-field role in the near future seems slim now. Kilbane has done a solid job since his arrival from Sunderland. But it is 20-year-old McFadden who has really caught the imagination of fans following his mesmerising home debut on the wing against Stockport in the Carling Cup on Wednesday. Naysmith was in the press box to witness that match. The youngster's impact did not come as a surprise to him. He has been impressed by the quality his international team-mate has shown in training over the last few weeks. He added: "Faddy's got a good strike rate. I think he has scored maybe one in three or better than that, even though he is not an out-and-out striker. "He can play through the middle, he can play wide on either flank, he likes to dribble at people and can go either way. He also works back and he likes to have a go. "He is not short on confidence and I am sure once he gets settled in with the lads, he will be a great player for Everton." Naysmith welcomes the level of competition McFadden has helped provide. That competition will make the defender's return to the side troublesome over the next week or two. Alessandro Pistone is expected to fill in at left-back on Sunday and David Unsworth will be waiting on the sidelines for the chance to redeem himself after losing his place because of a torrid first half in the Goodison derby. As a result, Naysmith admits: "If I was to play on the left midfield and that meant me getting into the team for the rest of the season then I would play there. "There are five of us going for two positions, so it is going to be difficult. That is why when you get in the team you have got to try to do well to stay in it." With just five points from six games, Everton go in to Sunday's match desperately in need of a win. Naysmith accepts the Blues have not yet matched the high standards set in the last campaign, despite Wednesday's morale-boosting victory over Stockport. "We've had a tough run of games but, even bearing that in mind, we still expected to pick up more points than we have. Points-wise and performance-wise it has been a bit disappointing. "We have not really played well for a full 90 minutes in a game. "Maybe the fans' level of expectation has grown because of what we achieved last year but I don't think that is putting any extra pressure on the players. "I think it is just that we are simply not performing the way we should be. "We are working as hard in training as we did last year. But we have got to start games properly. "If you take the Middlesbrough match, we never played well in the first half. We didn't get into it until the second half and then we took over control of the game. It is disappointing we are not doing that for 90 minutes." Naysmith will be looking for a better performance when he watches from the stands on Sunday. But if his team-mates produce the goods, he may have to settle for a longer spell on the sidelines than his suspension specified.
That is the price of competition. Thankfully, it is a price Naysmith is willing to pay.
Cup spur for Reid
LEEDS manager Peter Reid heads to Everton on Sunday grateful for the small mercy of a dramatic Carling Cup victory over Swindon this week. On the face of it, beating a Second Division side in the second round of the League Cup would not appear to be all that important, but for Leeds it was crucial. "It would have been really difficult going to Goodison if we had been knocked out," said former Evertonian Reid. "That really would have been a test of our character, which we again showed plenty of against Swindon because we played good football and kept on going. "We showed a lot of anxiety, but hopefully getting through to the next round of the Carling Cup will help us."
Net-finder Campbell to bolster front line
Sep 26 2003 Liverpool Echo
KEVIN CAMPBELL gave manager David Moyes another striker boost ahead of Sunday's match against Leeds United with a goal on his return to action at New Ferens Park. The Blues striker scored 24 hours after team-mates Nick Chadwick and Duncan Ferguson had also staked a claim for a start against the Yorkshiremen. Campbell made his return in the 2-1 victory against Sunderland Reserves after missing all of Everton's games this season with a knee injury sustained in Colin Harvey's testimonial in August. The night didn't start positively for the Blues though as Sunderland took the lead after just two minutes through Michael Proctor. Everton were caught out as they failed to clear the early ball and Proctor capitalised on the mistake with a low drive past Iain Turner. It wasn't long though until the Blues were back on level terms, Barry found space for a cross which Campbell met superbly to score past former Blues keeper Thomas Myhre in the Sunderland goal. Young Barry was also involved in Everton's second on 22 minutes when he found Alan Moogan who unleashed a tremendous drive past Myhre. Sunderland put Everton under serious pressure at times during a second half which saw a number of good saves from Turner. However Everton too had their chances with the returning Li Tie going close and Italian Pascucci nearly getting on the scoresheet. The home side had strong claims for a penalty late on but Andy Holden's side held on to inflict the Black Cats' first defeat of the season. EVERTON RES: Turner, Moogan B, Wilson, Clarke, Gerrard (Hughes 80) Nyarko, Barry, Tie, Campbell, Pascucci (Hopkins 80), Moogan A.
Moyes: Fad needs time
Sep 26 2003 By Scott Mcleod Everton Correspondent
EVERTON manager David Moyes today warned fans excited by the young winger James McFadden: "Don't expect too much from him too soon." The Blues boss was happy with the Scot's full debut against Stockport at Goodison on Wednesday. And he can understand why the 20-year-old, signed from Motherwell for just £1.25m earlier this month, has already become a favourite with Evertonians. But the manager intends to be patient with the winger. That could mean McFadden dropping to the bench for Sunday's Premiership clash with Leeds. "James is one of those boys who has got a near arrogance about him and I think the fans like that," said Moyes. "He did well on Wednesday but he is still young and still learning. It will take time with him. "There is a difference between the opposition in the Carling Cup and the Premiership." Moyes must now decide whether to keep McFadden in the side for Sunday's game or whether to recall Kevin Kilbane, who was unavailable in midweek because he was cup-tied. The Everton boss is also in the enviable position of having all his strikers fit and available for Sunday's match. But he is keeping his cards close to his chest. He revealed: "I have got options, which is exactly what I want. Kevin scored last night and showed he is fit and firing on all cylinders and it was good to see the strikers scoring in midweek.
"But I have not made any decisions yet about Sunday. We are just interested in getting three points and climbing up the table." Meanwhile, Scot Gemmill has suffered a setback in his return to fitness.
The Scotland international was back in full training this week after a spell on the sidelines with a thigh strain but the midfielder has suffered a recurrence of the problem which has put back his recovery by a couple of weeks.
* The game is not being televised but has been switched to Sunday to avoid clashing with the return of the Mersey Clipper and the finale of the Round the World Yacht race tomorrow.
Now's the time for ground talk
Comment By Richard Williamson, Daily Post
Sep 27 2003
FROM whichever standpoint you view the prospect of Liverpool and Everton sharing a football stadium, there is one thing all sides are agreed upon. The footballing community of Merseyside is deeply divided. The first real meaningful discussions about the possibility of our two great clubs putting years of neighbourly rivalry to one side and working together to create a new home that would serve the needs of both Reds and Blues have revealed just how great that divide is.
The Daily Post first broke the story of how the North West Development Agency did not believe the city was capable of sustaining two multi-million pound projects to deliver tailor-made, individual homes for the Premiership pair - and that the best way forward was for one, super stadium for the region. An opinion poll on our icliverpool website for or against the idea of a shared stadium quickly generated thousands of votes - and there was only a handful between the two opposing views.
The opinion of our letter writers and members of our Fans Forum reflected that split. There were those who believe the time has come to put the old rivalries to one side in the face of harsh economic reality and those who would never countenance sharing their seat with someone who may as well be from the other side of the galaxy than just a few hundred yards across Stanley Park.
As further revelations followed - that Liverpool City Council was urging the clubs to talk and that an historic meeting took place under the cloud of a threat that grant aid could be withheld unless there was only one stadium plan on the table - public opinion seemed to harden against the prospect. The voting on icliverpool revealed a much wider split as, it seemed, supporters took a reality check.
An idea that had been knocking around since the 1960s - without anyone seriously expecting it would ever actually happen - was suddenly being discussed by the decision makers. And soon the conspiracy theorists were at work laying their false trails as to why the matter was being pushed into the public domain. It is no surprise why. And it is true to say that if Everton's hopes for a move to the Kings Dock had not crumbled before a brick was laid, it may never have taken place. But with both clubs pouring hours of effort into establishing how they can fund a move into a stadium that will give them a platform to compete with the financial muscle of Manchester United, it was only to be expected that someone would throw up the idea of them pooling their resources. In this case the NWDA. Ah, say some with a nod and a wink, but it is only because Everton have been left high and dry while Liverpool continue to make progress on their plans for a short hop into Stanley Park itself.
That notion itself would send tremors running down the corridors of Goodison Park, where there are just as many reservations about the possibility of skip-ping hand in hand into the sunset with their neighbours and rivals as there are at Anfield. But this is a debate that must be played out in as public an arena as possible. Why? Because if it isn't, then the people who are the heart of this matter - the supporters - would be left in the dark unaware, even, that such talks were actually taking place. And it is no use those who are bitterly opposed to the idea - or those who favour the suggestion - shooting the messenger when the latest twist or turn does not fit their own agendas.
All sides must have their say - and that includes the people who week in, week out pay their way at the turnstiles to follow the club they hold so dear. So dear in fact, that they very thought of sharing with their derby opposition fills many with dread. And the people of Anfield, who have high hopes that a new home for Liverpool will be the centre-piece of a regeneration for their area, should not be overlooked. If it takes a referendum to determine what the voice of the people is saying, then so be it. The people who run our clubs - and city - face the biggest decision since the days when Everton opted to leave Anfield for Goodison Park and those left behind decided to set up their own club called Liverpool FC. Perhaps if both clubs had both been on the starting line with their plans the debate may have gone along different lines. But Liverpool have a head start and that has polarised many of the views. Views that will continue to be expressed among these pages as the city faces up to a monumental decision that could have repercussions for decades to come - and not just among our passionate, committed and outspoken footballing fraternity.
Everton 4, Leeds Utd 0 (D, Post)
Sep 29 2003 Ian Doyle Reports From Goodison Park, Daily Post
WHAT A difference a Carling can make. Refreshed after their midweek League Cup cruise, a start to the season which had been described as "poor" by David Moyes has been followed by a week which has been anything but. Seven goals scored and two successive clean sheets, Stockport and now Leeds United have been swatted aside with the type of free-flowing, free-scoring attacking football which Moyes has been determined to engender in the side ever since he first swept into Goodison 18 months ago. And while one swallow does not a summer make, the mere fact that the Blues have demonstrated they are now capable of producing such sparkling displays must augur well for the future. Greater challenges will no doubt lie in the future, but Moyes now knows his players have the ability to deliver. It was Steve Watson who took the plaudits and the matchball yesterday following a brilliant hat-trick. But in truth almost every player in Blue was at the top of their game throughout a performance which must rank alongside the best produced under Moyes, and was Everton's biggest win since the 5-0 thrashing of West Ham almost two years to the day. Credit for that must go to the manager himself, whose seemingly desperate deadline-day dash for reinforcements following a summer of transfer frustration appears more inspired with each passing game. James McFadden, in particular, has provided the most obvious initial influence, man of the match against Stockport on Wednesday and again wowing the Goodison faithful yesterday with his twists, turns and runs to further cement his place in Evertonians' affections. But the arrival of the Scot, Kevin Kilbane and Francis Jeffers has also acted as a spur to the players already in the squad and given Moyes more options in attack and a greater strength in depth. Proof of this came yesterday, with the goalscorers having both been rekindled by the competition for places and the stirring words of their boss. The renaissance of Duncan Ferguson continues apace. It's four goals in as many games now for the Scot - unbelievably, the 39th-minute strike yesterday was his first with his head for Everton in FIVE years - and whether it be that spate of new arrivals or those choice words of wisdom from Moyes, Ferguson is a striker reborn. A gentle reminder from the manager also proved the catalyst for Watson's memorable treble. The likeable Geordie has at times paid the price for his versatility, but he took full advantage of his experience as a makeshift striker against a woeful Leeds defence to become the first Everton player to score a hat-trick since Nick Barmby at West Ham in February 2000. It's too easy to dismiss this victory and put it down to Leeds' deficiencies. Yes, Peter Reid's side were frankly dreadful and on this evidence the Goodison legend will need his loan signings to gel quickly or face a long winter scrapping at the wrong end of the Premiership. But for the second time in a week, Everton have shown the necessary desire and the capability to see off lesser teams with ease. It could have been 10 - and all this with Wayne Rooney on the bench!
With Gary Naysmith suspended, Moyes made only three changes from the side which defeated Stockport in midweek. And boosted by the confidence gained from that win, and no doubt with last week's poor opening against Middlesbrough still fresh in the mind, Everton tore into Leeds in a blistering first-half display which rendered the second period academic. The first opportunity came seven minutes in, when good play from Alan Stubbs on the edge of the area from a corner found Thomas Gravesen unmarked 15 yards out but the Dane shot across the goal. Ferguson was the next to try his luck, volleying first-time just past the post following McFadden's knockdown from a Watson cross, while the youngster flashed an effort wide of the far post after some neat footwork inside the box. Everton were getting nearer, and on 19 minutes another nod down by McFadden was helped on by Gravesen's head into the path of Tomasz Radzinski, who turned and pulled his effort agonisingly off target. Leeds' stretched defence looked ready to capitulate at any moment, and the only surprise about the Blues' opener is that they had to wait until 27 minutes to make the breakthrough. And while it owed a little to the visitors' much-maligned back line, the error was forced by good play from Moyes' men. Radzinski pressured Brazilian World Cup winner Roque Junior into a hurried clearance which landed at the feet of Watson loitering outside the area. The midfielder then played a one-two with Ferguson inside the area before crashing home a fantastic shot into the roof of the net from the angle. Sensing Leeds were there for the taking, Everton remained on the offensive. Ferguson missed another chance after neatly controlling Tony Hibbert's cross, and after exchanging passes with Watson, Radzinski raced clear down the right only to thump the outside of the post with his finish. They didn't have to wait long for the second goal - but what a goal. McFadden, who was running poor Gary Kelly daft down the Everton left, played a ball over the top for Radzinski to chase. Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson got there first, but his clearance was tame and went straight to Watson who returned it with interest, lifting the ball over the goalkeeper and the retreating defenders from 40 yards into the back of the net. Service from the flanks was proving the Blues' greatest threat, and it paid off handsomely two minutes later for the third goal. Hibbert, who was playing more as an auxiliary winger than a full-back, crossed from the right and Ferguson rose above Zoumana Camara to head in at the far post. Leeds were out early for the start of the second half - presumably to avoid any further ear damage from a disbelieving Reid - but it made no difference. One almighty goalmouth scramble moments after the restart should have brought a fourth goal for Everton, with Watson being denied by Robinson and both Ferguson and Radzinski seeing goalbound efforts blocked. Watson was clearly eager to complete his hat-trick, and came close with yet another shot across goal on 50 minutes. He didn't have to wait long, however, when a minute later Unsworth's long ball eventually found the Geordie at the far post and he cheekily lobbed the ball over Robinson from what appeared an impossible angle. Nigel Martyn finally got his hands warmed by an effort from Mark Viduka, but it was a token response from the Yorkshiremen. Joseph Yobo and substitute Kevin Kilbane could have made got on the scoresheet before Rooney pulled a glorious chance wide with the last kick of the match. Five goals would have been a travesty. It should have been a lot more. EVERTON (4-4-2): Martyn; Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Unsworth; Watson (Kilbane 76), Carsley, Gravesen, McFadden (Linderoth 85); Ferguson, Radzinski (Rooney 76). Subs: Turner, Weir.
LEEDS UNITED (4-4-2): Robinson; Kelly, Roque Junior, Camara, Matteo; Pennant (Olembe 46), Morris, Johnson (Lennon 46), Sakho (Bridges 46); Viduka, Smith. Subs: Carson, Harte.
BOOKINGS: Leeds' Camara.
REFEREE: Mr P Durkin.
ATT: 39,151.
Steve trick a real treat
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
Sep 29 2003
DAVID MOYES revealed the challenge issued to hat-trick hero Steve Watson before the midfielder inspired a "magnificent" Everton to destroy Leeds United 4-0 yesterday. The Blues racked up their biggest win under Moyes by overwhelming Peter Reid's shell-shocked side, with Watson netting a treble and Duncan Ferguson on the scoresheet for the second time in five days. And the Goodison boss told how a gentle training ground reminder had helped Everton secure their first Premiership win in five games. "He was fantastic," said Moyes. "He deserves the credit for his goals, because I had to tell him that he hadn't been performing as well as he should do and he certainly answered me today. "All of his goals were different, all very well taken and if somebody else had scored the second one, maybe a more high-profile player, I'm sure we'd be talking about it for days and weeks to come. "All over, we were magnificent and it was very encouraging, the performance more so than the result. We had a lot of chances, there was a lot of entertainment value and we went about the game in the manner that we needed to. "I think it was one of our most creative performances since I have been here. The reason for that was that our attacking play was very good." Duncan Ferguson marked his first Premiership start of the season by playing a second successive 90 minutes and scoring his first headed goal for Everton in five years. "Duncan was going very strong throughout the game and he was always a threat in the box," added Moyes. "It was a terrific ball from Tony Hibbert for his goal. "But we used Duncan's threat at the right time. We got balls into the box at the right time and we used clever wing play at the right time." The victory gave Everton a successive clean sheet but was only their second Premiership victory of the season. And Moyes admitted: "It was a win that we needed, and I told the players that we needed it. Probably, we have been a bit anxious for the result and I have seen that with the players in training. "I was disappointed that we had not scored the first goal before we did do. But I thought we did really well and we kept at it. "The first goal gave us the confidence to go on, and that is not something we have had at home in recent weeks, with the game against Liverpool springing to mind."
For Everton legend and Leeds boss Reid, it was an unhappy return to Goodison Park. And he pulled no punches in his assessment of his team's desperately poor performance. "We were fortunate to get away with conceding only four," he said. "We were second best in every department. "There was no passing, no tackling from anyone in my side, there was no desire to work, or play - and Everton had all that. "If you go back to Leicester where we did not compete and they battered us, teams have seen how to play against us. They will be saying that Leeds have not got the stomach to win a battle. "It is difficult as a manager to keep criticising, you try to be constructive, but there was nothing constructive there and I would not be honest if I said otherwise." Reid looked as low as he has ever done in his management of Leeds, and said: "We are in for a very hard season if we keep playing like this. I am very worried."
The 'last hope' for ground-share talks
By Alan Weston, Daily Post
Sep 29 2003
EVERTON chief executive Michael Dunford has said the club is in the "last stop saloon" for a ground-share with rivals Liverpool to go ahead. Speaking yesterday to the fans through the club's programme, Blue, Mr Dunford said that the two parties would have to come together "very quickly" if the scheme was to proceed. Liverpool FC are finalising plans for a 60,000-capacity stadium at Stanley Park, with a planning application due to be submitted early next month. The club programme accompanying Everton's match against Leeds United at Goodison Park - which the home side won 4-0 - was the first time Mr Dunford has spoken publicly about the proposal. He said: "The issue is obviously a highly sensitive one and, as such, both clubs are receptive to discussing it, without making any commitment whatsoever. "I think it's everybody's wish to see some sort of world-class football stadium that would benefit the city of Liverpool but, as you would expect, there is an abundance of non-footballing aspects to consider. "Everybody shares the same aims and ambitions. The authorities want the two football clubs to be successful but this is probably the last stop saloon as far as any opportunity for the two clubs to share a stadium." Mr Dunford said the idea of sharing a site was much more common abroad, such as the San Siro Stadium in Milan, used by Inter and AC. He added: "Leaving out, if you can, all the passion and the traditional arguments that Evertonians and Liverpudlians will use, if you were a neutral, it does seem rather senseless to have two clubs going off in their own direction potentially investing upwards of £150m on two separate schemes when, as we've seen in Italy, a shared scheme can work for two footballing giants." But he went on to say that there were "mountains to climb, huge mountains" if a similar scheme was ever to go ahead in Liverpool. "The Board of Directors at Goodison will need a lot of convincing that the economic arguments are so strong that Everton would wish to share a stadium with Liverpool," said Mr Dunford. "We do have other options and we will still consider them, but given the speed in which the Liverpool scheme is now progressing we've got a one-off opportunity now to discuss it. "If the eventual outcome is that we go our own way, then we will remain as we are - two massive football clubs in one great city. "We all have our own views, but be rest assured, unless it completely satisfies Everton 101pc, there will be no sharing option." A Daily Post poll on ground sharing last week revealed that 70pc of Mersey football fans did not want to share a stadium, with only 30pc in favour. Liverpool FC chief executive Rick Parry has already met Mr Dunford to discuss the idea of a ground share, at the suggestion of Liverpool City Council. Mark O'Brien, editor of the Everton fanzine website When Skies are Grey, said last night: "I am against the idea. It would be the death knell for Everton as we know it."
Fans forum
By Mike Brown, Daily Post
Sep 29 2003
WITH arguably their best performance under David Moyes, Everton completely outclassed Leeds at Goodison Park, running out 4-0 winners. On this showing, Leeds look a good bet for relegation. The game was all about Everton's performance though, and the team crucially delivered where it had failed previously this season - they performed from the first whistle rather than waiting for the customary half-time rollicking from Moyes, and there was genuine quality in the final third. That quality came in the shape of Duncan Ferguson at his imperious best - great first touch, fantastic link-up play and a goal straight from the classical Big Man repertoire. It came in the shape of James McFadden, who continued where he left off in the Carling Cup game, proving beyond doubt that he can weave his magical skills at the highest level. It says something about a team's performance when the hat-trick hero isn't given first mention! Steve Watson deserves everything he gets from this game - there can't be a more honest or likeable pro in the game. Tony Hibbert, too, is improving as he gains in fitness. On 26 minutes, a poor clearance by Roque Junior (this guy must be an imposter!) resulted in Watson lashing an unstoppable right foot shot into the roof of the net and his other two goals were just as impressive with a silky smooth chip from 40 yards and a clever lob from a tight angle. This was a hugely encouraging performance by Moyes' young side - the first of many, we hope! A word about the referee - what a pleasure it was to come out of the ground talking about football and footballers! Paul Durkin refereed the game with intelligence and a smile on his face, which was great to see. He has a rapport with the players that some of his colleagues would do well to emulate and was always in control without having to resort to a barrage of card waving.
Everton 4, Leeds Utd 0 (Echo)
Sep 29 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
TWENTY- FOUR hours after the return of the Mersey Clipper the good ship Everton provided the city with an even more mesmerising spectacle. Steve Watson navigated the Blues into calm Premiership waters with a thunderous hat-trick as Peter Reid's crew of youngsters and mercenaries from Leeds were swept away. It was the Geordie's stunning hat-trick which gave the scoreline the emphatic appearance the Toffees earned so convincingly. As a result, Everton sailed up the league, weighing anchor in the top half of the table courtesy of their biggest victory for two years. After last weekend's defeat at Middlesbrough it was something of a surprise. But David Moyes managed to plug the leaks which had seen his side ship 11 goals in their opening six matches by proving that attack is the best formof defence. Leeds simply couldn't cope with the relentless onslaught and their paper-thin hull was breached beyond salvation as early as the 40th minute when Duncan Ferguson powered home a header to put the home side three goals up. There was no coming back for Leeds after that point. And in the remaining 50 minutes the rats did their best to escape the sinking ship. Former Blue Reid deserves better. Had any of the men in yellow shown even a fraction of the passion which was present from Reid throughout his playing career then this result may have been a tad less embarrassing. Instead, they collapsed like a house of cards. Roque Junior was the biggest culprit. Faced with the resurgent man-mountain that is Duncan Ferguson, the Brazilian wilted. With so many uncommitted players, it is hard to see how Reid can avoid a relegation dogfight. But that is not Everton's concern. And it should not take anything away from the quality of yesterday's performance. Watson was the star of the show. But he was surrounded by a magnificent supporting cast. Moyes' team selection was spot on. Wayne Rooney, who has not been at his scintillating best in recent weeks, had to settle for a place on the bench because Ferguson warranted his starting berth. And, thankfully, his presence didn't lead to a series of long balls being hoofed forward at every opportunity. Instead, his power and aerial threat ensured he was the ideal foil to the lightning fast Tomasz Radzinski. It is a combination which worked well. The reason it worked well is because they received plenty of support from the flanks. Tony Hibbert is fast rediscovering his best form and on the right he links well with Watson. It was Hibbert's cross which provided Fergie with his goal - his first with his head in an Everton shirt since his strike against Manchester United in the 1998/99 season five years ago. And on the left Everton have the superb James McFadden. This may have been his first Premiership start but he played with the confidence and flair of somebody who has been plying his trade at the very highest level of the English game for years. And on any other day he would have picked up the Man of the Match champagne. But it wasn't him that netted three goals of supreme quality, it was Watson. While some of his team-mates were contriving to miss from the closest of positions, he netted three stunners. The midfielder is a consistent performer and boasts more skill than he is given credit for. Yesterday that quality came to the fore. His opening goal was good, second outstanding and third pure impudence. The first came when a poor clearance by Roque Junior fell to Watson 30 yards from goal. He played a neat one-two with Ferguson before leathering the ball beyond Paul Robinson from a tight angle. Ten minutes later and he was at it again. McFadden sent Radzinski scampering through on goal with a 40 yard pass. The Canadian international attempted to round Robinson as the keeper charged out of his area but the ball rebounded off the keeper's legs. Unfortunately for the young England international, it fell to the feet of Watson 35 yards from goal and he could only watch helplessly as the Everton man launched the ball goalwards. Normally those kind of efforts are cleared off the line or float high and wide. Watson's, though, was perfect. A goal of the highest quality, it spurred his team-mates to even higher levels as the confidence oozed from their every pore. But Watson was not going to allow the outstanding McFadden or the resurgent Ferguson steal his thunder. With the bit between his teeth, he set about the task of claiming the match ball in the second half. He was denied during one mad scramble and then dragged a ferocious right-foot drive from 12 yards inches wide of the target. But on 52 minutes his wait came to an end. David Unsworth swept a cross to the back post from the left wing. Watson controlled the ball with a deft header and then scooped it over Robinson and into the far corner of the net with his right foot.
Cheeky and brilliant in equal measure, it was testament to the 29-year-old's under-rated ability.
That made it four for the afternoon. The third goal had come five minutes before half-time. Ferguson shrugged off the aerial challenge of Junior to connect with Hibbert's cross and power the ball beyond Robinson. After Watson's third in the second period it was inevitable that the tide of Everton pressure waned slightly. With Leeds out on their feet and unwilling to over commit going forward, the Blues had turn the volume down on their rockand-roll football. As they maintained possession the 'Ole's' rang around the ground. Such was the good mood in the stadium that even the referee was treated warmly. When Roque Junior and McFadden tussled in the Everton area Paul Durkin, who was top class, resisted the temptation to reach for a card and merely shooed away the young Scot, who had shown his fiery temperament for the first time. The fifth goal should have been added. Joseph Yobo sent a free header straight at Robinson and Rooney, on as a late sub, somehow fired wide after being played through one-on-one. But that is of little relevance. What is important is that, through a combination of flair and tireless work ethic, Everton produced their best performance of the season by a long way. And all that without a certain 17-year-old in the starting line-up. That is good news for the Blues. Their is a strength in depth in the squad which wasn't present last season. Peter Reid would give anything to be in that situation. Instead, his side are all at sea.
Watson targets double figures
Sep 29 2003 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
STEVE WATSON has set his sights on achieving his best ever goals return for a season after netting the first hat-trick of his career yesterday. The 29-year-old led Everton's goalscoring onslaught in a 4-0 thumping of Leeds at Goodison as the Blues climbed to 10th in the table. Watson's goals mean he is now the club's top scorer with five goals and level with Premiership big guns Alan Shearer and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink. The scoring frenzy yesterday was inspired by a few words of criticism for Watson from manager David Moyes during training on Saturday. Now the Geordie wants to continue his goalscoring run, prove to his manager he is worth a regular spot in mid-field and reach double figures in a season for the first time. He revealed: "I almost got into double figures at Newcastle in one season and that was in midfield as well. At the start of a season any midfielder would say they would be happy to get into double figures. "I feel fitter now than I did then at Newcastle funnily enough so it would be nice to beat that. Hopefully that is not out of the question.
"It has been a fantastic start to the season for me in terms of goals and I had a decent end to last season goal-wise. It has been a while since I played in midfield but I think there are goals there and I think I proved that today. "The manager had a chat with me on Saturday. "I have had a stomach problem for a while which hasn't really hindered my performances but I know I haven't played as well as I can in the last couple of games. "But the gaffer sort of mentioned that at the right time and I knew I had to perform. "At the end of the day, if you don't perform in this team you are out of the side and I knew I had to come up with an improved performance. "I felt brilliant in the first half, it was the best I have felt in a long time. My injury obviously seems to be getting better." It was the first time in his professional career Watson had struck three times in a match. He added: "I enjoyed the third goal the most, obviously because it was for my hat-trick but also because, despite what everybody may think, I actually meant it. As the ball left my foot I was hoping Tomasz Radzinski wasn't going to head it in because a lot of forwards would have done but he did well for me there.
"Last season I scored two in the first-half against Bolton and didn't get my hat-trick. I have never had a hat-trick professionally. Not since Walls End Boys Club actually. "So I suppose that was in my mind in the second half and I did want another goal but it was important I didn't lose my discipline and just go flying forward with every attack. "I just had to be patient and thankfully it worked. With 15 minutes to go that is normally the time I start feeling my groin and stomach so the physio got me off. Hopefully now I will be fresh as a daisy for next week." Watson believes the Blues now have the firepower to push their way up the table into a position befitting the quality of the squad David Moyes has assembled. He adds: "We said before the game that we needed to produce something to kickstart our season and hopefully that is what we have done with that performance. "We do need goals from everywhere on the pitch. "The good thing about this game is the amount of chances we created as a team. We are not going to get greedy but we could have had even more goals than we actually got. "I have set my standards now and I amgoing to have to try and keep them up. I am not guaranteeing a hat-trick every week but I will certainly try. "The strikers are looking really strong but if we keep chipping in from midfield then it is going to help."
Dunc inspires a new Goodison vibe
Sep 29 2003 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
THE last time Neville Southall staged a half-time sit-in against Leeds, the natives were glum, grim-faced and restless. Big Nev was back at his spiritual home yesterday, looking more comfortably disposed with life. But the fans were positively vibrant as they witnessed a one-sided, thrilling, demolition of the least committed side to hold a top-flight place since Swindon accepted they were going down days after they had come up. Everton were a delight, with James McFadden slaloming up and down the left flank and Steve Watson finishing like a Brazilian. Statistically Goodison was an anorak's paradise, too. Here's a selection: David Moyes recorded his biggest win as Everton boss; Watson scored his first ever hat-trick; and the Blues kept a first Premiership clean sheet in six months. But that was but a nanosecond compared to the wait Duncan Ferguson has endured for another headed goal in an Everton jersey. Halloween 1998 was the last one, delivered just as comprehensively as yesterday's Street End stormer. Ferguson has been on the receiving end of some Moyes psychology in recent weeks. So far it has worked a treat, and the mind games continued yesterday. "He looked like he was going strong at the end and still looking to get into the box," said Moyes. "I thought he did really well, scored a terrific goal," then added only slightly mischievously: "Would I be wrong in saying that was his first headed goal for . . .? What? Five years? That's quite a statistic." The Blues' boss wanted that recording, because he wants to keep Ferguson flying - and when he is Everton are a very difficult team to contain. They could - and should - have scored eight, nine or even 10. Tomasz Radzinski twice added to his tally as the Premiership striker with the most shots off target - told you there were stats to be had everywhere - and Wayne Rooney missed the easiest of the lot, adding more fuel to the argument that while he remains a scorer of truly great goals, he has work to do before he becomes a great goalscorer. But Everton won a must-win match at a canter and can go to their White Hart Lane bogey ground with renewed confidence.
As for the ill-committed, lacklustre gang of mercenaries Peter Reid is forced to work with - it's enough to make you swear.
Cheering display
PAUL DURKIN must have shaken his head, banged his ears and told himself he was hearing things.
But the 65th-minute applause which rippled around Goodison Park was aimed at him. A referee being applauded? What next? But it was deserved. What brought the applause was his nononsense dealing of a handbags spat between James McFadden and Roque Junior. The spiky Scot was told to get on with the game, while Junior was told to start behaving like a senior. What refs' boss Philip Don would have made of it is anyone's guess. But the crowd appreciated it. Durkin displayed just one yellow card all afternoon. The match was clearly enhanced as a result. Paul Durkin once brandished a red card at Duncan Ferguson at Leicester, simply for being Duncan Ferguson.
But he is now the Premiership's most accomplished official - admit-tedly with less than intense competition.
Double act is reunited
Sep 29 2003 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
FRANCIS JEFFERS will renew his old, successful striking partnership with Kevin Campbell tonight - as boss David Moyes celebrated the new- found squad strength he now has at his disposal. The forwards proved one of the most potent double acts in the Premiership four years ago. But tonight they will line-up for Everton Reserves at Chester City in the mini derby. They will be joined by David Weir, Peter Clarke, Li Tie and Alex Nyarko - and Blues boss David Moyes said: "The squad is getting stronger, which is something we need. "We got to Christmas last season and ran out of legs a little when we were faced with a number of games in a short period of time. "Hopefully we will now be better equipped to deal with spells like that." Moyes enjoyed the luxury of leaving Wayne Rooney on the substitutes' bench yesterday, and still watched his side demolish Leeds 4-0. And the Blues' boss savoured the performance of a new Blue crowd pleaser - just like Rooney. James McFadden had an outstanding full debut, and the Goodison Park boss said: "Wayne will be given rests, definitely, like we did this time. All the young lads will have that. "James has had over 100 games for Mother-well, he had his first cap when we signed him and he is further down the line than Wayne. They are not similar off the pitch, but they are on it." Moyes added: "McFadden was terrific, there was so much good coming from him. He reminds me of the late David Cooper from Rangers, there was so many similar things about him. "Hopefully in the future he will become a very good player. He plays without fear and people do not know too much about him, he was a constant menace."
While Moyes was delighted with his team's display, Leeds boss Peter Reid was stunned. He said: "We were second best in every department. There was no passing, no tackling from anyone in my side, there was no desire to work, or play. And Everton had all that. "If you go back to Leicester, where we did not compete and they battered us, teams have seen how to play against us. They will be saying that Leeds have not got the stomach to win a battle." Leeds were beaten by a Steve Watson hat-trick and a Duncan Ferguson header, and it could have been twice as bad. Moyes, however, saw his side dispel early-season fears with an emphatic performance. The Scot said: "I am very satisfied with that performance and the result. It was great entertainment and it was something we needed. "We created terrific chances, and we could have had a few even before we scored. It was probably the best creative performance since I have been at the club. "We needed it. I said to them before the start that we had to start winning."
Tartan twosome proving worth
By David Prior, Daily Post
Sep 30 2003
TO coin a phrase, they're old and new, they're borrowed south of the border and they're most definitely Blue. In Duncan Ferguson and James McFadden, David Moyes has the makings of a marriage made in Scotland. While the former looks to have finally taken his career by the scruff of the neck and is hinting at a revival of sorts, the latter has already put in a serious bid for hero status after just one, solitary start. They may be 11 years apart in age, but Moyes' tartan twosome share a desire to prove themselves at Goodison, albeit for very different reasons. And so far, if Sunday's 4-0 trouncing of Leeds bodes anything for the future, they are doing a fair job of it. "They both did well for us," admitted Moyes. "James was very good. I don't know how many people remember the late Davey Cooper from Glasgow Rangers but his performance today was not too dissimilar. "If he turns out to be half the player that Davey Cooper was then he will be something." Moyes believes that McFadden's experience in Scotland has helped him adjust to life in the Premiership. He added: "James has had over 100 games for Motherwell, he had his first cap when we signed him and he is further down the line than Wayne Rooney. They are not similar off the pitch, but they are on it.
"Hopefully in the future he will become a very good player. He plays without fear and people do not know too much about him, he was a constant menace." Ferguson too, was, singled out by his boss. He said: "Duncan played very well and he got through the 90 minutes. I think it will have done him the world of good to get that self-belief back that he can do that. "His goal, they tell me, was the first header he's scored at Goodison for a long time, from a terrific cross from Tony Hibbert. That will do Duncan the world of good. "He led the line, he gave us a different option and all round we were pleased with his performance. "It's a long hard road to get back to top form when you've been as good a player as Duncan Ferguson who was, as everybody knows, unplayable at times," he said.
"He's been out injured for the best part of two years, maybe longer. He's put in a lot of hard work in training and he showed today how much he wanted it and he needed it as well." McFadden left the field to a standing ovation in the 87th minute when Tobias Linderoth replaced him. Throughout the afternoon, the £1.25million buy from Motherwell was a thorn in Leeds' side with his runs, intelligent passes and tricks. Ferguson, meanwhile, has now notched four goals in all competitions this season, which is already well on the way to eclipsing his total from the last three injury-ravaged years. Meanwhile Sunday's other star, unlikely hat-trick hero Steve Watson, has revealed how he had to battle against stomach problems just to stay in Everton's side. He said: "The gaffer had a chat with me the day before the game. I have had a stomach problem which has not really hindered me playing but I know I have maybe not done as well as I can in the last couple of games."
Seargeant in nick of time
Academy Football With Chris Wright Daily Post
Sep 30 2003
CHRISTIAN SEARGEANT'S late winner ensured Everton under-17s made it six wins out of six against Middlesbrough on Saturday. Gary Ablett's side kept up their 100 per cent start to the FA Premier Academy League season with a 3-2 victory against the Teesiders at Netherton. The Blues looked to heading for a draw, despite having led 2-0 at half-time. But midfielder Seargeant made sure of victory 13 minutes from time. The Blues started confidently and took the lead after 21 minutes. Michael Johnson's right-wing corner caused mayhem in the Boro backline and midfielder Laurence Wilson was on hand to score his first of the season from close range. Five minutes later Ablett's side doubled their advantage. After good build-up play forward Paul Hopkins saw his shot rebound off a post, but Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Grounds couldn't get out of the way and the ball went in off his leg. However, the visitors hit back with goals from Jason Kennedy and Tom Craddock.
Everton, though, would not be denied and after Johnson's cross had been flicked on by substitute Scott Phelan, Seargeant hit a half-volley past the visiting keeper Dave Knight from 12 yards out.
Ablett said: "It was another good performance. Apart from the first 15 minutes when Middlesbrough did to us what we wanted to do to them by pressing on. We controlled the game and from then on we dominated. "We had plenty of chances but couldn't finish them off, and that is something we have got to learn to do. When we dominate teams we have got to kill them off. "We have got a lot of character in the group. They always try and play. And they always try to please. We know they have got that character but it was nice they came out and showed it. "I think it would be unfair to single anybody out because it was a good team performance." Neil Dewsnip's under-19s were not in Academy League action but they did beat Coventry City 1-0 in a friendly on Friday with a goal from under-16s player James Vaughan. Dewsnip said: "It was a case of keeping fitness levels ticking over and giving one or two younger boys a chance. "And John Irvine, an U15 boy, at right-back played the full match and did particularly well and it was good experience for him."
EVERTON UNDER-17s: Lake, Wynne, Hughes, Wright, Boyle, Seargeant, Harris, Wilson, Johnson (Kearney 80), Hopkins, Fowler (Phelan 75).
Moyes able to strike for glory
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post
Sep 30 2003
IF Kevin Lisbie was an unlikely hat-trick hero for Charlton, then Everton had their own in the shape of Steve Watson. He answered his manager's call to up the level of his performance with as good a three goals as I have seen for a long time. In a way Watson has been a victim of his own versatility over the years - playing everywhere from right-back to centre-forward. But he always works extremely hard, keeps it simple and is a good passer of the ball. His problem has been maintaining his game to a consistent level when he is asked to play in different roles. There were plenty of pluses from an emphatic home victory - and Evertonians can actually look forward to an embarrass-ment of striking riches. Four goals to the good - and Wayne Rooney looking on from the bench!
With everybody fit there is going to be real competition for places, and each striker offers something different. If you want trickery there is James McFadden, who has made such an impressive start and is already winning over the Evertonians with his skills and ability to take on defenders. As a young player he will have his off-days, but having seen what he is capable of Evertonians will be happy to give him the time to develop. Rooney has the all-round ability that has already seen him called up by England while there is the pace of Tomasz Radzinski and the battering ram of Duncan Ferguson. Kevin Campbell offers a bit of everything while Francis Jeffers is one of the best 18-yard box players around. And then there's Nick Chadwick! It will be a case of horses for courses and in plumping for Ferguson, Moyes found just the right man to give Roque Junior a torrid afternoon on Sunday. The key thing to playing Ferguson is getting the delivery right. Players need to get wide and deliver the crosses, rather than playing from back to front and expecting the big Scot to flick on. Defending crosses means players have to take a half-turn rather than playing the ball head on.
But the right kind of pass - as Tony Hibbert produced - can set up the classic far post goal for Ferguson, as we saw. The frustrating thing has been that everyone knows Ferguson has the ability. He can be a really potent player and a real pain for defenders - just ask Roque Junior - but while it is too early to say he is now back, a run of games and goals would serve Everton well.
Durkin's not shirking
PAUL DURKIN confirmed my assessment that he is the best in the Premiership at Goodison on Sunday. He looks to keep the game flowing when he can, has a good rapport with the players and earns the respect of everyone involved, which is so important. He talks to the players and gives as good as he gets but doesn't try to treat them like naughty schoolboys. It is a role model others could follow as far too many are worried about what the assessor is going to say.
Home and Away
Icliverpool And Daily Post
Sep 30 2003
New star is born
THE Blues were excellent all over the park, although Leeds will never play as badly as that ever again. McFadden was the star man again and can only get better.
Peter Boyd, Liverpool
Blown away
WELL blow me down! We managed to score four goals, (I can't remember the last time we did that) and it was a defender/ midfielder that came up with the goods! I'm chuffed for Watson. No matter where he is asked to play (at least five positions that I can think of) he always gives it his best. But just because we have won a game doesn't mean we can rest on our laurels! Leeds aren't the team they were three years ago. I think at the end of last season a few players got too big for their boots and we all know how that ended! Rooney has been in that position. Scoring for England and yet can't hit a barn door for Everton. He should stick to warming the bench a little longer. No disrespect, but I think Moyes should keep on shielding our young star. We have a problem in that Unsworth played and, to be honest, the gaffer should give him another chance against Spurs. But, presuming Pistone is fit, or Naysmith back, will Moyes leave him out?
Mark Tilley (via e-mail)
Bargain buy
I would just like to say has Moyes made any mistakes in the transfer market?. Faddy is the bargain of the decade.
R Booth, Liverpool
Wrong note
I AM totally ambiguous towards the whole ground-share idea. On the one hand it would be fantastic for the city of Liverpool and, from a purely financial point of view, it would be excellent for both clubs. However, I honestly don't think I could sit there on an 'away' derby day, and see our stadium full of Scandinavians singing THAT song. I would also miss Goodison, as much as some people ridicule it. We have more space and I'll have my wooden seat over a plastic one that springs back up whenever I stand up, any day of the week. Finally, how much did Liverpool spend on Diouf? £10million? We got McFadden for just over a tenth of that and, even though he's only played a few games, I can assure you all the hype about him was justified. The boy can play.
Bill Melia, Liverpool
Release the cash
ALL THIS stuff about shirt sales etc highlights an important additional revenue stream. But ultimately this is determined by onfield success - or else brand recognition fades, like at Ajax. On the park is what counts and that means dosh for players/wages. So can we each afford to be so sniffy about ground-sharing that would free up literally multiples of millions locked up in seperate buildings?
Barry Croydon (via e-mail)
Don't slam Dunc
I'M pleased to see Big Dunc answering his critics. I must admit that I had given up hope on him, but his two latest performances - both for 90 minutes might I add - have proved that he still has what it takes. Let's just hope he can keep himself fit.
Dan Jarvis, Waterloo
Correct call
HAS David Moyes pulled of the transfer deal of the year in James McFadden? Everton fans were not sure when he arrived just before the transfer deadline, but now he has had a chance to show what he can do on the pitch everyone must agree he looks a class act. Only time will tell if he is, but having read match reports about Barry Ferguson at Blackburn, one saying he looked way out of his depth in the Premiership, did David Moyes get it correct after all?
Phil Hughes (via e-mail)
Liverpool Reserves 1, Everton Reserves 0
Sep 30 2003Daily Post
FRANCIS JEFFERS and Kevin Campbell made a return for Everton reserves, but were unable to breach a Liverpool defence boosted by the comeback of Stephane Henchoz as the Reds earned a 1-0 mini-derby win at Chester's Deva Stadium last night. Florent Sinama-Pongolle's 57th-minute spot-kick was enough to divide the two sides, in a game which saw Everton's Peter Clarke and Liverpool's Salif Diao sent-off. The Reds' relief at Henchoz's impressive return was soured by a suspected ankle injury to Danny Murphy, which saw the England man stretchered off just before the break. Jeffers returned for the Blues after recovering from a thigh strain and Campbell, occupying a right midfield role, played his second game since tearing his hamstring in pre-season. It was the first time the two had lined up together since Jeffers' return to Goodison and both lasted the full 90 minutes.
Everton also gave starts to fringe players Li Tie, Tobias Linderoth and David Weir in a game which saw Blues defender Clarke sent-off for two first half bookings and Diao receiving a straight red for lashing out at Jeffers. Liverpool themselves fielded quality in abundance with Henchoz beginning his quest for fitness following a month-long absence with a calf strain. Murphy, Diao, Anthony Le Tallec and Djimi Traore were also included and hoping to impress the watching Gerard Houllier.
It was the home side who created the first chance of the evening with barely a minute on the clock. Tricky winger Richie Partridge squeezed between two Everton defenders to pull back for Pongolle, who hit his shot straight at the goalkeeper from 12-yards. An eventful evening for the young Frenchman continued as he was hacked down by Clarke. The Everton man earned a booking. Pongolle was then contentiously cautioned for diving on the five-minute mark. Clarke was given his marching orders after just 25 minutes for a second foul on the lively Pongolle, who had latched onto an under-hit pass from Alan Moogan. Clarke clipped the heels of Pongolle - who was bearing down on goal - leaving the referee no choice but to award the centre-half a second yellow card. Everton endured a quiet first period and were denied by a number of tight offside decisions. At the other end, Iain Turner saved brilliantly three times, each from Le Tallec headers. On the stroke of half-time Murphy was forced to leave the field on a stretcher following a late challenge by Campbell, for which the Everton man was booked. Liverpool's persistent pressure paid dividends 10 minutes after the break as Pongolle netted his first goal for the club from the penalty spot after being hauled down by forgotten man Alex Nyarko. It was all Liverpool. Welsh had a goal-bound effort deflected wide and Zak Whitbread was unlucky to see a header flash past the far post. Partridge was then denied by the excellent Turner following Le Tallec's pass as the Reds made the most of their one-man advantage.
The Reds' dominance subsided after Diao's unnecessary exit after appearing to throw a 70th-minute punch at Jeffers. Everton had the ball in the net 20 minutes from time as Campbell nodded home Brian Moogan's cross, but the ball was adjudged to have crossed the by-line before the defender's cut-back. But Liverpool held on, as tempers frayed, for a deserved victory.
LIVERPOOL RES: Luzi, Otsemobor, Whitbread, Henchoz, Traore, Diao, Murphy (Potter 45), Welsh, Sinama-Pongolle, Le Tallec, Partridge (Foy 85). Subs: Foley, Harrison, Wright.
EVERTON RES: Turner, Moogan B, Moogan A, Clarke, Weir, Nyarko, Li Tie, Linderoth, Campbell, Chadwick, Jeffers. Subs: Pascucci, Gallagher, Hughes, Barry, Wilson.
Nasty streak will serve Faddy well
Sep 30 2003 By Andy Gray, Liverpool Echo
JAMES McFADDEN'S first couple of appearances for Everton have already drawn comparisons with the legendary Davie Cooper. I was fortunate to end my career at Glasgow Rangers when Davie and I were shuttling between the first team and the reserves, and there is absolutely nothing he could not do with a football. But I think the spikiness of both players is where the comparisons come from.
Davie used to take exception to being fouled and would often exact his own brand of justice before the referee could get involved! From what I've heard, James is cast in the same mould - and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Often skilful players rely purely on ability, and don't have the ugly side which can take you that bit further. James appears to have both - and it will be interesting to see if he continues in his current role. The big problem many managers had about making a bid for James when he was at Motherwell was that they didn't know what his best position was. David Moyes has decided early to play him wide on the left and hopefully he will flourish there.
CHEER UP REIDY
I FEEL for my old pal Peter Reid.
It would be enormously ironic if the club where he spent so many happy years and which he still loves so much, was responsible for sticking the final nail in his coffin at Leeds United. It's wrong to be even talking about Reidy losing his job so early in the season. But that's just what is happening after Leeds' 4-0 mauling at Goodison. But Leeds' problems are not just limited to the football field. The club is rotten from top to bottom and Peter must pick up the public side of things - ie playing.
Some pundits have likened his situation to that which saw Glenn Hoddle sacked at Spurs - but you cannot accurately compare the two. Hoddle lost his job because of results throughout a calendar year. Peter did remarkably well to keep Leeds in the Premiership last season, and this season has introduced a large number of players who are clearly taking time to gel. Sometimes I feel players themselves have to accept more responsibility for a team's results - and this is definitely the case at Elland Road. I don't think there are many there at present who can hold their hands up and say they have done that this season. Above all, though, Peter is a realist and can be very philosophical at times. He lost his job at Manchester City just six games into a season and it was early in a campaign at Sunderland when the same thing happened. He is not a delusionist and knows how the game works. But I can't see the sense in Leeds axing him. It is time for his players to stand up and be counted now and show the club's supporters they care.
Jeffers and Campbell boost Moyes' options
Sep 30 2003 By Scott Mcleod Liverpool Echo
FRANCIS JEFFERS and Kevin Campbell are on the verge of a return to Everton's first team squad after coming through last night's mini-derby unscathed. The striking duo completed the 90 minutes in last night's 1-0 mini-derby defeat to Liverpool at Chester's Deva Stadium. Manager David Moyes said: "Kevin is not too far away (from coming back) because he is naturally fit and keeps himself in good condition. "Both looked like they needed a game in the next week to get them ready." Campbell has played two reserve games in the last week, underlining his return to fitness after six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem picked up in the pre-season match with Bologna. Jeffers has overcome a minor back problem which prevented him playing against Middlesbrough or Leeds in the last 10 days. Campbell is eager to return to the first team, saying: "Obviously reserve team football and first team football are two different things but I feel my fitness is good and this is all I can do."
Meanwhile, the Blues boss has revealed he will not be allocating an official penalty taker. Duncan Ferguson has netted two penalties in the absence of David Unsworth in the last couple of weeks since returning to the first team frame. On Sunday both players were on the pitch but Everton didn't get a penalty. The manager has decided to leave it up to his experienced duo to decide who will take responsibility in future. He added: "If both players are on the pitch I don't mind which one goes up to take it. "It will just be a case of which one is the most confident."
Blues strike duo back in tandem
Sep 30 2003 By David Prior, Daily Post
KEVIN CAMPBELL and Francis Jeffers last night played their first game together for two years to further strengthen David Moyes' hand in attack. The strike pair came through the mini derby at the Deva Stadium to confirm their return from hamstring and back problems respectively and boss Moyes now has enviable possibilities up front with which to wrestle before the Blues' trip to Tottenham on Saturday. During Jeffers' first spell at Goodison the duo combined well and although Moyes was not a first-hand witness at that time he will know he now has several available strikers with which to build on Sunday's morale-boosting 4-0 win against Leeds. Campbell has made slow progress since tearing fibres in his hamstring in the final pre-season game against Bologna, but he played and scored in the reserves' 2-1 win at Sunderland last week and came through 90 minutes of the Blues' 1-0 defeat to Liverpool Reserves. He was however involved in one controversial incident during a typically fast and furious game, his challenge on Liverpool's Danny Murphy earning him a yellow card and forcing the England midfielder to depart the pitch on a stretcher. Jeffers missed the games with Middlesbrough and Leeds due to a back strain, but he also came through the full game last night and is now an option for the White Hart Lane clash. Moyes however also has to accommodate the resurgent Duncan Ferguson, Wayne Rooney and exciting youngster James McFadden. Another striker, Nick Chadwick, featured with Campbell and Jeffers last night as Everton searched in vain for a goal. Defender Peter Clarke was red-carded for two bookable first-half offences.
September 2003