Everton Independent Research Data
This was a performance every bit as unfamiliar as Moyes’ new signings
Sep 1 2008 by Ben Thornley, Daily Post
IF a couple of the signings arriving at Goodison in recent days have been unfamiliar to supporters, then the Everton players who failed to turn up against Portsmouth on Saturday proved similarly unrecognisable. While the likes of Segundo Castillo and Lars Jacobsen are unknown quantities – even to the most dedicated of football scholars – fans will be eager to see their immediate inclusion It’s hard to imagine the new recruits could fare any worse than many of the men in blue who presided over a second successive home defeat of the season on Saturday. Everton were second best to Harry Redknapp’s men everywhere on the pitch. Nowhere more so than in midfield, where the failure to replace the departed Lee Carsley and Tim Cahill’s battle for fitness are being keenly felt. At this level, Phil Jagielka isn’t so much a utility man as an excellent centre-back who isn’t that good in a number of other positions, selfless as he may be. He certainly isn’t a Premier League central midfielder, as David Moyes later acknowledged. But what other options does he have? More to the point, how did he find himself in this position? Alongside Jagielka, young Jack Rodwell, one of the few positives of Everton’s woeful pre-season, is enduring a difficult first-team baptism. His time, though, will come. The pairing were outnumbered and outfought throughout the afternoon, with Redknapp fielding three combative central midfielders – Sean Davis, Papa Bouba Diop and the outstanding Lassana Diara – in a 3-5-2 formation. Their failure to grasp any kind of hegemony hampered Mikel Arteta’s ability to influence proceedings, the Spaniard once more a peripheral figure on the flank, only producing occasional flashes of brilliance. Hopefully the capture of the powerfully-built Castillo, who is awaiting international clearance, can add steel to Everton’s engine room. And how they need it. Creativity, too, which is why Portugual midfielder Joao Moutinho remains on Moyes’ radar. In defence, Joleon Lescott’s slow start to the season continues, the England man one of the men at fault for Jermain Defoe’s brilliantly taken opener. Defoe, who had been a doubt for this clash with a virus, and his strike partner Peter Crouch proved a handful for Everton’s backline, and the two combined for the smaller man to fire the visitors in front on 12 minutes, ending a barren spell of 528 minutes for the club. Crouch’s critics claim he is poor in the air, but he beat Joseph Yobo all too easily to Armand Traore’s long throw-in to give Defoe possession in the box. Worse was to follow. Quite how the former Spurs striker was then allowed to wriggle free and unleash his shot with a huddle of blue shirts stood around him will have both puzzled and angered Moyes.
Unfortunately for the hosts, where they too often fell short, Portsmouth excelled.
Stubborn, combative and rapier like on the break, they were everything Everton were not. And the outcome of Saturday’s encounter could have been very different but for the performance of David James. When Everton did put the FA Cup holders under pressure, they found the former Liverpool keeper in inspired form, James producing a brilliant save to thwart Arteta at 1-0, turning the playmaker’s half-volley onto the upright. The hosts, however, were not helped by the erratic finishing of Ayegbeni Yakubu and James Vaughan – his inclusion the one change from the side which had beaten West Brom the previous weekend – both of whom fluffed gilt edged chances as Moyes’ men began to gather some momentum midway through the first half.
Many of the weaknesses exposed in his side by Portsmouth, who bounced back from back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Chelsea, will not have surprised Moyes. He has, after all, spent a frustrating summer trying to rectify them in the transfer market. What Moyes will not have counted on, however, was the implosion of his usually reliable rearguard. Even his outstanding performer, the rampaging Leighton Baines, was at fault for Portsmouth’s second shortly before the break.
Baines was Everton’s most potent attacking threat down the left, but he neglected his defensive duties when he failed to track Glen Johnson’s surging infield run, allowing the full-back to exchange passes with Defoe before firing beyond Tim Howard on 40 minutes. The Goodison outfit again found James in their way when they were awarded a dubious penalty shortly after the interval, referee Mark Halsey rather harshly adjudged Johnson to have flattened Vaughan when the two collided in the box on 46 minutes. Yakubu, who had earlier seen a goal-bound effort scrambled off the line by Younes Kaboul, was too lackadaisical in his run up – as his want – and James guessed correctly, diving successfully to his right. Do those stuttered spot kicks ever work?
Justice done, perhaps, although Everton would argue they deserved more for their attacking endeavour. In particular, it proved to be a frustrating afternoon for Yakubu, one of the few players to emerge with any credit from the defeat, which was secured by another moment of inspiration from Defoe on 69 minutes for the guests’ third.
There appeared to be little danger when the diminutive striker received the ball from Davis on the edge of the box. But displaying great awareness he chipped the ball over the stranded Tim Howard, who was caught horribly out of position, the ball finding its way across the line via the crossbar. Controversially, however, it was only when Crouch headed the rebound into the back of the net that the linesman awarded the goal. The towering England international rightly claimed it as his own, others thought differently. The debate continued after the final whistle, not that the disgruntled Everton fans, large numbers of whom had deserted Goodison long before the game’s conclusion, will have been interested. Nor Moyes, who has far greater worries with the transfer window closing at midnight tonight. Short on numbers and short on time, today could prove to be the most important day of Everton’s season.
Everton 0, Portsmouth 3 (D,Post)
Sep 1 2008
by Ben Thornley at Goodison Park
IF a couple of the signings arriving at Goodison in recent days have been unfamiliar to supporters, then the Everton players who failed to turn up against Portsmouth on Saturday proved similarly unrecognisable. While the likes of Segundo Castillo and Lars Jacobsen are unknown quantities – even to the most dedicated of football scholars – fans will be eager to see their immediate inclusion It’s hard to imagine the new recruits could fare any worse than many of the men in blue who presided over a second successive home defeat of the season on Saturday. Everton were second best to Harry Redknapp’s men everywhere on the pitch. Nowhere more so than in midfield, where the failure to replace the departed Lee Carsley and Tim Cahill’s battle for fitness are being keenly felt. At this level, Phil Jagielka isn’t so much a utility man as an excellent centre-back who isn’t that good in a number of other positions, selfless as he may be. He certainly isn’t a Premier League central midfielder, as David Moyes later acknowledged. But what other options does he have? More to the point, how did he find himself in this position? Alongside Jagielka, young Jack Rodwell, one of the few positives of Everton’s woeful pre-season, is enduring a difficult first-team baptism. His time, though, will come. The pairing were outnumbered and outfought throughout the afternoon, with Redknapp fielding three combative central midfielders – Sean Davis, Papa Bouba Diop and the outstanding Lassana Diara – in a 3-5-2 formation. Their failure to grasp any kind of hegemony hampered Mikel Arteta’s ability to influence proceedings, the Spaniard once more a peripheral figure on the flank, only producing occasional flashes of brilliance. Hopefully the capture of the powerfully-built Castillo, who is awaiting international clearance, can add steel to Everton’s engine room. And how they need it. Creativity, too, which is why Portugual midfielder Joao Moutinho remains on Moyes’ radar. In defence, Joleon Lescott’s slow start to the season continues, the England man one of the men at fault for Jermain Defoe’s brilliantly taken opener. Defoe, who had been a doubt for this clash with a virus, and his strike partner Peter Crouch proved a handful for Everton’s backline, and the two combined for the smaller man to fire the visitors in front on 12 minutes, ending a barren spell of 528 minutes for the club. Crouch’s critics claim he is poor in the air, but he beat Joseph Yobo all too easily to Armand Traore’s long throw-in to give Defoe possession in the box. Worse was to follow. Quite how the former Spurs striker was then allowed to wriggle free and unleash his shot with a huddle of blue shirts stood around him will have both puzzled and angered Moyes. Unfortunately for the hosts, where they too often fell short, Portsmouth excelled. Stubborn, combative and rapier like on the break, they were everything Everton were not. And the outcome of Saturday’s encounter could have been very different but for the performance of David James. When Everton did put the FA Cup holders under pressure, they found the former Liverpool keeper in inspired form, James producing a brilliant save to thwart Arteta at 1-0, turning the playmaker’s half-volley onto the upright. The hosts, however, were not helped by the erratic finishing of Ayegbeni Yakubu and James Vaughan – his inclusion the one change from the side which had beaten West Brom the previous weekend – both of whom fluffed gilt edged chances as Moyes’ men began to gather some momentum midway through the first half. Many of the weaknesses exposed in his side by Portsmouth, who bounced back from back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Chelsea, will not have surprised Moyes. He has, after all, spent a frustrating summer trying to rectify them in the transfer market. What Moyes will not have counted on, however, was the implosion of his usually reliable rearguard. Even his outstanding performer, the rampaging Leighton Baines, was at fault for Portsmouth’s second shortly before the break. Baines was Everton’s most potent attacking threat down the left, but he neglected his defensive duties when he failed to track Glen Johnson’s surging infield run, allowing the full-back to exchange passes with Defoe before firing beyond Tim Howard on 40 minutes. The Goodison outfit again found James in their way when they were awarded a dubious penalty shortly after the interval, referee Mark Halsey rather harshly adjudged Johnson to have flattened Vaughan when the two collided in the box on 46 minutes. Yakubu, who had earlier seen a goal-bound effort scrambled off the line by Younes Kaboul, was too lackadaisical in his run up – as his want – and James guessed correctly, diving successfully to his right. Do those stuttered spot kicks ever work? Justice done, perhaps, although Everton would argue they deserved more for their attacking endeavour. In particular, it proved to be a frustrating afternoon for Yakubu, one of the few players to emerge with any credit from the defeat, which was secured by another moment of inspiration from Defoe on 69 minutes for the guests’ third. There appeared to be little danger when the diminutive striker received the ball from Davis on the edge of the box. But displaying great awareness he chipped the ball over the stranded Tim Howard, who was caught horribly out of position, the ball finding its way across the line via the crossbar. Controversially, however, it was only when Crouch headed the rebound into the back of the net that the linesman awarded the goal. The towering England international rightly claimed it as his own, others thought differently. The debate continued after the final whistle, not that the disgruntled Everton fans, large numbers of whom had deserted Goodison long before the game’s conclusion, will have been interested. Nor Moyes, who has far greater worries with the transfer window closing at midnight tonight. Short on numbers and short on time, today could prove to be the most important day of Everton’s season.
Everton 0 Portsmouth 3
Sept 1 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
TO adapt the immortal line delivered by Marcellus in one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays: Something is rotten in the state of Goodison Park. While it would be overly dramatic in the extreme to say Everton are heading for the kind of tragic, desperate fate that befell Hamlet, alarm bells should be ringing loudly following David Moyes’ declaration that “we are not ready to win Premier League games yet.” Three games into a new campaign that promised so much three months ago but now threatens to deliver so little, one cannot help but ask two questions: a) Why does the manager feel compelled to make such a statement? and b) How has it come to this? In normal circumstances, opening up the season with a win and two defeats could be put down to rustiness, and comfort would be taken from the knowledge that things would be quickly rectified once the team found its equilibrium. At present, though, there is a real worry that four weeks from now, the long-awaited European adventure will be over, hopes of another Carling Cup run will have disappeared and chances of bustling up the top four again will have evaporated. This is not scaremongering. Similar sentiments were first raised after Blackburn Rovers were the first team to storm Goodison two weeks ago and the fear is now genuine after Portsmouth did likewise on Saturday. On this evidence, they won’t be the last. Take a glance at the fixtures that loom this month and not one match stands out as a ‘gimme’ – trips to newly promoted Stoke City and Hull are followed by a Merseyside derby, while Blackburn and Standard Liege await in the cups. Hand on heart, how many of those contests do you envisage winning at the minute? Two? Three at the most? Even accounting for the four new faces Everton have brought in, it is hard to see a time in the near future when they will be back to last season’s best. “I’m very worried about the games ahead because we need to get ready to play,” Moyes admitted. “I’ve been saying all through the summer that I was concerned about the start of the season as I didn’t think we’d be in the right condition because of injuries. “We are still playing a centre-half in midfield. We are still playing a young boy alongside him. We have put in a young centre forward who needs a month or so of football before he is ready. We are quite a way away from getting it right.” Again we must ask the question: Why? There are two plausible theories to explain why Everton are so under prepared and in danger of being overtaken and left behind by those clubs whom they managed to keep at arms length on their rise to fifth place last season. Theory one: When formulating his plans in May, Moyes drew up a list of targets and asked chairman Bill Kenwright to get them for him, but was left frustrated as there was not enough money in place. As a result, he has had to shop in the bargain basement. Theory two: Money has been in place all through the summer and was added to by Andrew Johnson’s sale but Moyes has dilly-dallied, missing out on a raft of targets and is now facing up to the harsh reality of failing to take decisive action. Moyes cannot be criticised for wanting to bring the best to Goodison and you can understand his frustrations when he has seen Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa spend more than £150m between them. Having worked diligently to finally get the club into a position to make another significant stride forward, he may well have seen this as the time to make, say, two signings that declared: “We mean business”. You don’t, though, have to build a jigsaw from the middle and there are surely other players he could have brought in that would have added depth to his squad but wouldn’t have cost the earth, and to claim Moyes has been penniless this summer is absurd.
Kenwright may not have pockets as deep as Villa’s Randy Lerner. But just look at some of the business Martin O’Neill has done in the period that Moyes remained inactive. Yes, he has spent heavily on some players – too heavily in the case of £12m James Milner – but O’Neill recognised the areas of his squad that needed improving and moved to get his targets in. Steve Sidwell and Luke Young may not be the type of players who will capture the imagination of supporters but they are honest professionals – square pegs for square holes. Do you honestly believe Everton could not have signed either man had they made bids? Of course, the Toffees’ pursuit of Joao Moutinho may well reap dividends before the transfer window closes this evening and once Tim Cahill, Steven Pienaar and Tony Hibbert are fit again, the situation will improve dramatically. By then, however, it could all be too late, as apart from being short of personnel, Everton just aren’t playing well and this performance against Portsmouth, although an improvement on the one which was offered up for Blackburn’s visit, was limp. Apathy in the stands transmitted onto the pitch and while James Vaughan, Phil Neville and Leighton Baines tried their level best, Harry Redknapp’s men comfortably had the upper hand and never looked like losing once Jermain Defoe fired them in front. Assisted by the excellent Peter Crouch, he profited from the current dip in form that both Joseph Yobo and Joleon Lescott are experiencing, as did Glen Johnson, to ensure the Blues left the field at half-time and full-time to resounding choruses of boos. True, things may have turned out differently had David James not made a magnificent save to thwart Mikel Arteta or kept out an Ayegbeni Yakubu penalty but, as against Blackburn, there is no scope for arguing that Everton were unlucky. Quite simply, they cannot start making excuses for the plight which is currently being experienced. Harsh it may sound, but if they have failed to prepare properly over the summer they should not, then, be surprised by future failure.
Man of the match: Phil Neville
Probably the only player performing near his best at present. Kept trying to drive his team forward in the hope they would salvage some pride. Leighton Baines and Ayegbeni Yakubu similarly never stopped.
David Prentice: Everton's situation is a farce – but where does the blame lie?
Sept 1 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
"WE are probably not ready to win Premier League games yet.” Words which should freeze the marrow of every Evertonian who cares for his or her football club.
Because they’re an admission of failure. The words were spoken by manager, David Moyes, on August 30. That’s three weeks after the 2008/09 season kicked off, three months after the successful 2007/08 season ended – and at least eight weeks after the Blues knew Tim Cahill, Tony Hibbert and probably James Vaughan would be unavailable or unready for the start of a new campaign. Those words effectively admitted that somebody is to blame for not managing the most basic of tasks at a football club – preparing a squad capable of at least trying to win football matches.
Where that responsibility lies, however, is still anyone’s guess. Bill Kenwright and David Moyes have spent an entire summer side-stepping carefully around issues which may have caused civil war at other clubs. The chairman has refused to criticise the manager for not signing a contract which has lain on his office desk for at least a month now. The manager has refused to criticise the chairman for failing to provide funds for transfers. So how can we tell exactly what has gone wrong at Everton?
Only by piecing together the fragments which have been admitted can we try and come close. It appears increasingly clear that David Moyes did not have any money to spend when he wanted to spend it, at the end of last season. On the eve of the new campaign, he said: “I thought the best time to probably increase your squad would have been at the end of the season. We started looking a little bit later than that.”
When it was pointed out a club statement claimed: “We have had a budget for incoming transfers since the start of the summer,” he shrugged and said: “Well, that’s the club’s statement.” Clearly, he didn’t agree with it. Moyes has since declared that money is now available, but because it came later than he wanted it, it seems he has dug his heels in and refused to compromise his principles by bringing in players of lesser quality than the ones he originally wanted. Until last week, that was . . . until faced with the sudden realisation that he faced the most testing months of the season with a threadbare squad. Last week saw some last minute panic buying, although, pointedly, still no actual transfer fees parted with. It’s a desperately depressing situation. Perhaps most galling is that Aston Villa, Everton’s closest rivals last season and a club which shares many parallels with the Toffees, has invested powerfully this summer. James Milner (£12m), Carlos Cuellar (£7.8m), Steve Sidwell (£5m), Luke Young (£2.5m), Nicky Shorey (£3.5m), Curtis Davies (£8m), plus the two Brads, Guzan and Friedel. Villa may not be successful this season, but they’ve given themselves a chance. It’s not just the lack of new blood this summer which has hurt Everton, though. The Blues’ summer of prevarication has transmitted through to the good players they already have at the club. That can be the only reason to explain the shaky start to the new campaign by previously Rolls Royce class performers like Joleon Lescott. He was involved in another poor defensive performance by Everton on Saturday, defending which ultimately cost them all three points. The overall performance was not awful, not deserving of a 3-0 humbling. It actually hinged on two dramatic interventions by David James. With Everton trailing 1-0, he produced a world class save from Arteta, then palmed away a less convincing penalty kick from Yakubu with the whole second half still to play. The players on display gave everything they had. Their performance was far, far better than the shapeless shambles of the opening day. There was effort, and some invention. But the side which was sent out clearly wasn’t good enough to cope with Portsmouth – and that knowledge appears to have sunk into some players’ psyches. The admirable Phil Neville and the misfiring Yakubu can be spared that criticism. Both had a real go. But others are struggling. And it’s not just the supporters now who are concerned. “I am very worried about the games ahead,” admitted Moyes – which is endearingly honest, but perhaps not the clarion call people were hoping to hear. “I’ve been saying all through I was concerned about the start because I didn’t think we would be in a condition to be ready because of injuries etc. “We’re still playing a centre-half in midfield, we’re still playing a young boy alongside him, we’re putting in a young centre-forward who needs a month or so of football. So we’re quite a way from getting it right.”
By the time you read this, some of those issues may have been put right. Players may have been signed, those gaps may have been filled. But even if they have, you can’t help feeling Everton have missed a marvellous opportunity this summer. Something has broken down at Goodison – where and how we’re still not certain. And that’s probably the biggest concern . . . because until you know what’s gone wrong, you can’t fix it.
Louis Saha signs in at Everton but Victor Obinna deal falls through
Sept 1 2008 David Prentice Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have completed the signing of Manchester United striker Louis Saha.
But their work permit appeal for Nigerian winger Victor Obinna has been rejected.
And with Alan Smith looking increasingly likely to stay at Newcastle, much travelled goalkeeper Carlo Nash looks like being the only other new face to arrive at Goodison on transfer deadline day. Saha successfully underwent a medical over the weekend and officially became an Everton player today. He will wear the number nine shirt, but must first recover from a calf strain before he is available for selection. He boasts an impressive goalscoring record in the Premier League and joins on a two-year deal with the option for a third year. The Department of Employment decision to reject Obinna’s work permit, however, was a major blow. Manager David Moyes and Chairman Bill Kenwright were part of a club contingent that attended an appeal hearing in London today after the initial work permit for the 21-year-old Inter winger was rejected. Ian Ross, Everton’s Head of PR & External Affairs, confirmed: "Despite making a strong case the appeal was rejected on the basis that the player fell some way short of the required criteria (of international experience)." UK employment law dictates a player from outside the EU needs to have figured in 75 per cent of his country’s competitive international matches in the two years previous to the application. Obinna was a silver medallist for Nigeria at the recent Olympic Games, but the government does not class those fixtures as full internationals. Obinna has won eight full caps for his country, scoring three goal "I am very happy to be here," Saha said. "It is a big club with big, big support. I think it is a club which is trying to reach the top."
Everton set to sign Wigan keeper Carlo Nash
Sept 1 2008 By Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
CARLO NASH is on the verge of becoming Everton's first signing of transfer deadline day. Blues boss David Moyes has been looking to find experienced cover for first choice goalkeeper Tim Howard all summer and has weighed up a number of options but is ready to opt for Nash. The 34-year-old has been at Wigan Athletic since February 2007 but is currently third in the pecking order behind Chris Kirkland and Mike Pollitt and spent the end of last season on loan at Stoke City. Steve Bruce was not keen to let him leave while there were worries about Kirkland's fitness last week but he played in Wigan's 5-0 win at Hull on Saturday and has now given Nash the green light to go. Nash, who numbers Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Preston among his former employers, has made 274 appearances during his career but he will not be available to play in the Carling Cup as he is cup tied after playing in Wigan's 4-0 win over Notts County.
Everton face defeat in bid to sign Joao Moutinho
Sept 1 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON were today facing a race against time to bolster their squad before the close of the transfer window - with Joao Moutinho's arrival at Goodison looking increasingly unlikely. The Sporting Lisbon midfielder has topped David Moyes’ summer target list but the Blues have seen three bids for Moutinho rebuffed.
There was speculation over the weekendthe Portugal international had arrived on Merseyside to complete a club record move. But the situation has been complicated as Moutinho has been named in Sporting’s squad for tonight’s game against Sporting Braga. Moyes, who checked on Everton’s UEFA Cup opponents Standard Liege last night, is now facing a race against the clock to bring in new arrivals before midnight.
A deal for Newcastle’s Alan Smith could yet be resurrected, while the manager also needs an experienced goalkeeper to cover for Tim Howard. The biggest priority is a central midfielder to replace the void left by Lee Carsley’s move to Birmingham..
Michael Bradley - who declared in May that he wanted to move to Everton - might have been an option but with Moyes not following up his initial interest, the US international joined Borussia Moenchengladbach. One deal, however, that was expected to be completed this afternoon was that of Victor Obinna, whose appeal against the initial refusal of a work permit application was being heard. Having agreed a one-year loan from Inter Milan, Everton were optimistic the Nigerian winger would be allowed to join up them. Meanwhile, a group of disgruntled Everton shareholders have petitioned for a second Extraordinary General Meeting of the club – even before Wednesday’s EGM has taken place. Wednesday’s meeting was called to discuss issues surrounding the proposed Kirkby stadium switch to Kirkby. But minority shareholders believe other matters now need airing. They include the unexplained resignation of a second chief executive in four years, reports that Philip Green, billionaire pal of chairman Bill Kenwright, is playing an increasingly influential role in the running of the club, the reasons for Moyes not signing his new contract and the club’s financial performance. There is also a worry a show-of-hands vote of no confidence in the board will be blocked on Wednesday.
David Moyes tells Joleon Lescott: Get back to your best
Sept 1 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES has challenged Joleon Lescott to recapture the form that propelled him into the England squad and leave his early season blues behind. Lescott has barely put a foot out of place since his £4m move from Wolves in June 2006 and has appeared in every one of the 99 competitive games Everton have played in that period. But he again looked out of sorts in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against Portsmouth.
Coming so soon after the difficulties he encountered trying to keep Blackburn’s Roque Santa Cruz under control on the opening day, supporters have been left scratching their heads about what has happened to Lescott. Moyes, though, does not doubt for a moment that the 26-year-old will return to his imperious best in time, but has urged him to eradicate the lapses in concentration that have proved fatal in two of the first three games. “I think there was lots that he did which was very good,” Moyes said. “He handled Crouch and Defoe for a lot of the game very well, but it is decisive moments in games and you have got to concentrate throughout. “He played really well last week at West Brom. It’s a big season for Joleon. But he is a good player. Maybe both the centre-backs lost a bit of concentration for the first and second goals.
“When that happens, it makes it a mountain for you to climb. Those boys played together most of last season. Joe (Yobo) and Joleon were the centre-backs and it was only from Christmas time that Jagielka played there after Joe went to the African Nations. “They are more than capable players. It’s nothing to do with the plaudits he got last season. He needs to stand up. But the one thing we know about him is that he is an excellent player.” While Moyes would never publicly castigate one of his players, he made no secret of the reasons he felt Everton slipped to back-to-back home defeats for the first time since December 2005. “It was poor defending, basic things,” he said. “For the first goal, you expect Peter Crouch to get a flick-on but the next bit where we had five players around Defoe and he still scores is the bit that I can’t take.”
The Blues now have a fortnight to regroup and get ready for their next Premier League contest at Stoke City, and that will be swiftly followed by UEFA Cup and Carling Cup assignments. But, with so few players to call upon, is the manager worried?
“Of course I am,” he replied. “I know that better than anyone. It takes time to put people in. We don’t have that much time to find a side and a winning formula. There is no margin for error in the next month. “We are still missing key players. Tim Cahill is probably another month away from playing. Tony Hibbert is a month away from being back in the squad. Steve Pienaar is four or five weeks away. We are missing those boys as much as anyone. “Then you can see Vaughany and Victor Anichebe, who has come back from the Olympics injured. “We want those boys where they were, which was being very good at coming off the bench and helping change games.”
Everton set to smash club transfer record for Standard Liege midfielder Marouane Fellaini
Sep 1 2008
EVERTON are attempting to beat the deadline and make Marouane Fellaini their club record signing. After a day of intense negotiations with Standard Liege - the side whom they will face in the UEFA Cup later this month - Everton officials have been trying to thrash out a deal that would shatter the fee they paid for Ayegbeni Yakubu to land the imposing Fellaini. The powerful 20-year-old starred for Liege in their Champions League qualifiers with Liverpool and, provided all goes to plan, he will fill the hole that was vacated when Lee Carsley moved to Birmingham City in May.
Fellaini is the son of Moroccan parents but was born in the Belgian town of Etterbeek and joined Anderlecht’s Academy when he was seven. He also had spells with, among others, Mons and FC Charleroi, but signed his first professional contract Liege three years ago and made his debut in a Champions League qualifier against Steaua Bucharest. Fellaini has since gone on to make 79 appearances for Liege - whom he helped win their domestic title last season - and has also been capped 10 times by Belgium, scoring one goal. That deal would be the highlight of a frantic day for David Moyes and Bill Kenwright which saw a bid for Reading’s Stephen Hunt rebuffed, a work permit application for Victor Obanni be rejected and Louis Saha officially become Everton’s new number nine. Everton - who, contrary to some reports, were never in the running to sign Newcastle United’s Joey Barton - also brought in Wigan goalkeeper Carlo Nash for a nominal fee to provide cover for Tim Howard and considered resurrecting a moves for Alan Smith. Nash, a 34-year-old with vast experience, was thrilled to move from the JJB Stadium and said: “I’ve known of Everton’s interest for the last couple of weeks and there have been a few sleepless nights hoping it would go through. Finally it has and I am over the moon.”
Deadline started with Goodison officials clinging to some hope that they would be able to prise Joao Moutinho away from Sporting Lisbon but that deal ended when the Portugal international was named in his side squad for the game against Sporting Braga.
Neil Dewsnip's delighted as Everton hit back
Sep 2 2008
Academy Football
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON under-18s bounced back from their opening-day defeat to Arsenal beating MK Dons 4-0 at Finch Farm on Saturday. Goals from George Krenn, Tom McCready, Hope Akpan and Karl Sheppard capped a fine performance by Neil Dewsnip’s side. Everton led as midfielder Krenn scored from close range after Lewis Codling’s shot has been saved. Just after the restart McCready made it 2-0 prodding in after a scramble in the visitors’ area. Akpan added a third from the penalty spot after Codling had been brought down. Karl Sheppard completed the comfortable victory, firing in from McCready’s free-kick. Coach Dewsnip said: “It was very good. It was one of those days when you get the performance, a few goals and a clean sheet so all the boxes were ticked. It was a great reaction to the week before with pretty much the same group of players. So we are very pleased.” Dewsnip added: “Right from the word go we were dominant and we could easily have been winning by five or six in the first half. We created lots of chances which we didn’t take. But once we went ahead we carried on in the second half. It wouldn’t have flattered us if we have won by a lot more. “The strikers both had chances and will be disappointed they didn’t score, but it was great they were getting into those positions to get the chances.” Everton will look to continue in the same form this Saturday when they travel to take on Derby County (kick-off 11am). Dewsnip said: “Obviously the performances of young players are the most important thing, and if you win the game that is a lovely bonus. Against MK Dons the performance was very good and now the challenge is to reproduce that this coming Saturday and for the rest of the season.” Akpan has a slight groin problem, but is expected to be fit for the weekend.
EVERTON UNDER-18s: Stubhaug; Nsiala, McCarten, Barnett, Bidwell; McCready, Akpan, Krenn, Redmond; Codling, Sheppard. Subs: Forshaw, Davies, Craig
Everton fans plan vote of no confidence in board
Sep 2 2008
by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post
A GROUP of renegade Everton FC shareholders want to call a vote of no confidence in the club’s board of directors at a second Extraordinary General Meeting. The shareholders have already managed to force an EGM tomorrow night to discuss the proposed move to Kirkby. But shareholder and quantity surveyor Mark Grayson feels more than 300 disgruntled shareholders will be ignored by the club’s bigger hitters tomorrow. Now he is threatening to keep calling EGMs until his point is made, a move the club last night condemned as “expensive and ineffective”. Mr Grayson said: “We had a meeting with the acting chief executive, Robert Elstone, on August 14 to discuss the protocol to be observed on the night of the EGM. We were concerned by the club’s reluctance to offer shareholders a show of hands vote to formally approve or reject the Kirkby proposals now that facts relating to the ground move are known. “The club has made it clear there will not be a formal show of hands, but a poll vote meaning the major shareholders will be able to override the wishes of the 1,500 or so minor shareholders should they disagree on the merits of the Kirkby scheme.” Mr Elstone also ruled out any discussion of items not on the proposed agenda, meaning disgruntled shareholders believe their concerns will not get a full airing. Mr Grayson said: “What we want is to have a fresh vote for the fans as we had last December, but that has been dismissed out of hand. “Mr Elstone has said that questions from the floor in relation to other related issues such as investment, transfers and the like will be out of bounds on the night.” As a result, he has put in a second requisition for a follow-on EGM to propose a vote of no confidence and indicated that more meetings could be called. He added: “We are going to keep going through the motions and will keep at it until the views of the majority of the shareholders are listened to.” However, Everton’s spokesman Ian Ross, said the EGMs were expensive and ineffective. He said: “It’s highly expensive and uses a lot of man hours to hold these meetings. “It easily runs into several thousand pounds. “As for the prospect of ongoing EGMs, as has been suggested, I think it’s a little premature to discuss a second EGM before the first has even taken place.” Should further EGMs be called, Everton could adopt a tactic employed by other Premier League clubs which have named the time and place of successive EGMs by calling them at inconvenient places at anti-social hours. Everton and Tesco’s £400m plans to build a superstore and stadium in Kirkby will go to public inquiry to be held in the town on November 18. A final decision from Whitehall may not be reached until as late as July next year.
Everton complete Louis Saha signing but lose Victor Obinna appeal
Sep 2 2008
By Richard Williamson, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON have announced that the signing of Louis Saha has been completed - but Nigerian winger Victor Obinna will not be joining him. The French striker has passed a medical and will join from Manchester United with the fee depending on the number of appearances he makes. Saha joins on a two-year deal with the option for a third year. Saha will wear the number nine shirt. However the club’s appeal to secure a work permit for Obinna has been rejected. An Everton contingent, including manager David Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright, attended an appeal hearing in London after the initial work permit for the 21 years-old Inter winger was rejected. Ian Ross, Everton's Head of PR & External Affairs, confirmed: “Chairman Bill Kenwright, Manager David Moyes and Club Secretary David Harrison all attended the hearing in London this morning and despite making a strong case the appeal was rejected on the basis that the player fell some way short of the required criteria (of international experience).” UK employment law dictates a player from outside the EU needs to have figured in 75% of his country’s competitive international matches in the two years previous to the application. Obinna has only earned eight caps for his country, having netted three goals. He was also a key member of the Nigerian squad that reached the Olympic final in Beijing last month. Obinna was signed by Inter earlier in the summer from Italian side Chievo but was immediately made available for loan.
Everton sign Standard Liege midfielder Marouane Fellaini
Sep 2 2008
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
DAVID MOYES has ended a summer of frustration by shattering Everton’s transfer record to sign Standard Liege midfielder Marouane Fellaini. The Goodison outfit beat the midnight transfer deadline by capturing the highly-rated Belgium international on a five-year contract for a club record amount of £13million. The deal was still to be rubber-stamped when the Daily Post went to press in the early hours of this morning. But Everton are confident the transfer will go through for a fee that eclipses the £11.25m they splashed out to sign Yakubu from Middlesbrough 12 months ago. Earlier in the day, Everton had completed the signing of Louis Saha from Manchester United and veteran Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Carlo Nash. But the Goodison side failed in their attempt to take Inter Milan’s Nigerian international winger Victor Obinna on loan after their work permit appeal was rejected. Moyes was in Liege on Sunday night to check on Everton’s forthcoming UEFA Cup opponents and also run the rule over Fellaini. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder had been earmarked as a replacement for the departed Lee Carsley. Fellaini was part of the Standard team that won Belgium’s Jupiler League last season and caught the eye with a brace of impressive performances against Liverpool in their Champions League qualifier last month. Fellaini has won 10 caps and scored one goal for Belgium, and also appeared at the recent Olympic Games in Beijing before being flown home especially for Standard’s tie against Liverpool. Also incoming is Saha, who underwent a medical at the weekend and has officially moved from Manchester United for a fee ultimately dependent on the number of appearances made. The 30-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the option for a third year, and will wear the number nine shirt. Saha will have to wait at least another fortnight to make his Everton debut as he recovers from a groin strain sustained in training. And the French striker said: “I am very happy to be here. It is a big club with big, big support. I think it is a club which is trying to reach the top.” Saha won’t be joined by fellow striker Obinna at Goodison. Moyes and Everton chairman Bill Kenwright were part of a club contingent that attended an appeal hearing in London yesterday after the initial work permit for the 21-year-old Inter winger was rejected. Moyes had been aware of the potential work permit problems that could scupper the proposed season-long loan, and the issues were ultimately insurmountable. Ian Ross, Everton’s Head of PR and External Affairs, confirmed: “Chairman Bill Kenwright, manager David Moyes and club secretary David Harrison all attended the hearing in London and despite making a strong case the appeal was rejected on the basis that the player fell some way short of the required criteria (of international experience).” Everton were more successful in pushing through the transfer of Nash from Wigan for around £200,000. Moyes has spent all summer seeking experienced cover for first-choice goalkeeper Tim Howard before electing to pursue the experienced Nash. The 34-year-old has made 274 appearances in a nomadic career that has included stints at Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Stockport County, Preston North End and Stoke City, but is cup-tied for the Carling Cup having played in Wigan’s 4-0 defeat of Notts County last week. “I have known of Everton's interest for the last couple of weeks and there have been a few sleepless nights hoping it would go through,” said Nash. “Finally it has and I am over the moon.” Having seen their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Moutinho finally flounder yesterday, Everton were quick to distance themselves from rumours of interest in Newcastle United’s controversial midfielder Joey Barton. And there were claims Moyes failed in a bid of around £3.5million for Reading’s Republic of Ireland international midfielder Stephen Hunt. A number of former Everton targets were on the move yesterday. Valencia’s Serbia international striker Nikola Zigic opted for a season-long loan switch to La Liga rivals Racing Santander, while Real Zaragoza’s Diego Milito was reportedly on the brink of a return to Italian side Genoa.
EXCLUSIVE: David Moyes delight as Everton smash transfer record for Marouane Fellaini
Sept 2 2008 EXCLUSIVE by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES was today reaping the rewards of an eleventh hour cross channel dash as he celebrated Everton's record breaking capture of Marouane Fellaini.
Having experienced arguably the most frustrating summer of his six-year reign as manager, Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright finally had reason to smile after they landed the Belgian international in a deal that could cost as much as £16m.
After a day of intense negotiations with Standard Liege’s vice president, Luciano Donfreo, and chairman Reto Stiffler, Everton finally came to an agreement to sign Fellaini less than an hour before the transfer window closed. Until then, things had been hanging in the balance as Liege – whom Everton will face in the UEFA Cup in two weeks – were adamant that they would not part with their prize asset and it needed Moyes to fly from London to Brussels to seal the deal. Not surprisingly, Moyes, who has now broken Everton’s transfer record four times since January 2005, was drained as he returned home from Belgium this morning. But he was over the moon after landing a player who has been on his radar for a long time. “It was a long day but it all proved worthwhile,” said Moyes. “Our interest hasn’t only just materialised, we have been chasing him for two years and keenly watched his development. “Recent games have shown what he is all about and the hard part has been getting him here. We initially made contact with Standard two weeks ago but then we drew them in the UEFA Cup and that really complicated things.
“It has taken some long, hard negotiations to get him. Standard had made it clear that under no circumstances did they want to sell him. But we were desperate to sign him and it took a real big effort from the board and the chairman to get there.”
A tall, imposing midfielder who has bundles of energy, Fellaini has become hot property in Europe following his outstanding efforts against Liverpool in the Champions League last month. He will, unfortunately, be cup tied in Europe for Everton until January. Yet so highly rated is the 20-year-old, who has already been capped 10 times by Belgium, that on occasions last season he had 37 different scouts watching him in action and it is no wonder Everton have had to bid higher than they have ever done to land their man. While the initial £15m outlay dwarfs the £11.25m it cost to sign Ayegbeni Yakubu 12 months ago, Moyes is confident that it will prove to be outstanding value and expects Fellaini to play a significant role for Everton in the coming years. “I have always wanted to buy players who are good value and get a return on our investment,” said Moyes. “I know it is a record fee but he is going to be here for a longtime, like most of the boys that we have brought to the club.”
Everton’s players, however, will have to wait a while before they welcome Fellaini to Finch Farm, as he has linked up with Belgium’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Iceland, in Liege this Saturday, and Turkey in Istanbul a week tomorrow.
“Marouane is someone who will definitely increase the quality we have,” Moyes added. “In an ideal world, I would have liked to add another of his type, but that wasn’t to be. With a bit of time to settle in, I’m sure he will prove to be worth the wait.” Since he allowed Lee Carsley to leave at the end of last season, Moyes has pursued a number of different leads, most notably Sporting Lisbon’s captain, Joao Moutinho, and Rennes powerhouse Stephane Mbia. But though Moyes would have loved to have brought either of them to Merseyside, he is more than happy with the man he has landed, and expects Fellaini to become a crowd favourite once he has had time to bed into the Everton way. He may have alarmed some supporters on Saturday when declaring that Everton were “not yet ready to win Premier League games,” but once Moyes has all his star men back that will change. “We had other targets but for different reasons things didn’t quite work out,” said Moyes. “But this was the one that we wanted and I’m really happy. We are all looking forward to seeing him in action.
“I don’t think for one minute that he is another Lee Carsley. I see (Segundo) Castillo as being the one who will play like Cars. What his arrival does, though, is give us the competition we have needed in midfield. “Once we get some other boys back like Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar we will be in better shape and I hope, if I have to, there is room to do some business again in January.”
Everton perseverance over Marouane Fellaini pays dividends
Sept 2 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
THERE are occasions when you watch a game of football and no matter where the ball is on the field, one player always seems to be in the vicinity. So anyone who saw Liverpool’s two Champions League games against Standard Liege will remember the rangy, imposing figure of Marouane Fellaini coming into shot with monotonous regularity. He did as much as anyone in his side to try and cause an enormous upset against Liverpool, and it is little wonder that Liege did everything they could to resist Everton’s dramatic and determined efforts to sign the 20-year-old on transfer deadline day. The perseverance of Goodison chairman Bill Kenwright and manager David Moyes, however, has paid off. And Evertonians should be celebrating today that they landed one of the most highly rated young midfielders in Europe. Why else would 37 scouts have watched him on one occasion last year? Blessed with stamina, the ability to pass and tackle well - and chip in with a few goals - 6’4” Fellaini is the kind of player Everton’s midfield has been screaming out for. He can add presence to an engine room that could not claim to be one of the Premier League’s tallest.
It has been a difficult and testing summer for the club and its supporters. And all will hope it is never repeated. But after so much frustration, Fellaini’s signing late last night must now give everyone at Goodison reason to smile again.
Marouane Fellaini factfile
Sep 2 2008 Liverpool Echo
Born: November 22, 1987.
Nationality: Belgian
International caps: 10
International goals: 1
Born in Belgium to Moroccan parents, he was snapped up by Anderlecht at the age of seven. Aged 10 he joined Mons and three years later made the switch to R. Francs Borains. After a spell at Sporting Charleroi he signed his first pro contract with Standard Liege at the age of 17. Over the past two years he has established himself as one of the best box to box midfielders in Belgium and helped Liege win the Jupiler League title last season. Represented Belgium at the Beijing Olympics, where he was sent off in the opening game for two yellow cards against Brazil. Made 84 appearances for Liege, scoring 11 times.
Nigel Martyn: David Moyes won’t tolerate more poor defending from Everton
Sep 2 2008 by Nigel Martyn, Liverpool Echo
THERE are any number of places you may want to be this week but Finch Farm is certainly not one that would be high on your list. Opening the new season with two defeats in three games is not the start that many would have envisaged when the fixtures were published in June but the harsh reality of limited transfer activity and sloppy defending means that is the case. Don’t for one minute, though, expect David Moyes to be feeling sorry for himself. Experience tells me he will not be in a convivial mood for the next few days but, then again, why would you expect him to be laughing and joking? He will be bitterly disappointed at the way things are going and the players will know from the moment they get on the training pitch that the manager is on the warpath. But that is no bad thing, as they will know improvement is demanded. The thing that I’m sure will be niggling in the back of David’s mind is the start of the 2005/06 season when early expectations ended up being smashed to smithereens after we lost eight of our opening nine matches. Once you get into a rut, it is so hard to get out of it and there is no way any more defending of the kind which gifted Portsmouth a two-goal lead on Saturday will be tolerated. When you don’t look like scoring goals in the Premier League, it’s vital you remain solid at the back.
At the minute, I just don’t see us offering so much as an attacking force, which made the Portsmouth game all the more disappointing – Jermain Defoe was given far too much time to grab the first, while Leighton Baines let Glenn Johnson run away from him for the second. Now it’s up to the players who are there to be mentally strong and, when they come back from international duty, grind out the results that will help bring back a bit of confidence. Then they can start to think about playing with flamboyance again. Quite clearly it has been a difficult summer for everyone and the unsettling things about not bringing new faces in until late on, coupled with the manager’s decision to sign a new contract, has impacted on the players. Fortunately, it is still early days.
Keep the faith for cup tests
IT is a while since Everton benefited from a kind cup draw and that frustrating trend continued last week, much to everyone’s disappointment. A trip to Blackburn Rovers in the Carling Cup and a double header in the UEFA Cup against Standard Liege has left many supporters anxious that two hopes of winning silverware will be dashed before the clocks go back. The one thing you want when things are not going in your favour is a straightforward task, but neither Blackburn nor Liege will be that and, clearly, the footballing gods have had their say once again. That said, maybe games of this magnitude are what the players need to get back on track. You tend to find the bigger the occasion, the better the chances Everton have of performing to their best.
Liege may have looked good in their Champions League battle with Liverpool, but I don’t think that an on-form Everton should be worrying unduly about the challenge the Belgians will present. It’s time to have a bit of faith in the players’ ability.
What’s more, they will be desperate to avoid the fate which befell us in 2005. Having worked so hard to qualify for Europe, it was hard to take when we lost to Villarreal and Dinamo Bucharest in the space of a week. Fingers crossed nothing like that will happen again.
I wanted move to Everton - Stephen Hunt
Sep 3 2008
by Damian Spellman, Liverpool Daily Post
STEPHEN HUNT has admitted his disappointment after missing out on a deadline-day move to Everton. The Reading winger, currently on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, was the subject of a bid from the Merseyside club on Monday night. However, with Everton unable to come up with the £5million up front which would have activated a get-out clause in his contract, the deadline passed without any deal being struck. Hunt was disappointed the Royals had not been more flexible in return for the service he has given them over the past three years. He said: “I spoke to the manager (Steve Coppell), the director of football (Nick Hammond), the coaches. They were asking if I wanted to leave, and they knew my stance. “I haven’t been a bad apple in the club over the last two or three years.“I could have been, but I wasn’t. I have been ultra professional and probably deserve a little bit better from them. But then again, I understand where they are coming from. They wanted to keep hold of me. But to further my career, that would have been a good move.”
HULL CITY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
September 3rd 2008 Daily Post
James Vaughan was on the scoresheet as Everton Reserves defeated Hull City 2-1 on Wednesday evening. The young striker struck in the first half then Lukas Jutkiewicz gave the Toffees victory eight minutes from time. Hull were temporarily on level terms when they equalised in the second half. Vaughan's goal was a typical snapshot inside the box just after the half hour mark. But it always looked like the Blues would require a second goal - and so it proved when the Tigers hit back after the break.
But Andy Holden's side kept on battling and secured a winning goal on 82 minutes when Lukas Jutkiewicz sidefooted home an excellent left-wing cross from Lee Molyneux. Vaughan had previously been withdrawn with twenty minutes left, and the defence, marshalled by the impressive skipper John Irving, held firm. Holden was delighted with the result produced by his charges. He told evertonfc.com: "I'd say it might have been a little harsh on Hull, but we were the away side so it's great to get the points. "To win the opening game will boost confidence, without a doubt, and we look forward to the next game now." Everton, Turner, Irving, Molyneux, Sinnot, McCarten, Akpan, Baxter, Wallace, JutKiewicz, Vaughan, Kissock, Subs, Agard, A. Davies, Spencer, Barnett, McCready
Marouane Fellaini: I can't wait to join Everton
Sept 3 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
MAROUANE FELLAINI today promised to drive Everton forward with a "youthful enthusiasm" - as he spoke for the first time about the huge challenge that lies ahead of him. The Belgium international became the most expensive player in Everton’s history on Monday night when he moved to Goodison Park from Standard Liege in a £15m deal. But Fellaini is not fazed by the size of the fee. All the 20-year-old is concerned about is getting his career on Merseyside started, as two World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Turkey means Fellaini will not meet his new team-mates until next Thursday. Fellaini, not surprisingly, cannot wait for that moment and while he accepts many supporters will view him as an unknown quantity, the powerful midfielder does not envisage having too many problems settling in. “I am very happy to be signing for Everton,” said Fellaini today. “I can’t wait to get started, to show my qualities and what I am about. “I had been aware that Everton had been interested in me and watching my progress for some time. “I can bring youthful enthusiasm and I am really keen to do well and succeed. I am a physical player and my style and strength will really fit in with the English game. I want to help take the team forward as much as I can.” Fellaini has been one of the top performers in the Belgian League for the past two years but he only became known in these parts after Liege’s Champions League games against Liverpool and that experience strengthened his determination to move to the Premier League. “It certainly did help me to make the decision,” said Fellaini. “It is the league all players want to play in. But playing in those games helped me realise it is a league that suits my style and suits me physically. “The fee is not a problem. I am coming here to continue my progression and my game as well as working hard for the team and helping us win games. All the fee shows is that the club has faith in me and that is something that should be looked on as a positive.” “When I spoke with David Moyes he said he was looking to bring in quality players to improve the side as well as young players, and he said I fit that description. I hope I can take the team forward and help improve the club.
“My first aim is to win my place in the side and make progress. I am aware of the history Everton has and that they are one of the top clubs from the history of English football.” The Blues, meanwhile, have been given a further boost after Tim Cahill’s surgeon gave him the green light to return to full training yesterday. Dr Kim Slater is satisfied by the way his broken metatarsal has mended and the Australian can now step up his rehabilitation.
Everton EGM: 'Move to Kirkby will spell end of club as we know it'
Sept 3 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
MARK GRAYSON is a 38-year-old father of five from Mossley Hill.
A quantity surveyor by trade, he is not, nor ever has been, a shop steward; he is not a political activist. He doesn’t even lead the singing on the Gwladys Street.
But he is the man who has successfully petitioned for an Extraordinary General Meeting of Everton Football Club. That meeting will take place at Goodison Park tonight, and Grayson admits it was the impact of a proposed stadium switch to Kirkby on ordinary fans like himself which forced him to act. “I’m just doing what I can, what I think has to be done,” he explained. “I’ve never done anything like this before. I am doing it because I honestly believe a move to Kirkby will be the end of Everton as we know it today. I don’t see a positive future from Everton moving to Kirkby.”
As a quantity surveyor, Grayson has examined the plans for Kirkby carefully, and is “appalled” by what he has discovered. “The transport issue is a fundamental flaw,” he said. “People argue that Manchester United is not in Manchester, but Old Trafford is just two miles from Deansgate, surrounded by a huge urban sprawl. “Kirkby is nine miles away from the city centre, surrounded by 11 miles of rural landscape and people simply won’t be able to get there. “We have five kids under the age of eight. My third has cerebal palsy and I noted straight away there is no provision in the Kirkby plan for disabled parking. “There are only 1,000 parking spaces full stop, which if you work on an average of four people to a car isn’t even 10 per cent of the present capacity.
“How will I be able to get my lad to the game? How will my father go with his grandkids? As it’s laid out in the plans, it’s just not practicable. “Then there’s the costing. The fit-out – which is an industry phrase for the painting, the carpeting and the finish of the stadium – is just £5m, which suggests a very basic arena.
“I’m concerned we could end up like a Bolton or a Wigan on the periphery of a town.
“I was driving the other night when I saw a car in front of me with the Liverpool sticker ‘One name, one club, one city... Liverpool’ “If we leave the city Liverpool are sure to rebrand themselves aggressively and we will lose our identity with the city.
“We want to hear what the club has to say about our concerns. If they are so confident their scheme will work they should be pleased with the opportunity to reassure fans and answer the doubts we may have. “We want people to stay calm and listen to what the club has to say. “But they have to start listening to people. My personal view is that now they have a mandate from fans they are not interested in listening to us any more. “We would remind the board that Evertonians were furnished with few facts during the original ballot process and the club promised Evertonians a ‘world class’ and ‘effectively free’ stadium. “It is clear that the board will fail to deliver on these promises and subsequent independent surveys have concluded that the Evertonian community would not have endorsed the Destination Kirkby proposals had they known what we know today. “We believe that Destination Kirkby is a risky venture that will present Everton Football Club with a very uncertain future.”
Everton EGM: Rebels promise more of the same
Sept 3 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
TONIGHT’S EGM is the third to be held at Goodison inside four years.
But if the men who petitioned for it, true blues Mark Grayson and Tony Bennett, get their way, there will be another within weeks. After a meeting with acting CEO Robert Elstone on August 14 to discuss the protocol to be observed on the night of the EGM, the pair were concerned by the club’s reluctance to offer shareholders a show of hands vote to formally approve or reject the Kirkby proposals. The club have made it clear there will be a poll vote instead, meaning that the major shareholders will be able to override the wishes of the 1,500 or so minor shareholders should they disagree on the merits of the Kirkby scheme. Grayson said: “As a result, we have issued further requisition forms calling for another EGM to discuss the specific performance of the board of directors. “As minority shareholders we have no powers. All we can do is inconvenience them by making them attend further EGMs. “We eventually hope to force a show of hands vote to determine if shareholders remain confident in the ability of the board of directors to act in and secure the best long term interests of Everton Football Club. “Isn’t it ironic that Manchester City, another provincial football club living in the shadow of their neighbours, have just announced a second major investment in two years, while we’ve been working ‘24-7’ in that same timescale and have not unearthed one?”
Everton EGM: Fans told to keep to the point
Sept 3 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
THE agenda for tonight's meeting will be strictly related to the stadium issue as set out in the original petition. Questions from the floor relating to other issues currently concerning fans, such as investment, the manager’s contract, resignation of chief executives and reported influence at the club from Philip Green will be out of bounds.
Grayson added: “We would urge shareholders to heed this demand as it has been indicated to us that the chairman is within his rights to cut short the EGM should it stray from the purpose of the meeting. “Mr Elstone has acknowledged that the stadium relocation issue has been divisive and has generated much passion on both sides of debate. However it has been stressed that the Chairman will cut short the meeting should it become unruly or abusive. “We would remind shareholders that the purpose of the meeting is to determine if relocating to Kirkby will be in the best long term interest of Everton FC and as such we would request that shareholders remain respectful of the chairman, the board and their advisors as they respond to our questions.”
Stephen Hunt: My frustration over dream move to Everton
Sep 3 2008 Liverpool Echo
STEPHEN HUNT admits club and country could benefit from the anger and frustration he feels after missing out on a dream move to Everton. The 27-year-old was the subject of a late bid from the Blues last night, but without £5million on the table up front, the Royals were not prepared to do business. Hunt, who joined up with his Republic of Ireland colleagues yesterday afternoon, just hours after the transfer deadline passed, is now ready to channel his disappointment into his country’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Montenegro, and whatever lies ahead on the domestic scene. Whether that means he could still get a move back to the Barclays Premier League in January - Sunderland are long-term admirers - remains to be seen, but he is planning to leave nothing to chance. He said: “I am in the zone. I am ready for the next four months of putting my head down, working hard and if someone pays the money that will further my career, then all the better; if they don’t, then I will work my butt off to get what I want in football. “I have got back into a zone where I am angry and I am disappointed, but at the same time, that might benefit Reading again.” Everton’s late interest raised the prospect of a swift return to the top flight after the disappointment of relegation last season, but as the clock ran down, Hunt’s hopes dwindled. He said: “It was a mad day, all right. There were a couple of hectic days and coming and going in terms of wanting to go to the club that was interested in me. “It was a big club and it was disappointing that Reading couldn’t have helped me out a little bit to benefit my career in terms of what I have done for them. It would have been nice, so it was disappointing. “It probably would have depended on the other club as well, how far they wanted to go, but from what I have been told, Reading would get a good figure and the rest would follow over a certain period of time.
“They would have got the £5million within the year. But Reading didn’t want to budge at all regarding it and it was just disappointing. But I understand where they were coming from.” In the meantime, Hunt will have to console himself with two huge games for his country over the next week or so. Ireland face Georgia in the German city of Mainz on Saturday after the game was moved to a neutral venue because of the ongoing political situation in the former Soviet state, and then head for Montenegro for their second qualifier next Wednesday evening. Hunt has a serious chance of making the starting line-up with Newcastle winger Damien Duff injured.
Full-back Kevin Kilbane could play in Georgia despite fracturing a cheekbone at the weekend, while Richard Dunne, who did not train in Malahide last night because of a sore throat, is expected to do so today.
Paddy Shennan: Watching transfers at midnight is pure madness
Sept 3 2008 by Paddy Shennan, Liverpool Echo
WHO needs the excitement of an actual game of football, when you’ve got the hysteria of transfer deadline day? Older readers who struggle to remember how they felt as kids on Christmas morning should make a date with Sky Sports News every August 31 (although it was September 1, this year) and January 31. God help us if its over-the-top team ever had to preside over something truly important – like the outbreak of World War III – because no TV or living room in the world could withstand the even greater levels of verbal assault that would provoke. Monday’s night madness was madder than the biggest box of frogs you could ever imagine – or a mad hatter’s party attended by Amy Winehouse, Pete Doherty, Shergar, Lord Lucan ... and Helen Mirren. A summer’s hopes and fears all came down to this one final night (and, in Everton’s case, early morning) of speculation, rumour, counter-rumour, unbearable tension and unbearable, unadulterated nonsense ... but more about Manchester City later. Having been advised by Bill Kenwright to “watch this space”, Evertonians had been patiently and not so patiently doing just that, in the hope of being pleasantly surprised. Many Blues had given up watching by the time The Big One (in the shape of the 6ft 4in Marouane Fellaini, pictured) was confirmed, well after SSN had shown us Big Ben striking 12 – and could you believe they were actually naff enough to do that? Yes, I was sad enough to dip in and out of the channel’s increasingly hysterical coverage until midnight’s bitter “end”. Then, like many Evertonians, I went to bed wishing ill on all those responsible for the failure to build on the club’s fifth place finish last season ... before waking to discover The Great Showman had brandished his biggest cheque (credit card?) yet. Although they sometimes like to give the impression it’s their money – “Oooh, I don’t think we should have spent THAT much” – fans are usually impressed when their club splashes the cash. And so the early reactions to this transfer were, in this order: “Brilliant! We’ve actually spent BIG. But, erm, I don’t know anything about him – is he any good like?” This transfer deadline underlined that the modern game is all about the three Ms, and just one F – money, money, money, with a bit of football thrown in.
And perhaps, after all the “what the **** is going on?” disbelief surrounding Man City’s outlandish capers, every transfer deadline day should also be takeover day – the day when a mega rich company from the Middle East is allowed to take over your club and spend money like there’s no tomorrow. At one point, I was expecting SSN to announce: “Not content with going after Robinho (who they got, despite the player saying ‘I am only thinking of Chelsea and want to play there’ just a day earlier), Berbatov and every other big name player, City have now put bids in for the moon and the stars (and News International).” But now, please, let (relative) sanity return. Until, that is, the January transfer window. PS: Oh dear ... did SSN presenter Jim White really think we’d be impressed when he read out that text of non-transfer news he received from Joey Barton?
John Barnes wings in for football shirt charity
Sept 3 2008 by Vicki Kellaway, Liverpool Echo
FOOTBALL legend John Barnes returned to old haunts to collect signed Liverpool and Everton shirts for charity. The ex-England and Liverpool star will spend five days touring every Premier League club in a white van to pick up shirts in aid of the Score Ethiopia campaign. He collected shirts at Anfield and Goodison Park yesterday to try and raise as much money as possible to help build football facilities for people in Ethiopia. Barnes, 44, got involved with the project after visiting the Ethiopian town of Lalibela. He said: “People play football all over the world with whatever ‘ball’ they can get their hands on – a can, rolled-up clothes or even a milk carton full of stones.
“But rarely have I witnessed such passion as I did in Ethiopia.”
To bid for the signed shirts, visit www.scoreethiopia.com
Bill Kenwright tells Everton EGM: 'I'd sell tomorrow to bring in a billionaire to support manager'
Sept 4 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
BILL KENWRIGHT has pledged to step up his search for a billionaire - after he admitted a move to Kirkby is the only viable option to solve Everton's stadium dilemma. Speaking at last night’s extraordinary general meeting, Everton’s chairman highlighted the annual summer battle he faces to provide a substantial transfer kitty for David Moyes and revealed that the club cannot continue to operate in such a way.
Though Everton have been able to smash their transfer record four times since January 2005, all they have been doing is borrowing against existing debt and the club believes that Goodison Park can no longer provide an adequate stream of revenue.
In an emotional speech, Kenwright said he would have no hesitation in stepping aside if a suitable buyer came along, and Keith Harris – the banker whose Seymour Price firm brokered Randy Lerner’s purchase of Aston Villa in July 2006 – is seeking investment for the Blues. If, however, that investment does not come along, Kenwright is adamant that Destination Kirkby is the only attractive proposition for Everton, even though his heart would love nothing more than to see Goodison redeveloped. “This summer has been the worst I have ever known in the transfer market,” said Kenwright. “But it is going to get worse and worse. The Arabs buying Manchester City will make things all the more difficult for a club like Everton.
“There was a chart on Monday that showed the top 13 owners in football. We weren’t in it. It does not include Tottenham, who are owned by (the sports and media investment group) Enic, nor were Blackburn, who had a wonderful millionaire behind them. “There wasn’t even a Sunderland, who have got four multi-millionaires behind them. “I’m a pauper when it comes to other chairmen. A total pauper.
“Every summer I borrow, I bounce balls up in the air to try and support this man (Moyes). “Is moving to Kirkby anything to do with my shareholding? Nil. Anyone who believes that, you’ve got the wrong chairman. I cannot go on like this. We need a new owner and we will continue to try to find one.” Evertonians cast long, envious glances towards Manchester City on Monday when they were taken over by Abu Dhabi United Development Group and Kenwright would love nothing more than to step aside for a similar group. “I would like the club to have a billionaire who could support David Moyes with more money,” said Kenwright. “I don’t want to be the chairman that takes this club to Kirkby and I didn’t want to sell Wayne Rooney. But I am and I probably will be. “I do not want to be here next year. I don’t want to be standing in front of you saying ‘it’s been another tough season’ and ‘I don’t know where the money is’. I want you (shareholders and supporters) to have everything you want, which is a billionaire. “Whether it is a Sheikh, whether it is a Russian, an American, whether it is any one of the 14 or 15 people I have met in the last 12 months. I want to give you that. I want you to give that billionaire to every single one of you. I would sell tomorrow. “Why? Because he and I fight every summer. We are a cabaret act when we meet players about this football club and the salaries and the transfer fees that we can afford. We had nine and a half hours together on Monday getting a substantial transfer in. “That was not easy. It was nothing to do with a chairman who wants money. That was a chairman who wants to fulfil a promise to this football club. That’s all I want. I so want every one of you to have your billionaire. It’s not me and I apologise it’s not me.” The many opponents of the move to Kirkby have long argued that Goodison could be redeveloped, and acting chief executive Robert Elstone presented three scenarios that would see Everton staying at their home of 116 years. One involved demolishing the ground and building a new 35,000 capacity arena, another saw Goodison being demolished a bit at a time to give the club 50,000 seats and the final suggestion was rebuilding the Bullens Road stand.
However, the cost for each project was astronomical and would cause enormous disruption, and for the money they would spend on redeveloping the Bullens Road, Elstone said Everton could make a similar investment to get a new stadium in Kirkby.
“We believe that there is no other financially available option in Liverpool,” said Elstone. “We have been offered only two other sites in the city, and they were not viable. If we try to develop Goodison Park, we will have to revise our club budget and expectation.” “This club has always punched above it’s weight with a great manager in control. It is unwise to continue to rely on that to be successful as a football club. There have been several sites over 12 years of searching, from Kirkby golf club, the King’s Dock, Scotland Road and now Kirkby. “But there is no site in the city. Liverpool FC have been looking, Tesco has been looking at us. There is nowhere. It will cost £230m to rebuild Goodison Park, and that is not viable. The board will not put this club at risk and we retain our commitment to Kirkby.” A motion to end the exclusivity agreement with Knowsley Borough Council and Tesco over the Kirkby plans, plus a demand to re-consider development of Goodison Park, or find a new site in the city, was defeated on a card vote that ensured the club’s major shareholders, including Kenwright, would prevail. The voting was 622 in favour of the motion and 26,553 against, 97.71% of the votes. Kenwright, however, did pave the way for future discussions with Liverpool City Council when he invited council leader Warren Bradley and Labour leader Joe Anderson, both of whom spoke at the meeting – to come up with a workable proposal for a new stadium in the city boundaries.
The Jury: Everton fans on the club's rollercoaster summer
Sep 4 2008
Liverpool Echo
EVERY Evertonian is still "watching this space" and waiting for something to happen to our great club. Club owners like the Abu Dhabi company , Roman Abramovich and Randy Lerner must be quaking in their boots when there are businessmen like Bill Kenwright about! This summer we have definitely learned one thing from the club, and that is that the current Everton board can not match the manager’s ambition, and it’s as simple as that. Five players in and only one paid for tells its own story and the lack of confidence off the pitch is dripping down to the manager and then to his players on the pitch. The damage has already been done to our club and most Evertonians would happily take a top ten finish right now. So while teams who were beneath us last season, like Aston Villa, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Manchester City, will take massive strides forward, we will take them back!
Tony Scott, Walton
WHAT is going on? After the most successful season in years it’s all gone pear- shaped as chaos reigns. Chief executive Keith Wyness leaves by ‘mutual consent’, Destination Kirkby is shunted into the sidings and we fail to sign any players before the start of the season. If all that wasn’t bad enough the results on the field have been atrocious. Will the real Joleon Lescott please stand up? The most worrying aspect is that unsigned contract that still lies on David Moyes’ desk. And with his customary candour, he admits we “aren’t ready to win matches”. Even the players signed, with seconds to go in the transfer window, have the smell of ‘panic buys’. Shades of Gazza and Ginola? Maybe like Manchester City we need to find a wealthy Arab, or maybe not. Abu Dhabi is Roman Abramovich times ten. Football used to be about developing young talent not trawling the globe with wads of cash. I AM relieved now that the transfer window has finally shut. I was fed up with the number of names that were linked with us. At least we now know that no-one else will be joining! I would have been more happy if we had won against Portsmouth but terrible defending prevented this. We knew that the last week would have been hectic and the defeat on Saturday didn't set the scene nicely. Panic buys were inevitable, and it is a panic buy when all that has been seen of a player is on tapes and the same player was rejected by a mid-table club a few weeks before! I was expecting us to splash out on one player but I thought it would have been Moutinho, 'the one we wanted' but I was wrong. Instead we get the real 'player we wanted' in Fellaini for a club record fee. I hope my criticism is wrong and that our season does pick up, but I can't help but feel that it’s going to be a long season.
Richard Knights, West Derby
I AM relieved now that the transfer window has finally shut. I was fed up with the number of names that were linked with us. At least we now know that no-one else will be joining! I would have been more happy if we had won against Portsmouth but terrible defending prevented this. We knew that the last week would have been hectic and the defeat on Saturday didn't set the scene nicely. Panic buys were inevitable, and it is a panic buy when all that has been seen of a player is on tapes and the same player was rejected by a mid-table club a few weeks before! I was expecting us to splash out on one player but I thought it would have been Moutinho, 'the one we wanted' but I was wrong. Instead we get the real 'player we wanted' in Fellaini for a club record fee. I hope my criticism is wrong and that our season does pick up, but I can't help but feel that it’s going to be a long season.
Michael Drummond, Speke
LAST season, the record signing of Yakubu helped a lot of fans forget what a horrible summer we’d had up until that point. Marouane Fellaini is a signing in the position we have craved all summer, and he looks a very good player. But we can’t allow one good signing let us forget that there are still deep problems within the club, which have only been highlighted with City’s recent takeover. Saha is potentially a good signing. We’ve seen him punish us for United and Fulham, and once he’s fit, he’ll make a difference. Fellaini, and the signing of Ecuadorian Castillo, should ensure that the horror of seeing two centre halves playing in midfield will not be a regular one anymore. Jagielka is woefully out of place in the centre of midfield and must be restored to a defence that has looked shaky since he was moved forward. The defence lacks any leadership and organisation since Stubbs left, and only Jags has the authority needed to sort it out. Debbie Smaje, Upholland
Everton pledge to fight on for Kirkby stadium
Sep 4 2008
By David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON FC last night said it remains committed to relocating to Kirkby and will fight a public inquiry called into the scheme by the Government. Chairman Bill Kenwright also told an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) at Goodison Park, called by angry shareholders to demand a withdrawal from the plan, that he was looking for a billionaire to take over the club. "I am a pauper when it comes to other chairmen. I cannot go on like this, we need a new owner and we will continue to try to find one," said Kenwright, who endured a barrage of criticism. He said he had asked Keith Harris, a "Mr Fix it" of the football world, to try to find a buyer for the club which he would "sell tomorrow" to the right bidder. Despite insisting the proposed move to Kirkby alongside a Tesco supermarket would continue, Kenwright said his door remained open if Liverpool City Council could come up with a viable alternative. Last night council leader Warren Bradley said he would continue to try to find solutions but claimed former chief executive Keith Wyness had always dismissed the local authority’s suggested options. Everton’s plans to move to Kirkby with Tesco in a £400m development were cast into doubt when the government decided to call a public inquiry because of the large retail element. Last night was the first time the club had made public its intention to press ahead with the scheme which will be delayed by up to a year by the inquiry, which will start in November. Acting Everton chief executive Robert Elstone started the EGM with a presentation spelling out the financial reasons the club feels a move to Kirkby is the only option. "There has been a suggestion that maybe we can do something at Goodison. "But Kirkby is the only site that is affordable, deliverable and achievable." He said the club’s property advisors DTZ had estimated that the year’s delay would cost £6m, but said it was still being discussed with the "partners" Knowsley Council and Tesco as to who would foot the bill. "We are confident of success at the inquiry," said Elstone. He said the new 50,000 seater ground, costing £130m, of which Everton would contribute £78m, would generate around £11m additional revenue a year for the club. Currently Everton takes about £800,000 a match, while Premier League rivals like Arsenal have a gate income of £3.3m per game. In 2006 the club had the 9th highest spend on player costs – £38m – and finished 6th in the table. The average player cost in the Premier League was £48m. Mr Elstone added: "This club has always punched above its weight with a great manager in control. "It is unwise to continue to rely on that to be successful as a football club. "We believe there is no other financially available option in Liverpool. We have been offered only two other sites in the city, and they were not viable. "If we try to develop Goodison Park, we will have to revise our club budget and expectation." The cost of redeveloping Goodison would range from £50m to £230m depending on the scale of change, Elstone said. But apart from the most expensive option, the club would either lose money or only gain an additional £2.5m a year. Kenwright admitted he did not have the money to rebuild Goodison Park and could not see an alternative to moving to Kirkby. "This summer’s transfer window has been the worst and most difficult I can remember. "Now Arabs have bought Manchester City, making it even more difficult for Everton Football Club. "I want this club to have its billionaire, I apologise it is not me. My shareholding has been for sale from the day I bought in. "Every year it becomes more difficult to find the money. It is impossible to continue in the financial way we are at the moment. "I do not know how I can continue to serve this club the way we are doing at the moment.” "Everyone knows this club needs investment. People are looking. I would sell tomorrow." He said it was impossible for the club to continue racking up debts year on year to buy players. When quizzed on the involvement of retail tycoon Sir Philip Green in the club, Kenwright said the pair were friends. "He’s not a silent shareholder, he’s my friend. He’s a great friend of this club." He said Sir Philip was on hand 24 hours a day to offer advice. Cllr Bradley and his political opponent Labour leader Joe Anderson both addressed the meeting. Kenwright said to them: "You come up with a viable proposition for Everton Football Club and we are there with you." Mark Grayson, who was fundamental in securing the 20% of shareholders needed to call the EGM, said: "What’s stuck in my mind is that Kirkby is the only option for the board. "We are having to look at Kirkby being the only option because we have not got the finances. "I would rather we saw a change of ownership than go to Kirkby." A resolution calling for the club to withdraw from an exclusivity agreement with Knowsley Council and Tesco and open talks with Liverpool City Council, pull out of the Kirkby move and open talks with Liverpool City Council was defeated by 26,553 votes to 622. The rejected options for redevelopment -- Body ACTING chief executive Robert Elstone last night outlined three options that had been looked at , but dismissed, for re-developing Goodison Park which had been dismissed., making the move to Kirkby the "only viable option". Watched by club chairman Bill Kenwright, manager David Moyes,who did not speak at the meeting, and club life president Sir Philip Carter, Elstone said The first was to re-build the current ground on the existing footprint at a cost of £130m. He said this option would which would reduce capacity to 35,000 from the 40,500. The club could be in the new ground by 2012 but in the meantime, it would involve playing home games would have to be played at the grounds of rival clubs, perhaps even Anfield, and a loss of £6m a year.the JJB in Wigan, the Reebok in Bolton, Deepdale in Preston or even Anfield. The result of that would be a loss of £6m a year, and even when complete the club would take £1m less in revenue than at present. The second "extremely challenging" option was a £230m new 50,000 seater stadium over an expanded footprint which land including Gwladys Street school, around 100 homes and a business, moving into the ground by 2013. Moving out of the ground while work continued would cost £200m, with a loss of £6m a year. He said it would be "extremely challenging" to successfully acquire the land and at best the club could hope to be inside the new ground by 2013. It would involve building the new stadium while still playing at Goodison Park with spectators only able to sit in three stands. Or alternatively moving out while the new ground was built which would cost £200m, but would see the club lose £6m a year while the stadium was built. The third option was to a new Bullens Road stand at a cost of between £50m and £70m, which would and would create 4,000 additional seats and bring in an extra £2.5m a year. None of the options was acceptable, said Elstone. "All these options we believe are not acceptable and will not deliver," Elstone said. However, as part of £78m cost of moving to Kirkby the club is expecting to recoup cash by selling the naming rights for the new stadium, and also selling Goodison.
David Moyes' delight at Everton new boy Carlo Nash
Sep 4 2008
by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES believes Carlo Nash will prove to be the ideal foil for Tim Howard after agreeing to become Everton's number two keeper. Howard’s position as first choice between the posts has rarely been in doubt since he moved to Goodison in June 2006 after proving to be the model of consistency. However, Moyes reckons former Wigan stopper Nash – who put pen to paper on a two-year deal on transfer deadline day – will make Howard pull out all the stops. The 34-year-old has a wealth of experience and Everton’s manager hopes Nash’s presence will also help accelerate the development of youngsters Iain Turner and John Ruddy. “It’s never easy when you are looking to sign a second goalkeeper and We needed someone who was going to come in and push Tim Howard,” Moyes said today. “We had Steffan Wessels before Carlo and he did a great job for us last season. We have also got Iain Turner and John Ruddy but ideally we would like to get them out on loan. “But for that to happen, we need to have someone behind Tim who has experience and won’t be bothered by playing in big games, if he is needed. “Carlo has got that and I’m sure that he will be a big asset over the next two seasons.”
Everton EGM: Telling issues show why it is good to talk
Sep 4 2008
Chief Sports Writer DAVID PRENTICE on the night Everton FC was asked to abandon Destination Kirkby
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
ANGRY Everton fans demanded answers at a jam-packed Alex Young Suite last night. And for two-and-a-half hours they, mostly, got them. Bill Kenwright assembled an array of experts and specialists to address every concern imaginable. And in his bright and articulate acting CEO, Robert Elstone, had a hugely impressive front man who outlined clearly and concisely why Destination Kirkby was being pursued with such vigour, why remaining at Goodison Park was financially impossible, and who did so without patronising or preaching to men and women whose lives will be irreparably altered by a ground move. For every question there was a logical answer. For every concern there was an explanation. Which begged one unanswered question, why was an EGM required to pass them on to supporters? Bill Kenwright has been accused of prevaricating, and worse, on message boards, forums and letters pages. But last night he answered openly, sincerely and transparently. Even the alleged influence that Philip Green has on club affairs was spiked. Kenwright appeared irked at suggestions the retail billionaire was involved in running the club. “If you have a friend who is one of the greatest business brains in the world who gives you advice 24 hours a day, would you not use that advice? Because I do,” he snapped. “He is my friend. He is there 24 hours a day. If you can find any fault in Philip Green passing on advice, I don’t see it. “He is not a silent shareholder. He is my friend and consequently our friend.” Impressive words, but why has it taken so long to nail the Green rumours? Reports on him appeared in heavyweight national newspapers, not red-top tabloids. Everton have not communicated well with their fan base since the ballot gave them a mandate to pursue the Kirkby option. But last night there appeared to be a welcome change of tack. Robert Elstone was candid and informative. The benefits of a move to Kirkby were outlined by £11m a year in greater revenue. Everton generates £800k every matchday. Manchester United and Arsenal produce £3.3m. He did the maths for us, but it didn’t really require it. He also explained that a redevelopment of Goodison would require a temporary relocation to Reebok, the JJB, Deepdale or . . deep intake of breath, Anfield. But even if that option was pursued, it would cost £200m and would result in £6m a year in lost revenue. Stark statistics. The kind of figures no-one likes to hear, but everyone wants to hear. Bill Kenwright even suggested a fans’ committee should be formed to regularly liaise with the board over the thorny issue of transport to and from Kirkby. The one speech which no-one had an answer to came from Kirkby resident, Tony Barton. “We’ve heard all about the jobs that will be created and the regeneration of Kirkby,” he implored. “But what we really have is a reinvention of Kirkby because the land which will be built on is green open space given away by our council to Tesco. “It’s affordable because we’ve given away the land. “It’s achievable because 70 homes will have to be demolished and families relocated like refugees – some of these homes only 15 years old. “And it’s deliverable because of Tesco’s greed, the ignorance of Knowsley and the incompetence of the Everton board. “We don’t feel it’s fair to disrupt lives like that.” Everton didn’t have an acceptable answer to that heartfelt cry, because there isn’t one. But Tony Barton’s delivery was the exception. Too many other shareholders lost themselves in the minutiae of the move – train capacities, bus time tables and whether or not the proposed 50,000 new stadium can be extended into a 60,000 arena if necessary. (It can). Joe Anderson, the leader of Liverpool’s Labour group, elicited the loudest and most prolonged ovation of the evening for a passionate – and sensible – appeal for the Blues board not to bury their heads in the sand and ignore any possible Plan B. He argued that two years down the line the government may well force that plan back into sharp focus anyway. Kenwright’s response was to say his door is, and always has been open to any new proposal. It’s vital his door stays open to the fans who do not share his vision of a move to Kirkby. He must have dreaded the prospect of an EGM. L But it provided a valuable and welcome link once again between the club and some of its most passionate fans
Iain Turner asks for loan move from Everton
Sep 5 2008
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
IAIN TURNER has told David Moyes that he wants to go out on loan from Everton. The 24-year-old goalkeeper has been on the bench during the opening weeks of the season as deputy for first-choice Tim Howard. But Turner has fallen down the pecking order at Goodison Park following the deadline-day arrival of Carlo Nash from Wigan Athletic. Now the Scotland under-21 international has informed Moyes that he needs regular first-team football after missing almost all of last season with a serious hip injury. Turner was signed from Stirling Albion in July 2003 and has since made six senior appearances for Everton, the last coming in the 4-2 home defeat to Manchester United in April 2007. The youngster has enjoyed previous loan spells at Chester City, Doncaster Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday. And Moyes will almost certainly grant Turner his request, as well as allowing fellow young reserve goalkeeper John Ruddy to also go out on loan. The Goodison manager is happy that new signing Nash can place serious pressure on Howard for a first-team place. The 34-year-old has plentiful experience and Moyes hopes Nash can also help the development of both Turner and Ruddy. “It’s never easy when you are looking to sign a second goalkeeper and we needed someone who was going to come in and push Tim Howard,” said Moyes. “We had Stefan Wessels before Carlo and he did a great job for us last season. “We have also got Iain Turner and John Ruddy but ideally we would like to get them out on loan. “But for that to happen, we need to have someone behind Tim who has experience and won’t be bothered by playing in big games, if he is needed. “Carlo has got that and I’m sure that he will be a big asset over the next two seasons.”
Patience game for James Vaughan
Sept 5 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES will not jeopardise James Vaughan's ability to become one of Everton's most exciting performers this season by rushing his return from injury.
The Everton manager was forced to play Vaughan as a substitute against West Brom and then name him in the starting line-up last week for the visit of Portsmouth, due to him beginning the campaign with a depleted squad. However, those run-outs have clearly had a positive effect, as the 20-year-old - who spent four months sidelined with a knee problem - showed his well- being on Wednesday evening by scoring for the reserves in their 2-1 win at Hull. Having experienced so many fitness problems in his short career, Vaughan is due a change of luck and the signs at the moment are encouraging but Moyes, understandably, does not want to apply too much pressure too soon and risk the striker suffering another setback. “He could be very exciting for us,” said Moyes. “My concern is that I’ve put in him too early because I’ve had very little options. The boy had to play 30 minutes at West Brom first up and I nearly had to take him off with 10 minutes to go because he had nothing left. “He’s had no football but he made a difference and it is great for him to come back and show us what we have been missing. I don’t know whether I could ask him to hang fire. His enthusiasm is his game. There are other parts that he needs to improve. “Technically, we want to do a lot of work with him but his injuries have stopped us doing that. He has missed a lot of his young development because of that. But what he has got in abundance is enthusiasm.” That enthusiasm has sometimes worked against Vaughan, as he suffered unnecessary injuries owing to his over-exuberance and part of the battle Everton’s coaching staff face now is keeping Vaughan in check. Moyes, though, loves the energy and commitment that Vaughan plays with and would never try to change his approach to the game because that infectious attitude he has is one of the England Under-21 international’s biggest qualities. “He has a great desire to play and wants to play all the time,” said Moyes. “You can’t beat that. Everybody loves a trier. He has got great determination and that’s why he is at Everton and making a living. He is terrific around the place as well. “I think there is big improvement in him. At this present time, we just need to get him over his injury. He is not fully fit at this time. “We need to get him both match fit and physically fit and that is probably going to take me a couple of months to do that. “Hopefully, with the games coming regularly over the next month, coupled with a few reserve games and training, will help him a great deal. Really, he is lucky if he has had six full football training sessions since he came back this summer.”
Louis Saha in mission to lighten Everton gray skies
Sept 5 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
HAVE no fears. If you felt Louis Saha would not appreciate the importance of wearing Everton’s most famous shirt, his response to a question on the subject should settle any concerns. “Andy Gray?” said Saha. “He was one of the legends who have worn it, no? “I am proud to have been given number nine and I intend to do a good job for Everton. I wore number nine in Manchester and I hope to do better here.”
From all the greats who have gone before him, how significant that Saha chose Gray as the man he hopes to follow. After all, he arrived on Merseyside desperate to prove he was no back number following a succession of injuries. Gray’s talent, however, was never in question and his determination to show his fitness issues were a thing of the past helped him play a starring role in the great Howard Kendall side that won four trophies in two seasons. Can you spot the similarities? Saha, of course, saw his four years with Manchester United ruined by injury and there is little doubt that David Moyes has taken a gamble as identifying him as the man to fill the gap left by Andrew Johnson’s move to Fulham. But should Saha conquer his physical demons and show the form which prompted Sir Alex Ferguson to pay Fulham £12.8m for him in January 2004, there is little doubt that Moyes will have pulled off a coup as this Parisian guarantees goals. What’s more, he is also relishing the challenge. While there were offers from West Ham and Sunderland, plus a couple from abroad, as soon as Saha heard of Everton’s interest in him, his decision was made. “I had the possibility to move elsewhere but I know that I have joined the right club,” said Saha, a man who has been capped 18 times by France. “You only have to look at Everton’s record over the last couple of years and everything that David Moyes has done here. “I love playing in the Premier League. It is the best league in the world and I know that I have made the right decision. “This club is going forward and I hope that I can add my experience to what is already here. “I didn’t have to speak to Phil (Neville) or Tim (Howard). It was my choice and I knew straight away. Not even my father could have influenced me on this. “It was hard to leave Manchester United and it was difficult to accept that my career there had finished. “But I know I have done the right thing coming here - two days walking around the facilities here and seeing the standard of training has proved that.” It may be a while before the 30-year-old is ready to partner Ayegbeni Yakubu at the head of Everton’s attack - a calf injury means he won’t be firing on all cylinders for another “three or four” weeks - but already his attitude has made a big impression. Money may make the modern football world go around, but Saha made the offer to Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright that he would not accept wages from Everton until he had proved his fitness. He knows it will take time to prove to people that he is fully recovered, but a specialist training regime that United put him on during the summer has reaped immediate dividends in the fact that Saha has more confidence in what he can subject his body to. And if he can get a number of games under his belt, Saha’s presence will surely enhance the quality of Everton’s team as spending four years at Old Trafford has undoubtedly helped his development as a striker. “I was very honest with my injury as I had suffered a few setbacks,” said Saha. “It was very disappointing, but I am really confident now. “The injuries have been so frustrating for everyone but particularly for myself, as I have been the one who is suffering. “Sometimes people forget about it but things were really hard. I missed playing in some great competitions and some great games. I was not happy to be sitting on the bench. I just want to leave that behind. “When I am on the pitch, I am just like a kid. I just hope I don’t feel pain any more - it’s got nothing to do with my head. I have been honest and if I can do something, I will do it. “I had six or seven pieces of cartilage floating in my knee at one point. Now I hope that’s the end of it.
“I want to get things right now. Players get better after years and years. I played with Cristiano (Ronaldo) for four years and every day you could see him improving.
“I never had the chance to do that because of injuries. I hope now I can show I have improved as a player.” Moyes, for one, certainly thinks that is the case. “What we need to do is get him out there on the pitch,” said the manager. “If I can get him out 20 times a season, that would give us a chance of winning 20 games.” Which, as history dictates, was always the case when Everton’s best number nines were in the pomp. Time, then, for Saha to carve his own niche.
Howard Kendall: Everton chief Bill Kenwright should get more credit
Sept 5 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
FOOTBALL is no longer the game it used to be and the antics at a couple of clubs this week have proved that once again. Alan Curbishley felt compelled to resign on Wednesday after West Ham’s board had allegedly meddled in his transfer dealings, while Newcastle have – not for the first time – descended into mayhem.
Throw on top of that the fact that nobody seems to be happy with what is happening across Stanley Park and it’s clear to see that new owners of football clubs are not all that they are cracked up to be. Yet, at Goodison Park, we have a chairman who loves Everton to his core – just as David Moores loves Liverpool – and does everything that he possibly can to improve things, giving his total support to the manager.
He doesn’t make phoney comments. Everything Bill says comes from the heart yet with the vast majority of supporters, he gets no credit at all, not even in a week when he has just sanctioned another record breaking transfer. Of course, the issue of going to Kirkby is a thorny one but I think most sensible people would agree after Wednesday night’s EGM that we have got to move away now; leaving Goodison is clearly the only possibility. Getting a successful team together, though, is just as important and I don’t think David Moyes would mind me saying he is backed by one of the game’s most loyal and understanding chairmen. I was never keen on having a fan in charge, as they tend to let their hearts rule their heads. Could you imagine some of the decisions that would be made on Monday morning if a section of the Gwladys Street ran the club? Supporters tend to make knee-jerk reactions but Bill has been pragmatic and found the happy medium between expectation and realisation – which is more than can be said for thepeople in charge of some of Everton’s Premier League rivals.
Bullard merits chance
A FEW years ago, I was invited by a friend to watch Stoke City play Wigan at the Britannia Stadium and it was, as I recall, an unremarkable match. There was, however, one lasting memory, namely the performance of an energetic midfielder, who was terrific at set pieces and passed the ball, for Wigan and I have followed his career closely ever since. Jimmy Bullard my have been a surprise call up to England’s squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers but he certainly deserves his chance; the way he plays is infectious and it’s pleasing to see that you don’t need a big name to be considered for national service.
New boy Fellaini not a panic buy in my book
ANOTHER summer, another massive transfer. While teams from Manchester hogged the headlines on deadline day, do not underestimate the significance of Marouane Fellaini’s arrival. I know supporters were becoming disillusioned about the lack of new arrivals and some feared that Fellaini was a panic buy, so it was reassuring to hear that David Moyes had scouted him for the last two years. From what I saw of Standard Liege in the Champions League, they struck as me a big, strong athletic team – none more so than Fellaini, whose presence and power will be a tremendous addition to Everton’s team. The fact he is only 20 years old and already a full international speaks volumes, so Everton can feel thoroughly satisfied that they have captured his signature. Maybe he will be the person who will really drive us forward.
Minister: We’ll back talks on shared Everton and Liverpool stadium
Sept 5 2008 by Kevin Core, Liverpool Echo
THE government has offered to broker talks between Liverpool FC and Everton FC about building a shared stadium. Sport secretary Andy Burnham MP, a lifelong Evertonian, made the pledge to mediate discussions while visiting young footballers in the city yesterday. He spoke out after Liverpool’s announcement of a significant delay in its stadium plans for Stanley Park and the decision to hold a time-consuming public inquiry into Everton’s relocation to Kirkby. Both Liverpool and Everton say a shared stadium is not on their agenda. Mr Burnham said: “Obviously the situation has changed for both clubs, but it is for them to decide what represents the best way forward. “Whatever they decide, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport would be available to help facilitate discussions and help the clubs explore the various routes. “Obviously it is a continually moving situation and it is not right for me to express my preference either way.” The Leigh MP, who is originally from Newton-le-Willows and went to school in St Helens, also reiterated his strong support of Share Liverpool’s plan for Reds fans to unite and buy the Anfield club. He said: “It is a challenge, but the long-term goal of fans who want to buy clubs is to make them democratic and not for sale. “In my view, that is what a football club should be and I would definitely lend my support to that principle.” Speaking at Anfield sport and community centre, Breckside Park, he praised the two clubs for becoming the first Premier League sides to collaborate in supporting the Kickz initiative.
The project gives young people in deprived areas the chance to attend three nights of sport a week at 25 specially-designated sites. Mr Burnham added: “Two clubs of this size working together in the community is something you do not see every day.
“In the first year of Kickz, many players have been picked up by clubs and . . . that is a tangible result.”
Not opposed to stadium
THE leader of Sefton council said the authority was “bounced” into making a decision on Everton’s Kirkby plans. Cllr Tony Robertson was critical of the short space of time councillors had to react to the proposal and said it was “sad” people accused Sefton of being opposed to the stadium or Kirkby’s regeneration. He said the council had never expressed a view about Everton’s stadium and where it should be - and the issue was the linked Tesco-led shopping district, which councillors were told would have an effect on shopping areas from Aintree to Southport. Cllr Robertson said: “With so little time to react, we were bounced into having to react to something when clearly compromise could have been reached.”
This Manchester City funny business will surely end in tears
Sept 5 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
WE’RE pretty much used to laughing at Manchester City.
Niall Quinn running to the touchline to tell Alan Ball he actually needed to win that last match, Steve Coppell’s 33 days, Kevin Keegan revealing he was new City boss before Joe Royle had been told he wasn’t – and, of course, lethal Lee Bradbury.
But for a few days this week we were laughing with them. No sooner had the Abu Dhabi officials taken over than they were running around like kids in a toy shop.
There was the blatant bid to wind up their neighbours, by trying to hijack the Berbatov deal. There was the even funnier announcement about moving in on Ronaldo in January. Then there was the custard pie in Chelsea’s face with a successful swoop for Robinho. It was funny because it was the ‘big two’ on the receiving end. And it was okay because it was Manchester City, everyone’s favourite self-harmers, finally getting something right. But then the laughing stopped as the dawning realisation hit home – especially here on Merseyside. Liverpool finished fourth and Everton finished fifth last season. And they are the teams most at risk of being elbowed aside by another boorish gatecrasher lurching to the Premier League’s top table, belching loudly in other guests’ faces. It’s happened before. Chelsea finished fourth in 2003, their highest finish since their one and only league title in 1955. Then Roman Abramovich found himself with too much time on his hands and took over.
Second wasn’t good enough the year after, so he threw more money at it, and more, and some more. We even had the unsavoury situation of Chelsea buying players they didn’t really need, just to keep them out of the hands of their rivals. Shaun Wright-Phillips’ career hasn’t really recovered. Then Abramovich headhunted one of the world’s most successful coaches, and the year after Chelsea were champions.
They’ve stayed in the top two ever since. Obviously managerial acumen counted for plenty, But Roman’s roubles counted for an awful lot more. If Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim is as wealthy as he says he is – and he claims “we have very deep pockets, very deep pockets” – it won’t be long before City join Chelsea. And that’s both sad and worrying. Everton are Liverpool are talking about building new stadia, to generate more revenue. But the extra income generated by even 73,000 seater stadia – the sop Tom Hicks and George Gillett bizarrely believe will placate Reds fans over the latest stadium delay – will be dwarfed by the transfer pot the Abu Dhabi group can place at City’s disposal. It’s not the best run clubs, the most astute managers, the most craftily assembled squad of players who will win titles any more. It’s the richest football clubs. And that’s desperately sad. We will never ever see a football genius like Brian Clough drag a football backwater from the second division to become European champions. We’ll never see a boss like Bobby Robson imaginatively craft one of the most refreshingly entertaining football teams it’s ever been my privilege to see.
And we’ll never see the league title lifted by five different football clubs in eight years, as it did in the 1970s. Football has sold its soul. And that’s not a laughing matter.
It’s a loo lock-in as Tiago gives reaction to possible Everton deal
Sept 5 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON’S failed bid for Juventus midfielder Tiago may prove to be a lucky escape. Although not as lucky as that engineered by Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli. The Italian official has confirmed that a disgruntled Tiago locked him in the loo in the run-up to the transfer window closing. “It's a shame it got out, as this was something I told a friend in confidence,” confirmed Gigli. “In any case, Alessandro Del Piero responded to the noise of me punching the door and offered to break it down. “I told him it was better if someone else did it, as he needed to keep his shoulders in good shape for the Fiorentina game.” Rumours later suggested the ‘accident’ was in fact a spiteful gesture from Tiago, who was furious at Juventus pushing him to sign for Everton or Monaco
Everton go online in Canada
Sept 5 2008 by Kevin Core, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON Football Club is forging new links in Canada with a state-of-the-art online soccer academy. The Blues have signed a deal with Ottawa South United (OSU) to utilise the online player development tool www.evertonway.com It’s the latest in a series of partnerships which Everton are using to boost their international profile in North America. The website uses video clips, commentaries and computer walkthroughs to unravel the real Academy programme. Head of international football development Tosh Farrell said: “We are delighted to participate in the new OSU Force Academy and it again reiterates our commitment to enhancing soccer in Ontario. “We can’t wait to get started on this program to offer further opportunities for talented players in the Ottawa area.”
Louis Saha keen to play key number nine role for Everton
Sep 5 2008
by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
HAVE no fears. If you felt Louis Saha would not appreciate the importance of wearing Everton’s most famous shirt, his response to a question on the subject should settle any concerns. “Andy Gray?” said Saha. “He was one of the legends who have worn it, no? “I am proud to have been given number nine and I intend to do a good job for Everton. I wore number nine in Manchester and I hope to do better here.” From all the greats who have gone before him, how significant that Saha chose Gray as the man he hopes to follow. After all, he arrived on Merseyside desperate to prove he was no back number following a succession of injuries. Gray’s talent, however, was never in question and his determination to show his fitness issues were a thing of the past helped him play a starring role in the great Howard Kendall side that won four trophies in two seasons. Can you spot the similarities? Saha, of course, saw his four years with Manchester United ruined by injury and there is little doubt that David Moyes has taken a gamble as identifying him as the man to fill the gap left by Andrew Johnson’s move to Fulham. But should Saha conquer his physical demons and show the form which prompted Sir Alex Ferguson to pay Fulham £12.8m for him in January 2004, there is little doubt that Moyes will have pulled off a coup as this Parisian guarantees goals. What’s more, he is also relishing the challenge. While there were offers from West Ham and Sunderland, plus a couple from abroad, as soon as Saha heard of Everton’s interest in him, his decision was made. “I had the possibility to move elsewhere but I know that I have joined the right club,” said Saha, a man who has been capped 18 times by France. “You only have to look at Everton’s record over the last couple of years and everything that David Moyes has done here. “I love playing in the Premier League. It is the best league in the world and I know that I have made the right decision. “This club is going forward and I hope that I can add my experience to what is already here. “I didn’t have to speak to Phil (Neville) or Tim (Howard). It was my choice and I knew straight away. Not even my father could have influenced me on this. “It was hard to leave Manchester United and it was difficult to accept that my career there had finished. “But I know I have done the right thing coming here - two days walking around the facilities here and seeing the standard of training has proved that.” It may be a while before the 30-year-old is ready to partner Ayegbeni Yakubu at the head of Everton’s attack - a calf injury means he won’t be firing on all cylinders for another “three or four” weeks - but already his attitude has made a big impression. Money may make the modern football world go around, but Saha made the offer to Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright that he would not accept wages from Everton until he had proved his fitness. He knows it will take time to prove to people that he is fully recovered, but a specialist training regime that United put him on during the summer has reaped immediate dividends in the fact that Saha has more confidence in what he can subject his body to. And if he can get a number of games under his belt, Saha’s presence will surely enhance the quality of Everton’s team as spending four years at Old Trafford has undoubtedly helped his development as a striker. “I was very honest with my injury as I had suffered a few setbacks,” said Saha. “It was very disappointing, but I am really confident now. “The injuries have been so frustrating for everyone but particularly for myself, as I have been the one who is suffering. “Sometimes people forget about it but things were really hard. I missed playing in some great competitions and some great games. I was not happy to be sitting on the bench. I just want to leave that behind. “When I am on the pitch, I am just like a kid. I just hope I don’t feel pain any more - it’s got nothing to do with my head. I have been honest and if I can do something, I will do it. “I had six or seven pieces of cartilage floating in my knee at one point. Now I hope that’s the end of it. “I want to get things right now. Players get better after years and years. I played with Cristiano (Ronaldo) for four years and every day you could see him improving. “I never had the chance to do that because of injuries. I hope now I can show I have improved as a player.” Moyes, for one, certainly thinks that is the case. “What we need to do is get him out there on the pitch,” said the manager. “If I can get him out 20 times a season, that would give us a chance of winning 20 games.” Which, as history dictates, was always the case when Everton’s best number nines were in the pomp. Time, then, for Saha to carve his own niche.
The man who can put Everton on right financial track
Sept 6 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
THE name may have conjured up images of Orville and Cuddles, but the Keith Harris to whom Bill Kenwright referred this week may well hold the key to Everton’s future.
While the rules on the pitch are, to some extent, still the same, the game of football that we grew up to know has been altering at pace for many years. But Monday’s events in Manchester have changed things for ever. Sport has almost become secondary and politics and money, as opposed to players and matches, are the aspects which now have supporters talking. Many conversations centre around who will buy who, rather than which team will snap up that player. Given the events they have watched unfolding close to home, it is little wonder Evertonians have grown exasperated that – to borrow a phrase from Kenwright – a Sheikh, a Russian or an American has not felt compelled to make a takeover bid. After all, since 2005, Manchester United have had the Glazer family, Liverpool ‘welcomed’ Tom Hicks and George Gillet into Anfield, while Manchester City have had Thaksin Shinawatra and now Abu Dhabi United Group perform buy-outs. It is with good reason, then, that Blues have been tearing their hair out, and things probably reached a low on Monday evening when the only news they were reading about was the arrival of Carlo Nash when City were bidding for Robinho. Fortunately, the arrival of Marouane Fellaini in a club transfer record deal assuaged the anger of supporters and, once the players reconvene from international duty, it surely won’t be long before Everton start to climb the table again. But if – as acting chief executive Robert Elstone put it at Wednesday night’s EGM – Everton are going to stop “punching above their weight” and be able to find comfort in their financial situation, an investor, or Kirkby, is the only option. With Kirkby so maligned, many are hoping that a Sheikh, Russian or American will come calling soon – not least Kenwright, who has clearly grown particularly weary of the flak to which he is subjected each transfer window – and that is where Harris comes in. Harris, 55, is a former financial adviser to Manchester United and has worked on virtually every major takeover deal or financial restructuring in British football. He accepted the position of non-executive director at Cardiff City last month. A financial entrepreneur, he was chairman of the investment bank, Seymour Pierce, and also chairman of the Football League and was heavily involved in the deals that saw Roman Abramovich buy Chelsea in 2003 and Randy Lerner’s purchase of Aston Villa. What Evertonians – Kenwright included – would give for someone as wealthy as Abramovich or Lerner to come in now, as the EGM proved that things cannot keep going on the way they have been. Kenwright has begged, stolen and borrowed to give David Moyes the players to assist Everton’s march up the table, but it is likely there will come a point in the future when the banks say ‘enough is enough’. Throw into the equation that there will be at least eight teams paying better wages than Everton with the ability to outmuscle them regarding transfer fees, and it becomes even more apparent that a rich benefactor - or Kirkby - will help Everton keep pace with their rivals. “I want you to have everything you want, which is a billionaire… I want every one of you to have that,” Kenwright told shareholders during an impassioned speech. “It was nothing to do with a chairman who wants money. That was a chairman who wants to fulfil a promise to this football club. That’s all I want. I so want every one of you to have your billionaire. It’s not me and I apologise it’s not me.” With some help from Harris, then, maybe it won’t be long before that billionaire comes along.
Gesture to show Everton new boy Louis Saha is a real gem
Sept 6 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
WITH a diamond ring in each ear, the fast car and luxurious home, Louis Saha would appear to be every inch your archetypal modern footballer. However, Everton’s new number nine made a gesture before signing his contract with the Blues that was a refreshing throw back to a simpler era which should ensure he is held highly in the esteem of supporters for a long time to come. Having been tormented by injury for much of his career, Saha - who arrived at Goodison Park with a calf problem that will keep him sidelined for three weeks - told David Moyes and Bill Kenwright that he would be prepared to forego wages until he was fit again. Some would say that is easily done, particularly as the Frenchman’s financial future is almost certainly secure but, sadly, there are any number of avaricious souls in the game now who are only in it for the money and wouldn’t dream of doing what Saha did. That he was prepared to work for nothing shows Saha is determined to prove himself and if the 30-year-old can perform as impressively on the pitch as he has done during his first week at the club, Everton will have a player right out of the top draw.
Ratcliffe speaker at health dinner
RONNIE GOODLASS is the man who Evertonians tune in to hear on Radio Merseyside each weekend, but through the week he runs the charity Health Through Sport. He organises two dinners each year to raise money for the scheme and after the success of the event in May, another night has been planned for Friday, November 28, when the Blues’ most successful skipper Kevin Ratcliffe will be guest speaker.
Once again, The Devonshire House Hotel will stage the night with Sean Styles providing the comedy and Willie Miller on MC duties. Two prizes will also be presented – the Brian Labone Corinthian Award and the Alan Ball ‘Ball of Fire’ award. Tickets cost £40 each or £450 for a table of 12. Info from 0151 254 6600 or website www.healththroughsport.co.uk (from Monday).
Tim and a ringer . . .
RARELY does a minute pass at Finch Farm without the phone ringing and the receptionists who are there to meet and greet dealing with all sorts of strange inquiries. Nothing, though, has come close to the one they received earlier this week from one particularly anxious Evertonian, who was desperate to find out Tim Cahill’s well-being and felt compelled to pick up the phone. Here’s a snap shot of the conversation. Receptionist: Good morning, Finch Farm. Caller: Hello, can you tell me how Tim Cahill is doing? Receptionist: We are not at liberty to divulge such information, Sir. Caller: Please! You’ve got to tell me! I need to know how long he’s out for so I can pick my fantasy football team! Not surprisingly the line soon went dead.
Special memories of two Everton cult heroes
Sept 6 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
TWO of Everton’s most mercurial wingers celebrate birthdays today.
Ronnie Goodlass and Pat Nevin were separated by a decade – but both became cult heroes in their time at the club. In a slightly different blast from the past this week, we highlight some Pat and Ronnie things . . . Ronnie
1. THAT goal at West Ham. Pele had tried it in the World Cup finals, and missed. But Goodlass was inch perfect with his lob from the halfway line which sailed over Mervyn Day’s head and into the Upton Park net.
2. The other goal that no-one remembers. Goodlass only scored two in his Everton career, and while one was in front of the TV cameras in East London, the other was only in front of an astonished Roker Park crowd as he curled a corner kick straight into the Sunderland net for an Everton winner.
3. The cross which took Everton to Wembley for the first time in almost a decade. Everton were second favourites after Second Division Bolton had drawn 1-1 at Goodison. But in the League Cup semi-final second leg, Goodlass skipped down the left wing and fired over the kind of cross great centre-forwards like Bob Latchford didn’t miss. He didn’t.
4. The cross which didn’t take Everton to Wembley, but everyone thought had. Don’t ask Ronnie about Bryan Hamilton’s infamously disallowed goal. He was closer than anyone and knew Hamilton had neither handled nor was offside.
Pat
1. “I don’t know how I do it, I just do it,” shrugged a perplexed Pat Nevin, after being asked exactly where the inspiration had come from to dribble the ball to within six yards of Manchester United keeper Jim Leighton, before audaciously flipping the ball over him with the outside of his right foot.
2. He later tried it again in a derby match, but this time flipped the ball too high over the crossbar. Undaunted Nevin continued to play his football with a jaunty, unpredictable air.
3. The most forgotten FA Cup semi-final winner of all time. Celebrating a Wembley appearance was the last thing any Evertonian wanted to do when they heard the news filtering through from Hillsborough in April 1989.
4. Gary Ablett’s tackle. Nevin was spectacularly scythed by Ablett in a 1991 FA Cup tie at Anfield – referee Neil Midgely ruled ‘play-on.’ Everton later won a second replay and Midgely joked with Howard Kendall “I earned you a fortune from replay gate receipts.”
5. An outside of the foot backspin chip that gave Mike Newell the chance to score in a Goodison derby. Many happy returns . . .
Barry Horne: I hope we got it right in crazy week for game
Sep 6 2008 by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
I WAS delighted to see the transfer window finally close on Monday night.
The previous days and weeks seemed to have been filled with a frenzy of speculation and rumour, accusation and counter accusation – and petty squabbles between some of the biggest clubs in the world. After months of chasing a whole list of reported targets, Everton ended up with a mixed bag of recruits. We had a record signing who three weeks ago few people had heard of and under different circumstances would be seen as a prospect, joined by a clutch of ‘free’ transfers who have a mixed appearance record over the last couple of years, to say the least. I wish all of them the very best, but I am sure I am not alone in questioning the wisdom of spending an entire transfer budget on one unproven youngster when the team’s success in recent years has been built on consistency and reliability. At the end of the transfer window you normally see an end to the madcap activity – but I don’t think anyone could possibly have foreseen the craziness which has consumed football this week. Manchester City has been bought, apparently out of the blue, by owners promising to buy the best players in the world for ludicrous sums of money – and who actually gazumped the previous money bags club to the signature of Brazilian superstar Robinho (pictured).
(And was it just me or did the former Real Madrid star not exactly look overjoyed to be pictured with the famous sky blue jersey)? Then Kevin Keegan gets sacked, or resigns, or neither, before finally stepping down, and Alan Curbishley is run out of West Ham and does the honourable thing by falling on his sword. As far as Everton are concerned, the team once labelled the Mersey Millionaires make a club record signing which hardly registers in the following day’s national media because of the mayhem elsewhere. Then finally we have Joey Barton causing more media reaction, while Mike Ashley seems to be engaged in a one-man drinking competition at Arsenal, in full view of the pitch, other fans and the cameras – an act I believed was illegal. All of these excesses are comical examples of the mismanagement which exists in top flight football. It’s a worrying time – especially when a club like Everton can spend £15m and be totally lost while the super rich use football as a vehicle for celebrity and notoriety. Just one question. If you had a billion pounds lying around why would you not buy Liverpool or Manchester United? I suspect that, as is often the case with Manchester City, these current highs might just be followed by tears.
Stephen Hunt ‘will show he’s worth it’ to Everton
Sept 6 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
STEPHEN HUNT aims to prove to David Moyes he is worth of a January move to Everton, after deadline day reports that the Blues had made a late move for his services. Everton have stressed that they did not make a firm offer for the Republic of Ireland international, but an inquiry was received by Reading, who held Hunt to a £5m get-out clause in his contract. The 27-year-old, who will face Georgia today in Mainz, Germany, said: “I’ll be honest with you, nothing has ever come easy for me in terms of football, so it does re-focus me in terms of what I want to achieve. “I understand Reading’s point of view, I totally do, but I am looking forward to the next game or so and proving to people that I am worth the £5million.” Hunt insists he is not unhappy at the Madejski Stadium and will continue to give his all for the club and its fans.
But he added: “They can’t argue with the way I play, and that’s all I can do.
“Any player will tell you they want to play in the Premier League. They have understood my honesty over the years on certain situations and that’s what they probably like about me. “But at the same time, I am here and all I can do is give 100%.“But I am happy at Reading. I live in a nice area. I have never said I am unhappy – but I want to better myself as well. “I said in the Premier League that if you play in the Premier League, you do stand a better chance of getting in the (Ireland) starting XI. “What I have got to do is keep my standards as high as I can and score as many goals as I can and be in the headlines as much as I possibly can between now and the end of the season, and then in World Cup year, be in the Premier League with Reading or without Reading.” Everton’s Nigerian international Ayegbeni Yakubu, meanwhile, will enjoy the honour of captaining his country in today’s World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa. Yakubu will lead his country out in the absence of injured clubmate Joseph Yobo. Everton are hoping a two week rest will help Yobo shake off a niggling ankle injury and be available for the trip to Stoke on September 14.Yobo said: “I have been told to rest the leg to prevent a terrible outcome because I have been forcing it. “The Nigeria Football Federation has been notified already and I must confess it hurts me to even train with it. I have been taking pain-killers and it’s not great for the body.”
New Everton powerhouse Marouane Fellaini who some predict will be the next Vieira
Sep 6 2008 Liverpool Echo
BELGIUM based sports journalist JOHN CHAPMAN has been following Marouane Fellaini’s career closely for several years. He explains what the Blues are getting for the record fee they have paid to Standard Liege - and predicts a big future for the powerful youngster WHEN Everton’s new signing Marouane Fellaini was 15, a scout from Belgian first division club Sporting Charleroi told his father that his son could become a second Patrick Vieira. Fellaini subsequently joined Charleroi but, two years later, his father Abdellatif felt the prediction was extremely unlikely to be fulfilled.
That’s when Standard Liege came knocking on the Fellaini family’s door and Marouane’s career moved into the fast lane. Abdellatif Fellaini has certainly been a major factor in his son’s rise. A footballer in his own right, in goal for Raja Casablanca, Fellaini Snr. left Morocco for Belgium when he felt promises had not been kept in regard to his own footballing prospects. At the time of Marouane’s birth, in 1987, his father was working as a bus driver in Brussels. Although he did play in the Belgian second division, Abdellatif could not focus on football for financial reasons. His attention switched to his son, to the extent that Fellaini Snr. later took early retirement to oversee his son’s career. With his father insisting on his son keeping fit, Marouane remembers running to school while his friends cycled, took the bus or were driven by their parents. Although Marouane was often seen kicking a ball, Abdellatif insisted that his son did not neglect his studies. In this there is a parallel with recent Manchester City signing and fellow Belgian international Vincent Kompany, whose father was also a major figure behind the scenes. Indeed, both the Belgian internationals are imposing figures that show maturity beyond their years.
After some months in the Standard Liege reserves, Fellaini found himself in the first team at the age of 19, coming on as a substitute against Charleroi. Liege’s coach at the time was ex-Stoke City boss Johan Boskamp and Fellaini was lucky to be spotted as Boskamp’s reign lasted for just five league games! Nevertheless, Fellaini did enough to impress the next man in charge, former Belgian international keeper Michel Preud’homme. Just six months after his league debut, Fellaini was in the Belgian national team. He had a choice to make in terms of which team he would represent as he was born in Brussels of Moroccan parents. He did play for the Moroccan Under-21s but as he had lived all of his life in Belgium, the decision was taken for him to take his chance with his home country. To date he has played 10 international matches as well as appearing in the last Olympic Games. His Olympic sojourn was not particularly successful. Standard Liege insisted Fellaini return from China after Belgium’s opening match with Brazil so he could face Liverpool in the Champions League qualifier. Fellaini played – and was shown a red card. Fellaini can indeed be impulsive – and when he first played for Liege he had the habit of following the ball without giving too much thought to positional play. That’s improved now and Everton will be getting a player who shows a commanding presence in both penalty areas.
At 6’ 4”, Fellaini does not have the typical physique of a box-to-box midfielder – but that’s what he aims to be. Strong in the tackle, he’s two-footed with excellent aerial ability. Fellaini is also a strong personality. In 2007, less than a year after his debut, Fellaini threatened to leave Liege by invoking a contractual loophole unless he got a significant increase in salary. Fellaini won his argument and signed a new contract which would have kept him in Liege until 2012. To win any financial argument at Standard Liege is impressive as the man running affairs is no less than Luciano d’Onofrio – ex players’ agent and the one behind Zinedine Zidane’s first move from Bordeaux to Juventus. Currently vice-chairman of Standard Liege, d’Onofrio has invested many millions of euros in the Belgian club and the transfer of Fellaini must have brought him great satisfaction. It came at a cost, however, as the club has undermined its championship credentials by releasing a young player who was the team’s engine when it won its first Belgian championship for 25 years. Among the plethora of scouts that found their way to Liege, there have been a number of major clubs, including Monaco, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Arsenal, Seville, Spurs and Manchester United. Everton had put in a bid for him last March, but that was firmly rejected.However, when Everton upped the ante to £15 million, there was only going to be one answer from d’Onofrio, as that sum was equal to 80% of the club’s annual budget. Ex Bastia captain Paul Marchioni, currently scouting for Monaco, says that Fellaini is made for the Premiership – he wins the midfield battles – he isn’t afraid and he loves to be fully involved in the game. On leaving Liege, Fellaini said that he was glad to be leaving as Belgian football did not suit him. He feels that referees have frequently booked him without reason and he looks forward to more leniency in the Premiership. Certainly Fellaini feels he has been badly treated in Belgium. Although he’s relatively new on the scene, it’s acknowledged that Marouane has been the top player in the Belgian league in the past 12 months. He was thought to be a certainty to be named Player’s Player of the Year last July but the award went to Liege colleague Milan Jovanovic. The Serb has been trying to engineer a transfer since but the rebuke rankled Fellaini and he’s now filled Liege’s coffers. Fellaini’s transfer fee is both the highest amount ever paid for a Belgian player – almost twice that paid for Daniel Van Buyten (Liege to Marseilles) and Vincent Kompany (Anderlecht to Hamburg) – and the highest fee paid by Everton. In truth, it’s probably too much for a 20-year old with just two seasons of first team football under his belt. However, Fellaini is talented, mature and ambitious. The family’s sights are set high for Fellaini and the move to Everton a key chance for him. A few successful seasons at Goodison could see Fellaini fulfilling that prediction that he is destined to be the new Vieira.
True Blue couple tie the knot at Goodison
Sep 8 2008
AN EVERTON FC-mad couple showed their love for their each other – and their favourite football team – by marrying at Goodison Park. Die-hard fans Caren Smithen and Ian Jephson tied the knot in the Dixie Dean Suite. The couple, who have been together for 18 months, decided on an Everton-themed wedding after groom Ian popped the question on the big screen at the team’s home ground last November.
Caren, 41, who is a retail manager for Save the Children and Ian, 29, a plumber, who live in Derby, invited 55 of their friends and family for their big day. They had an Everton-themed ceremony, photographs in the director’s box followed by the reception. The bride’s sister Hayley Smithen, who helped organise the wedding, said: "The colour scheme was blue and no red was allowed. The eight pageboys wore the Everton kit and the bridesmaids had blue lace through the back of their dresses.
"They had white roses with blue diamantes. "Everything had the Everton logo on including the menus. They even had blue roses with the Everton logo on the petals."
Ian Simpson, Everton’s catering deputy general manager, said: "Getting married at Goodison is perfect for fans. It means a lot to them to be able to make their vows at Goodison. "Most couples tend to go for a blue theme, the men sometimes wear their Everton shirts under their suits and the women wear Everton FC garters. "We can never book up the following summer after the first week of August because we never know if Everton will be playing at home until the end of June. "We have between 40 to 50 civil ceremonies here from May to August each year. It is very special for the couples."
Phil Neville: Louis Saha can be perfect partner for Yakubu - Everton FC latest
Sept 8 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
PHIL NEVILLE is desperate for Louis Saha to recapture full fitness - so he and Ayegbeni Yakubu can form one of the most potent partnerships in the Premier League. Everton’s former record signing Yakubu has made an encouraging start to the new campaign, scoring twice in the opening three matches. The Nigerian will again be expected to provide the bulk of the Blues’ goals this season, but the captain believes that burden on Yakubu will be eased considerably once Saha has fully recovered from a calf problem. Neville spent 18 months working with Saha when the pair were at Manchester United and was delighted when he discovered the France international would be moving to Goodison Park before the transfer window closed.
He is adamant that David Moyes’ decision to sign Saha will prove to be shrewd business, and Neville cannot wait for the moment when the manager lets his new partnership loose, as he feels goals are guaranteed. “In terms of the quality of player that has moved this summer, Louis would be up there with the best of them,” said Neville, who made a similar journey three years ago. “We need to keep him fit but, if we can do that, we’ll have a real player on our hands. “He is one of the best strikers that I have trained or played with. He has got everything. He can play up front on his own, he is as strong as an ox, quick and scores goals. He’ll also be able to play alongside Yak, Vaughany or Victor without any problem either. “He is a team player with presence and experience and he is one of those strikers who, when you see his name on the team sheet, you know you are going to be in for a difficult time because he is so dangerous. He isn’t nice to play against and I’m glad we’ll have him on our side.” Meanwhile, it was a busy weekend for those Everton players who were away on international duty, with Joleon Lescott, Marouane Fellaini, Tim Howard, Yakubu, Segundo Castillo and Lars Jacobsen all involved in World Cup qualifiers.
Lescott picked up his sixth England cap in the 2-0 win over Andorra and could well add to that tally against Croatia in Zagreb on Wednesday evening, as Rio Ferdinand is struggling to overcome a back problem. Record signing Fellaini helped Belgium get their qualification campaign off to the best possible start with a 3-2 win over Estonia and now faces a game against Turkey in Istanbul before he can join up with his new team-mates. Jacobsen was in the Denmark team that drew 0-0 with Hungary in Budapest, while Castillo starred for Ecuador as they beat Bolivia 3-1 and Howard kept a clean sheet as the United States beat Cuba 1-0 in Havana. “The pitch wasn’t the best and we had some problems with the heat,” said Howard. “But it was our third straight win on the road and that will do wonders for building up our confidence. “I thought we did a good job of getting around the ball.”
Youngsters put Derby County to sword
Sep 9 2008
Academy Football
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post
SIX goals from six different players helped Everton under-18s secure another emphatic victory at Derby County on Saturday.
Neil Dewsnip’s side followed up a 4-0 home win over MK Dons last week with an even better victory. Following an opening-day defeat to Arsenal in the FA Premier Academy League Everton has responded in superb fashion with 10 goals and two clean sheets. Strikes from Lee McArdle, Lewis Codling and Hope Akpan in the first half were matched by further efforts from George Krenn, Karl Sheppard and Conor McAleny to complete the 6-0 rout. Up until the 20-minute mark there had been little to choose between the sides, but once McArdle opened the scoring when heading home Tom McCready’s corner it was one-way traffic. Codling made it 2-0 as he ran through one-on-one with the keeper before firing it low underneath him. Then Akpan hit the third following a cross from Danny Redmond. Derby tried to hit back at the start of the second half. But once again around 20 minutes into the half Everton score again. Krenn fired home following from another ball across goal by Redmond. Sheppard made it five when after minutes when he broke free to run through on the keeper then McAleny completed the scoring with a fine individual effort, as he went through to smash into the top corner. Coach Neil Dewsnip was thrilled with another impressive showing and said: “Everything was very good.it was pleasing the way it turned out. Everybody seems to be chipping in with goals, they are spread around the team. “There is no such thing as a perfect performance and there are always things to work on, but the lads are playing really well.” Everton will look to continue in the same form this Saturday when they take on Barnsley at Finch Farm (kick-off 11am). EVERTON UNDER-18s: Stubhaug; Nsiala, McCarten, Barnett, Bidwell; Krenn (Craig 80), McCready, Akpan, Redmond; Codling (Forshaw 70), Sheppard (McAleny 70). Subs: Davies.
David Moyes ready to unleash Tim Cahill on Premier League
Sept 9 2009 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES today revealed Tim Cahill is back in full training - as the Blues boss counts down the days to his return. The Australian international has not played since breaking the fifth metatarsal in his left foot for the third time in a 1-1 draw with West Ham on March 22. However, the surgeon who operated on Cahill during the summer – Sydney-based specialist Kim Slater – gave Everton’s medical staff the green light last week for Cahill to step up his rehabilitation. And while Sunday’s trip to Stoke comes too soon, Moyes is quietly optimistic the 25-year-old will be up and running before the end of the month. “Tim has started training again and we are glad to have him back with us,” the manager confirmed. “We have missed him a great deal since he has been out. We have followed instructions from his surgeon and the early signs we have seen from Tim are good. “He looks really sharp and fit and he’s obviously looked after himself during the time he was out. “I don’t know when he’ll be available again but he’s coming along nicely just now. The one thing we won’t do, though, is take any risks with him.” Cahill first suffered the injury in a 1-1 draw at Sheffield United in March 2007 and then five months later in a pre-season friendly against Werder Bremen at Goodison , which led to another lengthy spell out.
However, he returned with a goal against Larissa in the UEFA Cup and in the following 27 matches Cahill played for Everton last season, they only suffered four defeats – against Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea (in the Carling Cup) and at Fiorentina. That record underlines Cahill’s importance to Moyes and while supporters will be looking forward to seeing new record signing Marouane Fellaini in action, they will be just as happy to see the ex-Millwall midfielder. “What he does for the team is really important,” said Moyes, who paid £1.7m for Cahill in the summer of 2004. “We have missed him since March and though we did okay without him towards the end of last season, of course we needed him. “I’m sure there will be a mental barrier for him to overcome when he gets back because he has suffered the injury three times. “But he’s had three-and-a-half months since the operation and he is looking better and better. Of course we are going to be careful with him but when he’s ready, we will be playing him and we can’t wait to get him back.”
Nigel Martyn: Marouane Fellaini has raised hopes for future
Sep 9 2008 by Nigel Martyn, Liverpool Echo
INTERNATIONAL breaks are the bane of a football manager's life but this current close of play could just be what David Moyes required. When the final whistle sounded following the 3-0 defeat against Portsmouth, few Evertonians would have been looking forward to the next game at Stoke City but a late and spectacular flurry in the transfer market has helped change things. Marouane Fellaini might be an unknown quantity but there is no way that the manager would have more than £15m to bring him to Goodison on a whim or if he had been panicking. He will have scouted the Belgium international for some time and, from what I have seen of him on television, I’ve no doubt that Fellaini will prove to be a top class acquisition; he’s the type of player we’ve been crying out for. Lee Carsley needed replacing and while they may not be like for like, Fellaini will certainly bring presence and power to Everton’s midfield. Wouldn’t it be nice if he turned out to be like – dare I say it – Patrick Vieira? It’s easy to see the physical similarities between the two – both are tall, rangy, with great engines and the ability to tackle – and Fellaini clearly has a big talent as he would not have been capped 11 times by Belgium if that was not the case. Making a signing of that size, though, will have given everyone a lift and supporters will be looking forward to making the trip to the Britannia Stadium this Sunday as, all of a sudden, the squad has a much more robust look to it. The opening to the season has been very much stop-start but once the World Cup qualifiers are over, everyone at Goodison can look forward to business starting properly, as we play once every three or four days for the next month. A sequence like that gives the chance to get some cohesion into our play, training will be good and hopefully we can put a rather unsettling few weeks behind us with a few good results – where better to start, then, than Stoke? Don’t expect the game to be a classic. Tony Pulis will have his players geared up to batter us with a succession of long balls, free-kicks and throw-ins and our defenders will have to make sure they win the aerial battles, as well as the second balls. If, though, we can impose ourselves on the game and pass the ball well, I’ve no doubt that we have the ability to get the three points that will provide lift-off at long last.
Irvine flying as Preston aim for Premier League
WHILE the table has an upside down look to it for all Blues at the minute, the same cannot be said for one man with strong Goodison Park connections. Alan Irvine’s Preston North End have made a terrific start to the Championship season and only goal difference is keeping them off top spot at present - I don’t think I’d be alone in saying ‘long may that continue’. Alan is a real football man but he is also an intelligent guy and that may give him an edge over other coaches in that division, as he knows what it takes to win matches and is prepared to think differently to achieve that goal. He was so popular with the lads when he was at Goodison and Alan was never afraid to voice an opinion if he felt it necessary, so you could see that he had all the facets to make a success of things if he became his own man. It was a terrific achievement to steer Preston away from relegation trouble when he first took over at Deepdale and if he can keep them in the top ten until Christmas, then they would have a real shot at the play-offs. Though it’s early days, it would be great to see him in the Premier League.
Everton heroes get together for legends night
Sept 9 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
FIVE famous Evertonians will gather at the Old Mill in Prescot on September 25 for a Goodison Legends Night. Joe Royle, Howard Kendall and Graeme Sharp will be joined by Dave Watson and Ian Snodin in an evening compered by BJ Lawson, including a performance by Mickey Finn. Tickets are £12.50 and donations will be made to the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal. Ring 07747-011014 for details.
Lars Jacobsen in line to make Everton debut
Sept 10 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON new boy Lars Jacobsen is poised to make his debut this weekend after playing his way into David Moyes' thoughts. The 28-year-old, who became the Blues’ first summer signing, has endured a stop-start past 12 months and only figured in a handful of matches for his former club, FC Nuremberg, due to a serious groin problem that required surgery. But Jacobsen, who signed a one-year deal, has impressed in his early work at Finch Farm and that view was confirmed last Saturday, when Moyes flew to Budapest to see Jacobsen figure prominently in Denmark’s 0-0 draw with Hungary. Having proved his fitness, Moyes is debating whether to pitch Jacobsen in from the start against Stoke City on Sunday, but will not make any final decision about Everton’s starting line-up until his international contingent return to Merseyside. “Lars looks like he is in good shape at the minute and has definitely come into my thoughts for Stoke,” said Moyes, who will be keeping a keen eye on how Jacobsen fares in Denmark’s World Cup qualifier against Portugal in Lisbon tonight.
“He is a good footballer with a good understanding of the game and uses the ball well. I saw him at the weekend and he did well. We know he will give us options at right-back. We’ll see how he is when he gets back.” Moyes first considered signing Jacobsen, who has been capped 17 times by his country, in January 2007 when he was playing for FC Copenhagen. But circumstances at that time meant bringing in a right-back was not a top priority. However, with Tony Hibbert still on the sidelines following a summer operation on his medial ligament, Moyes had no hesitation in taking the second chance to sign Jacobsen when he became aware of his availability last month. “I think Lars will show in time that his biggest attributes are the way he holds on to possession and the way he uses the ball going forward,” the manager explained. “But he is also someone with good experience, which will be of help.
“He has played in Europe and is a regular for Denmark. There will be games that are right for him to play in with us and there will be times when he have a look at doing something else.” Jacobsen is one of a clutch of Moyes’ first team squad who are not expected to report back until Friday – the others are Marouane Fellaini, Tim Howard, Segundo Castillo and Joleon Lescott. The latter player may have to make do with a place on the bench for England tonight. “We’ve missed all those lads and it has been difficult to build up a rhythm in the last couple of weeks,” added Moyes. “We’ll be glad to get them back.” Meanwhile, Stephane Mbia, one of Moyes’ main summer transfer targets, has agreed a deal with Rennes that will see him play out the remainder of the Ligue One season. He will then be allowed to leave Route de Lorient next year.
Marouane Fellaini: I want to score goals for Everton
Sept 10 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
MAROUANE FELLAINI is ready to become Everton’s head boy and ease some of the goalscoring pressure on his new team-mates. Blues boss David Moyes shattered Everton’s transfer record to sign the Belgium international in a £15m deal on deadline day and is in doubt that the giant Fellaini will add drive, stature and power to his midfield. There is, however, more than just energy to the 20-year-old’s game and he proved that during his time with Standard Liege; though he can pass and tackle, Fellaini chipped in with a number of goals as Lazslo Boloni’s side won the Juliper League last season. In total, he scored 11 times in 84 appearances for Liege and given that he is 6ft 4ins, it is no surprise to learn that the majority of those strikes came via Fellaini’s head from set pieces. Now Fellaini wants to put his height to good use for Everton and with the prospect of Mikel Arteta providing a succession of deliveries from corners and free-kicks, he is determined to become a nuisance in the opposition penalty area. “I hope I can help the team win games,” Fellaini said. “I have scored a lot of my goals with my head but the main thing is that my style of play will help the team and hopefully I will continue to score. “When I spoke with the manager he said he was looking to bring in quality players to improve the side as well as young players and he said I fit that description. I hope I can take the team forward and help improve the club. “But my first aim is to win my place in the side and make progress, and to try to win games for the club. We will see where that takes us.” Having helped Belgium launch their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup with a 3-2 win over Estonia last Saturday, Fellaini is poised to win his 12th cap this evening in Istanbul against Turkey. Once that game is over, he will be flown to England to start the next chapter in his career, and he expects the demands of playing in the Premier League for a club he believes is going places to accelerate his development. “I want to progress and maybe it will help internationally,” said Fellaini, who has been allotted squad number 25. “The fact that I am going to be playing against different teams in one of the best leagues in the world I think will help me progress. “It is a dream to play in the Premier League and this was a chance I had to take for my career. I am aware of the history Everton has and that they are one of the top clubs from the history of English football. “I have come from a club where the supporters are magnificent and I am hoping the Everton fans will be just as good, but the main thing is to get the right results.”
Steven Pienaar close to Everton return
Sept 11 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
Steven Pienaar (158)
DAVID MOYES today revealed Steven Pienaar is on target for an imminent return to full training - as he waited on the severity of Lars Jacobsen's latest injury.
Less than 24 hours after indicating that Jacobsen could make his debut in Sunday’s game against Stoke City, Moyes is now facing up to the prospect of being without the defender for some time after he was badly hurt playing for Denmark in Portugal last night. Jacobsen was substituted in the first half of his country’s 3-2 win with a suspected dislocated shoulder and Everton’s medical staff are awaiting his return before they make any firm statements about how long he will be out. The news, however, is much brighter regarding Pienaar. He has been out since breaking his big toe in the friendly with PSV Eindhoven on August 9 but has been given the all-clear to start doing extra fitness work. Provided he does not suffer a relapse, Pienaar may well be able to join in with the first team again as soon as a week on Monday, and Moyes will be delighted to see the South African up and running once again.
“Steven has been for a scan and he has been given the all clear to start doing some swimming in the pool and other bits of rehab work,” the manager said today.
“It’s just over four and a half weeks since he suffered the injury and usually when you break a bone (in your foot), it’s six weeks before you get the go-ahead to training properly again.” While the Blues have missed Tim Cahill’s goals and drive from midfield, the impact of being without Pienaar during the opening weeks of the campaign cannot be underestimated. Though it took him time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League following his switch from Borussia Dortmund, he blossomed during Everton’s 14-game unbeaten run last autumn and went on to become one of the stars of Moyes’ side. His contribution of 14 direct assists was easily more than any other player – only Mikel Arteta (10) got anywhere near him – and Moyes is looking forward to seeing how Pienaar copes with the challenge he faces this time around.
“We have definitely missed his input, just as we have missed Tim (Cahill) and Tony Hibbert,” said Moyes. “We need these type of players to help us. Steven did very well for us last season. He had a slow start and it took him a while to get into the swing of things. “But as the year went on, his form really picked up and he became an important part of the team. “We are looking forward to getting him back up and running again, as we want to have the competition for places again that we are missing just now. Steven will give us that.”
Fans say Everton is not ‘People’s Club’
Sept 11 2008 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON fans today said the club’s move to block future general meetings ridiculed their claim as The People’s Club. Supporters hit back at Goodison officials who have made a crucial amendment to make it harder to call extraordinary general meetings.
The club said that calls for an EGM would require support of at least 10% of shareholders. The figure will drop back to 5% only if there has not been a general meeting in the previous 12 months. The move follows last week’s EGM called by angry shareholders demanding a withdrawal from the controversial Kirkby move.
Mark Grayson, a minor shareholder, described it as a ‘deliberate ploy to prevent discussion.’ He said: “This makes a mockery of the notion that Everton FC are the people’s club. “The club are doing everything they can to stifle debate on Kirkby.”
Everton Independent Blues spokesman Ian Macdonald said he had been inundated with calls. He added: “They should take down the People’s Club banners on the stadium under the Trades Descriptions Act.” However Everton acting chief executive Robert Elstone defended the decision saying: “We held a general meeting only last week, but moves were already afoot to petition for a second meeting even before that first one had been staged. “While we are a club which has always both encouraged and enjoyed a healthy working relationship with its shareholders, we have to ensure the integrity of Everton is preserved and protected.”
Everton expand Bellefield homes plans
Sep 11 2008 by Marc Waddington, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON FC has added an extra 34 homes to its bid to build housing on its former West Derby training ground. The club, which quit the site for Finch Farm, Halewood, last year, has been locked in a dispute with the city council over plans to sell the land to a developer to build 108 homes. The council has already rejected one application, and refused it again on appeal in what the club called a “politically motivated” decision. Everton says it needs the money from the sale of Bellefield to help it realise its dream of a Kirkby stadium. Planning officials have already said that if the land is sold, the proceeds must be put towards a new ground. The club will need to find £78m, topped up by a £52m contribution from a Tesco-led shopping development.
Everton FC spokesman Ian Ross said: “We’ve got a patch of overgrown land that is a prime site for housing. “We’ve made it clear that we would rely on the sale of our existing assets for the new stadium.” Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Twigger said he was still against the scheme on traffic and environmental issues. A decision is likely in December.
The Jury: Everton fans have their say on the latest at Goodison Park
Sep 11 2008 Liverpool Echo
Lee Molton, St Helens
THE Blues make the short trip to Stoke for a game they must win to kick-start their season. It is time for the players to do their talking on the pitch and deliver some points on the board. With a busy September ahead in the League, Cup and Europe, it is an important month for the Blues. The new signings could make an impact this weekend, in particular Castillo and Fellaini, and give the midfield a more experienced look which should help us get the three points at Stoke. It will be good to have Saha in the side, possibly for the derby. The Hull away game is winnable, too, just ahead of the derby, so things could look a lot healthier by then. It will be great to welcome back Tim Cahill to the team soon. He is such an important player with his presence and goals. Pienaar should also be back soon. The season has only just started, let’s get behind the boys at Stoke and cheer them on to victory.
David Wallbank, Huyton
EVERTON have a great opportunity this Sunday to claim three points, which you would expect. Unfortunately, I expected these points against Portsmouth, and we all know what happened there. I am not sure how many of the new signings are available for the clash at Stoke, but I get the feeling that other players in squad might just raise their game, knowing places aren't guaranteed. I am more excited about Tim Cahill coming back than any of the new boys. David Moyes should be in a better mood in the run-up to this game, as pre-Pompey he seemed a defeated (awkward almost) man. Three points should be enough to put a smile back on his face, and again certain players need to step up. Yakubu knows he owes the Toffee fans after his last run out, and I would expect Arteta to run riot against Stoke. That being said, we shouldn't underestimate any Tony Pulis side, as Aston Villa found out. I hope the 11 picked on Sunday understand that only three points will be enough.
Mike Williamson, Chester
SLOWLY but surely, some sunshine is starting to appear through the Goodison gloom. The acquisition of Fellaini looks more exciting by the day and it won’t be long now before we see the likes of Cahill and Pienaar return – the loss of Cahill simply cannot be overstated, and having him back will be like signing a new player.
However, it is so important to get something out of the Stoke game on Sunday. The addition of Fellaini will give more muscle to what must be the most lightweight midfield in the Premiership, but it is defence where the real improvement needs to be made. Some of the defending in the two home games so far would embarrass a Sunday League side, but the introduction on the left of Baines looks encouraging and he now needs an extended run in the side. Three points on Sunday should be the target, not a draw. Three points in the following home game will then wipe away all the disappointment of the last month!
Cole Fraser, Litherland
THIS weekend’s game against Stoke is the perfect opportunity to pick our season up again after the crushing defeat against Portsmouth on home turf. I know that every Evertonian is anticipating the introduction of the new arrivals, but I don’t know how much of a part the new signings will play in the game. I’m hoping that they make a good impression. Obviously Marouane Fellaini is the name on everybody’s lips, but I don’t think we can expect too much too soon from him. Though the price tag was big, we must be patient in allowing time for him to settle and not jump on his back if he struggles at first. Something that might help the team is if the fans were to get behind them a little more rather than barrack the players with abuse and boos. The pessimism coming from some Blues’ mouths recently has been sickening. Anybody who would settle for a top-half finish after three games of the season needs to take a long look at themselves.
New faces can fire up our season - Everton boss David Moyes
Sept 12 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES welcomed his international contingent and new arrivals back to Finch Farm today and declared: "The season starts here." Everton return to Premier League action against Stoke City on Sunday and the manager is poised to give record signing Marouane Fellaini his first taste of English football at the Britannia Stadium.
The Belgian midfielder, on whom Everton spent £15m to sign him from Standard Liege, was introduced to his new team-mates, while Joleon Lescott and Tim Howard were re-acclimatising after long spells away with England and the United States respectively. Having started the campaign by naming the most inexperienced bench in the club’s history, Moyes is relieved to see that things are starting to get back to normal and his options will be bolstered further once Tim Cahill, Steven Pienaar and Tony Hibbert are available again. But after losing two of their opening three fixtures, Moyes is anxious that Everton do not give any more ground away and has challenged his players to get a result in the Potteries that will provide lift-off. “We have needed to get everyone back in and I’m looking forward to getting them going again over the next month,” said Moyes, whose side face a run of seven fixtures between now and October 5. “We want to work on getting a balance and blend to the way that the team plays and we haven’t been able to do that really up until now. We have been without a lot of players - Fellaini, (Segundo) Castillo and Joleon, for example - and we need them back quickly. “It is difficult when you do not have players to work with because of the international break. You want to try and move things on. I do not feel that we have started the season well and we want to put that right as soon as we can.”
Stoke remain many people’s favourites to finish bottom of the Premier League but they have made a solid start to their first top flight campaign for 23 years and Moyes expects a searching examination at the Britannia. “Stoke are a strong side and have earned their right to be in this division,” said Moyes. “I know Tony Pulis quite well and he has done a really good job. They are organised and powerful and we know they are going to be hard opponents, particularly on their own ground.” The Blues, meanwhile, were today expecting to discover the severity of Lars Jacobsen’s dislocated shoulder. The defender was injured during Denmark’s 3-2 win over Portugal and the last Everton player to sustain a similar problem was James Vaughan.
He was sidelined for four months in 2007 but that was due to him needing surgery to repair damaged muscles and Moyes will hoping Jacobsen has not suffered the worst case scenario. It’s suspected though that he may need a 12 week lay-off.
Phil Jagielka: 'Everton can't afford to dwell on past'
Sept 12 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
THERE was more than just tea and pleasantries on the menu yesterday afternoon when Phil Jagielka took the opportunity to catch up with best friend Michael Tonge.
Having been virtually inseparable when they were together at Sheffield United, Jagielka and Tonge will go head-to-head for the first time in their careers on Sunday when Everton lock horns with Stoke City. Tonge’s move to the Britannia Stadium from Bramall Lane only went through five minutes before the window shut on transfer deadline day, so it is no surprise to learn that his side of the conversation was dominated by the challenge he faces acclimatising to a new club. He was not alone, however, in having things on his mind. Jagielka, after all, has had the best part of two weeks to stew on the dismal result Everton suffered before the international break and has been desperate to make amends for that 3-0 defeat against Portsmouth. It has been a testing start for both the team and Jagielka, with a series of injuries and a lack of new signings meaning he was forced to be the square peg in a round hole – after excelling as a central defender last year, the 26-year-old was forced to reinvent himself as a midfielder. Typically, though, Jagielka went about his job with the kind of professionalism that saw him win an England cap in May and there have been no complaints. If he has to fill a spot in the engine room again this weekend, rest assured he will not go missing in action. “It’s been difficult,” Jagielka admitted. “Both me and Jack Rodwell are new to the position and though I can play in there, we were both a little bit unsure. If one of us had played with a more experienced player, maybe it would have worked better. But we just didn’t have the options. “Maybe if we had won all three games, I’d have felt a bit different. I would like to get back to playing centre-half but I am a team player and I always have been. Wherever the gaffer wants me to play, I’ll go and do it to the best of my ability. “We could not have suffered a worse result, to be honest. We’ve had two weeks to think about it but, fortunately, we’ve seen a couple of new signings come in since then and we have just got to forget about what happened then. “It helps to get over something like that if you have a game straight away and you win it, but that wasn’t the case. We’ve had to have a look at the videos and seen the basic errors that we made for some of the goals. “ I don’t dwell on a defeat like that for too long, because you end up beating yourself up and it does you no good in the long run. We have got to move on. We are a good team, we’ve got a good squad and we can prove that if we are positive. You have to look forwards.”
Yet, all things being equal, Jagielka should get the chance to revert to his favoured spot against Stoke, particularly as David Moyes will be looking to get new record signing Marouane Fellaini into the action as soon as possible. That £15m purchase may have been overshadowed by deadline day deals elsewhere, but the significance of it for all Blues has not be underestimated; now it is a case of getting the Belgium international accustomed to the Everton way. “The signings that the gaffer has made has helped the club out massively,” said Jagielka. “Fellaini is a massive prospect and I’m sure he’ll enjoy being here. There may be a bit of pressure on him but he looks as if he will be able to take it. “I watched most of the game he played at Anfield for Standard Liege and he really impressed. It’s nice that the chairman and the gaffer have spent such a big transfer fee to get him. It worked last year with Yak and let’s hope it works again. “We have got a decent bunch of lads here and if we can make the new boys feel part of it, that will help them settle quickly. We could then hit the ground running. But if that doesn’t happen, we’ve got to stay patient and work hard to make sure the results come.” Hard work will certainly be required to conquer Stoke – a team that relies on brute force rather than the finer side of the game. But if Everton can pick up three points, it would provide a huge shot of confidence as they embark on a run of seven games in 21 days. “This will gives us a chance to pick up some form and win a few games,” said Jagielka. “Normally, you associate the start of the season with, say, 10 games in a short space of time. But we’ve only played three and it seems like we have been back in for a while. “But once we have got all the fresh faces in and get a good couple of days training under our belts, I’m sure we can go into the Stoke game on a high. We are all looking forward to getting going once again. Hopefully, it’s not going to take too long for everyone to adapt. “Teams come up these days one or two ways. It’s either because they play good football or are very strong. In the Championship a lot of teams will have crumbled under the pressure that Stoke will have put them under. “They’ve already got a fantastic result against Aston Villa and I’m sure they will get a few more. But we are a strong ourselves. “We aren’t concerned about getting into a battle. We’ve got to look forward to these games and we need to start winning.”
Phil Jagielka factfile
NAME: Phil Jagielka
SQUAD NUMBER: 16
AGE: 26 (born August 17 1982)
SIGNED: From Sheffield United (£4m) July 2007
EVERTON APPEARANCES: 51
EVERTON GOALS: 2
FIRST ENGLAND CAP: v Trinidad & Tobago in May 2008
DID YOU KNOW? Was initially on Everton's books as a schoolboy before being released in June 199
Howard Kendall: My affections for Stoke will take back seat
Sep 12 2008 by Howard Kendall, Liverpool Echo
MANY people expect Stoke City to be on a fast track back to the Championship but they are a club for whom I will always hold a place in my affections. It was at the old Victoria Ground that I took my first steps into coaching and I also made 82 appearances for Stoke during a two-year spell there towards the end of my career but, rest assured, there is only one result I want this weekend. The start of the season has been very difficult for David Moyes, what with two international breaks, a lack of new faces and – most frustratingly – two home defeats, but we have got the chance to put things right now. Of course, it has been far from ideal being without a recognised central midfielder, but the manager corrected matters by smashing the club transfer record for Marouane Fellaini and I would be amazed if we didn’t see him make his debut this weekend. Given that he is a big, strong lad, he is the type of player that we will need to combat the heavy artillery which Stoke will be throwing at us from the first minute to last – winning the first headers and second balls will be absolutely essential to getting a good result. We will need someone with a bit of composure to pass the ball when we do get possession and that someone will also need to demand a pass when others do not want it – in the 1980s Peter Reid did that job magnificently for me. Had Lars Jacobsen not injured his shoulder in midweek, I would have expected Phil Neville to slot into midfield alongside Fellaini, but David will obviously have to shuffle things around now and perhaps Neville will stick at right-back. Whatever side the manager plays, though, I’d have confidence that Everton can get a positive result. The last time we made a similar journey, Graeme Sharp and Kevin Sheedy scored the goals to give us a win en route to us winning the title, and I think we’d all settle for a similar score now.There could be no better way to start a sequence of games that includes important ties in the UEFA Cup and Carling Cup and, all being well, we will see Everton back to their best.
Everton EGM ruling: Grounds to make a point
Sept 12 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON are the self-styled People’s Club. But they clearly don’t believe in power to the people. The Blues changed their articles of association this week. That’s a wordy way of saying that 10 per cent of the club’s total shareholding must now move for an EGM, rather than the previous five per cent. It’s legal, it’s hard-nosed, but it’s hardly democratic. “We are simply putting ourselves into line with our contemporaries,” said acting CEO Robert Elstone. Which is fine. But Everton can’t claim to be different any more. The decision to ballot fans on a ground move was a brave one – and still unique. But results revealing 59.27% in favour, 40.73% against showed a sizeable minority were opposed to the idea. Some of those shareholders want the opportunity to re-confirm that opposition. “It was made clear to us that a section of our shareholders would continue to petition, every few weeks, for General Meetings until they won the right to hold a hand vote on the future of the Destination Kirkby project,” added Elstone. Why is a hand vote so unpalatable? These are the customers the Blues hope to entice to a new stadium, so why not let them display their dissatisfaction?
Beware the Potters warns Nash
Sep 12 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S new goalkeeper Carlo Nash has urged team mates not to take Stoke City lightly this weekend. Nash had a spell on loan at the Potters last season and said: "I do know a bit about them. I was on loan there for the last ten games of last season and it was nice to help them get promoted. "I know quite a bit about the Stoke players and the club and it is certainly an interesting first game (since I arrived). "It is going to be tough but I am sure we can do it on the day." Nash is well aware of the fighting spirit within the Stoke camp and is calling for Everton to match it on Sunday.
"I think a lot of people wrote them off at the start of the season," he explained.
"But I think you can see from a couple of games that they have played that they dig in deep and don't give up. "They fight to the end and if that is a positive from a Stoke point of view, then it is something that we have got to match - and then go one further."
David Moyes totally focused on proving himself a top boss
Sept 12 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
THE unexpected presence of David Moyes at the club's recent EGM sparked a flurry of speculation. “Must be here to announce his new contract,” smirked cynical Press men, sensing a ploy to take the wind out of the sails of disgruntled shareholders.
Not for the last time, the hacks called it wrong. There was no announcement – and still hasn’t been nine days later. And that explodes at least one theory, the suggestion that Moyes wanted backing in the transfer market before putting pen to paper.
The Blues boss has spent, and spent big. And while the timing of transfer funds being made available rankles, it’s now an old issue. Discussing his deadline day spending this week, he said: “It shouldn’t be frenetic, because you should have your work done well before then.” But Moyes told me last week he has no interest in the vacant Newcastle job. But any attempt at contract talk brought a Big Dunc-style response.
So why does the contract remain unsigned on his Finch Farm desk . . . as it has for the past four weeks? Why no statements regarding the issue? Why a reluctance to discuss the topic? Perhaps, in the end, it comes down to cash. David Moyes has guided Everton to a sixth and a fifth place finish in successive seasons. So you’d anticipate his salary would be structured accordingly. Not so, according to a recent published list of Premier League managers’ wages. Luiz Felipe Scolari is way out on top with £6 million a year, followed by a couple of £4.5m earners in Arsene Wenger and Juande Ramos. Kevin Keegan turned his back on his £4m a year salary last week, but Roy Keane, Mark Hughes, Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp are all still collecting a reported £3m a year. Accurate managerial earnings are difficult to come by, but reliable sources suggest Moyes is currently earning a little over £2m per annum.
That’s eight managers at least who take home more than the man who manages the country’s fifth best team. I’ve long held the belief that Moyes is not a man motivated by money. He appears consumed by a burning obsession to prove himself as a top-rated manager. But no-one likes being taken for granted.
David Moyes hints at contract agreement with Everton
Sept 13 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES has hinted that he is finally ready to end talk regarding his future by signing a new contract. The ‘Will he? Won’t he?’ saga surrounding the contract he has been offered by Everton’s board has dragged on all summer. The ambiguity of some of his answers to questions on the situation increased anxiety among supporters that Moyes would quit. But, having broken Everton’s transfer record for the fourth time in as many years with the purchase of £15m Marouane Fellaini, the manager seems much more up- beat in his outlook now and an announcement on him putting pen-to-paper appears imminent. “I hope to be able to say something shortly,“ said Moyes, whose side face Stoke City tomorrow. “Prior to this period it was difficult. I knew that I was working with a limited number of players. “Now I have got the players in and now my job is to get those players formed in- to a team that can win games in the Premier League and find the right balance. I’m looking forward to that.”
The one aspect which has evidently held up his signing is investment in the playing staff, but Moyes has explained that Everton have reached the stage now where scouting for bargains here and there is no longer enough to maintain progression.
“The board have always been really good,” he said. “The thing I felt this year was that this was a summer when we needed investment (in the playing staff) to move on. I think we have changed from being a side that was just looking to stay in the Premier League. “Now we are a side that is looking to challenge the top six places. For that, we are in the market where we have to spend. In truth, we have spent a small amount in comparison to most of the clubs who are trying to achieve what we did last year.”
Throwing vast quantities of cash around, however, doesn’t guarantee success and Moyes believes the prudent way Everton have gone about their business in recent years has given them the edge over their rivals. “The one difference that we have at Everton over a lot of other clubs is stability,” said Moyes. “Lots of the other clubs don’t have stability. Two of the best clubs in the country – Arsenal and Manchester United – have stability. “They have a system of continuity where they bring players in and have a nucleus of good squads. But even those clubs know that they have to spend big money at times to keep adding to what they have got. And that’s what Everton have to do as well.” Moyes, meanwhile, expects to be without Lars Jacobsen until Christmas. The Denmark international needs surgery to repair the dislocated shoulder he suffered on Wednesday.
Fellaini at the ready if Blues pitch in new boy for debut
Sept 13 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
Multimedia Background image for 'moyes fellaini 120908'
THE first day at any new place of work is always a daunting experience, but any nerves that Marouane Fellaini had upon entering Finch Farm yesterday were quickly dispersed. Given he only speaks a few words of English – his lessons do not start until next week – it was always likely that settling into unfamiliar surrounds would prove troublesome. But the sight of Louis Saha in the car park before training was particularly reassuring. Saha’s career on Merseyside may also only be in its infancy but, recognising that the 20-year-old Belgian would struggle to be understood, Everton’s new number nine was only too happy to act as Fellaini’s personal interpreter. With Mikel Arteta and Joseph Yobo also able to speak fluent French, Fellaini was soon put at ease, all the more so when skipper Phil Neville took over and ensured he was introduced to everyone at the club’s Halewood retreat.
That warm welcome clearly paid off, as he caught the eye when David Moyes put him through his paces out on the pitch, and he was able to head back to his city centre residence declaring that his first taste of the Everton way was “tres bon”. Now all that remains for him to do is make his debut and that should happen 24 hours from now, when the Blues recommence Premier League hostilities by making the short trip to Stoke City. Having endured a hectic schedule since he became Everton’s record signing on transfer deadline day, it is no surprise to learn that Fellaini is looking forward to things settling down, and all he wants to do now is start proving his worth.
“I bumped into Louis and he gave me a big welcome,” Fellaini explaine, with the aid of the club’s official interpreter. “It has been great so far. I was made to feel welcome at breakfast, I had lunch with the guys after training and it was a great experience.
“It has been a whirlwind. The transfer was very last minute (in terms of it going through). Since then, I have been with the national squad and played in two very important games and now I am here.” Moyes jetted out to Brussels to ensure that the £15m deal went through smoothly and though there was interest from a number of clubs around Europe, once the manager made that gesture, Fellaini’s mind was made up about where he wanted to play. “I signed the contract pretty much at midnight,” said Fellaini, a midfielder whom Moyes believes has many of Tim Cahill’s characteristics and attributes. “I had no worries that it would collapse as everyone around me was telling me it would go through. “The main thing was that Everton had confidence in me and what I could offer to the team. “Even though it was only the last few seconds, I was pretty sure that the deal would go through and I would become an Everton player. “I had heard all the speculation. I just know that Everton were the club who turned up and wanted to pay the money. That is all that mattered. “I knew there was some interest from other clubs but Everton were my only choice. “I could not believe it when they introduced me to the coach (Moyes) and they had told me he had come out to do the deal. Again, it just showed how keen Everton were for the deal to go ahead.” He added: “It is down to the manager to decide if I will play against Stoke. “I have played two matches in the last week and maybe there is a little bit of tiredness there with all the travelling I have done. “But I am ready to play if he decides to choose me in his team. If he thinks I am fit, I will give 100 per cent. “I cannot control the size of the fee that was paid. It is no problem to me, as it was the club who decided to pay it. “I’m a footballer. I just get on with my job, do the best that I possibly can on the field and work hard in training. “The training facilities here are first class . They will help you become a better player.” Standing next to Fellaini, it is clear to see why Moyes wanted to add his height, power and aggression to Everton’s engine room, and the transfer could not have come at a better time for the player. He felt he had become a marked man with referees in the Juliper League and wants to play again without the fear that he will be booked again for the slightest misjudgement in a tackle. The hurly-burly of English football, then, will suit him down to the ground. “One of the reasons that I am pleased to be leaving the Belgian league is that I had a reputation for leaving a leg in or getting stuck in a bit too much,” said Fellaini. “I think the referees are a bit too whistle happy over there. “I got too many cards but over here, I think the referees tend to let things go a little bit more and allow play to go on.” Whether he will think the same after playing at the Britannia Stadium – Alan Wiley, after all, is the man in charge – only time will tell. But one thing is sure, the smile on Fellaini’s face as he left the room showed quite clearly that he is ready for business.
World's sixth-richest man to try and buy Everton?
Sept 13 2008 by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo
ANIL Ambani, the sixth richest person in the world, is poised to turn his attentions to Everton after pulling out of a deal to buy Newcastle United. Though suggestions the Indian businessman will be chairman Bill Kenwright’s guest of honour at Thursday’s Uefa Cup tie against Standard Liege are wide of the mark, Mr Ambani is understood to have a definite interest in the Blues. Intermediaries on behalf of Mr Ambani, who is chairman of the non-banking financial company Reliance Group and estimated to have a fortune of $42bn, have been in touch with Mr Kenwright and are keen on setting up a meeting. A number of parties have made tentative inquiries since last week’s Goodison EGM, at which Mr Kenwright told shareholders “we need a new owner and we will continue to try to find one” – and Mr Ambani is among them.
Mr Ambani had started the week seemingly with the intentions of buying out Mike Ashley at St James’ Park, but the current turmoil Newcastle are experiencing prompted him to pull the plug. A Reliance Group spokesman said last night: “We are no longer interested in buying Newcastle because of the turbulent conditions which currently exist there and because we have been unable to have any satisfying talks with anyone from the club.” Mr Kenwright, who admitted at last week’s EGM this had been the most difficult summer he has experienced as chairman, has made no secret of his desire to sell the club because he does not have the funds to compete with some of the Premier League’s owners. He said: “I do not want to be here next year.
I do not want to be standing in front of you saying ‘it’s been another tough season’ and ‘I don’t know where the money is’. “I would sell tomorrow.”
No better day for Tim Cahill to make a return
Sept 13 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
COME with me, if you will, for a trip down memory lane. We are going back two years to a game at Goodison Park that has since become known as the ‘Andrew Johnson’ derby. Liverpool, of course, were beaten by three goals for the first time in a derby for four decades, the final outcome was as rapturously received as any during David Moyes’ time in charge as Everton manager and that victory set the wheels in motion for a successful campaign. While Johnson grabbed the headlines thanks to his two goals, there was one man in Blue who did more than anyone that afternoon to put a spanner in Liverpool’s works. Charging around with the kind of aggression a bull displays when it sees a red rag. He scored the crucial second goal, won almost every loose ball that came in his vicinity and was caught by television cameras trying to squeeze the life out of Xabi Alonso when the Liverpool player attempted to block his progress upfield. The man in question, if you have not yet already guessed, is Tim Cahill and there is a real possibility that the Australian will be up and running again when these old rivals square up for the latest neighbourly squabble in a fortnight.
“Tim is coming along nicely just now,” Moyes reported earlier this week.
“He is an important member of our team and we have missed him a great deal since he has been out. What he does for the team is really important.” In the most simplistic terms, Everton miss goals when Cahill – name a team that could cope without a midfielder who scores roughly once every three games? – is sidelined but there is so much more he contributes and the sooner he pulls on a Blue shirt again, the better.
Mikel Arteta might be the creator-in-chief, Ayegbeni Yakubu is his side’s assassin and Phil Neville is a model captain but Cahill is, in many ways, the glue that holds everything together. Everton are an infinitely better ensemble when he is in the starting line-up. And that claim is backed up by statistics – look at the Blues’ results last season. When he was fit, Cahill made 28 appearances, scored 10 goals and in that period, Everton were only beaten on four occasions – away at Manchester United, Chelsea and Fiorentina and at home to Arsenal. Without him, the 26 games Everton played yielded 11 wins and five draws but a hefty total of 10 defeats. It would wrong to describe the Toffees as being a one-man team but, clearly, this 28-year-old has a profound effect on influencing matters. As one of the strongest figures in the dressing room, Cahill is often looked towards to provide leadership – and he is outstanding at putting the spark into games that have gone flat by doing something that will lift players and supporters alike. “What he does for the team is really important,” Moyes acknowledged. “We have missed him since March (when he broke his fifth metatarsal in his left foot) and though we did okay without him towards the end of last season, of course we needed him. “I’m sure there will be a mental barrier for him to overcome when he gets back because he has suffered the injury three times. “But he’s had three-and-a-half months since the operation and he is looking better and better.”
That surgery to repair the bone in his left foot which has snapped all too frequently since he first sustained the injury in March 2007 has been repaired by a bone graft and will be protected by a new pair of boots that have been completed by specially made inner soles. All being well, that will bring an end to a wretched run of injuries and Cahill can come back with a bang. And – given that he has scored three times against Liverpool during his career here – could there be a more appropriate time to launch his return than on September 27?
Monumental effort needed
Sep 13 2008 by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
WE go into a potentially tough test in the Potteries tomorrow, still paying the price for our inactivity in the transfer market in the early part of the summer. Despite a late flurry of activity in the transfer market, David Moyes’ options will hardly be enhanced for tomorrow’s clash from the opening three games. Of the five players who arrived before the transfer window closed, two are injured, one is unlikely to start after making a long and difficult journey back from South America – and Marouane Fellaini is expected to figure only after playing in back to back internationals, the second of which was in Turkey on Wednesday night. Of those five late signings, only reserve goalkeeper Carlo Nash can claim he’s been able to enjoy anything like a proper preparation for tomorrow’s game. It looks like we are going to have to lurch from one game to the next throughout the next very difficult month . . . which is then followed by another international week when the new signings will disappear again!
Medium term planning will certainly be difficult and we might have to just struggle through the first half of the season. If we can come through that period and still be in the top half it will have been a remarkable achievement by the manager and his players. The players David Moyes does have at his disposal will undoubtedly raise their games for the next two Premier League challenges at Stoke and Hull. But they come either side of UEFA Cup ties against Standard Liege and a Carling Cup tie at Blackburn. It is the sheer volume of fixtures which makes the programme so testing, without an ability to change personnel and rest people who may not be 100%. It will take a monumental effort from all concerned to get through the next six . . . all ecause we haven’t had those five players already at the club in July, ready and raring to go.
Tim Cahill leads the blue revival
Sept 15 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
WE have lift off. Having stuttered and stumbled through one of the most stressful summers in recent history, Everton - belatedly - are up and running again.
It seems an eternity since followers of the Blue faith had reason to genuinely smile, but those who have spent the last few months rattling like a string of worry beads should be feeling much more reassured after yesterday’s trip to The Potteries.
Things have been very much stop-start since the campaign began on August 16, but after making a number of signings and welcoming back his old guard, David Moyes felt this would be the weekend when Everton clicked into gear, and so it proved.
Though it would be stretching the imagination to say this was vintage Everton, a hard-fought win at one of the Premier League’s most hostile arenas should provide an injection of confidence to carry them through this difficult month ahead.
Suddenly, after worrying about what might happen in the UEFA Cup and Carling Cup, three points against Stoke City will lift the mood. Throw in the return of the man with the Midas touch and dreams will start to form again. While all eyes may have been on record signing Marouane Fellaini at the Britannia Stadium, the shock inclusion of Tim Cahill for the first time since March 22 was the biggest fillip for Evertonians and, true to form, he stole the headlines. As he has done so often in the past, Cahill was in the right place at the right time to come up with the goods and his intervention settled a war of attrition that had threatened to slip from Everton’s clutches. One wonders why such a hullabaloo is made about coaches having the necessary qualifications to work in the Premier League, such as their UEFA Pro Licence and an applied management degree. Consider this - brows are being furrowed because Gianfranco Zola, who has just taken over at West Ham, has none of the above, but there is little doubt that he will have his new side playing a brand of football that is very easy on the eye. Then you have someone like Tony Pulis, who has evidently worked hard and studied long hours to get his shot at the Premier League yet his team tactics have no finesse or flair. Quite simply, all Stoke do in the main is launch it. Subtle, no? Fitting, then, that a game which Sky chose to broadcast was played in the sky for much of the first half, as Everton’s defenders were forced to deal with an aerial bombardment, as a succession of high balls and long throws from Rory Delap rained down on them. So it was hugely reassuring to see a back four that had been porous in two homes games against Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth stand firm, winning headers and hunting down any loose balls that bobbled around outside Tim Howard’s penalty area.
With Phil Jagielka restored to the position in which he is most comfortable - alongside Joseph Yobo in the centre of defence - and Joleon Lescott adding height and power on the left side, Everton were rarely, if ever, troubled.
Significantly, they also looked the side most capable of finding the breakthrough despite the hosts’ agricultural approach, the class of Cahill and Mikel Arteta shining through like beacons in midfield.
Not surprisingly, those two were heavily involved in the move that saw Everton poke their noses in front, Arteta feeding Cahill after Jagielka had hoisted a ball forward, who in turn found Yakubu and the Nigerian did the rest, finishing with aplomb.
Having grabbed the lead and then extended their advantage after the break when Victor Anichebe glanced an Arteta free-kick past Thomas Sorensen, many would have expected Everton to see the game out, but Stoke’s tenacity ensured that would never happen.
Delap’s throw-ins, in many ways, were like water torture and the longer they kept drip, drip, dripping away, the chances of them working an opportunity grew and that’s exactly what happened when Howard punched another missile into the path of Seyi Olofinjana.
He could do nothing about the ferocity of the volley with which Olofinjana beat him nor could Howard prevent Stoke’s equaliser, when Jagielka diverted the umpteenth throw from the touchline into his own net. A couple of weeks ago, you would not have been surprised had Everton collapsed at that point, but the difference that the inclusion of Cahill made, to go with neat debut performances from Fellaini and Segundo Castillo, was tangible. True, Stoke threatened, but Everton were by no means a spent force going forwards and they should have been awarded a penalty that would have settled any nerves but ‘should’ doesn’t come into the equation when yesterday’s referee is officiating. There are a number of referees in this division who, to put it kindly, are erratic, eccentric, call it what you will, but Alan Wiley - a man whose decisions have perplexed for many years - is right up there among the worst.
Evertonians will need no reminding of his wretched performance at Ewood Park in February when he disallowed a perfectly good Andrew Johnson goal and failed to award a penalty after that striker had been chopped in two by Zurab Khizanishvili.
True to form, he was at it again here and it must be stressed that Everton were not the only side wronged against. While Wiley should have awarded a spot kick against Olofinjana for hand ball, he incorrectly disallowed a Ricardo Fuller goal after a weak Yobo tackle. His mistakes had threatened to tip Moyes over the edge and the failure to give Everton a penalty was the straw which broke the camel’s back. A verbal volley at the fourth official, resulted in him being ordered to watch the last 15 minutes from the John Smith’s Stand. Fortunately, Cahill’s glancing header moments later ensured a happy ending and the game finished with Moyes running down the touchline, pointing to the badge on his chest and revelling in the delight of those Blues who had travelled down the M6. Only time will tell how important that goal will prove in the grand scheme of things but, in the short term, its measure is invaluable. Europe, after all, is back on the agenda this week and suddenly it seems the squad have rediscovered their appetite for adventure.
Everton up and running thanks to man with Midas touch
Sept 15 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
WE have lift off. Having stuttered and stumbled through one of the most stressful summers in recent history, Everton - belatedly - are up and running again.
It seems an eternity since followers of the Blue faith had reason to genuinely smile, but those who have spent the last few months rattling like a string of worry beads should be feeling much more reassured after yesterday’s trip to The Potteries.
Things have been very much stop-start since the campaign began on August 16, but after making a number of signings and welcoming back his old guard, David Moyes felt this would be the weekend when Everton clicked into gear, and so it proved.
Though it would be stretching the imagination to say this was vintage Everton, a hard-fought win at one of the Premier League’s most hostile arenas should provide an injection of confidence to carry them through this difficult month ahead.
Suddenly, after worrying about what might happen in the UEFA Cup and Carling Cup, three points against Stoke City will lift the mood. Throw in the return of the man with the Midas touch and dreams will start to form again. While all eyes may have been on record signing Marouane Fellaini at the Britannia Stadium, the shock inclusion of Tim Cahill for the first time since March 22 was the biggest fillip for Evertonians and, true to form, he stole the headlines. As he has done so often in the past, Cahill was in the right place at the right time to come up with the goods and his intervention settled a war of attrition that had threatened to slip from Everton’s clutches. One wonders why such a hullabaloo is made about coaches having the necessary qualifications to work in the Premier League, such as their UEFA Pro Licence and an applied management degree. Consider this - brows are being furrowed because Gianfranco Zola, who has just taken over at West Ham, has none of the above, but there is little doubt that he will have his new side playing a brand of football that is very easy on the eye. Then you have someone like Tony Pulis, who has evidently worked hard and studied long hours to get his shot at the Premier League yet his team tactics have no finesse or flair. Quite simply, all Stoke do in the main is launch it. Subtle, no? Fitting, then, that a game which Sky chose to broadcast was played in the sky for much of the first half, as Everton’s defenders were forced to deal with an aerial bombardment, as a succession of high balls and long throws from Rory Delap rained down on them. So it was hugely reassuring to see a back four that had been porous in two home games against Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth stand firm, winning headers and hunting down any loose balls that bobbled around outside Tim Howard’s penalty area. With Phil Jagielka restored to the position in which he is most comfortable - alongside Joseph Yobo in the centre of defence - and Joleon Lescott adding height and power on the left side, Everton were rarely, if ever, troubled.
Significantly, they also looked the side most capable of finding the breakthrough despite the hosts’ agricultural approach, the class of Cahill and Mikel Arteta shining through like beacons in midfield. Not surprisingly, those two were heavily involved in the move that saw Everton poke their noses in front, Arteta feeding Cahill after Jagielka had hoisted a ball forward, who in turn found Yakubu and the Nigerian did the rest, finishing with aplomb. Having grabbed the lead and then extended their advantage after the break when Victor Anichebe glanced an Arteta free-kick past Thomas Sorensen, many would have expected Everton to see the game out, but Stoke’s tenacity ensured that would never happen. Delap’s throw-ins, in many ways, were like water torture and the longer they kept drip, drip, dripping away, the chances of them working an opportunity grew and that’s exactly what happened when Howard punched another missile into the path of Seyi Olofinjana. He could do nothing about the ferocity of the volley with which Olofinjana beat him nor could Howard prevent Stoke’s equaliser, when Jagielka diverted the umpteenth throw from the touchline into his own net. A couple of weeks ago, you would not have been surprised had Everton collapsed at that point, but the difference that the inclusion of Cahill made, to go with neat debut performances from Fellaini and Segundo Castillo, was tangible.
True, Stoke threatened, but Everton were by no means a spent force going forwards and they should have been awarded a penalty that would have settled any nerves but ‘should’ doesn’t come into the equation when yesterday’s referee is officiating.
There are a number of referees in this division who, to put it kindly, are erratic, eccentric, call it what you will, but Alan Wiley - a man whose decisions have perplexed for many years - is right up there among the worst.
Evertonians will need no reminding of his wretched performance at Ewood Park in February when he disallowed a perfectly good Andrew Johnson goal and failed to award a penalty after that striker had been chopped in two by Zurab Khizanishvili.
True to form, he was at it again here and it must be stressed that Everton were not the only side wronged against. While Wiley should have awarded a spot kick against Olofinjana for hand ball, he incorrectly disallowed a Ricardo Fuller goal after a weak Yobo tackle. His mistakes had threatened to tip Moyes over the edge and the failure to give Everton a penalty was the straw which broke the camel’s back. A verbal volley at the fourth official, resulted in him being ordered to watch the last 15 minutes from the John Smith’s Stand. Fortunately, Cahill’s glancing header moments later ensured a happy ending and the game finished with Moyes running down the touchline, pointing to the badge on his chest and revelling in the delight of those Blues who had travelled down the M6. Only time will tell how important that goal will prove in the grand scheme of things but, in the short term, its measure is invaluable. Europe, after all, is back on the agenda this week and suddenly it seems the squad have rediscovered their appetite for adventure.
Stoke City 2, Everton 3 (D,Post)
Sep 15 2008
By Christopher Beesley at Britannia Stadium
ALL the pre-match talk on Sunday was about the eagerly-anticipated debuts of record signing Marouane Fellaini and Segundo Castillo. But in typical fashion Tim Cahill stole the show by marking his return with the winning goal after a shock recall following six months on the sidelines. Cahill had been out with a foot injury since hobbling off the field just 10 minutes into the home clash with West Ham back on March 22 but it came as no surprise when he popped up to head in the match-winner 13 minutes from full-time. While Everton’s increased standing in the Premier League in recent years has enabled them to recruit exotic superstars such as Fellaini and Castillo, Cahill, who learnt his trade in English football’s lower divisions with Millwall, remains just as crucial to the cause. Acquired during another tough summer back in 2004, it’s no fluke that the Australian’s dynamic displays over the following four years have coincided with a major upturn in fortunes for Moyes’s side. In anticipation of this visit to the Britannia Stadium, David Moyes declared that “the season starts here” for his side and with Everton manager finally able to call on some fresh faces it looks like he’s right. Enduring a frustrating summer in the transfer market, the Scot was forced to name line-ups for the first three Premier League matches of the season without any new additions to an injury-hit squad that had not yet replaced first team departures Lee Carsley and Andrew Johnson. But some late and significant business enabled Moyes to call upon the new most expensive player in Everton’s history, £15million 20-year-old Belgian international Fellaini for the first time plus on-loan Ecuadorian Castillo as well as Cahill. The introduction of that trio enabled Moyes to substantially restructure his midfield from the teams he fielded in August and he named a positive-looking line-up against the newly-promoted Potters, retaining a two-man strike-force but replacing James Vaughan with Victor Anichebe alongside Yakubu up front – although the Beijing Olympic silver medallist spent most of the afternoon employed down the right flank. Stoke manager Tony Pulis was also able to bring in a couple of additions with new signings Ibrahima Sonko and Danny Higginbotham – returning for a second spell at the club – coming into the side. In a cagey first half, shots on goal were a scarcity at either end but it wasn’t long before what has already become Stoke’s trademark weapon of Rory Delap’s long throw-in began to rear its ugly head. That’s not to sneer at what he does though. It’s not pretty and many would say it’s crude – especially at this level – but Merseyside fans will realise just how effective it is from Dave Challinor’s days at Tranmere when ballboys armed with towels and gaps in advertising boards provided assistance. Everton managed to weather the storm of Delap’s canons in the first half and after falling victim to some clinical finishing by Portsmouth a fortnight earlier, they took the lead with their first effort on the Stoke goal four minutes before the interval. In a move started by a towering Fellaini header, Mikel Arteta threaded the ball through to Cahill, who laid off to Yakubu with the Nigerian taking a touch to beat Sonko before dispatching a cool left-foot finish past Sorensen from the edge of the area. When Everton doubled their advantage just six minutes after the restart it looked like established Premier League class was going to prove enough for Moyes’s men to cruise to a second away success of the fledgling campaign. Arteta’s inswinging free-kick from the right-hand side was nodded in by a glancing header by Anichebe, who had his back to goal when making contact, registering in the Premier League for the first time in 13 months However, playing sides fresh from a successful year coming up from the Championship in the early weeks before the confidence gets worn down by defeats and injuries often provides a stern test as Everton no doubt considered when handed West Brom, Stoke and Hull in succession for the first three away days. Buoyed by a fortunate deflection, Pulis’s men ensured it was game on by pulling a goal back just four minutes after Everton’s second. Goalkeeper Tim Howard looked to have cleared the danger from a Delap throw but his punch out deflected off Cahill to Seyi Olofinjana and the Nigerian midfielder netted with a perfectly-struck volley. With the visitors still rocking, Ricardo Fuller thought he’d equalised when he rounded Howard before placing the ball into an empty net but play had already been stopped for his earlier challenge from behind on Joseph Yobo and Everton were annoyed they were unable to take their free-kick early as the home players celebrated their ‘goal’ by the corner flag among the pandemonium. They did draw level soon after on 63 minutes though when Jagielka replicated Anichebe’s glancing header – only this was from another long throw-in by Delap and was directed into his own net. It seems the best way to defend Stoke’s most potent weapon is to leave the ball. In the first half the home fans ‘ooh’ed and ‘ahh’ed when one Delap throw went close, landing on the roof of the net, but if nobody touches the ball it’s not a goal as the laws of the game state you can not score directly from a throw-in. The game could have slipped away from Everton after referee Alan Wiley went back on his decision to award them a spot-kick following a handball by Leon Cort but after consulting with his linesman, he awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area. An irate Moyes let his feeling be known to the fourth official and was duly sent to the stands. The Scot actually only moved a few rows further back, sitting amongst the Stoke supporters – although he was quickly surrounded by several stewards. But rather than crack in adversity, Everton showed their resolve to hit back with a winner from Cahill 13 minutes from the end as the Australian headed in a left-wing corner-kick from Arteta. The contest was far from over though and the visitors had to see out some sustained pressure during the five minutes of stoppage time with Howard palming away a shot by Higginbotham at the back post from yet another Delap throw. Despite Stoke being Premier League novices, there won’t be many sides who come away with an easy three points from the Potteries this season so Moyes will have been pleased to receive some sporting congratulatory handshakes from the home fans around him at the final whistle. A new start for Everton? Maybe. But things aren’t going to get any simpler over the next few weeks. This was the first of seven games in a gruelling 18-day spell for Moyes’s men in a period which could shape their whole season so early on in the campaign. There’s another trip to one of the new boys next up in the league and a Merseyside derby too, but first they’ve got to overcome Fellaini’s former team-mates Standard Liege in the UEFA Cup. Anyone who saw the two-legged tie against Metalist Kharkiv at the same stage last year or the Belgians’ games with Liverpool last month will know it could be far from straightforward. But at least they haven’t got Fellaini – or a long throw merchant!
Stoke City 2, Everton 3
Sept 15 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
WE have lift off. Having stuttered and stumbled through one of the most stressful summers in recent history, Everton - belatedly - are up and running again.
It seems an eternity since followers of the Blue faith had reason to genuinely smile, but those who have spent the last few months rattling like a string of worry beads should be feeling much more reassured after yesterday’s trip to The Potteries.
Things have been very much stop-start since the campaign began on August 16, but after making a number of signings and welcoming back his old guard, David Moyes felt this would be the weekend when Everton clicked into gear, and so it proved.
Though it would be stretching the imagination to say this was vintage Everton, a hard-fought win at one of the Premier League’s most hostile arenas should provide an injection of confidence to carry them through this difficult month ahead.
Suddenly, after worrying about what might happen in the UEFA Cup and Carling Cup, three points against Stoke City will lift the mood. Throw in the return of the man with the Midas touch and dreams will start to form again. While all eyes may have been on record signing Marouane Fellaini at the Britannia Stadium, the shock inclusion of Tim Cahill for the first time since March 22 was the biggest fillip for Evertonians and, true to form, he stole the headlines. As he has done so often in the past, Cahill was in the right place at the right time to come up with the goods and his intervention settled a war of attrition that had threatened to slip from Everton’s clutches. One wonders why such a hullabaloo is made about coaches having the necessary qualifications to work in the Premier League, such as their UEFA Pro Licence and an applied management degree. Consider this - brows are being furrowed because Gianfranco Zola, who has just taken over at West Ham, has none of the above, but there is little doubt that he will have his new side playing a brand of football that is very easy on the eye. Then you have someone like Tony Pulis, who has evidently worked hard and studied long hours to get his shot at the Premier League yet his team tactics have no finesse or flair. Quite simply, all Stoke do in the main is launch it. Subtle, no? Fitting, then, that a game which Sky chose to broadcast was played in the sky for much of the first half, as Everton’s defenders were forced to deal with an aerial bombardment, as a succession of high balls and long throws from Rory Delap rained down on them. So it was hugely reassuring to see a back four that had been porous in two homes games against Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth stand firm, winning headers and hunting down any loose balls that bobbled around outside Tim Howard’s penalty area. With Phil Jagielka restored to the position in which he is most comfortable - alongside Joseph Yobo in the centre of defence - and Joleon Lescott adding height and power on the left side, Everton were rarely, if ever, troubled. Significantly, they also looked the side most capable of finding the breakthrough despite the hosts’ agricultural approach, the class of Cahill and Mikel Arteta shining through like beacons in midfield. Not surprisingly, those two were heavily involved in the move that saw Everton poke their noses in front, Arteta feeding Cahill after Jagielka had hoisted a ball forward, who in turn found Yakubu and the Nigerian did the rest, finishing with aplomb. Having grabbed the lead and then extended their advantage after the break when Victor Anichebe glanced an Arteta free-kick past Thomas Sorensen, many would have expected Everton to see the game out, but Stoke’s tenacity ensured that would never happen. Delap’s throw-ins, in many ways, were like water torture and the longer they kept drip, drip, dripping away, the chances of them working an opportunity grew and that’s exactly what happened when Howard punched another missile into the path of Seyi Olofinjana. He could do nothing about the ferocity of the volley with which Olofinjana beat him nor could Howard prevent Stoke’s equaliser, when Jagielka diverted the umpteenth throw from the touchline into his own net. A couple of weeks ago, you would not have been surprised had Everton collapsed at that point, but the difference that the inclusion of Cahill made, to go with neat debut performances from Fellaini and Segundo Castillo, was tangible. True, Stoke threatened, but Everton were by no means a spent force going forwards and they should have been awarded a penalty that would have settled any nerves but ‘should’ doesn’t come into the equation when yesterday’s referee is officiating. There are a number of referees in this division who, to put it kindly, are erratic, eccentric, call it what you will, but Alan Wiley - a man whose decisions have perplexed for many years - is right up there among the worst. Evertonians will need no reminding of his wretched performance at Ewood Park in February when he disallowed a perfectly good Andrew Johnson goal and failed to award a penalty after that striker had been chopped in two by Zurab Khizanishvili. True to form, he was at it again here and it must be stressed that Everton were not the only side wronged against. While Wiley should have awarded a spot kick against Olofinjana for hand ball, he incorrectly disallowed a Ricardo Fuller goal after a weak Yobo tackle. His mistakes had threatened to tip Moyes over the edge and the failure to give Everton a penalty was the straw which broke the camel’s back. A verbal volley at the fourth official, resulted in him being ordered to watch the last 15 minutes from the John Smith’s Stand. Fortunately, Cahill’s glancing header moments later ensured a happy ending and the game finished with Moyes running down the touchline, pointing to the badge on his chest and revelling in the delight of those Blues who had travelled down the M6. Only time will tell how important that goal will prove in the grand scheme of things but, in the short term, its measure is invaluable. Europe, after all, is back on the agenda this week and suddenly it seems the squad have rediscovered their appetite for adventure.
Tim Cahill: I felt like a new boy against Stoke - Everton latest
Sept 15 2008 EXCLUSIVE by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
TIM CAHILL today spoke of his joy at making a goalscoring return to action - then immediately set his sights on helping kick-start Everton's European adventure.
Blues boss David Moyes sprang a surprise yesterday by naming Cahill in his starting line-up for the first time since he broke the fifth metatarsal in his left foot on March 22. But that bold approach reaped immediate and spectacular dividends. As has so often been the case in the past, the influential midfielder popped up in the right place to score the goal which gave Everton a 3-2 win, and sets them up nicely for Thursday’s UEFA Cup clash with Standard Liege. Provided he suffers no reaction, Cahill should again be involved against the Belgian champions at Goodison, and he hopes that the injuries which have blighted him over 18 months have been banished for good. “I’m delighted, but really I’m just glad to be a part of the squad again,” he said. “It was a surprise to start, but if the manager is going to ask me if I’m up for starting, there is no way that I’m going to say ‘no’. “I didn’t expect to play. All I did was keep myself fit, worked really hard in training and wanted to give him the option of being able to play me if I was needed. I’m fortunate that the manager has that belief in me. “Then it was down to me taking the opportunity on the pitch. “I felt like one of the new lads as I had not played in such a long time. Now we are looking forward to another European adventure. Standard Liege are a very good team but we are doing our homework on them.” Having strolled into a two-goal lead, Everton were pegged back after Stoke subjected them to an aerial bombardment. But though they had to weather a storm, Cahill felt Moyes’ side always had enough in reserve to win the contest. “It was an unbelievable game,” said Cahill. “It’s a tough place to come and they made things so difficult for us. It was great when we got ourselves ahead.
“In the end, we were just delighted to get a good result. “Even when we were under the cosh, we showed good character to come through it and nick the win.
“I thought the new lads (Marouane Fellaini and Segundo Castillo) did really well.”
Match official Alan Wiley changed his mind after awarding Everton what appeared to be a blatant penalty. But Cahill added: “I think the referee will hold his hands up when he sees it.”
David Moyes looking for apology from ref Alan Wiley
Sep 15 2008 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON manager David Moyes will be looking for an apology from referee Alan Wiley if the Staffordshire official is wrong over a disputed penalty at Stoke.
The Merseyside club emerged victorious from the Britannia Stadium, edging a thrilling encounter 3-2 with goals from Ayegbeni Yakubu, Victor Anichebe and Tim Cahill, who marked his return from a broken metatarsal with the winning strike.
Stoke had fought back from a two-goal deficit, thanks to Seyi Olofinjana and Phil Jagielka’s own goal. However, it was a late penalty decision with the game delicately poised at 2-2 which upset Moyes. Leon Cort appeared to handle in the box when under pressure from Yakubu in the 74th minute, but Wiley awarded a free kick on the edge of the area. The decision incensed Moyes so much that he was sent to the stands by Wiley following his protests. With the possibility of an FA misconduct charge to follow, Moyes still stood his ground and demanded the official apologise if he later realised he had been wrong. “It definitely struck the player’s hand and he was definitely inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot and then appeared to change his mind,” Moyes said. “It was infuriating because it came at what was an important point in the match for us. “If I was wrong I would apologise to him and if he was wrong I would expect the same.” Cahill was a surprise inclusion in Moyes’ starting line-up after recovering from the broken metatarsal that blighted him for much of last season. But the Australia international marked his return with the winning goal, heading home Mikel Arteta’s corner in the 76th minute. Moyes said: “I had known for a couple of days that he might be in with a shout. “He has looked good in training but it was just match practice that he was lacking. “However, I thought he would be okay and I put him in there and he gave the kind of performance you expect from him.
“He is a very good player and he scores some important goals for us.” With the score at 2-1, Stoke had a decision go against them. Ricardo Fuller thought he had equalised just before the hour when he out-muscled Joseph Yobo on the edge of the area to get to Dave Kitson’s flick header. The Jamaican took the ball around Tim Howard and tapped into an empty net, but Wiley adjudged that he had fouled Yobo. However, Stoke manager Tony Pulis refused to criticise the official. He said: “Alan was closer than me so I have got to accept his decision.”
Conor McAleny at double for 10-man U18s
Sep 16 2008
Academy Football
by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post
ANOTHER superb display saw Everton under-18s win for a third week in a row as they beat Barnsley 4-0 at Finch Farm on Saturday. Neil Dewsnip’s side made it 14 goals and three clean sheets from their last three games thanks to goals from George Krenn, Lewis Codling and two from substitute Conor McAleny. The only downside was the sending off of substitute Gerard Kinsella for a bad challenge with 20 minutes left. Despite a bright start from the visitors it was Everton who opened the scoring when Austrian midfielder Krenn ran past a couple of defenders and smashed home
after 25 minutes. Just before the break Everton made it 2-0 when Codling looped a header home from Jake Bidwell’s cross. Despite playing the last 20 minutes or so with just 10 men, Everton scored twice. McAleny, who had replaced Codling on the hour, scored a superb individual goal. Then he had a simpler finish when slotting home after Tom McCready’s shot had been parried straight to him in the last few minutes. Coach Neil Dewsnip said: “It was a very good performance and keeps our momentum going. But saying that, despite the score, it was quite a difficult game. They were tough and aggressive and very highly motivated. It was a bit scary early on with chances at both ends of the field. But once we scored it calmed proceedings down and then we played very well. “Overall it was a good, solid, mature performance.” “It was good to see Conor McAleny score two goals as he was playing up front on his own really because we were down to 10 men.” Everton will look to continue in their sparkling form against Sunderland at Finch Farm this Saturday (kick-off 11am). Dewsnip said: “We have had three good performances and we are very pleased at the moment. We just need to keep it on. “They are a highly-motivated group of young men who want to their best.” Kinsella will be banned following his sending-off but otherwise Everton have virtually a full squad to choose from.
EVERTON U18s: Stubhaug; Nsiala, McCarten, Barnett, Bidwell; Krenn, McCready, Akpan (Kinsella 45), Redmond; Codling (McAleny 60), Sheppard (Craig 75). Subs: Davies, Duffy.
Everton wait on Leon Osman for Standard Liege showdown
Sept 16 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON are sweating on Leon Osman's fitness as they gear up for their return to European football - but Tony Hibbert should soon be back in full training.
Osman has been plagued by a number of niggling problems since the start of pre-season, a foot injury sustained during a training camp in Switzerland held him up for three weeks while he has suffered with knee trouble for the past fortnight.
He only got the green light to play in the 3-0 defeat against Portsmouth at the last minute but missed out on Sunday’s trip to Stoke City and he now faces a series of tests to see whether he can face Standard Liege. The Blues could do with having Osman available as record signing Marouane Fellaini is cup-tied, while Tim Cahill is only just back from a lengthy lay-off and Steven Pienaar is not yet back in full work with the first team. That, however, will change soon and the South African should be joined by Hibbert, who has pleased Everton’s medical staff with the progress he has made in recent weeks following a summer operation to repair damaged medial ligaments. With Lars Jacobsen (dislocated shoulder) out until Christmas at the earliest, Everton are short at right-back but the dependable Hibbert’s comeback will ease the pressure in that area. Fellaini, meanwhile, has warned his new team-mates to brace themselves for an enormous test when Liege arrive at Goodison Park on Thursday evening, as his former coach Laszlo Boloni will have the Belgians wound up for the occasion. “If you want to know the strengths of Standard, all you have to do is look at a DVD of the game against Liverpool,” said Fellaini, who was taken aback by the intensity of his first Premier League game at Stoke on Sunday.
“I don’t talk about Standard as being ‘we’ any more. They are my ex-team and there is only one result that I want this week. But I know from being part of that set up how the manager (Boloni) will have the players fired up for this challenge. “He knows how to motivate and he knows how to get players going for the big occasion. He gets things going so the players do not fear anyone. They will not be worried about coming to Goodison Park and will fight to the last minute. “We will have to be on our guard to go through. I can’t play but I will be telling (the lads) to be very careful. They tried to spring a surprise against Liverpool and will want do the same against Everton.”
Warren Bradley 'put Everton FC above civic duty'
Sept 16 2008 EXCLUSIVE by Vicki Kellaway, Liverpool Echo
Cllr Ron Round (158)
KNOWSLEY'S council leader broke his silence today to say why he believes Everton's proposed move to Kirkby is vital for the club and the town.
Cllr Ron Round is well-known for his dislike of speaking directly to the media, and has so far avoided publicly entering the debate. But today in an exclusive interview with the ECHO he offered some hard-hitting views to defend the £400m project before November’s public inquiry which will decide its fate. Cllr Round:
* Criticised Liverpool council for objecting to the plans, and accused the city’s Evertonian party leaders of putting club allegiance above public duty. * Denied the plans breach the council’s planning policies, saying that was only because “no-one dreamed” a Premiership club would one day choose Kirkby. * Claimed Goodison Park will be condemned in just five years. Cllr Round insisted that after three years of hard work and Knowsley council’s unanimous support he is convinced the project is right for Kirkby. Without Everton, he said, Tesco would build a supermarket and nothing else. Meanwhile, he said the people of Kirkby suffered “the indignity” of not having a quality shopping centre and had to go to Liverpool or Manchester for decent clothes and decent restaurants. Cllr Round said: “If I didn’t think this was right for Kirkby I would be the first to stop it.” The lifelong Liverpool FC fan added: “I was surprised at Liverpool council. If Warren Bradley and Joe Anderson were Reds I think they would have a different view. “Destination Kirkby could bring 1.2 million people into Kirkby annually and generate £13.6m in revenue. But if you share that between the surrounding councils it’s peanuts. “In my view, you have two political leaders in Liverpool who are not facing up to their responsibilities. I have never allowed my passion for Liverpool FC to influence my decisions.” Cllr Round said fears of traffic congestion could be dispelled by the M57, dual carriageway and rail stations.
Any anti-social behaviour would be quickly targeted. The council leader believes the local election defeat of 1st 4 Kirkby, the candidates who stood specifically against the project, proved people did approve of the plans for a 50,000 -eater stadium, superstore, shops, a hotel and offices. He said: “I think they realise, yes, it’s a football stadium but it will give us what we want. “Now Blues fans must realise Destination Kirkby is their only option too.” Cllr Joe Anderson said: “Cllr Round’s passion for this project is affecting his view. I am passionate for Everton Football Club, but above all I’m passionate for this city, and that’s why I’m standing up against this scheme.”
Cllr Warren Bradley said: “Liverpool council’s objections are based around council planning policy issues. It has nothing to do with football.”
Nigel Martyn: Clean sheet against Standard Liege is a top target
Sep 16 2008 by Nigel Martyn, Liverpool Echo
EUROPE returns to the agenda this week and that means Everton must return to being difficult to beat. While scoring goals has not really been a problem in the opening four games of the campaign, keeping them out has been much more difficult. We are still awaiting our first clean sheet – and that will be of great concern to David Moyes and his defenders. Though we all wanted a nice straightforward fixture in the draw that would have guaranteed a route into the group stages, once again it seems the Blues are going to have to do things the hard way and beat a very good side to progress in to the competition proper. But whereas Metalist Kharkiv were full of surprises 12 months ago, the same cannot be said of Standard Liege and the manager will have gleaned extensive knowledge from their Champions League encounters with Liverpool.
He will know for certain that they are a team full of power and aggression and more than capable of scoring a goal, so it’s time for the back four and Tim Howard to revert to last season’s miserly ways and keep things tight. If, say, we could secure a two-goal advantage without conceding, that would be the dream scenario. I would fancy our chances of nicking a goal in Belgium as we have quick players who are set up to counter attack. Playing away from home suits us down to the ground. What we don’t want, however, is a repeat of last season when Kharkiv profited from a defensive mistake to grab a 1-1 draw and leave everyone with shredded nerves and bitten-down finger nails – being in Europe is imperative to Everton and we can’t let this chance go.
It’s good for the players, it enhances everyone’s reputation and being able to offer UEFA Cup football gives you an advantage in the transfer market, as it is an extra bargaining tool. You can see, then why so much emphasis will be placed on keeping a clean sheet on Thursday. The one thing everyone will at least be able to breathe easy about against Liege is the fact we won’t be subjected to those incredibly long throws that Rory Delap peppered us with at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday. Those kind of set pieces are a nightmare for a goalkeeper to deal with and Tim Howard – who in my book has come in for some rather unfair criticism – really had no other option but to come for both the balls from which Stoke scored. Still, things ended on Sunday afternoon as we hoped they would - and the three points in the bank were just what was required at what is the start of a chaotic period.
Goal will have worked wonders for Tim
YOU would never dream of calling Everton a one-man team but the difference that Tim Cahill makes is nothing short of phenomenal. Looking at his stats from last season, in the 18 Premier League games he played we accrued 40 points and having him back in the starting line up at Stoke saw a disappointing draw turned into a hard fought win. It’s not nice being out injured for a long time as I can vouch for and you can see why Tim said yesterday that he was just glad to be back in the team, rather than concentrating on the goal he scored. But, make no mistake, that goal will have done wonders for him. He is a strong character, a brave lad who thinks he is unbreakable and would happily run through a wall for the benefit of his team; you could never doubt his self-belief or enthusiasm and those qualities are to be savoured.
But I would be amazed if a few little bits of self doubt had not crept in to his mind after suffering the same injury three times; it would only have been natural if he had thought ‘will it happen to me again?’ Now, however, he has got himself up and running and Everton will be all the better for it. Fingers crossed Tim can build a sequence of matches - and swell his already impressive goal tally.
Respect has to be earned
THE respect campaign is all very well and good but you need to remember one thing - respect has to be earned. If referees like Alan Wiley are going to continue making mistakes as he did at Stoke, more managers are going to end up suffering fates similar to David Moyes. Match officials can’t keep acting as if they are untouchable when they have dropped clangers as that is a guaranteed way for them to lose the respect of everyone in double quick time.
Everton Res 1, Manchester City Res 0
Sep 17 2008
Liverpool Daily Post
LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ ensured Everton Reserves continued their winning start to the season with a narrow victory over City at the Stobart Stadium. The hosts followed up the 2-1 win at Hull City with a confident performance, fielding a side with first team hopefuls Jose Baxter and Iain Turner on show. Everton did most of the pressing in a first half light on goal mouth action but Lee Molyneux tested City keeper Johansen on 12 minutes. City grew stronger in the second half and Caicedo was a constant threat but it was Everton who took the lead in the 69th minute. Lukas Jutkiewicz made space for himself inside the City penalty box and fired past Johansen with a crisp shot.
EVERTON RESERVES: Turner, Irving, Molyneux, Barnett, Sinnott, Akpan, Baxter, Wallace, Jutkiewicz, Agard, Kissock Subs: Stubhaug, O'Kane, Spencer, McCarten, Codling.
MAN CITY RESERVES: Johansen, Logan, McGivern, McDonald, Mee, Clayton, Weiss,Caicedo, Ball, Marshall, Castillo Subs: Tsiaklis, Poole, Ramsey, Hartley, Williamson.
David Moyes charged with improper conduct by FA
Sep 17 2008 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON manager David Moyes has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after being sent off during Sunday’s win at Stoke.
The Blues boss was sent to the stands by referee Alan Wiley after complaining about the match official’s failure to award a penalty for handball. The FA said in a statement: “Everton manager David Moyes has been charged with improper conduct.
“The charge relates to Moyes’ touchline behaviour during Everton’s match against Stoke on September 14. “Moyes has until October 2 to respond to the charge.”
Phil Jagielka: Let's show UEFA Cup hunger - Everton latest
Sept 17 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
PHIL JAGIELKA has called on his Everton team-mates to draw on the memories of last season to launch another lengthy UEFA Cup run. The Blues meet Standard Liege at Goodison Park tomorrow evening aiming to establish a lead that will take them to within touching distance of the group stages. But Jagielka knows a special performance will be required. Standard came close to knocking Liverpool out of the Champions League and have made a flying start to the defence of their Belgian League title, warming up for their trip to Merseyside with a comfortable 2-0 win over Kortrijk. Jagielka, however, believes Standard will be similarly concerned by the prospect of facing Everton. He hopes the incentive of enjoying nights like Nuremburg and Bergen last season can see the Blues take a successful first step on the road to Istanbul. “We did well in the cup competitions last year and we want to do the same again,” he said today. “If we had a couple of bad results, that would knock about 10 or 15 games off the number we played last season. It’s a massive part of the season for us. “We can’t look at things as being make or break too much. The reason we are in the UEFA Cup again is because we finished fifth last season and we have got to remember that. The reason we did so well in the Carling Cup is because we have got a decent squad. “It isn’t too dissimilar this time around and hopefully we can do just as well again. Last year, we thought we had got an easy tie (against Metalist Kharkiv) and, to be honest, we were quite fortunate to come through. “We’ve been able to do more homework on Liege and we know more about their players. Maybe we will be a bit better prepared for this match. And, as stupid as it sounds, maybe there isn’t as much pressure on this time. “Standard are a good team and it is going to be a close tie. We would have obviously liked to have been drawn against a lesser team but, if and when we knock Standard out, it will gives us one less good team to worry about later in the competition.” Everton will be without record signing Marouane Fellaini as he is cup-tied. But Jagielka feels Standard will miss their former player just as much as the Blues. “If he wasn’t their best player, I’d like to see who it is!” said Jagielka. “We have weakened them in a little way and I’m sure he will give us a bit of background on them. But the main thing is that we are just looking forward to the challenge.
“We worked so hard to finish in the spot that we did so we could play in Europe again. We are not prepared to let that go easily.”
Joseph Yobo: Pre-Everton days at Standard Liege were vital
Sept 17 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
JOSEPH YOBO will cast sentiment to one side tomorrow evening to help fire Everton's bid for the UEFA Cup group stages. Though the Nigerian international has gone on to become one of the Blues’ longest serving players since David Moyes made him his first signing in the summer of 2002, he will never forget the role Standard Liege played in his development. It was the Belgian champions, after all, who handed Yobo a platform to show his worth at the turn of the century, offering him a contract after the then 19-year-old had made the journey from his hometown of Kano to pursue the dream of becoming a professional footballer. Yobo went on to make 46 appearances in the season he spent with Liege, scoring two goals, before he joined Marseille but though his time at Stade Maurice Dufrasne was brief, he looks back on it with great affection. Those feelings, however, will be put on hold for the next fortnight as Everton tackle his former employers, aiming to do better than last season when they reached the last 16 before being knocked out by Fiorentina. “I enjoyed my time at Standard because they gave me an opportunity from Africa to be a professional footballer abroad,” Yobo recalled. “I had a really nice time and they really looked after me over there because I was only a young lad. I have great memories.
“It was a big step for me to take but I wanted to better myself and better my family as well. So, when the opportunity came, I had to take it. There were a lot of good footballers in Africa at the time so I had to take it. I’m very grateful to Standard.
“It took me a while to adjust because the football was different and there was the language barrier as well. That was a big thing for me and I had to stay in the club house and interact with people from other countries as well. That was very helpful.
“I was pleased Standard won the Belgian league last year. They’re a top team but for the last few seasons, for whatever reason, they’ve not won. They’ve always had good players though. I was really pleased for them to win. “I knew the brothers Mbo and Emile Mpenza. They were top strikers for Standard Liege and they were also playing for the Belgian national team at that time. They were the face of the club and it was good playing alongside them.” The personnel may have changed dramatically since then but Yobo knows that Liege’s squad is packed with quality. Though they have lost Marouane Fellaini, they will still pose a real threat at Goodison Park. “They were very unlucky against Liverpool,” said Yobo. “They always play good football and I think when Standard played at home they should have won the game. “When they played at Liverpool it was a bit tricky. I think Standard should have gone through but luck wasn’t on their side. That’s football sometimes but at least they showed what a good side they are.” Tickets, priced at £25 for adults and £12 for concessions, are still available for tomorrow’s game from the usual outlets: via evertonfc.com, ringing 0870 442 1878 or visiting the Park End Box Office.
Everton jury: Blues fans on tonight's Uefa Cup clash with Standard Liege
Sep 18 2008 Liverpool Echo
Michael Drummond, Speke
IT'S good that we've scored seven goals in the first four games but abysmal that we've conceded nine, especially on the back of having one of the best defences in the league last season. The league aside, we were a big force in the UEFA Cup last season and I see no reason why we shouldn’t have the same impact this season. We know that Standard Liege are a physical side to play against and will be no pushovers, this was proven in their Champions League qualifiers against Liverpool. Physical teams are not pleasant to watch so I can't see us being allowed to show any flair in either leg so fighting fire with fire would be a good idea. Marouane Fellaini, who had a physical presence against Stoke, is cup tied so already we need to be looking to pack that midfield. What is crucial is keeping a clean sheet. It will be more difficult to do considering we have failed to do so this season but hopefully our games in Europe will be different to the first few in the league.
Debbie Smaje, Upholland
AS good as the hard fought win at Stoke was, there were still some worrying signs from Everton, most notably when defending from set pieces. Stoke’s throw ins are something we won’t have to face too many times, but our weakness from set pieces was horribly exposed. On the plus side, we have shown again that we are capable of scoring goals, and from all areas of the pitch. Yakubu is a reliable scorer, and the return of the talismanic Cahill will improve things even more. He was very quiet at the Britannia on Sunday, but as usual, showed his ability to get goals when it matters. We will need that ability again tonight. Liege proved against Liverpool they are not to be underestimated, even without Fellaini. I am confident we have enough going forward to beat them, but the defence has to stay strong to ensure we do. Nobody wants a repeat of Kharkiv at Goodison this time last year, so hopefully we can keep them out and take an advantage to Belgium.
David Wallbank, Huyton
EVERTON got a well-deserved three points last Sunday at Stoke, and it was very pleasing to see Tim Cahill back with a bang. Also witnessing the start of two new Everton careers in Fellaini and Castillo provided an added boost, glimpses of their potential will make many Evertonians feel a bit more at ease now. Tonight is a mouth watering European night at Goodison, and after seeing their performances against our friends across the park you could be forgiven for being a little bit nervous. Keeping a clean sheet will be tough, but fundamental in progressing. Everton will have gained a lot of experience from last season’s European adventures; let’s hope it is put into practice this evening. A fantastic opportunity now faces the Blues; we have winnable games approaching thick and fast. Can David Moyes eclipse last season’s achievements? Finishing in the top four would offer proof of improvement; while more realistically a piece of silverware would be the answer to all our prayers.
Richard Knights, West Derby
ANOTHER crazy week in the Premier League. Newcastle in meltdown; clubs for sale and more managers falling off the merry-go-round. The Job Centres in Tyneside have reassured claimants who refuse to become Newcastle boss that it won't affect their benefits. In pundit-speak the Stoke match was a ‘game of two halves’, the first half one of those eminently forgettable, watching paint dry experiences. The second half thrills and spills a minute. It also underlined the importance to Everton of Tim Cahill. As well as narrowing the pitch, Stoke should drastically shorten it and hire a goalkeeper who can punt the ball into the opposition box. Wimbledon reincarnated.
On the ‘for sale’ front maybe Mr Ambani (fifth richest man in the world) will puttearful Bill out of his misery and we will be able to buy every player under the sun.
Meanwhile, the matches against Liege are going to shape the season and for all thoseconspiracy theorists there’s still that unsigned contract on Moyes’ desk.
David Moyes wants same again for Everton against Standard Liege
Sept 18 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES today urged his players to draw on the memory of Metalist Kharkiv - as he weighed up whether to fight an FA improper conduct charge. It was at this stage of the competition 12 months ago that Everton negotiated their way past the tricky Ukrainians and Moyes hopes that experience will stand his players in good stead for the UEFA Cup challenge presented by Belgian champions Standard Liege tonight. “Getting through is going to be difficult, it’s going to be a really anxious game no matter who you play at this stage,” said Moyes, who is likely to recall fit-again Leon Osman in place of the cup tied Marouane Fellaini. “People won’t expect this to be a breeze because they have seen the form of Standard. We have done our homework on them. It just shows you that the qualifying game is always the hardest. You can maybe lose a game or two in the group stage and still do it. “Zenit did that last year and went on to win the competition. “But you can’t make any mistakes here. It was a strange draw for us to get. But being in Europe last season helped us and I think it raised our profile. “Everybody in the club, the supporters, the players enjoyed the run in the UEFA Cup. We won eight of our 10 games. I think it is really important that we continue to do that. “We have got a good squad, with good players and we want to get to the group stages. We have done our work quite well and now we want to get back to playing as we know we can. “We need to get back to Goodison, which has always been a good place for us. I’m sure it will continue to be like that. It’s not been so much home or away form, it’s been more a case of us getting things ready. Hopefully we are starting to get ready now." The Everton manager’s preparations for tonight’s tie were interrupted twice this week – once when he was sanctioned by Soho Square’s disciplinarians for his touchline behaviour at Stoke, the other to field a phone call from referee Alan Wiley. Wiley was the man in charge at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday and enraged Moyes when changing his mind about awarding Everton a clear penalty after discussions with his assistant Shaun Proctor-Green.
Moyes was subsequently sent to the stands by Wiley but the Staffordshire official has since been in contact to apologise for making a mistake. Of the charge that was slapped on him by the FA, Moyes said: “I have not decided whether to appeal.
“The FA have to do their job and I have to do my job. I had an opinion on the incident and the referee has since been in contact with me. “Alan has phoned me and I think everyone will understand why he has done that. “I am not going to reveal the details of the conversation. The respect campaign is really important. You have to earn respect and he has earned a great deal of respect from me. “All I can do is hope that the people who look at it understand and take into consideration the reason I was upset.”
Everton v Standard Liege: Victor Anichebe sets sights on new silver lining
Sept 18 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
THE shining silver medal which takes pride of place at Victor Anichebe's home offers a reminder of an unforgettable summer but, in some ways, it seems out of place.
While athletes eternally treasure any gong brought back from an Olympic Games, there is always a hunger driving them on, a determination to ensure their collection continues to swell. Anichebe is no different. Appropriate, then, that as another challenge for the UEFA Cup begins against Standard Liege this evening, Anichebe – who was Everton’s lucky charm in Europe last season – is dreaming about finding room in his cabinet for another medal next May. “It’s hard to put into words what I experienced out there,” said Anichebe. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, just so humbling to be with all the athletes. Nobody felt they were superior to anyone else in the Olympic Village. The saying of ‘One world, One dream’ summed it up in a nutshell. “We were close to getting gold, but I still can’t believe we actually got silver. I’m just starting to understand what it means. It was huge. What’s the dream now? It’s got to be silverware with Everton.” Only time will tell whether that dream comes true, but Anichebe’s confidence is both admirable and understandable. Mirroring his team, the further Everton went in the competition last time around, the better the 20-year-old did. His goal in Kharkiv – which secured his side’s passage into the group stages – was followed by efforts against Larissa, Nuremburg and SK Brann, ensuring he hit the best tally by a Everton striker in Europe since Andy Gray in 1985, and Anichebe would love to repeat that feat. That trip to Beijing, though, rammed home the importance of putting personal glory on the back burner, and Anichebe makes it quite clear that he couldn’t care less who scores in the two legged clash with Liege – all that matters is Everton progress. “Europe is great to be involved in and it would be tremendous if I could score a few goals again,” said Anichebe, fresh from scoring against Stoke last Sunday. “But I’ve also got to make sure that I get a few goals in the Premier League as well, as I didn’t do that enough last season. “But we are looking forward to the Liege game. Playing at Goodison Park on a European night is electric and when we travel away from home, the support we take is always so loud that it drowns out the home fans. “I got a few goals last year and it has brought me to the season with more experience and more confidence. We are looking to do well against Liege and then hopefully go as far, if not further, than we did last time.
“We know it’s not going to be easy. They are a strong side and I watched them play against Liverpool when I was in China. But the gaffer will know exactly what to do and he’ll have us prepared properly.” That David Moyes was able to pick from almost a full complement of players for the first time all season last weekend coincided with arguably Everton’s best performance to date, but much more will be needed against the Belgian champions. Grinding out a victory, however, will have done wonders for the squad’s confidence and Anichebe, who is likely to play on the right wing again tonight, just as he did at the Britannia Stadium, thinks that could provide the spark Everton have needed. “It’s been a difficult start to the season with a few things going on and we’ve just got new players in as well,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of injuries too. But that win at Stoke will have done wonders for us, I’m sure. “It’s taken us away from the bottom of the table and we can have a bit of confidence going into the games we have got over the next week. We have also had the boost of Tim Cahill returning, so that is a great help too.” As was breaking his scoring duck for the campaign. His subtle, glancing header from a Mikel Arteta free-kick was a huge personal fillip, but he knows the challenge is to improve his strike rate - so a return to European combat could not have come at a better time. “It was nice just to get a goal and it sets me up nicely for the next few games,” said Anichebe. “I’m looking to score more and more now. The hardest one to get is the first, so now I have a bit of confidence. “Playing on the wing was a huge boost, too, as it helped get my fitness up, having only just come back from the Olympics. I’m not really up with the pace of everyone else at the minute, but I felt I was getting more and more into it, the longer the game went on.
“If the manager chooses to play me on the wing or up front or anywhere else, it doesn’t really matter, as all I want to do is help the team. Playing on the right at Stoke was all part of the learning curve and I’ll continue to give it my best.”
I chose Everton above others says Segundo Castillo
Sept 18 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
WHEN Segundo Castillo was unveiled as an Everton player shortly before the transfer window closed, some supporters were quick to think of one phrase - panic buy.
An unknown quantity on these shores, Castillo had spent the last two years playing for Red Star Belgrade after leaving his home country of Ecuador to pursue the dream of making it as a footballer in Europe. But while a certain few felt that David Moyes had moved in haste to sign the 26-year-old, Castillo revealed that his first discussions about a season-long loan move to Goodison Park took place on July 20.
“I had other offers that I could have pursued,” added Castillo, who made his Premier League debut in last Sunday’s 3-2 win over Stoke City. “But I made my decision to come to Everton. I knew I would be coming to a club that played a high standard of football.” The Blues will certainly need to be at their best this evening when they launch their UEFA Cup campaign against Standard Liege, as the Belgian champions showed in two meetings with Liverpool that they are no pushovers. Castillo, though, is confident that Everton have enough quality in reserve to secure a place in the group stages and he is desperate to play a lead role - after all, he hopes that his loan will be turned into a permanent arrangement 12 months from now. “It is very important to get a good start in the UEFA Cup,” said Castillo, who played in the competition twice with Red Star and had a trial at Blackburn earlier this summer. “We have got a good squad and we want to take it further than we did last season. “I have got to take things stage by stage. But, yes, the long term ambition is to secure a move here full-time. The hard part first is becoming a regular in the team. The plan is to work hard to get that contract.”
John Thompson: Thin line between respect and fear
Sept 18 2008 by John Thompson, Liverpool Echo
THERE were gasps of dismay when Everton were drawn to play Standard Liege in the qualifying round of the UEFA Cup. Tonight’s first leg at Goodison pits the Blues against a side who went on a long unbeaten run to become Belgian champions last season, who recently gave Liverpool the fright of their lives – and who anyway felt they should have been given automatic passage to the group stages. Some fans have clearly been fearing the worst. But it is hoped those supporters have been listening to Phil Jagielka’s comments in the last 24 hours, remarks which put some much-needed perspective on tonight’s encounter. It was cruel for Everton to be drawn so early on against a side of Liege’s growing stature when they could have hoped to be paired with a team they had never even heard of, let alone respected. Just as it was tough luck two years ago when they were matched against top Spanish side Villareal in the Champions League and then robbed by Pierluigi Collina. But as Jagielka hints, the Belgians and their fans were hardly dancing in the streets of Liege whenordered to return to Merseyside to continue their European excursions. Jagielka is full of belief that Everton’s squad is more than capable of negotiating its way through this tie. Which it is. Liege are strong opponents to face at this stage – but they’re no world beaters. And they have lost arguably their best player in Marouane Fellaini.
The point here is the crucial importance of self-belief and confidence.
It was a key reason why Liverpool inflicted their first league defeat in years on Manchester United at the weekend. For once the doubt and almost tangible sense of fear on the pitch and in the stands was firmly banished from Anfield. As Jagielka says, confidence is crucial to success and there is no reason why Everton, steadied and reinforced, should tonight lack it. Particularly with Tim Cahill returning to the fold as if he has never been away, and Mikel Arteta getting back to his best after last season’s pains. Belief itself cannot win games. But a lack of it can lose them. If Everton tonight heed Jagielka’s message – and no doubt that being drilled into them by their astute manager – the Blues can certainly establish a lead which will see them through, and ensure the Belgians won’t be booking any more city breaks on Merseyside for a while.
Everton 2, Standard Liege 2 (D,Post)
Sep 19 2008
by Ian Doyle at Goodison Park, Liverpool Daily Post
MAYBE David Moyes should have had a word with Marouane Fellaini after all. Yet it’s his defenders that will be the subject of a stern lecture this morning. The Everton manager revealed earlier this week he had refused to pump the club’s new record signing for information on former employers Standard Liege. But a little inside knowledge would have proved useful after Everton’s European aspirations were left hanging precariously in the balance last night. A cup-tied Fellaini could only look on from the stands as his old colleagues secured a 2-2 draw in an enthralling UEFA Cup first round first leg tie at Goodison. With those two priceless away goals, the Belgian champions must be regarded as favourites for the return at their intimate and hostile Stade Maurice Dufrasne in a fortnight. Now, as 12 months earlier, Everton find themselves having to do things the hard way to qualify for the group stages, with victory almost certainly required in Belgium to progress. Similar to their encounter with Metalist Kharkiv last year, when Andrew Johnson missed two penalties, Everton were at times their own worst enemy. None more so than on 35 minutes when Joseph Yobo became the second of Moyes’s players to send the ball into his own net this week to put Standard ahead for the second time. It was symptomatic of an incident-packed first half in which some outstanding Everton finishing was negated by continued sloppy defending. Yakubu had earlier equalised Dieumerci Mbokani’s opener, with Segundo Castillo marking his home debut with an outstanding 25-yard volley to drag Everton level again six minutes before the break. Certainly, it won’t just be the over-enthusiastic ball boy who returned the ball before it had gone out of play during the first half that receives a ticking-off after this result. Everton’s defence remains the major cause for concern. A back-line that underpinned their successes last season has been alarmingly porous since the squad reconvened in the summer; it’s now 10 games and counting since the last clean sheet. At least some traditional qualities are still present and correct, Moyes’s men demonstrating huge character in twice fighting back from going behind in the first half. That said, Everton were at times guilty of playing too much with their hearts rather than their heads, a naivety that was all the more surprising given the experience gained in last season’s run to the last 16. It’s an admirable quality prerequisite of every winning team, but the home side would have benefited from a touch more tactical discipline. This, remember, is a tie that will be decided over 180 minutes, not 90. Credit, though, must go to Standard, who proved the Champions League scare they had meted out to Liverpool last month was no fluke with another accomplished display. Even without Fellaini, the Belgian champions were an impressive outfit, the standouts being skipper Steven Defour pulling the strings in midfield and powerful forward Mbokani. The sight of Victor Anichebe leaving the field on the stretcher after a nasty collision with Dante was the last thing Moyes needed, given his understandable concerns that his squad lacks the depth at present to realistically compete both home and abroad. With Fellaini ineligible to play in Europe until the New Year, the fit-again Leon Osman stepped into midfield for the only change from the Everton team that won at Stoke City on Sunday. European competition had provided some of last season’s most memorable occasions at Goodison, and this was another to add to the ever-growing list. The action flashed by in an exciting first half which bore more resemblance to a blood and thunder Premier League game than a cagey first leg European tie. Anichebe came close early on but it was Standard who struck first in the ninth minute with another goal that, from Everton’s point of view, could easily have been avoided. Joleon Lescott was at fault, the left-back caught sleeping by allowing Wilfried Dalmat to reach a clever Defour pass down the inside right channel and cross for the unattended Mbokani to tap home. Cahill should have done better when sending over a far-post header from Mikel Arteta’s chipped cross before Everton were hugely fortunate when, after Standard cut through their defence once more, Igor De Camargo unwittingly cleared Milan Jovanic’s shot off the line with Tim Howard beaten. Moyes’s side made the most of their escape by equalising midway through the half. It was a well crafted strike too, Arteta’s ball in from the left to the edge of the area helped on by Osman for Yakubu to finish first time into the bottom corner. Ten minutes before the break, however, Everton pressed the self-destruct button again. This time, Marcos had space to race down the right on to Dalmat’s pass and, in attempting to cut out the subsequent cross, the hapless Yobo succeeded only in sending the ball past Howard. Everton were in arrears for just four minutes, Jovanovic’s headed clearance from an Osman pass dropping to Castillo 25 yards out and the Ecuadorian smashing a brilliant volley that Standard goalkeeper and international team-mate Aragon Espinoza got a hand to but couldn’t keep out. Not a bad way for Everton to register their 100th goal in European competition. Yakubu dropped an effort narrowly wide before the break and Arteta curled a free-kick shortly after as the game finally caught its breath. The chances weren’t as free-flowing during the second period as Standard elected to drop deep and play on the counter-attack, leaving the hosts to make the running. Everton’s best opening came when substitute James Vaughan took Arteta’s right-wing cross off Cahill’s head and nodded over, but the again off-form Lescott was extremely fortunate not to concede a penalty in injury time after misjudging another long pass and tangling with Dalmat in the area. But even with that late let off, Moyes’s men know they have it all to do in Belgium in a fortnight.
Phil Jagielka: Everton must get back to basics
Sept 19 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
PHIL JAGIELKA today admitted that Everton must get back to basics to prevent their European dreams disintegrating at the first hurdle. The Blues’ hopes of reaching the UEFA Cup group stages are hanging in the balance after Standard Liege took full advantage of the current defensive uncertainty that is sweeping through the ranks to secure a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park. However, it could have been much worse for David Moyes’ men as they twice trailed the Belgian champions during a chaotic first half and looked vulnerable every time Standard attacked down the flanks.
But even though Moyes says his side head into the return leg on Thursday week as underdogs, Jagielka insists there is a determination to rectify those errors and show last year’s miserly form as quickly as possible. “We showed character to come back from conceding two sloppy goals,” said Jagielka. “There are worse results, but going into the away leg level pegging is not what we wanted. “We are normally used to winning games 1-0 but at the minute all we seem to be doing is drawing 2-2 or being involved in games that finish 3-2. “The tie is not over by any stretch of the imagination and I’m sure we can go over there and give a good account of ourselves. That manager wasn’t happy. It’s not us. We all know that. The manager has been through a few pointers with us about where we need to be tighter. “They are a good team and are set up to counter attack. They have probably done a lot of work on how to play against us but we’ll see what their game plan is.” Having salvaged a similar scenario in Ukraine 12 months ago against Metalist Kharkiv, Jagielka is confident that history will repeat itself and feels Everton will be a completely different proposition with another fortnight’s preparation behind them. “We are still bedding ourselves in,” said Jagielka. “We have got players coming back from long-term injuries, then players like Segundo Castillo learning how we play.” The Blues, meanwhile, will discover today the extent of the injury that forced Victor Anichebe to be carried off during the second half. The early prognosis is that it is not as serious as first feared. A HIT anniversary play tracing the remarkable life and career of Dixie Dean returns to the stage this autumn. The Dixie Dean Story will be back for two performances at Liverpool’s Mountford Hall on Friday, September 19.
Everton 2 Standard Liege 2: David Moyes faces dilemma over Joleon Lescott
Sept 19 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES is considering taking Joleon Lescott out of the firing line after he admitted Everton's UEFA Cup hopes are in jeopardy due to defensive errors.
The England international has endured a shaky start to the campaign and was at fault for the first goal Standard Liege scored in last night’s exciting 2-2 Goodison Park draw. Lescott has made 101 consecutive appearances for the Blues, but Moyes will not rush into a decision about whether he brings that sequence to an end at Hull on Sunday. “I think Joleon has had a situation where he has had a good game, then a not so good game,” said Moyes, who dismissed reports that he has signed his new contract. “For us, it is important we keep giving him confidence. “But I will need to make decisions and I will need to assess how the team is playing.” Though the first leg of this UEFA Cup tie was an entertaining spectacle, Moyes accepted that his side’s defensive lapses were to blame. “It was a very open game in the first half,” he said, “too open for us. I think with them scoring early on, it made us try and open up even more. “Standard are a good side with good players. It’s a difficult tie for us.
“It’s a big job in hand to get a result but we have still got a chance.” Everton, however, overcame a similar scenario against Ukrainian side Metalist Kharkiv 12 months ago and the manager feels there is reason to believe they can do likewise.
The Blues won four of their five away matches in Europe last season and Moyes hopes their travels will be just as productive this time around. “We need to score a goal,” he said. “Keeping a clean sheet will be key to it. “That’s not something we have done yet. We had a good record away from home last year. Now we are going to have to go there and play well again. “If we can score two, great. But they will be thinking that they can score at home as well. “We have been here before. This time last year we had drawn 1-1 with Kharkiv. “We were feeling sorry for ourselves after missing two penalty kicks,” he added. “But the game was really tough and I expect this one to be the same.”
Howard Kendall: David Moyes' improper conduct charge is a disgrace
Sep 19 2008 By Howard Kendall, Liverpool Echo
ONCE again the FA have not failed in their ability to surprise – the decision to charge David Moyes with improper conduct is an absolute disgrace. Television replays showed that referee Alan Wiley had made a huge mistake in not awarding Everton a penalty at Stoke and he has subsequently apologised to David, so why, then, do the beaks at Soho Square feel it necessary to press on with disciplinary action?
It seems astonishing that Wiley will take charge of a Premier League game this weekend when he should really be punished by dropping down a couple of divisions, which makes it all the more unbelievable that David could be taken to task for somebody else’s error. He has maintained that he did not swear at Wiley and I’ve no reason to doubt David on that because, when I was in the dugout, I used to implore to everybody who was alongside me that they never gave any language to the officials.
Muttering something under your breath was, of course, an entirely different matter but we never engaged in any stand up rows or shouted every profanity imaginable at referees or linesmen if decisions never went our way. But when you see a referee make an error that is so blatant and basic, it is exceedingly difficult to keep your cool and all David has done is highlight that Everton should have had a penalty – as everyone in the Britannia Stadium could see. They say mistakes and decisions that have gone against you over the course of a season even themselves out. If that’s the case, Everton have got a huge credit built up because I can’t remember us benefiting from a refereeing mistake since the opening day of the 2006-07 campaign.
Thank heavens Wiley’s error did not cost us against Stoke and we were able to get the three points our play deserved – all being well, the FA will now see sense and not take any further action. David doesn’t deserve it.
It's not all over yet for Blues
WE saw last night that Standard Liege are a very good side.
Anyone who thought they merely raised their game for the recent Champions League qualifer against Liverpool was clearly wrong. They worked really well collectively against us. We’ve got to sort out the defensive errors which are costing us so many goals at Goodison this season. It is a problem which will worry David Moyes.
Joseph Yobo is a very good player but I’d like to see him directing things a bit more and handing out information at the back. Joleon Lescott is also struggling just now but if he can get a goal himself – as he’s done many time before – I’m sure his confidence will lift and he’ll return to his best. If we can tighten things at the back and go over there and keep a clean sheet, then there is still a chance we can go through.
You’ve got to credit the players for coming back twice last night when their heads might have dropped. They showed real character. Liege will now be favourites. I was impressed with them - but this tie is certainly not over.
Villa looking a danger
CAST a glance at the league tables around Europe at the minute and it’s encouraging to see that no team has started to go clear. The likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all found things tough going and hopefully that will mean the race for titles will be much more interesting than they have been in recent years.
As always, the Premier League is proving to be ultra competitive and, to my eye, Aston Villa are the side that looks capable of making a push for the top four, but I’ve no intentions of ruling Everton out at this stage. Marouane Fellaini looks like he will be a good acquisition and his aerial ability will be a particularly important weapon, both in defence and up front. It will be interesting to see how he does at Hull again this Sunday. While Phil Brown’s side have made a good fist of things, these are the type of games David Moyes will have circled as ‘must wins’ and I’d fully expect Everton to triumph at the KC Stadium.
Everton 2 Standard Liege 2
Sept 19 2008 by Ian Doyle, Daily Post
MAYBE David Moyes should have had a word with Marouane Fellaini after all. The Everton manager revealed earlier this week he had refused to pump the club’s new record signing for information on former employers Standard Liege. MAYBE David Moyes should have had a word with Marouane Fellaini after all. The Everton manager revealed earlier this week he had refused to pump the club’s new record signing for information on former employers Standard Liege. But a little inside knowledge would have proved useful after Everton’s European aspirations were left hanging precariously in the balance last night. A cup-tied Fellaini could only look on from the stands as his old colleagues secured a 2-2 draw in an enthralling Uefa Cup first round first leg tie at Goodison. With those two away goals, the Belgian champions must be regarded as favourites for the second leg at their intimate and hostile Stade Maurice Dufrasne in two week’s time. Now, as 12 months earlier, Everton find themselves having to do things the hard way to qualify for the group stages. Similar to their encounter with Metalist Kharkiv 12 months earlier, when Andrew Johnson missed two penalties, Moyes’ men were at times their own worst enemy. None more so than on 35 minutes when Joseph Yobo became the second of Moyes’ players to put the ball into his own net this week to put Standard ahead for the second time. It was symptomatic of an incident-packed first half in which some outstanding Everton finishing was negated by sloppy defending. Ayegbeni Yakubu had earlier equalised Dieumerci Mbokani’s opener, with Segundo Castillo, having recently began a season-long loan from Red Star Belgrade, marking his home debut with an outstanding 25-yard volley to drag Everton level again six minutes before the break. Certainly, it won’t just be the over-enthusiastic ball boy who returned the ball before it had gone out of play during the first half that receives a ticking-off after this result. Everton’s defence remains the major cause for concern. The back line that underpinned their successes last season has been alarmingly porous since the squad reconvened in the summer; it’s now 10 games and counting since the last clean sheet. At least some traditional qualities are still present and correct, Moyes’s men demonstrating huge character in twice fighting back from going behind in the first half. That said, Everton were at times guilty of playing too much with their hearts rather than their heads.
It’s an admirable quality prerequisite of every winning team, but the home side would have benefited from a touch more tactical discipline. This, remember, is a tie that will be decided over 180 minutes, not 90. Credit, though, must go to Standard, who proved the Champions League scare they had meted out to Liverpool last month was no fluke with another accomplished display. Even without Fellaini, the Belgian champions were an impressive outfit, the standouts being skipper Steven Defour pulling the strings in midfield and powerful forward Mbokani. The sight of Victor Anichebe leaving the field on the stretcher after a nasty collision with Dante was the last thing Moyes needed, given his understandable concerns that his squad lacks the depth at present to realistically compete both home and abroad. With Fellaini ineligible to play in Europe until the New Year, the fit-again Leon Osman replaced the Belgian in the only change from the Everton team that won at Stoke City on Sunday.European competition had provided some of last season’s most memorable occasions at Goodison, and this was another to add to the ever-growing list. The action flashed by in an exciting first half which bore resemblance to a blood and thunder Premier League game than a cagey first leg European tie. Anichebe came close early on but it was Standard who struck first in the ninth minute with another goal that, from Everton’s point of view, could easily have been avoided. Joleon Lescott was at fault, the left-back caught sleeping by allowing Wilfried Dalmat to reach a clever Defour pass down the inside right channel and cross for the unattended Mbokani to tap home.
Cahill should have done better when sending over a far-post header from Mikel Arteta’s chipped cross before Everton were hugely fortunate when Standard cut through their defence once more and Igor De Camargo unwittingly cleared Milan Jovanic’s shot off the line with Tim Howard well beaten. Moyes’s side made the most of their escape by equalising midway through the half. It was a well crafted strike too, Arteta’s ball in from the left to the edge of the area helped on by Osman for Yakubu to finish first time into the bottom corner. Ten minutes before the break, however, Everton pressed the self-destruct button again at the back. This time, Marcos had space to race down the right on to Dalmat’s pass and, in attempting to cut out the subsequent cross, the hapless Yobo succeeded only in putting the ball into his own net. Everton were behind for just four minutes, Jovanovic’s headed clearance from an Osman pass dropping to Castillo 25 yards out, the Ecuadorian smashing a brilliant volley that Standard goalkeeper and international team-mate Aragon Espinoza got a hand to but couldn’t keep out. Not a bad way for Everton to register their 100th goal in European competition. Yakubu dropped an effort narrowly wide before the break and Arteta curled a free-kick shortly after as the game finally caught its breath.
The chances weren’t as free-flowing as they were in the first half as Standard elected to drop deep and play on the coutner-attack, leaving Everton to make the running.
Everton’s best opening came when substitute James Vaughan took Arteta’s right-wing cross off Cahill’s head and nodded over, while Lescott was extremely fortunate not to concede a penalty in injury time after misjudging another long pass and tangling with Dalmat in the area. But even with that late let-off, Moyes’ men know they have it all to do in Belgium in a fortnight.
Below standard defending costly
Sept 19 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
MAYBE David Moyes should have had a word with Marouane Fellaini after all. Yet it’s his defenders that will be the subject of a stern lecture this morning.
The Everton manager revealed earlier this week he had refused to pump the club’s new record signing for information on former employers Standard Liege.
But a little inside knowledge would have proved useful after Everton’s European aspirations were left hanging precariously in the balance last night. A cup-tied Fellaini could only look on from the stands as his old colleagues secured a 2-2 draw in an enthralling UEFA Cup first round first leg tie at Goodison. With those two priceless away goals, the Belgian champions must be regarded as favourites for the return at their intimate and hostile Stade Maurice Dufrasne in a fortnight. Now, as 12 months earlier, Everton find themselves having to do things the hard way to qualify for the group stages, with victory almost certainly required in Belgium to progress.
Similar to their encounter with Metalist Kharkiv last year, when Andrew Johnson missed two penalties, Everton were at times their own worst enemy. None more so than on 35 minutes when Joseph Yobo became the second of Moyes’s players to send the ball into his own net this week to put Standard ahead for the second time.
It was symptomatic of an incident-packed first half in which some outstanding Everton finishing was negated by continued sloppy defending. Yakubu had earlier equalised Dieumerci Mbokani’s opener, with Segundo Castillo marking his home debut with an outstanding 25-yard volley to drag Everton level again six minutes before the break. Certainly, it won’t just be the over-enthusiastic ball boy who returned the ball before it had gone out of play during the first half that receives a ticking-off after this result. Everton’s defence remains the major cause for concern. A back-line that underpinned their successes last season has been alarmingly porous since the squad reconvened in the summer; it’s now 10 games and counting since the last clean sheet. At least some traditional qualities are still present and correct, Moyes’s men demonstrating huge character in twice fighting back from going behind in the first half. That said, Everton were at times guilty of playing too much with their hearts rather than their heads, a naivety that was all the more surprising given the experience gained in last season’s run to the last 16. It’s an admirable quality prerequisite of every winning team, but the home side would have benefited from a touch more tactical discipline. This, remember, is a tie that will be decided over 180 minutes, not 90. Credit, though, must go to Standard, who proved the Champions League scare they had meted out to Liverpool last month was no fluke with another accomplished display. Even without Fellaini, the Belgian champions were an impressive outfit, the standouts being skipper Steven Defour pulling the strings in midfield and powerful forward Mbokani. The sight of Victor Anichebe leaving the field on the stretcher after a nasty collision with Dante was the last thing Moyes needed, given his understandable concerns that his squad lacks the depth at present to realistically compete both home and abroad. With Fellaini ineligible to play in Europe until the New Year, the fit-again Leon Osman stepped into midfield for the only change from the Everton team that won at Stoke City on Sunday. European competition had provided some of last season’s most memorable occasions at Goodison, and this was another to add to the ever-growing list. The action flashed by in an exciting first half which bore more resemblance to a blood and thunder Premier League game than a cagey first leg European tie. Anichebe came close early on but it was Standard who struck first in the ninth minute with another goal that, from Everton’s point of view, could easily have been avoided. Joleon Lescott was at fault, the left-back caught sleeping by allowing Wilfried Dalmat to reach a clever Defour pass down the inside right channel and cross for the unattended Mbokani to tap home.
Cahill should have done better when sending over a far-post header from Mikel Arteta’s chipped cross before Everton were hugely fortunate when, after Standard cut through their defence once more, Igor De Camargo unwittingly cleared Milan Jovanic’s shot off the line with Tim Howard beaten. Moyes’s side made the most of their escape by equalising midway through the half. It was a well crafted strike too, Arteta’s ball in from the left to the edge of the area helped on by Osman for Yakubu to finish first time into the bottom corner. Ten minutes before the break, however, Everton pressed the self-destruct button again. This time, Marcos had space to race down the right on to Dalmat’s pass and, in attempting to cut out the subsequent cross, the hapless Yobo succeeded only in sending the ball past Howard. Everton were in arrears for just four minutes, Jovanovic’s headed clearance from an Osman pass dropping to Castillo 25 yards out and the Ecuadorian smashing a brilliant volley that Standard goalkeeper and international team-mate Aragon Espinoza got a hand to but couldn’t keep out. Not a bad way for Everton to register their 100th goal in European competition. Yakubu dropped an effort narrowly wide before the break and Arteta curled a free-kick shortly after as the game finally caught its breath. The chances weren’t as free-flowing during the second period as Standard elected to drop deep and play on the counter-attack, leaving the hosts to make the running. Everton’s best opening came when substitute James Vaughan took Arteta’s right-wing cross off Cahill’s head and nodded over, but the again off-form Lescott was extremely fortunate not to concede a penalty in injury time after misjudging another long pass and tangling with Dalmat in the area. But even with that late let off, Moyes’s men know they have it all to do in Belgium in a fortnight.
Everton 2, Standard Liege 2
Sept 19 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
HOW typical. On the night Everton created a little bit of European history, this year's adventure is in danger of being consigned to the past before it has had a chance to start. Should Segundo Castillo not do another thing during his time on Merseyside, the record books will show that the right-footed howitzer he lashed home against Standard Liege was the 100th goal Everton scored in continental combat.
That should have been cause for celebration but, at the minute, it threatens to be a not so memorable footnote. As was the case 12 months ago after Metalist Kharkiv’s visit, a first leg home tie has left Everton’s hopes of progress precariously balanced and many, not surprisingly, will expect the trapdoor to fall open under them in Belgium on Thursday week. The reason for despondency is obvious. With the Blues currently unable to keep a clean sheet, Laszlo Boloni’s energetic side will expect to create a chance that will effectively kill off Everton’s challenge. Who can blame them for having such confidence? There is a rule about playing European football that everyone knows. Put simply, all a home team must do in a two-legged affair is remain defensively robust and not concede a goal. Anyone, then, who watched Everton stutter and fumble their way through the opening 45 minutes last night will realise they did exactly the opposite. If it was not bad enough falling behind to a strike that will leave Joleon Lescott squirming every time it is replayed, the Keystone Cops routine that Tim Howard and Joseph Yobo conjured up merely added insult to injury.
Clearly, the communication lines between the two became scrambled as Yobo diverted a cross from Marcos Camozatto past his goalkeeper from four yards when he should have allowed the ball to be gathered by Howard. That farcical moment summed up everything that was bad about the Blues’ rearguard, who have experienced what can only be described as a painful start to the campaign – the concession of 11 goals in five matches is an appalling statistic. Some may consider such words to be over the top, but how can they be? This, remember, is a side that based its success last season on a miserly back four and boasted the fifth best defensive record in the Premier League. “The defending was poor and we have had a problem with that in our early games,” a visibly disheartened David Moyes conceded.
“I have been disappointed with it and that is what has cost us.” Should they produce a similarly chaotic effort in the Stade Maurice Dufrasne, forget all dreams of going to Istanbul next May, as Everton’s journey in the UEFA Cup will come crashing down at the first hurdle. One hopes that this is the kick up the backside they need to revert to type, as excuses for them are thin on the ground because they have not had to bed in a new face and the majority were there for the entirety of pre-season. Lescott, so worryingly out of sorts, has come in for most flak. But Yobo is not playing with any kind of authority and the uncertainty is having an impact on Howard. Only the two Phils – Neville and Jagielka – can hold their heads high at the minute. Fortunately, Liege, for all their industry and endeavour, are not one of the powerhouses in this competition such as AC Milan, Valencia or Ajax and will, on this evidence, give Everton plenty of chances of their own. Castillo, who enjoyed a sound home debut, and Ayegbeni Yakubu took advantage at Goodison, and with a couple more matches under their belt, Victor Anichebe, Tim Cahill and substitute James Vaughan may all have found the scoresheet, too. Yes, Everton have got some back trouble, but in Yakubu they have a striker who is playing at the top of his game – four goals in five appearances so far speaks volumes – and only a fool would bet against him not extending that sequence across the channel. What’s more, Mikel Arteta is getting closer to his best form, his performance against the Belgian champions another step on the three-assist effort he produced at Stoke last weekend. So it is worth re-emphasising the point that Everton are not faced with a mission impossible.
Difficult and uncomfortable it may be, but in no way is it so tough that the white flags should be draped off the nose of the jet that carries them there. Success is all the sweeter when it comes after you have been written off, and Moyes has got to use that as a motivational tool as much as he possibly can before these sides meet again.
It would be a travesty if defensive errors were the reason that all the hard work which was put in last season was to go to waste, and the suspicion persists that this bunch of players will not allow that to happen. The task that now faces them is no- where near as daunting as the one that awaited them in Villarreal’s El Madrigal home three summers ago. Nor do they have to score four goals to claw back a deficit, as was the case against Dinamo Bucharest. Everton are an infinitely better side than they were then, and they could even prove to be much better than they were when tackling Kharkiv 12 months ago. To bear that out, however, it is time to eradicate the concession of those stupid goals.
Man of the Match: Mikel Arteta
His performances are getting better and better and he produced again last night. Segundo Castillo and Phil Jagielka were the others in contention for the gong.
EVERTON (4-4-1-1): Howard; Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott; Anichebe (Vaughan 64), Castillo, Cahill, Arteta, Osman; Yakubu.
STANDARD (4-4-2): Espinoza; Camozatto, Sarr, Onyewu, Dante; Dalmat, Nicaise, Defour, Witsel; De Camargo (Nicaise 87), Mbokani.
Attendance: 28, 312
Referee: Grzegorz Gilewski (Poland)
EVERTON YOUTH 1 SUNDERLAND YOUTH 1
September 20th 2008 Daily Post
Everton's Academy side's winning run has come to an end after a tight, high-quality confrontation with Sunderland. The Blues played host to The Black Cats after netting 14 goals in their three preceding outings. Once again, Everton created some great scoring opportunities - but on this occasion they had to settle for a share of the spoils after a display of outstanding goalkeeping from the Sunderland number one. Almost all of Everton's scoring chances were created in the second half of a contest that was dominated by the visitors for the opening 45 minutes. They enjoyed long spells of possession and, although they didn't turn that possession into a multitude of scoring chances to really threaten the home side, coach Neil Dewsnip switched things around tactically at the interval - introducing George Krenn from the bench and shuffling his pack on the field. The result was a much improved second half. Everton became the dominant side, with Lewis Codling left to rue two stunning saves from the Sunderland keeper that denied him goals before the home side finally took the lead. It came from a set-piece, with Redmond delivering the centre from the corner. Karl Sheppard flicked on and James McCarten was on hand to prod the ball home. There were further chances to net for the home side. But instead, Sunderland snatched an equaliser with a sweetly struck free-kick from the edge of the box in the 75th minute. Bidwell was denied by another cracking save with a thumping effort from 25 yards but, at the death, Sunderland struck the woodwork from another free-kick. In the end, a draw was a fair reflection on a contest in which both sides boasted long periods of dominance.
David Moyes is backing Joleon Lescott
Sept 20 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
JOLEON LESCOTT has been urged to follow Rio Ferdinand’s lead to emerge from the first blip of his Everton career. Blues boss David Moyes must weigh up whether to take the spotlight off Lescott by dropping him to the bench for tomorrow’s trip to Hull City or keep faith with the England star after his torrid experience against Standard Liege. But even though he recognises that Lescott is finding things difficult at the minute, Moyes has no doubts he will be all better for the experience and points to the way Ferdinand has developed during his time at Old Trafford. Having been prone to mistakes following his move from Leeds in 2003, Ferdinand is now one of the most consistent defenders in the country and Moyes sees no reason why Lescott cannot mirror that development. “There were always going to be occasions when his form levels out,” said Moyes. “I can remember when Rio Ferdinand went to Manchester United and people questioned him. “You only need to look at Ferdinand now to see how good a player he has become and what he offers Manchester United.
“I have got no doubt that Joleon Lescott will do the same here at Everton.
“He has been more than happy to play left-back in the last two games.
“He accepts that he will play part of the season at centre-back and part of it at left-back. He is comfortable with that. “But I can understand why he feels more comfortable in the centre.” Should Moyes keep faith with Lescott, Joseph Yobo could be the man to make way to accommodate the return of Nuno Valente or Leighton Baines at The KC Stadium and the manager senses his £4m buy from Wolves is desperate to atone. “Joleon is very conscientious and there is nobody more determined than him to put things right,” said Moyes. “There has been maybe one good game followed by one bad game but you can go through those periods. “I was a defender myself but you can have spells where you make mistakes that turn out to be very costly. “There is big expectations on him and that happens. He was such a good player last year, won all our player of the year awards and was involved with England.
“He has set high standards for himself. “He is a great lad to work with. He wants to listen and wants to get better.” With Victor Anichebe struggling after picking up a shin injury, Moyes will restore Marouane Fellaini to his midfield but he knows Everton will have to be on form to register a third away win of the campaign.
“Hull have done really well,” said Moyes. “Phil Brown has done a great job and has really got his side going. “But bits of us are starting to play well again. I’m sure it is going to be a good game.”
Mikel Arteta getting back to his best
Sept 20 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
TIM CAHILL understandably grabbed the headlines on his shock return to action last week but it would be unfair to overlook the flying start Mikel Arteta has made to the campaign. The Spaniard has been directly involved in six of the seven goals that Everton have scored in the Premier League and is playing with the hunger of a man who is determined to make up for lost time. It is clear to see the operation he underwent in May has had the desired effect, as Arteta is moving with purpose and power once again. Arteta worked hard during the summer to get himself fit and provided he remains in rude health, we are likely to see his game raised another couple of notches. Cahill’s goals may secure him more popularity on the terraces than Arteta but even the Australian’s biggest fan would not temper the importance of Everton’s number 10 - if the two men can start working in tandem again, they are likely to help push the Blues a long way.
Mikel Arteta: Time we got back in the old routine
Sept 20 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
ANOTHER away day, another newly promoted team. In normal circumstances, Everton would be hot favourites to secure another win but this time confidence is not so high. Over the past three seasons, the Blues have had little difficulty coping with the challenge of visiting a new ground and become adept at teaching those who believe they can mix it with the big boys a lesson. Last season, for example, Sunderland, Derby County and Birmingham had come out of the Championship but Everton took seven points out of a possible nine from those games and the record was identical in 2006/07 against Reading, Watford and Sheffield United. Already this year, the first Premier League fixtures on the road have paired Everton with West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City and that has led to a maximum haul; you would fancy, then, for the hat-trick to be completed at Hull City tomorrow. That, though, is not the case. With early season defensive frailties ruthless exposed once again on Thursday evening in the UEFA Cup clash against Standard Liege, Phil Brown’s side will surely sense blood. So if Everton are going to avoid the ignominy of their first trip to the KC Stadium becoming a losing one, it goes without saying that they need to rediscover the strength and obduracy at the back for which they have become known.
The fact they have conceded 11 goals in their first five matches is something that has vexed both David Moyes and his players alike and Mikel Arteta appreciates how important it is to find that missing ingredient. Everton face five games in the next fortnight that will go a long way to shaping the destiny of their campaign and if the current ills remain, Arteta is well aware that a potentially disastrous outcome awaits.
“It is back to business quickly and we have to make sure we change things at Hull,” said Arteta. “We want to keep winning games. We haven’t done it at home yet and that’s not good enough. “Normally it is very hard to score goals against us and we have won many games 1-0. But this season it is like anyone can score against us. It’s not even happening if a team is controlling the game or playing great football.
“In a single action, they score. Then we are down and it is difficult for us to start again. We look at teams before games to see where they are not good and where we can think about hurting them. “But I’m sure Hull have been watching our games over the last few weeks and they will know that they can score goals against us. They will want to put us under pressure straight away and will be confident after playing really well against Newcastle last week. “It is going to be a tough game for us. This is a crucial period. We think about three years ago when we went out of Europe and last year when we managed to get through. It makes such a difference to the way things turn out. “The UEFA Cup is massive and to go out of it would be a huge disappointment for everyone. The Carling Cup is there for us and we want to stay in as many competitions as we can.” European progress may be hanging in the balance after the 2-2 draw with an impressive Standard team but neither Arteta, nor any of his team-mates for that matter, believes getting a positive result will be beyond them in Belgium. Away form, after all, has been good. “They were organised, physical and very hard to beat,” said Arteta. “They have presence up front and at the back and they showed they are a good side, just as was the case against Liverpool. We go with the draw and that’s not a good result for us. “It is still winnable. Of course it is. We can’t concede so many goals but I believe that we can go there and beat them. It is going to be hard and the stadium will be full with noisy supporters but we have to have confidence when we go over there.” Clear, then, that there will be no finger pointing or apportioning of blame for the goals Everton conceded. Joseph Yobo and Joleon Lescott are experiencing a dip in fortunes, but Arteta says the rest of the squad have a duty to lift their shattered team-mates. Solidarity has helped them overcome problems in the past and the Spanish midfielder knows that will be the case again, which leaves him feeling confident solidity is just around the corner. “The best thing that we have got here is the belief and the spirit,” he said. “We are all right behind each other. We know that we can’t keep disappointing people and we have got to cut out the individual mistakes. “But we won’t be putting the blame on one single player. We win together and lose together. We score the goals together as a team and when we concede them it is not just down to the defence. Now we have got to see if we can improve.”
Hull 2, Everton 2: Saha so good as sub leads recovery
Sept 22 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
IT SEEMS every silver lining has a cloud for David Moyes. No sooner does he discover a new striking talisman, he still finds himself bemoaning bad old habits.
Eyebrows were raised when the Goodison manager brought Louis Saha from Manchester United shortly before the transfer deadline last month.
Given the Frenchman’s chronic fitness problems of recent years, many feared it was a gamble too far for a team already beset by an over-subscribed treatment room and a threadbare squad. Moyes, though, is convinced that even if Saha is fit for only half of this season, the striker’s contribution will justify the £2million Everton could eventually pay for his services. And on this early evidence, the Goodison manager may well prove vindicated. Emerging for his debut at half-time with Everton 2-0 down, Saha inspired his new colleagues to a rousing second-half comeback and a hard-earned point at promoted Hull City. That such a rescue act was required will have a caused a worryingly familiar headache for Moyes, who watched his creaking defence concede a brace of avoidable goals for the third times in eight days.
As was demonstrated against Standard Liege in midweek, the spirit and togetherness that has been the bedrock of Everton’s successes in recent season remains very much intact. Credit, too, must go to Moyes for the attack-minded half-time introduction of both Saha, who replaced defensive midfield Segundo Castillo, and Joleon Lescott, who paid the price for his poor start to the campaign by being benched. But the defence cannot be bailed out forever. Moyes knows it, and the players know it. And with their UEFA Cup and Carling Cup aspirations on the line in the next 10 days, not to mention the trifling matter of a Merseyside derby, any further shortcomings will surely be exposed. Perhaps it was a hangover from their European endeavours, but Everton lacked the sharpness, purpose and hunger of Hull until they slipped two goals behind. In some ways, that shouldn’t be a surprise. With Tim Cahill and Leon Osman patently short of full match fitness and new signings Marouane Fellaini and Castillo acclimatising to life in the Premier League, there’s little doubt Everton are operating way short of their full potential. But, given the threadbare nature of the squad, what other options does Moyes have at his disposal? That said, it ultimately worked in Everton’s favour with Cahill and Osman scoring within four minutes of each other in the final quarter to drag the visitors level. As Phil Jagielka contended last week, it seems Everton have to score three to win a game at present. Moyes’s men have now gone 11 games since a clean sheet and, unless matters improve markedly, they’ll be waiting just as long for the next one. Lescott was the first major casualty of that poor run, dropped from a Premier League starting line-up for the first time since the visit of Blackburn Rovers 13 months and 38 games ago. But his replacement Leighton Baines fared no better, and Lescott was back on the field for the start of the second half, introduced along with Saha in a double substitution that Hull manager Phil Brown correctly pinpointed as turning the game in Everton’s favour. The warnings were there from the second minute for the visitors, when Peter Halmosi, a constant threat down the Hull left, crossed for Bernard Mendy to head unmarked at Tim Howard.
Mendy was then wasteful when shooting high and wide from a good position before Hull went ahead on 18 minutes with, from Everton’s point of view, yet another sloppy goal. A corner from Dean Marney – a former Tottenham player whose only goals for the Londoners came against Everton almost four years ago – was swung to the far post where Fellaini was beaten in the air by Michael Turner, whose header dropped over Howard and Osman on the line. Simple hopeful punts caused continual consternation in the Everton defence as Hull’s robust strikeforce of Marlon King and debutant Daniel Cousin wreaked havoc. King curled a free-kick wide from 20 yards while Cousin found far too much space in the area to reach Halmosi’s pass, Jagielka recovering sufficiently to deflect his shot over. It wasn’t all one-way traffic, though. Arteta shot at Hull goalkeeper Bo Myhill, Osman dragged a shot wide from a Neville ball from the right and, shortly after falling behind, Fellaini headed Neville’s cross down for Yakubu to crack a first-time volley that was parried out by Myhill.
However, Everton’s half was encapsulated when Cahill inadvertently got in the way of a goalbound Osman volley. And it got worse five minutes after the break. Once more, a Marney corner from the left wasn’t dealt with and, as Howard prepared to punch clear, a touch from Neville’s head was enough to divert the ball against the goalkeeper’s hands and into the net. Two down, Everton had no option but to flood players forward. And with Saha making an immediate impact, they slowly turned the screw. Saha had an effort saved by Myhill and Lescott blasted over from range before Cahill pulled a goal back in on 73 minutes. With Hull panicking in defence, Osman’s shot was only cleared to the Australian inside the area. Cahill’s shot took a touch off goalkeeper Myhill on to the crossbar, with the referee’s assistant adjudging the ball had crossed the line before it bounced back out. It was a close call, but the correct one.
Four minutes later Everton levelled with a well-crafted strike. Yakubu exchanged passes with Saha down the left before crossing for Osman to improvise a volley beyond Myhill from close range. The game was now Everton’s to win. Saha hit the side-netting and Osman smashed over, but defeat would have been harsh on Hull despite the visitors’ rousing comeback. Moyes, though, knows that unless his team’s defending quickly improves, two possible routes to a silver lining for this season are in danger of being closed in the next fortnight.
Hull City 2, Everton 2 (D,Post)
Sep 22 2008
by Ian Doyle at the KC Stadium
THINGS we have learned from Everton's first trip to the KC Stadium, part one: William Blake did not have the drive to Hull in mind when he penned the words to Jerusalem. As those Blues who made the cross country trip yesterday will testify, snapshots of the England’s ‘green and pleasant land’ are few and far between on the M62, the scenery dominated by power stations, pylons and pretty charmless plants. A journey that makes the road into Middlesbrough seem like the path to paradise, the only saving grace was the fact it did not rain; then again, not even September sunshine makes the sight of ugly slabs of smoking concrete more palatable. Things we have learned from Everton’s first trip to the KC Stadium, part two: Until David Moyes’ men start to play as a cohesive unit and defend properly again, they can forget about making significant progress this season. While the manager shuffled his pack in East Yorkshire, dropping Joleon Lescott for Leighton Baines (though he eventually switched them at half-time) and bringing back Marouane Fellaini to bolster his midfield, very little – if anything – changed at the back. An inability to deal with the aerial aspects of the game, a lack of interaction and distinct air of vulnerability means that opposing teams in the coming weeks will be salivating at the prospect of taking the Blues on. Things we have learned from Everton’s first trip to the KC Stadium, part three: Thankfully, the fighting spirit and determination that has helped Moyes and his players conquer numerous challenges in recent years remains intact. Without a siege mentality, or that determination to keep dragging themselves off the floor, one shudders at how this campaign could look. It may not be glowing with health at present but it would be dead on its feet if this squad were the type that rolled over. Had Everton headed back to Merseyside beaten last night, the ramifications – and this is not being mischievous – could have been disastrous, particularly with their fate in two cup competitions to be decided in the next 10 days. So it was to their great credit that they clawed back a two-goal deficit and there is reason to believe that the stirring second half comeback might just provide the kick-start to this hitherto rollercoaster campaign. Finishing an entertaining contest with a swagger, belief and drive that has for long periods been absent, Everton will go into Wednesday night’s Carling Cup tussle at Ewood Park with confidence, but just as aware that things could have been so different. The goal to which they fell behind will have had Moyes tearing his hair out due to its simplicity – Dean Marney merely hoisted a corner to the back post and Michael Turner out jumped Fellaini to bullet a header past the stranded Tim Howard.It was, in truth, no more than Hull deserved for their bright start and had they possessed a touch more savvy, plus a bit of extra class up front, the game may well have been taken from Everton’s grasp before half-time. Bernard Mendy headed straight at Howard after Peter Halmosi had eluded Phil Neville, Marlon King bent a free-kick just wide and then chose to shoot after being set free when a pass back to the edge of the area would have resulted in a chance for Mendy. All Everton mustered in return was a shot that Leon Osman dragged wide and an Ayegbeni Yakubu volley that was beaten away. But any hopes of a comeback looked to have been destroyed five minutes into the second period after another defensive gaffe. In a routine that could have come straight from Billy Smart’s Circus, Neville, Howard and Phil Jagielka collided when trying to clear a corner – no communication equals massive problems – and King helped the loose ball into an empty net. For a club whose motto is ‘nil satis nisi optimum’, it was nothing like their best but, then again, we haven’t seen Everton’s best for some months now; not during pre-season, not in any of their opening fixtures and not even during the conclusion of the last campaign. Harsh? Not really. The evidence is there for all to see; only one clean sheet has been kept in 14 matches, a midfield that is struggling to find balance and it is clearly going to take time for some of the summer signings to settle down. “Our defending isn’t the way we want it,” Moyes grumbled. “I think a lot of it has been down to communication and understanding. We’re normally very good at it and at this point we aren’t. I have to make sure we work hard to get back to our standards.” One thing that could never be questioned, though, is this squad’s ability to stand up and fight. Much is made of the spirit that exists in Everton’s dressing room and without it, they would not have salvaged what appeared to be a hopeless situation here. Typically, Tim Cahill, despite being short of fitness, was at the hub of things and his controversial goal, which television replays showed crossed the line, gave Everton a thread to which to cling. Fittingly, the best was saved for last and the goal with which Leon Osman equalised came at the end of the game’s slickest, most incisive move, and was crafted by two men who could yet form a potent, prolific partnership. Yakubu’s talents, of course, are well known but yesterday provided the first opportunity to see Louis Saha in a Blue shirt and the former Manchester United man did not disappoint, making an enormous difference in the 45 minutes he played. Quick and strong, Saha clearly has bundles of class. If Moyes can keep him fit and the injuries which blighted his time at Old Trafford are consigned to the past, the decision to bring him to Merseyside will reap dividends. But, as everyone knows, that partnership will only reach its full potential, and the team will only start to move forward collectively, if these infuriating defensive mistakes are not banished once and for all. Time, then, to rediscover that missing magic.
Leon Osman: Everton must take heart from fightback
Sept 22 2008 Dominic King
LEON OSMAN today claimed Everton's stirring second half comeback at Hull can be the spark to ignite their stop-start season. Everton looked like starting Merseyside derby week with a potentially demoralising defeat until Tim Cahill and Osman scored within six minutes of each other to ensure the Blues’ first visit to the KC Stadium ended in a 2-2 draw. And Osman – who dislocated his thumb shortly before his goal – believes the manner in which Everton ended the contest suggested they are finally set to show their true potential after struggling to click into gear during the opening weeks of the campaign. First on the agenda is Wednesday night’s trip to Blackburn in the Carling Cup and Osman is looking for a big performance. But he has warned that Everton can’t keep making things so difficult for themselves by conceding silly goals. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy to go to Hull and get a result,” said Osman
“It was difficult and they got the crowd behind them early on. “They got up and running and scored two goals but, yet again, we are disappointed at the way we conceded them. “But we showed a lot of character to get back into it as we did and in the end, we deserved the point. “We possibly could have won it. When you come back from 2-0 down, it is a great feeling – sometimes it’s as if you have won the match.
“We feel like we started to gel in the last half an hour. We feel really positive and now we have got to carry this momentum forward into the next couple of games, which are really important for us. We are a positive unit. “We may have been conceding goals of late but we concede them as a team. There is no individual blame. It could have been a bad start to a big week but we clawed our way back, showed great character and we need to take this attitude forward.” Manager David Moyes is likely to make a couple of changes at Ewood Park and give one or two players a rest but he could unleash Louis Saha from the start of the tie after the Frenchman’s impressive debut.
Saha’s presence on the pitch helped turn the game back in Everton’s favour and now he has recovered from the calf injury with which he arrived from Manchester United, Osman believes he can form a potent partnership with Ayegbeni Yakubu, given their conttrasting attributes. “Louis is a quality player,” he said. “In terms of his style, it’s like he is the complete opposite of Yak . We have only seen them for half a game together but they linked really well. “We hope they are going to score a lot of goals for us. We’ve not had a problem scoring – keeping them out has been the problem.”
Nuno Valente, meanwhile, has confirmed his retirement from international football. The left back made 32 appearances for Portugal and helped his country reach the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
David Moyes hails Louis Saha debut as Everton stage comeback
Sept 22 2008 By Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES hailed Louis Saha's encouraging start to life as an Everton player after the new number nine helped lift the Blues back from the dead at Hull.
Having spent his first three weeks at Goodison battling to overcome a calf problem, Moyes was satisfied that the Frenchman had recovered sufficiently to name him on the bench at the KC Stadium yesterday. With Everton trailing at the interval, the manager decided to thrust Saha into the action and was rewarded with an impressive performance that gave Everton’s play a different dimension and ultimately helped them recover a two-goal deficit. Saha played a role in the goals that both Tim Cahill and Leon Osman scored, as well as linking well with Ayegbeni Yakubu, and Moyes hopes he the former Manchester United striker can continue to make such an impact.
"Louis made a big difference to how we played when he came on," said Moyes. "I’m glad to get him out there. I don’t think it was a gamble to play him. If I’d started with him, he’d have been happy. But I felt the best way was to bring him along slowly.
"He’s not had many games, so we’re gambling in that he hasn’t played any reserve games and just been training for two weeks. I said when we signed him that if I could get him fit for half the games this season then he could win us some points."
Moyes signed Saha – who has been tormented by injuries for the past two years – for a nominal fee but it could turn out to be a shrewd piece of business if he puts those troubles behind him. The France international has certainly impressed those who have dealt with him these past few weeks and his gesture to go without pay until he had proven his fitness struck a particular chord. "He’s gone about his work well, quietly, and there’s no doubt there’s a very, very talented footballer there," said Moyes. "Everybody I’ve spoken to has told me that. "There were signs during the second half that he can give us that, and if he can then it will be great for us. He’s a conscientious boy who doesn’t want to have a label of being injury-prone. He wants to get out there and put that to rest. "We know the last year or two has been difficult for him, so we’re going to try and nurse him along and get him in really good shape because he can be an asset for us." Poor defending had left Everton with a mountain to climb but Moyes felt that they did more than enough to warrant a share of the spoils - especially after they had gifted Hull their lead. "I’m very pleased with the result after being 2-0 down," he said. "I thought we deserved to get the goals back. We were a little it unfortunate to be 2-0 down, but that’s football. "I’ve not seen a replay of Tim’s goal, I was just delighted it was given. But I’m in favour of goalline technology. "It was two set-pieces that did us today. The first one we were out-jumped on and the second was poor defending and bad communication. But in the end, I think we’re disappointed that we didn’t get the three points."
Hull 2, Everton 2
Sept 22 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
THINGS we have learned from Everton's first trip to the KC Stadium, part one: William Blake did not have the drive to Hull in mind when he penned the words to Jerusalem. As those Blues who made the cross country trip yesterday will testify, snapshots of the England’s ‘green and pleasant land’ are few and far between on the M62, the scenery dominated by power stations, pylons and pretty charmless plants.
A journey that makes the road into Middlesbrough seem like the path to paradise, the only saving grace was the fact it did not rain; then again, not even September sunshine makes the sight of ugly slabs of smoking concrete more palatable. Things we have learned from Everton’s first trip to the KC Stadium, part two: Until David Moyes’ men start to play as a cohesive unit and defend properly again, they can forget about making significant progress this season. While the manager shuffled his pack in East Yorkshire, dropping Joleon Lescott for Leighton Baines (though he eventually switched them at half-time) and bringing back Marouane Fellaini to bolster his midfield, very little – if anything – changed at the back. An inability to deal with the aerial aspects of the game, a lack of interaction and distinct air of vulnerability means that opposing teams in the coming weeks will be salivating at the prospect of taking the Blues on. Things we have learned from Everton’s first trip to the KC Stadium, part three: Thankfully, the fighting spirit and determination that has helped Moyes and his players conquer numerous challenges in recent years remains intact. Without a siege mentality, or that determination to keep dragging themselves off the floor, one shudders at how this campaign could look. It may not be glowing with health at present but it would be dead on its feet if this squad were the type that rolled over.
Had Everton headed back to Merseyside beaten last night, the ramifications – and this is not being mischievous – could have been disastrous, particularly with their fate in two cup competitions to be decided in the next 10 days. So it was to their great credit that they clawed back a two-goal deficit and there is reason to believe that the stirring second half comeback might just provide the kick-start to this hitherto rollercoaster campaign. Finishing an entertaining contest with a swagger, belief and drive that has for long periods been absent, Everton will go into Wednesday night’s Carling Cup tussle at Ewood Park with confidence, but just as aware that things could have been so different. The goal to which they fell behind will have had Moyes tearing his hair out due to its simplicity – Dean Marney merely hoisted a corner to the back post and Michael Turner out jumped Fellaini to bullet a header past the stranded Tim Howard.
It was, in truth, no more than Hull deserved for their bright start and had they possessed a touch more savvy, plus a bit of extra class up front, the game may well have been taken from Everton’s grasp before half-time.
Bernard Mendy headed straight at Howard after Peter Halmosi had eluded Phil Neville, Marlon King bent a free-kick just wide and then chose to shoot after being set free when a pass back to the edge of the area would have resulted in a chance for Mendy. All Everton mustered in return was a shot that Leon Osman dragged wide and an Ayegbeni Yakubu volley that was beaten away. But any hopes of a comeback looked to have been destroyed five minutes into the second period after another defensive gaffe. In a routine that could have come straight from Billy Smart’s Circus, Neville, Howard and Phil Jagielka collided when trying to clear a corner – no communication equals massive problems – and King helped the loose ball into an empty net. For a club whose motto is ‘nil satis nisi optimum’, it was nothing like their best but, then again, we haven’t seen Everton’s best for some months now; not during pre-season, not in any of their opening fixtures and not even during the conclusion of the last campaign. Harsh? Not really. The evidence is there for all to see; only one clean sheet has been kept in 14 matches, a midfield that is struggling to find balance and it is clearly going to take time for some of the summer signings to settle down.
“Our defending isn’t the way we want it,” Moyes grumbled. “I think a lot of it has been down to communication and understanding. We’re normally very good at it and at this point we aren’t. I have to make sure we work hard to get back to our standards.” One thing that could never be questioned, though, is this squad’s ability to stand up and fight. Much is made of the spirit that exists in Everton’s dressing room and without it, they would not have salvaged what appeared to be a hopeless situation here. Typically, Tim Cahill, despite being short of fitness, was at the hub of things and his controversial goal, which television replays showed crossed the line, gave Everton a thread to which to cling. Fittingly, the best was saved for last and the goal with which Leon Osman equalised came at the end of the game’s slickest, most incisive move, and was crafted by two men who could yet form a potent, prolific partnership.
Yakubu’s talents, of course, are well known but yesterday provided the first opportunity to see Louis Saha in a Blue shirt and the former Manchester United man did not disappoint, making an enormous difference in the 45 minutes he played.
Quick and strong, Saha clearly has bundles of class. If Moyes can keep him fit and the injuries which blighted his time at Old Trafford are consigned to the past, the decision to bring him to Merseyside will reap dividends. But, as everyone knows, that partnership will only reach its full potential, and the team will only start to move forward collectively, if these infuriating defensive mistakes are not banished once and for all. Time, then, to rediscover that missing magic.
Everton put Leon Osman surgery on hold
Sept 23 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON today allayed fears that another key player may need surgery.
Saturday’s point-saver, Leon Osman, has been battling a painful knee injury since limping off against Portsmouth three weeks ago. David Moyes feared that the influential midfielder may eventually require an operation, but the Blues are hoping to nurse the player through to the next international break in 10 days and then reassess the situation. The Blues have seen a clutch of players go under the knife in recent months, but after Osman suffered badly as a teenager with knee problems they are hoping to avoid the need for further surgery. After completing 90 minutes at Hull the player was even bullish about his chances of making the squad for tomorrow’s Carling Cup trip to Blackburn. Moyes is likely to shuffle his pack at Ewood Park and could rest Ayegbeni Yakubu and Tim Cahill before this weekend’s Merseyside derby.
Tony Hibbert, however, may be in line for a surprise first start of the campaign after impressing on his return to full training following medial ligament surgery.
Representatives of the Keep Everton In Our City group, meanwhile, will meet Everton’s acting Chief Executive Robert Elstone today to “view and review alternatives to the Kirkby proposal.” A statement by KEIOC confirmed: “The group will do all it can to ensure that the meeting will be a genuine attempt to consider alternatives to the Destination Kirkby scheme and will not be used as an exercise to dismiss potential alternatives prior to the public inquiry. “Along with Trevor Skempton and Tom Hughes, members of the KEIOC committee will be in attendance to aid and facilitate a open and positive consideration of potential alternative stadium opportunities. “KEIOC welcome and appreciate the initiative undertaken by the club to urgently review alternatives to the Destination Kirkby scheme and no doubt alongside the vast majority of Evertonians, we hope that this will now lead to a serious and detailed investigation of sites within the city over the coming months.”
KEOIC, however, have rejected an invitation to take part in any future transport working group in relation to the proposed stadium at Kirkby.
Mikel Arteta is close to best form
Sept 23 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
MIKEL ARTETA is making up for lost time after an injury ravaged end to last season. And Blues boss David Moyes believes Everton’s Spanish midfielder is close to recapturing his very best form again. Arteta did not hit the heights expected of him last year – troubled for much of the campaign by a groin problem that eventually needed a correcting operation. But he has made major contributions to six of the nine goals Everton have scored so far in the Premier League and now Moyes wants to see him have a similar impact on the Carling Cup. Everton travel to Blackburn Rovers tomorrow for a third round tie and Moyes said: “Mikel was a big influence on the game against Standard Liege and he is beginning to look a lot more like himself.
“This is an important time for us and there are a lot of big games. He was one of the players who I said at the start of the season that I didn’t think he would be ready.
“I thought it would take time for him to get back to where he was. But I think the signs are that he is just starting to get up to that level. “It has maybe taken him five or six weeks to get up and running but the signs are good just now and we are pleased with him. We all know what he can do.” When Everton qualified for Europe in 2006/07, Arteta scored nine times but, much to his and Moyes’ disappointment, that tally dropped by more 50 per cent last year. He has not found the net since curling an opening day free-kick past Paul Robinson and with Blackburn the opposition again tomorrow, Moyes wants Arteta to put that right. “He can score goals and he can make goals too,” said Moyes. “He is a big influence for us. We had been missing that goal threat from midfield. “Leon Osman hasn’t really trained properly for four weeks, so it has been difficult for him. We are also missing Steven Pienaar still. They are other people that can create. “Hopefully it won’t be long before we get those boys back up to full fitness. But Mikel knows the standards that I want from him and in the last couple of games he’s got close to that.”
Nigel Martyn: Eliminate mistakes or pay heavy price
Sep 23 2008 by Nigel Martyn, Liverpool Echo
THERE might be a game to play beforehand but really only one thought is consuming the minds of Evertonians this week - the Merseyside derby. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to play in this encounter would give anything to play once more and I’m no different; I’d do anything to be involved in the squad on Saturday but, unfortunately, the state of my ankles dictate otherwise. But, rest assured, I’ll be kicking every ball from my vantage point and I see no reason why we can’t get a result that will be as wildly celebrated as those famous victories in December 2004 or September 2006. A word of warning, however. If we continue to make the mistakes at the back that have been so evident and alarming in the last two matches, Everton’s hopes of securing local bragging rights will disappear in a flash. I touched on the importance of keeping a clean sheet last week before the game with Standard Liege but, seven days on, we find ourselves in a similar position, talking about the same mistakes. What is making the situation all the more puzzling at the minute is the fact the lads at the back are so experienced and have basically been playing with each other regularly for the past 18 months – there should not be any communication problems. If this worrying trend continues, Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane will take full advantage. They may be out of sorts at the minute but they are strikers who will capitalise on the slightest opening and won’t need a second invitation to end their goal droughts. It will be interesting to see how Robbie does. He is a player I know well from our time together at Leeds and we were also nearly reunited at Goodison Park three years ago – I’ve no doubt he would have been a terrific signing for Everton.
He always had a tendency to do well against us and that struck a chord with David Moyes, so much so that he wanted to sign him after we had qualified for the Champions League. But Spurs did not want to sell. Robbie is a bright, chirpy lad with a lot of self confidence but it just looks to me as if he is trying that little bit too hard at present. That said, he will see this game as the perfect opportunity to get his Liverpool career up and running and we will have to be on guard. To have any hope of winning, we will have to do to our neighbours what they did to Manchester United a couple of weeks ago – hussle, harry and bustle them out of their stride. Above all, though, we will have to rediscover that one missing ingredient – defensive unity.
Time’s right to unleash Louis Saha
THE Carling Cup has, slowly but surely, started to rediscover its sheen and there is no question that it would look good in Everton’s trophy cabinet. We may have been handed a tricky trip to Blackburn tomorrow evening but it is not a fixture likely to have our players shaking in their boots and they will be determined to have a run similar to the one last year. Good form in the cups has a knock-on effect to your league form and you only have to see the results Everton got between October and January last season to see how much they benefited from a hectic workload.
I’m sure a huge number of Blues will make the trip over to Ewood Park and it will be interesting to see what impact us taking the lead in a game will have - the only times we have done that so far, we have beaten West Brom and Stoke. The manager is sure to make changes and this might be the perfect opportunity to hand Louis Saha his first start; like everyone who saw him at Hull, I was very impressed by the impact he made and if we can keep him fit, he will score goals.
Leighton Baines can take a tip from Phil Jagielka
LEIGHTON BAINES looks to be in a difficult predicament at the minute - namely that he is finding it hard to get in the team. It was disappointing to see him substituted after 45 minutes at Hull on Sunday but I hope he can battle his way back into the manager’s plans. He should look at the way Phil Jagielka responded to a rocky run of form 12 months ago and take heart from that. He can’t lose faith in his own ability.
Merseyside derby fans unite for ECHO charity
Sept 23 2008 by Helen Hunt, Liverpool Echo
THIS weekend’s big match will be the Liverpool Unites derby.
Despite the rivalry on and off the pitch the game will see Liverpool fans and Evertonians come together in support of the ECHO charity. Liverpool Unites will be the official match day sponsor to celebrate nearing our £100,000 target towards building a new community centre in Croxteth in memory of Rhys Jones.
The game at Goodison Park on Saturday falls on what would have been the youngster’s 13th birthday. He was a dedicated fan of Everton Football Club and a season ticket holder. ECHO editor Alastair Machray said: “The derby is the most important event in Liverpool’s football calendar. “What better opportunity to bring both sides of the city together to support a great cause.” Purple is the colour of Liverpool Unites and – Red and Blue apart – will be seen all around the stadium.
Everton have already agreed to have the team warming up in Liverpool Unites shirts.
Stewards, ticket office staff, and others staff at Goodison will wear purple ribbons and, where possible, wristbands. Merseyside police officers will also wear ribbons and wristbands which will be given to them before the match begins. The Liverpool Unites mascot character will be going around with the Toffee Lady giving out wristbands. Weather permitting, purple balloons will be released into skies above Goodison Park 15 minutes before kick-off. Collection boxes will be in reception areas so fans can make donations.
ECHO essentials
THE ECHO launched the Liverpool Unites campaign to show the strength of feeling against gun crime in the city. Hundreds of thousands of purple ribbons and wristbands are worn across Liverpool by people who have joined our campaign. We aims to provide a platform for the people of Liverpool to demonstrate that they will not tolerate gun crime, and show their support for driving through legislative changes to laws surrounding gun and gang violence. Liverpool Unites also aims to raise £100,000 towards the proposed Rhys Jones community centre. The campaign is backed by prime minister Gordon Brown and Rhys Jones’s family have also given their support.
Mabel, 90 is a true Blue brew
Sep 24 2008 by Claire Ellicott, Liverpool Echo
A GREAT-grandmother who has made tea for Everton fans for nearly 40 years is hoping a derby victory will be her early 90th birthday present. Mabel Brown, of Walton Lane, Walton, started making homemade cakes and scones for visitors to Goodison Park in 1971. Since then, she has attended nearly every match, selling tea to raise money for charity in St Luke’s church hall, next to the ground. Mrs Brown, together with a team of 20 others, provides tea, home-made cakes and sandwiches. All the money raised by the Teas For The Fans organisation goes to charity. Mrs Brown will be 90 on October 2 and will spend the day surrounded by her family, including her four children, eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild. But she hopes the celebrations will start early when her beloved Blues take on city rivals Liverpool at home on Saturday. She said: “I will be there as usual. Teas For The Fans started many years ago and we did not have a lot of help in those days, but now it is like a fellowship. “We serve the community and it is very rewarding. Everyone knows us and after they come once, they keep coming back. “Before my husband died, he would make the tea and I would serve the cakes. “It is wonderful because I have served people from all over the world who have come to see Everton.” An Everton spokesman said: “People like Mabel are the bedrock of Everton FC.
“She is one of our most loyal members and her service is a testament to the enduring qualities of both the lady herself and the club. “She is a very special person who has become part of the fabric of our stadium.”
Show Leon Osman's fighting spirit, Steve Round tells Everton stars
Sept 24 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON were urged today to show a little Ossie spirit in their Carling Cup tie at Blackburn tonight. Blues midfielder Leon Osman passed a late fitness test at Hull, dislocated his thumb during the game, put it back in himself then carried on to score a crucial equaliser. Boss David Moyes said he may need a knee operation, too, but he’s still desperate to play again at Ewood Park. Blues assistant boss Steve Round is encouraging his Everton team-mates to show that same attitude. “Leon Osman did unbelievably well to play,” he declared. “He sums up what Everton’s all about. His desire and attitude was phenomenal.” Round believes that out of touch defender Joleon Lescott has that same kind of attitude. The England international was dropped at Hull for the first time since last August. Round said: “I’m sure it would have been a shock, but I’ve been very impressed with his professionalism. “He put his hands up and said: ‘I deserve to be out. If I make those mistakes at this level I don’t deserve to play.’ “But on the other side of the coin he will say ‘put me back in and I’ll show you’ and that’s the kind of reaction the manager wants. “Joleon doesn’t complain. He’s always got that steely look in his eye that says ‘I’m ready.’ “He’s not one to throw his toys out of the cot. He’s a real professional and he’ll say ‘Give me a chance and I’ll show you what I can do. “That’s the reaction of all of the players here from what I’ve seen.” Everton will make some changes to their starting line-up tonight, with Tim Cahill likely to be rested, Victor Anichebe definitely out and Tony Hibbert not quite ready for a first team return just yet. Mikel Arteta did not train yesterday with a virus, while goalkeeper Tim Howard played at Hull only after shaking off the affects of a bug. With reserve goalkeeper Carlo Nash cup-tied, however, that may mean Iain Turner stepping in if the Blues want to give Howard a break. But Round pointed out new boys Marouane Fallaini and Segundo Castillo were both eager to play. “It’s been a baptism of fire for the two new boys but that’s the way it is,” he added. “If you asked them they’d both want to play in every game. “There were a few wry smiles when we said ‘welcome to England’ after the Stoke game, but I think they’ve slotted in quite well. “It’s not so much the pace of the game, but more integrating them into the way we play.” Alan Stubbs, meanwhile, has returned to Everton for a third time, this time as a member of the full-time coaching staff. The 36-year-old will work with Andy Holden and the reserve team and is currently in the process of taking his coaching badges. The referee for this Saturday’s Merseyside derby will be Mike Riley.
The decision is sure to raise eyebrows. The derby statistically produces the most red and yellow cards of any Premier League fixture, and Riley has already shown the highest number of yellow cards this term, including seven for Manchester United at Chelsea last weekend.
Blackburn v Everton: Leon Osman aiming to bridge the years
Sept 24 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
LEON OSMAN first exploded into Evertonian consciousness at Ewood Park a decade ago. Now he’s heading back there closing in on 200 senior appearances for the Blues, but with the same ultimate vision. Osman was a precociously promising 16-year-old who scored a stunning strike at Blackburn to help Everton win the 1998 FA Youth Cup. He goes back to Blackburn tonight, this time hoping that another victory can prove the catalyst for a cup run which can deliver silverware to the Goodison trophy cabinet again. “We really enjoyed getting to the semi-finals last year and the aim, as always, is to improve on that,” said Osman. “We want to go a step closer to winning something.” Just like Osman did 10 years ago . . . partially. A cruciate knee ligament injury sustained later in that Youth Cup final first leg saw him sidelined for the second leg and allowed team-mates like Tony Hibbert, Francis Jeffers, Richard Dunne and Danny Cadamarteri to race ahead of him in the chase for a senior Goodison career.
Only Hibbert still remains of that group, and coincidentally he and Osman will both be back in the Blues’ senior squad at Ewood Park tonight, with Hibbert back in training again after undergoing surgery in the summer and Osman recovering from a knee problem of his own. “We will be going into this game in a positive frame of mind,” he explained. “The way we lost to Blackburn on the opening day was very disappointing but this gives us the chance to put things right.” That opening day disaster offered a taste of things to come, with the Blues conceding a last minute winner from a corner. Since then the Blues have shipped goals consistently from set pieces and Osman admitted the issue has been a serious subject of discussion.
“We had a talk about the way we had been conceding goals and we thought we had shored things up at Hull,” he explained. “But we went and switched off at two set pieces again, which nearly proved disastrous. “But we showed the character that is in the squad when we went 2-0 down and we finished really strongly in the last half an hour. We were the team that looked like winning it, even though we had played a game in midweek.” The KC Stadium fightback was inspired by Tim Cahill’s second goal since his return from injury and Osman added that the little Australian’s fitness was crucial to the Blues’ progress this season. “Tim’s all-round game is just top class,” he explained. “He’s a terrific all round player, his attitude is spot on, and his touch and eye for goal are second to none. There is nobody like Tim. “We need to make sure that we keep him fit and keep him in the team.” If Cahill’s goal came from an Osman cross-shot only partially cleared, Osman’s equaliser came at the end of one the Blues’ most penetrating passing moves of the season so far. It was the type of strike the Blues scored regularly before Christmas last season and Osman said: “I used my strength to hold a big guy off! Seriously, we have been threatening to score a goal like that and there were glimpses at Hull that it would click. Thankfully that’s what happened late on. “We showed that we can put an end product on our game. But if we want to be successful, there always needs to be an end product. There is no point passing it around in pretty circles if you don’t go anywhere with it. “We started to gel in the last half an hour. We feel really positive and now we have got to carry this momentum forward. We are a positive unit. “We may have been conceding goals of late but we concede them as a team. There is no individual blame. “It could have been a bad start to a big week but we clawed our way back, showed great character and we need to take this attitude forward.”
Everton defenders will come good again – Steve Round
Sep 24 2008 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON’S defenders are not losing any sleep over their recent performances, according to assistant manager Steve Round. Phil Jagielka, Joseph Yobo and Phil Neville have all been scoring at the wrong end in the past 10 days, with own goals against Stoke, Standard Liege and Hull. Everton are also yet to achieve a clean sheet so far this term, conceding 13 goals in just six matches. But David Moyes’ number two does not believe the Everton side are panicking. “I think we have a very good back four - more than a back four really because you have players on the side as well who are a big plus,” he said. “They have proved to be top defenders and they will do again - I don’t think there is too much anxiety creeping in at the moment. “The own goals that have happened are one of those things and to get three so quickly is incredible - I have not seen anything like that before.“But everyone has the determination and the steely reserve to put it right and to get back to defending how they know they can. “They are professionals and they have to be strong enough mentally to let any mistakes go and get on with the game.” Everton lost 3-2 to Blackburn at Goodison Park and Round believes Everton are in for another testing encounter in Lancashire tonight. “Whenever you get a Premier League team in a cup it will be a tough draw,” he added. “We are preparing as best as we can and I know Blackburn will as well. “I expect Paul Ince to play a very strong team - he knows the importance of good cup runs and keeping momentum.”
Plans to help aid Everton's Kirkby move revealed
Sept 24 12008 by Vicki Kellaway, Liverpool Echo
PLANS to buy up land to help Everton FC move to Kirkby were revealed today.
Councillors were meeting behind closed doors to discuss a crucial legal order which would force the owners of the site of the Blues’ proposed new stadium and Tesco superstore to sell up. If they back the idea of using a compulsory purchase order (CPO), it would potentially let Knowsley council buy up privately-owned houses on land needed for Destination Kirkby. They were also due to discuss selling parts of the existing Kirkby town centre to the supermarket giant, which is leading the £400m scheme. Both decisions are crucial if Everton’s relocation plans are to succeed, and the council wants to get the ball rolling before a public inquiry starts in November. The CPO and land sale will go ahead only if the government approves the controversial project. Backing Everton and Tesco’s case will cost the council £1.5m, a confidential report obtained by the ECHO reveals. The document, written by chief executive Sheena Ramsey, says councillors would approve only the “principle” of using a CPO today. It says: “A further report would be brought back to the cabinet should that step eventually be considered necessary. “While positive discussions have taken place with key landowners in the proposed CPO area regarding the acquisition of their interests, significant delay in acquiring those interests could be prejudicial to the delivery of the project.” The council probably needs only a CPO to obtain privately-owned houses because it has already negotiated with two housing associations and All Saints high school. It needs 52 houses owned by landlord PLUS/Dane and 19 belonging to the Cherryfield co-operative, all south of Cherryfield Drive. Replacement properties will not be built as part of Destination Kirkby in time, so tenants are likely to be moved to new homes on St Kevin’s Drive. Councillors will also be asked today to approve selling land north of Cherryfield Drive to Tesco, although the council has yet to decide its price. It is thought Tesco will be offered a discount as it will cost a lot to develop.
The last 10 Merseyside derbies
Sept 25 2008 James Pearce
THE 208th Merseyside derby has a lot to live up to. The last 10 clashes between the Reds and Blues have produced 22 goals, seven red cards, 48 yellows and bags of drama and controversy.
1: March 30 2008: Liverpool 1 Everton 0
FERNANDO TORRES’ early goal helped the Reds strengthen their grip on fourth place. The Spaniard expertly slotted the ball beyond Tim Howard for the only goal after just seven minutes. With Yakubu deployed as a lone striker a depleted Everton side struggled to create chances and Steven Gerrard nearly added a second when his volley hit the post. Yellow cards: Reds: Torres. Blues: Carsley, Neville, Pienaar, Jagielka.
2: October 20 2007: Everton 1 Liverpool 2
DIRK KUYT’S injury-time penalty gave Liverpool victory against nine-man Everton.
The Blues took the lead in the first half with courtesy of Sami Hyypia’s own goal but Kuyt scored from the spot on 54 minutes after Tony Hibbert was sent off for hauling down Steven Gerrard. In a dramatic finale Phil Neville was dismissed for handling Lucas’ goal-bound shot and Kuyt held his nerve from the spot. There was still time for more controversy when referee Mark Clattenburg waved away the Blues’ appeals for a penalty when Jamie Carragher dragged down Joleon Lescott in the box.
Everton boss David Moyes said: “We deserved that penalty and if the other penalties were more blatant than that, then I am in the wrong game.” However, Rafa Benitez insisted: “People talk about a penalty they could have had but last season we lost here 3-0 when two of their goals were fouls and nobody complained then. “I always feel that in England players should not be rewarded with penalties for diving.” Yellow cards: Blues: McFadden. Reds: Kuyt, Carragher. Red cards: Blues: Hibbert, Neville.
3: February 3 2007: Liverpool 0 Everton 0
THE Blues’ outstanding defensive display was rewarded with a hard-earned point at Anfield. Craig Bellamy had an early goal ruled out for offside and Tim Howard denied Peter Crouch as Liverpool dominated possession. But the Blues had the best chance when Andrew Johnson shot straight at Pepe Reina. The 205th derby only really came to life after the final whistle when Reds boss Rafa Benitez said: “They put nine players behind the ball and defended deep and narrow, but that’s what small clubs do when they come here. When you play against a big club, a draw is sometimes a good result.” David Moyes hit back: “We’ve taken four points off Liverpool this season, so we must be doing something right. “There’s a difference of about £100 million in spending between the two clubs, but we are doing our best to bridge the gap. I would have liked to come here and put on a bigger show, but it’s not an easy place to get a result and we’ve not done bad.” Yellow cards: Blues: Osman, Neville, Arteta.
4: September 9 2006: Everton 3 Liverpool 0
EVERTON made the most of Liverpool’s defensive failings to register their biggest derby win for 42 years. Tim Cahill gave the Blues the lead from close range and Andrew Johnson added a second when he coolly took advantage of Jamie Carragher’s mistake. Liverpool wasted a succession of chances before Pepe Reina fumbled Lee Carsley’s shot for Johnson to head home a third in injury time. Everton boss David Moyes said: “Andrew Johnson is an unbelievable striker and is going to get goals. He fought hard and showed character and now he knows what it means to be a Blue.”
Yellow cards: Blues: Yobo. Reds: Sissoko, Riise, Hyypia.
5: March 25 2006: Liverpool 3 Everton 1
THE Reds overcame the early dismissal of Steven Gerrard to win an incident-packed derby. Gerrard earned two yellow cards in the space of a minute as first he kicked the ball away and then launched himself into a bad challenge on Kevin Kilbane.
But the home side recovered and took the lead through a Phil Neville own goal just before half-time and a clinical finish from Luis Garcia made it 2-0. Tim Cahill pulled one back but Everton had substitute Andy van der Meyde sent off for an elbow and Harry Kewell’s strike sealed it. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: “We must learn, Steven and all the players, that you can play with the brain as well as the heart.”
David Moyes added: “That was a missed opportunity. Against 10 men we should have taken control.” Yellow cards: Reds: Gerrard, Alonso, Kewell. Blues: Cahill, Stubbs, Kilbane, Weir, Ferguson, Neville, Hibbert. Red cards: Reds: Gerrard. Blues: Van der Meyde.
6: December 28 2005: Everton 1 Liverpool 3
LIVERPOOL cruised to a ninth successive Premiership victory as Everton had both Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta sent off. Peter Crouch’s clever finish and Steven Gerrard’s deflected 25-yard drive put the Reds 2-0 up inside 17 minutes.
James Beattie, who had a header controversially ruled out, pulled one back four minutes before half-time. But Djibril Cisse fired in Liverpool’s third after 47 minutes and Everton’s miserable night then got even worse. Neville was dismissed for a second bookable offence after a foul on Momo Sissoko and Arteta also saw red for a second booking after bringing down Liverpool substitute Luis Garcia.
Yellow cards: Blues: Cahill, Neville, Beattie, Arteta. Reds: Kewell, Crouch. Blues: Neville, Arteta.
7: March 20 2005: Liverpool 2 Everton 1
LIVERPOOL’S win closed the gap to four points on their rivals for a Champions League place. Steven Gerrard side-footed in a 20-yard set piece to give Liverpool the lead and Luis Garcia nodded in a second after keeper Nigel Martyn could only parry Fernando Morientes’ shot on to the bar. Milan Baros was sent off for a late and high challenge on Alan Stubbs before Everton’s Tim Cahill rifled in a shot to halve the deficit, but there was no way back for the Blues. Yellow cards: Reds: Finnan. Blues: Weir, Yobo, Osman, Hibbert. Red cards: Reds: Baros.
8: December 11 2004: Everton 1 Liverpool 0
Lee Carsley’s second-half winner settled the 200th Merseyside derby. Carsley’s 20 yarder flew past static Liverpool keeper Chris Kirkland after he was set up by the impressive Leon Osman midway through the second half. Nigel Martyn saved well from Neil Mellor and Steven Gerra rd as the Blues registered their first win over Liverpool for five years. Yellow cards: Blues: Hibbert, Ferguson. Reds: Diao, Riise, Josemi.
9: January 31 2004: Liverpool 0 Everton 0
Everton’s goalkeeper Nigel Martyn was the hero with a string of outstanding saves to earn a point for the Blues at Anfield. He denied Steven Gerrard twice, tipping one drive on to a post, and also saving well from Didi Hamann and Jamie Carragher.
Everton also had chances, with Duncan Ferguson heading wide of an open goal and Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek making two fine stops from Alan Stubbs.
Yellow cards: Blues: Gravesen.
10: August 30 2003: Everton 0 Liverpool 3
Liverpool recorded a comfortable first win of the season at Goodison Park.
Michael Owen struck twice either side of half-time to put Gerard Houllier’s side in the driving seat and Harry Kewell netted his first goal for the club late on. Victory helped to relieve the pressure on Houllier after a barren start to the Premiership campaign.
But it was a miserable day for the Blues with a fourth straight Goodison defeat against their arch-rivals. Yellow cards: Blues: Naysmith, Watson, Rooney. Reds: Kewell, Finnan, Baros
John Thompson: The game which shows we’re all young at heart
Sept 25 2008 by John Thompson, Liverpool Echo
WHEN some men reach a certain age, they fall out of love with football.
Instead they become fully paid-up members of the ‘In My Day’ Society.
That’s the place for disgruntled folk who used to worship the game and their teams - but who no longer bother with either. Or at least they pretend they no longer care.
You know the type . . . ‘It’s not a sport any more . . . it’s all about money, money, money. ‘It’s not like it used to be - it’s just big business and even bigger egos.’
‘The players now are just greedy thugs who don’t care a toss for the fans - they were real stars and so much better in my day . . . ’ To be fair, these maturing malcontents are given plenty of ammunition to fire. Particularly just now as some of Britain’s biggest clubs are gripped by wretched ownership controversies - or are at the centre of some aggressive and ugly mega-money transfer tussles. But if the senior cynics often do have a point, then so too do those of us who, for all its faults, still see a wonderful game packed with great clubs and very good people. And if ever there was a week to make the point that all’s not lost within top level professional football - including the plot - perhaps it is this one. On Saturday, both Everton and Liverpool’s teams will run out for the Merseyside derby with a common cause on the agenda as well as the obvious, more partisan one . . . human decency and a sense of real, responsible community. The Reds and Blues have again thrown their total backing behind the Liverpool Unites campaign to honour the memory of young shooting victim Rhys Jones, who should have been in the crowd at Goodison on his 13th birthday this Saturday to cheer on his beloved Blues. Both sets of players will be wearing special tops before the game to mark the moment and back the campaign in his memory.
The staff and managers of each club will again be wearing the purple insignia to show their support for Rhys’ family and the wider cause - to rid Merseyside’s streets of yobbery and gun crime. Our clubs and those who run them, play for them and work for them deserve full credit for the example they are setting here. Those at the top of our clubs are often maligned by the fans in the ebb and flow of a season. C’est la vie.
But this gesture shows they are still in touch with reality and very much connected to the fans and the city where they live. Rhys Jones’ expectant face tragically will not be present on Saturday afternoon. But many others who knew all about his love of the game will. Before the Standard Liege game at Goodison Park last week, the cameras landed on young face after young face in the crowd and beamed their excited images onto the Blues’ giant screens. Many of the children were singing their hearts out to the pre-match songs. Or bellowing their love and support to the players before kick off.
Every single image brought a broad smile to the face. The very youngest and most passionate football supporters of all don’t see overpaid players or pampered stars out there on the pitches. They just see heroes in blue or red. They don’t get lost in yesterday, only in the magic of the moment; while they live for today’s hopes and tomorrow’s dreams. Try telling them that one day they won’t care, and, well they just would never, ever believe you. These very young supporters are the lifeblood of the game and the utterly innocent personification of football’s magical and lasting appeal.
This weekend, Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs are leading by example - and doing them all proud.
'Footie? It’s not my game' says woman who will decide on Everton's Kirkby move
Sept 25 2008 by Vicki Kellaway, Liverpool Echo
THE woman who will decide if Everton FC can make its move to Kirkby has admitted she has no interest in football. Government inspector Wendy Burden has warned witnesses to be patient if she appears ignorant of the sport when the two-month inquiry unfolds in November. The inspector’s remarks came as detailed plans about the inquiry were released – including a list of all 22 parties who claim an interest in Destination Kirkby. Kirkby Residents’ Action Group (Krag) spokesman Ian Morris said: “I’m really happy about what the inspector said. I don’t have any interest in football either. “The inquiry is not about the game of football. It’s about a football stadium being built in a built-up area and the people of Kirkby being pressured by a council which says if we don’t have a stadium, we won’t have any development.”
Everton and Knowsley council are gearing up to fight alongside Tesco to save the £400m plans for a 50,000-seater stadium, superstore, shops, hotel and offices in Kirkby town centre. They will present 16 witnesses to the inquiry which starts in the Kirkby suite in Cherryfield Drive at 10am on November 18. It is expected to run until January 16. Opposition comes from the councils of Liverpool, Sefton, West Lancashire, St Helens and Lancashire which could present up to 12 witnesses.
They will be followed by Peter Fisher from Knowsley Liberal Democrats, Tim Stratford from Krag and a representative from Grosvenor Ltd. Ms Burden could also hear from the Kirkby Traders’ Association, Women for Kirkby’s Future, Brookhaven Residents’ Association Group and the Kirkby Small Firms Forum plus several residents who want their voices heard.
Louis Saha: Merseyside derby can ease cup pain
Sept 25 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
LOUIS SAHA today insisted this weekend's Merseyside derby is the perfect game to Everton banish their Carling Cup hangover. The lively performance of the Blues’ new number nine was one of the few encouraging aspects for boss David Moyes to take from last night’s hugely disappointing 1-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers.
Saha, though, took no solace whatsoever from the fact he has made a bright, albeit goalless, start to his Everton career and wants to have something to smile about on Saturday following the clash with Liverpool. Everton are clearly out of sorts at present, but Saha feels there is more than enough talent in the squad to lift them out of this lull and feels, with the help of home advantage, they can start putting things right sooner rather than later. “It was a very disappointing night,” said Saha. “The only positive we can take from the game is a reaction to put it right. We are determined to do that, as we know we did not play well against Blackburn. “Credit to Blackburn. They had a game plan and they stuck to it. It wasn’t as if we were playing at home against a team that we should have beaten, but we still feel that we should have done much better. “I know we are a hard working team and when we are faced with games like this (against Liverpool) we usually take the opportunity to show that. It was a difficult night but we still have new players adapting to things here. It has been a bit of a rush. “We wanted to have some more games to get to know to each other but we have been denied that now by losing to Blackburn. We thought this was a good opportunity to win a trophy, so it is all the more disappointing to have gone out so soon.” Having arrived at Goodison with a calf problem last month, the ex-Manchester United striker was pleased to make his first Everton start – and was equally thrilled to get through 90 minutes for the first time since December 29. There were also signs, as was the case in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Hull City, of him forming a good partnership with Ayegbeni Yakubu. But Saha’s only concern for the moment is helping Everton regain the winning thread. “It was nice to get 90 minutes under my belt,” said Saha. “I still need some time to adapt but I am quite happy with my fitness. “There were good signs between myself and Yak, but again it is going to take time. The main thing is the team. It’s not just about our partnership. We are both just interested in doing our best for everyone here.”
Blackburn 1, Everton 0: Progress is stalling as Everton crash out
Sept 25 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
THE Carling Cup proved the catalyst for success last season at Everton. Last night, though, the competition underlined how such progress has since alarmingly stalled.
A potentially season-defining week began in dismal fashion as the Goodison outfit floundered at the first hurdle at Ewood Park. Reaching the semi-finals of this competition last season had been a significant landmark in David Moyes’s tenure at the club, one which generated a momentum that pushed his team towards fifth place in the Premier League and the last 16 of the UEFA Cup. Yet hopes of a similarly morale-boosting run were dashed by a 10th-minute goal from young Blackburn left-back Martin Olsson. That Robbie Fowler, such a thorn in Everton’s side during his time at Liverpool, should provide the assist only rubbed salt into a gaping wound.
With Saturday’s Merseyside derby followed by a crucial UEFA Cup clash at Standard Liege next Thursday, this was a dreadful start to a pivotal eight days.
Indeed, Blackburn – who had already won at Goodison on the opening day of the season – could easily won by a greater margin but for some over-elaborate finishing.
For the fifth time in seven games this season, Everton conceded the first goal.
But unlike the recent battling displays against Standard and Hull City, there was to be no reprieve for Everton, only recrimination. And as Moyes admitted afterwards, the jeers that rang out at the final whistle from a disgruntled away end were entirely justified. If only Everton’s play had been as bright at their luminous yellow away kit.
Moyes had publicly feared his team weren’t ready for the new campaign, an assertion that is now being given worrying credence. The drawback of Everton’s mad rush to bring in reinforcements before the transfer window, and the subsequent lack of preparation time for the newcomers, has become apparent in the past week.
Eyebrows were raised when Moyes made Marouane Fellaini the club’s record signing when splashing out £15million on the Standard Liege midfielder.
At 20-years-old, the Belgian is clearly still learning his trade and, while showing flashes of early promise, it will take time for him to settle in a new team, a new country and a new culture. That, though, is time Everton don’t have right now amid a spell of games that could shape the remainder of their season. Segundo Castillo also arrived with the intention of shoring up the midfield and signified his intent with a blistering strike against Standard. But, as at Hull City on Sunday, the Ecuador international was substituted at half-time, hauled off along with Fellaini as Everton struggled to contain the probings of Blackburn’s veteran Tugay. A double change paid off at the KC Stadium, but not even the second-half introduction of Yakubu and Tim Cahill could turn the tide this time. There seemed almost as many Everton supporters inside a half-empty Ewood Park as home fans, such was the lack of interest among the local population. Blackburn’s line-up reflected the low priority in which the Carling Cup is viewed by many, manager Paul Ince making seven changes of which the most notable saw former Liverpool striker Fowler make his debut in attack. Moyes, by contrast, regards the competition of greater importance and his was a much stronger selection with Louis Saha handed his first Everton start alongside James Vaughan in attack. Joleon Lescott regained his position at left-back at the expense of Leighton Baines while, with Mikel Arteta succumbing to the illness that had affected him over the past few days, Jack Rodwell returned. It’s testament to the youngster’s versatility that, after beginning the season as a holding midfielder, Moyes had no qualms in employing Rodwell on the right flank. Not bad for a player who many see as a future centre-back, and who ended the game back in more accustomed central midfield role.
But those changes in personnel couldn’t alter one worryingly recurring theme, with Everton conceding first again. Fowler, the boyhood Blue turned Liverpool legend, has assumed arch-villain status with the Goodison faithful for his exploits against their team. And he didn’t waste any time continuing that form with an instrumental part in Blackburn ’s winner on 10 minutes. After a period of sustained Blackburn possession, Olsson, breaking forward from left-back, played the ball in to Fowler and then raced on to a perfectly-weighted return pass before holding off Phil Neville and slotting beyond Tim Howard. The goal was just reward for a bright start from the hosts, and their lead could easily have been doubled soon after. Lescott was alert to challenge Matt Derbyshire as the striker sought to meet a dangerous low Keith Treacy cross before Fowler’s pass released Treacy to unleash a powerful cross-shot that a stretching Howard parried with enough strength to evade the approaching Derbyshire. However, once Castillo’s shot was deflected wide and Saha headed the resultant Leon Osman corner off target at the far post, Everton became a greater threat. Rodwell was the source of their next two chances. First, his right-footed cross was headed wide by Phil Jagielka, and then a delivery with his other foot was nodded agonisingly off target by Fellaini. Despite Moyes’s half-time reshuffle, it was Blackburn who missed a gilt-edged chance to double their lead on 58 minutes, Jagielka’s loose header inadvertently playing Derbyshire clean through but the striker was too casual in his finish, lifting the ball over Howard and wide of the Everton goal. Everton had their best chance to level on 70 minutes when Vaughan’s driven cross was nodded back across goal by Lescott but a stretching Cahill couldn’t guide his header on target. Vaughan had a goal chalked off five minutes later following an infringement on Blackburn’s substitute goalkeeper Jason Brown – who had replaced calf injury victim Paul Robinson early on – while Fowler saw a delicate chip float harmlessly over. The small matter of a Merseyside derby now awaits on Saturday. Moyes knows matters must improve – and quickly.
Blackburn Rovers 1, Everton 0
Sept 25 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
LOST: one team, finished fifth in the Premier League last season, enjoyed an exhilarating European adventure and reached the Carling Cup semi-finals. If found, please return to Mr D Moyes, Goodison Park, L4 4EL. As has been the case too often during the start to a campaign that can now only be described as deeply concerning, we find ourselves picking through the wreckage of another unsatisfactory – some would say unacceptable – Everton performance. The Carling Cup may be derided in some quarters but last season it was the spark that ignited things for the Blues. Hopes were high again this time around that another lengthy run towards Wembley was in the offing. But, much to everybody’s dismay, Everton got exactly what they deserved against Blackburn Rovers last night – nothing – and again played in a manner which suggested those who contributed to the success of 2007/08 have been kidnapped and replaced by impostors. Those Blues who made the short trip up the M6 did so hoping to see this campaign take off. But, instead, they left disgusted, furious and ended up booing their team off. Significantly, there were no complaints from the manager.
“The fans were entitled to their boos because we didn’t play well,” a visibly upset David Moyes conceded. “I don’t know what effect that will have on the players but it was deserved.” Quite right. Had referee Martin Atkinson allowed the game to continue until the moment you started reading this account, it is highly unlikely that an Everton side bereft of ideas, imagination, shape and balance would have fashioned a goal. From harbouring dreams of bettering last year’s exploits and planning new escapades, suddenly the reality is depressingly different; blank midweeks beckon, revenue has been lost and a pot that appeared to be winnable will end up in someone else’s grateful hands. How galling. Right now it feels as if a smack in the solar plexus has taken the wind out of every Evertonian’s sails and there is a danger that grim prospect of being adrift in the Premier League and out of Europe by next week will become a reality. If, as is likely, any scouts from Liverpool and Standard Liege watched Everton at Ewood Park, they will have left rubbing their hands with glee, sensing plenty of areas on the pitch to exploit. Brace yourselves, as it could turn out to be a long year. Even though the goal which ensured Everton are still seeking their first clean sheet of the season did not come from an individual mistake, it was still enough to leave Moyes deeply unsatisfied. Martin Olsson was afforded too much time and space to run at Everton’s defence and, after swopping passes with Robbie Fowler, he skipped past Phil Neville, shrugged off Phil Jagielka and tucked his shot past the helpless Tim Howard. Given the way the game was evolving, Blackburn looked the most likely to score the next goal and Everton had Howard to thank for beating away a cross-cum-shot from Keith Treacy, who was given too much space to gallop down the right after being set free by another ball from the impressive Fowler. It was quickly becoming evident that a long, hard night beckoned for Everton, and that was due to them being completely overrun in midfield – neither Segundo Castillo or Marouane Fellaini will remember their first Carling Cup experience with any fondness. As they have only played a handful of games for their new club, do not speak much English yet and are adjusting to a new culture, it would be wrong to make a judgement on what they can contribute to this side. What we can say, however, is that their first few weeks on the pitch for Everton have been less than glorious. Both men look bewildered by the speed and intensity at which the game is played here. Fellaini, for one, looks a shadow of the man who was the driving force behind Standard Liege’s attempts to derail Liverpool in the Champions League and it is alarming to see a man of his size beaten so often in the air. With his team booed off by the travelling support at the interval – little wonder as they had been wretched – it was no surprise that Moyes ended Castillo and Fellaini’s input to the contest, replacing them with Ayegbeni Yakubu and Tim Cahill. Though it would take a brave man to try and pre-empt who Moyes will send out into the heat of the Merseyside derby, one would not be shocked if Fellaini and Castillo watch the action unfold from the sidelines to begin with. That game, more than any other, cannot be played with passengers in the starting line-up but, regrettably, that is what these two men appear to be at the minute. In fairness, though, it would be hugely unfair to blame either for Everton’s current ills.
We have said it before and, sadly, we must say it again that too many individuals have dipped below the standards expected of them. Twelve months ago they would have blown the opposition they faced here out of the water. Cahill and Yakubu’s introduction may have increased the tempo at which Everton were playing, but the pressure was not the kind of which you envisaged Blackburn’s defence buckling – too much harum scarum; not enough composure. Blackburn, on the other hand, always looked threatening on the counter and had this not been Fowler’s first outing since December, then there is every chance he would have made a bad night even worse.
Mind you, saying that a former nemesis never added his name to the scoresheet is hardly cause for celebration, is it? But, fingers crossed, Everton have got the badness out of their system and this weekend’s clash against Fowler’s old club can galvanise this squad. Patience is starting to wear thin and the ramifications of two more defeats do not bear thinking about. Time, then, for the real Everton to reveal themselves.
Man of the match: Jack Rodwell
Bright and busy throughout, whipped in two nice crosses in the first half and showed good energy. Once again, though, there were not enough contenders.
BLACKBURN ROVERS (4-4-2): Robinson (Brown 12); Simpson, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Olsson; Villanueva (Santa Cruz 72), Tugay, Warnock, Treacy (Pedersen 75); Fowler, Derbyshire.
EVERTON (4-5-1): Howard; Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott; Osman, Castillo (Cahill 46), Rodwell, Fellaini (Yakubu 46), Vaughan (Baxter 83); Saha.
Bookings: Neville (66), Vaughan (70)
Referee: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire)
Goals: Olsson (10)
Bookings: Warnock (40), Villanueva (61)
Attendance: 14,366
David Johnson: I lived the dream with derby winners for Everton and Liverpool
Sept 25 2008 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
DAVID JOHNSON knows exactly what it feels like to be a derby day hero – on both sides of Stanley Park. The former striker shares with Peter Beardsley the distinction of scoring winning derby goals for both Merseyside clubs. Johnson got his first taste of the passion-fuelled fixture wearing blue at Goodison Park in November 1971.
A boyhood Reds fans, he had been snapped up by Everton at the age of 15 and worked his way up through the ranks at Goodison before getting his chance to shine.
It was a dream start for the 20-year-old, who had only broken into the Blues' side earlier in the year, as his strike secured a 1-0 victory in front of 56,563 fans.
"Everyone needs a bit of luck and I was fortunate enough to score for Everton on my league debut, my European Cup debut and in my first derby," he said.
"I remember the goal well. It was a cross from the right by Gary Jones which I headed down towards goal. "Ray Clemence pushed it onto the post but I managed to volley in the rebound. "The fact it was in front of the Gwladys Street End made it even better and instantly you become a hero on Merseyside. "Having stood on the Kop as a kid I think that day was a bit of a shock to all my family who were Reds.
"But back then there was no question where my loyalty lay. I had already been at Everton for five years. I was fully integrated into the club and had already played against Liverpool at B team and reserves level." But if that winner was special, it was nothing compared to the feeling he felt when he repeated the feat for Liverpool seven years later. Johnson had left the Blues to join Ipswich in 1972 but Bob Paisley brought him back to Merseyside for a then club record amount of £200,000 in 1976.
He repaid a chunk of that fee in April 1978 with the only goal of the game at Goodison. The 56-year-old said: "I had gone full circle and that day I was playing in the derby wearing the red of Liverpool – the club I had supported as a kid and travelled all over the country to watch. "I must admit that goal in front of the Gwladys Street was far sweeter than the one I got for Everton against Liverpool. "It's difficult to put into words what it felt like. Scoring goals in cup finals or derbies is what kids dream about when they are kicking a ball around in the streets and I was able to fulfil that dream. "The fact that I had played for Everton and then gone back there to score a winner for Liverpool made the stick I got that day even worse. "I still don't think Evertonians have forgiven me but I was pleased to get some stick because it meant I had done something right." This Saturday's 208th showdown between the clubs is likely to include a number of derby debutants with the Reds trio of Andrea Dossena, Robbie Keane and Albert Riera expected to line up against new Blues Segundo Castillo, Marouane Fellaini and Louis Saha. Johnson is relishing the latest chapter in the rivalry between the clubs but the ex-England international believes the influx of foreign players in recent years means derby day isn't what it used to be.
"In my day there was an awful lot more home grown talent playing in these games," he said. "We were Merseyside born and bred and all your family and friends were either Reds or Blues. "It meant an awful lot to us and as soon as the fixtures came out the first thing we would do was look to see when the derbies were. "That has changed because of the growing foreign element and local lads in the derby are now few and far between. "The foreign lads might be aware of the history but it's just another game for them and it can't mean the same to them as it does to Scouse lads like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. "Those two have been brought up on these derbies. They know what it means to the fans and it will be nerve- wracking for them.
"Nobody wants to be going into work on Monday knowing they will face all the wise cracks and ridicule because their team has lost out." The Reds go into Saturday's game as favourites having enjoyed the better start to the new campaign. Rafa Benitez's side also did the double over the Blues last season but Johnson is taking nothing for granted. "It's a brave man who tries to forecast the result of any derby," he said.
"Whether a team is at the top or the bottom, playing well or badly, it's very difficult to predict. "What we do know is that Saturday's game will be full of tension. These games never seem to be classics because nobody wants to lose. "I would like to think Liverpool are going in with a bit of a buzz having recently beaten Manchester United but they didn't show that against either Stoke or Crewe so it will be interesting to see how it all pans out."
The Jury on this weekend's Everton-Liverpool Goodison derby
Sep 25 2008 Liverpool Echo
Cole Fraser, Litherland
LAST night’s performance was shambolic, to say the least, especially in the first half where we didn’t really seem to turn up. Joleon Lescott has looked a shadow of his usual self during the last couple of games, and if we are to achieve what we did last year we need him back to his best. Something else that must change is the non-existent roles that Fellaini and Castillo seem to be in. Our new midfield enforcements seem to float around in no man’s land, rather than play football, which leaves us open and vulnerable to counter attacks. The two positives were Leon Osman’s vibrant display and the presence of Louis Saha. Our latest number 9 looked hungry and sharp and I think that he is ready to be unleashed on our rivals at the weekend. However, if we are to take anything from Saturday’s derby match, we must improve on last night’s performance. If we play as half-heartedly as we did against Blackburn then it’s not going to be a good weekend.
Tony Scott, Walton
The so called "Friendly Derby" sees both teams desperate to put recent draws against promoted teams behind them. Benitez's men aren’t exactly ripping up any trees, and even the die-hard Kopites will tell you that, so with the prospect of Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta, Leon Osman, Yakubu and Louis Saha running at their defence we should definitely have plenty of goals in us. It’s up to Segundo Castillo and Marouane Fellaini in the middle of the park to set the tone and rattle their centre midfielders.
With referee Mike Riley at the whistle, yellow cards are going to be about as regular as Jamie Carragher at a book launch, so expect one or two sendings off and maybe even the odd penalty. If we are going to beat our neighbours we must have our attacking players getting at their full backs, especially Mikel Arteta's trickery testing out Andrea Dossena.
Lee Molton, St Helens
IT WAS a disappointing night at Blackburn for the Blues with poor defending again the problem and also a lack of creativity in midfield. Castillo looks to have settled in quite well, but Felliani seems to be taking some time, although we need to be patient. We missed Arteta’s talents, but hopefully he should be back for the Derby.
But it could be worse. We could be Newcastle fans. We have to move on and forget about the cup disappointment, and the derby is the ideal game for us to play next.
It was good to see Saha play the full 90 minutes and he could be ready to start in the derby alongside the Yak. We will be underdogs, but form counts for nothing in a derby. We have the firepower up front to hurt them, but we have to tighten up at the back too. We are capable of beating them on Saturday, so let’s raise the roof and make Goodison an intimidating atmosphere. A derby win would be terrific. Let’s bounce back, Blue boys!
Mike Williamson, Chester
THE game against Hull just about summed up where we are at present – daft at the back, but impressive going forward. Cahill’s influence on Everton cannot be understated and with Saha showing signs of real quality up front, this team will continue to improve as the season progresses. However, if we are to avoid getting turned over on Saturday, we have to be totally focused at the back. What a pity Stubbsy can’t play! Lescott and Yobo will get it sorted but Howard is the real worry. He just doesn’t command the box and is clearly causing uncertainty with the players in front of him. Worryingly, he suddenly “went off the boil” like this at United and was never the same player. Saturday’s game really is a great chance to bury the bad start. Saha should play from the off and I would also give Baines another chance, with Lescott on the bench.
Blackburn Rovers 1 Everton 0: David Moyes shares frustration of knockout pain
Sept 25 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES admitted he understood the frustrations of Evertonians last night after their Carling Cup dreams were shattered at the first hurdle. The Blues were booed off both at half-time and full-time by a travelling section that accounted for nearly half of the 14,366 crowd inside Ewood Park, as Martin Olsson’s ninth minute goal secured Blackburn Rovers’ passage through to the fourth round. It was a display way below the standards that Moyes has come to expect from his players, and, given how much he wants to win a piece of silverware for the club, the manager was aghast with Everton’s limp showing. “I was as disappointed as the fans as I thought the performance could be better and should have been better,” he said. “But this group of players have done well in the last few seasons, so they know what they have to do to get back to that form.” Although he made four changes to the side that started last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Hull City, Moyes still picked a strong team, which included a partnership of James Vaughan and Louis Saha up front and the first choice defence.
Yet that did not stop Blackburn dictating the play from start to finish and while Moyes ended up playing four men up front in the dying minutes, Everton never looked like finding a way through. “We had put a strong team out to go through and we didn’t do it,” said Moyes. “It wasn’t good but you have to give Blackburn credit. I thought they did well and Tugay was the best player on the pitch, particularly in the first half.
“It hurts not to go through and it was a disappointing display. We came into the competition wanting to have a real go at getting through. But tonight that didn’t work for us. “We’ve talked about the defending and other people have talked about it. We’ve done what we can in the days between games to look at our defending, but if you concede after nine minutes you’re always going to put yourself under pressure.”
MANCHESTER CITY YOUTH 1 EVERTON YOUTH 0
September 26th 2008 Daily Post
Everton Under-18s have suffered their second defeat of the season after losing 1-0 to Manchester City. A win would have put the young Blues two points ahead of their north-west rivals, but it wasn't to be, in a tightly contested match. The game could have gone either way in the first twenty minutes with both sides battling hard to gain an advantage. Unfortunately for Neil Dewsnip's side, it was Man City who struck first - scoring what was to be the only goal of the game in the 35th minute. It could have been so different with the in-form Georg Krenn almost scoring a sublime half-volley, only to see his shot go over the bar. City came out the better side in the second half and didn't allow the Toffees to maintain any decent spells of possession and saw out the victory without too much difficulty. Dewsnip wasn't too down-hearted despite the defeat, and explained that he has a number of things he wants to work on in time for next week's clash with Blackburn. The Academy coach said: "We managed to bounce back from our defeat with Arsenal in style scoring ten goals in two games, so I'm looking for a similar reaction this time round."
David Moyes backs Everton stars to find fighting spirit against Liverpool
Sept 26 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES today called on his Everton players to rediscover their fighting spirit - as he backed Marouane Fellaini to cope with his first taste of the Merseyside derby.
Having seen his side dumped out of the Carling Cup by Blackburn Rovers, Moyes will make changes for tomorrow’s lunchtime clash against Liverpool, with Yakubu, Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta all likely to return. Though Fellaini has had a tough baptism into the Premier League – he was substituted at half-time on Wednesday – Moyes has no doubts his club record signing, who sparkled in Standard Liege’s games against the Reds, will come good. He said of Fellaini and the Blues’ other new boy Segundo Castillo: “Ideally these boys would have been brought along slowly and introduced into a winning side. “But because of the shortage of numbers and their late recruitment, they have been thrown in at the deep end into must-win games.
“It has been difficult for them, but they are both talented players and we don’t have any worries about them.” Everton’s form since the start of the season has been a cause for concern for the manager, but he hopes the intensity of a derby atmosphere, coupled with the disappointment of what happened at Ewood Park, will trigger an emphatic response. “There was nothing positive to take from the game at Blackburn,” said Moyes. “But we hope that this is going to be the game that lifts everyone and we get a good result. “There will always be times in the season when you don’t play as well as you woud like. “That’s when you have to dig in. I know who the leaders are in the dressing room. You could see who they were the other night and they tried to lift the others. I’m sure they will continue to do that. “The supporters have been terrific for us and, in fairness, the team have been terrific for the past couple of years. “I’m sure the supporters are aware of that and they will help the players. We have still got a lot to do. “We are still looking to find the balance and blend and a team that helps us get results on a consistent basis.” Moyes has enjoyed some of his best memories as manager in games against Liverpool - notably the home wins in December 2004 and September 2006 - and is relishing this latest renewal, even though he knows it will need a big effort from everyone to get a win. “This is a big fixture, one that normally takes care of itself,” said Moyes. “You look forward to it, no matter how you are playing. “The games have been tight in recent years, but we know we are going to face a good team and we’ll need to play well to get a result.”
Tim Howard: One good performance can turn it around
Sept 26 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
LACK of sleep is not something you want heading into the biggest game of the season. But Tim Howard is finding his shut-eye patterns disrupted by a lack of shut-outs. Though he is not someone who spends hours poring over statistics and analysing his saves to shots ratio, Howard is currently being tormented by one glaring fact – he has not kept a clean sheet for Everton since April 6 – and it is weighing heavily on his mind. Since the Blues were dumped out of the Carling Cup 48 hours ago, there have been murmurings among supporters that one or two individuals have forgotten what it means to represent their football club. Not Howard. He, like the 5,000 fans who were packed into the Darwen End at Ewood Park, was dismayed by a wretched performance that led one possible route to silverware disintegrating and it is not something he has been able to sweep under the carpet. “We are professionals, you know?” the American explains. “People across the board give players a bad rap for a lot of different things, but we have sleepless nights when we aren’t winning games. That’s what we are inclined to do. “When things aren’t working, you start to look for answers. We are no different to anyone else. I can’t tell what the future holds for us. But I do know that things can change for us at the drop of a dime and we have a great game ahead of us tomorrow.” That, to a certain extent, is true. No fixture rouses an Evertonian quite like a home game against Liverpool but, due to the club’s worryingly erratic start to this campaign, the excitement and anticipation you would associate with a derby game is missing. Throw into the equation that Everton’s defence has been sieve-like so far and you can see why there is so much anxiety ahead of round 208 of this local spat. No wonder, then, that Howard is desperate to see normal service resumed. “If I’m being honest, I don’t look at stats, whether they are good or bad,” said Howard. “The last few years, it has been brought to my attention that I was one clean sheet away from equalling Neville Southall’s (Premier League) record.
“Those things don’t bother me. My biggest issue is that the performances are right and that we win games. When you do that, you take the onus off everything else and things snowball in the right direction for you. It comes together naturally.
“We click as a unit at the back, we start to win games and everyone is happy. So am I banging my head against the wall at the minute? Of course. I’m frustrated that we as a whole are not winning games. That is hard to take.” But why, given this was supposed to be the year when they really pushed on, is this the case now? What are the factors contributing to the defensive uncertainty, the lack of fluency in Everton’s play and the growing sense of uncertainty? There are, unfortunately, any number of reasons but the main one seems to be a disjointed warm-up. Compared to Howard’s first two pre-seasons at Goodison Park, the one just gone was a stark contrast. Whereas David Moyes saw his squad blast out of the blocks, this time a stutter has been followed by a stumble and it is proving difficult to rediscover the missing ingredient – confidence.
Tim Howard: One good performance can turn it around
Sept 26 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
LACK of sleep is not something you want heading into the biggest game of the season. But Tim Howard is finding his shut-eye patterns disrupted by a lack of shut-outs. Though he is not someone who spends hours poring over statistics and analysing his saves to shots ratio, Howard is currently being tormented by one glaring fact – he has not kept a clean sheet for Everton since April 6 – and it is weighing heavily on his mind. Since the Blues were dumped out of the Carling Cup 48 hours ago, there have been murmurings among supporters that one or two individuals have forgotten what it means to represent their football club. Not Howard. He, like the 5,000 fans who were packed into the Darwen End at Ewood Park, was dismayed by a wretched performance that led one possible route to silverware disintegrating and it is not something he has been able to sweep under the carpet. “We are professionals, you know?” the American explains. “People across the board give players a bad rap for a lot of different things, but we have sleepless nights when we aren’t winning games. That’s what we are inclined to do. “When things aren’t working, you start to look for answers. We are no different to anyone else. I can’t tell what the future holds for us. But I do know that things can change for us at the drop of a dime and we have a great game ahead of us tomorrow.” That, to a certain extent, is true. No fixture rouses an Evertonian quite like a home game against Liverpool but, due to the club’s worryingly erratic start to this campaign, the excitement and anticipation you would associate with a derby game is missing. Throw into the equation that Everton’s defence has been sieve-like so far and you can see why there is so much anxiety ahead of round 208 of this local spat. No wonder, then, that Howard is desperate to see normal service resumed. “If I’m being honest, I don’t look at stats, whether they are good or bad,” said Howard. “The last few years, it has been brought to my attention that I was one clean sheet away from equalling Neville Southall’s (Premier League) record.
“Those things don’t bother me. My biggest issue is that the performances are right and that we win games. When you do that, you take the onus off everything else and things snowball in the right direction for you. It comes together naturally.
“We click as a unit at the back, we start to win games and everyone is happy. So am I banging my head against the wall at the minute? Of course. I’m frustrated that we as a whole are not winning games. That is hard to take.” But why, given this was supposed to be the year when they really pushed on, is this the case now? What are the factors contributing to the defensive uncertainty, the lack of fluency in Everton’s play and the growing sense of uncertainty? There are, unfortunately, any number of reasons but the main one seems to be a disjointed warm-up. Compared to Howard’s first two pre-seasons at Goodison Park, the one just gone was a stark contrast. Whereas David Moyes saw his squad blast out of the blocks, this time a stutter has been followed by a stumble and it is proving difficult to rediscover the missing ingredient – confidence.
“The ideal situation when teams go into pre-season training is that you get a momentum and you hit the ground running,” said Howard. “But, even though I won’t name names, I think there have been a handful of teams that have started as badly as us. “It has been strange. Nobody seems to want to take the bull by the horns and really push on. It’s been very disappointing. Looking at the fixtures in June was a false security. Every game is difficult and you can’t predict how it will go. “The hardest thing for us has been not getting into the rhythm. Last year we went on such a long winning streak. We haven’t been able to do that yet and we desperately want that one good performance to lead into the next and then the one after.” The defence, especially, need a sequence where they prove impossible to breakdown but, as tough as things are, Howard is adamant that the situation can be remedied. “Last year we hadn’t kept a clean sheet up until the Carling Cup game at Sheffield Wednesday,” he said. “So it’s not as if we can’t dig ourselves out of this. But it is just a matter of getting everyone on the same page and getting a load of confidence back. “That’s what you saw last year. We had a belief in each other and everyone at the back was covering for one another. “You become a good defence through making mistakes – everyone covering for one another. “ We have hit the ground running the last two years. But, at the minute, we can’t get that good performance. It’s not what we want it to be.” That said, there is no better fixture to turn things around and Howard – recalling his derby debut in September 2006 which ended in a 3-0 drubbing of the Reds – does not believe Everton face a hopeless cause tomorrow. “The first one is etched in memory and I know that because we have done it before we can do it again,” he said. “We have enough guys in the dressing room who know what this game is about. Hopefully, we can get right back in amongst it.” And, if that proves to be the case, Howard will certainly sleep much easier this weekend.
Tim Howard factfile
Name: Tim Howard
DOB: 03/06/1979
Howard became the first American to collect an FA Cup winners medal in 2004, when he kept out Tim Cahill’s Millwall during Manchester United’s 3-0 win.
Tim is married to Laura. They have two children. A member of the US team at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Tim was understudy to Brad Friedel. Howard was born in North Brunswick, New Jersey, USA to Matthew Howard, an African-American, and Esther Howard, a Hungarian. His parents divorced when he was three years old. At high school Howard was as much a basketball star as he was a soccer star, averaging 15 points per game and taking his team to the state finals in his senior year.
Howard has Tourette’s syndrome and was named MLS Humanitarian of the Year in 2001 for his work with children with Tourette’s. A committed Christian, he has been involved with Athletes in Action, a ministry arm of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Howard Kendall: Victory so vital to lift the fans
Sep 26 2008 by Howard Kendall, Liverpool Echo
BOOING from the stands can mean only one thing as a manager - a rollicking in the dressing room for the players. When you are in charge of a team and you witness a performance like the one David Moyes did at Blackburn on Wednesday night, there is no point trying to make excuses to supporters. They are not stupid and you have to take things on the chin. That is why it was impossible for David to defend his players in front of the media at Ewood Park, and I have no doubt he will want that to be the last time this season that he has to do such a thing. There is no denying that Everton were abject against Blackburn. But the only solace that can be taken is that an enormous game beckons at Goodison Park tomorrow and, in many ways, it is just what the doctor ordered. David will not need to motivate the players for a meeting with Liverpool. If he does, that’s when you have real problems, but he will be stressing the importance of keeping a clean sheet. At the moment, Everton are becoming masters of their own downfall. Having conceded eight already at home is a worrying statistic and it shows something is wrong in the team. If we are to lower the colours of our neighbours, keeping a tight ship is a pre-requisite. For some reason, we just can’t seem to do it. Going out of a cup competition so early is a huge disappointment and it would be awful if, come January, we had nothing to play for other than pride and a respectable finishing position – our fans, as we well know, would not tolerate that. So the time has come for everyone to roll their sleeves up, produce a performance tomorrow that will get the crowd right behind them and tee the club up to get a good result in Belgium. Time, then, to turn the jeers into cheers.
Stubbsy experience will prove invaluable
IT was great to see Alan Stubbs return home this week but his appointment to the coaching staff has left a question: Is he trying to have more Goodison comebacks than me? On a serious note, it is great for the lad that he has got a position so soon after hanging up his boots, and it shows how well respected Alan is that he has been appointed so quickly. I have no doubt he will make a huge success of it. I know he has to recover from a serious knee injury but it could be that he still ends up playing a few games for the reserves in the future, to help the young lads develop, as having him on the pitch alongside them would be invaluable. That, though, is something to think about further down the line. For the moment, I’m sure Stubbsy will have an influence on things. He is Everton through and through and exactly the type of character that is needed around a training ground.
Trauma on the Tyne
IF you think things are currently bleak at Goodison Park, thank your lucky stars you don’t follow Newcastle United. When a club has such massive boardroom problems - as Newcastle clearly do - it is inevitable that the strife will seep down to the players and their recent results should have alarm bells ringing out of control on the Tyne.
Irrespective of who may be appointed as caretaker manager, it would be nothing other than a stop gap measure, and I can’t see the balance being restored before they arrive at Goodison Park on Sunday week.
David Prentice: Six days which could shape Blues’ season
Sept 26 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
THE mental strength of Everton’s under-fire footballers is set to get its most rigorous workout since the flaky days of 2005. That was the season The Toffees toppled out of three Cup competitions in quick succession, and took three months to recover from the trauma. Now Everton are confronted with a similar test of their mental resolve.
And how they handle it could shape the rest of this season. Off the pitch, the natives are undeniably restless. Fans vented their frustration at Ewood Park on Wednesday night. Coincidentally it was almost seven years ago to the day since angry Evertonians sang from the same end “You don’t know what you’re doing.” That was the start of a long-burn fuse which ultimately saw Walter Smith’s expulsion from the manager’s chair. But it wasn’t the manager who was singled out in midweek, it was a collective criticism – and it will take broad shoulders as well as big hearts to come through this testing period. There has been a worrying precedent at Goodison Park, Three years ago many of these same players were enjoying the fruits of an astonishing season’s labour. But even in the wake of an incredible 2004/05 season, the after-shocks from the flip-flop finish to the previous campaign were still reverberating around Goodison – a period when some players faced the most heinous accusation you can fire at a footballer: that they didn’t care. They showed in their reaction to that record making finish, they clearly did. But perhaps they cared just a little too much. Bill Kenwright later told a tale of walking through the players’ private departure lounge at Bucharest Airport after a 5-1 hiding had effectively ended their participation in Europe almost as soon as it had begun. Total, utter silence. None of the usual banter which accompanies a group of footballers. No gallows humour. Just rows and rows of traumatised expressions. They cared about their European ambitions. Perhaps too deeply.
The shock of what effectively amounted to an exit before the second leg had even been played was profound. And it took months to recover from. There were back to back 4-0 hidings, another at The Hawthorns, and a run of only two league wins at Goodison before January. With this season’s Carling Cup ambitions instantly ended, and Everton’s UEFA Cup destiny precariously balanced, there’s a growing sense of unease that this could be a pivotal period in Everton’s season – already.
A Merseyside derby could be the worst fixture to face right now . . . or the best.
In 1997 a League Cup tie at Coventry elicited comfortably the worst performance from an Everton team it has ever been my misfortune to witness. Everton were revolting that night. Literally So inept was the display that Howard Kendall ordered his players to start lapping the Highfield Road pitch after the final whistle, because he didn’t feel enough sweat had been shed in the preceding 90 minutes. The players refused and for a few uneasy seconds we had a mutiny between players and staff unfolding before our eyes. Four days later they deservedly won a Goodison derby.
Everton need a similarly morale boosting victory from somewhere – and fast.
Just seven days after being informed he didn’t know what he was doing, Walter Smith saw his side wallop West Ham 5-0. Football, like fans, is fickle. Everton’s season can still be a triumph or a disaster – but there’s a growing feeling the next six days could shape it significantly.
What a lot on Mr Harris' plate!
WE were told at a recent Everton EGM that Keith Harris has been briefed to hunt for investors interesting in buying the Blues. He is also, reportedly, performing the same function for Newcastle. Mr Harris must be a very, very busy man at present.
Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso's special bond put on hold in Everton-Liverpool derby
Sept 26 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
THEY will be the best of enemies for 90 minutes tomorrow – but for most of their lives Spanish midfielders Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso have been the firmest of friends. The Everton and Liverpool stars both hail from the Basque region and as youngsters played in the same teams. “We are pals from a long time ago – since we were small children,” explained Alonso. “We used to live really close and we used to play football and tennis together. “Mikel was really skilful even then. You could see he would become a good player. “You never know what’s going to happen in the future, but he was more or less the best player of his age group. “After so many years, to meet in the same city, in another country, for teams on the opposite side of the same park is a great story.” Arteta actually joined Real Sociedad in 2004 as a replacement for Liverpool-bound Alonso, but only made 15 appearances – and their paths have missed each other in the international arena too. Alonso was a member of Spain’s Euro Championship winning squad this summer, winning his 46th cap during the tournament. Arteta, however, is still waiting for his first call-up. “He is a very important player for Everton,” added Alonso. “I don’t know why he’s never even been called up. Maybe it’s because he didn’t play in Spain for so long. That could be a factor.” It was partly thanks to Alonso that Arteta decided to sign for the Blues from Real Sociedad three years ago. “I called and asked Xabi about the city and how he lives and he said he was very happy here,” Arteta said. “I actually thought that we’d finally be on the same side when I moved to Real Sociedad from Rangers, but then Xabi joined Liverpool.”
Everton-Liverpool derby: Statistics and cliche guide
Sept 26 2008 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
Your guide to the derby day cliches guaranteed to get an airing this weekend.
1. ‘The formbook goes out of the window’
2. ‘It will be played at 100 miles an hour’
3. ‘Bragging rights are up for grabs’
4. ‘What ever happened to the friendly derby?’
5. ‘This is no place for faint hearts’
6. ‘The atmosphere is white hot’
7. ‘The first tackle is the most important’
8. ‘This match divides families and friendships are put on hold’
Derby stats
It is the longest running top flight derby in England, having been at that level since Liverpool were promoted in 1962. The longest unbeaten derby game run in all matches is 14 held by Everton between the 1941/42 and 1951/52 seasons.
The longest unbeaten derby game run in home matches is held by Liverpool when Everton failed to beat them in the league for 14 games between the 1970/71 and 1984/85 seasons. The longest unbeaten derby game run in away matches is held by Everton with a 16 match run at Anfield between 1899 and 1920.
The highest scoring derby was in 1932/33 when Liverpool won 7-4 at Anfield.
The fixture has produced 16 red cards since the introduction of the Premier League in 1992. Everton’s Neville Southall (below left) holds the record for most derby appearances with 41 Liverpool’s Ian Rush (below right) holds the mark for the most derby goals with 25.
Yellow peril for Everton-Liverpool derby as Mike Riley rules
Sept 26 2008 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
DERBY day referee Mike Riley has never been far away from controversy during his 12 years of whistle blowing in the top flight. The 44-year-old, from Leeds, was in charge of last weekend’s 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge when he issued eight yellow cards, including seven to United players which earned the champions a £25,000 fine. That took his yellow card tally for the season to an impressive 20 in just four matches. The last time Riley was handed the whistle for the Merseyside derby was at Goodison in August 2003 when Liverpool won 3-0. Michael Owen bagged a double as six players ended up in the referee’s notepad. He also officiated the last time Everton won at Anfield in September 1999.
A fiery showdown, which was settled by Kevin Campbell’s early goal, saw Reds keeper Sander Westerveld and Francis Jeffers sent off for fighting, and Steven Gerrard followed them for an early bath late on. Blues fans will also have unhappy memories of Riley’s time in the middle. In September 1997, he booked eight and sent off Andy Hinchcliffe in a 3-1 defeat at Derby, and in 1999 dismissed Marco Materazzi and booked seven in an FA Cup tie against Ipswich. Five years ago he enraged the Goodison faithful by showing eight yellows and awarding a controversial penalty which enabled Ruud van Nistelrooy to secure a 2-1 victory and wrap up the title for Manchester United. In his 42 games last season, Riley issued 149 yellows and eight red cards. Over the past 10 years, he has given 103 players their marching orders.
Anyone who steps out of line at Goodison on Saturday can expect no leniency from one of the Premier League’s most card-happy officials.
Everton 0, Liverpool 2
Sept 27 2008 By David Prentice
FERNANDO TORRES was Liverpool’s derby day executioner – as Everton once again saw red in the 208th Merseyside derby. Torres struck twice in the space of three minutes either side of the hour, and was even denied a hat-trick by referee Mike Riley.
And an unhappy afternoon for Everton was made even worse when the influential Tim Cahill was sent-off 10 minutes from time for an ugly challenge But the Reds £20m striker carved a significant chunk off his transfer fee with the cross which invited his strike partner to make the decisive derby breakthrough at Goodison Park.
Torres had cut a frustrated figure for 58 minutes, even finding himself booked 10 minutes earlier, then Keane wriggled onto Gerarrd’s pass, got to the byline and clipped back a supremely inviting cross for his strike partner to race onto and crash past the exposed Howard. Three minutes later Torres struck again and the destiny of the 208th derby was secure. The match might have been different had Cahill managed to convert a glorious 13th minute opening, but he missed his kick from six yards and after the break Liverpool always looked the more threatening. The Reds enjoyed enormous amounts of possession, but failed to trouble Tim Howard once in the opening 45 minutes. Everton, however, carved out a wonderful chance after just 13 minutes and it was a major shock when Cahill failed to connect. Arteta’s corner squirted across the edge of the Reds six yard box through a possee of players before it found the unmarked Australian just six yards out. Cahill seemed almost surprised the ball had reached him and totally missed his kick. Four minutes later the impressive Albert Riera got to the byline and pulled back a cross for Torres. The striker turned and got off a shot, but Yobo lunged in to make a decisive block. The appointment of the always card happy Mike Riley as referee had been met with raised eyebrows on both sides of Stanley Park. And he took just eight minutes to flash his first yellow.
Marouane Fellaini was the recipient for a challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa which was late and a fraction high. The Blues’ record signing has made a slow start to his Goodison career and looked off the pace for the first 15 minutes. But he seemed to grow into the match and in the 27th minute had an opportunity to write his name into derby folklore. Lescott’s cross from the left found the towering Belgian isolated with goalkeeper Pepe Reina and as he challenged the ball fell sweetly for his right foot.
He could have prodded the ball into a gaping net, but elected to hammer it and Carragher somehow got back to make a monumental block. The moment was meaningless, because referee Riley had already blown for a foul on the goalkeeper – a decision which looked harsh on replay, but it highlighted Fellaini’s growing influence on the match. Rival strikers Yakubu and Torres had been the men both sides were looking to for a breakthrough, but within minutes of the second half restarting both found their names in the referee’s notebook. Yakubu transgressed first. Arteta’s ability tricked Dossena then a diagonal pass gave Yakubu the invitation to run at Skrtel. The African sprinted into the penalty area then collapsed claiming a penalty.
Contact, if at all, had been minimal however and referee Riley brandished a yellow for simulation. Torres, who had been questioning decisions all afternoon, made one enquiry too many two minutes later and also found himself booked. But he was unhappy for barely 10 minutes. Keane supplied the cross which the Spaniard crashed past Howard, then barely three minutes later he struck again. Strike partner Keane was involved for a second time, threading a pass into the penalty area for Kuyt. Phil Jagielka made a well timed tackle, but the ball broke kindly for Torres and he finished comprehensively into the roof of the Gwladys Street net. The striker might even have been celebrating a seven minute hat-trick . He finished supremely again from the right hand edge of the Everton penalty area – but a first derby hat-trick since Ian Rush was ruled out for a foul by Kuyt. Everton brought on Louis Saha in a desperate bid to get back into the match, and they were unfortunate when Gerrard made a brave block to deny the substitute from a corner kick. But there was worse to come for the Blues when Tim Cahill saw red 10 minutes from time. The midfielder’s challenge on Alonso was high and late and left the Spaniard writhing on the turf. Riley deliberated long and hard about his decision, as Cahill raced as far away from the incident as possible, but when the card eventually came it signalled an early bath and a three-match ban for the influential midfielder.
EVERTON (4-4-1-1): Howard, Hibbert (Saha 63), Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott; Osman, Fellaini, Neville, Arteta; Cahill; Yakubu. Unused substitutes: Nash, Baines, Castillo, Vaughan, Valente, Rodwell.
LIVERPOOL (4-4-2): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Dossena; Kuyt, Alonso (Lucas 85), Gerrard, Riera (Aurelio 66); Keane (Pennant 85), Torres. Unused substitutes: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Agger, Babel.
Referee: Mike Riley.
Bookings: Fellaini (8 mins) foul, Alonso (38 mins) foul, Yakubu (47 mins) diving, Torres (49 mins) dissent, Neville (63 mins) foul, Arbeloa (76 mins) foul.
Sending-off: Cahill (80 mins) foul.
GOALS: Torres (58 mins) 0-1, Torres (61 mins) 0-2.
Tim Cahill: ‘These derby matches are what people remember’
Sept 27 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
TIM CAHILL is craving the best possible tonic today as he aims to help Everton to derby day glory. Cahill takes to today’s arena as a devotee of yoga and Pilates – both taken up by the talented Australian in an attempt to improve his fitness and freshen his state of mind. Cahill is eager to explore anything that will help his physical condition given the injury torment he has suffered during these past two and a half years.
He’s had two lay-offs with medial ligament damage and has broken his fifth metatarsal three times. But for all that stretching, bending and relaxing, there is one thing which will better Cahill’s wellbeing most of all today – beating Liverpool.
Getting that pick-me-up, however, is something that he appreciates is easier said than done. But Cahill is not the kind of person to run away from a fight and the prospect of locking horns with the red half of the city again is something that has had him thinking only positive thoughts in the build up to today’s game. He may have been raised in Sydney – and has just recently moved away from Liverpool to a leafy area in Cheshire with more privacy – but Cahill knows only too well the importance of this age-old clash. Listening to the dressing room stories of boyhood Blues who have gone on to play for their beloved club have proved inspirational in the past – and the man who is worth his weight in goals to Everton has no intention of suffering heartbreak at Goodison Park. “Beating Liverpool would be the ideal lift and that is the only way we can look at it – that’s the beauty of this game,” said Cahill, who has found the net three times in derbies, most notably the opener in the riotously received 3-0 win in September 2006. “The seriousness of this game goes beyond football. It goes into people’s livelihoods. “I lived in Liverpool for four years so I understand what it’s like to walk down the street to get a carton of milk after a derby. “And your friends and family have to put up with it as well. It’s a credit to both teams that we have two of the biggest Premier League clubs in one city so it’s going to be a fiery encounter.
“I get loads of banter, especially from the Liverpool fans. But it’s a compliment when you get a bit of bitterness because it shows you’re a threat and I’ve had a habit of scoring against Liverpool a few times. “It’s all about passion. Players like Alan Stubbs, Duncan Ferguson and Tony Hibbert, players who really know what it is like to be a blue, really helped me understand when I first came to the club. You can’t just play in a derby. “You have to know what goes on and now I’m passing that on to (Marouane) Fellaini, (Segundo) Castillo and (Louis) Saha. They’ve had derby matches before, but this is a whole different experience.” Cahill’s first experience was a particularly memorable affair – the game which ended with Lee Carsley bending a shot past Chris Kirkland in December 2004 – bettered only by Everton’s last win against the Reds two years ago. But win, lose or draw, the uniqueness of the occasion is something that ensures it stays etched on the brain – and he wants to capture more of those snap shots to cherish when the boots have been long since hung up.
“Achievements like that you never forget,” said Cahill. “Blackburn (on Wednesday) will be forgotten but all the derby games are remembered. “I know when I look back at derbies now that they will never be forgotten and that’s why they are so important.”
Cahill is right when he says Blackburn will be forgotten in time but, at the minute, the wounds of that inglorious exit from the Carling Cup are still raw and he accepts the squad have a duty to put things right. His own form in the past few weeks has been a big plus – two goals in four appearances again underline his worth to this squad – and he is happy to report himself as being in tip-top shape. “I feel really good,” he said.
“The biggest thing for me was getting as fit as possible and giving the gaffer the option of putting me straight back in once I’d finished my rehab. “It’s a credit to the physios and everyone around me how hard they have worked to get me fit. I’m really excited to be back in play and feel really good.” Clearly, the yoga and Pilates are working. There is now so much more to football than basic fitness and Cahill is an advocate of anything that will help him steal a march on his opponents. That means getting his mat out after he has left Finch Farm. “I’ve started doing it at home as well,” said Cahill. “I try and do it every day. We have a regime at Everton now where Danny Donachie, Willie’s son, works with us individually on matters on and off the pitch. “A big part of football nowadays is the mental aspect. It is not all about technique. It’s about how we overcome losing to Blackburn in the cup or drawing with Hull and we know if we beat Liverpool all that will be forgotten.” They are sentiments with which few Evertonians will disagree.
Barry Horne: Perfect game for Everton to get back on track
Sep 27 2008 by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
I WAS fortunate enough (or maybe that should be unfortunate) to watch two fairly mundane Carling Cup ties in midweek. I was at Anfield on Tuesday and Ewood Park the following evening to see our local sides enjoy varying fortunes. I don’t think anyone at Anfield would suggest that the Liverpool game was in any way exciting or that the Reds played particularly well, and exactly the same could be said about Everton’s experience at Blackburn. But looking at this afternoon’s derby match in the light of those two fixtures, there are some startling differences. There is a good chance that not one of Liverpool’s starting XI in midweek will be on the pitch at 12.45pm today. Everton’s line-up, however, will almost certainly come from the 14 used on Wednesday. David Moyes signalled his intent in the Carling Cup with a strong line-up, although that may also reflect that the squad is simply not as strong as their neighbours. But, ever the optimist, I won’t be going to Goodison today with a sense of trepidation. Sure, there will be plenty of pre-match anxiety, but that’s normal going into a derby game. I’m not confident, but equally I’m not massively worried either.
In fact I’m hoping that the derby can be a jolt which knocks Everton back into a more familiar groove. When your confidence is low and you’re going through a poor run, sometimes it’s easy for players to drift along. A big game like a derby, however, doesn’t allow that. In midweek I thought Joleon Lescott looked like he was starting to believe some of the ludicrous things that have been written about him in the press and said about him by some fans. In a derby match you don’t have time to think about how you’re going to deal with a particular situation, you just have to do it. In that respect this is an ideal game for Joleon. I just hope it’s an ideal opportunity for the rest of his team-mates as well. The worry, of course, is that there’s also a player in the Liverpool ranks who exactly the same thing can be said about. I wouldn’t be at all disappointed to see Robbie Keane spend the whole afternoon on the Reds’ subs’ bench!
Alan Stubbs’ Chernobyl charity return
Sept 27 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
ALAN STUBBS has returned to Finch Farm full time but he was back at Everton HQ for a worthy cause earlier this month. Martin Waldron, Everton Academy’s Head of Schoolboy Recruitment, has helped raise thousands of pounds for a children’s charity that brings young children over to Merseyside from Chernobyl. He organised a football tournament recently at Finch Farm and, along with Stubbs, former Blue heroes Joe Parkinson, Paul Bracewell and Graham Stuart came out of retirement to play, as did Gary Gillespie and Dean Holdsworth. “People paid to compete against the legends in the tournament and I am delighted to say that we raised over £6,000 for our charity,” said Martin. Children not even born at the time suffer dreadful health problems as a result of the explosion of a nuclear reactor in Chernobyl in 1986.
“We have a group of youngsters over from there every year,” Martin explained. “The visits actually extend the lifespan of these children so it’s a wonderful cause. I’d like to thank everyone who turned out to play at Finch Farm and a big thanks must go to Mike McComb, who is a very generous sponsor of all the work we do.” If anyone would like to donate to The Friends of Chernobyl’s Children, contact Julie Tromp on julietromp@fsmail.net.
Johnson’s memory is playing up
INTERESTING to note some observations by Andrew Johnson in an interview he conducted with a national newspaper about his time with Everton. Judging by his words, Johnson has not moved to Fulham - he has moved to Brazil from a side who learned how to play using old Wimbledon coaching manuals. “I just can’t believe how well we pass the ball,” he says. “I knew we had some top players but I’ve been surprised just how good they actually are. We don’t ever play long balls and it’s fabulous for me because we played a lot of long-ball stuff at Everton.” Of course they do - Mikel Arteta, Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman, for example, are clearly kick and rush merchants. The most intriguing comment, however, was the one that suggested he had been hard done-to and how he had to play the role of wounded martyr.
“I didn’t moan, I never caused a problem in the dressing room, I never banged on the manager’s door,” he said. “I kept my head down because I know that footballers are paid an awful lot of money and there’s a responsibility to the fans.” This column has no personal axe whatsoever to grind with Johnson but it seems he has conveniently overlooked the fact he told David Moyes he would not play in a friendly at Preston even though he was desperately needed. That, more than anything, was the biggest betrayal of supporters who idolised him.
When Merseyside derby fans re-wrote Goodison history
Sept 27 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
SIXTY years ago this month a football crowd crammed inside Goodison Park the like of which had never been seen before or since on Merseyside. It was September 18, 1948 and the nation was emerging from the austerity and bleakness of the war years.
Desperate for a diversion from the grind of a still heavily rationed daily life, attendance records nationwide were regularly being smashed. And on a Saturday afternoon at Goodison Park, the derby created a record gate which still stands.
The previous season’s Goodison derby had seen 66,766 supporters crammed into the stadium. An FA Cup tie staged at Goodison between Manchester United and Liverpool (United’s Old Trafford ground was still heavily bomb damaged) had attracted even more, 74,721. But when the Mersey rivals clashed, even that staggering statistic was put into the shade. The following day's papers recorded the crowd as 78,599, later amended to 78,299 – a total never topped. In the immediate post-war years, however, huge gates were commonplace and only fleeting reference was made to the enormous attendances. The Football Echo reporter, Stork, at least described the scene. He wrote, prophetically as it turned out: “Record for the ground is 74,721, in last season’s FA Cup tie between Manchester United and Liverpool, but it was quite possible that these figures would go by the board today, as each section of the ground looked to be well and truly packed and there were many thousands outside. “There were many casualties and some swaying in parts of the paddock.” The Echo’s Ernest Edwards concentrated solely on the action, when an injury-hit Everton team came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw. “The look on the face of the heroic Saunders and Hedley and Sagar when Fagan scored was one of despair,” he reported. “There was really not sufficient time to remedy the damage – or so it seemed, until a strange intervention of Fate brought the second goal. “Sidlow ought have prevented a corner kick arising. He was watching the ball pass to nothingness when it barely touched the nap of his jersey. “This corner brought Boyes a chance to show his irregular tip-toe steps. He shot, Shepherd unmistakably handled and that was how Everton came to their penalty award. “Dodds arrived at the spot and Sidlow got a hand to the shot without quite getting it outside the bar, or over the top.” Thus the most attended derby match in Merseyside history ended all-square.
Everton-Liverpool derby: Let’s raise Goodison volume – David Moyes
Sept 27 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES has urged Evertonians to crank up the volume and turn Goodison Park into a cauldron of noise as he plots Liverpool’s derby downfall. The Blues have failed to win any of their three games on home turf so far this season and both Premier League fixtures against Blackburn and Portsmouth have ended in defeats.
What’s more, Everton have had difficulty in putting their noses in front – the only games they have managed to do that in were against West Brom and Stoke City – but Moyes believes the derby offers a perfect chance to turn things around. That’s why he wants to see Goodison bouncing in the manner it was before the UEFA Cup tie against Fiorentina last season and, going further back, the night Manchester United were beaten in April 2005 to give his players a much-needed lift. “I can tell you now that Liverpool won’t enjoy coming to Goodison Park,” said Moyes. “If we could win this game, it would give everyone around the club great confidence. “We have made things hard for ourselves and have not started as well as we should have done. But the derby is important and we want a really good atmosphere. “There have been five or six occasions since I have been here when the hairs on the back of my neck have stood up with the atmosphere. We had it against Fiorentina, Manchester United and the day when Wayne (Rooney) scored against Arsenal. “When Goodison is rocking, there is nowhere like it. I don’t think anyone enjoys coming here – it‘s a tough place to get in and out of and we need to use that to our advantage.” Mike Riley – who booked seven Manchester United players at Stamford Bridge last week – is the man who will take charge of the game and, given the troubles Everton have had with officials in this encounter, his performance will come under intense scrutiny. Moyes, however, has faith that Riley will have no troubles during what he expects to be another fiercely contested encounter but has urged his players to stay within the disciplinary boundaries. “You hope that you get a good referee,” Moyes, who will recall Ayegbeni Yakubu, Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta, said. “The players have to know the boundaries that they can or can’t go to. The last thing we want is someone to be too trigger happy.
“But I trust the referee to have a good game and hopefully the players will make it easy. Liverpool are a really strong, tough team. When they want to be they can be a physical as anyone. They showed that against Manchester United. “We found that in the last couple of derbies. They have been more aggressive than we have. The first goal will be really important. If we can get it, it would give everyone a lift.”
Everton derby debutants: A late cameo from Louis Saha, but tough for Marouane Fellaini
Sept 29 2008 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
IT was an unhappy first taste of the derby for Everton's new boys. Club record £15million signing Marouane Fellaini was booked early on for a poor tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa and the midfielder struggled to make his mark on proceedings as Liverpool dominated in midfield. It was always going to be tough for the 20-year-old as he has found himself coming into a side desperately short of confidence.
Fellaini should have found the net in the first half after Pepe Reina failed to claim a cross but he blasted his shot straight at Jamie Carragher. His blushes were saved by the fact that Mike Riley had already blown for a questionable free-kick. Segundo Castillo may have scored on his home debut against Standard Liege but his hopes of a first derby were dashed by Moyes' decision to recall Tony Hibbert and push Phil Neville up into midfield. Castillo had to sit and watch from the bench throughout, but fellow new boy Loius Saha made his bow midway through the second half.
With the Blues already 2-0 down Saha was fighting a losing cause but he provided much more of a threat than Yakubu had managed up to that point. Saha went close to capping his impressive cameo with a consolation goal when his stunning long range strike whistled just past the post.
Everton 0, Liverpool 2: Hulking Everton felled by an incredible Torres
Sept 29 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
HE may not be as tall, as muscular or as green. But Fernando Torres does share one trait with the Incredible Hulk – his adversaries won’t like him when he’s angry.
Everton discovered that to their cost as the Liverpool striker proved the match-winner for the second successive derby to kick-start his season and deepen the gloom surrounding David Moyes’s side. Having pointed the finger at Mark Clattenberg following last season’s contentious Goodison showdown, Evertonians were again left berating the intervention of the referee. Not, though, because of any major decisions against their team. Instead, the performance of Mike Riley riled Torres into life and ensured Liverpool’s best-ever start at this stage of a Premier League season.
For the best part of an hour on Saturday, Torres did little to suggest he had shrugged off what Rafael Benitez admitted was a Euro 2008 hangover. Annoyed at what he perceived as a lack of protection from some dogged Everton defending that denied him even a sniff of adding to his season’s solitary goal, the striker’s frustrations spilled over when he talked himself into a booking five minutes into the second half after a petulant foul. Fifteen minutes later, however, the game was over, with the only controversy concerning whether Torres should have left the field clutching the matchball. With three goals in two games against Everton, maybe the Spaniard really is becoming the new Ian Rush. As it was, his two goals inside three minutes were sufficient for Liverpool to answer Benitez’s call to reiterate their championship credentials after the deflating goalless draw against Stoke City the previous week.
Both were thrashed home with unerring accuracy. And both owed much to the contribution of Robbie Keane. While the Republic of Ireland international is still waiting to get off the mark after making his big-money summer move from Tottenham Hotspur, the signs were there at Goodison that he is becoming attuned to his new team-mates. None more so than in the 59th minute, when his floated cross dropped perfectly for Torres to emphatically volley home the opener. Keane was similarly instrumental three minutes later, exchanging passes with Dirk Kuyt outside the Everton penalty area to give the Dutchman a clear opening from which Phil Jagielka’s excellent sliding challenge fell invitingly for Torres to smash beyond Tim Howard. Only a harsh decision to penalise Kuyt for a push on Joleon Lescott then denied Torres a hat-trick, the effort coming just moments after Kuyt himself had a goal correctly chalked off. The ball was in the Everton net four times in six minutes.
That flurry of activity gave Liverpool an advantage their first-half possession had hinted at without ever seriously threatening the Everton goal, the visitors dominant in the midfield battle that so often settles these games. Javier Mascherano’s absence compelled Steven Gerrard to produce a disciplined performance that meant there was no chance of the Liverpool skipper being substituted in the same circumstances to the previous year’s Goodison derby. And with Xabi Alonso’s passing dictating proceedings and Albert Riera and the tireless Kuyt busying themselves down the flanks, Benitez’s side slowly smothered the life out of their hosts. It was an eye-opener for Everton’s club record signing Marouane Fellaini, pitched alongside Phil Neville in central midfield. Although improved on his early showings and close to a late consolation goal, the Belgian was off the pace and is going to need time before he can start justifying his price tag. But time is something Everton don’t have right now. Dumped out of the Carling Cup in midweek and now soundly beaten by their local rivals, a season-defining eight-day spell culminates in the UEFA Cup return leg at Standard Liege on Thursday. And while it’s too much to state Everton’s campaign depends on victory in Belgium, the fall-out from their early European exit three years ago remains fresh in the memory of many. Fellaini, of course, is ineligible for that game. Yet the early teething problems of Segundo Castillo, dropped to the bench after being hauled off at half-time in his previous two games, underline the soft centre that has hampered Everton since the departure of Lee Carsley. Indeed, the pre-match comments of Moyes insisting Liverpool had been the aggressors in recent meetings was perhaps more an attempt to fire up his own team than anything else.
Defeat in last year’s Goodison derby proved a catalyst for the remainder of Everton’s campaign, and Moyes must hope Saturday follows suit. Unlike 11 months ago, however, Everton could have no complaints. Pepe Reina didn’t have a save to make, although things may have been different had Tim Cahill managed to gain a proper connection after Mikel Arteta’s 14th-minute corner caused panic in the Liverpool area. Moyes will be alarmed at the capitulation of his team once they went behind. Everton’s players appear not to have complete confidence in each other, an uncertainty the Goodison manager later admitted isn’t being helped by the ongoing speculation over his new contract. Only Jagielka emerged with any credit.
Yakubu, toiling with increasing disinterest as a lone striker, endured a miserable afternoon that was encapsulated by an embarrassing attempt to hoodwink the referee when tumbling in the vicinity of Martin Skrtel, the only award from which was a yellow card. Louis Saha’s impressive late cameo, during which he hammered a blistering 20-yard shot inches wide, gave rise to a debate over whether the French striker should have been on from the start. Certainly, with Everton having gleaned just one point from 24 against the big four last season, they can only ever expect to break into that elite group once they start taking the game to such opponents, particularly at Goodison. Their ignominy was made complete 10 minutes from time when Cahill, still fuming from an early altercation with Alvaro Arbeloa, was dismissed for a heavy challenge on Alonso. Harsh? Possibly. But the Australian didn’t help himself by walking away from Riley and giving the over-officious referee an excuse to brandish the 17th red card in 33 Merseyside derbies in the Premier League era.
Clearly, some things don’t change. Just ask Liverpool and their incredible striker.
Goodison braced for winter of discontent
Sept 29 2008 by Nick Smith, Daily Post
EVEN the glaring Goodison sunshine couldn’t obscure the long, cold winter that lies ahead for troubled Everton. A club whose fans, players, officials and manager are longing for a repeat of last season, on Saturday they got it – but only in the shape of Fernando Torres applying the finishing touches to another one-sided Merseyside derby. But that’s as far as it’s going at the moment. The Carling Cup run is over before it began, finishing fifth seems a distant memory even at this early stage and unless vast improvement is booked on the flight to Belgium, the European adventures can be waved goodbye as well. Even a dubious refereeing decision that led to an Everton red card in the Goodison derby can draw no parallels to last season’s chaos. On the day, Tim Cahill’s sending-off had absolutely no impact on the outcome and that says a lot about the competitive edge Everton are lacking at the moment.
Manager David Moyes reasoned: “That’s the difference £100m can make.” Fair enough. But since when has a relative lack of resources ever stopped him and his players before? Against Liverpool of all teams? The answer lies in the fact that all is not well. Everton supporters were of course depressed on Saturday night, but even defeat to their fierce city foes would be bearable if it they could look at the bigger picture without squeamishly thrusting their fingers in front of their eyes.
Rivalries aside, Liverpool merely became the latest team to come away from Goodison with three points this season, just as Blackburn and Portsmouth had in Everton’s two previous home league games. And the one game on their own ground they didn’t lose could yet have the most catastrophic effect on the current campaign if Standard Liege this week close out the good work they put in to secure a 2-2 draw in the Uefa Cup first round first leg. All a far cry from the heady days of 2007/08. No wonder the team picture of last season’s squad still adorns the walls of the main stand’s staircase. But on derby weekend, it’s only apt to use Liverpool as the benchmark. After all, uneasy stand-offs between manager and hierarchy is their domain. Now the smell of instability and uncertainty has wafted over Stanley Park – and it needs extinguishing quickly because the lingering doubts over Moyes’ contract situation, whether they are explicitly linked or not, are being mirrored on the field.
Rafael Benitez has been able to cope with his brushes with authority because of the odd sweetener to keep him onside. A spare £20m for Robbie Keane for example (which, by the way, looked money well spent when he somehow dug out that superb cross for Torres to open the scoring on Saturday). His side is still unbeaten and he enjoyed another Saturday lunchtime at the top of the Premier League. Moyes cannot, however, sustain a similar level of personal security. It’s not that Everton played that badly against Liverpool, and they could quite easily have been ahead in the first half if Tim Cahill had been as accurate with his lunge at the ball as he was at Xabi Alonso’s legs late on. But with still more than half an hour to go when Torres volleyed in his first of the day, the players’ confidence and, more worryingly, belief that they could resurrect the situation visibly drained away. Indeed, they were lucky not be three down to a Torres hat-trick within seven minutes. So at times like these even the smallest boost to morale can have the biggest impact. And the manager’s future being finally secured would surely have the sort of uplifting effect on the dressing room that is sorely needed to turn round this faltering opening to the season, which started with a painfully long wait for summer transfer activity and has only been eased by victories against sides who came up from the Championship. Captain Phil Neville has previously stated that Everton losing Moyes would be “a disaster” for the club, and while that’s an exaggerated conclusion, you can appreciate how he came to it.
The Scot has never made any secret of his desire to secure longevity in his current role. In modern-day football terms, it’s six-and-a-half-year existence is already a lifetime, to the point where many share Neville’s feeling that the end of the Moyes era could be the end of many of their ambitions. The real cause for concern is that contract talks have dragged on for a bafflingly long time now. Complicated negotiation are usually fine with the fans, because all they care about is that scribbling the name at the bottom of the piece of paper thing which tends to mean all is done and dusted. Given that the pen seemed to be poised early in the summer, you can now understand the anxiety. The top was soon screwed firmly back on when Moyes decided the urgent business of player recruitment had to be his priority.
But the window shut on September 1. So to cut a month-long story short, Moyes had his offer, amended the terms and sent it back to the club – where it remains.
All of which just adds to the doubts that have been slowly creeping into the club since fifth place was secured back in May. Nobody could have foreseen such apparent disarray both on and off the pitch since – and it needs stamping out with some decisive action in both of those areas. The smart money still has to be on Moyes extending his stay at Goodison, Kirkby or wherever – but the sooner the better if only to allay the fears of the supporters, which are ominously turning into sheer indifference given a European attendance of less than 30,000 and an even more alarming derby showing of fewer than 40,000. And the effects of disharmony between board and boss can be a deadly clash. If Everton aren’t careful, they could soon be asking Joe Kinnear to dust down those caretaker overalls once again. No offence to him personally, but as next week’s visitors Newcastle will be only too quick to testify, that’s the last thing anyone wants. And it says everything that defeat to Liverpool is the least of Everton’s problems.
Everton 0, Liverpool 2: Dominic King's derby verdict
Sept 29 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
TAKE the positives - there was no own goal and Joe Kinnear is not waiting in the wings to become manager. But, then again, that’s the footballing equivalent of losing a crisp £50 note and finding five pence. No defeat hurts an Evertonian more than one inflicted by the side from across Stanley Park and this latest reverse is especially hard to stomach. Unable to pin the blame on an erratic referee or point to a contentious, damaging decision, the sight of thousands of empty blue seats long before Mike Riley blew the final whistle was a damning indictment about the way the 208th Merseyside derby had gone. It was, unfortunately, the latest in a long line of crushing blows that have been suffered during what has been a calamitous start and those who traipsed disillusioned out of the old stadium on Saturday believe Everton have 90 minutes this week to save the season. On present form, there won’t be too many predicting an away win and they can’t be blamed. Devoid of confidence, lacking shape and unable to keep a clean sheet, watching Everton stutter and stumble now is breaking the hearts of those of the Royal Blue faith. Yes, there is also anger – that is only natural after losing to Liverpool – but the reaction in the final 30 minutes of this contest was almost an apathetic indifference, an acceptance in some quarters that once Fernando Torres had opened the scoring, the game was up. Where was the fight and the belligerence? Where was the bloody-minded defiance that usually ensures anything moving in a Red shirt is tackled, harried and hustled to the point of distraction? As much as it pains to say, Liverpool never, ever looked in trouble here. Sure, the effort early on was evident and Phil Neville’s return to midfield, coupled with the welcome inclusion of Tony Hibbert for the first since May, ensured that Liverpool were not presented with any gifts during the first half. But the worrying aspect was the ability of Rafa Benitez’s midfielders to pass the ball in triangles, Steven Gerrard conducting affairs and playing at the pace he wanted – it meant that Everton always looked as if they were at full stretch. To have any chance of repeating those wildly celebrated victories of December 2004 and September 2006, Moyes needed to see his side score first but Tim Cahill fluffed the one clear chance that came his way. Then along came Torres.
Whereas the most expensive striker in Everton’s history – Ayegbeni Yakubu – rustled up a performance that was epitomised by a booking received for a theatrical dive, Torres reacted to the yellow card he received from Riley with two clinical finishes.
No wonder David Moyes felt inclined to say afterwards “you could see the difference £100m makes” as the opener was made by four players who cost 60% of that total. You get what you pay for and Torres was obviously a sound investment. We must, though, ask a question. Why was one of the most prolific centre forwards playing the game at present afforded 10 yards of clear space to dispatch his first? Any suggestions that Everton’s defensive woes had been cured were banished in that flash.
“We had possession of the ball in our half and gave it away,” Moyes lamented. “One or two players were then out of position and they didn’t get back to concentrate and defend. It was disappointing and giving the ball away was the first mistake.”
Yet, inexplicably, these mistakes keep on happening. How many times on these pages this season have we referred to ruinous errors? Individually and collectively, Everton are all over the place and it threatens to undermine all the good work of the past two years. Joleon Lescott’s woes continue, Tim Howard’s confidence has been dented by the chaos unfolding in front of him, Joseph Yobo is not reaching the levels required and only Phil Jagielka emerged with his reputation intact. The midfield is screaming out for Lee Carsley’s calming presence, Cahill is not yet match fit, Leon Osman is clearly playing with an injury, while Mikel Arteta never had the chance to torment Liverpool’s woefully limited left-back Andrea Dossena. Marouane Fellaini, meanwhile, improved on his first three appearances for the club but he still looks bemused by what he has come in to; he is going to need many more months before he adjusts. To make things worse, Cahill will miss the next three Premier League games for the red card he received after lunging in on Xabi Alonso and there is little point Everton asking Riley to look at his decision again, as Moyes suggested would be the case. As bad as the tackle was, Cahill would not have been banished had he stayed where the incident took place – walking away from Riley was asking for trouble, particularly as he was the official made to look weak and foolish when Ashley Cole did the same last year. Moyes obviously knew that Cahill was taking a huge risk as he would not have rushed into his technical area and ordered the Australian to go back to Riley; so rather than waste energy on something futile, isn’t it best to concentrate on the biggest issue of all? If this wretched run of form is carried into the UEFA Cup tie against Standard Liege, Everton’s interest in Europe will be over and, even at this early stage, it is looking unlikely that they will be involved in the competition next year. Around this time 12 months ago, Everton were just starting to show signs of clicking into gear – a win at Sheffield Wednesday in the Carling Cup was followed by victory over Middlesbrough and completed by the nail-biting success against Metalist Kharkiv. The start to that campaign, you will remember, had been up and down but that winning treble set the wheels in motion and Everton got into the habit of getting the right results; now they are stuck in a worrying rut that could see losing become habit. “I’ve got to find solutions to get us winning again and get us to the level that we were at last year,” Moyes, whose new contract remains unsigned, conceded. “Our start does worry me.” So it should. There are too many alarming parallels with the season that followed the fourth placed finish of 2004/05. We all know what had happened by the middle of October three years ago – Everton, then, dare not fail in Belgium.
Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster ride.
Man of the match: Phil Jagielka
The record books will show Fernando Torres scored twice but Jagielka actually dealt terrifically with the Spaniard; he and the returning Tony Hibbert were the only players to do themselves justice.
Everton-Liverpool ref watch: An assortment of cards and whistle blowing
Sept 29 2008 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
FOR 80 minutes at Goodison it looked like Mike Riley would barely merit a mention in the aftermath of the 208th Merseyside derby. Of course the fussy whistle-blower had already dished out six yellows and made a couple of bewildering decisions but Fernando Torres' clinical double had ensured the Spaniard was the centre of attention.
But when Tim Cahill clattered into Xabi Alonso on Saturday, Riley put himself back in the spotlight. It was late and reckless by the Australian but it was no worse than a couple of challenges which had gone before. Nobody in red would have complained if Riley had dished out a yellow and got on with the game but the Leeds official saw things differently. If Riley had been wavering between which colour to brandish then Cahill's continued refusal to approach him probably made his mind up. The Merseyside derby's reputation as the dirtiest fixture in the land was secure as Cahill received the 17th red card in the 33rd Premier League showdown between the clubs.
With Riley in charge it was always likely to be a card-fest. In his 42 games last season, he issued 149 yellows and eight red cards and he had already booked 20 players in his four matches this campaign. With that track record the only surprise was that it took nine minutes for him to get his book out on Saturday, although in fairness, derby debutant Marouane Fellaini gave him little option after hacking down Alvaro Arbeloa. The first big decision came just before the half hour mark and Riley got it horribly wrong. When Pepe Reina flapped at Joleon Lescott's cross under pressure from Fellaini there was no hint of a foul yet Riley penalised the Blues new boy.
As it was Jamie Carragher saved the referee's bacon with a stunning goal line clearance which made the decision academic. Alonso's was the only other name taken in the first half for halting a flying run by his old mate Mikel Arteta but Riley doubled his tally inside the opening five minutes of the second half. He got it spot on when Yakubu shamelessly threw himself to the ground in the box and Torres could have no complaints after moaning once too often when a decision went against him.
The Reds striker's frustration turned to joy as he netted twice in quick succession but Riley then cruelly denied him the honour of becoming only the second Liverpool player in history to score a league hat-trick at Goodison. The decision to rule out Torres' goal and penalise Dirk Kuyt for a foul on Lescott in the build-up was as poor as his first half call to give a flailing Reina a free-kick. By that point Neville had picked up the fifth booking of the day for a late tackle on Albert Riera and Arbeloa rightly followed for a nasty challenge on Cahill. Retribution was probably on Cahill's mind moments later when he flew into Alonso. Cahill's harsh dismissal left Evertonians with a sense of injustice but such was Liverpool's dominance that in truth Riley's performance didn't affect the final outcome.
David Prentice: Reds win was on the cards from instant teams lined up
Sept 29 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
DERBIES were always different. Unpredictably different. Because the potency of the adrenalin fuelled mixture which drove the participants in these very singular fixtures meant that superior technique and ability was usually worthless. “It was like 90 minutes of frenetic lunacy at times,” Joe Royle once observed. “We always said we could go out and play for 20 minutes, settle down and then someone could throw the ball on.” But, like sideburns and Stylo matchmaker boots, that attitude seems to have gone. Don’t be fooled by another red card and six bookings on Saturday. That’s a result of modern referees’ zero tolerance policy. Derbies of 20 and 30 years ago were infinitely more furious, when artists like Duncan McKenzie and Steve McManaman were suffocated in an atmosphere of frantic aggression. Nowadays the team with the better players can flourish, and Liverpool boast the better players. The Reds have now emerged triumphant on seven of their last nine visits to Goodison Park – a sobering statistic if your affections lie with the Royal Blue half of the city. Saturday’s seventh was a victory in the making from the second the teams lined up. Yakubu was an isolated and increasingly frustrated figure up front, while behind him Everton retreated like building society share prices. Liverpool were granted an astonishing amount of possession for a derby match; it was merely a matter of whether they could convert that possession into a goal. With class like Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard on show the answer was always likely to be in the affirmative. Everton used to take a perverse pride in getting in their rivals’ faces. It was Royle again, who once quipped: “ A crisp packet blew across the pitch and Joe Parkinson and Graham Stuart both tackled it.” On Saturday Liverpool were allowed to dictate. Throughout the entire 90 minutes Pepe Reina was not extended once. True, Tim Howard wasn’t exactly flinging himself around his goalmouth either, but in a mid-match purple patch for the Reds he was actually beaten four times – only Torres’ brace counting. Everton’s only hope hinged on Tim Cahill getting a connection at a set piece – he missed his kick in the 13th minute – or Pepe Reina making a rare error. He flapped at a Joleon Lescott cross and was spared by a combination of a monumental Jamie Carragher block and a poor Mike Riley decision. The biggest worry for the Blues was the reaction to Torres’ second goal – the ground began to empty instantly. Many of the Everton crowd had no stomach for a fight, no defiance. Maybe they’d seen one derby day surrender too many, but that reaction seemed to be mimicked on the pitch, the effervescent Louis Saha excepted. Something isn’t right at Everton at present. What’s that old saying about a fish rotting from the head down? It would be wrong to say that David Moyes’ contract deadlock is affecting the players. Footballers will always be wrapped up in their own self-absorbed worlds. But it does appear to be affecting the manager. His demeanour, his body language, his ability to inspire seems to be lacking its previous urgency. If finance is not the issue, and we are told Moyes has ignored the best part of £300,000 by refusing to sign his new deal, it appears there is something else irking his consciousness. Has the summer transfer debacle, which effectively caused this fractured start to the season, upset his equilibrium? Has the knowledge that he will never be able to compete financially with the big four . . . and Manchester City, Aston Villa, Tottenham and maybe even Sunderland, affected his once fiercely ambitious drive? We don’t know. Messages from inside the club, like they were during the summer’s transfer window, are mixed. But Everton’s mental resolve is certainly a cause for concern. After Fiorentina flattened Goodison at the end of one of the most vibrant evenings in recent L4 history, the players found it impossible to pick themselves up for the rest of the season. It was the same when Dinamo Bucharest inflicted some hurtful wounds a couple of seasons earlier. And Standard Liege are well placed to ask Everton to go to that mental well again this Thursday. How they respond to that particular challenge will shape the rest of their season. And Liverpool? They went top of the table for a couple of hours on Saturday without reaching a peak level of performance yet this season. Their world class spine carried them through again at Goodison; Carragher organising and repelling, Gerrard cajoling and creating and Fernando Torres finishing. It’s not just in his ability to score goals that the Reds record signing resembles Kenny Dalglish. He’s even starting to moan as much.
But Reds fans won’t mind the odd yellow card for dissent if he continues to make the decisive difference in matches like this one. Liverpool approach a European challenge this week in good humour. Over Everton, however, storm clouds are gathering.
Phil Jagielka: Everton will come back fighting in Europe
Sept 29 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
PHIL JAGIELKA today vowed that Everton will go on the attack in order to stop their season collapsing on Thursday evening. The Blues travel to Belgium on Wednesday for the second leg of their UEFA Cup tie against Standard Liege low on confidence after the demoralising 2-0 Goodison Park defeat to Liverpool. Having already been dumped out of the Carling Cup, Everton face a huge battle to keep their European hopes alive after the first meeting ended with Liege ended in a 2-2 draw.
If Everton continue to defend as badly as they have done, Jagielka knows their hopes of progress will evaporate but he still has faith that they can get a good result.
That’s why he expects a positive response in training during the next few days, as he and his team-mates look to get things back on track. “We shot ourselves in the foot after we conceded the first,” he said. “After that, they kept the ball really well, got a second quite quickly and frustrated us. The confidence isn’t sky high by any stretch of the imagination but a result against Liverpool would have righted some wrongs.
“As it was, we were outplayed and lost the game. Now we have got to move on. We had a fantastic time in Europe last year and we want another four or five games at least. The Newcastle game is also doubly important, so we have got an interesting week ahead. “Two wins could set us up for a really good run. Only the players can get us out of this situation. We are going there as a squad and we are determined to get a good result. I don’t think there is more pressure on the game – we know what we have got to do. “Maybe it will do us good to get away. I’m sure there will be a few Evertonians over there making a lot of noise but we know what we have got to do – it’s either a ridiculously high scoring draw or we’ve got to nick it somehow. We have got to be as positive as possible.” Jagielka – who was Everton’s star man – was bitterly disappointed that Everton did not cause their neighbours too many problems in what turned out to be a one-sided derby. “We thought we had done quite well during the first half without causing them too many problems,” he said. “From a personal point of view, maybe I can take some confidence from the game but we still got beaten. The defeat means more to us than individual performances.” The Blues, meanwhile, are hoping that referee Mike Riley will reconsider his decision to send Tim Cahill off and Jagielka feels the Australian was harshly treated. “If that was a sending-off, then maybe (Alvaro) Arbeloa kicking someone five minutes after the ball has gone has got to be a similar offence,” he said. “Thankfully (Xabi) Alonso is fine – Tim is not the type of lad who wants to go out and hurt someone intentionally. Unfortunately, we didn’t get too much rub of the green off him (Riley).”
David Moyes: Contract delay may have affected poor Everton start
Sept 29 2008 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES admits his ongoing contract situation may have contributed to Everton's poor start to the season. Saturday's derby defeat was the Blues' third successive home league setback and they have also crashed out of the Carling Cup.
Moyes, who has a year left on his current deal, confirmed in July he had opened talks with chairman Bill Kenwright about a new contract but he still hasn't put pen to paper.
Asked whether he thought the issue is spreading uncertainty throughout the club, he said: "Possibly, yes, and it is something that needs to be addressed. "I think both parties are aware that it has to be sorted and hopefully there will be some news soon.
"It's not a matter of compromise, I've been sitting waiting on it coming back from the club for quite a while now. But I am not unsettled by it personally, not at all.
"What happens is when the manager's position is uncertain then uncertainty can come into the club. "I accept that, but that is not the reason for today's performance or the ones before. I agree it doesn't help the situation." Moyes admitted he is worried about his side's current slump but vowed to work tirelessly to get them back on track ahead of Thursday's crunch UEFA Cup clash against Standard Liege. "It's the same group of players in the main who finished fifth last year but our performances haven't matched that," he said. "I am fully aware of that and I'm doing everything I can to try and correct it. "You are going to have periods where confidence is low, you are not playing well and can't find a winning formula. My job is to find that. "We've not played well at the start of the season. We've had players returning late and late recruitment but I've got to get that right." Moyes was left to rue Tim Cahill's first half miss and the defensive lapse which gave Fernando Torres so much space to open the scoring. "We wanted to be harder to beat than we have been and I thought for the first 45 minutes we did that," he said. "We defended strongly when we had to and I think we had the better chances in the first half. "Tim Cahill had that chance at the back post and then I'm not convinced there was a foul on their goalkeeper, all be it Jamie Carragher kicked it off the goal line. "It was disappointing in the end to lose two goals early in the second half. "For the first we gave it away very easily in our own half. Initially I thought we had defended it quite well but the concentration levels were not what they should have been and Torres was very clinical. "For most of the game we competed well, the boys never gave in and I have to give them credit for that. Today you saw the difference £100milllion can make." Moyes also leapt to the defence of Cahill and insisted he didn't deserve to see red late on for his challenge on Xabi Alonso. "I thought it warranted a yellow card, not a red one," he said. "We will have to ask the referee to have a look at it again. I certainly don't think it was the worst tackle in the game. "My initial thought was he had sent him off because Tim hadn't gone up to him but that would have warranted two yellow cards. "I don't think anyone in the ground thought it would be a red card for that tackle."
Nigel Martyn: Belief is the key to kick-start campaign
Sep 30 2008 by Nigel Martyn, Liverpool Echo
THERE is a theory in football that should be remembered when you are at a low ebb - things can turn dramatically on one result. After the crushing disappointment of the weekend defeat against Liverpool, Everton will travel to Belgium knowing they will be second favourites to book a place in the UEFA Cup group stages, and there is bound to be a shortage of confidence. But don’t for one minute believe that the white flag will get hoisted before kick-off. There has got to be a belief among the players they can beat Standard Liege and get the result which will kick things into gear.
The problem we have at the minute, however, is an inability to keep clean sheets, and if the Blues continue to gift the opposition goals, we are going to have enormous problems. Liege, as we saw in the first leg, are certainly good enough to take advantage. So the key to success in Liege is strength - the lads have got to stick together when they come under pressure and ensure they get to half-time without conceding. Even being 0-0 with 20 minutes remaining is terrific because the manager can start to make changes then. Having our backs to the wall, however, is not such a bad thing. A lot of great Everton performances have come in similar circumstances and sometimes needing to defy the odds brings the best out of players - just look at what happened when England played Croatia last month. What must be avoided at all costs is the concession of an early goal, as many will expect Liege to build up a head of steam in that scenario and there will be fears of what happened to us in Bucharest three years ago. We let an early goal in that night and, despite restoring parity before half-time, were eventually blown away - I remember the flight home to be a particularly sombre, silent affair with many of the players sitting in shock. That defeat, coupled with the Champions League reverse against Villarreal, proved difficult to forget and it impacted on our campaign badly. It took months to recover and some supporters will be fearing a repeat is in the offing. But, as bad as things may seem just now, we are not a Tottenham Hotspur or Newcastle United. It’s still early days, we have got some points on the board and we will have a run-in time when we pick up a lot of wins. This squad has enough talent to do that. We just need a break, a nudge in the right direction and things will start to happen again. Yes, it will be difficult, but it is not impossible to win in Liege - and if Everton do that, the world will seem a much better place.
Red card frustration could be costly
TIM CAHILL’S red card may not have influenced the outcome of the Merseyside derby, but it could certainly impact on Everton’s next three games. I like Tim. He’s a terrific player and has got a terrific attitude. When he plays in five-a-side games in training, he desperately wants to win and you could see the tackle on Xabi Alonso was born of frustration. Had he stayed where he was and helped Alonso to his feet, I’ve no doubt he would only have been shown a yellow card, but his decision to walk away from Mike Riley was foolish and fatal - it’s for that reason I don’t believe he can complain about being sent off. As Riley was the referee at the centre of the Ashley Cole storm last season, there is no way he was going to stand having his authority questioned, and however frustrated Tim was, he should have just bit his lip and let the official say his piece. Now, unless the appeal over the card is successful, we are going to miss one of our star men for three crucial matches at a time when we can least afford it. I’ve no doubt Tim will have apologised to his team-mates and had short shrift from the manager. He has made a mistake - fingers crossed it won’t be costly.
Moyes contract is key to moving forwards
NOT for the first time this season, David Moyes’ contract has been the subject of hot debate and it is starting to worry supporters. Personally, I would like to see the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed as soon as possible but maybe it’s simply been a case of him not having enough time to take care of it. All being well, things will be rectified during the next international break and then everyone will be able to concentrate on the most important thing - getting the right results.
Mike Parry: 'Fans who batter Bill astound me'
Sep 30 2008 By Mike Parry, Talksport Radio presenter
FOLLOWING Saturday's derby defeat, and on hearing of abuse and protests hurled by some fans in the direction of Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, lifelong Blues fan and Talksport Radio presenter Mike Parry contacted the ECHO sports desk of his own volition to ask if he might speak up on behalf of the Goodison owner. Here are his views. THERE are many things in life I do not understand. Quantum physics; Japanese newspapers and why Michael “wooden” Caine is hailed as a great actor, are just a few. And if I suddenly needed to find out about things on a subject of which I had no knowledge I could go and get hold of a copy of Encyclopedia Brittanica or, more likely these days, search the world-wide web. But there’s one subject that, to me, defies explanation. And that is the vitriol and the bile which is directed towards Bill Kenwright from a certain section of the fans. What more is the Everton chairman expected to do to keep our club going – and going successfully? OK, we’re having a nightmare start to this season. But we’re in a far, far better place than Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Derby. Why those three clubs? Well, because in my lifetime they have been giants of the game, each winning at least one top title and appearing in the final or semi-final of the European Cup and in Forest’s case, winning it twice.
But they all eventually succumbed to bad board-room management which trickled down to the dressing room and onto the pitch to give them an era in the lower divisions. And they’re all still recovering. A chairman appoints a manager. It is the most vital duty he has to do for his club and in the case of the other three, chaotic behaviour in the boardrooms led to managerial appointments that didn’t have the full support of all the directors and the rest is history. All clubs go into their fallow years. They are the most dangerous times of a club’s existence. A rot sets in and if you don’t have a strong, committed leader you could be gone forever – like Huddersfield, Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday. Everton’s fallow years came in the early 90’s. If we had gone down on that infamous Wimbledon day where would we be now? We could have gone down four years later but since Mr Kenwright has been chairman we have never been in real danger. (I haven’t forgotten 2004, but we weren’t in real danger). The temptation in this day and age is to load your club with debt to seek glory. It proved disastrous for Leeds and would have been for Chelsea had Comrade Abramovich not arrived. There is also a temptation to change your manager every time you lose consecutive games. That’s why Newcastle now resembles a circus.
Bill Kenwright has made Everton one of the most stable clubs in the country by resisting these fashions. But far from a section of the crowd recognising this; they hurl abuse at him. How many times has he got to tell us: “If a billionaire walked through the door I would happily step down.” I believe him because he’s an honourable man.
What joy do you think he gets in sleepless nights worrying about keeping the club on track? One of the last times I saw him, I went to his offices in London. He wasn’t there. He’d gone for a walk around the park to clear his head in the middle of the summer transfer scramble. When he came back he looked terribly tired. For over a month he had put the running of his theatre business – one of the biggest in the world – on hold to concentrate on the transfer market. With David Moyes he was chasing players and agents all around the world, night and day, ahead of the new season.
His phone never stopped ringing. And by the way there’s an awful lot more a club chairman has to do – like trying to build a new ground – in addition to transfers.
When I come to Merseyside – sadly not often enough – some people tell me that Kenwright has not tried hard enough to find our billionaire. Well, I’m a shareholder and at the last three AGMs he has made it absolutely clear that we NEED an investor and we WANT an investor. And the physical toll of running Everton is, in my view, becoming so onerous I firmly believe that nobody wants that investor more than the chairman. I have been asked “Why do mega-rich people buy Manchester City and seem to be circling Newcastle but show no interest in Everton?” Well, I think this is to do with another bugbear that has haunted Kenwright since he took over. The ground.
Look at all the clubs who have overseas investors. United, Arsenal, Villa and Newcastle. They all have great stadiums – either a new one, or one that has been rebuilt spectacularly in the last decade. Investors are loathe to get involved with a club that needs a new stadium. That is why there has been a form of musical chairs taking place at Portsmouth and we only have to look at the Liverpool situation to see how ongoing stadium plans can completely flummox new owners. That is one reason why Kenwright believed he had to try to drive through the plans for Everton’s new ground. He knows that without it, the investors will stay away. There is no bigger Evertonian than Bill Kenwright. He has saved our club from oblivion in these dangerous footballing times where, with a stroke of a pen, a chairman can bankrupt his own club.
Bill will be crestfallen right now because of the Liverpool result. I’ve known him not to be able to speak for up to a week after similar defeats. He is easily big enough to fight his own battles. But he is my friend and a hero for carrying our mighty club. And not enough people are speaking up for him. I hate to see fans having a go at him - because it is completely unjustified. Rather we should be on our knees thanking the Lord for sending him to us. What he, and Everton, certainly don’t need are the disaffected – who in my view are just not thinking straight – climbing on his back, while he is almost single-handedly supporting our magnificent club and its spectacular traditions.
Everton skipper Phil Neville: Let's show some guts
Sep 30 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
PHIL NEVILLE demanded that Everton's players put 'their balls on the line' to avert a European calamity. Neville is respectful of the threat Standard Liege pose to his side’s UEFA Cup ambitions after the first leg 2-2- draw but is not daunted by the prospect of needing to get a win in Belgium on Thursday to secure a place in the group stages.
He concedes it has been a difficult start to the campaign, and that confidence has been dented by recent defeats against Blackburn and Liverpool, but Everton’s captain is convinced they can turn things around by beating Liege. But, to do that, Neville today urged his team-mates to have courage in their convictions and believe they can get a positive result in the Stade Maurice Dufrasne to set the wheels in motion on their stuttering campaign. “We brag about how great the spirit is here – now we have got to show that it is not a myth,” Neville declared. “Things have not been going well so far but now we the players have got to put our balls on the line for this club. “We can’t have any regrets when we walk off the pitch on Thursday night – and I don’t believe we will. “We have been building something for the past couple of years and we want it to come to fruition in the long-term – so we have got to believe we can win this game. “Let’s go over to Belgium thinking positively. “I’d be lying if I said everything has been plain sailing since we finished fifth but they are things that should not really impact on us. I’ve heard suggestions that the manager’s contract has had an effect but that is not true. “I’ve not heard it mentioned in the dressing room once. The only thing the players are bothered about is getting good results for this club and we are all hurting that we haven’t done that consistently yet. “But, take it from me, we intend to change that this week.” Liege warmed up for the second leg by beating Anderlecht 2-1 last Friday and have moved to the top of Belgium’s Jupiler League but Neville – who is poised to make the 93rd European appearance of his career – thinks they could be vulnerable on home soil. His one concern, however, is that Everton have been defensively frail thus far and he knows there could not be a better time for Tim Howard and company to keep their first clean sheet. “If I’m honest, I think Liege are there to be beaten,” said Neville. “I saw them play Liverpool and I was impressed but sometimes there is a danger that you can build a side up to be better than they actually are. “We need to have belief and look at the bigger picture. “Yes they played well at Goodison but look at the goals they scored – they were both defensive errors. That tells it’s own story. “I’m positive that we can go over there and score. We just have to keep things tight.” The Blues, meanwhile, have lodged an appeal with the FA over Tim Cahill’s red card in Saturday’s derby. Officials submitted the appeal on Monday morning and a hearing will take place later this week. Under FA rules Everton are permitted to provide written documentation to support their appeal. Cahill was sent-off for a challenge on Xabi Alonso and shown a straight red, giving the club right of appeal. Cahill faces a three-game ban if the Blues can’t convince the FA they have a case.
September 2008