Everton Independent Research Data
Mikel Arteta just the latest Everton FC player to be snatched by Arsenal
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Sep 1 2011
TONIGHT’S back page headline will eloquently express the mood of so many Evertonians today, writes David Prentice. Arsenal have taken the Mik. But should we be surprised? After all, they’ve been doing it for years. Ever since Joe Mercer left a title winning side for the bright lights of London after the Second World War, The Gunners have made a habit of snatching Everton’s most coveted players. Martin Keown, Francis Jeffers, most heart rendingly of all, Alan Ball - and now Mikel Arteta.
Each of those departures caused angst and despair in different measures, but it’s the exit of those last two names which were felt the most. In David France’s splendid celebration of Gwladys Street’s Holy Trinity “Kendall, Harvey and Ball,” the renowned playwright Neville Smith wrote: “The Everton manager embraced the fans’ appreciation of Alan Ball and his non-stop commitment - then betrayed them by selling him to Arsenal. We have a history of transferring top-class players before their sell-by dates. I suppose that all clubs have their mysteries, but I don’t know why we have some of the darkest. Maybe that’s why they call us ‘The Blues.’ ” My former colleague, Philip McNulty, was blunter. “It took me weeks to recover,” he wrote on the sale of his childhood hero “it took the club 13 years. Of course I was too young to understand the economics of football, but I was old enough to understand no team flourished by selling its best player.” And that’s how many Evertonians will feel this morning. On recent form Mikel Arteta may not be Everton’s very best player. But he wasn’t far off. And he was undeniably one of the most popular. For older Blues, Arteta represented a link with the School of Science that many thought had gone forever. For younger Blues he brought style and flair – and a touch of Latin class in an era when Spanish football is more in vogue than ever. In fact he was the best little Spaniard they knew. Now he’s gone - and the fact that he asked for the move doesn’t make it easier to swallow. Arsenal have taken the Mik. But nobody on the Blue half of Merseyside is laughing.
Mikel Arteta joins Arsenal from Everton FC in £10m deal as Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi join EFC
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 1 2011
Mikel Arteta celebrates his late penalty winner against BlackburnEVERTON were reeling today after the shock departure of Mikel Arteta to Arsenal in a last-ditch £10m deal that left David Moyes powerless to replace him. The 29-year-old playmaker told Moyes he wanted a switch to North London late last night, after the Blues had already rejected an approach from Arsene Wenger for the fans’ favourite earlier on deadline day. A dismayed Moyes, who had previously signed Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe and Argentine striker Denis Stracqualursi in a whirl-wind day of activity, said: “Mikel indictated to me that he wished to join Arsenal if a bid came in. “I’m very disappointed to lose him but the prospect of Champions League football was something I wasn’t able to offer him.” Arteta’s departure was an unexpected set-back to the Blues. The Basque had said earlier this summer that he was settled at Goodison and wanted the club to retain their best players, but the lure of Champions League football quickly convinced him to take a significant pay-cut to move to the Emirates stadium. The ECHO understands Moyes believed he had done enough to cling onto the Basque, after he had helped reduce the financial pressures on the club via the sales of Yakubu, who joined Blackburn Rovers for a deal close to £2m, and striker Beckford to Leicester City for almost £4m. The Everton manager was relieved with what seemed set to be a simple ‘two in, two out’ day of business. But then Arteta, who joined Everton from Real Sociedad in 2005, delivered his bombshell news, leaving the Scot reluctant to retain a player who did not want to play for the club.
It means the Toffees had no time to re-invest some of the £10m fee on a replacement, or even take advantage of the potential funds freed-up by removing his £75,000-a-week salary from the wage bill.
There was believed to be huge anger behind the scenes at the timing of Arteta’s admission last night. Although Moyes at least managed to capture some re-inforcements in highly-rated Stracqualursi, 23, and 24-year-old Drenthe – who he will hope to team-up with Leighton Baines on Everton’s left flank. Meanwhile, Yakubu, who signed for Everton in an £11.25m deal in 2007, said he was thrilled to be joining Blackburn. He said: “It’s a good club and I’m looking forward to playing and helping the club stay in the Premier League. “He is a great manager and without him I don’t think I’d be here today so its credit to him.”
Everton FC deadline day analysis: David Moyes' anger over Mikel Arteta exit
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 1 2011
David Moyes looks on during a Finch Farm training session IT STARTED with little promise, but Everton’s transfer deadline day soon developed into a bitter-sweet flurry of activity culminating in the loss of their star player and the injection of two fresh faces. David Moyes was left dismayed and furious at the exit of want-away Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta to Arsenal, just hours after he had been celebrating adding the pace and potential goals his side craves courtesy of Argentine forward Denis Stracqualursi and Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe. Moyes also sold Jermaine Beckford, who departed for Leicester City with the Toffees making up to £4m profit on a player they signed for nothing from Leeds United last summer. And Yakubu, who had become surplus to requirements at Goodison, clinched a move to Blackburn Rovers for a fee near the £2m mark.
But while it was the failed battle to retain the services of 29-year-old Arteta which gripped supporters just hours from the deadline, the capture of Stracqualursi could mean Everton at least have someone prepared to wear the famous number nine shirt at Goodison. The powerful 23-year-old, who is nicknamed Traca, has built a promising reputation in South America, after he burst onto the scene with Argentine minnows Tigre. While Stracqualursi also had a brief trial with Leicester City earlier this summer, Argentina-based football journalist Daniel Colasimone believes the Blues have landed themselves a genuine talent. “He was a highly regarded player at Tigre,” says the editor of argentinafootballworld.com. “They are a small team so he did very well to be the player with the most goals last season, 21, when you combine the Apertura and Clausura charts. “In the first half of the Clausura, especially, he was devastating. Being at such a small club, he was no superstar, but as he kept banging in goals his stature grew considerably, culminating with a superb performance against Boca Juniors in April in Tigre’s 3-3 draw. “He became the first player to score a hat trick against Boca in the Bombonera in 15 years and was suddenly on everybody’s lips. “He is a bit of a cult figure, the type of players fans love as he is a big, powerful focal point of his team’s attack and is also willing to get stuck in and work hard for the team.” Colasimone believes Stracqualursi will adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League. He said: “There is little surprise that he is moving on, though nobody here had much of an inkling that he would be off to England just now. “He was being lined up by champions Velez as a replacement for their recently departed striker Santiago Silva, who went to Fiorentina. “He should do well in the Premier League, though it will certainly be a test for him. Due to his hulking size he is not super mobile, but I definitely wouldn’t call him a slouch.
“As I said, he’s hard working and not afraid to track back. “His job, I assume, will not be to run about too much, but to act as a target man in the box, and his characteristics would seem ideally suited to Everton. “He is the type of big number nine who is valuable to the team even when he is not scoring, as he can play with his back to goal and is quite skilful with his feet. “In that context I would compare him to someone like Andy Carroll, or even a Mark Viduka. He is more than capable of laying off nice little passes around the edge of the box to make chances for his team-mates. “He is also dominant in the air, at least in the Argentinean league. I would temper all this by saying that this type of striker is quite a rarity in Argentina, and tends to do well here as defences have trouble coping with such a powerful, direct threat.” Ultimately Colasimone, who hosts Argentinian football podcast ‘The Hand of Pod, believes fans may have to be patient to see the very best of the promising hit-man. “It’s the reason that someone like Martin Palermo could score hundreds of goals here but did not really make an impact in Europe,” he says. “That is not to say Denis will find it too tough in England, I think he is deft enough on the ball to excel, but he may take a little while to adapt.”
Moyes was also able to tie up a deal for Drenthe, 24, after being given permission from the Spanish giants Madrid to begin negotiations yesterday afternoon. Drenthe, who had been in talks with Galatasaray earlier this week, represents the pacy left-sided midfielder the Toffees have craved.
Drenthe joined Real Madrid in 2007 for 14 million euros after impressing at the European Under-21 Championships but struggled for playing time under Jose Mourinho and had disciplinary problems on loan at Hercules. The former Feyenoord starlet can also play left-back, and means Moyes can try to re-ignite his team’s attacking threat down the left flank by teaming Drenthe up with Leighton Baines in a partnership he will hope mirrors the profitable one the England defender enjoyed with Steven Pienaar.
Everton snap up Drenthe
Sep 1 2011
Daily Post
Everton have signed Dutchman Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid on a season-long loan. The versatile, left-sided 24-year-old joined Madrid from Feyenoord in 2007 but struggled to tie down a first-team berth at the Bernabeu and spent last season on loan at Hercules. Drenthe's deal went through late on along with another season-long loan for striker Denis Stracqualursi from Argentinian side Tigres. The Toffees did not officially sign the pair until late on deadline day as there were primarily departures from Goodison Park. Those came in the form of Mikel Arteta, unexpectedly to Arsenal, with Ayegbeni Yakubu set to complete a permanent move to Barclays Premier League rivals Blackburn.
Ian Doyle’s verdict on transfer deadline frenzy that saw comings and going at Everton and Liverpool
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 1 2011
WHEN Mikel Arteta sent Evertonians into ecstasy with his last-gasp winning penalty at Ewood Park on Saturday, few could have imagined it would be the last time they’d see the talismanic Spaniard in action for their team. Yet that is the fact those now devastated supporters must comprehend this morning after a deadline day that perhaps underlined just how perilous Everton’s financial situation has become. The Goodison outfit had laughed off Arsenal’s suggestion of a swap deal with Nicklas Bendtner at the weekend. Early yesterday evening, they similarly dismissed a £10million offer from the Gunners. But all that changed when Arteta himself made clear his desire to leave for the Emirates, presumably as replacement for the departed Cesc Fabregas. To think the player spoke only weeks ago of his relief that this was a summer without continued speculation over his future. Instead, the rumour and conjecture was confined to the final few hours of the transfer window.
On one hand, it was understandable. Arsenal offered the lure of Champions League football, something that Moyes admitted Everton have not been able to offer Arteta, and at the age of 29 the clock is beginning to tick on his career. But his exit sends out all the wrong signals to the fans. Arteta was one of Moyes’s most loyal charges and had turned down previous opportunities to leave in the past. If he has jumped ship, who else will follow? There will no doubt also be murmurings among supporters that Arteta was ushered too readily towards the exit – especially given Everton eventually accepted a bid they’d turned down just hours earlier – simply to appease the club’s bank and help service the debt. That, though, is an accusation Everton will always face with the exit of every player until the current financial situation changes. Evertonians may cling to the hope that Arteta is now past his best. And while it is true the Spaniard hasn’t quite been as influential during the last 18 months, his loss will leave a immense gap, not just on the field but also among the tightly-knit squad. The timing of the transfer gave Moyes little hope of bringing in a replacement, although there is of course no guarantee the manager would have had access to the money raised by the deal. Having done next to nothing in the transfer window, there was the now trademark flurry of activity at Goodison yesterday; Moyes yet again left with a net spend of precisely nothing.
Yakubu’s exit had been expected for some time, although there was surely a calculated gamble in allowing Jermaine Beckford, last season’s joint top goalscorer, to follow suit. That said, £3.5m for a player who cost nothing barely 12 months earlier made sound business sense. There were some incomings, and while little is known about Argentine forward Denis Stracqualursi, the signing of Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid at least added a touch of glamour. Moyes has had previous experience in dealing with difficult Dutch wingers – Andy van der Meyde, anyone? – and while Drenthe has baggage, it’s a gamble the Everton manager was compelled to take given a lack of options on the left flank and the Holland international’s availability on a free transfer. The overriding gloom among Evertonians is in stark contrast with their neighbours from across Stanley Park. Craig Bellamy’s arrival from Manchester City yesterday completed a productive summer for Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli, with owners Fenway Sports Group having proven true to their word in bankrolling a significant squad overhaul.
There was still room for one surprise on deadline day, though, with Raul Meireles moving to Chelsea.
Doubts had been raised over the Portugal midfielder’s first-team role given the clutch of summer arrivals, and although Liverpool resisted a player-plus-cash offer this week, once Meireles handed in a transfer request the die had been cast. As was demonstrated with Fernando Torres in January, Liverpool will swiftly dispense with players who are no longer committed to the cause. And £12m represented a profit on the player. With Christian Poulsen, David Ngog and, miracle of miracles, Philipp Degen moved on yesterday, 13 senior players – the others are Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Paul Konchesky, Milan Jovanovic, Daniel Ayala, Nabil El Zhar, Emiliano Unsua, Chris Mavinga, Gerardo Bruna and Tom Ince – have departed Anfield permanently during the summer. Factor in the loan departures – with Joe Cole joining Alberto Aquilani, Dani Pacheco, Stephen Darby and Peter Gulacsi – it means a total of 18 players will be plying their trade elsewhere this season. As clearouts go, it’s a pretty impressive achievement. The exit of Meireles has almost wiped clear last summer’s purchases under the reign of Roy Hodgson, further underlining the feeling of starting afresh under Dalglish and FSG. The likes of Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Jose Enrique and Charlie Adam have already began justifying their £50m-plus expense, while that Liverpool felt confident in spending a further £8m on young Uruguay centre-back Sebastian Coates suggests the kind of long-term planning that was noticeably absent during the years of infighting that almost brought the club to its knees less than 12 months ago. Liverpool can be happy with their summer’s business.
Evertonians, though, will be praying deadline day is not an ominous portent of things to come.
Mikel Arteta joins Arsenal from Everton FC in transfer drama
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 1 2011
MIKEL ARTETA last night forced through a sensational £10million move to Arsenal barely hours after Everton believed they had fought off the Gunners’ advances. A dramatic deadline day saw Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu also depart while David Moyes moved to bring in new faces by signing Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe and Argentine Denis Stracqualursi. But it is the departure of the talismanic Arteta that will dominate talk among Evertonians this morning, particularly as it appeared Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had failed in his attempts to capture the 29-year-old. At 8pm last night, both Arsenal and Everton were stating the deal was dead after the Gunners refused to increase their £10m bid, only for Arteta to plead to be allowed to leave for the Emirates.
The Spanish schemer has agreed to a significant wage cut with the lure of Champions League football simply too much for him to ignore. Moyes, who signed Arteta on an initial loan in January 2005 before the move was made permanent six months later, was understandably dismayed at the player’s decision. “Mikel indicated to me that he wished to join Arsenal,” said the Goodison manager. “I am very disappointed to lose him but the prospect of Champions League football was something I wasn’t able to offer him.” The timing of the transfer meant there was no hope of Moyes replacing Arteta before the deadline, although there was no guarantee the manager would have had access to the money raised with Everton compelled to first help service its debt. Earlier in the day, Drenthe arrived at Finch Farm for a medical after Everton agreed to take over the final year of the Holland international’s contract at Real Madrid. Drenthe, who can play either at left-back or on the left of midfield, moved to the Bernabeu for almost £10million from Feyenoord in 2007 but ran into problems both on and off the field, playing only eight games for the club in the last two years.
The 24-year-old has courted controversy throughout his career, with one of his last actions at Feyenoord a bad challenge on Steven Gerrard in a pre-season friendly against Liverpool that sparked a 22-man melee. Drenthe spent last season on loan at Hercules, making 16 appearances but unable to steer the club clear of relegation from La Liga. Moyes was acutely aware any signing had to be first financed by moving on players, and chose to cash in on both Beckford and Yakubu. Yakubu departed for Blackburn Rovers for a fee in excess of £1.5million while Beckford was mulling over a move to Leicester City after the npower Championship side had a £3.5m bid accepted. And with two senior strikers on the way out, the Everton manager bolstered his attack with a move for 23-year-old forward Stracqualursi. Stracqualursi will arrive at Goodison having garnered a burgeoning reputation in the Argentina Premier Division over the past year. He was joint top scorer in the Apertura (opening) Championship with 11 goals in 19 games, making him the first-ever Tigre player to claim such an award. The forward, who began his career with Unión de Sunchales in the Argentine third tier before moving to Gimnaisa, then netted another 10 times in the Clausura (closing) Championship, giving him 21 goals in 38 league games for the duration of the season.
Another outgoing for Everton, at least on a temporary basis, is centre-back Shane Duffy, who has joined League One strugglers Scunthorpe United on a month-long loan. Meanwhile, Everton’s Carling Cup third round clash with West Bromwich Albion will take place on Wednesday, September 21. Tickets are available for £16 for adult season ticket holders or £20 when they go on general sale.
Everton FC sign Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid
Sep 1 2011 Daily Post
Everton FC have a completed a loan move for Real Madrid's Royston Drenthe.
The versatile, left-sided 24-year-old joined Madrid from Feyenoord in 2007 but struggled to tie down a first-team berth at the Bernabeu and spent last season on loan at Hercules. He is likely to be asked to perform a midfield role as Leighton Baines is an automatic first choice at left-back. Drenthe’s deal went through late on along with another season-long loan for striker Denis Stracqualursi from Argentinian side Tigres. The Toffees did not officially sign the pair until late on deadline day as there were primarily departures from Goodison Park. Those came in the form of Mikel Arteta, unexpectedly to Arsenal, with Ayegbeni Yakubu set to complete a permanent move to Barclays Premier League rivals Blackburn.
Arteta, Beckford and Yakubu all leave Everton FC but boss unlikely to see cash
Sep 1 2011
The Daily Post
Mikel Arteta’s departure to Arsenal and Jermaine Beckford’s to Leicester may eventually raise around £14million for Everton, but manager David Moyes may have difficulty trying to use the cash for future transfers. The pair left Goodison Park - expected to be followed by Ayegbeni Yakubu once Blackburn confirm the paperwork has been completed on his permanent deal - on a deadline day which perfectly summed up the club’s current problems. Chairman Bill Kenwright revealed a fortnight ago that the club had reached their credit limit with their bankers and could not raise any more cash without sales. And in the light of that Moyes admitted he anticipated most or all of the money brought in from transfers would be used to reduce Everton’s overdraft. It explains why he was only able to bring in two loan signings - Real Madrid’s left-sided Royston Drenthe and striker Denis Stracqualursi from Argentinian side Tigres. The £10million raised from the sale of Arteta may actually be a good deal for a 29-year-old, whose best form is probably behind him and who has overcome a serious knee injury recently. It does, however, highlight Everton’s weakness in being exposed to transfer raids from Barclays Premier League rivals. The club appeared to have fended off interest from Arsenal earlier in the evening when the Gunners declared the move dead - only for it to be resurrected when the Spaniard heard of the interest and asked Moyes to leave. He had been denied a similar move to Manchester City the previous summer and, with no major squad strengthening likely, his dreams of playing in Europe - never mind the Champions League - appeared as distant as ever. Faced with an unsettled player Moyes had no option but to reluctantly allow the deal to go through at a late stage with no obvious back-up plan. Beckford’s transfer to Leicester, for a fee rising to £14million, was different as he was one of the players deemed expendable.
The 27-year-old signed a four-year contract with the Foxes after just one season in the Barclays Premier League, where he scored 10 goals in 38 appearances. His place in the squad will be taken by Stracqualursi, and while the 23-year-old was the Argentinian first division’s joint top scorer last season with 11 goals in 19 games, he will have to find a way to transfer that form to the English game very quickly. Drenthe is by no means a playmaker in the mould of Arteta and failed to impress at Real, spending last season on loan at the less glamorous Hercules. On balance Everton’s squad is probably weaker today than it was yesterday but Moyes’ great talent is getting the best out of the limited resources he has. It is something he has had plenty of practice at but without a buyer for the club he must fear future transfer windows will follow a similar pattern.
Jermaine Beckford leaves Everton FC for Leicester City
Sep 1 2011
Daily Post
Jermaine Beckford has left Everton FC for Leicester City in a deal that could be worth up to £4m.
The Foxes have secured the 27-year-old on a four-year contract and he leaves Goodison Park after just one season in the Barclays Premier League, where he scored 10 goals in 38 appearances.
Despite his goals for the Toffees he never really convinced in the top flight and the Goodison Park club decided to cash in when the npower Championship side improved their original bid of £2million from a fortnight ago.
Mikel Arteta relishing Arsenal challenge
1 Sep 2011
London Evening Standard
New Arsenal signing Mikel Arteta admits he had to seize the chance to quit Everton for a new challenge and he did not feel he let down his former employers with the manner of his exit.
The Spaniard's late decision to force through a transfer last night when the Toffees had initially turned down a £10million bid from the Gunners somewhat soured his exit. Everton boss David Moyes had no intention of selling the 29-year-old but once it became clear Arteta was agitating for a move the Scot quickly decided he did not want to keep an unsettled player. The only down side was it came so late it gave Everton no chance to find an adequate replacement. But Arteta insists he gave his all to the club while he was there and hoped fans remembered that. "It is a big opportunity for me and my family and I think it is the right time for me to take it," he said. "It is a big challenge, a different challenge, fresh for me and I want to see myself on the biggest stage, the Champions League. "I am 29 years old so I haven't got much time left to take a chance like this one. I think I have done my best for Everton. I always try hard, I have been as professional as I could and I was grateful for the support and the love that the club and the fans showed me." The midfielder added: "It has been crazy. I can't believe what happened, and the way it happened but as I said, that is part of football and I am going to be playing for another club soon. "Obviously I am never going to forget what I have done here and what the people and this club have done for me." The Gunners looked to have missed out on Arteta after Everton rejected a bid for their star midfielder. But Arteta forced the issue and Arsenal reached an agreement with their Premier League rivals before the 11pm deadline, confirming they had signed the 29-year-old on a four-year contract. The Gunners are said to have initially offered Nicklas Bendtner - who eventually joined Sunderland on a season-long loan - in a part-exchange deal, something rejected out of hand by Everton. Moyes told his club's official website, www.evertonfc.com: "Mikel indicated to me that he wished to join Arsenal if a bid came in. I am very disappointed to lose him but the prospect of Champions League football was something I wasn't able to offer him." Arteta's signing followed hot on the heels of that of Yossi Benayoun after the Chelsea midfielder signed a season-long loan deal at the Emirates Stadium. That took Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's deadline-day recruits to four after defenders Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos Put the finishing touches to their moves. The signings will help appease fans following one of the club's worst starts to a season in recent memory, which culminated in Sunday's 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United. Arteta and Benayoun are arguably like-for-like replacements in terms of style to the departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Israel captain Benayoun tweeted last night before resuming international duty: "I sign with Arsenal, very happy and excited about it, but now my head is only in the game against Greece on Friday, thanks for the support." Wenger earlier began to rebuild his shattered defence after it was confirmed Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos were joining the club. Germany defender Mertesacker, who has 75 caps and joins from Werder Bremen for a reported £8million, was relishing the challenge. The 26-year-old told the club's official website, www.arsenal.com: "Moving to London enables me to fulfil a dream and a further step in my career.
"The Premier League has always represented a great challenge for me." Wenger added: "We are delighted to welcome Per Mertesacker to the club. "He is a German international with vast experience and strength and is good on the floor and in the air. I believe he will be well-suited to the Premier League and a tremendous asset to the team." Santos, 28, cost Arsenal £6.2million from Turkish champions Fenerbahce. The Brazil full-back, who missed out on last year's World Cup, said: "It was one of my dreams to play for a major European football club and I have accomplished this. I am very happy to be part of this team. "All the Brazilians who came to this club spoke wonders about it and I am delighted to be part of the Arsenal family." Four players also left Arsenal, three of them on season-long loans. Nicolas Bendtner joined Sunderland, Henri Lansbury moved to West Ham, and new signing Joel Campbell was farmed out to Lorient, where fellow youngster Gilles Sunu completed a permanent move.
Everton FC: Beckford exit confirmed
by Aaron Sharp.
Thu 01 Sep 2011 Liverpool Click
Everton confirmed last night Jermaine Beckford has signed for Leicester City in a move initially worth £3m. The striker, who the Blues signed on a free just over a year ago, has been pursued by Sven Goran Erikkson since the start of the summer and last night the Swede got his man in the climax of a frantic transfer deadline day. Beckford struggled to assert himself as a first choice striker in his year at Everton despite Louis Saha spending lengthy spells on the treatment table and Yakubu having left the club on loan. He scored ten goals in his debut Premier League season, going to double figures in the Blues' last game of the season against Chelsea with one of the goals of the season. The fee agreed by the two clubs is thought to be an initial £3m which could rise to £4m in add-ons. He was part of a trio of players to leave the club yesterday with Yakubu and Mikel Arteta also heading for the exit.
Mikel Arteta's transfer deadline day move to Arsenal brings little joy for Everton manager David Moyes
Mikel Arteta's departure to Arsenal and Jermaine Beckford's move to Leicester may eventually raise around £14 million for Everton, but manager David Moyes will have difficulty trying to use the cash for future transfers.
Telegraph 1 Sep 2011
The pair left Goodison Park - expected to be followed by Ayegbeni Yakubu once Blackburn confirm the paperwork has been completed on his permanent deal - on a deadline day which perfectly summed up the club's current problems. Moyes said: "Mikel indicated to me that he wished to join Arsenal if a bid came in. I am very disappointed to lose him but the prospect of Champions League football was something I wasn't able to offer him." Chairman Bill Kenwright revealed a fortnight ago that the club had reached their credit limit with bankers and could not raise any more cash without sales. And in the light of that, Moyes admitted he anticipated most or all of the money brought in from transfers would be used to reduce Everton's overdraft. It explains why he was only able to bring in two loan signings - Real Madrid's Royston Drenthe and striker Denis Stracqualursi from Argentinian side Tigres. The £10m raised from the sale of Arteta may actually be a good deal for a 29 year-old, whose best form is probably behind him and who has overcome a serious knee injury recently. It does, however, highlight Everton's weakness in being exposed to transfer raids from Premier League rivals. The club appeared to have fended off interest from Arsenal earlier in the evening when the Gunners declared the move dead - only for it to be resurrected when the Spaniard heard of the interest and asked Moyes to leave. He had been denied a similar move to Manchester City the previous summer and, with no major squad strengthening likely, his dreams of playing in Europe - never mind the Champions League - appeared as distant as ever. Faced with an unsettled player Moyes had no option but to reluctantly allow the deal to go through at a late stage with no obvious back-up plan. Beckford's transfer to Leicester, for a fee rising to £14m, was different as he was one of the players deemed expendable. The 27 year-old signed a four-year contract with the Foxes after just one season in the Premier League, where he scored 10 goals in 38 appearances.
His place in the squad will be taken by Stracqualursi, and while the 23 year-old was the Argentinian first division's joint top scorer last season with 11 goals in 19 games, he will have to find a way to transfer that form to the English game very quickly. Drenthe is by no means a playmaker in the mould of Arteta and failed to impress at Real, spending last season on loan at the less glamorous Hercules. On balance Everton's squad is probably weaker today than it was yesterday but Moyes' great talent is getting the best out of the limited resources he has. It is something he has had plenty of practice at but without a buyer for the club he must fear future transfer windows will follow a similar pattern.
Jermaine Beckford has pedigree to fire Leicester City into Premier League
Thursday, September 01, 2011 Leicester Mercury
Jermaine Beckford started life fitting windscreens – his vision now will be to help guide Leicester City into the Premier League. The 27-year-old Ealing-born striker became the final piece in manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's jigsaw last night after completing his £4.5million move from Everton. Jermaine Beckford made 33 starts for Everton and scored eight goals His pedigree is impressive – League One player of the year in 2007-08 and 2009-10, he won the Golden Boot in 2008-09, and he was Leeds United's player of the year in 2008 and 2009. Beckford is taking a gamble by dropping down to the Championship just 13 months after finally realising his Premier League dream by signing a four-year deal at Everton. But one thing he is not short of is passion. He made his name at Leeds and when his future was in question – before the Everton interest – he was asked whether he intended to leave the club. He replied: "What shirt am I wearing, bruv. You bein' serious."
Beckford's journey to the King Power Stadium started at non-league Wealdstone in 2003. He scored 35 goals in 40 appearances, looking to rebuild his career after being released by the Chelsea academy. He trialled with Crystal Palace, and there was even a suggestion of a return to Chelsea, but he joined Leeds for just £45,000 in March 2006. Leeds initially loaned him out to Carlisle and then to Scunthorpe, but they soon got their money's worth as Beckford scored 72 goals in 115 appearances – a terrific strike-rate which eventually saw the Yorkshire club claim back their place in the Championship at the end of the 2009-10 season. It also proved to be Beckford's swansong season at Elland Road – and what a cracker it was. He scored 31 goals in all competitions, 25 of them in the league, and scored the promotion-clinching goal at Bristol Rovers. His profile was further raised that season when he scored the only goal of the game as Leeds defeated Manchester United in a third-round FA Cup tie, and then scored twice against Tottenham in the fourth round.
But the honeymoon period was over by the end of the season. He would not sign a new deal at Leeds, and was allowed to leave his existing deal a month earlier, joining Everton on a four-year contract in May last year. Beckford made 33 starts for David Moyes' side, scoring eight goals, saving the best to last with an impressive solo effort at Chelsea on the final day of last season's Premier League campaign. His move will excite the City faithful, bemuse some Everton fans, and the only disappointment is that, with the international break, they will have to wait a little longer to see him in action.
Jermaine Beckford is Leicester City's £4.5m man
Thursday, September 01, 2011 Leicester Mercury
Leicester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson landed his man last night with the £4.5million capture of Everton striker Jermaine Beckford. Beckford becomes City's 12th signing under the former England boss and takes Eriksson's spending near to the £15m mark. Striker Jermaine Beckford arrives at the King Power Stadium last night for talks over his move to City The 26-year-old forward arrived at the King Power Stadium just 40 minutes before last night's 11pm transfer window deadline to complete the formalities of his switch to City. Eriksson said: "He is a goalscorer, you just have to look at his record. We have always said we will take in a striker or wide player." Beckford, who signed a four-year deal that was confirmed by City just before midnight, said: "The size of the club attracted me as well as the manager and what he wants to achieve here at Leicester, and I see the club going places. We will go for the title. "It was very difficult to turn it down and it will be very exciting to work with Sven, I can't wait to get started." Beckford admitted it was a "wrench" to leave Everton but said he has done it to "play more games and score more goals." City had made an earlier bid for Beckford, believed to be around £2.5m, and pitched in again after finally giving up on Bristol City striker and long-time target Nicky Maynard. Everton have signed striker Denis Stracqualursi – who had a trial at Leicester earlier this year without Eriksson pursuing the matter – on a season-long loan from Argentinian side Tigre, as well as Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe, which has convinced Toffees boss David Moyes it is right to sell Beckford. The two clubs agreed a fee in the region of £4.5m earlier in the day and the Mercury understands that Beckford is not among the high earners at Goodison Park, so City were able to offer him an attractive package. The big issue for City to overcome was persuading the former Leeds United player, who has spent the past four years aspiring to play in the Premier League, to drop down to the Championship – but Eriksson has won the battle. Eriksson has finally landed the goalscoring striker he wants to end a protracted search which started in the summer. He suffered frustrations along the way with targets Shane Long, then of Reading, opting to sign for West Brom, while Peterborough's Craig Mackail-Smith favoured a move to Championship newcomers Brighton. But Eriksson's focus had been on Maynard, making four bids for the 24-year-old striker, the last one understood to be in the region of £5m.
Bristol were not prepared to sell him and the player is holding out for a Premier League club move, possibly in January. "I would guess it is over," said Eriksson earlier yesterday. In the hours leading up to the closure of the transfer window, City were also linked with Reading striker Jimmy Kebe, although the Royals said there had been no contact with Leicester. Fulham striker Andy Johnson was another target, and Glasgow Rangers said they had rejected a bid of £6.5m for Croatia international Nicica Jelavic. There was also speculation that City had returned with a higher offer, but that was dismissed by Eriksson. Striker Martyn Waghorn has also confirmed a loan move to Hull City until January where he will team up with former City boss Nigel Pearson.
ARSENE WENGER'S ART OF GOLD
1st September 2011 By David Woods
Daily Star
ARSENAL last night pulled off a stunning last-minute £10m swoop for Everton midfi elder Mikel Arteta. And they began the day by landing Chelsea’s Yossi Benayoun on a season-long loan.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was desperate to boost his midfi eld following the sale of skipper Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Manchester City. He also allowed Denilson to go on loan to Brazil with Sao Paulo, while Emmanuel Eboue signed for Galatasary for £3.1m. Wenger first sealed the loan signing of Benayoun from Chelsea, then swooped for Spanish star Arteta after the deal had earlier looked in have broken down after the Gunners tried to offl oad striker Nicklas Bendtner as part of the agreement. There was also thought to be some haggling over Arteta’s wages and length of contract, although he has now signed a four-year deal. But hard-up Everton wanted cash and, as the 11pm deadline approached, Arsenal agreed to cough up, with Bendtner heading to Sunderland on loan. Everton boss David Moyes said: “Mikel indicated to me that he wished to join Arsenal. I am disappointed to lose him. But the prospect of Champions League football was something I wasn’t able to offer him.” Spurs tried to scupper the Benayoun move – Harry Redknapp is a huge fan having signed him at West Ham – but he had already agreed to go to Arsenal. Yesterday the Gunners also confi rmed the signing of Brazil full-back Andre Santos – from Turkish champions Fenerbahce – and German centre-back Per Mertesacker from Werder Bremen, both costing £6.3m.
Moyes makes raid on Real Madrid
By Alan Nixon
September 1 2011 The Daily Mirror
Everton boss David Moyes swooped for Dutch star Royston Drenthe as he beat his transfer-window blues on a hectic last day. The former Real Madrid midfielder was released to head for Merseyside to sign on a season-long loan and attempt to resurrect his career. Drenthe joined Real in a blaze of glory but has struggled to make an impact and was sent to Hercules on loan for a year - but failed to keep them in La Liga. The 24-year-old can play in midfield or at left back and will give Moyes some badly-needed cover after a summer strapped for cash and short of signings. Moyes has also flown in giant Argentinian striker Denis Stracqualursi from Mexican side Tigres, after clearing the way for captures by letting Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford go. Nigeria striker Yakubu is joining Blackburn, after initially taking some persuading while Beckford is free to sign for big-spending Leicester.
Yakubu’s sale for a bargain fee plus the loss of his £45,000-a-week wages gave Moyes breathing room to land a player or two. Striker Beckford did not want to go down to the Championship with Leicester, but has also been shown the door.
Arteta volunteered to take pay-cut to join Arsenal
Daily Mirror By John Cross
September 1 2011
Mikel Arteta has made a deadline-beating move to Arsenal, as Arsene Wenger left it late to salvage his summer. Arteta, 29, reduced his contract demands and asked to leave Everton to force through a dream £10million move, and by doing so restored some pride after a painful few months at the Emirates. Everton boss David Moyes said: "Mikel indicated to me that he wished to join Arsenal. I am very disappointed to lose him, but the prospect of Champions League football was something I wasn't able to offer him." Wenger also snapped up Chelsea's Yossi Benayoun on a season-long loan to boost numbers in midfield after rejecting a permanent £2m deal for the Israeli midfielder because of his injury record. The Arteta deal looked dead earlier in the afternoon when the Spaniard's contract - he was on around £80,000-a-week at Everton and had four years left on his deal - appeared to bring negotiations to a halt. Arsenal did not want to give a 29-year-old with a poor injury record a four-year deal. Arteta then intervened, offering to reduce the length of his deal and his salary by around £10,000-a-week. It is a bizarre scenario that Arsenal, a Champions League team, had to persuade a player from a side lower down the Premier League pecking order to take a pay cut to join them. But that perhaps represents the state of their finances at the moment, and no-one at the Emirates will be complaining after Arteta's personal plea made the deal happen. The Spanish midfielder is also the sort of stellar signing Arsenal fans have been crying out for all summer, and gives them hope after seeing the club sell Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Wenger had tried all summer to bring in extra quality knowing that he would lose his big guns, but has struggled.
Moves for Juan Mata, Yann M'Vila and Eden Hazard faltered, and forced Arsenal to look closer to home. Wenger has always admired Arteta and sees his vision, imagination and creativity as the perfect fit for a midfield that has just lost two world class talents. Fed-up fans have been ranting on Twitter, writing on angry blogs and questioning whether Arsenal can compete in the transfer market anymore after losing Fabregas and Nasri. Even a hectic round of last-minute deals after Sunday's 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United had left fans unimpressed. German defender Per Mertesacker, Brazilian left-back Andre Santos and South Korean forward Park Chu-Young were all brought in this week as Wenger appeared to hit the panic button. But the biggest panic deal of all was for Benayoun, who managed just 10 games for Chelsea last year because of injury. However, when put together with Arteta, Wenger has now completed his most expensive spending spree. While they have lost some star quality, Arsenal have gone all out to strengthen the squad with early deals of £12m for Southampton midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, £11m for Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, £1m for Charlton's rookie defender Carl Jenkinson. They have also brought in teenage Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell for £900,000 and Barcelona kids Jon Toral and Hector Bellerin.
Mertesacker, 26, will be seen as the big body who can strengthen Arsenal's defence at set-pieces, while 28-year-old Santos has been, until recently, Brazil's first-choice left back, and Park is regarded as great business at £1.8m. Striker Nicklas Bendtner, meanwhile, continued the exodus. He is set for a loan move to Sunderland, with a view to a permanent £8m deal. It remains to be seen whether the latest shake-up will be enough to keep Arsenal in the top four and, perhaps even more importantly, the big players remaining at the Emirates happy. There are some doubts about Mertesacker's ability to cope with the Premier League, but former Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann insists the 6ft 6in stopper will be a success. "Mertesacker will play well for my old team Arsenal - I am sure about that," said Lehmann. "In fact, I am convinced he will make Arsenal's defence better than it has been recently. "The Premier League will be a new experience for Mertesacker and he will have to learn that it is much quicker compared to the Bundesliga. It can be incredibly fast.
"But it will not be a problem, he will adapt, and I am convinced he will be fine. But I am confident Mertesacker will be a good addition and will help Arsenal."
Scunthorpe Utd: Mozika and Duffy complete Glanford Park deals
September 11, 2011 ChrisSumpter
Scunthorpew Telegraph
Midfielder Damien Mozika and centre-back Shane Duffy have both agreed transfer deadline day moves to Scunthorpe United. Mozika has penned a two-year contract with the Iron after arriving from Bury for an undisclosed fee, while Duffy has left Premier League side Everton on a one-month loan deal. WELCOME: Damien Mozika, seen here in Carling Cup action against Leicester last week, has joined the Iron from Bury. The former goes straight into the Iron squad to face Colchester United at the weekend - a timely arrival given Michael O'Connor is rated as no better than 50-50 as he comes back from a muscular injury while Oliver Norwood is in Serbia with Northern Ireland's Under-21 squad. Mozika, 24, has played four times in League One for Bury this season, having helped the Shakers to promotion last term. He says the chance to link up with his former manager Alan Knill was a big attraction to join United - as well as the belief he can play in the Championship with the Iron. "It was an easy decision for me to come here," the Frenchman told Scunthorpe's official website. "When I knew Alan Knill was interested it was even easier because I had enjoyed my time when he was manager of Bury. "I knew that the club were in the Championship last season and that they aimed to be there again so I was joining a team who matched my ambitions of playing as high as possible. "It was hard at the same time to leave Bury, but I know I've made the right decision." Bury this afternoon said Mozika had been sold to Scunthorpe for a six-figure fee after handing in a transfer request at Gigg Lane. The fact United made four bids before their offer was 'reluctantly' accepted by the Shakers, shows how highly Knill rates the one-time AS Nancy ace.
A tough-tackling midfielder, Mozika was only last week reported to have been attracting the interest of North-East trio Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough. He underwent a medical and signed a contract with the Iron at about 5pm and was quickly joined by 19-year-old Duffy. The teenage Toffee has played twice for Everton in the Europa League and spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, though started just one match. He will not link up with his new team-mates though until next week as he is currently away on Under-21 duty with the Republic of Ireland, alongside fellow Iron centre-back Niall Canavan
Royston Drenthe confident of making Everton impact
By Andy Hampson, Independent
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Royston Drenthe is confident he can make an impact in the Barclays Premier League with Everton.
The Real Madrid winger yesterday joined the Toffees on a season-long loan during a busy day transfer deadline day at the Merseyside club. The 24-year-old Dutchman has slipped out of the first-team picture at the Bernabeu and spent last season on loan at Hercules. Drenthe told the club's website, www.evertonfc.com: "I think that my qualities are English qualities, the way I play football.
"I have technique and I like to work hard. I think this competition is a perfect competition for me.
"The Spanish league was a good league but different. It is not so fast, it is slow. "Here it goes fast and I think that is more my style of play." The former Feyenoord player had become frustrated at Madrid and, even though his move to Everton was frantic as the club tried to beat the deadline, he is pleased it went through. He added: "It was on the last day but I am feeling really happy, all my family is happy and I think I can do a really good job at Everton. "I think it is a good team and it is good for my future. I am glad to be here. "It has been a really difficult month for me, training hard with Real Madrid but not playing with the team. That kind of thing is hard for a player."
Everton fans will hope Drenthe can impress after the shock of losing playmaker Mikel Arteta to Arsenal late last night. Jermaine Beckford and Ayegbeni Yakubu also left the cash-strapped club, who have been unable to significantly strengthen their squad for two years. Drenthe will at least be joined at Goodison Park by 23-year-old Argentinian striker Denis Stracqualursi, who has signed a season-long loan from Tigre. Stracqualursi said: "It is a pleasure to be here, it is a big club in England. "I am very happy and I will make a big effort to give everything."
Mikel Arteta not guilty over Arsenal switch
September 1 2011 Irish Independent
One Help Desk for all your Clients with Asset mgmt. Free Trial!
Ads by GoogleBy Carl Markham
New Arsenal signing Mikel Arteta admits he had to seize the chance to quit Everton for a new challenge and he did not feel he let down his former employers with the manner of his exit.
The Spaniard's late decision to force through a transfer last night when the Toffees had initially turned down a £10million bid from the Gunners somewhat soured his exit. Manager David Moyes had no intention of selling the 29-year-old but once it became clear Arteta was agitating for a move the Scot quickly decided he did not want to keep an unsettled player. The only down side was it came so late it gave Everton no chance to find an adequate replacement. But Arteta insists he gave his all to the club while he was there and hoped fans remembered that. "It is a big opportunity for me and my family and I think it is the right time for me to take it," he said. "It is a big challenge, a different challenge, fresh for me and I want to see myself on the biggest stage, the Champions League. "I am 29 years old so I haven't got much time left to take a chance like this one. I think I have done my best for Everton. "I always try hard, I have been as professional as I could and I was grateful for the support and the love that the club and the fans showed me." Arteta's departure coincided with that of striker Jermaine Beckford to npower Championship side Leicester - although that had been planned for - with the only arrivals being season-long loans for Real Madrid's Royston Drenthe and Argentinian striker Denis Stracqualursi. Arteta admits it was a wrench to leave Goodison Park but will always have fond memories of his six and a half years on Merseyside.
"It is very difficult to say goodbye. I still can't believe it but at the same time I think it is the right moment for everyone," he told evertontv. "That is the way football is, there is always a start and an end and today is the end of probably the best time of my career. I am never going to forget it.
"It has been crazy. I can't believe what happened, and the way it happened but as I said, that is part of football and I am going to be playing for another club soon. "Obviously I am never going to forget what I have done here and what the people and this club have done for me."
Howard Kendall: Stoke City have emerged as a threat to Everton FC
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 2 2011
IT LOOKS like Stoke City are emerging as a team with the spending power to really push for a place in the top six pecking order.I was surprised by their spending and the overall quality of their signings during the transfer deadlines final hours. They aren’t traditionally regarded as a big spending club but it looks like that’s an out of date assessment now. I’m not sure Cameron Jerome will add much to Tony Pulis’ squad as they already have Jon Walters. But in Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios, it seems like they’ve got two players who can make them even harder to play against and really focus their physical, tough-to-beat approach.
Europe better look out!
Jeepers Keepers: It’s role reversal time for ex-Everton goalkeepers Iain Turner and John Ruddy
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Sep 2 2011
ON a lighter Blue note . . . and heaven knows Blues fans need some lightness this week . . .It’s been five-and-a-half years since Iain Turner was sent off on his Everton debut and John Ruddy came on, kept a clean sheet and left the pitch all smiles.It was the first time two goalkeepers have made their debuts for the same Premier League side on the same day.And it was a day that Everton beat Blackburn Rovers 1-0.On Saturday, again on a day when Everton beat Blackburn 1-0, it was the other way around.John Ruddy was sent off playing for Norwich – while just six minutes later Turner was the goalkeeper leaving the pitch all smiles after scoring from his own penalty area.Cue that spooky Twilight Zone music . . .
Howard Kendall: Let’s hope pacy Royston Drenthe can find his feet at Everton FC
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Sep 2 2011
EVERTON weren’t great against Blackburn, and without Seamus Coleman in the team they lack pace.
That’s why it will be interesting to see how new-boy Royston Drenthe fits in.It’s no use just being quick these days - you have to have extra special pace. It was OK in the old days when full backs were slow and wingers fast, but now the defenders are athletes too so the modern wingers have to be very rapid to get past them.I’ve heard that Drenthe has a lot of pace, and can put defenders on the back foot which of course you want from your wide men.The left flank already has the potency of Leighton Baines, so if you add a lightening fast player ahead of him you could, fingers crossed, have a winning combination.A striker was another must, and especially with Yakubu and Beckford going. Let’s hope that Denis Stracqualursi can find his feet in England and offer Everton something new.They can’t always rely on Louis Saha with his injuries, but the departure of the other two could give an opportunity to Victor Anichebe to have a make or break season.At least there are two fresh faces to lift the squad and give the fans something to talk about.
Howard Kendall: Everton FC can cope without Mikel Arteta thanks to strong midfield options
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Sep 2 2011
IT’S always disappointing to lose your better players like Mikel Arteta, but if Everton needed to raise money by selling someone then midfield is one area where they can cope with such a loss.It might not be a massive amount of money for Arteta in the grand scheme of things, but it was a sizeable fee and the fortunate factors is how blessed the Blues are in the middle of the park. Arteta on his day is a very exciting player, and he will fit in at Arsenal - neat on the ball, great vision and lovely set-pieces.He has been a great servant for Everton but recently it’s fair to say he hasn’t been setting anything alight with his displays.It had become uncertain where his best place was - whether he would operate on either flank or through the middle.David Moyes has probably looked at the situation and decided that his team can cope at the moment, and more importantly he hasn’t lost Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka or Jack Rodwell.Of course the timing didn’t help Everton’s manager either. It was a very late one, and once a player says he wants to go at that stage that is when the agent comes in and suddenly the player is in front of Moyes asking for a move.I was surprised at reports Arteta has taken a pay cut to go to Arsenal!As for the other lads to leave; Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu, well, Beckford cost us nothing and was always going to be a fringe player.Getting a few million for someone you got for free is good business. Yakubu had never been the same since that terrible injury either so there can be no great gnashing of teeth at his departure to Blackburn.
Everton FC new boy Royston Drenthe can be the next Steven Pienaar says Guillem Balague
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 2 2011
ROYSTON DRENTHE could resurrect his career at Everton in a similar fashion to Steven Pienaar.That’s the verdict of Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who believes the feisty former Real Madrid winger can thrive under the nurturing care of David Moyes.Pienaar arrived at Goodison on loan in 2007 after a high-profile move from Ajax to Borussia Dortmund had gone stale amid bad feeling and recriminations.Moyes re-invigorated the playmaker, and he later went on to be regarded as South Africa’s poster-boy in the 2010 World Cup, having previously found the spectacular form at Goodison that would earn him a move to Tottenham in January.Now Balague, who writes for various newspapers alongside his website guillembalague.com, hopes Drenthe can also re-discover his potential during a loan move on Merseyside.“He has got a lot of talent and a lot of confidence in his ability,” he says. “But he is a very emotional player who can be affected by either accolades or criticism in a bad way. Everything needs to be channelled in the right way for him to focus on his football.“He is fast, direct and exciting. And let’s face it he won’t be the first player to turn his career around at Everton either, he could be like Steven Pienaar in that respect.”Drenthe competed in the 2008 Olympics and went on to gain his first full international cap for the Dutch side in November 2010.That success prompted a €14m Euro move to the Bernabeu from boyhood club Feyenoord.He scored a spectacular goal on his Real debut and proceeded to hold down a regular place in his first season and at the start of his second season in Spain’ s La Liga, but fell out of favour and was loaned out to Hercules.While there Drenthe, who is out of contract next summer, scored four times in 17 games and earned widespread praise for his form, but fell foul of club officials after refusing to return from a Christmas break due to problems with players wages.“He was the big star at Hercules and initially had a lot of success,” says Balague.“Then things went sour financially and players were not getting paid.“Rightly or wrongly he wouldn’t go back after Christmas, while the rest of the players did return and it got him in trouble.“As long as he is focused he can be a success at Everton, and he will have his countryman John Heitinga there and Moyes to guide and look after him.“It will be a huge test for Drenthe whether he can do it over a whole season - only then can he be judged as a top international player.“Everton have not spent any money on him but Moyes is at the forefront of that market and an expert at working in it.”Balague also said his countryman Mikel Arteta’s move to Arsenal should not cause any lingering anger at the player on Merseyside.He said: “I hope Moyes finds another Arteta soon. Everton are becoming experts of the bargain signing which, cleverly done, is an asset these times.“I’m sure Everton won't want to blame Arteta for leaving. The stumbling block which caused the move to go through so late was when Arsenal initially offered Arteta only two years and much less money.“Negotiations went off and then Arsenal came back and offered four years and more money.”Drenthe will wear the number 10 shirt vacated by Arteta, who still took a pay-cut to join the Gunners on Thursday night, and Moyes is hoping his electric pace can be a useful addition to his squad.“We are going to wait and see with the new boys,” said Moyes. “Royston is explosive and hopefully he’ll give us a bit of that pace.“It’s something new for him to come to England but we will give him time. We needed to try and find something extra for us.Denis Stracqualursi arrives having topped the scoring charts in the Argentine Primera Division, and his new manager is optimistic he can continue that rich goalscoring vein in England.“Denis has a good goal record and hopefully we will see that continue here,” said Moyes.
Dave Prentice: Have Everton FC sold the Toffee Lady yet?
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Sep 2 2011
THE last time Everton sold an iconic, talismanic and hugely popular midfielder to Arsenal Football Club, it took them 13 years to recover.This time round, it could take even longer.Because Everton still had the backing of the Moores millions as they tried to recover from Harry Catterick’s shock decision to sell Alan Ball.This time round, they are banking on David Moyes’ ingenuity in unearthing rough diamonds to polish and sell on at a profit – a la Arteta, Beckford, Lescott – just to keep the club afloat.That’s the unpalatable conclusion to be drawn from the latest transfer window to slam shut leaving Evertonians frustrated and forlorn.Actually, scrub frustrated. Because the mood of many now is outright anger.And it’s anger that is understandable.Even optimistic Evertonians are struggling to find crumbs of comfort from the sale of Mikel Arteta to Arsenal this week.Yes, he’s 29 and earning 75k a week. Sure, he’s had his injury problems – and in the last two seasons his goal assist contribution has slumped to three and six goals respectively.But he’s also a beacon of style and flair, a flashback to the School of Science for older Evertonians, for younger fans a link to the currently fashionable Spanish stars.And he’s also one of the most popular players at the club.There’s also the small matter of just how much of the £10m transfer fee David Moyes might see to reinvest in the January transfer window.Judging from his doom laden demeanour over the past few weeks I’d suggest not very much.The actions of Everton’s bankers this summer has been one of the most unfathomable issues at Goodison.Barclays’ apparently sudden nervousness over Everton’s fortunes has got fans nervous.Everton’s current debt, in Premier League terms, is modest.The last published figures, by the Daily Telegraph, in May showed only seven Premier League clubs owed less than Everton. And that debt has now been reduced by another £14m. Others, of significantly less stature and standing in the game, and arguably less saleable assets on the pitch than Everton, owed significantly more – Bolton £93m, Fulham £190m, Wigan £73m, Aston Villa £110m, Newcastle £150m.Everton’s impressive young chief executive, Robert Elstone, announced two fresh sponsorship deals this week.So why is Barclays suddenly pulling in Everton’s belt?Is it because they see a club with no other means of meeting their debts than by selling?Is Everton’s inability to find and fund a new stadium preventing them from generating the cash needed to keep hold of players like Arteta?Will Everton be haunted by the failure of the King’s Dock project (disastrously) and the Kirkby scheme (fortunately)?It would appear so.“Have they sold the Toffee Lady yet?” was a tongue in cheek text message I received on Wednesday.It came from an Evertonian.But it’s a perception of Everton that is now worldwide (he’s based in Australia).Buying and selling players to make a profit is a business plan that is sustainable only as long as the Finch Farm Academy can produce bright young talents that can be sold.Burnley managed to do it for more than a decade. Everton even benefitted from their production line in the shape of the elegant Martin Dobson and the dashing Dave Thomas.But when that seam of gems dried up The Clarets slipped all the way down to the bottom division.Everton have been operating that way for several years now and their fans are fearing a similar slide. Hell, it was even suggested by their manager as a possibility in his preview to the Sheffield United cup tie last week.Everton have got to try and find some hope for their fans to cling to.Progress in the bid to find a buyer for the club would be a start.Football fans are by their nature a resilient bunch, but there’s only so many body blows they can take.Everton fans are currently angry. But there’s a much more dangerous mood that could overtake them in the months ahead . . . indifference.
Everton FC aim to sell want-away defender Joseph Yobo before Turkish transfer window closes on Monday
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 2 2011
EVERTON face a race against time to get rid of want-away defender Joseph Yobo before the Turkish transfer window closes on Monday.The Nigeria captain is still desperate to rejoin Fenerbahce – and his stop-start move back to the Istanbul giants could yet go ahead despite the UK deadline passing on Thursday.Yobo, 30, had been set to depart for a second loan spell with the Super-Lig champions but negotiations were overshadowed by the flurry of activity that eventually saw Mikel Arteta join Arsenal for £10m and the Blues capture Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe and Argentine striker Denis Stracqualursi.The Toffees would like to further reduce the financial pressure on the club by removing Yobo’s significant salary from their wage bill.And the player himself risks being in the unfortunate position of being stuck at a club he has said he does not want to play for.Meanwhile, the ECHO understands David Moyes will be able to spend some of the £10m recouped by the sale of Arteta in the January transfer window.The Blues boss was powerless to use any of the money on Thursday evening after Arteta’s move to Arsenal was finalised within hours of the deadline closing.By then Moyes was unable to land any of his targets and was forced to be content with the earlier signings of Drenthe and Stracqualursi.Drenthe, 24, joined the Toffees on a season-long loan after falling out of the first-team picture at the Bernabeu and spent last season on loan at Hercules.Now he will wear Arteta’s number 10 shirt, and he is raring to go. He said: “I think that my qualities are English qualities, the way I play football.“I have technique and I like to work hard. I think this competition is perfect for me.“The Spanish league was a good league but different. It is not so fast, it is slow. Here it goes fast and I think that is more my style of play.” Even though his move to Everton was frantic as the club tried to beat the deadline, he is pleased it went through.“It was on the last day but I am feeling really happy, all my family is happy and I think I can do a really good job at Everton,” he said.“I think it is a good team and it is good for my future. I am glad to be here.“They have a really good team and they win important games. It has been a really difficult month for me, training hard with Real Madrid but not playing with the team. That kind of thing is hard for a player.”Jermaine Beckford and Ayegbeni Yakubu also left Goodison, but Drenthe will at least be joined by 23-year-old Argentinean striker Denis Stracqualursi, who has signed a season-long loan from Tigre.Stracqualursi said: “I know that Everton has a big history in England and is an important club. I am very excited to be here. It is a big opportunity for me and I will do everything I can to help the team.“I will fight as hard as I can to get in the team and play well.”Stracqualursi first became aware of the Blues’ interest in him several months ago and was delighted to see that come to fruition.“In April some representatives of Everton were in Argentina and watched one of my games,” he said. “That is where the interest started and from there on they were in touch with me.”“I am a striker who plays in the penalty box. I am good at heading the ball and I am strong but I am also good with my feet. But I am here to score goals.”
Mikel Arteta: I was not forced out of Everton FC but Arsenal move was best option for me and the club
Greg O'Keeffe
Sep 2 2011
MIKEL Arteta today denied he was forced out of Everton - but admitted financial pressure made the club unable to refuse a £10m offer from Arsenal.The Spanish midfielder sealed a last-minute switch to the Emirates on Wednesday night leading to much anger and disappointment on Merseyside.Everton sources said they were furious at the late timing of the 29-year-old’s request to leave, which meant David Moyes had no time for use some of the fee to sign a replacement.But Arteta, who said Arsenal made their interest in him known a few days before his dramatic exit, claimed the deal was the “best option” for himself and Everton.He said: “We knew a few days before they had interest in me and then everything happened last day and last minute.“It’s true I met the manager and had five minutes with him and said it’s a great opportunity for me to play in the Champions League and I think the club is in a situation where they need to sell someone, so my point of view is that it’s good for everyone.“The gaffer was fine. He said to me ‘Miky I don’t want to lose you and appreciate everything you have done for me. I cannot stop you going now’.It is understood Arteta took a £20,000 pay-cut to agree to a £55,000-a-week deal with the Gunners, and the Basque insisted money was not behind his decision. He said: “It’s the right time to move on. What I can say is that I felt Everton in my heart and I’m not going to earn more money- I am going because I just think it’s the right time to move.“Hopefully the fans will understand but if they don’t I would still like to appreciate what they have done for me because it’s been an absolute pleasure to play in front of them.”Arteta defended chairman Bill Kenwright who agreed the fee with Arsenal earlier on Wednesday.“What they should know is that I know the chairman really well. Realistically he does not want to sell anyone.“He is a big, big fan and is putting his life into it and was devastated for me to leave. He said ‘Mikel I don’t want to sell you’." But they have to in these moments and they don’t want to put the club and the team in a situation where in two or three years they could be in bits.“It’s part of football. It’s sad and I know the chairman is taking the worst part of it and I really feel sorry for him, but at the same time I know he is trying his best to get the club in the best position he can.“I don’t want (people) blaming the manager or the chairman. They (Arsenal) put an offer in that was the best option for everyone and I’m 100% sure. I know some will disagree but I’m 100% sure it was the best for everyone with the situation at the minute.”
Everton FC left scrambling for scraps as transfer window shuts
by James Connor, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 2 2011
ANOTHER transfer window slams shut, but this time Everton were unexpectedly in the thick of the action.What was expected, though, is that the fans would be left shaking their heads at the prospect of another long, hard season ahead.The squad has been left even more depleted with the striking options now almost non-existent.Yakubu was no loss to the team as he has not been involved for the past 12 months, and the catering staff at Finch Farm will have had their workload halved.But with Beckford gone, the outrageously injury-prone Louis Saha has to carry huge responsibility – and, let’s face it, we will be lucky to get 20 games out of him this season.Beckford was by no-means the answer to Everton’s attacking problems but he provided pace and his arrogance – traits this Everton team now glaringly lacks.But the big news of the day was the transfer of Mikel Arteta to Arsenal for £10million. And with Everton being able to shift his massive wages off the books, on the face of it this looks like clever business.The fact is, the 29 year-old has not been the player we know he can be for two years now. His dead ball delivery is consistent – he hits the nearest defender every time.Arsenal are sure to be in for a shock if they think Arteta is capable of replacing the brilliant Fabregas. Four years ago Arteta was ready for Arsenal, but they have signed a player in his dotage.Good business, then? Well if the money had been reinvested I’m sure many Blues would have accepted that Everton were rebuilding for the future. But as usual there is no reinvestment. Pienaar and Arteta were kingpins in Moyes’ Everton team of the last five years, yet they have both been sold without any permanent replacements being brought in.It seems the Blues are in a similar position to Newcastle United, with star players being moved on and the remaining squad expected to get on with it.Astonishingly, Moyes has had to resort to season-long loans, bringing in Royston Drenthe and absurdly-named Argentinian striker Denis Stracqualursi.Everyone wants to be optimistic for new players, but Blues fans are going to find it hard to get excited about this duo.Drenthe has something of the Andy van Der Meyde about him, a talented player who seems to attract controversy.Stracqualursi is a real gamble, but even if he is a success what chance is there of Everton being able to keep hold of him?Can season-long loans really be the answer? Are we so hard-up we can’t even afford to put our playing staff on a permanent contract?This summer the gap between the haves and have-nots in the Premier League has become a grand chasm. And it is looking increasingly unlikely that the Blues will ever be in a position to cross it.
Mikel Arteta: Why I couldn’t turn down the chance of a move to Arsenal
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 2 2011
MIKEL ARTETA admits the lure of the Champions League was too strong to resist after leaving Everton to join Arsenal.Deadline day’s most sensational transfer saw the Spaniard complete a £10million move to the Emirates just minutes before the 11pm cut-off point.Arteta had been linked with Arsenal for some time, such speculation intensifying once compatriot Cesc Fabregas finally made his much-touted return to Barcelona.Having rejected a £10m bid earlier in the day from the Gunners, Everton were compelled to later accept the offer when Arteta expressed his desire to leave.And it was the prospect of appearing in the Champions League that ultimately swayed the Spanish schemer into making his shock decision.“It is a big opportunity for me and my family and I think it is the right time for me to take it,” said Arteta, who has signed a four-year deal at Arsenal after accepting a cut in wages to make the move.“It is a big challenge, a different challenge, fresh for me and I want to see myself on the biggest stage, the Champions League. I am 29 years old so I haven’t got much time left to take a chance like this one. I think I have done my best for Everton.“I always try hard, I have been as professional as I could and I was grateful for the support and the love that the club and the fans showed me.”Arteta is convinced it was the “right moment” to depart having spent six-and-a-half years at Goodison, scoring 35 goals in 208 appearances for the club.He is now set to join up with his new team-mates ahead of Arsenal’s next Premier League clash with Swansea City in 10 days’ time and admitted he was bringing the curtain down on the highlight of his career. “It is very difficult to say goodbye,” said Arteta, who will face his old club for the first time at the Emirates on December 10. “I still can’t believe it but at the same time I think it is the right moment for everyone.“That is the way football is, there is always a start and an end and this is the end of probably the best time of my career. I am never going to forget it.“It has been crazy. It was a crazy day. I can’t believe what happened and the way it happened, but as I said, that is part of football and I am going to be playing for another club.“Obviously I am never going to forget what I have done here and what the people and this club have done for me.”Meanwhile, Holland international Eljero Elia has claimed Everton were among several English clubs interested in his signature before his move to Juventus.The 24-year-old said: “My agent did have contact with Arsenal, but it took too long. I had no contact with Arsene Wenger.“Wigan, Everton, Fulham and Newcastle had fairly concrete interest.”
Ian Doyle: Mikel Arteta departure poses serious questions for both Everton FC board and David Moyes
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 2 2011
EVERTON’S season stalled at the starting line because of the London riots. Now, barely a fortnight later, their campaign is in danger of suffering a serious breakdown thanks to more looters from the capital.The shock among Evertonians over Mikel Arteta’s departure is gradually being replaced by the debate over whether the club did enough to keep hold of the Spaniard.Certainly, the £10million offer wasn’t too good to turn down. Everton did initially. Then hours later, they were compelled to backtrack once Arteta made clear his desire to leave.Should Everton have stood their ground longer? After all, they, not Arsenal, were in a position of strength.Moyes, despite the club’s debt, was under no pressure to cash in on any of his main players, while Gunners counterpart Arsene Wenger, flush with funds from the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, was desperate for reinforcements.That will nag at the minds of supporters. But this would all be irrelevant had Arteta not had his head turned.He wanted to go. And that will be a worry for Evertonians who will now be fretting over who will be the next player to jump what many fear is a sinking ship.Of course, Arteta’s motives are understandable. At 29, this was an opportunity to play in the Champions League that Everton just couldn’t provide him with during his six-and-a-half years at Goodison.Indeed, the Spaniard has taken a pay cut to move to the Emirates. Proof that ambition, and not money, was at the crux of his decision.For once, Everton’s beleaguered board can’t be directly blamed for Arteta wanting to leave. But it is symptomatic of the club’s off-field problems that Arsenal were able to pick off their man at the last minute. Yes, better players than Arteta have left in the past and the club has still prospered, the most recent example of which was the fourth-placed finish that followed Wayne Rooney’s exit in 2004.This, though, is a completely different situation. Back then, the banks weren’t knocking at the door for their money.Moyes has nevertheless been promised some of the £10m Arteta fee for use in the January transfer window, but it won’t be much. In any case, it’s widely acknowledged that, with one or two notable exceptions, very few deals are struck in the New Year market.As ever, the Everton manager will make do and mend. Moyes, now without a net spend in three years, is no quitter, but surely his resolve is being tested to the very limit.The financial restraints saw both Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford shipped out on Wednesday, although there won’t be quite the same gnashing of teeth among Evertonians at their leaving. Yakubu has never quite recovered from the horrific Achilles injury suffered at Tottenham Hotspur three years ago, while Beckford, despite 10 goals last season, didn’t quite convince at Premier League level.Loan signing Denis Stracqualursi, having been on trial at Leicester City last month, will now seek to ease the striking burden on brittle Louis Saha, while Royston Drenthe fills the Andy van der Meyde role of Dutch winger with a colourful back story.More of the same for Moyes, then. But that status quo cannot go on forever.
David Moyes to be handed January transfer kitty by Everton FC
Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 2 2011
DAVID MOYES will have the opportunity to reinvest some of Mikel Arteta’s £10million transfer fee in the January transfer window.The Spaniard’s deadline-beating move to Arsenal on Wednesday gave the Everton manager little chance of finding a replacement before the 11pm cut-off time.Moyes was acutely aware that a sizeable chunk of the money raised from any sales would be used to help service the club’s debt.But Barclays, the club’s bankers, did not put Everton under any pressure to cash in on their leading players.And having also pruned the wage bill and brought in funds with the sale of Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford to Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City respectively, the financial constraints will be loosened sufficiently to provide some spending power for Moyes in the New Year.And the Goodison manager could still yet raise further funds should the proposed sale of Joseph Yobo to Fenerbahce go through, with the Turkish transfer window open until Monday.Moyes was limited to two new arrivals ahead of the transfer deadline, signing Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid and agreeing a loan move for Argentine forward Denis Stracqualursi.Drenthe, who can operate down the left flank, is determined to drag his career back on track after a difficult time at the Bernabeu.The 24-year-old had fallen out of favour at Real, spending last season on loan at Hercules and being forced to train away from the first team under Jose Mourinho."It feels great to be here," said Drenthe. "I have been training hard at Real Madrid but not training with the team. I think I can do a good job at Everton and it is a good team. I am happy to be here."I know a lot about Everton and the players. They have a really good team and they win important games."Drenthe arrives with a reputation of not shying away from confrontation, and believes his playing style will suit the Premier League. "I want to play as soon as possible," said the Dutchman. "I think that my qualities are English qualities in the way I play my football. I have the technique and I like to work hard and English competition is perfect for me."The Spanish league is a good league but it is really different. It is slower and there are more touches of the ball but here it is faster and that is more the style of my play."Of Drenthe, Moyes said: "Royston is explosive and hopefully he’ll give us a bit of that pace."It’s something new for him to come to England but we will give him time. We needed to try and find something extra for us."Meanwhile, Stracqualursi – pronounced Strak-wa-loor-si – represents an unknown quantity despite finishing last season as the top scorer in the Argentine Primera Division with club Tigre.The 23-year-old, who had been tracked by Everton since April, is uncapped by his country but qualifies for a work permit because he holds an Italian passport.And Stracqualursi said: "I know that Everton has a big history in England and is an important club. I am very excited to be here. It is a big opportunity for me and I will do everything I can to help the team."I am a striker who plays in the penalty box. I am good at heading the ball and I am strong but I am also good with my feet. But I am here to get in the box and score goals."Moyes added: "Denis has a good goal record and hopefully we will see that continue here."
Forget Fabregas and Nasri, I'm here to bring Arsenal silverware! Arteta bullish over Gunners' future
By Sportsmail Reporter
2nd September 2011 (Daily Mail)
Mikel Arteta is confident he can fit right in at Arsenal as they look to finally deliver some long overdue success in 2012.The 29-year-old Spaniard is said to have accepted a pay cut to force through his £10million deadline-day switch from Everton.The midfielder is confident he can have an impact for Arsene Wenger's men as they look to first recover from the 8-2 mauling at Manchester United and then win a first trophy since 2005.'I know Arsenal's philosophy is always having possession of the ball and to be a really nice passing team, it's the type of football I like to play, so I can't wait,' Arteta said.'I am going there to help the team to make things better and to see if we can win something.'Fabregas has been a terrific player, one of the best in the Premier League and (replacing him) is a big ask.'What I want to do is start helping the team, start showing my abilities and see where we go from there.'Arteta, though, admits it was not easy to leave Everton after six-and-a half years on Merseyside.However, the midfielder believes his sale will help ease the financial burdens which currently surround Goodison Park.'It has been hard saying goodbye to everyone at Everton and seeing some of the reaction of people with whom I've shared so many good moments,' the former Rangers man said.'I think the club is in a situation where they need to sell someone. They don't want to put the team and the club in a situation when in one or two years time this club is in bits.'Arsenal were one of the busiest clubs over the final days of the transfer window, as deals were concluded to bring in South Korea captain Park Chu-young - who netted a hat-trick in today's 6-0 World Cup qualifier win over against Lebanon - and defensive duo Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos.Israel captain Yossi Benayoun was another arrival, joining on a season-long loan from Chelsea.Wenger also had plenty of other irons in the fire, with Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas claiming the Gunners made a late bid for attacking midfielder Yaroann Gourcuff.Arsenal may have secured a place in the group stages of the Champions League with a play-off win over Udinese, but have lost two of their opening three domestic fixtures.Czech winger Tomas Rosicky, however, is in no doubt his side, who host new-boys Swansea after the international break, will soon be back to form.'We are at the very beginning of the season and there is still plenty of time to turn things around completely,' Rosicky told the Czech newspaper Blesk.'Up until now we always had good starts and finished badly. Maybe it will turn around and we will have a successful season. We must shake it off and respond in the next game.'Rosicky admits the squad will analyse just what went wrong in 'the worst hammering I have experienced in football' when they return to London Colney next week.'There is probably no sense in commenting on the game after such a hammering. The best you can do is to forget and start from the scratch,' the 30-year-old added.'We will definitely discuss it when everyone returns from international duty and there is no point about speaking about it now.'
Barry Horne: Agents of fortune are costing football millions
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo Sep 3 2011 DESPITE the recession, Premier League managed to spend just short of half a billion pounds in the transfer window . . . a fair chunk of which will have gone to agents. That is money lost to the game. I read an article by a leading agent trying to defend the outrageous sums paid to agents. He suggested that transfers were very complicated and likened a transfer to buying a multi-million pound business. I would suggest that transfers are only complicated because agents are involved, making it a self serving exercise. The comparison with buying a business is ludicrous. Buying a business involves financial audits, looking at debts and creditors, researching markets and employment law and lots of legal technicalities. Lawyers and accountants get very well paid to help people buy businesses, but their payments are transparent, known beforehand and paid at an agreed hourly rate. Agents seem to pluck a figure out of thin air and multiply it with another figure, also plucked out of the air. Buying a player is simple. The buying club identifies a player they want, a price is agreed between the two clubs, wages are agreed – and that is a transfer basically. The only people who make transfers complicated are agents.
Barry Horne: Time for everyone to focus on pulling together for Everton FC
Liverpool Echo Sep 3 2011
EVERTON looked edgy, disjointed and unsure of themselves at Blackburn – and a few key individuals looked well below their best. I don’t need to name names, but if anybody was thinking about getting away during the transfer window, the way to do so would have been to make sure you were playing well. If Arsene Wenger had been at Ewood Park looking for a centre-half, he would have taken Christopher Samba all day long. Now the window is closed hopefully every- one can focus on their jobs for Everton.
Royal Blue: Good and bad memories for Everton FC pair Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 3 2011
IT WAS also farewell to Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford on D-Day, and while both had decidedly mixed Everton fortunes, they did bring cause for cheer on occasion. Yakubu was the victim of a horrific injury, after which he was never the same – and the Nigerian was not particularly inclined to run beforehand. But his first season, when 21 goals flowed in 39 games, was memorable for Goodison seeing a striker at the top of his game, with bona fide goal scoring instincts, a wide, ready smile and a celebration that brought a grin to the terraces. The Yak was not just decent on the pitch. In Easter 2010 he visited Wirral’s Claire House hospice along with his lovely young wife and daughter and was so humbled by the courage of the children there he signed a cheque so sizeable it put smiles on the faces of the dedicated team of staff. As for Beckford, he rarely granted interviews, but his laid-back nature and popularity at Finch Farm was beyond doubt. He may have irked David Moyes by memorably arriving late for the 1-0 FA Cup embarrassment by Reading last season, but he also scored 10 goals in his debut campaign after stepping up two divisions.
Everton FC letters: Mikel Arteta put the boot into the club and supporters
Liverpool Echo Sep 3 2011
FIRST I wish to quote Mikel Arteta: “I have come to realise how important this club is to me, and how important I am to this club, that is why I signed the new contract”. Secondly, Arteta also said: “We have not bought any new players but we have not sold any of our important players, that’s good and we can get on with the job.” I hope you still get the Echo Mr Arteta as it often sang your praises, now I hope it will do the decent thing and brand you as the traitor that you are. David Moyes did the right thing in refusing the price offered by Arsenal, but you had to put the boot in to a club that adored you. You asked to go, well go you should, but do not expect a warm welcome back when you return to Goodison Park. Now, I am pleased to say that the golden boot of Leighton Baines can take all the free kicks instead of you pushing your way in and cocking most of them up. You are not a Fabregras and I think Wenger will soon discover that. We will succeed without you as we did when you had that very long lay off with injury. Ossie will fill your boots nicely as he did at the back end of last season and became in my mind player of the year.
G Warriner, Kirkby
ARTETA wanted out we had the best out of him and at 29 he was past his sell by date, since his injury he was never the same player and we get offered £10m? Looks like good business to me. If you wanted to leave your position to work for a competitor would it spell the end for your current employer? Football is a business motivated by greedy millionaires who only want to amass as much money in the shortest amount of time.
Rayzoray
BILL KENWRIGHT has been an abject failure as Chairman of Everton Football Club. For four or five years David Moyes performed miracles to disguise the lack of financial backing/ business strategy and at least delay the effects of Mr Kenwright’s repeated blunders; King’s Dock, Fortress Sports Fund, Kirkby. Anyone can make a mistake but Mr Kenwright’s got nothing right bar David Moyes’s appointment (on Walter Smith’s say so). David Moyes has now the smallest squad, no fit experienced striker, no creative midfielder, £17million raised in this summer and two questionable loans. Mr Kenwright claims to be the best negotiator around. What a joke, or tragedy if you’re an Everton fan.
Disgusted, Widnes
I HAVE supported this club since the 60s, followed it across Europe and seen the good and bad times. and never have I seen the fanbase so divided. Bill has to go, end of. The Arteta fiasco, yes he had to go and it was a good deal. But it was the manner it was done, again, which leaves a bad taste. Why are we the only club that fails to add? Two loans are not good enough. Every Blue I know, knew exactly what would happen, a big name would go, with no time to replace them. The club is in real danger and clueless supporters still think the board are capable and deserve support.
sirblue57
MOYES hands were definitely tied here. To say there was not enough time to sign a replacement is a bit tongue in cheek, as the whole world knows the money for Arteta wouldn’t have been made available to him anyway! This money would have gone straight to the bank. Beckford going I’m not bothered about or Yakubu come to that. The two loan signings are unknown quantities, but I suppose Bill Kenwright will be happy with £15 million going to bank and three decent earners departing. Us Evertonians are holding our breath to see if we can compete with Stoke, QPR etc.
engulfed55
CANNOT blame Arteta for going, good luck to him, the club obviously made him push the transfer through to absolve themselves in the eyes of the fans.Let’s see how much of his money is available in January, Moyes must be getting sick of this by now.
Damiano
TEN million pounds for a 29 year-old who I predict will not play that many games for Arsenal.
Arteta is at an age where any injury takes longer to heal and he’s now injury prone, that’s why I’m predicting him having a poor playing record. We are now £75,000 a week better off by being forced by Arteta who was crying how much he misses Spain.
doughas
Barry Horne: Mikel Arteta exit can give Everton FC boss David Moyes January spending power
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo Sep 3 2011
AFTER being apparently inactive for so much of the transfer window, Goodison Park became a blur of activity on Wednesday. The timing of the deals merely served as confirmation of the incredible restrictions under which David Moyes has been working, acting like a doorman of a busy nightclub, forced to operate a one-in one-out policy. Presumably the wages of Yakubu and Beckford will go some way to paying the wages of Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe. But the more contentious business was obviously the loss of Mikel Arteta.
Look at the facts.
We bought him for £2m six years ago and have had four fantastic seasons out of him. So £10m for a 29-year-old who hasn’t played to his previous high standards for some time has to make sense.
Every Evertonian should wish Mikel the best of luck and I really hope he goes on to be a fantastic success at Arsenal because he has been a proper professional for Everton. Unlike another midfielder of recent times, he didn’t mess about with his contract negotiationss. He just went on and committed himself to Everton, and when the time came to leave he did so professionally, too.
He didn’t engineer the move, or get his agent talking about it. Arsenal came to him, he put in a transfer request which presumably meant some financial loss to himself and the deal was done very quickly. But at a time of deepening gloom some good news does appear to be on the horizon.
David Moyes will now have some money to spend in January. And whilst the received wisdom is that buying players in the January window is a mistake, I don’t see why that necessarily has to be the case. Take Luis Suarez and Landon Donovan as examples. Yes, we all loved Arteta, and yes we all want Everton to be spending millions of pounds, but we also need a dose of realism.
Hopefully now the transfer window has closed and the squad knows exactly where it is for the next few months, that will enable David Moyes to galvanise them, bring them together and get on with the first half of the season.
Royal Blue: How Everton FC’s finances scuppered their chance of making the most of Mikel Arteta’s exit
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool EchoSep 3 2011
IT SEEMS quaintly old fashioned to hear of football supporters shedding tears at a player’s departure in these cynical times. When transfer requests are engineered to hold clubs to ransom, when those making the requests are rewarded with huge salary increases, and mercenaries care little for where they play as long as the numbers stack up. But I spoke to a few younger Evertonians who got dusty eyes at Mikel Arteta’s late move to Arsenal with just hours of the transfer window remaining on Wednesday. This was a player who, for two golden seasons, epitomised everything that Everton Football Club traditionally holds dear; skill, style, grace – and a will to win. Another inspired David Moyes signing, it was Arteta who tormented full-backs regularly at Goodison Park during the 2006/07 season when he became the most fouled player in the Premier League. That hypnotic close control when the Basque would kill the ball with a touch, slow to almost a standing point, then trick past an opponent at pace leaving them swiping at thin air drew comparisons to some of the all-time greats. The name Alan Ball, perhaps the ultimate accolade for a midfielder, was even uttered.
That serious anterior cruciate injury took its toll. Some of his short bursts of pace appeared to have left, and age ever so slightly diminished that mercurial spirit. But Mikel Arteta was still an asset for Everton. Still one of the team’s most effective passers, and still the type of player a club with the luxury of ambition doesn’t want to sell. So why did Everton sell? It’s obvious they needed the money, and as the extent of the club’s financial paucity becomes clearer, that overriding need to satisfy their bank, Barclays, seems to supersede ambition for now. Arteta himself summed it up in a typically graceful interview yesterday. He felt it was the right time, he said, the club need the money, and they can’t afford to refuse such offers at risk of placing the club “in a situation where in two or three years they could be in bits”.
It seems that the crux of the dilemma Everton must contend with now is not just that they have impatient bankers, a crippling overdraft cap, and little assets other than their players. The added kick to the club’s hope is that their problems are widely known, and clubs are acting accordingly when bidding for their players. Spurs did it in January when they bid a derisory £500,000 for Phil Neville, the smirking logic seemed to be ‘we can afford to be cheeky because there’s always a chance you can’t afford to say no’. Arsenal did it last week when they began their pursuit of Arteta with an offer of a straight swop involving the mediocre Nicklas Bendtner for the San Sebastian magician. It’s likely Arteta, once aware of Arsenal’s interest, indicated earlier than Wednesday that he wished to leave if a bid came in for him. When the Gunners finally got serious and made a £10m bid by Wednesday tea-time, it was accepted. But then Arsenal wasted time, which was crucial to Moyes’ hopes of drafting in a replacement. They said they had changed their mind after realising the costly terms Arteta was on at Everton, and either feigned or genuine, removed their offer.
Perhaps Moyes then felt he had weathered the storm. With Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi in, and his star man staying, he may even have breathed a sigh of relief. Arteta though was not about to let the opportunity, at 29, to play in the Champions League pass. His agent contacted Arsenal – he would take a pay-cut they said – make it happen. And then, with barely hours left, they agreed terms and the Best Little Spaniard We Know was gone to be a Gunner. Even if Moyes could use some of that £10m, it was far too late to hijack a deal for somebody like Shaun Wright-Philips. Every other ship had sailed. Moyes, as ever, would just have to make do.
Supporters can only hope that Barclays will relent its squeeze now their overdraft has been so keenly cut. The fans? They were just left to sigh and reflect on a player that lit up their team. As grumpy detective Jay Landsman says to Jimmy McNulty in his farewell scene from TV series The Wire: “Brother, when you were good, you were the best we had.”
The inside track on how Everton FC new-boys Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 3 2011
IT WAS by no means a perfect summer of transfer dealing for David Moyes, but the Everton boss at least managed to address two key areas of concerns in his squad. By signing the pacy, direct Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe and muscular striker Denis Stracqualursi the Everton manager is hoping to have drafted in that much needed combination of speed and goals he has craved for so long. But how will the two new-boys fit into Everton’s current line-up, and what about their pedigree suggests they have what it takes to adapt to the Premier League. Nic Davies is the man behind Everton-based ‘Executioner's Bong’ Tactics Website. Using a combination of chalk-board statistical break-downs and impressive insight, Nic presents tactical essays on Everton’s games and players, and he has high hopes (along with a few question marks) about the pair who arrived on the last day of the transfer deadline. “Stracqualursi topped the scoring charts in the Argentinean Premier Division last season, registering a shooting accuracy of 72% yielding 20 goals – including a hat trick against Boca Juniors,” he says. “He possesses good hold up play and most of his goals are headers from inside the box – a new target for Leighton Baines deliveries. “Why do we need him? Apart from the obvious – having no strikers and a lack of goals – the big problem we faced last season is that away from home against better sides with Saha injured, we had Beckford up front. It meant we couldn’t hold the ball up, possession was lost and as a consequence we couldn’t build any sustained periods of play in the opposition half. “Beckford was used as a deputy, but the issue with Beckford was that his movement outside the box simply wasn’t good enough for a Premier League player where you need a lot more than simply being able to finish. “Against rigid defences you need strikers to come short or work the flanks, to drag rigid defences out of position to enable attacking mids to exploit the space in behind. “While Beckford’s movement inside the box was good, outside the box it fell way short and he couldn’t hold the ball up for the team – not even working the defenders in a way Cahill will always do. “It’s principally Beckford’s inability to provide any defensive option that led to David Moyes losing patience with him. “Even though Beckford offers a more considerable goal threat, Anichebe was often preferred in away games with physically strong outfits like Bolton, or Blackburn, for his ability to work the channels and defend at set plays . “Obviously, when you play one or the other of these two you lose something either at one end or the other. Stracqualursi provides goal scoring ability and the physical resolution at 6’3” to assist in both boxes.”
Nic is concerned that Stracqualursi’s movement outside the box is not top-notch either. “His strength is his physicality then, but his weakness would appear to be, like Beckford, limited movement outside the box,” he says. “Respected International Football Scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen watched the Argentinean this spring and commented on how our new striker is ‘Powerful, strong in the air, has a good shot but movement is poor, little finesse and dodgy touch’ and wait for it ‘Looks like a centre back playing up front’. “For me, Saha will be first choice if fit, most likely with closest support from Osman or Cahill in a 4-2-3-1. But as we know, Saha will play a maximum of 60% of games in a season – so Denis will get plenty of game time. “There is the option of starting him alongside Saha – in home games Cahill takes up a role as high up the field to legitimately say it’s a 4-4-2. “He certainly has part of the desired skill set – the physicality we crave and a goal threat. Fingers crossed it works out and his movement isn’t as bad as Mr Karlsen says.” Nic has far fewer reservations over Drenthe, and says - his suspect temperament aside - he is a class act. “Certainly he is more Pienaar than Preki,” he says. “When he signed for Real, then Sporting Director Mijatovic, claimed that “Royston Drenthe is the prototype of the modern player”. “Drenthe has excellent technique – in terms of artistry on the ball he is similar to former Blue loan ranger Manual Fernandes. “It’s the mentality problem with him. Can we keep him in check and focused on his football? If Drenthe had the mentality of someone like Phil Neville though, it’s dubious that we would be in a position to sign him as he would probably have his pick of clubs offering higher salaries than us.” Nic insists Drenthe, 24, is capable of being a threat from a left or right midfield position.
“Naturally left footed, he likes to go on the outside on the left flank, but this would invade the space Baines exploits so well. “He could he be deployed wide right cutting in on his better left foot perhaps? His right foot is decent though so he could do a similar job on the opposing flank.
“He has ferocious pace and alongside the likes of Coleman, Rodwell and Fellaini enables us to play a more intensive pressing game higher up field when off the ball and looking for second balls from a target man when we are in possession. “Drenthe is very direct and will take players on – this was one of the biggest skill gaps in the squad last season and why Moyes spent the summer longing for the N’Zogbia transfer that never materialised.”
ROYSTON DRENTHE
2010/11 Hercules.
Starts: 15 Sub: 2 Goals: 4 Assists: 1 Shots: 33 Shots on target: 10 Fouls: 24 Fouled: 55 Yellow Card: 8 Red: 0.
2009/10 Real Madrid.
Starts: 4 Sub: 6 Goals: 1 Assists: 1 Shots: 7 Shots on target: 4 Fouls: 7 Fouled: 14 Yellow Card: 3 Red: 0.
2008/09 Real Madrid.
Starts: 7 Sub: 18 Goals: 0 Assists: 1 Shots: 16 Shots on target: 4 Fouls: 18 Fouled: 37 Yellow Card: 4 Red: 0.
DENIS STRACQUALURSI:
2007–2008 Unión de Sunchales
Starts: 24 Goals: 25
2008–2010 Gimnasia-LP
Starts: 45 Goals: 4
2010– Tigre
Starts: 38 Goals: 21
Date of birth: October 20, 1987 (age 23)
Place of birth: Rafaela, Argentina
Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Playing position: Striker
New Everton FC signings: Will this change how we play?
Will this change how we play?
NIC says: “In a 4-2-3-1 where the defensive and attacking midfield roles are delineated – I would go Barkley left, Osman centre and Drenthe right as my first choice three – all are comfortable with both feet and are interchangeable in the attacking midfielder berths. Rodwell and Fellaini would be deployed as the anchor men. I feel this gives us the best balance of pressing off the ball and ability when in possession. The pace we have lost from Beckford will be replaced by Drenthe pressing and getting in behind defences high up field – probably making our default system 4-2-3-1 and not 4-4-1-1. Baines is still very much the key attacking outlet – I would be surprised if his role was compromised to accommodate the Dutchman who can be selfish on the ball, so it will be interesting to see where Royston is deployed initially. Trial and error may be required by Moyes.
Mikel Arteta: Everton FC will always be in my heart
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool EchoSep 3 2011
MIKEL Arteta admitted it was a wrench for him to leave Goodison and insisted: “I’ll always have Everton in my heart.” The Spanish midfielder sealed a last-minute £10m switch to Arsenal on Wednesday night leaving much anger and disappointment on Merseyside. But Arteta, 29, said he still has mixed emotions about the move, which will see him play in the Champions League at the Emirates, and said Everton have become his family. The Basque, who spent six seasons at Goodison, said: “A part of me is very happy to go to a great club like Arsenal, but the other part has been hard.
“The last 24 hours, saying goodbye to everyone at Everton and seeing some of the reactions of people I have shared some very good moments with. “Leaving is a very big thing for me – this was my family and I have seen with those reactions people have with me it was a proper family – starting with the people in the reception, the kit men, the masseurs, everyone. It’s not on the football side it’s on the personal side. “I got on with everyone so well. “I want to thank my team mates, every one of them, because they have been absolutely brilliant with me all these years.” Arteta also had special mention for the supporters who afforded him iconic status, and are still dismayed at his decision to leave, a sadness worsened by the club’s financial plight that made his sale necessary.
“The fans too because I would not have expected to feel that much love from them,” he said.
“I know some of them will feel I have not been loyal or whatever, but what I can say is that I have got Everton in my heart, and I’m not going to earn more money, I just think it’s the right time to move. “Some will get upset but I what I can say is I have given everything I have for Everton.
"Everything. "I could play better or worse but I always gave my best and I made my decision for the best of the club and just thanks a million for their love and support and how they have been with me and my family.” Arteta, who will wear the number eight shirt at Arsenal, believes David Moyes’ side will still thrive without his creativity. He said: “I think they have got an unbelievable dressing room, a great manager and they always seem to do something to get in the top half of the table somehow.
“The characters we have got are unbelievable and I am sure Moyes will find a way to get the best out of them, and hopefully they can perform really well.” Everton sources said they were furious at the late timing of the 29-year-old’s request to leave, which meant David Moyes had no time for use some of the fee to sign a replacement. But Arteta, who said Arsenal made their interest in him known a few days before his dramatic exit, claimed the deal was the “best option” for himself and Everton. He said: “We knew a few days before they had interest in me and then everything happened last day and last minute. “It’s true I met the manager and had five minutes with him and said it’s a great opportunity for me to play in the Champions League and I think the club is in a situation where they need to sell someone. “The gaffer was fine. He said to me ‘Miky I don’t want to lose you and appreciate everything you have done for me. I cannot stop you going’. It is understood Arteta took a £20,000 pay-cut to agree to a £55,000-a- week deal with the Gunners, and he insisted chairman Bill Kenwright – who agreed the fee with Arsenal earlier on Wednesday – should not be blamed. He said: “What they should know is that I know the chairman really well. Realistically he does not want to sell anyone. “He is a big, big fan and is putting his life into it and was devastated for me to leave. He said ‘Mikel I don’t want to sell you’. “But they have to in these moments and they don’t want to put the club and the team in a situation where in two or three years they could be in bits. “It’s part of football. It’s sad and I know the chairman is taking the worst part of it and I really feel sorry for him, but at the same time I know he is trying his best to get the club in the best position he can. “I don’t want (people) blaming the manager or the chairman. They (Arsenal) put an offer in that was the best option for everyone and I’m 100% sure. I know some will disagree but I’m 100% sure it was the best for everyone with the situation at the minute.”
James Lawton: Everton are in crisis again. So who better at the helm than magical Moyes?
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Independent
Everton manager David Moyes has to face up to the loss of Mikel Arteta If David Moyes had a lower threshold of self-pity there was a good chance he would have tied one on quite seriously last Wednesday night. He might well have greeted the dawn while in mid-conversation with the remnants of a bottle of Scotch. Some big-time football managers have been known to react to bad developments in such a way, or worse – and with much less provocation than losing their most creative player by a mile, one so anxious to leave he was prepared to take a pay cut in the region of £20,000 a week. Mikel Arteta offered this up to join Arsenal in the same way that Cesc Fabregas, at even more dramatic cost, did to leave. If a football man like Moyes had ever considered the possibility of a breaking point, this one was surely a contender. Arteta no doubt still had huge respect for Moyes' instinct for the job. But he also had a withering comment to make about his chances of moving Everton on with the bank already nibbling at his church mouse transfer budget. So the assessment took the form of adios, hombre, it's time to get out of town. Naturally, the Moyes horse remained attached to the hitching rail. There have, of course, been other opportunities of his own to gallop off with his head held high. One of his warmest admirers, Sir Alex Ferguson, offered him the No 2 job at Old Trafford, which many would see, with the dwindling cachet of Jose Mourinho, as an invitation to audition for one of the biggest jobs in football. Nor can there be much doubt that a couple of timely phone calls would have given him the succession to first Martin O'Neill and then Gérard Houllier at Villa Park However, if Moyes doesn't drown his sorrows, nor does he lightly surrender a commitment, however unpromising the going. The one he made to the blue half of Liverpool on the day of his appointment nine years ago is now part of Merseyside folklore.
"I'm from a city of Glasgow that is not unlike Liverpool," he said. "I'm joining the people's club. The majority of the people you meet in the street are Everton fans. It is a fantastic opportunity, something you dream about. I said yes straight away because this is such a big club." This wasn't so much a job acceptance as the storming of barricades. But a big club all these years after the last of the glory managed by Howard Kendall, his midfield axis formed with Alan Ball and Colin Harvey, the fading of the Golden Vision, Alex Young, and the old empire of men like Joe Mercer and Dixie Dean?
Yes, Moyes insists, even as he is told by his chairman, Bill Kenwright, that horizons which have never been expansive are being pinched in quite remorselessly. Kenwright is a man of the theatre, which is in some ways far from the worst kind you can be while dealing with the communal passions and appetites of a big city football club, but then it doesn't mean so much when Liverpool's latest form of American ownership so lavishly funds Kenny Dalglish that he can afford the cost, financial and emotional, of having Craig Bellamy as an optional extra. Or when Stoke City can summon Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios and newly promoted Neil Warnock is given the means to hire Joey Barton. So where does it leave David Moyes? You might say it makes him the least enviable man in big time football. Well, yes and no. There can be no doubt about the appalling nature of the Arteta affair, the frustration and sense of futility it must have engendered in a football man who spends his life eking out resources and then sees Arsène Wenger take away his best player, not in the kind of acute assessment for which he was once famous but another desperate lunge into a panic buy.
Even in extremis, Wenger shops in Knightsbridge while Moyes is obliged to rummage around the shelves of Oxfam. But then it is also true that as he goes into his 10th, and potentially most perilous season, at Goodison Park no one is likely to charge him with losing the plot. His achievement has been remarkable in its consistency. It has been to buy Everton, season after season, the chance to survive as a serious football entity, to hold out the possibility that someone will come along with an eye for superb competitive values and the means to make an investment. The loss of Arteta is such a heavy blow because the Spaniard offered so much more than mere survival. He kept alive the idea of fine, creative football. He had the craft and the touch that lifted everyone's hopes. On a bitterly cold night in Johannesburg last summer Moyes warmed his companions with the pride he took in the performance of his player Steven Pienaar, a product of the townships who served his country well with football of superior quality. He would lose him soon enough to Tottenham Hotspur but if you are a football man like Moyes you know how essential it is to celebrate your triumphs, such as they are, against the likelihood of hard days ahead. No, David Moyes didn't reach for the drinks cupboard this week when he lost his best player. He fed in a video of Denis Stracqualursi, his loan coup before the transfer window slammed behind Mikel Arteta. He is a kid from Argentina who scores lots of goals. He is the latest throw of the dice by the man who has kept Everton together in the most difficult of times. About one thing, though, we can be sure. It will not be the last.
Pass-master Arteta admits it will be tough task to replace Fabregas
By Jim van Wijk
The Independent
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Mikel Arteta is confident he can fit in quickly at Arsenal as they look to finally deliver some long overdue success this season. The 29-year-old Spaniard is said to have accepted a pay cut to force through his £10m deadline-day switch from Everton. While Arteta does not claim he can fill the void left at the heart of the Arsenal team by the sales of captain Cesc Fabregas and playmaker Samir Nasri, the midfielder is confident he can have an impact for Arsène Wenger's side as they look to first recover from the 8-2 mauling at Manchester United, and then win a first trophy since 2005.
"I know Arsenal's philosophy is always having possession of the ball and to be a really nice passing team, it's the type of football I like to play, so I can't wait," Arteta said. "I am going there to help the team to make things better and to see if we can win something. "Fabregas has been a terrific player, one of the best in the Premier League and [replacing him] is a big ask. What I want to do is start helping the team, start showing my abilities and see where we go from there." Arteta, though, admits that it was far from easy to leave Everton after six-and-a half years on Merseyside. However, the midfielder believes his sale will help ease the financial burdens which currently surround Goodison Park. "It has been hard saying goodbye to everyone at Everton and seeing some of the reaction of people with whom I've shared so many good moments," the former Rangers player said. "I think the club is in a situation where they need to sell someone. They don't want to put the team and the club in a situation when in one or two years' time this club is in bits." Arsenal were one of the busiest clubs over the final days of the transfer window, as deals were concluded to bring in South Korea captain Park Chu-young – who scored a hat-trick in yesterday's 6-0 World Cup qualifier win against Lebanon – and defensive pair Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos. Israel captain Yossi Benayoun was another arrival, joining on a season-long loan from Chelsea. Wenger also had plenty of other irons in the fire, with Lyons' president, Jean-Michel Aulas, claiming the Gunners made a late bid for attacking midfielder Yoann Gourcuff. Arsenal may have secured a place in the group stages of the Champions League with a play-off win over Udinese, but they have lost two of their opening three domestic fixtures and have been struggling for form. Czech winger Tomas Rosicky, however, is in no doubt his side, who host Swansea after the international break, will soon be back to their best. "We are at the very beginning of the season and there is still plenty of time to turn things around completely," Rosicky told the Czech newspaper Blesk. "Up until now we always had good starts and finished badly. Maybe it will turn around and we will have a successful season. We must shake it off and respond in the next game." Rosicky admitted the squad will analyse just what went wrong in "the worst hammering I have experienced in football" when they return to Colney next week.
"There is probably no sense in commenting on the game after such a hammering. The best you can do is to forget and start from scratch," the 30-year-old said. "We will definitely discuss it when everyone returns from international duty and there is no point about speaking about it now."
Someone else looking forward to a "fresh start" when the Premier League campaign resumes next week is the Blackburn manager, Steve Kean. His club have had a difficult start to the season and are second-bottom of the table having lost all three of their opening matches. However, the Rovers manager reinforced with the deadline-day signing of Birmingham centre-back Scott Dann and Everton striker Ayegbeni Yakubu while crucially hanging on to the likes of centre-half Chris Samba and midfielder Steven N'Zonzi. Once the international break is over Kean believes a new-look team will emerge. "It is going to be like a fresh start as of next week," he said. "We have managed to hang on to the established first-team players, do some great business, and it is onwards and upwards as a group. "There is always pressure to get results, what is more important is we have players to select from. I said that when the window closed we had to have a competitive squad and we certainly have that. "We were frustrated at the pace some of the transfers were taking but I think the fans will see we have got two genuine players in every single position and it will be very cut-throat to get on the pitch. "There is always going to be competition fighting for points and it was difficult for the first couple of games because we were missing most of our defenders. Now the defenders are coming back from injury, we have added quality throughout the squad, and it is going to be an exciting time."
YAKUBU BACK TO SAVE BLACKBURN
The Daily Star
3rd September 2011 By Jeremy Cross
YAKUBU has backed himself to save Blackburn from the drop. The striker has joined Steve Kean’s men in a £1m deal from Everton and has been charged with firing them up the table.
Rovers are second from bottom following a poor start but Yakubu is convinced Kean’s men will not go down. He said: “There is a long way to go and when we get our first win we will be back. “We are not panicking about going down or staying up. Blackburn have been in the Premier League for a long time and with the quality we have we will be fine. “They struggled against relegation last season, but it would be nice to finish in the top half this season – and I believe we can do it.” The Nigerian international had a loan spell at Leicester last season and reckons it gave him the belief that he can still hit the goal trail at the highest level. Yakubu, 28, who has battled back from a serious Achilles operation that ruled him out for 11 months, added: “It is hard when you don’t play for almost a year. Coming back it is the mentality which is important. “The spell at Leicester did me a lot of good. I was playing every week and it gave me my fitness back and I am ready to go. “In the next three years I just want to score goals and entertain.”
WENGER TOLD MIKEL ARTETA PAST HIS BEST
4th September 2011 By Carl Eldridge and Tony Stenson
Sunday Star
ARSENE Wenger has been warned Mikel Arteta is past his best and that the Spaniard canNOt help floundering Arsenal end their trophy drought. And the under-fire Emirates boss may have to face up to losing influential captain Robin van Persie unless he can reignite the Gunners’ season. Frustrated Wenger watched his flops get battered 8-2 at Manchester United before being forced to land Everton star Arteta, Andre Santos, Per Mertesacker and Yossi Benayoun on transfer-deadline day. But former Arsenal skipper Frank McLintock insists the new recruits will struggle to inspire Arsenal to bigger and better things. While ex-Werder Bremen defender Mertesacker seems to be a decent buy, Arteta is 29 and has a history of being crocked, while Santos is largely an unknown quantity and Benayoun will only be a fringe player. McLintock said: “I’m sorry to say it but I’m not impressed with the names Arsene has brought in. “If we’d signed Arteta two seasons ago I would have said ‘great’. “I thought Arteta was a superb player who would have been just right for Arsenal and the way they play the game. But since then he’s been injured and was injured for a lot of last season as well.” McLintock, who made 412 appearances for the Gunners and led them to the league and FA Cup Double in 1971, says owner Stan Kroenke and shareholder Alisher Usmanov should have bankrolled the purchase of world-class players, just as Manchester City’s owners are doing. “We’ve got the two billionaires on the board and I can’t understand why they couldn’t just put in some money, buy some players in preparation so we’re not scrambling around at the last minute. It’s so disappointing,” he said. “We have brought in £70million in transfers from players leaving the club and yet we seem to be after the second-best players nearly all of the time. “It’s a reaction rather than being already prepared. I would have certainly bought two centre-halves – Gary Cahill as well as Mertesacker.” And ex-Scotland international McLintock now fears Dutch ace Van Persie could be considering his future. He added: “When players realise that Arsenal aren’t going to buy really big stars, they want to move. If it doesn’t work out in the first few months this season what’s the betting Van Persie will be the next one out?” Wenger had already brought in South Korea captain Chu-Young Park, Ivory Coast frontman Gervinho, Charlton defender Carl Jenkinson and teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before his deadline-day dealings. But McLintock still believes there is not enough strength in depth to make an assault on honours this season. He said: “I think if they get in the top four that would be their best hope. I can’t see them ever overtaking Manchester United with this team, or Man City. “It’s going to be really, really tough this year for Arsenal and I don’t think the fans are going to be too kind to them. “I think they’ve just got a little fed up with all the promises and everything else that has been going on at Arsenal for the past six years and because of the expense of going to the club.” Wenger and the Arsenal board will come under new pressure on Saturday from a fans’ group, who will use a billboard opposite The Emirates to protest at the club’s transfer policy and plans for the future.
‘The People’ makes up a ‘Ross Barkley to Man Utd’ rumour
Sep 4
Sunday People
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping tabs on Ross Barkley’s progress at Everton – and could make a move for him in January. Fergie is a huge admirer of the Everton starlet and would love for him to follow in Wayne Rooney’s footsteps from Goodison. Midfielder Barkley, 17, impressed on his debut against QPR and followed up with a fine performance at Blackburn last weekend.’ That is in fact the entire article. Right, so the basis for this is what? How did the author actually convince his sub-editors that this was worthy of any internet space? Young English player plays a couple of games in the Premier League – must then be linked with a move to Manchester United, Chelsea, or Liverpool. …and you couldn’t have even added some fictitious quotes from a ‘club insider’.
Blue Union group hits back over criticism from Everton FC chairman Bill Kenwright
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 5 2011
“Have our actions damaged the club? No, why do you think Phil Neville was valued at £250,000 by Tottenham at the beginning of the year? "The football world has long since known of our plight and finally our fan-base has woken up to the reality of our situation.“Neither have our actions damaged the prospect of a sale; the financial situation would have always been uncovered during due diligence.“We believe we have done nothing wrong. “Our campaign will continue onwards and upwards and after Saturday’s public meeting it will be in a far more structured and organised fashion.”Everton consulted their solicitors such was their fury at what they claimed were recorded revelations, revealed on the eve of Everton’s belated start to the Premier League season at home to Queens Park Rangers.Mr Kelly added: “Many fans are now genuinely concerned for the future of Everton under this board"The fans spoke out about Kirkby and were ignored; they spoke out about the possible decline into the financial difficulty we’re now experiencing and were ignored again; now they’re proposing the club needs a reappraisal of their approach relating to their treatment of supporters and the need for a groundbreaking decision to be taken to ensure the future safety and prosperity of the club.“In order to allow the CEO to concentrate on reducing costs, developing our own revenue streams and repairing relations with the fan-base, the board must now appoint a fully autonomous group of professionals who can effectively develop and implement a strategy to identify and sell the club to a buyer who can demonstrate an ability and desire to take the club forward on both a commercial and football level.” The union held a public meeting at the Casa on Bold Street on Saturday, which was attended by approximately 300 people.Mr Kelly said that during the event it was decided that there will be a public protest before Everton’s home game against Aston Villa on Saturday.He said: “The attendance surpassed our expectations, especially as it was our first meeting.“Everyone present agreed – enough is enough.“We will go out there and protest because we are not prepared to let our club die on its knees.”EVERTON supporters group the Blue Union today hit back at criticism over their controversial meeting with Bill Kenwright.The group were accused of a ‘lack of respect’ by the club after they revealed the contents of the meeting, during which the Toffees chairman outlined Everton’s stark financial situation, and admitted the only way the club can generate serious income is by selling players.Everton had claimed the discussions were taped without Kenwright’s knowledge, and do not believe the transcript properly represents the conversation.But Union spokesman Dave Kelly said the club have no proof that the meeting at Kenwright’s London office was taped, and insisted the theatre impresario and club officials knew the sit-down would be reported.The Union have published a statement on their website calling the publication of the talks a ‘means to an end’ to highlight their concerns over Everton’s future, and say they did not publish various exchanges which Kenwright asked to remain private.Mr Kelly said: “The fall-out and finger pointing episode from the club after the publication of our report was a flagrant attempt to divert attention away from the real issues revealed within.“If the club’s stated position is that the information released by the Blue Union did not properly represent the conversation, why haven’t they specifically explained what wasn’t representative?.
Everton FC midfielder Jack Rodwell ready to shine after Mikel Arteta’s departure
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 5 2011
IN ADVERSITY, Jack Rodwell senses an opportunity. Amid the disappointment at Everton FC losing their playmaker Mikel Arteta to Arsenal last week, the 20-year-old is hoping it may finally herald his chance to shine.Rodwell has yet to truly fulfil his undoubted potential in a royal blue shirt, and injuries have dogged his fortunes as much as lack of first team opportunities in his favoured central midfield position.But now, with Arteta out of the equation and the overload of personnel in Everton’s midfield reduced, the Birkdale-born academy graduate sees a route to first-team regular status.“Mikel is a great player. He’s a good lad as well and he will be sorely missed,” said Rodwell. “It’s a good opportunity for him, so we all wish him the best. But we’ve got a lot of young players who can fill in. I’m ready to step up and fill his boots, definitely.”Since emerging from Everton’s academy as a 16-year-old with plenty of expectation on his broad shoulders, Rodwell has never been a constant in Everton’s starting XI - with niggling injuries the main factor.And the England U-21 international had another difficult spate of injuries last season that prevented him nailing down a regular place.But with a clean bill of health and a burning desire to succeed for the Blues, he has started two of Everton’s three games this season and feels ready to establish himself.“I’m ready now,” he said. “I feel fit, I feel sharp and focused. I believe this is the season for me. “What I’ve been missing in my career is 30 games back to back and getting a good run of form and confidence, so hopefully this season I can do that.“Last season was frustrating for me. I had a lot of injuries and couldn’t really get a pattern of football going. I wasn’t really fit, but hopefully that won’t happen this season.”Another Everton youngster desperate to break into the reckoning for regular football at Goodison is Shane Duffy.To that end, the 19-year-old has been keen for a loan move to help himself progress, and his wish was granted on transfer deadline day with an initial month-long switch to League One side Scunthorpe.Now Duffy is aiming to set Scunthorpe back on course for the Championship after joining the Iron on Wednesday, and the central defender hopes that his time there will be extended if things go well for him - and for his new side.Duffy said: “Scunthorpe is a good club, they were in the Championship last season and they got relegated but hopefully they can go back up this season.“I hope they will be a team on the up this season and if everything goes well they will get back up.“Hopefully things will go well for us both and if everything goes okay I might be there until January.”Duffy also wants to gain some personal benefits from the switch and is hopeful of featuring on Saturday when Sheffield United face the Iron, with the long term aim to feature in David Moyes’ first team options, especially if Joseph Yobo departs to Turkey today.“I am hoping to get some experience and some first team games under my belt to see what it’s like,” he continued.“I know a few of the players and that will help me settle in. I am looking forward to my first game, it will be exciting to get out there on the pitch.”Meanwhile, another Everton defender - John Heitinga - netted a rare goal for Holland in a low key night of international action for Everton’s players on Saturday.The Dutchman netted his first goal for the Netherlands since 2008 in an 11-0 thrashing over no-hopers San Marino.Heitinga’s headed goal was his side’s third, with Robin van Persie grabbing four.England pair Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka looked on from the bench as the Three Lions recorded a straightforward 3-0 win in Bulgaria.Bolton’s Gary Cahill was preferred to Jagielka in England’s back four and marked his first international start with the first goal before Wayne Rooney bagged a brace.Jan Mucha kept a clean sheet for Slovakia as they frustrated the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.Earlier, Marouane Fellaini played 90 minutes for Belgium but they were pegged back late on against Azerbaijan and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.Diniyar Bilyaletdinov didn’t feature at all for Russia as they saw off Macedonia 1-0.In Brisbane, Tim Cahill helped Australia defeat Thailand 2-1 and in European Under-21 qualifying action, Apostolos Vellios scored a late second goal for Greece in their 2-0 win over Cyprus.Tim Howard was in goal for the USA as they lost 1-0 to Costa Rica on Saturday morning, while Victor Anichebe, who has since picked up an injury, and Joseph Yobo are with Nigeria ahead of Sunday’s game in Madagascar.
Royston Drenthe confident he can fill the gap left at Everton FC by Mikel Arteta
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 5 2011
ROYSTON Drenthe insists he can thrive under the pressure of wearing the Everton number 10 shirt vacated by Mikel Arteta.The Dutch left winger will be charged with helping fill the creativity gap left by Arteta’s departure to Arsenal, and is intent on taking things in his stride.The on-loan Real Madrid ace insisted he needed an element of pressure to perform at his peak, and will not be daunted by replacing a fans’ favourite.He said: “It is a nice number and you have to show people you can wear it. “I think this number has some kind of pressure but I know, for myself, that without some kind of pressure you can’t play good football.“You have to play with some pressure to let people see you are a good player with quality.”The former Feyenoord man will train at Finch Farm today and is excited about getting his Everton career under way, although he will have to wait until later in the week to become reacquainted with compatriot John Heitinga.“I am looking forward to playing with Johnny, he has already told people he will have my back!” he said. “I will take it step-by-step. I have to train hard, I will start on Monday, train hard every day and I will do my best to give everything for Everton.“They are my club now and I will do my best.”Drenthe’s fellow new-boy Denis Stracqualursi could also get a chance to show his worth early, after David Moyes’s striking options were further depleted by an injury to Victor Anichebe while on international duty with Nigeria.Anichebe was hurt as he helped Nigeria to a 2-0 win over Madagascar.The 23-year-old appeared to suffer an injury late in the game and is set to return to Merseyside.Nigeria manager Samson Siasia said: “It is very sad for him. He was huge for us today. He did all the right things, played well and unfortunately, had to come off in the last three minutes with an injury. But that’s football.“It’s very unfortunate, but I hope he gets well soon so he can continue to feature for his club. That pitch was not very good and we are lucky our players did not get serious injuries.”After their African Cup of Nations qualifier success, Nigeria are now scheduled to play Argentina in a friendly in Bangladesh tomorrow – though it was reported Anichebe will instead return to England for treatment.Another player who will not be facing Argentina is Joseph Yobo. The defender was flying back to Merseyside to try to force through a move to Fenerbahce before the Turkish transfer window closes at 10pm tonight.
England coach Fabio Capello already looking at Everton FC’s Ross Barkley as next generation of talent
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 5 2011
FABIO CAPELLO has revealed England are already looking to Everton youngster Ross Barkley as part of their next generation of talent.Barkley has made an impressive start to his senior career at Goodison after being handed his debut by manager David Moyes last month.The 17-year-old midfielder was expected to make his first-team breakthrough last season only to suffer a triple leg fracture while playing for England under-19s in Belgium 11 months ago.Barkley, though, is already on the radar of the full national team set-up, with England head coach Capello including the youngster alongside Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere and Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones as being touted for regular future recognition.“We need to improve,” said the Italian.“That depends if I will find another Wilshere, whether Jones will be okay, whether Barkley will be okay.“We need the talent. The talent can make a difference. When you find the talent you need to use it.” Barkley could make his latest step on the road to the full England team by making his debut for the U21s this evening.The youngster was an unused substitute in Thursday’s 6-0 Euro 2013 qualifying win over Azerbaijan.But having released a number of players back to their clubs, U21 coach Stuart Pearce is expected to name a much-changed side for this evening’s friendly against Israel at Barnsley.An appearance could put Barkley in the reckoning for a competitive bow when England play back-to-back qualifiers next month, Pearce’s boys in Iceland on October 6 before facing Norway four days later.Meanwhile, Joseph Yobo is still hoping to seal a move to Fenerbahce before the Turkish transfer deadline closes later this evening. Yobo, along with Everton team-mate Victor Anichebe, was in action for Nigeria at the weekend, scoring in their 2-0 African Cup of Nations qualifying win over Madagascar.Anichebe, though, suffered a groin injury and Goodison manager Moyes will be sweating on the striker’s fitness having allowed Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu to depart last week.Another Everton centre-back, Shane Duffy, joined npower League One side Scunthorpe United last week on a month-long loan. But the 19-year-old has targeted an extended stay at the Irons.“Scunthorpe is a good club, they were in the Championship last season and they got relegated but hopefully they can go back up this season,” said Duffy.“I hope they will be a team on the up this season and if everything goes well they will get back up.“Hopefully things will go well for us both and if everything goes okay I might be there until January.”Duffy added: “I am hoping to get some experience and some first team games under my belt to see what it is like.“I know a few of the players and that will help me settle in.“I am looking forward to my first game, it will be exciting to get out there on the pitch.”Meanwhile, several hundred Everton supporters were in attendance when the Blue Union held its inaugural public meeting in Liverpool city centre on Saturday.The group, who are pressing for change among the Goodison hierarchy, are planning a peaceful protest march ahead of this weekend’s Barclays Premier League home game against Aston Villa.
I can fill gap left by Mikel Arteta says Everton FC new boy Royston Drenthe
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 5 2011
EVERTON new signing Royston Drenthe has no qualms filling the boots of the departed Mikel Arteta – and is confident he will thrive on the pressure.Drenthe will spend the season at Goodison after joining from Real Madrid on a year-long deal on transfer deadline day last Wednesday.The Holland international has been handed the number 10 shirt vacated by Arteta, who joined Arsenal in a shock move shortly before the 11pm cut-off point.And Drenthe is confident he can make the jersey his own.“It is a nice number and you have to show people you can wear it,” says the 24-year-old left-winger.“I think this number has some kind of pressure but I know, for myself, that without some kind of pressure you can’t play good football.“You have to play with some pressure to let people see you are a good player with quality.”Drenthe, who has earned a solitary cap for Holland, is looking forward to being shown the ropes at Finch Farm later this week by compatriot John Heitinga.“I am looking forward to playing with Johnny, he has already told people he will have my back!” adds Drenthe. “I will take it step-by-step. I have to train hard, I will start on Monday, train hard every day and I will do my best to give everything for Everton.“They are my club now and I will do my best.”Arteta’s exit means there will be a slot in central midfield up for grabs when David Moyes’s men resume their Premier League campaign at home to Aston Villa on Saturday.And Jack Rodwell is determined to take the opportunity to regain his place as a regular starter for the Goodison outfit.Rodwell endured an inconsistent time last season, when injuries and lack of form saw him spend much of the time on the periphery. But the 20-year-old impressed for England under-21s last Thursday and now wants to also take his chance for his club.“Mikel is a great player,” he says. “He’s a good lad as well and he will be sorely missed. It’s a good opportunity for him, so we all wish him the best.“But we’ve got a lot of young players who can fill in. I’m ready to step up and fill his boots, definitely.”Rodwell made his debut as a 16-year-old almost four years ago and has made 94 appearances for the club.However, the midfielder is now hopeful of an extended run in the Everton starting line-up.“I’m ready now,” says Rodwell. “I feel fit, I feel sharp and focused.“I believe this is the season for me.“What I’ve been missing in my career is 30 games back to back and getting a good run of form and confidence, so hopefully this season I can do that.“Last season was frustrating for me. I had a lot of injuries and couldn’t really get a pattern of football going. I wasn’t really fit, but hopefully that won’t happen this season.”
Mersey youngsters feature as England under-21s fight back to cruise to victory over Israel in friendly at Oakwell
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 6 2011
ENGLAND Under-21s came from behind to secure a comfortable victory over Israel in last night’s friendly at Oakwell. Stuart Pearce’s Young Lions – featuring Everton duo Ross Barkley and Jack Rodwell as well as Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and Anfield team-mate Andre Wisdom – found themselves a goal down in the 25th-minute when the visitors broke forward and Mohammad Klibat looped a shot past Ben Amos. Martyn Waghorn equalised with a header 13 minutes after the break and a Marvin Sordell thunderbolt put England in front moments later. A penalty from Nathan Delfouneso with eight minutes of normal time remaining and a finish from fellow substitute Henri Lansbury in injury time put the gloss on the win. Head coach Pearce had said he would make changes from last Thursday’s 6-0 European Championship qualifying triumph over Azerbaijan and only two players retained their place in the first XI, with one of them, Rodwell, assuming the skipper’s armband from the departed Jordan Henderson, who was allowed to return to Liverpool.
Amos, Wisdom and Barkley were the debutants. England went behind when Klibat curled beyond Amos. Pearce made further changes at the interval, with Lansbury coming on for Rodwell and taking the captaincy, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain introduced for Shelvey and Adam Smith replacing Wisdom.
Oxlade-Chamberlain crossed from the right and Waghorn headed past Kleyman to net his second goal in successive matches. It took just two minutes for England to score again, Sordell putting the hosts ahead in emphatic fashion by turning and lashing a shot into the corner from distance.
England added a third in the final 10 minutes, Delfouneso dispatching the spot-kick after Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought down in the box. Lansbury then wrapped up the win at the death after being fed by Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Ian Snodin: Time to see some home rule for Everton FC at Goodison park
Liverpool Echo
Sep 6 2011
FOOTBALLERS usually love playing home matches – and with three successive games at Goodison now, the Blues’ players should be relishing the opportunity to get some Premier League points on the board and make further progress in the Carling Cup. Home games can also bring a little extra pressure. Away from home you get three or four thousand die-hards who sing their lungs out all match. At Goodison if things aren’t going well after 20 minutes you can hear the moans and groans. But it’s still a great opportunity Everton have to take .
How Brian Barwick’s careful diplomacy that enabled Liverpool FC and Everton FC to both compete in the Champions League
by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
Sep 6 2011
BRIAN BARWICK may have never achieved his boyhood dream of playing for Liverpool but he did play a starring role in helping the club get into the Champions League. In January 2005 the lifelong Red from Childwall started work as chief executive of the Football Association and was still settling into life in Soho Square when he faced his first major challenge. As Rafa Benitez’s side made serene progress in Europe, Liverpool were struggling on the domestic front with Everton threatening to deny their neighbours a top-four finish. Barwick could foresee a problem if Liverpool went all the way in the Champions League. “I had spotted very early on there was a potential conflict that could come along,” he said. “Everton were doing really well in the league and I wasn’t convinced Liverpool would catch them. At the same time Liverpool were doing well in Europe and there was no automatic entry into the following season’s Champions League for the winners. “I thought there could be a situation here where five into four doesn’t go and the context was that I had been in the job about two minutes. “During a coffee break at the spring meeting of UEFA I went to see the General Secretary (Lars-Christer Olsson) and marked his card. I said ‘I think we might have a problem a bit further down the track as we might have five teams qualifying for the Champions League’. “I explained that Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal would qualify but that rather than Liverpool as usual, it looked like Everton would instead. Then if Liverpool won the Champions League we would have a problem. “He just threw it back at the FA and said you can’t have five and that’s it up to the home association to decide who gets the four places. “There had been a previous case where the Spanish federation had replaced fourth placed Real Zaragoza with Real Madrid who had finished fifth but won the Champions League. “I said we wouldn’t get involved in that. I’m a big fan of meritocracy and if Everton finish in the top four they deserve to be in it. I could see a professional and personal conflict. “I was known as a dyed-in-the-wool Liverpudlian – never hidden the fact, pointless trying. “Now, as we faced the last few weeks of the 2004/5 season, that lifelong support for the Reds could possibly blow up in my face if I was not able to steer a positive and neutral course though the quagmire of football politics and do what was right for all sides.” As Liverpool famously defeated Juventus and then Chelsea to set up a final showdown with AC Milan in Istanbul, while Everton wrapped up fourth place, it was an issue that wouldn’t go away. And in the aftermath of the Reds’ dramatic triumph, the clamour to get the club back into the Champions League reached fever pitch. “It was a really tricky, diplomatic situation,” Barwick said “After the final UEFA were still convinced it would somehow go away because they thought we would accept the fact the rule wasn’t in place to ensure the winners got to defend the trophy. “Rick Parry, Liverpool’s CEO, threw the problem both the FA’s and UEFA’s way. And so we began a period of hasty negotiations with key people in Geneva. FA chairman Geoff Thompson’s quiet diplomacy and FA executive David Davies’ energy helped as did the phone calls and political pestering but the clock was ticking. “We kept the pressure up. Phone call, followed email, followed visit – and eventually UEFA cracked. “On June 10th, they announced that Liverpool FC would be allowed to defend the title in an ‘historic’ one-off decision which would allow five English clubs to enter the following season’s Champions League. And that, from now on, the European Cup winners would gain automatic qualification, if need be, at the expense of the side that finished fourth in the Premier League. “It was a delicate situation and took a lot of political diplomacy to get it across the line but we did it. “It meant Liverpool had to start in the first qualifying round but they were in. As a Reds fan, with a rare seat at football’s top table, I had helped them qualify for it – from sitting behind a desk!”
Ian Snodin: So pleased to see Leon Osman backing his old Everton FC team-mate Nick Chadwick
Liverpool EchoSep 6 2011
Nick Chadwick celebrates scoring Everton's second goal against Bristol City (158)
IT might have been a quiet weekend for The Toffees, but I still got my Everton-fix in my other role as a guest analyst for Premier Sports. I had a non-league double header to enjoy at the weekend. On Saturday afternoon it was a trip to Essex to watch Braintree against Lincoln, but the night before it was Stockport against Luton, with a bit of Royal Blue interest. Nick Chadwick, who scored a few goals for the Blues at the start of the millennium, is up front for Stockport these days. And he was watched at Edgeley Park by his old team-mate Leon Osman. It was great to see Ossie taking the time and trouble on a rare weekend off to go and support an old team-mate, and it was great to see Chaddy, who is Stockport captain now, still pulling on his boots and doing well. The only downside was having to work on Premier Sports with Claire Rourke, the well known presenter of LFC TV! Claire’s not all bad, though. She’s a good Doncaster girl, but I was still able to put her right on a few football matters! She gets her digs in for The Reds, and I then say my bit about the Blues. We have a good bit of banter, which is the way it ought to be, and then get on with the job.
Ian Snodin: Everton FC new boys Roston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi a quick lift
Liverpool EchoSep 6 2011
ROYSTON DRENTHE and Denis Stracqualursi would give you a great score on a Scrabble board, but I have to hold my hands up and say I don’t know how valuable they will be on a football field for the Blues. But regardless of their ability, they will give a short term lift to the squad simply by their presence. When new players arrive at a club the existing players immediately have to start looking over their shoulders. It creates competition for players and helps create a healthy tension. From what I’ve heard about Drenthe, he will give us a quality we don’t already have in the squad – which is blistering pace down the flanks. The goals return from the Argentinian striker is impressive, too, and it’s a fact of life at Everton right now that he’s going to get a chance to show what he can do. Victor Anichebe has come back injured from international duty, Louis Saha hasn’t started a match yet this season and Tim Cahill is very much a second striker. With that in mind, Stracqualursi – shall we just call him Big Den from now on? – will get an instant chance to shine.
Ian Snodin: I was absolutely gutted to see Mikel Arteta leave Everton FC
Liverpool Echo
Sep 6 2011
EVERTONIANS seem to be split into two camps over Mikel Arteta’s transfer to Arsenal. There’s one group who think that £10million for a 29-year-old with increasing injury problems is good business for the football club. Then there’s another who bemoan the departure of one of the most creative members of the squad and who are desperately sad to have seen the last of the Best Little Spaniard they know in a Royal Blue shirt. Whilst understanding the point of view of those in the first group, I’m definitely in the second camp. In fact I’d go further than that and say I’m absolutely gutted to see Mikel leave. He’s enormously popular at Everton – amongst the players and the fans – and he’s the type of player I would happily pay money to go and see. Arsenal have captured an ideal replacement for Cesc Fabregas and while we have had a number of very good years out of him at Everton, I’m sure he has still got plenty more to offer. I can’t blame him for electing to join Arsenal. The lure of Champions League football can be very persuasive. And I’m sure when he returns to Goodison Park he will get a warm reception. The Everton fans are very good at welcoming back old players. If players offer good service, don’t hand in transfer requests and don’t slag off the club when they’ve gone – they can pretty much guarantee a warm welcome back and I’m sure that will be the case with Mikel. But I’d much rather we were still cheering him on in a Royal Blue shirt. But he’s gone and we’ll have to live with it – and find a new hero to worship. Perhaps one of the two new boys to come in on transfer deadline day will capture the imagination of the fans. Royston Drenthe, we’re told, has pace to burn – and we saw how valuable a weapon pace can be when Landon Donovan enjoyed a successful loan here a couple of years ago. And Denis Stracqualursi enjoyed an excellent goals return in Argentina which, if reproduced in the Premier League, would see him installed as an instant idol. That’s the thing about football – you always have to be looking ahead. That doesn’t mean you can’t mourn the departure of a fans’ favourite, though. And Mikel Arteta was very much a favourite.
Everton FC’s Joseph Yobo seals loan return to Fenerbahce
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Sep 6 2011
EVERTON FC defender Joseph Yobo finally completed a belated move to Fenerbahce last night, but only on loan once again. The Blues could not reach agreement with the Turkish champions on a permanent deal for the defender, who turns 31 today, so a compromise solution of another season-long loan was reached. Yobo, who signed a five-year deal at Goodison in 2009, helped Fenerbahce to the Turkish title last season, scoring in the title decider. He played – and scored – for Nigeria in their 2-0 win in Madagascar on Sunday and immediately flew back to England hoping to resolve his long-term future. Instead an interim arrangement was secured which means Everton will not have to pay Yobo’s wages for the next 12-months, but will have the same problem to overcome again next summer when his transfer value is likely to have dropped. Yobo’s departure means that Everton have named only 17 players in their Premier League squad for next season – eight short of the maximum quota permitted. Players under the age of 21 do not have to be named, however, so players like Ross Barkley, Jack Rodwell and Magaye Gueye are not listed. Last September Everton named 21 players. Current rules mean that each club must have a squad containing no more than 17 players who do not fulfil the home-grown player criteria, with the remainder – up to a total of 25 – having to be home-grown. Everton (2011/12): Anichebe, Baines, Cahill, Hibbert, Jagielka, Neville, Osman, Bilyaletdinov, Coleman, Distin, Fellaini, Heitinga, Howard, Mucha, Saha, Drenthe, Stracqualursi. Leighton Baines, meanwhile, is in danger of seeing his proud record of 73 successive Everton appearances interrupted by a hamstring injury sustained on international duty. The full-back who played every minute of every match last season was sent home from the England training camp yesterday after sustaining an injury in training on Sunday. Initial reports described the injury as a “tweak” but with the player travelling back to Merseyside yesterday there has been no official diagnosis from Everton yet. Blues physios were also waiting to examine Victor Anichebe, who flew home from Madagascar with Yobo after sustaining a groin injury in the closing minutes of the international. Nigerian medical staff estimated that the injury would sideline Anichebe for “two or three weeks.” Everton’s game at Fulham next month, meanwhile, has been put back a day. The game originally scheduled for Saturday 22 October, will now take place on Sunday 23 October (kick-off 1.30pm). The game has been switched because Fulham are in action in the Europa League on Thursday, October 20.
* IN Saturday’s Echo we stated that Everton FC’s financial plight made the sale of Mikel Arteta necessary. We understand from Everton this is not the case and Arteta was reluctantly allowed to leave because he expressly stated a desire to do so – not because of any financial pressure upon the club, which would have been happy and able to keep him. We apologise for giving the wrong impression on the matter.
Leighton Baines a doubt for Everton FC’s game with Aston Villa after picking up hamstring injury
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 6 2011
EVERTON FC are facing up to the prospect of being without Leighton Baines for the weekend’s clash with Aston Villa through injury. The 26-year-old sustained a hamstring “strain” on Sunday whilst on international duty with England as Fabio Capello’s men prepared for their Euro 2012 qualifier at home to Wales, which takes place tonight. Baines has been sent back to Finch Farm to receive treatment and though the extent of his injury is not yet known, the Kirkby-born full-back is now a serious doubt for Saturday’s second Premier League home game of the season given the sensitive nature of hamstring problems.
An FA spokesman said: “Baines has been ruled out of England’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales on Tuesday evening and is now with his club for further treatment.” Capello has opted not to call up a replacement left-back for the visit of Wales to Wembley with first choice Ashley Cole coming through Friday’s game with Bulgaria unscathed. Should Baines be ruled out of the match with Alex McLeish’s unbeaten Villa, then it will end a startling run of consecutive league appearances for the former Wigan Athletic man.
Baines featured in every minute of Everton’s Premier League games last season, in which he contributed five goals and 11 assists, and only an 81st-minute substitution in the club’s Carling Cup victory over Huddersfield prevented him from completing the entire campaign. With Baines on the treatment table, manager David Moyes will be assessing his options should Everton not be able to call upon their first choice left-back. Tony Hibbert plugged the gap in October 2009 when Baines was ruled out of the league game at Bolton Wanderers and the following Carling Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur. Seamus Coleman had deputised in the Europa League match at Benfica in the match before but he also is sidelined with an ankle injury. Everton will still harbour hope they can partner Baines with new loan signing Royston Drenthe in a refreshed left hand side against Villa on Saturday. Joseph Yobo, meanwhile, was last night expected to complete a season long loan switch to Fenerbahce.
The Turkish transfer window closed at 10pm last night and after a summer of tough negotiations with the Istanbul outfit, it appeared the Nigerian captain had secured a return after last season’s loan. Everton had wanted to sell Yobo but Fenerbahce were said to have refused to meet the club’s asking price.
Everton FC's Royston Drenthe ready to show fighting spirit he learned in home city of Rotterdam
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 7 2011
ROYSTON DRENTHE knows a thing or two about spiky port cities where footballers are expected to compete with the same passion as their colourful supporters. In Rotterdam, as in Liverpool, fans insist a never-say-die ethos is the bare minimum before a ball is even kicked. Drenthe, 24, met the media for the first time as an Everton player yesterday, and explained that growing up in Holland’s second-city, then playing for local club Feyenoord, has prepared him perfectly for adapting to life in the fierce footballing hot-bed of Merseyside.
In person, the on-loan Real Madrid winger is as direct and bracing as his reputation on the pitch, and speaks with refreshing candidness about his career so far. “The people are similar in Rotterdam and Liverpool,” he says. “The supporters have the same mentality, and they want to see you fight. That’s more important than anything – you have to do it for your team. “The football divide in Merseyside is similar to Rotterdam. In Rotterdam we have three clubs; Excelsior, Feyenoord and Sparta. Feyenoord has the biggest stadium. If Feyenoord lose a game they should have won, you can’t go back to the stadium after the game to get your car. The supporters are waiting for you there.” The one-cap Holland international is hoping to re-launch his international career while at Goodison, after seeing his chances limited during a frustrating spell at Real Madrid. “I haven’t spoken to John Heitinga yet, but he told the guys here he’ll see me when he gets back from the selection (Dutch squad) at the moment,” says the hip-hop aficionado who is renting former Liverpool man Ryan Babel’s home.
Video: Drenthe on making music in Ryan Babel's house and playing against former team-mate Dirk Kuyt “Normally I’m there also but I wasn’t playing with Real Madrid so that’s the reason I wasn’t there also. “Hopefully I’ll book my place next time. I think Everton will be a good way to get back into the national squad. I got into the national team with Hercules, so Everton will be a big, big chance for me to get back in.” Drenthe was the stand-out player of the Holland Under-21 side and his performances in that age group’s victorious European Championship campaign of 2007 secured his move to the Bernabeu. But after one season he began to fall from favour as Real brought in a succession of new managers.
Having spent last term on loan at Primera Division newcomers Hercules he arrived at Goodison Park in the final nine months of his five-year contract with Madrid still at the relatively young age of 24. “I have been playing from the age of eight in Feyenoord, then when I was 20 when I went to Real Madrid,” he says. “I have something to prove because my time at Real Madrid has ended already. It ended a year ago. “After this year I am not a Real Madrid player any more because this is the last year of my contract. “I am really happy I can make this step in my future. I think it is really important for me. I think Everton is a really good step for me. I have to train hard to get in the team and then I can demonstrate my quality in the games. “My first year (at Real) was the best and nicest time; I learned a lot from players like Fabio Cannavaro, Raul, Michel Salgado, Guti, Robinho, Wesley Sneijder.
“Real Madrid had one of the best teams in the world with a mixture of young and old players.
“It changed a lot after that because the team broke up. “They changed the trainer (Bernd Schuster), changed the trainer again and again. “That is normal at Real Madrid but I learned a lot.” Family man Drenthe endured some turbulent times last season as his loan move to Hercules was marred by the club’s financial problems, but he took solace in spending time with his wife and children; daughters Jemay-Lee, three, Lealy, two, and son Desley, nine months. “This helps me a lot,” he says. “In the moments I was really sad, as soon as I got home I had perspective. My three-year-old girl is like an eight-year-old. She tells me what to do.” For now though, there will be a formidable Scot telling him what to do. David Moyes has long monitored the 5ft 6in midfielder’s progress and believes his style is suited to the Premier League, a view shared by many. “My father loves football, my whole family does, and he was saying you have to go to England,” he says. “Your pace would fit in there. Everyone has said the same – England is where you have to be. “When I was in Spain I didn’t want to hear it, because I was playing there but I know I have the style. I like it and I want to show that to the fans.”
Everton FC striker Denis Stracqualursi excited by life in the Premier League with EFC - whatever the weather
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 7 2011
WHILE one of Argentina’s finest players makes the life of a millionaire in England’s North West sound like a prison sentence, Denis Stracqualursi cannot believe his luck. Carlos Tevez might be desperate to see the back of the Premier League, but Everton’s wide-eyed South American new-boy says he is living the dream – regardless of the weather. Stracqualursi, 23, signed on a season-long loan from Argentine club Tigre on transfer deadline day last week, and is busy easing into life on Merseyside. “I don’t think I’m going to have any problems settling in,” says the tall, heavily-tattooed striker who has become one of his nation’s most highly-rated young strikers. “My family aren’t here yet but from what I’ve seen so far I like Liverpool. It’s very calm compared to back home and that’s important.” Stracqualursi has just completed a training session in a typically cold and rainy English September morning, but his excitement is abundantly clear. “The cold? I don’t know. The main thing for me is that I want to be here,” he says. “That’s absolutely fundamental to settling in. What’s more important is a nice easy-paced place to live. “I’m happy to be here. I’ve been around Liverpool a little bit and I like what I’ve seen. I’ve seen Everton play quite a lot already because the Premier League is televised in Argentina.” Stracqualursi was already aware of Everton’s history before his move materialised. “I knew Everton were a big club with a successful history and I knew they had a very big, enthusiastic fan-base,” he says. “I’m getting to know a bit about the other members of the squad – and obviously there’s a few to come back from international duty as well. “But already you can tell everyone gets on really well. It’s a good dressing room so everything’s been very positive so far. “Despite the language (he speaks no English) everyone has made me feel totally at ease and very comfortable.” The man nick-named El Traca by Tigre fans will wear the number 11 shirt of Everton, and admits his journey to the Premier League caps a whirl-wind ride. Stracqualursi arrives having enjoyed the best season of his career after a 22-goal haul saw him finish 2010/11 as top scorer in the Argentine Primera Division, and feels ready to build on that momentum. “It has been a bit of a roller-coaster over the last three years,” he says. “Only three years ago I was playing in the third tier of Argentinean football so it’s a massive step up to find myself now about to start playing in the Premier League in England. But you work for big steps like that when you go out on the field.
“But I know I have to work a lot harder now I’m at the club. “It’s important to settle into the style of football as well as the way of life. To stay somewhere is much more important and harder to achieve than just arriving somewhere. “I know that it’s a big challenge and it’s been a big jump, but I intend to work hard to prove I deserve to be here.” The striker may not anticipate the same problems as Carlos Tevez, but he would love to emulate some of the Manchester City man’s finer qualities.
“Tevez, as a forward, I have watched very closely,” he says. “I saw the way he went about the task at West Ham and the two Manchester clubs and I would like to think I can copy that model. “He is an icon at all those clubs. It is all about dying for the shirt, sweating for the club, trying really hard to settle in and being ready physically. “Then I have to prove myself to the manager, my team-mates and supporters that I can do it at this level in England.”
Everton FC loan star Royston Drenthe says he turned down Champions League football with Benfica to sign for EFC
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 7 2011
EVERTON loan star Royston Drenthe has revealed he turned down the chance to play Champions League football with Benfica to sign for the Toffees. T he Dutch midfielder was coveted by some of Europe’s top clubs after falling out of favour at Real Madrid, but spurned them because he is so confident he can thrive in the Premier League. Drenthe is unlikely to be fit to start against Aston Villa at Goodison on Saturday, after not featuring in any of the Spanish giant’s pre-season games. But, alongside fellow transfer deadline day signing Denis Stracqualursi, Drenthe, 24, is enjoying his early taste of life on Merseyside. He said: “Real wanted me to go to Benfica or Porto, teams like that, because they were prepared to pay a lot of money but I did not want to go. “When my agent told me I could sign for Everton I was like ‘Thank you God’. “The first time I spoke to the manager (Moyes) here there was a lot of confidence, and I was talking to the players and they were talking to me.“For me at a new club you have to bed in by yourself. If you just sit there and say nothing it’s harder to come into the group. But you make a joke with them and it gets easier. “At the moment we’ve just been training hard. I haven’t played any pre-season games, only training in the gym all summer with people like Lassana Diarra and Gago. “The manager wants me to be prepared, and to figure not for this game but probably the game after that (Wigan). “For the game coming on Saturday I think I have still got to be a bit stronger. I just have to be patient.”
Stracqualursi, though, is more likely to be involved against Aston Villa, who are themselves sweating on the fitness of striker Darren Bent. Everton FC's Royston DrentheDavid Moyes has lost forward Victor Anichebe to a groin injury sustained on international duty with Nigeria last weekend, and with question marks remaining over Louis Saha’s fitness, could fast-track the Argentinean into the first-team. Fortunately, the 23-year-old is confident he can offer Everton’s attack a new dimension. He said: “I’ve seen Everton play and I’m aware they like to have a reference point to play the ball up to, a traditional number nine, and on a personal level I like to play with my back to goal, I like the ball in the air and I like the physical aspect of the game. “I like to get stuck in. Maybe that style of play might suit me. “But however well a centre-forward does outside the area, his main objective is to score goals and I like to think of myself as a goalscorer as well and I think that’s ultimately how centre-forwards are judged.” Although the forward’s switch from Tigre to Everton last week was last-minute, David Moyes has done his homework. It was three months ago when I first heard of Everton’s interest,” he says. “I was aware that they had sent one or two scouts to watch a game then they came to watch me at a training session as well. I had a chat with one of them after the training session and immediately got in touch with my agent and I told him I was really interested in Everton. “There was interest from elsewhere in Europe – quite a few Italian teams, one or two clubs in Germany, but once I heard about Everton’s interest that was where I wanted to come. “It’s always been an ambition to play in English football. I knew it was a very good standard of football, but from what I’ve seen so far I was wrong. It’s excellent. It’s even better than I thought.”
Mark Lawrenson: Mikel Arteta transfer sends out wrong message but won't be costly on pitch
Liverpool Daily Post Sep 7 2011
OF all the players Everton FC may have chosen to cash in on during the summer transfer market, Mikel Arteta wasn’t the first that sprung to mind. Jack Rodwell, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini had all been linked with moves elsewhere. So it would have come as a shock for Evertonians to hear of Arteta’s departure. Let’s be honest, Arteta had his head turned. Arsenal were desperate for a central midfielder after Cesc Fabregas was sold, and they could offer Champions League football to a player who, at 29, was understandably keen to experience that level. The £10million transfer fee has basically wiped out almost a quarter of the club’s debt – at least you’d think that – and the bottom line is players are like a piece of meat. They get traded and moved around. The Evertonians I have spoken to are neither disappointed nor overjoyed at the sale of Arteta. They counter the Spaniard hasn’t been the same player since his serious knee injury, and to get £10m for a player who had just had by his standards an average season was a deal worth doing.
With Ross Barkley coming through, perhaps David Moyes thought it was the right time to let Arteta leave. And personally, I’d have been more worried if it was one of Jagielka, Baines or Fellaini who had gone. Yes, the message Arteta’s sale sends out is not a good one.
But it’s the same message that’s been coming out of Goodison for a while now. The bank want their money. So players will be sold. Moyes, though, got really good money for Jermaine Beckford, who was never going to make it at the level Everton want to be at. Yakubu, meanwhile, doesn’t look like he has the legs for it any more, another player affected by a long-term injury. Moving both on was the right move. Of those coming in, Everton have got nothing to lose with Royston Drenthe even if the Dutchman comes with the reputation of being a loose cannon. And Denis Stracqualursi could be a canny purchase because, if anything, Argentinians are tough because players can really get battered in their home league.
Everton FC’s Denis Stracqualursi ready to follow in EFC centre-forward tradition
By David Prentice, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 7 2011
DENIS STRACQUALURSI believes he can become a traditional Everton number nine, in spirit if not in person. The Argentinian 23-year-old arrived at Goodison on a season-long loan from Tigre this week, and was handed the number 11 shirt. But Stracqualursi believes he already has the qualities Evertonians hold dear in their centre-forwards. It’s a source of regret amongst some fans that the club of Dean, Lawton, Hickson, Royle, Latchford, Gray and Sharp has not boasted a number nine since Landon Donovan’s loan spell. But Stracqualursi is ready and willing to embrace the buccaneering, never-say-die style which endeared strikers like Duncan Ferguson to the Goodison fan-base. “I’ve seen Everton play and I’m aware they like to have a reference point to play the ball up to, a traditional number nine if you like,” he explained. “And on a personal level I like to play with my back to goal, I like the ball in the air and I like the physical aspect of the game. I like to get stuck in. Maybe that style of play might suit me. “Why haven’t I got the number nine now? I don’t think it was available. I was 22 at Tigre. Normally the person who wears 22 is the mad one! “But however well a centre-forward does outside the area, his main objective is to score goals and I like to think of myself as a goalscorer as well and I think that’s ultimately how centre-forwards are judged.”
Stracqualursi’s goals record in South America is one of the primary reasons Everton decided to recruit the striker. He was joint top scorer in the Argentinian top flight last season with 21 goals in 38 appearances, including a celebrated hat-trick against Boca Juniors at the famous Bombonera in April. And he believes he can settle in quickly to the very different demands of the English top flight.
“I’ve seen Everton play quite a lot already because the Premier League is televised in Argentina,” he added. “I knew Everton were a big club with a successful history and I knew they had a very big, enthusiastic fan base. As regards settling in, I thought it was going to be tougher than it has been because of the language. (Stracqualursi speaks no English) “But despite the language everyone has made me feel totally at ease and very comfortable. “I’m getting to know a bit about the other members of the squad – and obviously there’s a few to come back from international duty as well.
“But already you can tell everyone gets on really well. It’s a good dressing room so everything’s been very positive so far.” Stracqualursi went on: “It was three months ago when I first heard of Everton’s interest. I was aware that they had sent one or two scouts to watch a game then they came to watch me at a training session as well. “I had a chat with one of them after the training session and immediately got in touch with my agent and I told him I was really interested in Everton. “There was interest from elsewhere in Europe – quite a few Italian teams and one or two clubs in Germany – but once I heard about Everton’s interest that was where I wanted to come. “It’s always been an ambition to play in English football. I knew it was a very good standard of football, but from what I’ve seen so far I was wrong. It’s excellent. It’s even better than I thought.” Stracqualursi has also reassured Evertonians not to worry about the kind of tantrums Manchester City fans have become accustomed to from their Argentinian striker, Carlos Tevez. “I don’t know Carlos or Sergio Aguero,” he added. “I just know them as players like you do. “But I don’t think I’m going to have any problems settling in. My family aren’t here yet but from what I’ve seen so far I like Liverpool. It’s very calm compared to back home and that’s important. “The cold? I don’t know. What’s more important is a nice easy-paced place to live. The main thing for me is that I want to be here.
“That’s absolutely fundamental to settling in. “I’m happy to be here. I’ve been around Liverpool a little bit and I like what I’ve seen. “It has been a bit of a roller-coaster over the last three years. Only three years ago I was playing in the third tier of Argentinian football so it’s a massive step up to find myself now about to start playing in the Premier League in England. But you work for big steps like that when you go out on the field. “But I know I have to work a lot harder now I’m at the club.
“It’s important to settle into the style of football as well as the way of life. To stay somewhere is much more important and harder to achieve than just arriving somewhere. “I know that it’s a big challenge and it’s been a big jump, but I intend to work hard to prove I deserve to be here.”
Royston Drenthe ‘thanks God’ for his Everton FC move
by David Prentice, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 7 2011
EVERTON FC loan signing Royston Drenthe “thanked God” for the chance to join Everton. And at just 24, the Dutch winger believes he can kick-start a career with the Goodison outfit which appeared to have stalled after an unhappy spell at Real Madrid. Drenthe was unveiled by EFC at Finch Farm yesterday after arriving on a season-long loan and he declared: “When my agent told me I could sign for Everton I was like ‘Thank you God!’ ” A lightning fast left or right winger, Drenthe was the stand-out player in Holland’s successful Under-21 side which claimed the 2007 European Championship. But after his performances in that tournament earned him a move to the Bernabeu, the switch turned sour and he spent last term on-loan at Primera Division newcomers Hercules. Drenthe, however, is looking forward now, not back. “I am really happy I can make this step in my future. I think it is really important for me,” said the Dutchman. “I think Everton is a really good step for me. I have to train hard to get in the team and then I can demonstrate my quality in the games. “I have something to prove because my time at Real Madrid has ended already. It ended a year ago. “After this year I am not a Real Madrid player any more because this is the last year of my contract. “My first year was the best and nicest time; I learned a lot from players like Fabio Cannavaro, Raul, Michel Salgado, Guti, Robinho, Wesley Sneijder. “Real Madrid had one of the best teams in the world with a mixture of young and old players and we were better than Barcelona. “It changed a lot after that because team broke up. “They changed the trainer (Bernd Schuster), changed the trainer again and again – they change their trainers like candy. “That is normal at Real Madrid but I learned a lot.” Drenthe said he rejected moves to Portugal and other clubs after insisting the only place he wanted to play was in the Barclays Premier League. “This is one of the best leagues in the world,” he added.
“Spanish football is very good but every year it is the same teams with Barcelona and Real Madrid. “Here is different. You cannot always say which team will be champion. “When I came back from loan at Hercules I told them the only place I wanted to go was England.
“Real wanted me to go to Benfica or Porto, teams like that, because they were prepared to pay a lot of money but I did not want to go.”
Everton FC aim for the top as they face Inca Trail for charity
Liverpool EchoSep 8 2011
STAFF at Goodison Park will be hoping that David Moyes’s men won’t be the only trailblazers at the club this season. A group of Blues staff have vowed to undertake the challenge of conquering the Inca Trail next May to raise funds for the club’s award-winning Everton in the Community charity – and they are on the lookout for fellow climbers. Next May, Chris Clarke, business development manager for Everton in the Community, Clare Archibald, human resources officer, receptionist Deborah Hunter-Frackleton and Michael Jolliffe from the box office, will brave high altitudes for five gruelling days of trekking in Peru from Cusco to the celebrated site of Machu Picchu. Inspired by the success of colleagues who conquered Kilimanjaro earlier in the year, the foursome are now in training for the challenge which will aim to raise £35,000 for community projects. “The Kili challenge was hugely inspirational,” said Chris. “To see them achieve such a fantastic feat inspired me and many more around here. “Everton in the Community is my passion and to see other areas of the club getting behind us is fantastic. It’s one of the most dynamic and forward thinking charities in the country. We have some amazing specialists here. “Employment, disability, social inclusion, day in day out they are changing lives. Ultimately, it will help all these groups reach their life goals. “We started off as just coaching but now interventions and initiatives are having such an impact we’re being asked to deliver programmes with the NHS. That EFC badge is hugely inspiring and the fact we can make breakthroughs where others have failed, we have to respect.” There are still five places left for those brave enough to join the climbing team and more information can be obtained by contacting Rowena Finn on 0151-530 5260 or alternatively, visit evertonfc.com/community to make a donation to the Inca Trail trek team.
Echo Photographer Gareth Jones nominated for prestigious Barclays Photographer of Year award for football snap
Liverpool EchoSep 8 2011
Echo photographer Gareth Jones' snap of Jermaine BeckordECHO photographer Gareth Jones has been shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Barclays Photographic Awards.
Gareth has been nominated in the Photographer of the Year category and the Shot of the Year category for this dramatic image from last season’s Everton versus Blackpool clash.
TheŠcompetition is open to allŠprofessional photographers world- wide,Šand after a huge entry Barclays has chosen a selection of images which were deemed to best capture theŠessence and emotion of the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season. Gareth, an Echo photographer since 2008, said: “The Beckford shot was a particular personal favourite from last season. “Obviously the players dragging each other’s shirts is what gives it such drama – but typically the referee didn’t spot either offence! “It was a dreadful day for photography, pouring down with rain, so I was especially pleased to get a shot like that. I was also thrilled that Everton won 5-3! “I’m really proud of the nomination. We’re up against worldwide agencies which is what makes the nomination so prestigious.” Now in their ninth year,Šthe Barclays Photographic Awards 2011 run alongside Barclays other officialŠawards; Barclays Player and Manager of the Season, The Barclays Golden Boot andŠTheŠBarclays Golden Glove. The Barclays Photographer of the Season will be judged on fiveŠimages submitted with the winner receiving a Barclays Award and £10,000 ofŠphotographic equipment. The Barclays Shot of the Season will be decided fromŠthe best single image submitted by each photographer. The winner will alsoŠreceive a Barclays Award together with £5,000 of photographicŠequipment. The judging panelŠfor this season includes Chairman of the Football Writers Association Steve Bates, Sky Sports Commentator Martin Tyler and last year’s winner, Bradley Ormesher from TheŠTimes.
Blue Boys: Satisfaction for Everton FC academy as Jack Rodwell and Ross Barkley feature in England U-21 victory
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 8 2011
EVERTON’S Academy coaches allowed themselves a moment of pride as two graduates helped England under-21s to victory over Israel this week. Jack Rodwell skippered the Young Lions for the first time, while 17-year-old Ross Barkley was handed his first team debut by coach Stuart Pearce. Head coach Neil Dewsnip said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the academy and the football club as a whole. “Both the lads have been in our program since a young age, Jack since he was seven, and Ross since he was 10. “To see them playing against Israel together is thrilling for everyone concerned from the people who identified their talent all those years ago, to the coaches here who work with them now.
“It’s import-ant to remember that it’s not the end of the journey – it’s a sign post to what will hopefully one day be full inter-national honours for both of them.” Dewsnip said both midfielders acquitted themselves well. “It was a positive contribution from Ross and Jack did not look out of place with the captain’s armband. “He has captained England’s school boys before and this will be a good experience for him and something he will relish.” The England honours capped a satisfactory weekend for the academy after their Under 18s defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 on Saturday. The youngsters secured three points with two second half goals, turning in a much improved performance from the display which saw them lose to Reading last time out. The Toffees carved out plenty of chances, and while their finishing wasn’t at its sharpest, they still had too much for the Owls. Promising striker Anton Forrester was the man in the thick of the action, heading in the opener on the hour mark after good build-up play. And 10 minutes later another tidy move saw Forrester lay the ball off to midfielder Tom Molyneux who fired home from just outside the box to seal victory.
England U17 prospect Hallam Hope also enjoyed a steady afternoon, and coach Kevin Sheedy was pleased with the overall perfor-mance from his side at Finch Farm. He said: “It was much improved from last week. “The lads showed a lot of effort and commitment, they defended well at times in the first half and got better as the game went on. “We created numerous good opportunities, our finishing probably let us down at times but there was lots of good approach play in the final third. “Players were trying things in order to create and that is pleasing to see.”
EVERTON UNDER-18s: Fitzgibbon, Pennington, Heneghan, Dier, Touray, Thomas, Molyneux, Jones, Orenuga, Forrester, Hope. Subs: Long, Taudul, O’Brien, Eyre.
Everton FC steward wins £20,000 on charity lottery
by Joe Thomas, Liverpool Echo Sep 8 2011
AN EVERTON FC matchday steward who volunteers with disabled children has won £20,000 in a charity lottery. Roy Matthews answered the door of his Litherland home this week to be greeted by a former professional rugby player and film crews. Delighted with his winnings, courtesy of the People’s Postcode Lottery, the 53-year-old celebrated by taking his three children out for dinner. Roy, whose favourite Blues star is Phil Jagielka, said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be honest.” Former Welsh rugby player Scott Quinnell presented the cheque at Roy’s Beechwood Road home. The senior steward at Goodison Park plans to use some of the money to help his daughter’s boyfriend’s band raise their profile on the Merseyside music scene.
Everton FC jury: Bill Kenwright can help Everton fans by giving more information
Sep 8 2011
COLE FRASER, Litherland
IT’S been a tough week for us Blues. Losing Mikel Arteta is, regardless of what a few stubborn fans say, a big loss, but a loss that I believe we can cope with. I feel everything that could be said, regarding Mikel’s exit, has been said already. However, I would like to wish him all the best at Arsenal. It’s important that we forget about Arteta now, and look forward, with the help of our new loanees. I, personally, know very little about Royston Drenthe or Denis Stracqualursi, although, if Youtube videos are anything to rely on, they look capable of setting tongues wagging! Drenthe’s promise failed to cater for the taste buds of the expectant Madrid faithful, hopefully he can cut the mustard for Everton. All will also be keeping fingers crossed, that the big Argentinian can continue his golden goalscoring exploits, on British shores.
RICHARD KNIGHTS, West Derby
FANS are still reeling in shock at the deadline hour transfer of Mikel Arteta. What does it tell us when our best player is so desperate to leave he takes a wage cut of £500,000 a year?
For the last few years fans have been fed the fiction that transfer money would be spent on new players. One thing the notorious Blue Union – Bill Kenwright meeting did was to expose the brutal truth, every penny from transfers is paying off interest charges. Why have the banks singled out Everton? Do they know something we don't? We've also witnessed the pathetic PR campaign to whip up interest in two loan signings who could hardly contain their disinterest at the prospect of playing for the Blues. This is written more in sorrow than in anger, but now is the time for Bill Kenwright to go. Appoint an interim board to sell the club and find investment. The Blue Union are marching before the Villa game, after that let's get behind the team.
DAVID WALLBANK, Huyton
WITH no real marque signings on transfer deadline day, more fuel has been poured onto the burning issue of Bill Kenwright and the Everton board. It’s a shame that some supporters will be protesting before the game on Saturday, purely because the team deserves our full support and attention on match day. I’m not a fan of the Blue Union, and believe distractions off the pitch could potentially affect the outcome on it. Would three points on Saturday be enough to ease the pressure both on and off the field at Goodison? Maybe the real reason for protesting before the game is clear for all to see? God forbid we start winning and climbing the table! Aston Villa visit Merseyside this weekend and only a win will be good enough. A couple of fresh faces and a new hero vacancy are available at Goodison. I wonder who will be brave enough to grab this opportunity with both hands? Lastly I would like to wish Mikel Arteta the best of luck, a great player who certainly made a big impression on Everton Football Club.
MIKE WILLIAMSON, Chester
WITH the deadline day fiasco well and truly revealed the shocking state of affairs at Goodison, it isn’t easy to see many positives at the moment and the predictable injuries have started to kick in already. In some ways that might present David Moyes with less of a dilemma than usual and we might even get to see a glimpse of Denis and Drenthe far earlier than expected. It may well be a case of picking who else is actually match fit, but I would go with Saha from the start, rather than playing the usual waiting game for the first hour. We are definitely going to miss Beckford’s pace and with Cahill likely to be out Fellaini will need to be moving up to support Saha whenever he can. This is also the time for Jack Rodwell to step up and show us what he’s got. I’m not interested in England, son. Just do it for the Blues. As for the rest, show us what the club still means to you and we’ll give you the support.
T R Rigby, Lymm
THE wide range of views on your letters page about the situation at Everton reflect how deep the crisis is at Goodison. Having supported them since 1957 I can agree with one of your correspondents that I, too, have never seen the fans so divided. Indeed, I was shocked by the bitter, angry invective expressed by so many fans at Blackburn, and while I would counsel calm it certainly made me think that the Board members need to hear and understand the bitterness of the fans. Many blame Kenwright. Personally, I believe that really poor management of the club has been endemic since the 1970s – the Board has shown a remarkable lack of vision and imagination for years. Everton were at the forefront of those clubs wanting a Premier League in the early 1990s and no-one seems to have had a clue about the implications of such a move. We were complacent and the club simply stagnated while so many others showed enterprise. As for Arteta, I do not believe that he is a traitor, indeed he has been an excellent servant to the club and genuinely loves it. Selling him is a blow, especially the timing, (because the fans loved and identified with him) but £10million in the present circumstances is a good deal – and I agree with many who feel Everton have enjoyed the best part of Arteta’s career. The team need the fans’ support more than ever now. It is a crisis, but if we become divided the situation could get a lot worse. The club needs to work its way back by setting short term targets (on the pitch and in slowly reducing the debt) in order to survive, but, above all, we desperately need investment.
On the last point, Kenwright could help matters if, instead of constantly telling us how good an Evertonian he is (we know that!) he made sure that the fans were kept informed and received an explanation of what structures are in place to search for real investment.
FRANK MORSON, Disgruntled Blue 78 years young
HOW old is David Prentice? To put Arteta in a bracket with Alan Ball is ludicrous. On his best day he couldn’t lace Bally’s boots. When he felt like it, which wasn’t very often, he wasn’t that good. Cast your mind back to the Liverpool game for instance. Down to 10-men, gasping, and who strolled on as a substitute? Arteta strolled around placing passes that never did any damage. Liverpool must have been laughing their socks off when the board went up with his number on it. Enough said
A BIRKETT
CALLING all members of the Blue Union – I trust you are all Evertonians who go to the games, so you are entitled to protest about how Everton are run at the moment. When Bill Kenwright took over Everton from Peter Johnson he, I believe, took on a £20 million debt and also gave PJ £20m. Since then he has worked to bring Everton on and has openly admitted he does not have the funds to compete with top clubs. To this date no one has genuinely come forward to take on a club with a £40m overdraft/debt, and in need of a £300m plus input to build a new stadium. Could the Blue Union, whoever you are, do a better job? I believe there are about 300 members. If so, put your money into the club.
Go to your banks and see if they will lend you 3-4 hundred million. It is only a million pounds each. Say it quickly and it does not sound a lot. So let’s get serious. If you seriously want Kenwright out, help make Everton saleable. We need to sell out all home games. Average gates are 36k. Capacity is 40k, so 19 games x 4,000 = another 76 thousand. Fans, average say £25 per ticket, would generate another £1.9 m turnover. Or how about starting an EFC Clubcard by putting say a minimum of £10 pound per month by direct debit into an account which can be used to buy tickets or goods from the EFC club shops? And while you are in credit EFC could use the balance to pay off the banks, so it is like an interest free loan. £10 a month does not sound much, but if 10,000 Everton fans put this into an account it would generate £1.2 m a year. So can we count on the Blue Union to be the next 300 to pledge a minimum of £10 per month after me? I have other ideas to help EFC get out of debt. I am not a member of the Blue Union, just an EFC fan who cares.
Everton FC mark the countdown to the start of the 2012 Paralympic Games
Sep 8 2011
SPORTING stars of the future were on hand as Everton Football Club hosted an event to celebrate the countdown to the 2012 Paralympic Games. This week represents exactly one year until the start of the Paralympic Games and the Blues’ official charity, Everton in the Community, held an event to give young disabled people on Merseyside the chance to try different Olympic sports - something which they may not normally have the opportunity to do.
The event, which was organised by Everton’s Disability and Premier League 4 Sport programmes, also featured several Everton disability footballers who are in line to represent Team GB at the games next year. Everton pan-disability player and 2012 Paralympic hopeful Joel Taylor, who is 17 and from Litherland, said: "It was a great event and we played a host of multi sports – I really enjoyed it. I would love to represent Liverpool and be there in 2012 and play for my country and play the sport that I love. I’m sure my family would be very proud if I made the team." The special event, which was held at Kirkby Sports College, saw young people getting the chance to participate in badminton, football, tennis and sitting volleyball. Everton in the Community’s Premier League 4 Sport Coordinator, Jackie Twort said: "We are really excited to be celebrating the countdown to the 2012 Paralympic Games.
"The Premier League 4 Sport programme is about providing opportunities for young Merseyside people to join local sports clubs outside of the school environment regardless of ability. These events are important."Events such as this are important as they give disabled young people an appreciation of different sports. "We have 25 disabled young people who attend the clubs on a regular basis who are all progressing well in their chosen sports and I would like to think that we are working with some of the Paralympic stars of the future."
In 2009, the Club’s official charity launched a three-year programme called Premier League 4 Sport, which aims to offer young people the chance to get involved in four Olympic sports.
The scheme has established a number of clubs to enable young people to take up badminton, judo, volleyball and table tennis. Working in partnership with the sports’ governing bodies, the programme has so far introduced over 3,000 young people to non-traditional sports and helped the government to achieve its ambition of offering 11-to-16-year-olds five hours of sport a week as part of its 2012 legacy plans.
For more information about the programmes visit evertonfc.com/community or call 0151 530 5253.
-Ends-
Suzie Parker, Press & PR Officer for Everton Football Club
Tel: 0151 530 5335/07929 404 171
Email: suzie.parker@evertonfc.com
Player info:
Niall Fitzsimmons, 19
Cerebral Palsy effecting his left side from birth due to a cyst on his brain.
Played for EITC Disability Teams since 14 and been involved with the England Set up since he was 15. Has played in Denmark, Scotland and Ireland for England Development Squad.
Joel Taylor, 17
Cerebral Palsy effecting his right side due to 2 strokes when he was 11mths old and 2yrs old. Played for EITC Disability Teams since he was 13 and the England set up since he was 15. Joel has been involved in the senior set-up more than the development team and has played in Ireland and England for the Development Squad.
Everton FC winger Royston Drenthe reveals how he defied Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho to join the Blues
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 8 2011
ROYSTON DRENTHE had to defy Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho to seal his loan switch to Everton, the Dutch winger has revealed. The 24-year-old midfielder claims he was pressured by the ex Chelsea manager to go on loan to Portugal, where Benfica and Porto were interested, but held firm because he was so desperate to play in the Premier League. Drenthe had fallen foul of Mourinho after he went on strike while on loan from Madrid at La Liga minnows Hercules last season.
And Everton’s new signing says the out-spoken Portuguese made it clear he had no future at the Bernabeu as a result. He said: “He told me face to face that the reason he wasn’t giving me a chance was because I didn’t respect Real Madrid or my family or myself. “But I asked him ‘What’s the reason?’ ‘You don’t know what the situation was like?’ He was in a good situation, but I felt I had to do that for myself, and my family or it would just get worse. “He said that because I was a Real Madrid player I should have decided differently. “He said I had been in his plans for the team, and told me if I hadn’t done that at Hercules he would have got me into the team. “I didn’t go to training because they weren’t paying me. “Two months before it all happened I scored twice (for Hercules) and went to the game for Real Madrid against Tottenham, and I was speaking with Mourinho in the dressing room and he told me “If you carry on like that you will get back into the team for us.” It was all happy. “Then after a month they didn’t pay me again. A new trainer was coming called Miroslav Djukic and he was very direct with me. With all respect I told him, ‘You can’t just come in and talk to me like that. It’s not good. I don’t like your style but if you don’t like mine, talk to me, maybe I’ll change it.’ “If I did something wrong he’d be directly on me.” Drenthe, who hopes to kick-start his fledgling Holland career while at Goodison, says he even had to feed some of Hercules young players while they were not getting paid by the club. “I can tell you that some players at Hercules had to eat at my home, because they weren’t getting enough money to eat,” he said. “It was difficult. Not every player was coming from Real Madrid. David Trezeguet was there with me, and he has everything already. “I am a young boy but I had played for Real Madrid, and I had my little thing there if I had to survive, but not everyone had that. “The club just said, they couldn’t pay us what they didn’t have. “I said “OK, I’ll go on December for vacation but if things aren’t good after that I’m not coming back”. I did that, and from there started the problems.” Drenthe was lambasted in the Spanish media for making a stand, and says he eventually had to take Real to court to get paid.
“It was a decision by me and my agent. In the end when I went back to Real I had to get a lawyer and go to court for them to pay my money,” he said. “I had to fight Madrid to get my money back. They said, ‘If you want your money, go to Benfica or some other club and you’ll get your money’. But I don’t need the money. It was my money and that’s why I fought for it, but they can’t tell me they’d only give it to me when I moved. “The court case was settled, I won, and then the money was in my account within an hour. “They were just playing with things to get me to leave and join another club. Finally I’m really happy I can be a part of Everton. “It’s a relief.”
Everton FC facing a potential striker crisis after learning that Victor Anichebe will be out until Christmas with a groin tear
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 8 2011
EVERTON are facing a potential striker crisis after learning that Victor Anichebe will be out until Christmas with a groin injury. The 23-year-old was hurt playing for Nigeria on Saturday and immediately headed back to the UK while his team-mates travelled to Bangladesh for Tuesday’s friendly with Argentina. It was hoped the problem would require only a three-week lay-off, but scans have subsequently revealed a tear which means he will not play until December.
Anichebe’s latest injury set-back means David Moyes has only un-tried newcomer Denis Strac-qualursi fully fit to start Saturday’s Goodison clash against Aston Villa. Louis Saha is still receiving treatment at Finch Farm for the undisclosed problem that caused his omission from the squad for Everton’s last league game at Blackburn Rovers, and the sale of Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu on transfer deadline day had already depleted the Blues’ striking ranks. It means Moyes must rely on Stracqualursi, 23, who will have only trained with his new team mates for seven days before kick off against the Mid-landers, and 19-year-old Greek rookie Apostolos Vellios to lead the line. Moyes could ask Marouane Fellaini or Tim Cahill to play in attack, but will nevertheless be frustrated at the circumstances which leave him sweating over a potential goal shortage. Nigeria coach Samson Siasia was quick to criticise the poor pitch in Antananarivo after Anichebe was hurt in the final minutes of the 2-0 victory over Madagascar, and said it was fortunate that more players were not injured in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. But it is perhaps Anichebe who will be most distraught. The powerful forward missed the opening four months of the Premier League campaign last season with an ankle injury, and had hoped to resurrect his Everton fortunes after scoring his first goal since March 2010 during last month’s Carling Cup win over Sheffield United. There was at least some good news on the Blues injury front concern-ing Leighton Baines. The left-back had to pull out of Fabio Capello’s England squad for Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Wales after tweaking his ham-string in training. But Baines, 26, who was an ever present in the league for Everton last season, is expected to recover in time to face Aston Villa. That will be a relief to Moyes, who has no specialist cover at left-back, and would have been tasked with asking Tony Hibbert or Phil Neville to deputise there, or even new-boy Royston Drenthe who has played in that role for Feyenoord.
Ian Doyle: Mikel Arteta’s departure provides a chance for Everton FC youngsters to step up
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 8 2011
WHO to fill the Mikel Arteta-shaped hole in Everton FC’s midfield? The shockwaves from the departure of the best little Spaniard the Goodison faithful has ever known continue to reverberate around the fanbase. But the reality will truly hit home on Saturday when David Moyes’s side resume their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa. While it’s fair to say Arteta has, perhaps understandably, not quite been the same player after returning from his serious knee injury, he remained Everton’s most creative midfield vision. How Moyes fills that sizeable gap will prove interesting. Ross Barkley would appear the long-term solution but, only three games into his senior club career, his campaign will be one of learning and gathering experience without any great burden.
The time, then, has come for Jack Rodwell to step up to the plate. Like Barkley, he burst on to the scene as a teenager. And like Barkley, much has been expected of the local player. But during the past 18 months, it just hasn’t happened for Rodwell. Niggling injury accounts for part of the reason, but there is a nagging suspicion the Everton man simply hasn’t capitalised on his early promise.
Of course, during the formative steps of his career, it was widely acknowledged Rodwell would blossom into a fine centre-back. Yet needs must, and the 20-year-old has instead found himself battling out for a place in a well-stocked central midfield, at times shoved out to the flanks with only limited success. Indeed, having anticipated a bid for Rodwell from at least one of their major Premier League rivals, Everton heard nothing during the summer. It’s even said Sir Alex Ferguson has cooled his interest altogether. Rodwell now has the opportunity to silence the growing whispers and kickstart his career. It’s there for him if he wants it. There is another midfield concern for Everton in Marouane Fellaini. Moyes was confident last month that talks over a new contract with the Belgian were progressing with a positive end in sight. But Arteta’s swift exit was not the ideal message to send out to any player mulling over committing their long-term future to the club. At still only 23, Felliani is in no rush to move but the sight of one of the team’s best players leaving, and with no replacement in sight, will surely give the player pause for thought. Certainly, new boys Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi will step into a team in transition this weekend.
Bluewatch: Novelty for Everton FC fans as new signings set to be unveiled
by James Connor, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 8 2011
THE return of domestic football this weekend will give Everton FC fans a welcome chance to concentrate on matters on the field for a change. Recent weeks have been dominated by financial and business talk about the future of the club and particularly Bill Kenwright’s role in either selling Everton or bringing in a substantial investor. But the arrival of Aston Villa at Goodison on Saturday gives us all the chance to get back to the real game. And for Everton supporters it will mean the novelty of watching two new players in the Blues line-up. While the arrival of both Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi was overshadowed by the swift departure of Mikel Arteta and the subsequent fallout, it’s fair to say the duo have not sparked great expectations among the fans.
That may be a little unfair on one player who is, after all, on Real Madrid’s books, and another who was top league scorer in Argentina – including a hat-trick against Boca Juniors. Maybe they both deserve the benefit of the doubt. Of the two, Drenthe is expected to make the biggest impact, particularly with his blistering pace. It seems his style may well be suited to the Premier League, and anyone with pace will be coveted by Everton fans. It will be interesting to see if Moyes elects to play the Dutchman on the left, in front of Leighton Baines, or on the right of midfield. The team would benefit from an attacking threat on the right-hand side, as it seems all the Blues moves go through Baines and that left side at the moment. Stracqualursi is a little different to Drenthe as he clearly is not in the same pedigree as the Madrid man. Unfortunately for him he will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility up-front with little support. It seems as if Everton have been struggling for decades to find a razor sharp front line and Stracqualursi will be the latest to take on what seems a thankless task. If the evidence is to be believed, the Argentine is a throw back to the target men of yesteryear, a South American Duncan Ferguson hopefully. But what we desperately lack is someone who is ruthless in the box – and arrogant enough to believe they can score on every attack. At times Everton can appear scared to test the opposition keeper. A little more confidence in shooting on sight would be welcomed. The club is being hit by turbulence at the moment, but now is the time that Everton fans need to show their support for the eleven who wear the jersey on Saturday against Villa.
Delighted Royston Drenthe already feeling Everton FC Finch Farm effect
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 8 2011
ROYSTON DRENTHE has only been there a week but already the Holland international is feeing the benefit of the famed team spirit at Everton FC. The flying winger made a surprise move from Real Madrid on deadline day last week when putting pen to paper on a one-year deal. While Drenthe began training at Finch Farm on Monday, only today will the 24-year-old have the chance to be introduced to the full squad following the international break. But he feels right at home. “It feels really great,” says Drenthe. “We’re only with 10 players but already it feels like a family, now I imagine when the other players come back it will be even better. It doesn’t feel like I’m new, it feels like I’ve been here before. “Real Madrid was feeling like home too I had a nice house there and my family was really settled there. I had some love for the club also. But they are changing the team a lot, and changing the trainers like candy. “The first time I spoke to the manager (Moyes) here there was a lot of confidence, and I was talking to the players and they were talking to me. “Everything was like it was in Madrid. For me, at a new club you have to bed in by yourself. If you just sit there and say nothing it’s harder to come into the group. But you make a joke with them and it gets easier.” Drenthe will not lack support off the field, with the player revealing his entire family – who originate from Surinam – are poised to move to Merseyside en masse. “Family is really important to me,” says the Dutchman. “Without my family I couldn’t do my job. My wife, my aunts, my mother, father. My three kids. We’re always together. “A week before I got my transfer it was like 30 of us all in my house in Madrid. We’d eat together every day or watch a movie and forgetting about all the things with my move. “My family will come and see me here. They’ll bring all the stuff for cooking. I was born in Holland but my family are from Surinam so they’ll bring my ingredients for our food.
“You will see the first game I play my whole family will travel over.” Drenthe was brought up in Rotterdam and has seen plenty of likeness between his home town and new adopted city.
“The people are similar in Rotterdam and Liverpool,” he says. “The supporters have the same mentality, and they want to see you fight. That’s more important than anything – you have to do it for your team. “I have been playing from the age of eight in Feyenoord, then when I was 20 when I went to Real Madrid. “The football divide in Merseyside is similar to Rotterdam. In Rotterdam we have three clubs; Excelsior, Feyenoord and Sparta. Feyenoord has the biggest stadium. “If Feyenoord lose a game they should have won, you can’t go back to the stadium after the game to get your car. The supporters are waiting for you there.” The Dutchman has some links with football in his new city. A young Drenthe played alongside Dirk Kuyt while at Feyenoord, came up against then-Ajax winger Andy van der Meyde and has an international colleague in team-mate John Heitinga. Drenthe won his first cap for his country last season while on loan at Spanish side Hercules from Real Madrid, and is targeting a return to the national team fold. “I think Everton will be a good way to get back into the national squad,” he says. “I got into the national team with Hercules, so Everton will be a big, big chance for me to get back in.” Drenthe has courted controversy during his career, most recently last season at Hercules where he went on strike in protest against unpaid wages and the actions of the club’s board. The stance was met with a dim view by Mourinho, who ostracised the Dutchman on his return to the Bernabeu. “He told me face to face that the reason he wasn’t giving me a chance was because I didn’t respect Real Madrid or my family or myself,” recalls Drenthe. “I didn’t go to training because they weren’t paying me. I said ‘okay, I’ll go on December for vacation but if things aren’t good after that I’m not coming back’. I did that, and from there started the problems. “It was a decision by me and my agent. In the end when I went back to Real Madrid I had to get a lawyer and go to court for Real Madrid to pay my money. “The court case was settled, I won, and then the money was in my account within an hour.They were just playing with things to get me to leave and join another club. “Finally I’m really happy I can be a part of Everton. It’s a relief. “I don’t have to prove anything to Madrid. They are doing their job, I’m doing mine. What would it achieve me proving something to Mourinho? Nothing.”
Everton in talks with potential buyers
Harry Harris, ESPNsoccernet
September 8, 2011
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has had three meetings this week with potential buyers for the club, ESPNsoccernet can reveal. Interested parties from the Far East, Europe and China have all made approaches for the cash-strapped Merseyside club. Kenwright has accepted that a new owner is needed to take the club to the highest level. It has been a frustrating summer for the Toffees after just two significant signings arrived on transfer deadline day in shape of Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe on loan deals. Meanwhile, key midfielder Mikel Arteta departed Goodison Park for Arsenal for £10 million. The Blue Union, the Everton supporters' group, now intend to vent their frustration over the running of the club with a march prior to Saturday's Premier League home meeting with Aston Villa. Kenwright, who doubles up as a highly successful theatrical impresario, is working hard behind the scenes, and feeling heavy pressure to drive through a sale that would help lift the club and assist manager David Moyes. A close friend of Kenwright's told ESPNsoccernet: "It is laughable that some fans are demanding that someone comes in to sell the club when Bill is trying so hard to bring in fresh investment. "Let me tell you there is no better salesman, no-one better equipped to sing the praises of Everton and to sell the club." Kenwright, who is as frustrated as any genuine fan about the club's plight, is already reeling from being deeply let down when he opened his heart to a small group of Everton supporters, one of whom recorded the confidential comments and made them public. In spite of this, the native Liverpudlian continues to work around the clock to bring in new finance.
EVERTON v Aston Villa: Moyes boosted by the return of Coleman from injury
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 3:00 PM on 9th September 2011
Coleman has not featured this season due to injury
Defender Seamus Coleman returns to Everton's squad to face Aston Villa at home on Saturday after recovering from an ankle ligament injury which had sidelined him for a month.Forward Magaye Gueye has recovered from a broken toe while Leighton Baines is fit after a hamstring problem ruled him out of England's win over Wales on Tuesday.New loan signings Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe are short of match fitness but are likely to be in the squad.
Provisional squad: Howard, Neville, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Barkley, Fellaini, Osman, Rodwell, Drenthe, Cahill, Stracqualursi, Mucha, Hibbert, Baxter, Gueye, Bilyaletdinov, Vellios.
Everton v Aston Villa: match preview
By John Ley
09 Sep 2011
EVERTON V ASTON VILLA (Telegraph)
Betting: Home 11-10, Away 13-5, Draw 9-4
Everton, DWLWLW, (Probable, 4-4-1-1): Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Osman, Heitinga, Barkley, Drenthe; Fellaini; Stracqualursi. Team news: Defender Seamus Coleman returns to Everton's squad to face Aston Villa after recovering from an ankle ligament injury which had sidelined him for a month. Forward Magaye Gueye has recovered from a broken toe while Leighton Baines is fit after a hamstring problem ruled him out of England's win over Wales on Tuesday New loan signings Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe are short of match fitness but are likely to be in the squad.
Villa, DWWDWD, (Probable, 4-2-3-1): Given; Hutton, Collins, Dunne, Warnock; Jenas, Petrov; N’Zogbia, Heskey, Agbonlahor; Bent.
Out: Cuéllar (knee). Test: Bent (groin). Suspended: Baker.
Team news: Aston Villa striker Darren Bent is on course to face Everton after returning to training following the groin injury which forced him out of England's Euro 2012 qualifiers with Bulgaria and Wales. Defender Richard Dunne had four stitches in a facial wound suffered when on duty for the Republic of Ireland in Russia but is available. Manager Alex McLeish has included transfer deadline day signings Alan Hutton and Jermaine Jenas in his squad as Villa look to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. Stat: Villa are unbeaten in their last five league visits to Goodison Park.
Alex McLeish feels for David Moyes
Friday 9th September 2011, (Express and Star)
Tight wage budgets, supporter expectations and being forced to sell your best players – Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish can certainly empathise with the situation David Moyes faces at Everton.The Villa boss is just facing up to a transitional period after the lavish expenditure of his two predecessors while, for Moyes, the issues are ones which have been a regular feature of the past few seasons.Indeed, Moyes’ capacity to keep Everton relatively competitive with modest investment on the playing side saw him emerge as a popular choice with fans to replace Gerard Houllier at Villa Park.That task was handed to McLeish instead but he knows that, under the circumstances at Villa, he could do a lot worse than follow the template Moyes has laid down at Goodison Park.McLeish said: “Can I empathise with David’s situation at Everton? Absolutely.“Every bit of your resources are tested – and I don’t just mean money – so you have to use every ounce of experience and expertise at your disposal to keep your work to a maximum level.“And I think David has done that with aplomb. He has still got a lot of quality players and the nucleus of a very good team.“There are a lot of guys in the team who have been together quite a long time so they have that experience.“David has lost one or two players that he wouldn’t ordinarily like to lose – someone like Mikel Arteta, for example, has gone – but he still has a strong team who are a match for anyone in the Premier League on their day.“They have, for all intents and purposes, got the same squad which finished seventh place last season and the majority of them will be in the side we face tomorrow.“It is a test of your resourcefulness in the transfer market. Sometimes there is nothing you can do if you do not have the players at your disposal or you suffer a lot of injuries and suspensions.“That’s when you are really helpless and, as a manager, you can’t legislate for it.”A section of Everton fans are set to hold a protest march against the direction in which the club is going under owner Bill Kenwright, principally the lack of investment in the playing staff.Things are nowhere near as bad at Villa – as demonstrated by the transfer window captures of Alan Hutton and Jermaine Jenas – but the need to balance the books is foremost in the mind of McLeish.The reality is that the football landscape in the Premier League has changed dramatically and the Villa boss realises that it is difficult to match expectations without the necessary funds.He said: “The super clubs have taken it to a level where they can take any of your players and there are even super, super clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona as well.“Who would have though Cristiano Ronaldo would have left Manchester United but everyone has their price.“I’m not saying we’re a selling club but we have to be realistic to these modern times.”For Villa and Everton the blueprint is the same for the foreseeable future – investment in youth.The emergence of Ross Barkley and Jack Rodwell at Goodison Park is comparable to a new crop of Villa players hoping to further establish themselves in the first team.McLeish continued: “Gary Cahill rightly lauded the academy system here and you have to say that we have still got the same bunch of guys running that in Tony McAndrew, Brian Jones and Kevin MacDonald and their staff.“We have got some great young players in Ciaran Clark, Marc Albrighton and Barry Bannan. These guys are all beginning to make an impact.“Ultimately a super club might buy them but we have got to keep producing them.“It is the way the game has evolved. The money involved in it is astronomical.”
Blue Union ask why Kenwright can't sell Toffees
Friday 09 September 2011by Mike Wilton (The Star)
Everton's financial woes have long been a topic of discussion on the blue half of Merseyside but the club's plight came to the fore last month after supporters' group Blue Union controversially released details of frank discussions with chairman Bill Kenwright. Following what were supposed to be off-the-record talks about the future of the cash-strapped outfit, the group released a transcript to the media. Tomorrow they will follow that disclosure with a protest outside Goodison Park prior to Everton's encounter with Aston Villa. Blue Union's primary point of contention is the chairman's seeming inability to sell the club. This raises question marks given that the Toffees have consistently flirted with European football, boast a superb manager in David Moyes and possess a squad filled with international stars and promising youngsters. Coupled with a loyal support and a proud history, Everton, on the surface, look to be a potential gold mine for prospective investors. However realistically it stands to reason that any new owner would face a huge outlay to make the club competitive on both domestic and continental fronts. The most immediate problem would be paying off the club's reported £25 million debt, though this has been trimmed after the sale of star playmaker Mikel Arteta to Arsenal for £10m on transfer deadline day. After that, investment in the playing staff would be essential, given Everton's registered squad size is just 17, eight short of the 25 maximum. Such a major shortfall could prove an expensive hole to fill, although in Moyes they have a manager capable of ingenious dealings in the transfer market. Perhaps the biggest deterrent to investors though is the fact that building a new ground is almost a prerequisite for any incoming owner. Goodison Park has been deteriorating rapidly over the last few decades and failed moves to the city's Kings Dock and a controversial relocation to the suburb of Kirkby has left the club high and dry. Of course, even if an investor did come in it is rarely plain sailing. The major worry for Everton fans would be the Aston Villa scenario. After a fallout with US owner Randy Lerner, Martin O'Neill walked out on the eve of the 2010-11 season and the Midlands outfit have been steadily slipping down the division ever since. Such a scenario is presently unthinkable at Everton with Moyes's relationship with Kenwright being one of the strongest in the European game. Indeed there are some who would argue that retaining the Scot manager is far more important than any mooted takeover. Regardless, as Blue Union will highlight tomorrow there are still some serious issues that must be resolved in order for this famous club to be sure of a bright future.
New Everton FC third kit launched by Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi
by Liza Williams, Liverpool Echo
Sep 9 2011
New signings Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi with fan Reece Bloor
NEW Everton signings met fans in their latest kit.Midfielder Royston Drenthe and striker Denis Stracqualursi officially launched the grey Le Coq Sportif third kit at the Everton Two shop in Liverpool One yesterday.The pair had photos taken with fans, including 10-year-old Reece Bloor, who chose to have Drenthe’s number10 on his new shirt.
David Prentice: Return of Leighton Baines for Everton FC will be welcomed given results in his absence
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Sep 9 2011
WHO played left-back the last time Leighton Baines missed a match for Everton?Bonus points to any Evertonian who came up with the name... Jake Bidwell.On December 17, 2009, Cut-Throat Jake (one for you Captain Pugwash fans) became the youngest player to appear in European football for the Blues when he ran out for a dead rubber against BATE Borisov.Baines was rested that night – and the Blues lost 1-0.The last time Baines was forced to miss matches through injury was a couple of months earlier. The Blues went down 5-0 in Benfica, lost 3-2 at Bolton Wanderers and were defeated 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur.Thank heaven Baines is expected to shake off a hamstring strain and add to a remarkable run of 73 consecutive appearances tomorrow.
Howard Kendall: I feel sorry for Everton FC’s Victor Anichebe
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Sep 9 2011
THERE is never a good time to sustain a serious injury, but the timing for Everton FC striker Victor Anichebe is truly awful. My heart goes out to the lad because his groin tear has happened just at a point when it seemed he was going to get the run of games in the first team he has been waiting for.But while I have every sympathy for Anichebe, I also feel for the frustration David Moyes must have with the set-back.He still has question marks over Louis Saha’s fitness, and has only just allowed two strikers in Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford to leave on transfer deadline day.Moyes will have been busy assessing the new Argentine Denis Stracqualursi and hoping he is ready to play in the Premier League, although it’s early days for the boy.The promising thing is that his goal scoring record reads positively, and he is a powerful looking lad who doesn’t give you the impression he’ll struggle with the physicality of the English game.As for Royston Drenthe, I believe he is a bit of a character and from what I’ve heard he’s got plenty of ability.It will all come down to how much he wants this loan to succeed. He has been released by one of the biggest clubs in the world, and should see a chance to play regularly here and get his career back on track.Whenever you go to a new club it’s a challenge, and he must be accepted by his new team-mates and then the fans.He will need the players to appreciate his talent, and after that he is half way there.Then he needs to show that on a Saturday, and believe me there is no better feeling than gaining that sense of acceptance from the Everton supporters.
David Prentice: Everton FC seem particularly unlucky with injuries suffered by players on international duty
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Sep 9 2011
INJURIES on international duty afflict all football clubs, but Everton FC can claim to have suffered more than most.Some fans still blame a broken leg suffered by the world’s best goalkeeper on a cabbage-patch of a pitch at Lansdowne Road for the loss of The Double in 1986.(Harsh, given that Bobby Mimms stepped in and kept six clean sheets in seven matches – but that underlined the esteem in which the truly great Neville Southall was held).More recently Ross Barkley’s dramatic dash to the fringe of the Everton first team was cruelly halted by a double leg break on England under-19 duty, following a freak collision with a teammate, Liverpool’s Andre Wisdom.His performances already this season show just what Everton missed.James Vaughan was also on England under-19 duty when he sustained a serious knee injury which effectively wiped two years from his blossoming career.Last season, Tim Cahill enjoying the most prolific start to a season of even his productive Everton career, went to the Asia Cup with Australia, got injured and hasn’t scored a goal since.Now, with the Goodison Park club already suffering a striker crisis, Victor Anichebe fell down a pot hole on a rubbish pitch in Madagascar and will be out until Christmas, while a player who played every minute of every Premier League match of last season ‘tweaked’ his hamstring... in training.And international managers moan when club bosses refuse to release players...
Ex Everton FC defender David Weir about David Moyes, Goodison Park and more
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 9 2011
MOYES
HE MADE a mark on us all at the club from the start. He was younger than I am now when he became manager of Everton and must have been nervous.You could tell that when he came in. He spoke well, don’t get me wrong. He’s a good speaker about football because he knows it. He captivated us that day but you could tell he was nervous, that it was a big step up.
BIG DUNCAN
I REALLY liked Duncan and still do. He kept himself to himself, wasn’t overpowering or someone who dominated the conversation or anything, but he always had input and was held in high regard, almost feared a wee bit.
He was very quite but menacing, yet on the other side of it you could laugh at him.
NYARKO
I DON’T know whether he didn’t have long enough or it wasn’t the right kind of football for him, but he was a very genuine, humble guy and that just destroyed him. He couldn’t get his head around what had happened. In his eyes, he was giving his best and this punter had come on and basically said, ‘I could do a better job than you.’ That was the end of him.
WALTER
I AM a quiet person, but my memory is of me talking the whole way down because I was genuinely excited about what lay ahead. I’d never had a conversation with him before, but I instantly found I could talk to him. He was a proper Scottish football man with a nice way about him. Because of what he had done with Rangers, you had an impression of him.
GOODISON
I HAD never been to Goodison before, but got a good felling for it straight away.It wasn’t dissimilar to Brockville and Tynecastle, although they were older and tighter. It was a wee step up the ladder but along the same lines. My first game was at home against Middlesbrough, a night game under the lights. We won 5-0.
Former Everton FC defender David Weir is ready to tell his story
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 9 2011
DAVID WEIR never shirked a challenge on the pitch for Everton, and his new autobiography is typically brave and forthright.In writing with moving honesty about his father’s struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease, and his own fight to contend with the assumption all top-level footballers are finished in their mid-30s, Weir has a riveting story to tell.The man who joined the Toffees in February 1999 for a bargain £250,000 from Hearts, has devoted a healthy chunk of his new autobiography ‘Extra Time’ to those Everton days, and provides a fascinating insight for supporters into his time under Walter Smith, and then David Moyes.Weir, who turned 41 in May, is currently the oldest outfield player to represent Rangers since 1945, and he pulls no punches in describing how he quit international football, after losing faith in Berti Vogts, and managed to keep on battling against the odds to play at the top level and proving he could, despite the doubts of others and indeed himself.“It basically covers my entire career so far. I really enjoyed the process in the end – it brought back a lot of memories,” says Weir ahead of a book signing in Liverpool on Saturday.“If I’m honest I wasn’t sure about doing it at first but I spoke to my friend, the journalist Douglas Alexander, and he said he was thinking of asking me about doing a book anyway.“I have included my childhood but I was wary of boring people, I know most people are more interested in the football side of things. I had a nice, normal background and was brought up just outside Falkirk in a little village.“I just loved my football and that was pretty much all I did as a youngster. I’d be outside kicking a ball about all the time, and my dad would take me to watch Rangers whenever he could. He’d also have a kick about with me in the back garden all the time.“I used to play all different positions which I think is good for a youngster.”Weir has his doubts about the modern academy system.“My background in the game was the antithesis of the current academy system,” he says. “I have got boys who are at a school of excellence but I am wary of them.“They love it, but I’m wary of how quickly we really want the kids structured, coached, and pigeon holed. They should be allowed to think for themselves and make their own mistakes. That’s the best way young players can learn to make the right decisions.“Practise is important and it’s good that they have plenty of time to play but for me it was playing out with my friends on the public pitches.“I think these days the kids can’t go to the park as much, those days are going.”Now a family man who has four children with wife Fiona; Lucas, 11, Jensen, nine, Kenzie, seven, Ruben, five, Weir went to University in the USA after being spotted by scouts for Evansville University in Indiana while playing in Lincolnshire.“It was brilliant going to University in the USA,” he says. “It made me grow up quickly. I went over there thinking I had all the answers and met a lot of people from different walks of life, and cultures. It opened my eyes and gave me a new perspective on life.”Weir did not just get a chance to experience new cultures, he was even asked to play at the opposite end of the pitch during his stint as a college soccer star.“There were a few injuries and the coach asked me to play up front,” he says. “I ended up playing there for 18 months and became something of a goal scorer! I was the top scorer in the country for three years, It was a great experience even if I didn’t expect the conversion.”Weir says that easily among the finest moments of his career was being part of the Everton team that finished fourth in the Premier League in 2005, and earned a Champions League qualifying place.He said: “There had been times when relegation haunted us. Under Walter, and even under David Moyes once we just about stayed up.“It was our worst nightmare and it was in the back of your mind all the time that you didn’t want to be in the team that lost Everton its top flight status after all those years.“Fortunately for us it never got to the last day, but it wasn’t good.“That why finishing fourth was such a high point. It was winning our league.“To get above Liverpool and break into that top four was a major achievement, with a great group of lads.”Although he remembers that season with untainted pleasure, Weir admits the aftermath was difficult to take – especially when a decision by Pierluigi Collina consigned Everton to defeat by Villareal in their second qualifying leg Spain.“The decision still angers me now, but that’s football,” he sighs. “It’s all ifs and maybes but they were two close games and we weren’t outplayed.“I just wonder what might have happened for the club if we had qualified and Duncan’s goal had been allowed – it could have been massive.“The Dynamo Bucharest game when were knocked out of the UEFA Cup afterwards was unbelievable. We walked off after the first game wondering how we’d been beaten.
“It just seemed like everything went against us – but there were lots of happy times at Everton. I treasure them all.”l David will be signing copies of EXTRA TIME at Waterstones, Liverpool One, 12 College Lane on Sunday September 11 from 1pm. Signed copies can be ordered by phone on 0151 709 9820.
Ex Everton FC defender David Weir fears Glasgow Rangers matches may ruin EFC coaching career
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 9 2011
DAVID Weir fears he is risking his dream of a coaching role at Everton FC by prolonging his playing career with Glasgow Rangers.The 41-year-old former Toffees defender was offered a job on David Moyes’ staff this summer, but chose to sign a one-year extension with the Scottish club after helping them win the title.And although super-fit Weir, who played 235 games for the Blues, still feels in the right condition to carry on starring for Ally McCoist’s side, he is worried he could lose the chance to re-join Everton and kick-start the next phase of his career as a result.Weir, who has just written his autobiography, ‘Extra Time’, said: “David has always said there is something there for me if I do decide to stop playing, and I value that and deeply appreciate it.“He knows I want to keep going as long as I can and I’m grateful he understands. I’m doing my coaching badges and helping out with the coaching at Rangers too.“I know that offer won’t probably be there forever, and that I’m risking losing it by playing on. But to be fair to David he said to me that I should play as long as I can because you are a long time not playing.”Weir still has a home near to Merseyside and is a regular visitor to Finch Farm, where he sometimes joins in with training sessions.“I love going there,” he says. “I learned a lot from David. You cannot argue with his knowledge and dedication. If you don’t learn from a man like that you are a fool.“He is one of the best there is. Once you leave Everton you really realise just how good David is.”Meanwhile, Everton’s chief executive Robert Elstone has hit back at suggestions Goodison Park officials should appoint an interim board to process any potential sale of the club.He said: “The board of directors, myself as the CEO and the senior management all have an ongoing responsibility to do what is right by Evertonians. The suggestion of a completely new group of individuals coming in and essentially doing what the current board is doing is risible and completely unnecessary.“Everton is for sale, despite accusations to the contrary. This has been the case for three years and it will remain the case until such time as someone is found with the finances capable of ensuring we can compete at the very highest level of the game both at home and in Europe.”He said the last five years have been a success in terms of sponsorship, income, league position and the amount of European football played.Elstone insists all resources at the club will be directed towards David Moyes.“Finances, as they do across the vast majority of football clubs, remain tight and attracting the investment required to deliver the success our supporters deserve remains a difficult task – but it is one the board and the professionals brought in by the club are fully engaged with.“We are not where we want to be – we will always want more – but it is now time to pull together.”He added: “The job will continue in earnest – the search for new investment and the continued mission to support David Moyes and his ambitions for the team on the pitch.”
Back of the Net: Stoke v LFC memories, EFC/Villa double agent Dave Hickson, the week in pictures, backheels and own goals
Liverpool ECHOSep 9
WELCOME to Back of the Net, our round-up of football coverage on our sites and across the web. Keep your eyes peeled for suggestions for next week's Back of the Net and feel free to submit them for inclusion either via email to liverpooldigitaldesk@gmail.com or by giving us a shout on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dailypostefc or www.twitter.com/dailypostlfcBack in the day - a nostalgic glance at the weekend's matchesSaturday 3pm: Stoke v LFC - betting odds from Betfred: Stoke 12/5 Draw 23/10 LFC 5/4While the Reds are still waiting to register their first league win at Stoke's Britannia Stadium with two draws and one loss to date, they have hit the Potters for eight at their new home in the League Cup in the treble season of 2000/01.Robbie Fowler helped himself to a hat-trick and Christian Ziege, Vladimir Smicer, Markus Babbel, Sami Hyypia and Danny Murphy all joined in the fun too as Liverpool marched on towards Wembley.As for tomorrow Liverpool, sitting third in the Premier League table, will be confident they can take all three points but Stoke are off to a decent start themselves - unbeaten in their first three games of the season, their best unbeaten start since 2004 and their best beginning to a top flight season since 1976.Saturday 3pm: Everton v Aston Villa - betting odds from Betfred: Everton 11/10 Draw 9/4 Villa 11/4Dave Hickson - who also represented Liverpool and Tranmere Rovers.Hickson left Goodison Park to join Villa in 1955 for a fee of £17,500, but later returned to play a further two seasons for the Toffees between 1957-59. All told, he made 243 appearances and notched 111 goals for EFC.Ever the true Blue, Hickson famously said: "I would have died for Everton, I would have broke every other bone in my body for any other club, that's how I look at it, you know, if it was that much I would have died for this club."
The week in pictures for the Blues and Reds
Only one picture could sum up the activities at Goodison Park this week - Everton FC unveiling new loan signings Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi. Both new boys could be in action against Aston Villa tomorrow. The top sport story on our website this week was Steven Gerrard welcoming Craig Bellamy back to LFC. Both players are pictured here back in 2006, with the Welshman wheeling away in celebration after bagging a goal on his Reds debut against Maccabi Haifa.
Saying Everton FC need an interim board is ‘risible’, blasts chief executive Robert Elstone
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 9 2011
EVERTON FC chief executive Robert Elstone yesterday dismissed “risible” calls for the appointment of an interim board to oversee the sale of the club.And he also urged supporters to “pull together” and warned against “fracture” in the fanbase less than 48 hours before planned action against the Goodison hierarchy.Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has come under pressure from fans’ groups in recent weeks to stand aside for a temporary board aimed at attracting new investment.The Blue Union, representing several supporter factions, have arranged a peaceful protest ahead of tomorrow’s home Premier League clash against Aston Villa.But Elstone launched a vigorous defence of the Everton board while stressing the need for all fans to remain united.“The board of directors, myself as the CEO and the senior management all have an ongoing responsibility to do what is right by Evertonians,” he said.“The suggestion of a completely new group of individuals coming in and essentially doing what the current board is doing is risible and completely unnecessary.“Everton Football Club is for sale, despite accusations to the contrary. This has been the case for three years and it will remain the case until such time as someone is found with the finances capable of ensuring we can compete at the very highest level of the game both at home and in Europe. “While the club is for sale, we have also overseen substantial and tangible progress in the last five years both on and off the pitch.“We have signed record sponsorship deals, and hugely increased our income alongside achieving an average league position of sixth.“In terms of the number of games played, it has also been the most prolific period of European football in the club’s history and we have invested in building our best squad of players since the mid-1980’s.”Elstone added: “Finances, as they do across the vast majority of football clubs, remain tight and attracting the investment required to deliver the success our supporters deserve remains a difficult task – but it is one the board and the professionals brought in by the club are fully engaged with,” he said. We are not where we want to be – we will always want more – but it is now time to pull together in the same direction and not fracture. Everton is at its strongest when we stand together.“The job will continue in earnest and we need to get on with that job – the search for new investment and the continued mission to support David Moyes and his ambitions for the team on the pitch.”
Everton FC fans must support us when whistle blows, says Phil Jagielka
By Ian Doyle
Sep 9 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA believes the Goodison faithful will have a part to play when Everton FC resume their Premier League campaign tomorrow.David Moyes’s side entertain Aston Villa looking to build on their dramatic victory at Blackburn Rovers a fortnight ago.The game will be preceded by a peaceful protest march organised by fans’ group The Blue Union, who are pressing for change among the club’s hierarchy.And Jagielka has urged all supporters to then back Everton from the first whistle after admitting the team are still lacking belief in the early moments of matches.“Villa normally bring quite a few fans and have a bit of a singalong and if we put a good performance in, our fans get right behind us as well,” said the centre-back.“We do need that, we are a little bit short of confidence, especially in the early part of games. But normally fans are there getting behind us and hopefully if we can get off to a decent start, maybe get a goal and go from there.“We understand the fans have had many a season where we have had a slow start, to put it nicely.“So I am sure they are as apprehensive as we are about getting a good start. But if we can manage to pick up three points on Saturday we will be looking at a decent start.”Tomorrow’s game has come too soon for new signing Royston Drenthe, who is nursing an ankle problem and is short of match fitness. But Goodison could see a first glimpse of the other new arrival, Denis Stracqualursi, after it emerged Victor Anichebe will be out until Christmas after suffering a groin injury while on international duty.Anichebe suffered the damage while playing on a poor pitch for Nigeria in Madagascar at the weekend, with scans subsequently revealing a tear resulting in a three-month lay-off.With Louis Saha still struggling with the knock that forced him to miss the win at Blackburn and both Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford having departed on transfer deadline day, newcomer Stracqualursi and Greek teenager Apostolos Vellios are the only senior striking options.There was some positive injury news, however, with Leighton Baines available despite missing England’s win over Wales on Tuesday with a hamstring strain.Meanwhile, Jagielka was impressed with Drenthe and Stracqualursi at Finch Farm yesterday. “We have managed to secure two fantastic loan deals with Royston and Denis,” said the England man. “We trained with them, they both looked sharp.“While we were away a few people have gone and a few people have come in so it is always exciting.“I remember watching Royston in the European Under-21 Championships a while back and he was one of the best players so hopefully he can get some of that form back.“It would be nice for Denis to start with a goal or an assist, and we are looking forward to that.“If you look at the transfer window (stats) it says four players out, two players in. But if you look at it two of the lads weren’t involved in the first team squad (Joseph Yobo and Yakubu), so it’s two for two.“We know financially we aren’t the biggest boys in the Premier League and we have to balance the books. We have to move on now.”
Everton v Aston Villa: Why Alex McLeish is wary of a wounded David Moyes
By Mat Kendrick
Sep 9 2011
WHATEVER David Moyes lacks in resources at Everton, he more than makes up for in resourcefulness.That is the view of Villa boss Alex McLeish, who has hailed his Goodison Park counterpart as the master manager when it comes to creating a competitive Premier League force on a budget.McLeish has been forced to cut the claret and blue cloth carefully this summer after being charged by chairman Randy Lerner with the task of halting the club’s runaway wagebill.But Moyes has had to operate under even tighter restrictions amidst shocking revelations from Everton supremo Bill Kenwright about the Merseysiders’ worrying financial plight. McLeish admits it is a major challenge to try and compete in the upper echelons of the Premier League when the elite clubs boast riches beyond Villa and Everton’s wildest dreams.Asked if he can empathise with Moyes’ situation, McLeish replied: “Absolutely, yes.“David has got a great reputation in the game and he has worked extremely hard to make Everton a top-10 team over the past few years.“Every bit of your resources are tested – and I don’t just mean money – and you have to use every ounce of experience and expertise at your disposal to keep your work to a maximum level. I think David has done that with aplomb.“It is a test of your resourcefulness in the transfer market.“Sometimes there is nothing you can do if you do not have the players and your disposal or you suffer a lot of injuries and suspensions and that’s when you are really helpless and as a manager you can’t legislate for.”While Villa are no strangers to losing their star players to their Champions League rivals with Ashley Young and Stewart Downing the latest to depart for Manchester United and Liverpool. Everton were powerless to prevent Mike Arteta joining Arsenal.But McLeish believes the Toffees will still provide tough opposition tomorrow because they have a core of talented players who have been together for some time and are used to finishing in or around the European places.“He still got a lot of quality players and the nucleus of a very good team,” said McLeish.“There are a lot of guys in the team who have been together quite a long time so they have that experience.“David has lost one or two players that he wouldn’t ordinarily like to lose – someone like Mikel Arteta for example has gone – but he still has a strong team who are a match for anyone in the Premier League on their day.“It is the same team that has finished in the top 10 for the past umpteen years, even if they are missing the more mercurial ones like Arteta.“We have got to concentrate on what we want to go up there and do. To go there and win the game with the players we have rather than worrying too much about Everton.“We know all about them and there is nothing new really for the players here in terms of build-up and preparation. We have shown them the DVD footage of Everton but we will mostly concentrate on us.”
Everton move to address fans' concerns over lack of investment
By Andy Hampson, PA
Friday, 9 September 2011
(The Independent)
Everton insist they are working hard to address to the fears of fans about under-investment. Frustrated supporters are planning to protest outside Goodison Park ahead of tomorrow's Barclays Premier League game against Aston Villa. Fans believe the club has stagnated under the chairmanship of Bill Kenwright and fear decline if the theatre impresario does not sell his majority stake. Disquiet has been building for some time over the failure to make transfer funds available to manager David Moyes but has noticeably intensified since last week's surprise deadline-day sale of Mikel Arteta. Kenwright has often said he will sell if an acceptable offer is made and the club insist they are working hard to find such a suitable buyer. A statement from chief executive Robert Elstone read: "Everton Football Club is for sale, despite accusations to the contrary. "This has been the case for three years and it will remain the case until such time as someone is found with the finances capable of ensuring we can compete at the very highest level of the game both at home and in Europe. "Whilst the club is for sale, we have also overseen substantial and tangible progress in the last five years both on and off the pitch. "We have signed record sponsorship deals, and hugely increased our income alongside achieving an average league position of sixth. "In terms of the number of games played, it has also been the most prolific period of European football in the club's history and we have invested in building our best squad of players since the mid-1980s." Elstone's statement appears to be an attempt to quell tomorrow's demonstration, which has been organised by fans group The Blue Union. The group have called for the Toffees to "appoint a fully autonomous group of professional individuals" to facilitate a sale. Elstone said: "The suggestion of a completely new group of individuals coming in and essentially doing what the current board is doing is risible and completely unnecessary." The parlous state of Everton's finances was recently revealed by Kenwright in a meeting with The Blue Union in comments he thought were private. The club have not paid a significant transfer fee for two years while their only additions this summer were loan signings Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe. Elstone added: "We are not where we want to be - we will always want more - but it is now time to pull together in the same direction and not fracture. Everton is at its strongest when we stand together."
Everton FC tournament to help people with mental health problems in Stanley Park
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 10 2011
SPECIAL football tournament takes place in Stanley Park ahead of the match today. The club’s official charity, Everton in the Community, will be holding a series of exhibition matches to showcase its award-winning mental health programme, Imagine Your Goals. Between 12.30pm and 2.30pm, Imagine Your Goals participants will be demonstrating their skills to help raise awareness of the programme. There will also be staff on hand to offer anyone interested in the programme advice or information and the opportunity to sign an anti-discrimination pledge. One in four people live with a mental health problem in the United Kingdom and often suffer in silence. Everton in the Community developed an exercise programme called ‘Imagine Your Goals’ in 2007, which since then has benefited hundreds of people all across Merseyside. The programme offers local people who are living with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, an opportunity to talk about their problems and seek help and support in a familiar environment. For more information about Imagine Your Goals contact Everton in the Community on 0151 530 5253 or visit the websiteevertonfc.com/community.
Everton FC hero Joe Parkinson to cycle around Cuba
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 10 2011
EVERYONE’S favourite Dog of War Joe Parkinson is doing a charity bike ride in Cuba next year for Zoe’s place baby hospice. Joe will be joined by 30 other well known local people and members of the public, as he embarks on a once in a lifetime cycling challenge around the island, flying out on March 11 for eight days in the aid of the much-loved hospice. Among the spots he will cycle past are the famous Bay of Pigs, capital city Havana, and the statue of Che Guevara in Santa Clara, travelling almost 600 kilometres in the process. To donate all you have to do is visit www.joeparkinson.org
Everton FC supporters group set to march on Goodison Park before Aston Villa match in bid for “historic change” at EFC
Sep 10 2011
AN EVERTON supporters group who have organised a march on Goodison Park before today’s match against Aston Villa have called for “historic change” at the club. The Blue Union, a fans’ collective who have grown frustrated at the lack of progress in finding a buyer for the Toffees, have published an open letter to chairman Bill Kenwright pleading for drastic steps to be taken. This week Everton chief executive Robert Elstone insisted the club had the right people to be able to sell the club.
The Blue Union said in its letter: “We believe the time has arrived to initiate a change at Goodison Park. “Not simply a change for change’s sake, we’re proposing an historic change, a change that will act as the catalyst for Everton, our manager and our players, to once again have the opportunity to become a truly competitive force in English top-flight football.” The letter adds: “Mr Chairman, as a fellow Evertonian, we think you of all people will agree that football clubs are far more than a business; they’re cultural assets and their owners are mere custodians who have a responsibility not only to the business but also to their fans.” David Moyes said the proposed peaceful protest would not affect preparations for the game. “The media talk about it but we are focusing on what is on the pitch,” he said. “I thought when the (transfer) window ended it (the off-field issues) would stop.
“But it doesn’t change our focus or how we play or our preparations. Anyone who walks into Goodison is there to support the club 100%, because we need it at the moment.”
Barry Horne: Denis Stracqualursi can menace top flight defences for Everton FC
by Barry Horne, Liverpool EchoSep 10 2011
WHILE much of the talk last week was about the departure of players from Everton at the end of the transfer window, now that Premier League football is back the focus switches to the players David Moyes did manage to bring in. Normally the signing of an Argentinian striker would have been a major talking point, let alone one who top scored in his domestic league the previous season.
But the signing of Denis Stracqu- alursi does seem to have slipped under the radar in the national press. I think that might be a good thing for the lad. Bearing in mind Everton’s injury problems, he is likely to start sooner rather than later – and he will do so without a heavy burden of expectation.
Stracqualursi has so far come across as an unassuming guy and I have to confess I don’t know much about him as a footballer. But what I do know is that the knack of goalscoring is one that tends to stay with you and if you have that knack it is a transferable skill. There have been notable exceptions to that rule, Diego Forlan for example, but let’s look on the bright side and hope he will convert plenty of chances. Unassuming isn’t a phrase you would sue to describe Moyes’ other signing. Royston Drenthe has made a bit of a splash with the press boys, unsurprising given his a colourful past. Much has been made of his disputes with certain high profile managers, but his past does not make him a trouble maker or a bad personality. I am more willing to believe he is a strong character who has stood up for his principles. Words are cheap, but I suspect there is a little more substance and integrity to Royston Drenthe than most modern footballers. I hope that is the case because he will find fewer clubs, managers and groups of players who match that integrity. Drenthe hasn’t had the career so far that his ability would merit and that’s good news for EFC who could have a real player on their hands.
How Everton FC is the perfect grooming ground for future top bosses
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 10 2011
THE words of advice were delivered with genuine intent and more than a hint of humility. David Moyes might be eager to add the potential talents of David Weir to the Finch Farm coaching staff, but nevertheless gave him some heart-felt encouragement this summer when he said: “Keep playing as long as you can, because you’re a long time not playing.” Moyes knows that when the time comes for Weir to hang up his boots for the last time, his countryman will make a canny addition to his team. One day, it’s not difficult to imagine Weir becoming a top class manager in the mould of the current Everton boss either; dedicated, tactically astute, unflinching, tough. They share much in common. And if Weir does ultimately realise his ambition, and he is already helping out with training at Glasgow Rangers, he will become simply the latest former Everton player to prove themselves an able manager. Surely there are few clubs in England who can rival the Toffees for their roll-call of former players who are now top gaffers around the footballing world. Perhaps the greatest of them all still sits in the director’s box at Goodison for every home game. Howard Kendall went from being an untouchable as part of the Holy Trinity to being the club’s most successful manager of all time. He was followed of course by Colin Harvey, and although the great Alan Ball never stood in the hole dug-out at Goodison, he enjoyed an enduring managerial career at several top clubs. And of course, Harry Catterick was a successful player and manager before him. Fast forward in history and the list goes on. Just this week, England were very nearly held to a draw at Wembley by Gary Speed’s Wales. If it were not for Rob Earnshaw’s jaw dropping miss in the second half, the former Everton captain would have come away from Wembley, the home of English football, with a point in his Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Wales were exceeding expectations but still trailing to Ashley Young’s first-half goal when Earnshaw was presented with the type of chance a Sunday morning park player would be disappointed to miss. Speed has made an average Wales squad obdurate, and perhaps even hinted that there is much better to come by instilling confidence in some of his younger players like Darcy Blake and Aaron Ramsey. Then recall Slaven Bilic. The defender, who had an admittedly unremarkable, injury-plagued spell at Goodison, must have absorbed enough under Joe Royle and Howard Kendall to eventually make his Croatia side favourites for Euro 2008, and beyond. Peter Reid continues to forge a career in the managerial game with every ounce of the grit and determination he brought to Everton’s title winning side in 1985, and even though Kevin Ratcliffe never tasted the highs as a boss, he did manage to lead Shrewsbury Town to that infamous victory over the Blues in the FA Cup. Don’t forget Graeme Sharp led Bangor City to Welsh Cup success, and Mike Newell had spells with Hartlepool United, Luton Town and Grimsby Town. It hasn’t always been budding Jose Mourinho’s. Dave Watson failed to quite make his inspirational qualities on the pitch translate fully to the sidelines, even if he was highly thought of by many during his time in charge of Tranmere Rovers. And Craig Short remains a name to look out for after bouncing back from his sacking by Notts County last year to win an appointment as Derby County’s academy Head Of Recruitment. Even the current Everton squad possesses a group of players that Moyes has tipped to become future bosses. Phil Neville already has a suitable air of authority about him, and is flying through his coaching badges, while Tim Cahill and Leon Osman have the tactical smarts to be top coaches, according to their current manager.
Everton FC boss David Moyes ready to get back to work after the dismay of losing Mikel Arteta
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 10 2011
David Moyes looks on during a Finch Farm training sessionIT WAS to his native Scotland, and more specifically the fairways of his favourite golf course, that David Moyes retreated once the chaos of the transfer window’s final day had subsided. The Everton manager admits he needed the time away from Merseyside, and his office in Finch Farm, to come to terms with what had been a hectic and ultimately unwelcome conclusion to the summer. Moyes had been prepared to accept a ‘two in, two out’ scenario after selling Yakubu, and Jermaine Beckford, and recruiting Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi - but the late, late sale of Mikel Arteta had scuppered any sense of satisfaction. Even if the Blues boss maintains it was his decision in the end, selling his playmaker still rankles with him as he prepares his squad to face Aston Villa amid a maelstrom of supporter unease and injury set-backs. “When the window shut, I thought ‘this is what is happening, this is what I have got.’”, he says. “It was difficult for a couple of days after it because reality hits home. “I knew what it was going to be like, so I went golfing in Scotland. I cleared my head a bit and then came back to work. When I came to Everton, nobody ever told me that I would have lots of money to spend. I took the job and the chairman told me he would try and find me some money. “The only thing I ever asked for when I came was ‘let me do what I want with the players and don’t take any of them away from me’. I tell you what, to this day the chairman has never broken his word. “When I came in, I knew I wouldn’t be coming to work with money so why should I be banging on the door saying ‘hey, I need money’. That wasn’t the deal. “Everton didn’t have a lot of money 10 years ago. The difference now is the expectation of the Everton supporters, which has risen dramatically. In truth, we have done that with using very little cash, wheeling and dealing, selling one biggie and trying to regenerate the cash, keeping it all going. “In those 10 years, does anyone think that Everton could have done better than we have done? I think they would say probably not.” As some supporters gather outside Goodison today to protest against what they perceive as stagnation at the club, Moyes begs to differ. While he readily accepts their right to an opinion, and even understands their frustration, the Scot insists his stint at the Goodison helm have reaped progress.
“I do see now why people have got reason to complain,” he says. “Everton have been up there – how can they stay up there? How can they keep pushing further? That’s what everyone wants to do but it is going to be a difficult piece to get up. “But the word I always use is progress. We have made progress over the years. I just want to ask myself ‘are we making progress?’ “Maybe this year you would say we are struggling at the moment but what we have got to do is somehow find another way around it. “The chairman is trying to do that, I am and with the squad we have got. I am going to try and find another way of winning. “Hopefully we will have a bit of good fortune that the lads we have brought in turn out to be a spark that ignites something. “Undoubtedly we would have liked to have done different things. If I’d have had my own way, we would have done. I would have liked to have added to the squad but we didn’t. “I don’t know whether stagnation is the word. In the 10 years I have been here, we have finished in the top 10 seven out of 10 times. “Now if people actually think that Everton should be doing much better than that, then they need to be looking at things. Those positions at the minute for Everton are terrific. If you put it in to perspective, what we have had over the last 10 years has not been outrageously bad. Of course we want to be top of the league and winning cups. “But at our club, we have got a level of finances, wages we can pay and stuff that we can do. We try and then get the best team and the best performances that we can out of the players that we have got.” There was speculation linking Moyes with the top job at today’s opponents Villa before Alex McLeish arrived, but he refuses to be drawn on whether the grass could have been greener away from Merseyside. “It is unfair for me to discuss other clubs, no way would I do that because I don’t know their situation,” he says. “I will tell you 100 per cent as I am sitting here that I was never, ever asked. I can only talk about Everton. I know ours. We try to continue making progress and I am hoping that even at the end of this year we will have seen something. It might be a new young lad who gets into the team. “Young players will get opportunities here. We have got Ross, Jack is a bit older. There are some other ones who will be given a chance to see what they can do.”
Everton FC boss David Moyes insists it was his decision to sell Mikel Arteta - but admits he has taken gamble on Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 10 2011
DAVID MOYES insists it was solely his decision to sell Mikel Arteta – but admits he has taken a gamble with the signings he managed to draft into Everton before the transfer window closed.
The Everton boss says he felt obliged to allow the Spaniard to join Arsenal in a last-ditch £10m move on July 31, after turning down the chance to sell him last summer. And Moyes, who is expected to play Tim Cahill in attack against Aston Villa today as injury bites deeply into his already sparse striking options, feels the game could come too early for new-boys Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe. The Blues boss, who will at least have fit-again Seamus Coleman, Magaye Gueye, and Leighton Baines available, said: “Let’s be clear about losing the important player (Arteta). I make the decisions here, so it was my decision that the player went. “It wasn’t the chairman telling me I have to sell the player or anything like that. I have always said that I would make the decisions and I am in a very fortunate position to be able to do that. “Mikel wanted to go and we had turned down a chance to sell him last year. I had said to him that I thought we could get a team to compete for the top four and I didn’t in the end. “I owed it to him to give him the opportunity to play in the Champions League. “I have to do what is right for the club as well, but don’t anybody think that it was down to the chairman about selling Mikel Arteta. If I had said to the chairman ‘no’, the chairman would have been more than happy to say, ‘no’ too. “But I felt the money we were getting and the time Mikel had been here, it was right to take the money. It would help the club obviously and the only down-side of it was the lateness of how it all came about. “If we had got it earlier and we had done something with some of the cash, then people might have said, ‘Yes, I can understand that’. I think because of the lateness of the deal what do you do? But if I had said no to Mikel, and said you are staying on again, I think that would have destroyed him.” Moyes accepts that the £10m he recouped for Arteta will not help him in the short term. “It won’t help me just now because we have lost an outstanding player,” he said. “Would I rather have him, of course, but Mikel wanted to go.
“If I hadn’t sold him and was playing him, I might be wondering how was he going to be.
“It also helps the club financially and money was needed to get back in, so from that point of view it was the right decision all round. “Now it might not help me on the field, but I hoped that we can find ways around it. “Look, we could have done with the cash if we could have got it, but I didn’t do it for that reason. I thought it was right for the boy and right for the club, and it was probably the right time for Mikel to go to pastures new. “I agonised about it but in the end I had a very small timescale. They came in at 3pm and then up until 8pm it was all off. When I heard it might have been on, I tried to see if I could find anything out there at the last minute, but then the deal went off and when it came back on most things were well down the line.” With Victor Anichebe out until Christmas with a groin injury, and Louis Saha once again a major fitness doubt, Moyes knows his new Argentine hit-man Stracqualursi is an unknown quantity. He said: “We had Stracqualursi watched in Argentina last year and he was valued a lot more than we got him for – we took him for nothing.
“There weren’t an awful lot of centre-forwards out there we could get. In the end, it was nearly worth the gamble to see how he does. We’ve done it before with loan signings; some have worked and some haven’t. “He has a good goalscoring record in Argentina but I’m not sure yet, we’ll find out in time. “But I do expect to play Cahill up front. He played up front against QPR so we will use him there. Like Stracqualursi, Drenthe is well short of match practice, but could feature among the substitutes for today’s game. Tickets are still available for today’s game. Prices start from £30 for adults, £15 for juniors and £19.50 for OAPs. Call 0871 663 1878 or drop into the box office at Goodison.
Everton's fans are on their feet for an owner with money to spareRevolt is in the air at Goodison Park as players continue to be sold to repay debts with no sign of major investment
Andy Hunter guardian. 10 September 2011
A house divided against itself cannot stand, to quote Abraham Lincoln, but that destabilising position is where Everton find themselves. At 2pm on Saturday, supporters angered at the club's failure to attract new investment will march on Goodison Park. Others may protest against the protesters. Inside the stadium, an owner looking to sell will hear calls for his head while his manager prepares for the third game of an already trying season with one fit forward available, a man who has never appeared in the Premier League and was recently deemed unsuitable by Leicester City. It is a volatile mix. The protest march has been organised by the Blue Union, a coalition of Everton supporters' groups that has gained rapid momentum since its creation last month and whose first public meeting attracted hundreds to the Casa last Saturday. Many more were locked outside. "The general feeling is that the club is stagnating, not progressing," says Dave Kelly, the chair of the Blue Union. "We are opposed to the stagnation of the club and we want to campaign on issues, not personalities." A third year without a net spend on new players has proved the tipping point for many, with David Moyes raising £21m through sales in 2011 yet bringing in only Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi, the aforementioned striker, on loan. The deadline day departure of Mikel Arteta to Arsenal for £10m exacerbated frustration around a club with a turnover of £79m in 2010, yet one that has been repaying debt all year and has had its overdraft capped at £25m by Barclays.
"Let's be clear about Mikel," Moyes says. "I make the decisions here, so it was my decision that the player went. It wasn't the chairman telling me I have to sell the player or anything like that. Mikel wanted to go and we had turned down a chance to sell him last year. "I didn't sell him last year and said to him that I would get him a team that would challenge for the Champions League. We didn't do that and I owed it to him to give him the opportunity to play in the Champions League." Moyes went golfing in Scotland after selling Arteta, Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu Ayegbeni on deadline day. "It was difficult for a couple of days afterwards because reality hits home," he admits. "I cleared my head and then came back to work." The Everton manager rebuts the suggestion he was escaping a stagnant club, however. "I don't know whether stagnation is the word," he says. "In the 10 years I have been here we have finished in the top 10 seven times. Now if people actually think Everton should be doing much better than that, they need to look at things. Those positions at the minute for Everton are terrific. If you put it into perspective, what we have had over the last 10 years has not been outrageously bad. "Of course we want to be top of the league and winning cups, but at our club, we have got a level of finances, wages we can pay and stuff that we can do. We try and then get the best team and the best performances we can out of the players we have got. The word I always use is progress. We have made progress over the years." The Blue Union has no argument with Moyes; indeed it insists there is a "total misconception" about the organisation's motives, mainly that it exists purely to remove Bill Kenwright from the club where he has been the majority shareholder since 1999. "The Blue Union's aims and objectives are the same as the owner: we want the club to attract new investment," Kelly explains. "We don't want it sold to anybody. We are well aware there have been a lot of unmitigated disasters and that you should be careful what you wish for. We all wish for that billionaire Evertonian but he is not out there and we need another strategy. We have no longer got the option of doing nothing." Kelly has called on Kenwright to appoint an independent body to search for the investment he has been unable to deliver. "If you were selling your house you would use the expertise of an estate agent and pay the professional a fee on completion," he says. "Liverpool Football Club, in conjunction with the banks, appointed Martin Broughton with the sole remit of finding a buyer and he achieved that. I think that is a viable alternative to sitting here waiting for Bill to sell up." But unlike Liverpool under Tom Hicks and George Gillett, Everton are not being taken to the high court by the banks, nor does it have the global attraction of their local rival.
"Most Premier League clubs have been taken over or attracted new investment in the last 10 to 12 years. Everton are clearly doing something wrong," says the Blue Union chairman. "Everton may not be a global brand but they must have a big presence in Asia or Chang [the Thai brewers] would not see the benefits of sponsoring us. The Premier League is a global brand. Manchester City were not a global brand a few years ago but they are now. It is about marketing the club in a positive fashion. That is the crux of the matter."
Moyes denies he was forced to sell Arteta as Everton boss plots way forward
By Dominic King
Daily Mail
10 September 2011
David Moyes has vowed to find a way of maintaining Everton’s progress this season as he expanded on the decision to offload key midfielder Mikel Arteta. Everton’s game against Aston Villa on Saturday will be played out against the backdrop of a protest march against the current board from a supporters group who fear the club is stagnating. A sense of ill-feeling has been building throughout the summer and a section of fans reacted with dismay when Arteta, who was the undisputed darling of Goodison Park, joined Arsenal in the final hours of the transfer window.
Main man: David Moyes insists he had the final say on Everton's transfer dealings There was a perception Arteta was offloaded to pay off debts to Barclays, the club’s bank, but Moyes insists that was absolutely not the case. While the manager accepts Everton are in a difficult situation, he does not feel it is as grim as some would imagine and will keep endeavouring to maintain their position as one of the top eight sides in the Barclays Premier League. 'I do see why people have got reason to complain at the minute,' Moyes said. 'Everton have been up there – how can they stay up there? How can they keep pushing further? That’s what everyone wants to do but it is going to be a difficult piece to get up. 'When I came to Everton (in March 2002), nobody ever told me that I would have lots of money to spend. I took the job and the chairman told me he would try and find me some money. Big move: Mikel Arteta made a late switch to Arsenal 'The only thing I ever asked for when I came was "let me do what I want with the players and don’t take any of them away from me".
'I tell you what, to this day the chairman has never broken his word. When I came in, I knew I wouldn’t be coming to work with money so why should I be banging on the door saying "hey, I need money". That wasn’t the deal. 'Everton didn’t have a lot of money 10 years ago. The difference now is the expectation of the Everton supporters, which has risen dramatically. In truth, we have done that with using very little cash, wheeling and dealing to keep it all going. 'In those 10 years, does anyone think that Everton could have done better than we have done? I think they would say probably not.' New man: Royston Drenthe Moyes brought in Holland winger Royston Drenthe and Argentinean striker Denis Stracqualuisi on deadline day but it was the departures of Arteta and Jermaine Beckford that were the subject of most discussion on Merseyside. Though he admitted to feeling deflated when the window closed – he spent two days in Scotland playing golf to clear his head in the aftermath – Moyes insists he gave the go-ahead for the sales for all the right reasons.
'Let’s be clear about losing the important player (Arteta),' he said. 'I make the decisions here, so it was my decision that the player went. It wasn’t the chairman telling me I have to sell the player or anything like that. It was my decision to sell the player. 'I have always said that I would make the decisions and I am in a very fortunate position to be able to do that. Mikel wanted to go and we had turned down a chance to sell him (to Manchester City) last year. 'I have to do what is right for the club as well, but don’t anybody think that it was down to the chairman about selling Mikel Arteta. If I had said to the chairman "no", the chairman would have been more than happy to say, "no” too.
'But I felt the money we were getting, it was right to take it. It would help the club obviously and the only down side of it was
Bill Kenwright: The pain and pride of being owner of Everton
By Martin Samuel
10th September 2011
Daily Mail
Bill Kenwright was on his way to a pre-season friendly at Birmingham City when his phone rang. His hosts were expecting a supporters' demonstration. The Everton chairman sympathised. 'The assets are frozen, the owner's under arrest, the club's been relegated, the best players are being sold, obviously it's going to be difficult for them,' he said. Blues brother: Bill Kenwright is Everton through and through 'So we get in and, sure enough, it's tense. But the Birmingham fans around the directors' box are shaking my hand and being really friendly. They were saying, "Wish you were here, Bill" and "Come to our club". 'Then the game started and it was pretty even, so Birmingham's fans were buoyed by that and, in the end, it all went off without a fuss. Nothing. I felt pleased for them. And then I looked at our end and there is a big banner: KENWRIGHT OUT. It was a good banner, too, nothing tatty. 'So somebody had spent proper time making it and packing it up and taking it all the way to Birmingham, for a friendly. And I looked at it, and I thought, "OK, Kenwright out, I see that. But who in? Who does better deals? I take nothing out of this club, so who can take less than that?"
Managing to cope: Kenwright is full of admiration for the job that David Moyes has done at Goodison Park 'If I left on Monday, would we have a penny more to our name on Tuesday? And that's what I don't understand. Where is this coming from? It used to be that every fan I met would say what a smashing club Everton was and what a great job David Moyes was doing. Now they ask, "What the hell's going on at your place?" And I have to say I don't know, because nothing's really changed. We've never had money. I read a big letter in the local paper. "Where's it all gone?" And I thought, "It's in the accounts. It's there. There' s no conspiracy". 'You know, I've sat with people who wanted to invest in the club and there was one guy, a very nice man, a businessman in Liverpool, and he listened for an hour and a half and finally, he said, "Bill, I don't want to be you. I want to be able to take my kids to school in the morning".' There will be a protest march at Goodison Park on Saturday before the match against Aston Villa. All through the summer a head of steam has been building against Kenwright, and a recent meeting of disaffected supporters groups attracted 300 dissenters. Hardly a revolution when the first home league gate of the season was 35,008, but enough to make a noise and create a platform. In these days of Twitter storms and flash mobs, it really does not take much of a crowd. Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote a follow up to Phantom of the Opera called Love Never Dies,' says Kenwright, 'and before it even opened there was a campaign on the internet. They called it Love Should Die. They said it was betrayal to write a sequel to his masterpiece. And by the time the show came out it was already known as Paint Never Dries.
Fan-tastic: Kenwright insists he is doing everything he can for Everton's legions of young supporters
'That was the first show in history to be killed by the internet. It was the biggest protest campaign the theatre has known, and it was started by a husband and wife in Canada, who had never seen the show but were fans of Phantom of the Opera. They actually got married dressed as the Phantom and Christine. So that's where we are. 'Our season ended in May with us beating Chelsea 1-0 and Jermaine Beckford scored the kind of goal that makes you do a double take, open mouthed.
'David Moyes had done it again. We finished seventh which would usually get us into Europe, but it was a strange year, so we missed out, but we had roughly the same squad that Evertonians were telling me was our best ever 12 months ago. 'The next week I went to our Player of the Year dinner and on my way up I got a call to warn me there would be a demonstration outside. I said, "About what?" And they said, "About you". So that's another double take. Where it all began: Kenwright takes over from Philip Carter as Everton chairman 'I was walking in with David Moyes and two guys came up and handed me a leaflet. I said to them, "Are you the demo, lads, is it you?" And I looked at the leaflet and it said: Evertonians for Change. I said, "Fantastic, fellas. What do you want to change?" They said, "We want more money". "Great," I said, "I'll be your president if you want. Change is what we need". But it started from there.' It is a campaign that veers from asking legitimate questions about the direction of Everton to some truly vile internet postings that do not bear repetition. It is not just the chairman's background in the arts - he has 16 theatrical productions currently playing around the world - that makes him sensitive. Club employees have been moved to offer resignations under the stress of some attacks and Kenwright is not immune to the pressure himself. In touch with history: Kenwright stands next to a statue of legendary Everton player Dixie Dean 'Do I regret buying Everton? Of course, at times. It's horrible,' he admits. 'My mum is 93, she listens to the radio, reads the papers, she's worried sick. I've had wreaths sent to my office. So what do you think? I do wonder how long I can take it, at times. 'I remember Howard Kendall saying to me, "Never read the fanzines". That became, "Never read the letters page in the Echo", then, "Never listen to the phoneins", now, "Never read the internet". And I don't. I daren't, actually.
'Sometimes I think the problem is that I am a fan. Philip Green (the retail magnate) calls me the Romantic Evertonian, and that's me. I am what I am. I jump up when we score, I jump up when we don't score, I jump up for corners sometimes. I'm the most nervous chairman in history. I can't even eat lunch before a game and I haven't enjoyed watching us in 10 years. 'I wish I could be like some of the other guys and take it in my stride, but my days are governed by Everton. It is there all the time. I call it The Pain, and it is permanent. But so is the pride. 'At every AGM, EGM and shareholders' meeting, I say, "Guys, I don't want to be here this time next year. I don't want to be in this situation where you are asking me about money again". And I don't. 'When the time comes and we sell this club, if the new owners don't want me, I will buy my ticket and sit in the stand as I always did. But people talk as if the club is dying and we're not dying. The extreme language makes no sense, it seems so out of kilter. It's illogical. Latest loss: Mikel Arteta left to join Arsenal on transfer deadline day 'I've never taken expenses, salary, petrol money. If you work out what I could have drawn, if you work out the interest on the money I've paid, even if you look at something as simple as my phone calls, I'd be a richer man. 'I've got the most prolific theatre production company in the world and I'd be the wealthiest producer living if it wasn't for one thing: Everton. I didn't do an hour's work on my productions for two and a half months when the transfer window was open. They didn't even come upstairs to talk to me, my people. And still I hear that I put all Everton's money into my shows.
'Michael Crawford (the actor) said to me that he overheard an Everton fan saying that on a phonein. He was incensed, so imagine how I feel. I've had all sorts of accusations. I put transfer money in my back pocket. I tell them: I don't need it, thanks.' Kenwright is adamant that our dialogue is not to become a sob story, but it is obvious the criticism has an effect. There is a siege mentality around Everton now and Kenwright feels wounded. His dream was of the club as one happy family, with him at the heart. The thought that even a minority doubt his intentions, are sceptical of his efforts to sell and believe he wishes to keep control for personal gain, is greatly troubling to him. 'I don't think you can break into the Champions League without money, either,' he says. 'But you'll never get the perfect world: the fans won't, I won't, the manager won't. But we're supposed to be in this together. Why boo one of our players? Why shout, "Sack the board"? Happier times: Kenwright and Moyes on the day a young Wayne Rooney signed his first professional contract at Goodison Park
'We live in a world that doesn't trust any more. The fans want someone, anyone, as long as he's got more money. If people think I don't want to let go, that means I'm being dishonest and it simply isn't true. I've been desperate to find a buyer for four years and I would never do anything to hur t this club. 'I had a meeting before you arrived, I've got another tomorrow, another the next day. I'm great at selling Everton, honest to God I am. People sit and I give them two hours of the greatest football club in the world. You could eat a meal off our accounts, they're so clean. 'I remember the day I bought the club. It was December 24 and, at 9.25pm, the bank said to make the offer. It went in two minutes later and was accepted. 'I was sitting here in my office and I ran down four flights of stairs and out into the street with pure joy. And I promise you: when that call comes to say the club is sold, I will do exactly the same. I don't care whether they want me as chairman. I'll have done my job. Anyone who doesn't think I'll go doesn't know me. Loyal supporter: Kenwright is as passionate a chairman as you will find in the Premier League 'We thought we had a buyer in 2010. There were two guys, a major inventor and the youngest executive at ICI, based in Thailand. They had a letter from a Swiss bank guaranteeing funds in the hundreds of millions. The plan was buy the club, erase the debt, money for transfers and a new stadium. I was truly happy, delirious to be honest. I was ready to go. 'They knew the small details of the club, the move to Stanley Park, the move to Kirkby. They had instructed a serious legal firm, they did due diligence, their costs alone must have been £150,000. We were six months down the line and the guy from Thailand was coming over to sign it all off. 'Then he was delayed due to the ash cloud, and it dragged on. Finally he said he was flying in Saturday, so I asked where he was staying and he said the Dorchester. But there was a small pause before he said it, a catch in his voice as if he had to think of a name, and I froze. 'I asked how he would get to my office and he said on the Tube. And that was it. We were doing a big deal for a film and I had a team of investigators on hand for that, so I asked them to run a check on these two. And on Friday a brown envelope arrived. And I turned the page, and turned another page, and with each one it got worse. 'The offices were rented, the Far East link lived in a one-bedroom flat in the worst part of the city, the Manchester guy was a small-time inventor, no more. They never arrived. And I have no idea why they did it, or how they did it. Maybe they thought they could secure the deal, then raise the funds. The problem was I wanted to believe. And I'll meet anyone if they sound straight. 'The deal's always going to be done in a week, isn't it? We had one guy who wanted to take over the club tied to marketing Everton in China. He gave us a Power Point presentation and I noticed all the players had Burnley shirts. I asked why. He said they had got really close to doing a deal for Burnley. So that was another one gone. I mean, if they couldn't get it done with Burnley...'
Kenwright trails off. 'People don't understand,' he adds, softly. 'I didn't. I've had to learn. In the days when I could go to matches on the train, our fans would stand around me and ask me why we couldn't buy this player or that player, so I'd say, "Right, lads, it's like this", and I'd start telling them what I knew about money from season tickets, money from placings, how television revenue is paid and when you get it all in. 'And within 30 seconds their eyes would glaze over and it would go quiet and a voice would say, "Yeah, but are we buying him?"' The irony being that in these times of detached foreign owners, Kenwright is the real deal, the last fan standing at a major club in England.
Worlds apart: Kenwright shakes hands with his local counterpart, Liverpool owner John Henry
Every supporter would like a chairman as passionately connected, providing he has the wealth of a sheik or an oligarch to boot. Sadly, it doesn't work like that. Yet when Kenwright talks about Everton it is in a language that is simply beyond the new wave of imported billionaire benefactors.
'When I was a kid I was very timid, very shy, we didn't have much money, but I found Everton,' he recalled. 'I'd get two buses and a tram and I'd watch Dave Hickson, my all-time hero, and I was safe. I thought if he's there and my team are there, I could be all on my own, but I'm safe. 'I stood behind the goal and at half-time the fans would go up to the back wall for a wee, and it would be running down the terrace and I'd be thinking, "Oh, I wish I didn't have holes in these shoes". So when people ask me if I dreamed of buying Everton, my dream was to sit up in the stand and not paddle in wee.
'I've never felt as if I owned Everton. Someone's gran owns Everton, the community owns Everton, my uncle who took me on the crossbar of his bike. I'm the custodian, no more. I'll tell you what Everton is to me. It's about your mates. It's about that moment when we score and you look around at all the people, from the old boy in the back row to the guys in the dug-out. It's about them. It's not about sitting in the Royal Box. It's about hearing our lot sing Z Cars at Wembley. 'If I didn't think I could make this club successful I wouldn't still be here. I'm not downbeat. I'm 66 but I still think the best is to come. Maybe it's not realistic to keep dreaming, but how can I have a manager like David Moyes and not believe we can win? 'I do want fans to have a voice. When we sold Dave Hickson to Aston Villa in 1955, I was a kid and I wrote every director a letter saying I'd never support them again. I wrote Dave a letter, too, saying they don't know what they're doing. He kept it. When I was on This Is Your Life he came on and showed it to me. Thumbs up: Despite the pressures, Kenwright remains upbeat 'Several times I've queued through the night to get a ticket for a big game, a cup tie or a derby match. The queue snaked all around Stanley Park. And if that gate closed and you missed out, you walked away with a tear in your eye and that was it. Now it has changed. 'People complain, they write to the club, write to the Echo, go on the radio and say it's all our fault. And that's what I find bewildering. When I got here, on the day the fixtures came out, every Evertonian I know looked at the last day of the season first. Who have we got to beat if we need to stay up? Now we look at the opening games. Can we get off to a flyer and have a go at winning something? So the club is going forward. 'And it makes me proud because, you see, whatever happens, I'm still watching lads who wear a blue shirt and when that ball goes in the net there is nothing like it. Not a first night, not a Tony award, nothing.' This afternoon there is a protest march against the man who spoke those words. Two o'clock, Spellow Lane, if you remain interested.
Everton gripped by identity crisis as People take on Club
By Rory Smith Football Last updated: September 10th, 2011
Telegraph
Just after 2pm on Saturday afternoon, just as Goodison Park’s grizzled veterans are settling their nerves in the Winslow Hotel, they will be presented with the sight of 400 Everton fans emerging on to Goodison Road, bearing banners and bellowing slogans, on a long, slow march to the ground’s Directors’ Entrance. Once there, the 400 will call for chairman Bill Kenwright, and his board, to go.
To those elder statesmen stiffening their sinews, shielded from the sunlight by the stained glass windows of the Winslow, it will be an alien sight. It is across Stanley Park that fans protest and agitate and call for change, fuelled by a sense of entitlement to success. Not here. This is the People’s Club. That, though, is the extent of the crisis which has quietly gripped Goodison Park for almost a decade. It has spread beyond simply the financial – how much can they pay, how much can they spend – or the aspirational – where can they finish, what can they win – and into something more serious. This is now a place which has lost its identity, seen a rift driven between People and Club. The crisis is existential. The Blue Union, the supporters’ group who have called and organised Saturday’s demonstration, insist they stand squarely behind the team and its manager, David Moyes. “Come 3pm, we want Goodison Park rocking,” says Joe Jennings, the group’s spokesman. “Our message is clear. We support the team. We oppose the club’s stagnation.” That is the paradox. They support the team, but in their undiluted love must attack the club. “It is not a personal issue against the board,” explains Jennings. “We just want the club to be run by someone whose business plan is not simply to cross their fingers and hope for the best. The general consensus is that it is time for change. Some people are happy to tread water. That goes against the club’s motto, Nothing But The Best. We simply want proper Everton values restored.” Here, another paradox. Everton’s image as the plucky underdogs has been polished and crafted in the Kenwright years; it has become the club’s selling point. They are the standard bearers for the little man, thanks to Moyes’s remarkable success at keeping pace with the Premier League’s princes on a pauper’s budget. “We have done that using very little cash, wheeling and dealing, selling one biggie and trying to regenerate the cash, keeping it all going,” says the Scot. “In [my] 10 years [in charge], does anyone think Everton could have done better than we have done? I would say probably not. “In the 10 years I have been here, we have finished in the top 10 seven times. Now if people actually think that Everton should be doing much better than that, then they need to be looking at things. Those positions at the minute for Everton are terrific. If you put it in to perspective, what we have had over the last 10 years has not been outrageously bad.” Few would disagree. And yet it is worth pointing out at this juncture that Everton are England’s fourth most successful club. When the Premier League started, in 1992, they had won more league titles than Manchester United. Financially, Everton are brave underdogs. Judge them by history, and they are fallen titans. And that, to Jennings, is rather the point.
“I despise that perception,” he says. “Plucky little Everton. That is something that has been invented in the Kenwright era. It sounds odd now but we are one of the sleeping giants not just of this country but of Europe.” No wonder there is a crisis of identity at Goodison Park. This is a club which has invented a new skin for itself, and found that it does not quite fit. This is a club where, as Moyes admitted yesterday, he is more than just a football manager: “Part of my job is to run a business as well. I have to be a businessman.” It is a club which has a chairman whose love for his team has never been in question, but knows it must sacrifice itself on the altar of imported wealth if it is to compete. “Someone summed it up by saying he is living his dream, but ruining ours,” according to Jennings. “There is a lot of romanticism about having a blue in charge, but if we had owners with a plan, who knows what we could achieve.” Everton is the football club all of those sides – Portsmouth, Birmingham, Newcastle, even – wish they could be, punching above their financial weight, run by a man who used to stand on the terraces, rather than regretting their dances with wolves. Today’s opponents will look at the protest outside Goodison Park with interest. Aston Villa used to want rid of an owner, too. It worked, eventually, and Doug Ellis was swept from power by Randy Lerner. He seemed the perfect fit. He lovingly restored the stained glass windows at Villa Park, rebuilt the Holte pub. He offered Martin O’Neill money to spend. This summer, Aston Villa lost Ashley Young and Stewart Downing. “Young accepted he could not win anything with us,” says Jonathan Fear, editor of Vital Villa. “We thought the days of seeing our best players leave were over when Randy took over, but there is only so much he can do. I’d be frustrated if I was him, seeing his attempts to do things the right way rendered useless by silly money spending at Chelsea and Manchester City.” Villa are one of those clubs held up by Everton as an example of what could be achieved should Kenwright step aside, finally find a buyer, stop suffocating his club with his love. “We do not want a Sheikh,” says Jennings. “We don’t want the club to spend money they do not have. We just know the garden is not always rosy.” The grass, Villa might comment, is not always greener, either.
Everton 2 Aston Villa 2: Full time report
Sep 10 2011 Birmingham Mail
Stiliyan Petrov and Gabriel Agbonlahor struck as Aston Villa twice came from behind at Everton to preserve their unbeaten Barclays Premier League start. Everton hardly looked like a team in crisis after the sale of Mikel Arteta as they claimed a deserved half-time lead through the outstanding Leon Osman. Petrov hit a superb equaliser as Villa finally showed some endeavour after the break but it needed Agbonlahor's late header to earn a draw at Goodison Park after a Leighton Baines penalty. The result left Everton frustrated after a fluid attacking display but their wholehearted performance at least put their off-field problems in the shade. The game was preceded by a peaceful protest outside the stadium by several hundred supporters frustrated at a lack of investment under chairman Bill Kenwright. Disquiet has been building for some time but has noticeably intensified since star player Arteta was sold to Arsenal last week. Yet a greater gauge of feeling towards lifelong fan Kenwright was perhaps evident when he appeared on the big screen midway through the first half. His appearance was initially met by boos from the crowd but they were quickly drowned out by a huge round of applause, suggesting the protesters remain a minority.
Both sides had talked up new signings but only one of them in Villa's Alan Hutton started the game.
Jermaine Jenas, who arrived with Hutton from Tottenham, was ruled out by a thigh injury while Everton left their loanees Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi on the bench. With Ayegbeni Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford having also left the club recently and Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe injured, that meant Everton were starting without a recognised striker. Yet it barely showed as Osman and Tim Cahill filled the forward roles superbly. The Toffees attacked from the onset and appealed fruitlessly for a penalty inside the first minute when Osman went down under a Richard Dunne challenge. Villa striker Darren Bent then headed off his own line as Phil Jagielka got forward to connect with a Baines corner from the right. Baines stayed on the right and whipped in a low cross for Osman to turn and shoot but Shay Given instinctively stuck out a hand. Jagielka headed another chance wide before Villa made a change after just 18 minutes when Emile Heskey left the field. Everton were rewarded for their bright start after 19 minutes when Petrov and Dunne failed to clear a Seamus Coleman pass and Cahill squared for Osman to sidefoot home. Substitute Barry Bannan, impressive for Scotland against Lithuania in midweek, had Villa's first serious attempt on goal after 30 minutes but Tim Howard comfortably saved his 35-yard shot. Everton continued to dictate the pace and Osman brought another good save from Given with a curling shot from the edge of the area after being set up by Marouane Fellaini. Fellaini then tried his luck with a powerful left-foot shot which flew over the bar. Villa had a lucky escape just before the break when a long-range Jack Rodwell shot was deflected narrowly wide by Fabian Delph with Given well beaten.
Villa started to show some urgency after the break but Fellaini ended a good run by Delph and Sylvain Distin produced a fine tackle to deny Agbonlahor. Everton were inches away from doubling their lead as Fellaini headed across goal and Jagielka in turn nodded narrowly over. Yet Villa were enjoying a good spell and pulled back level just after the hour when Petrov found space outside the area and curled a stunning shot inside Howard's left-hand post. Villa were energised but Everton quickly responded. Cahill brought a fine reaction save from Given as he met a Baines corner with a firm header but Jagielka was then bundled over by Delph. Referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot and Baines stepped forward to tuck away the penalty. Yet Villa were not finished and were freshened up by the introduction of Marc Albrighton for Charles N'Zogbia. The visitors equalised for a second time after 83 minutes as Agbonlahor again got forward and spread the ball wide for Albrighton. The winger had time to curl a fine cross to the back post for Agbonlahor to jump and head past Howard from point-blank range. Everton roused themselves for one last effort to snatch a winner but Cahill sidefooted wide after beating Given on the edge of the area and substitute Ross Barkley brought a fine fingertip save from the keeper.
Final whistle report: Everton 2 Aston Villa 2
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 10 2011
EVERTON: (4-2-3-1) Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka (Capt), Baines, Rodwell, Fellaini, Osman, Bilyaletdinov (Drenthe, 71) Coleman (Barkley, 80) Cahill (Vellios, 84). Subs not used: Mucha, Neville, Stracqualursi, Gueye.
Bookings: Jagielka
Goals: Osman (18) Baines (Pen, 68)
ASTON VILLA: (4-4-2) Given, Hutton, Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Delph (Ireland, 80), Petrov, N’Zogbia (Albrighton, 71), Agbonlahor, Heskey (Bannan, 16), Bent. Subs not used: Delfouneso, Clark, Herd, Guzan.
Bookings: Agbonlahor
Goals: Petrov (63), Agbonlahor (82)
Ref: Michael Oliver
EVERTON were held to a frustrating draw with Aston Villa despite twice taking the lead at Goodison Park. The Blues had looked to be convincing value for the points in a solid overall display, enlivened by flashes of skill from Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, and a first taste of action for new loan signing Royston Drenthe. But they eventually slipped to a repeat of the stale-mate with Villa here last season, after succumbing to a late Gabriel Agbonlahor header. David Moyes asked Tim Cahill to return to his occasional solo attacking role, and the Aussie led the line magnificently with plenty of his typical vigour and bite. And the Toffees seemed to have weathered a brief period of uncertainty when Villa first equalised courtesy of a Stiliyan Petrov wonder-goal, but restored their lead via a coolly-converted Leighton Baines penalty.
Baines was back at his best after shaking off a hamstring injury, and linked up cleverly with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov early on forcing Villa to concede a corner. From that, Phil Jagielka’s goalbound header was cleared off the line by Darren Bent, and then Leon Osman twisted and fired a low shot at Shay Given which the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper blocked from 12 yards. Osman did not have to wait long to strike though. Tim Cahill did well to seize onto his ball into the area, and the Aussie returned the favour with a neat square pass allowing the little midfielder to pick his spot and calmly side foot home. Villa started poorly and generally failed to utilise Darren Bent’s pace, with the striker well marshalled by Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin. Osman went close again with the half nearing conclusion when he was fed by Marouane Fellaini and tested the impressive Given. And the big Belgian almost notched himself when he turned Barry Bannan, and launched a fierce shot from 20 yards that scorched narrowly over. Then, urged on by the crowd, Jack Rodwell tried his luck from range, and his deflected shot wrong-footed Given but arrowed narrowly wide. Everton were good value for their lead, and had kept the visitors on the back foot with a string of attacks which probably warranted a greater goal return. Defensively they were resilient for most of the encounter too. Sylvain Distin shone, making a series of crucial blocks and at one point in the second half warding off the danger of Gabriel Agbonlahor with a crucial slide tackle after matching the much younger Villa attacker for pace. However, the Blues lack of a striking edge still frustrated. Jagielka missed a clear headed chance to increase their lead, and Everton soon paid for their profligacy. Villa attack appeared to be going nowhere as Stephen Warnock passed to Stiliyan Petrov at least 30 yards from goal, and the Bulgarian skipper curled a wonderful shot past Tim Howard. Fortunately the Toffees quickly restored their lead. They had been denied two penalty claims, but there was no doubt over the spot-kick Michael Oliver awarded when Fabian Delp inexplicably climbed all over Phil Jagielka as the defender pushed forward for a Leighton Baines corner. Everton’s England left back made no mistake from the spot either, drilling his effort cleanly into the bottom corner. It seemed set for a comfortable end, but Everton allowed Villa back in thanks to some lethargic defending. Lulled into believing their opponents were a spent force, nobody in a blue shirt closed down sub Marc Albrighton who crossed for Agbonlahor to nip in front of Distin and score with a close range header. Substitute striker Apostolos Vellios almost grabbed the points with a lovely cameo, but in the end Moyes’ men were undone by that lack of concentration when it mattered. Jubilant at their share of the spoils, the visiting Villa fans chanted ‘We are Unbeatable’ afterwards, but they plainly were beatable and Everton really should have obliged. The game had been preceded by a protest organised by Everton supporters group the Blue Union, as hundreds of fans critical of the club's board marched from Spellow Lane to Goodison Road.
Everton 2 Aston Villa 2: match report
Saturday Sep 10 2011.
Telegraher
EVERTON2 – 2 ASTON VILLA Saturday, September 10
Premier League
Goodison ParkOsman (19)Baines (69) (HT 1-0)
ATT: 32,736 Petrov (63)Agbonlahor (83)
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Stiliyan Petrov and Gabriel Agbonlahor struck as Aston Villa twice came from behind at Everton to preserve their unbeaten Premier League start. Everton hardly looked like a team in crisis after the sale of Mikel Arteta as they claimed a deserved half-time lead through the outstanding Leon Osman.
Petrov hit a superb equaliser as Villa finally showed some endeavour after the break but it needed Agbonlahor's late header to earn a draw at Goodison Park after a Leighton Baines penalty. The result left Everton frustrated after a fluid attacking display but their wholehearted performance at least put their off-field problems in the shade. The game was preceded by a peaceful protest outside the stadium by several hundred supporters frustrated at a lack of investment under chairman Bill Kenwright. Disquiet has been building for some time but has noticeably intensified since star player Arteta was sold to Arsenal last week. Yet a greater gauge of feeling towards lifelong fan Kenwright was perhaps evident when he appeared on the big screen midway through the first half. His appearance was initially met by boos from the crowd but they were quickly drowned out by a huge round of applause, suggesting the protesters remain a minority. Both sides had talked up new signings but only one of them in Villa's Alan Hutton started the game. Jermaine Jenas, who arrived with Hutton from Tottenham, was ruled out by a thigh injury while Everton left their loanees Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi on the bench. With Ayegbeni Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford having also left the club recently and Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe injured, that meant Everton were starting without a recognised striker. Yet it barely showed as Osman and Tim Cahill filled the forward roles superbly. The Toffees attacked from the onset and appealed fruitlessly for a penalty inside the first minute when Osman went down under a Richard Dunne challenge. Villa striker Darren Bent then headed off his own line as Phil Jagielka got forward to connect with a Baines corner from the right. Baines stayed on the right and whipped in a low cross for Osman to turn and shoot but Shay Given instinctively stuck out a hand. Jagielka headed another chance wide before Villa made a change after just 18 minutes when Emile Heskey left the field.
Everton were rewarded for their bright start after 19 minutes when Petrov and Dunne failed to clear a Seamus Coleman pass and Cahill squared for Osman to sidefoot home. Substitute Barry Bannan, impressive for Scotland against Lithuania in midweek, had Villa's first serious attempt on goal after 30 minutes but Tim Howard comfortably saved his 35-yard shot. Everton continued to dictate the pace and Osman brought another good save from Given with a curling shot from the edge of the area after being set up by Marouane Fellaini. Fellaini then tried his luck with a powerful left-foot shot which flew over the bar. Villa had a lucky escape just before the break when a long-range Jack Rodwell shot was deflected narrowly wide by Fabian Delph with Given well beaten. Villa started to show some urgency after the break but Fellaini ended a good run by Delph and Sylvain Distin produced a fine tackle to deny Agbonlahor. Everton were inches away from doubling their lead as Fellaini headed across goal and Jagielka in turn nodded narrowly over. Yet Villa were enjoying a good spell and pulled back level just after the hour when Petrov found space outside the area and curled a stunning shot inside Howard's left-hand post. Villa were energised but Everton quickly responded. Cahill brought a fine reaction save from Given as he met a Baines corner with a firm header but Jagielka was then bundled over by Delph. Referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot and Baines stepped forward to tuck away the penalty. Yet Villa were not finished and were freshened up by the introduction of Marc Albrighton for Charles N'Zogbia. The visitors equalised for a second time after 83 minutes as Agbonlahor again got forward and spread the ball wide for Albrighton. The winger had time to curl a fine cross to the back post for Agbonlahor to jump and head past Howard from point-blank range. Everton roused themselves for one last effort to snatch a winner but Cahill sidefooted wide after beating Given on the edge of the area and substitute Ross Barkley brought a fine fingertip save from the keeper.
Everton 2-2 Aston Villa: Sunday Mirror match report
September 11 2011
David Moyes is on a quest to build a new Everton team after his side sizzled against Aston Villa but conceded a late goal. Everton took the lead through a well-worked Leon Osman effort, and played some eye-catching stuff in the opening period. And in Osman, they have a player capable of filling the void left by the deadline-day sale of Mikel Arteta to Arsenal for £10 million. Moyes explained: “Osman has always had similar type of abilities. And when we were in our pomp – with Arteta, Osman and Pienaar – we had some terrific footballers. “The job is to find a new team, and I said to the boys, our job is to find a winning team – and from that I can see where I can take it too.” Stiliyan Petrov notched a thunderbolt equaliser before a Leighton Baines penalty put Everton ahead again.
But a late Gabriel Agbonlahor strike secured a point and maintained Villa’s unbeaten start this term.
Villa boss Alex McLeish said: “You may not have the best game, but you have to see a bit of steel and resilience because all the top teams have that. “I’d be more disappointed if we’d been defeated, it’s a good point. I asked our lads to try and start fast and have the Goodison crowd quiet, but their crowd got right behind them and Everton did things to encourage the crowd. “We had to change it in the second half and the character of my squad came through.” Moyes’ Toffees played with verve and panache in their first match without the artistry of their talismanic Arteta. The despondency of home fans at the loss of the crown jewel had sparked an outcry. In his absence up stepped new hero Osman, a product of the academy system, who provided the creative ingredient to their industry. And had it not been for Agbonlahor’s late header, Everton would have celebrated a new era with a deserved win after a performance that showed they will continue to land big shots on heavy opponents again this season. Before kick-off hundreds of disgruntled Everton fans gathered outside demanding change. But Blue Union – an amalgamation of Everton fan groups – opted to vent their spleen of frustration against owner Bill Kenwright. Devoid of cash, but steeped in integrity and a fierce Bluenose loyalist, it seems Kenwright is now the target of the mob. Maybe Moyes was in better inspirational mode than usual or the players wanted a display to support their beleaguered chairman. Whichever one it was they were superb in the opening half and had they taken chances would have won the game. The goalwas richly deserved for Everton’s attacking play. Tim Cahill and Osman were, unsurprisingly, at the epicentre of the goal. Osman flicked a pass into the path of the Australian, who held off a challenge to glide an inch- perfect reverse pass back to his team-mate.
Cahill didn’t even break stride as he strode onto the pass and side-footed home with aplomb on 19 minutes. However Villa levelled just after the hour when Stephen Warnock squared the ball to Petrov 30 yards from goal, and, as Everton failed to close him down, he unleashed a piledriver past Tim Howard. Everton edged ahead again six minutes later when Baines buried a penalty after Phil Jagiekla had been fouled by Fabian Delph. But Agbonlahor’s 83rd-minute header salvaged a point for Villa.
VERDICT: Everton were the better team throughout the game and should have won this at a canter, but their lack of a proven striker will be an obstacle again this season.
THE BIG ISSUE: Can Everton cope without Mikel Arteta?
Everton showed yesterday that they have enough within their ranks to cope without the creative instincts of the departed Mikel Arteta. And in Leon Osman, they have a footballers’ footballer.
Osman can play in a variety of places but at last he will get a chance to be at the creative hub of the team. He has a good appreciation of the pass and an eye for goal. In addition, youngster Ross Barkley and Royston Drenthe, who impressed a cameo role against Villa yesterday, should, as a collective, be able to fill the void left by the Spanish playmaker’s deadline day move to Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.
EVERTON 2 - VILLA 2: MOYSIE'S IN AGONY
11th September 2011 By Jeremy Butler
Sunday Star
GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR hid the naked truth about this shocking Villa display by netting and ripping off his shirt to celebrate. The hitman powered in to score a second equaliser for Alex McLeish’s men with seven minutes left to pile on the misery for Everton boss David Moyes . And the song and dance the England man made about the leveller showed just how Villa felt about getting out of jail.
It looked like Leighton Baines had made Villa pay for a woeful display with his spot-kick in the 69th minute. But Agbonlahor beat Sylvain Distin to Marc Albrighton’s cross to thump home after Stilivan Petrov had given Villa a foothold with a sensational long-range strike. That cancelled out Leon Osman’s opener which had lifted the tension stored up from a pre-match fans protest. Osman must tell his pals to bash the bookies every time he spots Villa on the fixture list. The midfielder just can’t stop scoring against the men from the Midlands. He took his tally to five to cap an opening 19 minutes where Everton bombarded Shay Given’s goal. Tim Cahill was stopped from scoring by a typically brave bit of defending by Richard Dunne. Phil Jagielka was next to threaten as he met Baines’ corner with a forceful header. Given was beaten and needed striker Darren Bent to pop up and save the day. It was no surprise Jagielka was spending so much time in the Villa box – there was little for him to worry about at the back. Time after time they pumped balls down the middle for Bent to chase and time after time Tim Howard mopped up with ease. Everton’s smarter approach was rewarded when Jagielka’s powerful pass was neatly controlled by Cahill and the Aussie was alert enough to spot Osman’s run into the box. He slid a pass square and Osman side- footed his 12-yard effort past a diving Given. Villa’s response was weak and Charles N’Zogbia’s wild slash at the ball from 25 yards out summed up their first half. Baines caused problems down Everton’s left and should have won a penalty in the 50th minute when Barry Bannan nibbled at him as he charged into the area. Referee Mike Oliver waved play on. He was wrong to do so. Villa presented Jagielka with a third chance but he wastefully nodded over from Marouane Fellaini’s knockdown. And the Toffees paid for that miss as Petrov bent a 30-yard effort past Howard. Villa barely deserved to be level but it was not for long. Given batted away a close-range header from Cahill but Fabian Delph brainlessly jumped all over Jagielka to give Baines a chance from the spot. He converted without fuss. That should have been it but the Toffees fell asleep and Albrighton was allowed to deliver a cross which Agbonlahor buried. Moyesie threw on an un- known target man who nearly grabbed victory. Apostolos Vellios dinked an effort past the advancing Given but it was also past the post.
McLeish said: “We were a bit insipid in the first half and Everton dominated. “We never really posed a threat ourselves and we had the chance to regroup at half-time. “It is not an easy place to come. The crowd got right behind them but Everton did the things to encourage the crowd. “The character of my squad came through. If you have bottle and character and steel and resilience then you have to see it because all the top teams have that.” Moyes said: “We didn’t play well against QPR or Blackburn but the boys did really well today. “It was frustrating that we didn’t win but the performance merited more. “I’m disappointed we lost a goal from 30 yards and a one from a corner but we did look solid. “There was a protest before the game but three or four of the lads came out strong and the crowd got behind us when they saw that.
Everton FC supporters hold peaceful protest before Aston Villa game
by Mark Johnson, Liverpool Echo Sep 12 2011
EVERTON FC supporters’ group, The Blue Union, held a peaceful protest march against the way club is being run. Hundreds of fans turned out for the demonstration, which started at Spellow Lane before the Blues’ game against Aston Villa on Saturday. Other supporters joined in the march as it headed towards Goodison Park before kick-off. Dave Kelly, spokesman for the Blue Union, told the ECHO: “The protest was not a witch-hunt against Bill Kenwright, any individual or the board. “The protest was about an issue. “We need a buyer to allow us to compete with our peers rather than stagnate like we are at present. “There needs to be hard-nosed professionals who have the expertise brought into the club to find a buyer. That will allow us to move on.” The march was initially due to end outside the directors’ entrance to the stadium, but stopped outside the Winslow pub on advice from Merseyside police. On Saturday, Mr Kenwright repeated his desire to sell the club. He said: “If people think I do not want to let go, that means I am being dishonest and it simply is not true. “I have been desperate to find a buyer for four years, and I would never do anything to hurt this club.”
Tim Cahill is convinced Everton FC still possess the quality and spirit to do well this season
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 12 2011
TIM CAHILL is convinced Everton still possess the quality and spirit to emerge strongly from a difficult start to the season. Fears of a long campaign of slog for the Goodison outfit were intensified when influential midfielder Mikel Arteta was sold to Arsenal shortly before last month’s transfer deadline. Ongoing financial restraints limited manager David Moyes’s movement in the summer market and prompted a peaceful protest march from supporters’ group The Blue Union on Saturday calling for change among the club’s hierarchy. On the pitch, however, Everton subsequently produced a fine performance and were unfortunate to come away with only a 2-2 Premier League draw at home to Aston Villa. And Cahill, who operated as a makeshift striker, believes the display showed there remains plenty of hope for the future. “We still have that tightness, spirit and togetherness,” said the Australian. “The window is over, we know what we have got in the dressing room when you look around and see the quality. We really appreciate each other and the manager and the chairman. We just want to do well. “Saturday’s game shows it’s the start of being positive and that we have some real quality here. “Everybody wants to see new faces and change, but sometimes it can’t be done. We are balancing the books and we want to be a football club that’s going to be around for a very long time.” Youngsters Ross Barkley and Apostolos Vellios emerged from the bench late on to almost snatch victory for Everton, while fellow starlets Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman – making his return after five weeks out with an ankle injury – both started the match. And Cahill added: “We are creating some great young talent. We fully back the chairman, the boss and the whole club. “Hopefully the fans who did protest can understand that this is a great football club and we can all pull together in the right direction. “I think we have seen that in the QPR game and in the last few games, the future is very bright for the youngsters. “This is a great football club that means as much to the players as the fans. This was all about us pulling together and making sure they can see we care as much as they do. “The win on Saturday would have made it an even more special day. It’s a good strong squad.” With Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe sidelined, Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford sold and Denis Stracqualursi only just signed, Cahill reprised his role of three seasons ago by playing as the main striker, creating Everton’s first goal for Leon Osman. “It’s hard,” he admitted. “You are up against big centre-backs and it becomes a big battle and you know you have to do the hard yards and chase everything down and create havoc in the defence. “It fell nicely for Ossie from me for the first goal, and you could see their centre-backs were having to deal with me and it was giving more space to the players coming in from behind.
“Overall it didn’t quite drop for us in the box. But if we keep getting the chances we are going to score goals, and we showed there’s a good feeling about the team.” Cahill struck up a strong friendship with Arteta during the Spaniard’s time at the club, but admits the midfielder’s move was right for all concerned parties. “Mikel has been a great servant to the club, but it was good business for everyone,” he said. “Mikel will now be playing in the Champions League, but when you look on the pitch and he’s not there it’s a great player that we have lost.”
Everton FC chairman Bill Kenwright passes his Goodison Park screen test but concerns about club still persist
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 12 2011
GOODISON PARK witnessed a spectacular display of theatre on Saturday – but it failed to raise a smile from Everton’s impresario chairman Bill Kenwright. Whoever was directing the cameras for the big screens at the stadium obviously has a flair for drama because twice in a matter of seconds late in the first-half, the focus of attention was a close-up of the club’s beleaguered owner watching his side. Kenwright’s beloved blue boys were leading 1-0 at the time but he still carried a hangdog expression as his face was displayed to over 30,000 of his fellow Evertonians. This might have been a Premier League fixture in 2011 but it’s as if we’d all been transported 2,000 years back in time to the Colosseum in Rome and Kenwright was waiting in painful anxiety to learn his fate as to whether he’d be given the thumbs up or down. Only this time it wasn’t the competing gladiators whose future was in the balance but Goodison’s own Caesar. Barely an hour earlier, several hundred fans had embarked on a protest march outside the ground which culminated by the directors’ entrance.
Deeply frustrated with Everton’s seeming failures to progress financially despite manager David Moyes’s efforts on the pitch, the vociferous group chanted slogans such as “Let go if you love the club” directed at Kenwright. But despite the demands of a vocal minority, on this occasion Kenwright appeared to have survived his ‘trial by television’. As his face first appeared on the screens during the game, the initial sound was one of boos. However, the hecklers were quickly drowned out inside the stadium by the noise of applauding Evertonians, giving some moral support to their club’s owner in his hour of need. For all Kenwright’s rights and wrongs, the former actor is clearly a deeply sensitive man and the events of recent weeks in which his ability to remain in charge of the club he loves has been called into question have obviously upset him greatly. The corridors inside ‘The Grand Old Lady’ are usually the setting for Kenwright to hold court – the place where he feels most at ease. On this occasion though, the man who took charge of Everton at the turn of the millennium to great relief and fanfare following the turbulence of Peter Johnson’s tenure looked like he’d struggle to crack a smile even if his boyhood hero, old Dave Hickson, had come on against Villa and nodded in a winner. For all Kenwright’s worries, he seemingly still retains the support of the majority of his fellow Evertonians, despite Saturday’s protests. But while many are not yet at the point of open revolt, vast numbers still share the anger and frustrations of the protestors. Everton’s current plight is something of a glass half empty/glass half full argument. Last week, Robert Elstone, who was appointed chief executive by Kenwright, defended the current hierarchy by highlighting strides on and off the pitch such as regular top-half finishes in the Premier League, the building of the best squad of players since the 1980s, the club’s most sustained period of European football and record sponsorship deals. These are all valid points, so why do Evertonians still feel so flat and concerned that their club is being left behind their rivals in the Premier League? Perhaps it’s because if all is so rosy in the Goodison garden, then Everton should be building on all these positives rather than standing still which in the Premier League tends to lead to falling backwards.
As the most talented Everton manager in a generation, Moyes was rewarded by being able to mould a side to try and match his aspirations by breaking the club’s transfer record on no fewer than four occasions between 2005-08. This squad building climaxed with Everton recording their second successive fifth place finish in the Premier League in 2009 and an FA Cup final appearance against Chelsea. At the time, Moyes declared that it was only a matter of time before the most talented group of players he’d worked with won a trophy but since then the likes of Joleon Lescott, Steven Pienaar and now Mikel Arteta have all departed. If appointing Moyes was Kenwright’s best-ever move then he doesn’t want his legacy to become that of the man who was unable to let him fulfil his ambitions at Everton. Amongst the usual light patter of his programme notes, the Scot himself was particularly poignant in calling for a united front at the club. Moyes declared: “Whatever has happened in the past or is happening right now, there will always be an Everton… but only if the supporters keep pushing the team on. The difference you make when the players know they’ve got your total backing undoubtedly helps them on the field…” That support of the team remains unwavering from Evertonians but while others continue to spend, both Kenwright and the paying spectators around him surely realise that a manager now approaching a decade in charge at Goodison cannot be expected to keep turning water into wine indefinitely.
David Moyes hoping Marouane Fellaini will be the heartbeat of his new Everton FC side
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sep 12 2011
Everton FC midfielder Marouane FellainiDAVID MOYES is hoping to build a new, young Everton FC side around the inspiration of his towering Belgian, Marouane Fellaini. The midfielder was in outstanding form against Aston Villa on Saturday – controlling the pace and pattern of the game and going close to opening his goal-scoring account for the season with several impressive efforts.
Afterwards Moyes declared: “I’ve said all along I think Fellaini is a really good player in the Premier League. "And he’s young. He’s only 23 now so you think what he could be like when he’s 26 or 27.
“But we think he’s already come on a lot. He’s physically stronger, much more disciplined in the job he has to do in the team. "He still has a tendency to run out of position but that can upset the opposition because of his size and you saw how good his feet are today. “I think he’s a real good player. He’s got a lot going for him.” Fellaini is currently negotiating a new long-term contract with the club and Moyes hopes that the Belgian can be the heartbeat of his side. “I’m having to look to try and build a new side from what we’ve got, not necessarily with lots of new players,” explained Moyes. “I need to get myself in the right position in the league, but also need to see where we can take it on and try to find the new Cahills. “If people hadn’t seen the Greek boy (Apostolos Vellios) who came on they’d say ‘boy oh boy, you’re not the worst are you? You’ve done okay and were unlucky not to get one or two goals.’ And we have another couple who are similar to that. “The problem is if you are trying them out in the Premier League it’s a risk - and at the moment I’m risking them. “Ideally you would go and get them Championship experience so they know what the speed is like and the game is like and what they have to do. But because of our numbers we have to use these boys either in the team or to fill out the bench.” Moyes explained that captain Phil Neville was left out after Tony Hibbert impressed in the Carling Cup victory over Sheffield United recently. “Phil Neville was fine,” he said. “Johnny Heitinga had a bit of a knock from the Holland game. “But what I’m trying to do is reward people who are playing well, and there were a few today who upped their performance on what they’ve had in recent games. “It was frustrating because our performance probably merited more. “We needed to do better to finish it off. But you have to give Aston Villa credit for the way they defended against us. “We missed a couple of chances, but our play was exciting at times and we tried to score good goals and do the right thing. Overall there weren’t too many bad things. I’m disappointed we conceded two goals, one from 30 yards and one from a cross but I’ve got to say I thought today’s performance was really good. “Three or four of the players really got at them and gave us a start and that got the fans right behind us as well. It’s a great place when the fans are up and it was today. The crowd probably responded to how well the players had done, especially in that opening period. “I think I said after the first game against QPR the supporters rub off what we do on the pitch and we didn’t play that well. We didn’t play well against Blackburn, but the boys didn’t half play well today. “It didn’t go for us and we had a couple of mistakes defensively, but you couldn’t fault the attitude, the commitment, the effort the players showed and I think the crowd picked up on that. “I thought the crowd was terrific in the ground today, but I have to say I’ve always found them terrific. “They obviously picked up on how the team was playing. And I thought the team did well so it’s easier for the supporters.”
Tim Cahill hails Everton FC fans’ applause for chairman Bill Kenwright
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sep 12 2011
Bill Kenwright with Doug EllisTIM CAHILL described the moment that chairman Bill Kenwright was applauded by Everton fans on Saturday as “special.” A peaceful protest march against Kenwright’s running of the club was organised by members of fans group the Blue Union and attracted several hundred marchers. A few hundred fans gathered on grassland on Spellow Lane shortly before 2pm and the numbers were added to as the protestors marched along Goodison Road. The protestors were led by a man dressed as a clown with a cake to present to the board to commemorate the second anniversary since the club paid a significant transfer fee for a player. During the first half of the match, with Everton leading 1-0, the giant screen in the corner of the ground featured the chairman’s image. The images on the Goodison screens are chosen by the host broadcaster – on Saturday the BBC – independent of Everton officials. Like at the home game against Queens Park Rangers the image was greeted by booing, but this time the boos were instantly drowned out by spontaneous applause from all sections of the ground. The director even felt confident enough to show a second image seconds later, this time greeted solely by applause – and the image of the chairman’s partner, Jenny Seagrove, nudging him and mouthing ‘they’re applauding you.’
After the 2-2 draw Cahill said: “We try not to get too much involved because sometimes it can get thrown in your face, but today it was special for the players to see that for the chairman because he's as passionate as everyone else and sometimes that can be a hindrance more than a positive. It's good that he's showing his face and making sure he's here and facing up to the fans.” Cahill added: “I suppose in general, the protests, if you look at it now, was probably something which shouldn't have happened, but I know deep down they really do appreciate the chairman. “They feel there must be a change because they see other clubs spending a hell of a lot of money. But he loves this club and he loves his players and he has looked after us and he's treated us like his children and the manager as well. “All we can do is fight for them and fight for the cause and make sure the fans know that. “When I first joined the club Duncan Ferguson and Stubbsy and players like that taught me what it was to be a Blue, and that's what we did today.” The protest march was conducted peacefully, fans chanting “Let go if you love the club” and ending with a show of support for the manager with David Moyes’ name chanted outside the Winslow Hotel. Cahill added that he understood the fans’ frustrations. “I think we want to show the fans that this isn't a club that is in stagnation,” he said. “We need them to back us to the hilt. We can understand their frustration, but we want to show that this is still a strong squad. “The club is trying to balance the books and make sure that we're around for years to come. There is a lot of history here and the last seven years I've been here have been pretty special. And I still feel this season that it still will be special. “You deal with what you've got and as an Evertonian, whether it's good times or bad times, you've got to roll with it and today I think we showed what it meant to play for such a good football club, to back the manager, back the chairman and back the fans. It felt fantastic out there today.” Cahill also underlined the sense of personal loss he has been forced to come to terms with following the transfer of his close friend Mikel Arteta to Arsenal on deadline day. “It's hard,” he admitted. “Mikky was one of my closest friends and someone I admire a lot, but the whole scenario was right for everyone. “Mikky might go on to play for his national team, he's going to play in the Champions League which is something he wanted. But it's also good for the club that Mikky's off the books, he raised a hell of a lot of money. He cared about this club a lot and it's sad. So to not be here when Mikky left was really hard to take but I'm trying to understand both perspectives, of the person and the football club. “That's our fans being passionate. We never want to lose a player like that who gives so much to the football club but we want to make sure this club's alive for many years to come so we can have these special feelings of the roof coming off every time we come here. “It's difficult for them and it's difficult for everyone, but the reality is it's the football club we live in. If we had a couple of hundred million like the club across the park it would be a different story. But it's not. I've been here a while and I've learned to roll with the punches, but today was refreshing. “We knew what we had in the changing room. We looked at each other and we said 'this is it.' Let's go out there and show what we're made of and I feel we did today.”
Everton FC 2 Aston Villa 2: Blues show team spirit that money can't buy
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 12 2011
THERE may be a creeping division among Everton’s fan base – but blessed unity still persists in two all-important areas.Protesters marched along Goodison Road and Everton’s players had to contend with a lack of personnel and options.Yet when it really counted, both responded in the right way. A packed Goodison roared David Moyes’ men onto the pitch, providing its characteristic support throughout, and the players responded in kind – showing they have not allowed the negativity around the club to infiltrate the dressing room.Disagreement might have a place outside the ground, but after the whistle went everyone pulled in the same direction.There was even spontaneous and fulsome applause for Bill Kenwright, when an image of the chairman appeared on the big-screens.The Toffees should have had three points to show for a buoyant, progressive overall performance but nevertheless, the players proved they will not be sucked into a vicious circle of doubt and pessimism.If both remain united, there can be hope that the contentious issues about investment currently surrounding the club won’t be compounded by a dismal season.Tim Cahill has seen his best friend, Mikel Arteta, leave and could be forgiven for wondering if he will ever lift the silverware he craves as an Everton player but he responded with the type of performance that epitomised his finest qualities.Asked to resume his occasional solo attacking role, the Aussie led the line magnificently with plenty of his typical vigour and bite.Phil Jagielka too has had his future shrouded in uncertainty all summer. It was he, not Arteta, who many suspected would be pulling on the red and white shirt of Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.But the England defender put in a typically honest and committed shift, complemented by an effervescent Leon Osman and Leighton Baines. Ultimately there was frustration at a result which mirrored the stalemate with Aston Villa at Goodison last season.Everton were defensively resilient for most of the encounter. Sylvain Distin shone, making a series of crucial blocks and at one point in the second half warding off the danger of Gabriel Agbonlahor with a crucial slide tackle after matching the much younger Villa attacker for pace.But the Blues still urgently need to re-learn the mantra that concentration is crucial for 90 minutes. Everton switched off and afforded Marc Albrighton criminal time to provide the unimpeded cross for Gabriel Agbonlahor’s second equaliser.Lulled into believing their opponents were a spent force, nobody in a blue shirt closed the Villa man down, and those momentary lapses in focus are becoming an issue for Everton’s defending as a team.There was a time that a solid defensive base could be taken for granted with a Moyes side, but too often over the last 12 months the current boys in blue have gifted soft goals to their opponents.Just think back to the opening day defeat of this campaign by QPR, and recall how Everton watched and admired as Rangers crafted the game’s solitary goal.At least there were two goals on Saturday, not bad for a team with no natural strikers in the starting eleven.For the first, Tim Cahill did well to seize onto Leon Osman’s ball into the area, and returned the favour with a neat square pass allowing the little midfielder to pick his spot and calmly side foot home.And the Toffees seemed to have weathered a brief period of uncertainty when Villa first equalised courtesy of a Stiliyan Petrov wonder-goal, but restored their lead via a coolly-converted Leighton Baines penalty.All over the field there were bright performances in royal blue. Seamus Coleman reminded everyone why his pace and willingness to run at defenders can be so effective, before naturally tiring in the second half.It is credit to his professionalism that he has recovered so quickly from ankle ligament damage, and Marouane Fellaini proved he is quickly leaving his own ankle problems behind. The Belgian put in another commanding performance alongside an improved Jack Rodwell, and hinted Everton’s midfield can adequately cope without the ball retaining qualities of Mikel Arteta.There wasn’t much anyone could have done about Villa’s first goal, a sweetly struck 30-yard curler from visiting skipper Stiliyan Petrov that gave Tim Howard no chance.Another home game against Wigan should provide Everton with the chance to make their start to this campaign far better than the habitual slumps of recent seasons.Against Aston Villa, Moyes’ men proved there is still plenty to cheer about on the pitch as they generally had the better of a side who were able to sign, in Charles N’Zogbia, the Everton bosses’ number one summer transfer target.With that transfer window closed, the focus can sharpen once again on making the players Everton have still got into a side that can jostle for a Europa League place. And maintaining togetherness at Goodison Park on match days is the surest way to keep that hope alive."To go a goal up at home twice and still not win the game is disappointing, but to play as we have done and not win is really upsetting." LEON OSMAN reflects on a frustrating afternoon“If you have bottle and character and steel and resilience then you have to show it, because all the top teams have that." ALEX MCLEISH, pictured above with David Moyes
EVERTON (4-4-1-1): Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman (Barkley 81), Fellaini, Rodwell, Bilyaletdinov (Drenthe 71); Osman; Cahill (Vellios 84). Not used: Mucha, Stracqualursi, Neville, Gueye
ASTON VILLA (4-3-3): Given; Hutton, Dunne, Collins, Warnock; N’Zogbia (Albrighton 73), Delph (Ireland 80), Petrov; Heskey (Bannan 17), Bent, Agbonlahor. Not used: Guzan, Delfouenso, Clark, Herd.
GOALS: Osman 19, Baines 69 pen; Petrov 63, Agbonlahor 83
CARDS: Booked – Jagielka
REFEREE: Michael Oliver (Northumberland)
ATTENDANCE: 32,736
Blues youngsters will ensure bright future at Everton FC says Tim Cahill
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 12 2011
TIM CAHILL believes Everton’s bright young things can help the club move on from the disappointment of losing Mikel Arteta.The 31-year-old midfielder insists the spirit in the Blues’ dressing room has never been better, and players like Ross Barkley and Apostolos Vellios can help lift the supporters after a difficult summer.Cahill, who created the opener during a much improved 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, urged fans to remain united behind the club, and said he is still full of optimism despite the £10m departure of his close friend Arteta last month.He said: “We still have that tightness, spirit and togetherness. The window is over, we know what we have got in the dressing room when you look around and see the quality. “I think we have seen that in the QPR game and in the last few games, the future is very bright for the youngsters.“This is a great football club that means as much to the players as the fans. Today was all about us pulling together and making sure they can see we care as much as they do.”Cahill was Arteta’s best man at his wedding last July, but the Aussie was philosophical about the sale of the Spanish playmaker – and says the midfield can still prosper without him.“It’s not personal. This is business. This is football. Mikel has been a great servant to the club but it was good business for everyone,” he said. “Mikel will now be playing in the Champions League and he’ll have a chance of playing for his country. We got some great money for him, and sometimes it comes to a point where it’s time to move on.“He’s one of my closest friends. He texted the other night and said good luck to all the boys before the game. He has a special place in his heart for Everton.“It’s sad to see him go, but it was a good move for him. I think it’s worked out well for everyone. But when you look on the pitch and he’s not there, it’s a great player that we have lost.“Give everyone a chance. Royston looks like someone who can change a game and adds a bit of flair. Denis is a big striker and is strong and can hold the ball up and has looked good in training.”Cahill was delighted with the response of the 32,736 supporters in Goodison, and was moved by the reception given to loan signing Royston Drenthe when he made his bow as a 71st minute substitute.“Hats off to the fans. When Royston came on they nearly took the roof off, and I looked around and it gave all the players goosebumps,” said the Socceroo. “We had a real good feeling about how much we wanted to do well and be positive and fluent with our football.“Everybody wants to see new faces and change, but sometimes it can’t be done. We are creating some great young talent. We fully back the chairman, the boss and the whole club.”
David Moyes hoping Marouane Fellaini will be the heartbeat of his new Everton FC side
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Sep 12 2011
DAVID MOYES is hoping to build a new, young Everton FC side around the inspiration of his towering Belgian, Marouane Fellaini.The midfielder was in outstanding form against Aston Villa on Saturday – controlling the pace and pattern of the game and going close to opening his goal-scoring account for the season with several impressive efforts.Afterwards Moyes declared: “I’ve said all along I think Fellaini is a really good player in the Premier League. "And he’s young. He’s only 23 now so you think what he could be like when he’s 26 or 27.“But we think he’s already come on a lot. He’s physically stronger, much more disciplined in the job he has to do in the team. "He still has a tendency to run out of position but that can upset the opposition because of his size and you saw how good his feet are today.“I think he’s a real good player. He’s got a lot going for him.”Fellaini is currently negotiating a new long-term contract with the club and Moyes hopes that the Belgian can be the heartbeat of his side. “I’m having to look to try and build a new side from what we’ve got, not necessarily with lots of new players,” explained Moyes.“I need to get myself in the right position in the league, but also need to see where we can take it on and try to find the new Cahills.“If people hadn’t seen the Greek boy (Apostolos Vellios) who came on they’d say ‘boy oh boy, you’re not the worst are you? You’ve done okay and were unlucky not to get one or two goals.’ And we have another couple who are similar to that.“The problem is if you are trying them out in the Premier League it’s a risk - and at the moment I’m risking them.“Ideally you would go and get them Championship experience so they know what the speed is like and the game is like and what they have to do. But because of our numbers we have to use these boys either in the team or to fill out the bench.”Moyes explained that captain Phil Neville was left out after Tony Hibbert impressed in the Carling Cup victory over Sheffield United recently.“Phil Neville was fine,” he said. “Johnny Heitinga had a bit of a knock from the Holland game.“But what I’m trying to do is reward people who are playing well, and there were a few today who upped their performance on what they’ve had in recent games.“It was frustrating because our performance probably merited more. “We needed to do better to finish it off. But you have to give Aston Villa credit for the way they defended against us.“We missed a couple of chances, but our play was exciting at times and we tried to score good goals and do the right thing. Overall there weren’t too many bad things. I’m disappointed we conceded two goals, one from 30 yards and one from a cross but I’ve got to say I thought today’s performance was really good.“Three or four of the players really got at them and gave us a start and that got the fans right behind us as well. It’s a great place when the fans are up and it was today. The crowd probably responded to how well the players had done, especially in that opening period.“I think I said after the first game against QPR the supporters rub off what we do on the pitch and we didn’t play that well. We didn’t play well against Blackburn, but the boys didn’t half play well today.“It didn’t go for us and we had a couple of mistakes defensively, but you couldn’t fault the attitude, the commitment, the effort the players showed and I think the crowd picked up on that. “I thought the crowd was terrific in the ground today, but I have to say I’ve always found them terrific.“They obviously picked up on how the team was playing. And I thought the team did well so it’s easier for the supporters.”
Tim Cahill hails Everton FC fans’ applause for chairman Bill Kenwright
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Sep 12 2011
TIM CAHILL described the moment that chairman Bill Kenwright was applauded by Everton fans on Saturday as “special.”A peaceful protest march against Kenwright’s running of the club was organised by members of fans group the Blue Union and attracted several hundred marchers.A few hundred fans gathered on grassland on Spellow Lane shortly before 2pm and the numbers were added to as the protestors marched along Goodison Road.The protestors were led by a man dressed as a clown with a cake to present to the board to commemorate the second anniversary since the club paid a significant transfer fee for a player.During the first half of the match, with Everton leading 1-0, the giant screen in the corner of the ground featured the chairman’s image.The images on the Goodison screens are chosen by the host broadcaster – on Saturday the BBC – independent of Everton officials.Like at the home game against Queens Park Rangers the image was greeted by booing, but this time the boos were instantly drowned out by spontaneous applause from all sections of the ground.The director even felt confident enough to show a second image seconds later, this time greeted solely by applause – and the image of the chairman’s partner, Jenny Seagrove, nudging him and mouthing ‘they’re applauding you.’ After the 2-2 draw Cahill said: “We try not to get too much involved because sometimes it can get thrown in your face, but today it was special for the players to see that for the chairman because he's as passionate as everyone else and sometimes that can be a hindrance more than a positive. It's good that he's showing his face and making sure he's here and facing up to the fans.”Cahill added: “I suppose in general, the protests, if you look at it now, was probably something which shouldn't have happened, but I know deep down they really do appreciate the chairman.“They feel there must be a change because they see other clubs spending a hell of a lot of money. But he loves this club and he loves his players and he has looked after us and he's treated us like his children and the manager as well.“All we can do is fight for them and fight for the cause and make sure the fans know that.“When I first joined the club Duncan Ferguson and Stubbsy and players like that taught me what it was to be a Blue, and that's what we did today.”The protest march was conducted peacefully, fans chanting “Let go if you love the club” and ending with a show of support for the manager with David Moyes’ name chanted outside the Winslow Hotel.Cahill added that he understood the fans’ frustrations.“I think we want to show the fans that this isn't a club that is in stagnation,” he said. “We need them to back us to the hilt. We can understand their frustration, but we want to show that this is still a strong squad.“The club is trying to balance the books and make sure that we're around for years to come. There is a lot of history here and the last seven years I've been here have been pretty special. And I still feel this season that it still will be special.“You deal with what you've got and as an Evertonian, whether it's good times or bad times, you've got to roll with it and today I think we showed what it meant to play for such a good football club, to back the manager, back the chairman and back the fans. It felt fantastic out there today.”Cahill also underlined the sense of personal loss he has been forced to come to terms with following the transfer of his close friend Mikel Arteta to Arsenal on deadline day.“It's hard,” he admitted. “Mikky was one of my closest friends and someone I admire a lot, but the whole scenario was right for everyone.“Mikky might go on to play for his national team, he's going to play in the Champions League which is something he wanted. But it's also good for the club that Mikky's off the books, he raised a hell of a lot of money. He cared about this club a lot and it's sad. So to not be here when Mikky left was really hard to take but I'm trying to understand both perspectives, of the person and the football club.“That's our fans being passionate. We never want to lose a player like that who gives so much to the football club but we want to make sure this club's alive for many years to come so we can have these special feelings of the roof coming off every time we come here.“It's difficult for them and it's difficult for everyone, but the reality is it's the football club we live in. If we had a couple of hundred million like the club across the park it would be a different story. But it's not. I've been here a while and I've learned to roll with the punches, but today was refreshing.“We knew what we had in the changing room. We looked at each other and we said 'this is it.' Let's go out there and show what we're made of and I feel we did today.”
David Prentice: Goodison Park was noisy against Aston Villa - and Everton responded
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Sep 12 2011
IT’S a trait of Everton under David Moyes – like 4-4-1-1, bargain buys from lower divisions and giving youth its head – that the Blues need a kick up the backside to get their season going.Under his tenure Everton rarely hit the ground running. They require an edge, a sense of purpose, the siege mentality that characterised the surprise 2004/05 turnaround, to get a season up and running.They got it on Saturday, from their fans.There was an undeniable edge to Saturday afternoon inside Goodison Park.Whether it was the peaceful protestors keen to show their support for the club after the protest march, the fans who don’t share the protestors’ views keen to make themselves heard, or simply supporters keen to get back to Premier League action after an international break, Goodison was noisier than normal.And the players responded.Moyes claimed afterwards the fans were responding to the players’ performances.It’s a chicken and egg situation. And no-one’s ever quite sure which comes first, but there’s no doubt that the noise even when the players ran out was greater than usual. And the atmosphere was transmitted into Everton’s best performance of the season by a mile.That they didn’t win was down to a combination of factors.Good goalkeeping – Shay Given spectacularly denied Apostollos Vellios and Leon Osman.Poor finishing – Phil Jagielka headed a clear opportunity over the bar.Bad luck – Vellios slipped a hastily taken shot narrowly wide while Jack Rodwell’s piledriver was deflected away from Given, but inches wide of the post.And poor refereeing – Michael Oliver overlooked a blatant penalty offence on Leighton Baines with Everton leading 1-0, Phil Jagielka had a goal ruled out for a pushing offence that wasn’t clear on even the third replay of the press box monitors, and another penalty claim in the opening seconds was overlooked.There’s also the small matter of Aston Villa being a bogey team.Recent Villa sides have been a poor representation of the impressive attacking units constructed by Martin O’Neill, but Everton have now failed to beat them in their last 11 outings.And they’ve led in seven of them.They actually led twice on Saturday, but even though Villa were largely outplayed, the omnipresent threat that having strikers of the quality of Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor in your line-up means that they’re never out of a game.Everton may not have that striking quality (Louis Saha was sat in the stands once again), but with their forward line led by a marvellously spiky Tim Cahill display, they dominated.There were positive individual performances everywhere.The returning Seamus Coleman was typically positive and penetrating, Phil Jagielka was happily back to his best – and Sylvain Distin was, almost, perfect.It was an odd afternoon for the big Frenchman. Floored by an accidental punch from team-mate Tim Howard, he then produced an outstanding piece of defending to thwart Agbonlahor, and received a full bodyslam from Howard in appreciation.It was ironic that in the end it was Distin who Agbonlahor got above to head in the second equaliser – but even then Everton went close to winning twice.It was a richly entertaining game of football, perhaps the biggest disappointment being that only 32,736 watched it – and that after a fortnight’s international break.Only once since November 2000 has the visit of Villa in the Premier League to Goodison dipped below 32,000, and that was a fortnight before Christmas in 2008.But there’s still plenty to admire about the Blues despite the early season rancour and pessimism.Royston Drenthe came on to rapturous applause (at least I think it was for him rather than the sight of the disappointing Diniyar Bilyaletdinov being replaced), and impressed, not least with one darting run to dispossess Bannan and set up a chance for Osman.Ross Barkley trotted on and instantly produced two breathtaking runs, the second capped by a clever pass which allowed Apostolos Vellios to go close for the second time in barely 10 minutes, and Denis Stracqualursi is still to come.Everton’s season has finally been given a kickstart – and now it’s time to build on it.The Blues have two winnable home games before the season starts to take on an altogether sterner hue. They’ll need to be up and running by then.
Everton FC have quality to overcome slow start says Tim Cahill
by Ian Doyle, DPW West (Welsh Daily Post)
Sep 12 2011
TIM CAHILL is convinced Everton still possess the quality and spirit to emerge strongly from a difficult start to the season. Fears of a long campaign of slog for the Goodison outfit were intensified when influential midfielder Mikel Arteta was sold to Arsenal shortly before last month’s transfer deadline.Ongoing financial restraints limited manager David Moyes’ movement in the summer market and prompted a peaceful protest march from supporters’ group The Blue Union on Saturday calling for change among the club’s hierarchy.On the pitch, however, Everton subsequently produced a fine performance and were unfortunate to come away with only a 2-2 Premier League draw at home to Aston Villa. And Cahill, who operated as a makeshift striker, believes the display showed there remains plenty of hope for the future.“We still have that tightness, spirit and togetherness,” he said. “The window is over, we know what we have got in the dressing room when you look around and see the quality.“We really appreciate each other and the manager and the chairman. We just want to do well.“Saturday’s game shows it’s the start of being positive and that we have some real quality here.“Everybody wants to see new faces and change, but sometimes it can’t be done. We are balancing the books and we want to be a football club that’s going to be around for a very long time.”
COMMENT: Bill Kenwright gets cheers but fans’ anger still grows
by Chris Beesley, DPW West
Sep 12 2011
GOODISON Park witnessed a spectacular display of theatre on Saturday but it failed to raise a smile from Everton’s impresario chairman Bill Kenwright.Whoever was directing the cameras for the big screens at the stadium obviously has a flair for drama because twice in a matter of seconds late in the first half, the focus of attention was a close-up of the club’s beleaguered owner watching his side.Kenwright’s beloved blue boys were leading 1-0 at the time but he still carried a hangdog expression as his face was displayed to over 30,000 of his fellow Evertonians.This might have been a Premier League fixture in 2011 but it’s as if we’d all been transported 2,000 years back in time to the Colosseum in Rome and Kenwright was waiting in painful anxiety to learn his fate as to whether he’d be given the thumbs up or down. Only this time it wasn’t the competing gladiators whose future was in the balance but Goodison’s own Caesar.Barely an hour earlier, several hundred fans had embarked on a protest march outside the ground which culminated by the directors’ entrance.Deeply frustrated with Everton’s seeming failures to progress financially despite manager David Moyes’ efforts on the pitch, the vociferous group chanted slogans such as “let go if you love the club” directed at Kenwright.But despite the demands of a vocal minority, on this occasion Kenwright appeared to have survived his ‘trial by television’.As his face first appeared on the screens during the game, the initial sound was one of boos.However, the hecklers were quickly drowned out inside the stadium by the noise of applauding Evertonians, giving some moral support to their club’s owner in his hour of need.For all Kenwright’s rights and wrongs, the former actor is clearly a deeply sensitive man and the events of recent weeks in which his ability to remain in charge of the club he loves has been called into question have obviously upset him greatly.The corridors inside ‘The Grand Old Lady’ are usually the setting for Kenwright to hold court – the place where he feels most at ease.On this occasion though, the man who took charge of Everton at the turn of the millennium to great relief and fanfare following the turbulence of Peter Johnson’s tenure looked like he’d struggle to crack a smile even if his boyhood hero old Davey Hickson had come on against Villa and nodded in a winner.For all Kenwright’s worries, he seemingly still retains the support of the majority of his fellow Evertonians despite Saturday’s protests.But while many are not yet at the point of open revolt, vast numbers still share the anger and frustrations of the protestors.Everton’s current plight is something of a glass half empty/half full argument.Last week, Robert Elstone, who was appointed chief executive by Kenwright defended the current hierarchy by highlighting strides on and off the pitch such as regular top-half finishes in the Premier League, the building of the best squad of players since the 1980s, the club’s most sustained period of European football and record sponsorship deals.These are all valid points, so why do Evertonians still feel so flat and concerned that their club is being left behind their rivals?Perhaps it’s because if all is so rosy in the Goodison garden then Everton should be building on all these positives rather than standing still which in the Premier League tends to lead to falling backwards.As the most talented Everton manager in a generation, David Moyes was rewarded by being able to mould a side to try and match his aspirations by breaking the club’s transfer record on no fewer than four occasions between 2005-08.This squad building climaxed with Everton recording their second successive fifth place finish in the Premier League in 2009 and an FA Cup final appearance. At the time, Moyes declared that it was only a matter of time before the most talented group of players he’d worked with won a trophy but since then Joleon Lescott, Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta have all left.If appointing Moyes was Kenwright’s best ever move then he doesn’t want his legacy to become that of the man who was unable to let him fulfil his ambitions.Both Kenwright and the paying spectators around him realise that a manager approaching a decade in charge at Goodison can’t be expected to keep turning water into wine indefinitely.
Everton FC 2 Aston Villa 2: Ian Doyle’s verdict
by Ian Doyle, DPW West
Sep 12 2011
CHANGE was in the air at Goodison on Saturday. But for the supporters making their way home after a highly-charged afternoon, it was clear many things remain very much the same.What started with a peaceful protest against the Everton board ended with affirmation it will take more than a traumatic transfer deadline day and the ongoing financial restraints to dent the unshakeable spirit within David Moyes’ squad.Oh, and the fact Moyes’ side just cannot beat Aston Villa in the Premier League.Not since March 2006 have the Midlanders been vanquished in the top flight, a run of 11 games without victory for Everton. That, though, should have been addressed here. Life after Mikel Arteta began in rollercoaster fashion as the Goodison outfit, without a recognised striker in their starting line-up, twice fought their way into a deserved lead only to be pegged back on each occasion.Frustrating. But there were certainly enough positives to justify the manager’s assertion the team is not stagnating, even if progress may have slowed to a temporary halt.Earlier in the day, around 500 supporters had taken part in the peaceful protest march up to the stadium organised by The Blue Union.However, 27 minutes into the game came pause for thought in their campaign. A shot of Bill Kenwright filled the huge screens inside Goodison, instantly prompting murmurs of discontent within the Gwladys Street.But within moments, those jeers were comprehensively drowned out by the applause that swiftly spread throughout the rest of the home fans in support of the beleaguered chairman.Of course, it helped that Everton were ahead at the time. Nevertheless, while The Blue Union are steadfastly determined to bring about change in the club’s hierarchy, it would appear their battle to convince the majority of the Goodison faithful may take just as long.The team itself, though, were afforded full backing from everyone of a Blue persuasion from the first whistle on Saturday, and the players responded with a stirring performance that deserved greater reward than a solitary point.Tim Cahill, enthusiastically reprising his role of three seasons earlier as a makeshift forward given the absences of Victor Anichebe and Louis Saha through injury, set the tone his team-mates were swift to follow.That included those on the bench. Much has been made of Everton’s lack of squad depth but, strikers apart, Moyes has an encouraging mixture of experience and youth.The latter almost won the game in the closing stages, Ross Barkley’s scintillating 30-yard run in injury-time feeding Apostolos Vellios for an effort that drew an outstanding save from Villa goalkeeper Shay Given.Vellios, who moments earlier had trickled a good chance agonisingly wide, also underlined the difference a genuine forward can make, albeit one up against a tiring and overworked Villa defence.Although loan striker Denis Stracqualursi remained on the bench, fellow new boy Royston Drenthe appeared during the final quarter and gave a tantalisingly glimpse of the pace and trickery that will endear him to supporters.Drenthe has taken the number 10 shirt vacated by Arteta. And while the Spaniard’s departure will be keenly felt for the foreseeable, it has given Jack Rodwell the opportunity to stamp his authority in central midfield following a difficult 18 months hampered by injury and loss of form.This was a decent start, Rodwell far more involved of late and close to netting a first Premier League goal since March 2010 when his 25-yard drive looped off Fabian Delph and dropped just inches beyond the far post with Given beaten.Alongside him, Marouane Fellaini excelled, the Belgian everywhere, using, as Villa substitute Barry Bannan memorably discovered in one second-half incident, his sheer presence for both destructive and creative means.Of those that started for Everton on Saturday, Leon Osman had been the last to score for the club way back in May against Manchester City.And it was the diminutive midfielder, playing in an advanced role in support of Cahill, who put the Goodison outfit ahead on 19 minutes, sidefooting coolly into the corner after being found inside the area by the Australian.The deliveries of Leighton Baines had already caused consternation among the Villa defence, Phil Jagielka seeing one header cleared off the line by Darren Bent and then wide at the far post with another.Osman later drew a save from Given and Fellaini struck over from range as Everton dominated, but a turning point came when the hosts were denied a seemingly clear spot kick shortly after the interval when Baines was upended by Bannan.Moyes’ teams are built on the bedrock of a watertight defence, but in recent times such solidity has been worryingly lacking, only six clean sheets kept in their last 36 outings.Nothing could be done about Stiliyan Petrov’s 63rd-minute equaliser, the Bulgaria international curling home a fantastic shot from fully 30 yards.But Moyes will have been unhappy with the goal that earned Villa a point seven minutes from time, loose marking allowing substitute Marc Albrighton to cross from the left and Gabriel Agbonlahor to find space inside the six-yard box to head beyond Tim Howard.In between, Baines had put Everton back on course from the spot on 68 minutes, Delph conceding a penalty for climbing all over Jagielka just seconds after Given had pulled off a fantastic save to repel Cahill’s header.Ultimately, it wasn’t quite enough. But clearly, on the pitch at least, reports of Everton’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.
Everton FC boss David Moyes warns protests could harm the team
by Ian Doyle, DPW West
Sep 12 2011
DAVID MOYES believes Everton FC have shown they are not a club “torn apart” – but warned supporters prolonged protests may ultimately affect the team.Moyes saw his players deliver a stirring performance when securing a 2-2 Premier League draw at home to Aston Villa.It was preceded by a protest march from fans’ group The Blue Union calling for change among the Goodison hierarchy.And while respecting the right for those supporters to have an opinion, Moyes is concerned any long-term action could destabilise the club. “What I’ve been trying to get across is that any protests can maybe diminish what we have achieved, and what we have still got at Goodison,” he said.“Look, people are entitled to their opinion, and I would never tell anyone they were wrong for expressing it, but I think we have to be careful in what we believe Everton are capable of achieving.“We had a very rugged side out there against Villa who were very committed, and yes, we outplayed them at times, so even though we didn’t get the result, we deserved it, and more importantly there were many positives to take from the performance and the afternoon.“Most of all, I didn’t feel we were a club who were torn apart. Like I say, people have the right to say something, but what I saw was a unity inside the ground, with everyone all in this together.”The Goodison manager added: “Of course every supporter wants to win leagues and cups, and I do too, but really, over the past 10 years, should Everton have done much better than we have done?“We have been consistently around the top five or six, and we have consistently produced results perhaps above where our spending is.“I know where we’d all like to be, and perhaps we don’t have a side at the moment that can match those expectations, but the challenge now is to get the results we need, by hook or by crook.”
Everton FC-supporting Jon Walters delighted to score winner for Stoke City against Liverpool FC
by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
Sep 12 2011
EVERTON fan Jon Walters took great delight in scoring Stoke’s winner over Liverpool at the Britannia Stadium but was quick to pay tribute to the rearguard action which secured all three points.The Wirral-born 27-year-old smashed home the 20th-minute penalty which gave the Potters back-to-back home league wins over the Reds for the first time since 1968.Having missed from the spot at Norwich late last month, the Republic of Ireland international took no chances as he drilled his shot straight down the middle after referee Mark Clattenburg ruled Jamie Carragher had pulled him over.“I said to myself if I win another one I’ll get up and take it and there was no putting it in the corner, it was blast it straight down the middle,” he said.Inflicting Liverpool’s first defeat of the campaign was particularly sweet for a player from an Evertonian family.“It’s a Blue family so they are all happy,” added Walters, who was born in Moreton. “The majority of my family are Evertonians, although my wife’s father is a Red. "I’m a bit happier because I’m a Blue.“A goal’s a goal but it is always sweet to score against Liverpool really. "My brother was here – he’s a Blue and he was made up.”From the moment the home side went ahead they found themselves on the back foot, particularly in the final 20 minutes, but their resilience held to make it eight matches unbeaten this season in all competitions.That was partly due to the determination of lkeeper Asmir Begovic and centre-backs Ryan Shawcross and Matthew Upson, who between them in one crazy 15-second spell midway through the second half blocked three shots from Jordan Henderson and two from Charlie Adam.
Everton FC chairman Bill Kenwright passes his Goodison Park screen test but concerns about club still persist
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 12 2011
GOODISON PARK witnessed a spectacular display of theatre on Saturday – but it failed to raise a smile from Everton’s impresario chairman Bill Kenwright.Whoever was directing the cameras for the big screens at the stadium obviously has a flair for drama because twice in a matter of seconds late in the first-half, the focus of attention was a close-up of the club’s beleaguered owner watching his side.Kenwright’s beloved blue boys were leading 1-0 at the time but he still carried a hangdog expression as his face was displayed to over 30,000 of his fellow Evertonians.This might have been a Premier League fixture in 2011 but it’s as if we’d all been transported 2,000 years back in time to the Colosseum in Rome and Kenwright was waiting in painful anxiety to learn his fate as to whether he’d be given the thumbs up or down.Only this time it wasn’t the competing gladiators whose future was in the balance but Goodison’s own Caesar.Barely an hour earlier, several hundred fans had embarked on a protest march outside the ground which culminated by the directors’ entrance.Deeply frustrated with Everton’s seeming failures to progress financially despite manager David Moyes’s efforts on the pitch, the vociferous group chanted slogans such as “Let go if you love the club” directed at Kenwright.But despite the demands of a vocal minority, on this occasion Kenwright appeared to have survived his ‘trial by television’.As his face first appeared on the screens during the game, the initial sound was one of boos.However, the hecklers were quickly drowned out inside the stadium by the noise of applauding Evertonians, giving some moral support to their club’s owner in his hour of need.For all Kenwright’s rights and wrongs, the former actor is clearly a deeply sensitive man and the events of recent weeks in which his ability to remain in charge of the club he loves has been called into question have obviously upset him greatly.The corridors inside ‘The Grand Old Lady’ are usually the setting for Kenwright to hold court – the place where he feels most at ease.On this occasion though, the man who took charge of Everton at the turn of the millennium to great relief and fanfare following the turbulence of Peter Johnson’s tenure looked like he’d struggle to crack a smile even if his boyhood hero, old Dave Hickson, had come on against Villa and nodded in a winner.For all Kenwright’s worries, he seemingly still retains the support of the majority of his fellow Evertonians, despite Saturday’s protests.But while many are not yet at the point of open revolt, vast numbers still share the anger and frustrations of the protestors.Everton’s current plight is something of a glass half empty/glass half full argument. Last week, Robert Elstone, who was appointed chief executive by Kenwright, defended the current hierarchy by highlighting strides on and off the pitch such as regular top-half finishes in the Premier League, the building of the best squad of players since the 1980s, the club’s most sustained period of European football and record sponsorship deals. These are all valid points, so why do Evertonians still feel so flat and concerned that their club is being left behind their rivals in the Premier League?Perhaps it’s because if all is so rosy in the Goodison garden, then Everton should be building on all these positives rather than standing still which in the Premier League tends to lead to falling backwards.As the most talented Everton manager in a generation, Moyes was rewarded by being able to mould a side to try and match his aspirations by breaking the club’s transfer record on no fewer than four occasions between 2005-08.This squad building climaxed with Everton recording their second successive fifth place finish in the Premier League in 2009 and an FA Cup final appearance against Chelsea.At the time, Moyes declared that it was only a matter of time before the most talented group of players he’d worked with won a trophy but since then the likes of Joleon Lescott, Steven Pienaar and now Mikel Arteta have all departed.If appointing Moyes was Kenwright’s best-ever move then he doesn’t want his legacy to become that of the man who was unable to let him fulfil his ambitions at Everton.Amongst the usual light patter of his programme notes, the Scot himself was particularly poignant in calling for a united front at the club.Moyes declared: “Whatever has happened in the past or is happening right now, there will always be an Everton… but only if the supporters keep pushing the team on. The difference you make when the players know they’ve got your total backing undoubtedly helps them on the field…”That support of the team remains unwavering from Evertonians but while others continue to spend, both Kenwright and the paying spectators around him surely realise that a manager now approaching a decade in charge at Goodison cannot be expected to keep turning water into wine indefinitely.
Everton 2, Aston Villa 2: Mat Kendrick's moment of the match
by Mat Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
Sep 12 2011
TONY Hibbert’s hilariously hapless first-half throw-in, when the ball slipped from the Everton right-back’s grasp, takes some beating.And Stiliyan Petrov’s cracking curler from 30 yards also warrants a special mention.But the sweeping exchange between Marc Albrighton and Gabby Agbonlahor for the late equaliser proved to be Villa’s most telling and clinical contribution of an otherwise frustrating afternoon at Goodison Park.
Everton 2, Aston Villa 2: Mat Kendrick's match stats, player ratings and injury update
by Mat Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
Sep 12 2011
GIVEN...............................7
Made a couple of crucial saves, including brilliant last-gasp tip-over.
HUTTON............................6
Defensive debutant looked rusty and got away with late error.
COLLINS...........................6
Made to work hard by rapid movement of Cahill and Osman.
DUNNE..............................7
Another commanding display for the most part from ex-Everton defender.
WARNOCK........................6
Given a testing time by Coleman. Bravery better than decision-making.
PETROV...........................6
Hauled Villa back into the game with a cracking first equaliser.
DELPH.............................6
Mixed display from youngster who flitted between good and not so good.
N’ZOGBIA.........................6
French star needs his mojo back after another flat performance.
HESKEY............................5
Limped off without making any telling contribution to the action.
MAN OF THE MATCH: AGBONLAHOR...................7
Looked menacing whenever he got the ball and salvaged a point late on.
BENT.................................6
Lack of service limited attacking threat, but helped out defensively.
SUBSTITUTES:
Bannan (for Heskey, 17): Tried to get on the ball and make things happen ........6
Albrighton (for N’Zogbia, 72): His cross created equaliser for Agbonlahor ........7
Ireland (for Delph, 80)
Not used: Guzan, Clark, Herd, Delfouneso.
EVERTON (4-5-1): Howard. Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman (Barkley, 81), Rodwell, Fellaini, Osman, Bilyaletdinov (Drenthe, 72); Cahill (Vellios, 85). Subs: Mucha, Stracqualursi, Neville, Gueye.
BOOKINGS: Jagielka (foul, 65) – Everton. Agbonlahor (over zealous celebration, 84) – Villa.
GOALS: Osman (17), Baines (69) – Everton; Petrov (63), Agbonlahor (83) – Villa.
GAME RATING......................................6
Everton were slick. Villa were spirited. Game was so-so.
CROWD WATCH....................................7
Everton’s crowd offered noisy encouragement, as did Villa’s limited allocation of fans. Attendance: 32,736.
REF WATCH............................................6
M Oliver (Northumberland): Seemed to get a couple of dubious penalty decisions wrong.
THE MANAGER.....................................6
Half-time pep-talk salvaged a point, but still searching for winning formula and form.
INJURY WATCH
Jenas (thigh), Heskey (hamstring), Cuellar (knee).
WHO’S NEXT UP FOR VILLA?
Newcastle (h) Saturday, 3pm.
Everton 2, Aston Villa 2: Mat Kendrick's big match verdict
by Mat Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
Sep 12 2011
IF ONLY these two teams could get the credit they most probably deserve.While Everton can’t negotiate any by way of cash from the bank, Villa aren’t receiving much in terms of praise from the wider football world.But whatever this pair of prudent Premier League protagonists may or may not lack in pounds, pence and plaudits they more than make up for in the qualities that money can’t necessarily buy.For although Alex McLeish’s ‘unbeatables’ almost succumbed to the siege mentality of David Moyes’ cash-strapped side, Villa too stuck together like Toffees.And, ultimately, a point despite not being very good at Goodison was reward for Villa’s character as McLeish took his undefeated Premier League start to four games, making it seven without loss for Villa in the top flight following a strong end to last season.“We are unbeatable” chanted the Villa fans, with a strong hint of irony as their team came closer than ever to losing their first competitive game under the new regime following an opening 45 minutes McLeish candidly branded “insipid”.But as well as new faces among the playing and backroom staff, collectively Villa now also boast a new face of formidability, which on off-days like Saturday could prove to be priceless if they are to avoid being pointless. Villa gave a debut to Alan Hutton, who was rusty from a lack of games, while Jermaine Jenas failed to make the squad after a training ground knock which could delay his debut by a further fortnight.At least McLeish was able to throw both of his new behind-the-scenes allies straight into action.Moyes’ matchday programme notes hinted that there were changes among Villa’s coaching team as the Everton boss erroneously extended a warm welcome to Gary McAllister.In fact, it is another Scottish former Liverpool midfielder and ex-claret and blue caretaker who has stepped up to the role of first-team coach, Kevin MacDonald, not so much a new face as a familiar and highly-regarded old one.And the promoted reserve-team boss’s pre-match presence in the warm-up was among the most encouraging on-pitch moments of the entire afternoon from Villa’s viewpoint. It will have been to MacDonald’s great delight that two of his former proteges – Marc Albrighton and Gabby Agbonlahor – combined for the goal which earned Villa what previously seemed an unlikely draw.With his accurate assist alone, substitute Albrighton conjured up more creativity in 18 minutes than the man he replaced, Charles N’Zogbia, mustered in the preceeding 72.Agbonlahor started and ended the move for the all-important second equaliser on 83 minutes, sweeping the ball out wide to Albrighton, before bursting into the six-yard box to head in the winger’s right-footed cross from the left.As the Brummie goalscorer whipped off his shirt and hurled it towards the travelling fans, the booking which followed was as inevitable as it was harsh, especially since he was one of the few Villa players who could rightly puff out his chest with pride on Saturday afternoon. Stiliyan Petrov also had cause to be proud of his brilliant goal, curled inside Tim Howard’s left-hand post from 30 yards, because without this first equaliser on 63 minutes it’s difficult to fathom how Villa would have got a foothold in this game. ‘Stan’ has earned the nickname ‘Saint Petrov’ because of the ‘St Petrov’ worn on his Bulgaria shirt to distinguish him from team-mate Martin Petrov and, although canonisation might be a bit excessive, he certainly provided some salvation on Saturday. Other notable contributions came from Richard Dunne and Shay Given who carried on with Villa where they left off for Ireland in midweek to help weather a first-half storm from an Everton side united rather than divided by pre-match protests about the club’s financial plight. Given has now been reunited with Terry Gennoe, the goalkeeping mentor who guided him through the early parts of his career at Blackburn and Newcastle, but it was the benefits of intuition rather than tuition which he displayed at Goodison.There was nothing Given could do when Phil Jagielka and Tim Cahill slickly found a way through Dunne and Co to tee up Leon Osman for a well-taken opener on 19 minutes or indeed when Leighton Baines’ 69th-minute penalty restored Everton’s advantage.The spot-kick – just minutes after Petrov’s stunning equaliser – arrived at the third time of asking when Fabian Delph climbed over Jagielka after referee Michael Oliver ignored earlier strong appeals for Dunne’s challenge on Osman and Barry Bannan’s tangle with Baines at the start of each half. But Given produced fine close-range stops from Osman and Cahill either side of the break (the latter just moments before Delph’s foul) while he saved his best until last with a reflex tip-over to frustrate Vellios and make up for a mix-up between him and Hutton, which the Greek striker failed to capitalise upon moments earlier.So credit where it’s due.
EVERTON 2 - VILLA 2: DON'T EXPECT ANY MIRACLES
12th September 2011 By Chris Brereton (Daily Star)
DAVID MOYES reckons Everton fans might have to forget about silverware and realise there is no pot of Goodison gold to help him out.The Toffees were brilliant on Saturday and should have strolled to victory against Aston Villa.But Alex McLeish’s men twice fought back from a goal down to steal a point.Leon Osman gave Everton the lead after Tim Cahill’s stunning pass left him unmarked.But Stiliyan Petrov’s brilliant long-range equaliser proved that McLeish’s side had some fight in them.And in a thrilling end to the game, Leighton Baines gave Everton the lead again from the penalty spot but Gabriel Agbonlahor then found an equaliser to ruin Moyes’ day.It had been a testing week for the Everton boss after the Blue Union supporters group organised a protest over owner Bill Kenwright.Kenwright might be a Scouser but he has zero cash to offer Moyes – and the Goodison faithful are getting restless.No money was spent in the summer and fans’ favourite Mikel Arteta was flogged to Arsenal for £10m as Everton struggle to balance the books.But this match proved that there is still plenty of class at Everton.Yet Moyes wants fans to understand that there is only so much the club can achieve without an open chequebook. He said: “What I’ve been trying to get across is that any protests can maybe diminish what we have achieved, and what we have still got at Goodison.“People are entitled to their opinion, and I would never tell anyone they were wrong for expressing it, but I think we have to be careful in what we believe Everton are capable of achieving.“I know where we’d all like to be, and perhaps we don’t have a side at the moment that can match those expectations, but the challenge now is to get the results we need – by hook or by crook.”Although 600 fans protested on Goodison Road before the game, the Toffees fans were fully behind their side during the match and they were treated to some great entertainment.But Everton just could not twist the knife and Villa dragged themselves off the canvas twice.Moyes needed someone like Arteta to unlock Villa one more time but he is now a distant memory.Tim Cahill – who was simply brilliant on his own as a deputy striker – has no hard feelings about the Spaniard’s exit.He said: “Everybody wants to see new faces and change, but sometimes it can’t be done. “We are balancing the books and we want to be a football club that’s going to be around for a long time.“Mikel will now be playing in the Champions League and he’ll have a chance of playing for his country. “We got some great money for him, and sometimes it comes to a point where it’s time to move on.”Villa were about as drab as it gets for most of this match and were thrilled to escape with a point.Boss McLeish said: “I’ve been here two months and thought at half-time I was going to witness if the players had that spirit you’d expect of quality players. “I was glad to see it was alive and kicking.”
Everton FC sign up golf professional
by Richard Williamson, Liverpool Echo
Sep 13 2011
EVERTON have announced their latest signing – golf professional Craig Thomas.Thomas, an award-winning PGA professional, has teamed up with Everton in the Community to deliver golf coaching sessions.He launched the ‘Drive to Wentworth’ scheme in the Norris Green area and was delighted with the initial response.“Youngsters were going past, having a look at what we were doing and wanted to get involved,” he said.For those that get bitten by the golf bug, Thomas is organising a day to see the stars of the European Tour at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May 2012.The project is also being backed by Liverpool City Council and will offer the chance to try golf for adults and children within Everton in the Community’s disability and social inclusion programmes.Youngsters taking part use specially adapted equipment such as Tri-Golf or Golf Extreme while the latest technology means wheelchair users can actually stand up and make golf shots.The project will include a six-week course for those taking part in Norris Green Kickz as well as two disability festivals to be held in September and October.The schools festival is on September 28 with a family day on October 8, both at North Liverpool Golf Course in Kirkby.If the scheme proves a success, Everton hope it can be rolled out across Merseyside.Thomas said: “Everton told me they have never included golf in any of their programmes.“The sessions will run for six weeks and then carry on after that at Liverpool North Golf Course.”The ‘Drive to Wentworth’ initiative will come under Everton in the Community’s Kickz programme.Scott Black, Everton in the Community coach, said: “Everton run a wide range of award-winning programmes which offer a variety of different sporting opportunities to people of all abilities.”
Ian Snodin: Manchester City FC look in ominously good form
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Sep 13 2011
IT WAS with a bit of trepidation that I saw Manchester City comfortably win another game as the Manc dominance of this early season continues.City and United continue to leave the rest for dead as they score hat-fuls each weekend.Of course Everton go to the Etihad Stadium in their next but one game, and even though we have a remarkable record against the Citizens I can’t say I’m 100% looking forward to itThat said, I’m sure the players will be excited about the clash because you want to face the best – and so far it’s them.
Ian Snodin: Former Everton FC midfielder Mikel Arteta didn’t look quite right in an Arsenal kit
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Sep 13 2011
I TUNED into Match Of The Day on Saturday night and it just didn’t seem right to see Mikel Arteta in an Arsenal kit.The Spaniard played well on his debut and looks like he’ll fit straight into Arsene Wenger’s team, but he doesn’t suit a red and white shirt.You can understand why he has gone to get the chance of Champions League football and nobody will wish the lad anything other than the best, apart from when he plays against the Blues.It’s definitely a case of Everton’s loss being Arsenal’s gain although he looks far better in Royal Blue!
Ian Snodin: Former Everton FC target Charles N’Zogbia failed to leave a mark for Aston Villa at Goodison
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Sep 13 2011
THE Aston Villa game gave Everton fans a first-hand glimpse at what they missed out on this summer in Charles N’Zogbia.It’s no secret that David Moyes wanted to sign the former Wigan flyer and he was widely believed to have been the one player the Blues wanted above all else during the transfer window.You’d have to say that the Frenchman wasn’t at his best on Saturday though, and I felt he wasn’t used in his proper position by Alex McLeish.All credit to the Scot for keeping Villa unbeaten so far this season, but in giving N’Zogbia a free role to drift about with Fabian Delph I think he missed a trick.N’Zogbia is better played out wide on either flank. That’s when you really see the best of him in terms of his attacking threat and ability to beat men and get crosses into the box.I am sure Moyes will have spoken to his defenders about the best way to stop N’Zogbia, and they will have watched tapes of him – but in the end he didn’t have much impact. I still think he would have been a fantastic addition to the Everton squad, and I’m sure Moyes will still be frustrated that he couldn’t make the deal happen.The lad is a class act who probably would have come to Everton.
Ian Snodin: How I lost my rag with Aston Villa press man after Everton FC were denied a penalty
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Sep 13 2011
I USUALLY do live commentary on Everton home games for the club’s own media channel and I had to bite my lip to stay professional on Saturday.I had my head-phones on and was chatting away when Villa’s Barry Bannan fouled Leighton Baines on Saturday.Straight away I called it as a nailed-on penalty, and was furious when I saw the ref Mike Oliver wave away the protests. But as I was describing how blatant it was, from the corner of my eye I spotted a bloke from Aston Villa’s media team sat just near me shaking his head. For a second I lost it, whipped off my head-phones and asked him if he was having a laugh?!He said there was no way it was a pen, and I was about to give him down the banks when I remembered I was supposed to be live on air, and had to be content with a derisory shake of my head and got on with the commentary.You always got the impression we needed to score another goal on Saturday, even when it was 2-1, and so it proved in the end with that late goal for the Midlanders.I made sure not to catch the eye of the Villa press team when Agbonlahor’s equaliser went in.One outburst during the game was more than enough for a professional broadcaster like me!
Everton FC's Leighton Baines declares the vibes are good around Goodison Park
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 13 2011
LEIGHTON Baines still rues the dodgy decision that cost him the chance to slot a second penalty past Aston Villa on Saturday and grab Everton all three points.The England defender scored the Toffees’ second goal from the spot against Alex McLeish’s men at Goodison, but had earlier been denied a solid penalty claim by referee Mike Oliver when he appeared to be impeded in the box by Barry Bannan.Baines is adamant it was a foul by Bannan, but says Everton should have gone on to win the game without the benefit of the right decision.He said: “I thought it was a penalty to be honest, my standing foot was just clipped but I asked the referee and he said the player got the ball.“At the time I said ‘fair enough’ but looking at it again I’m not sure he did get the ball.”Baines believes the team were encouraged by the positive atmosphere inside Goodison Park, as the Blues extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to three games.“Out on the pitch it felt more positive and there was a better vibe around the place,” he said.“It does show how that helps and you could probably tell that it spurred us on a little bit and we felt like everyone was behind us.Meanwhile, Leon Osman admitted he is not a fan of the fixture against the Midlanders – after Saturday’s game became the fifth time in the last six meetings that the Villans have come from behind to draw against Everton.Osman had given Everton the lead, only for Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov and Gabriel Agbonlahor to both equalise.“To go a goal up at home twice and still not win the game is disappointing, but to play as we have done and not win is really upsetting,” he said. “There have been a number of occasions where we’ve not got we deserved and they’ve managed to get a draw out of the game.“Over the years there have been some really good games against Aston Villa, but we would like to win them.”Osman scored his fifth career goal against Villa, his best haul against any one club. But the 30-year-old praised Tim Cahill’s contribution after the Aussie expertly crafted his first half opener. He said: “The ball went over my head, Tim touched it on and I tried to hit the first one but I think I just kicked a chunk out of his leg.“He ran off into the corner and managed to cut it back to me and I was able to place it in the corner. I was delighted with the goal and it was good play from Tim.”
Ian Snodin: Why I’d hate to face Everton FC’s Mr Nasty Tim Cahill
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Sep 13 2011
I HAD one over-riding conclusion after watching Saturday’s much-improved draw with Aston Villa – I’d absolutely hate to have played against Tim Cahill. The Aussie was at his non-stop, defender-annoying, persistent best throughout the game and I know the Villa back four will have been glad to have seen the back of him.There can’t be any defenders in the Premier League who relish lining up against Cahill when he’s in that sort of mood.To say he’s not a natural striker is fair enough, but this is a lad who learned from Duncan Ferguson how to harass and unsettle central defenders and he can be a fantastic asset. At one point on Saturday I turned around to Alan Stubbs, who was team-mates with Tim, shook my head and laughed with him about the sheer annoyance factor that he brings.I know I’d have wanted to kick him all the time if he’d played against me.Graeme Sharp was singing his praises during the Villa game too, as Tim really helped maintain the tempo which Everton started with in such an impressive manner.It’s everything about the Socceroo which winds defenders up! He leaves his feet and elbows in, although never maliciously, and nags them relentlessly. You only have to watch defenders moaning to the referee about him, and watch the expression on their face to see how much they hate having him in opposition.It’s the sort of all-action display of centre forward that rubs off on the men around him, and you could see that there were great performances all over the pitch from the boys in blue. Everton worked exceptionally hard and their general play was good. Midfield was strong with Marouane Fellaini, not for the first time, bossing things. And Jack Rodwell enjoyed a solid game alongside the Belgian. Jack will only benefit from more games.I thought Tony Hibbert coped well overall with the pace and threat of Gabby Agbonlahor, and Sylvain Distin was colossal.Obviously I was a fan of Cahill’s display, and I thought Leon Osman buzzing away just behind him was very effective too.We were so unlucky not to get all three points, and I couldn’t believe Michael Oliver ignored a stone-wall penalty on Leighton Baines when Barry Bannan up ended him in the box.The ref was about four yards away so I can’t fathom how he’s managed to see it as anything other than a foul.Bainesy is not the type of player to go to ground easily, and he would have probably stayed on his feet to create a goal anyway so you have to acknowledge that he’s gone down because he’s been fouled.
Everton FC’s Denis Stracqualursi ready for chance to claim first-team spot today as Tim Cahill vows to carry on leading line
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 13 2011
DENIS Stracqualursi will get the chance to edge his way into the first-team frame for Everton today – as Tim Cahill vowed to carry on causing havoc in attack.The Argentine striker was an unused substitute for the Toffees’ 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, but will be given the chance to build on his fitness and impress David Moyes by lining up for the reserves tonight.Stracqualursi, 23, will get his first taste of English football against Aston Villa’s second string at the Stobart Stadium, Widnes, tonight alongside fellow loan capture Royston Drenthe, and Magaye Gueye, who is returning from a broken toe.The reserves’ game against the Midlanders was originally scheduled to take place behind closed doors at Finch Farm, but will now be open to the public, as the new-boys are also joined by 17-year-old Ross Barkley, who almost set up a dramatic winner for Moyes’ men on Saturday.Tickets for the game cost just £4 for adults and £2 for juniors and are available on the turnstiles on the night. It will be Everton Reserves’ fourth outing of the 2011/12 campaign, having recording one win, one draw and one defeat so far.And although Moyes will be eager to see Stracqualursi get some crucial match practise, especially with Louis Saha still struggling for fitness, the Blues boss can rely on Cahill to resume his forward role against Wigan Athletic at Goodison on Saturday if necessary.Cahill created his side’s opener against Villa, and led the line in typically dynamic fashion - a task he admits is not easy.He said: “It’s hard. You are up against big centre-backs and it becomes a big battle and you know you have to do the hard yards and chase everything down and create havoc in the defence. “It fell nicely for Ossie from me for the first goal, and you could see their centre-backs were having to deal with me and it was giving more space to the players coming in from behind.“It was good to see Seamus back as well, even if it didn’t quite drop for us in the box. But if we keep getting the chances we are going to score goals, and we showed there’s a good feeling about the team.“I’ve learned from players such as David Weir and Duncan Ferguson about how special this club is, my family are very happy here and you have to look at the bigger picture of being here through thick and thin.“That’s helped me become who I am.“I have a lot of loyalty for the clubs I have played for and try to give as much support to the chairman and staff as they have given us.”Everton face Wigan at Goodison Park this Saturday at 3pm and tickets are still available. Prices start from £30 for adults, £15 for juniors and £19.50 for OAP’s.
Everton FC defender Leighton Baines hails 'better vibe' around EFC now
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 13 2011
EVERTON FC defender Leighton Baines believes there is now a “better vibe” around Goodison following a difficult start to the season.Disillusionment from EFC supporters at the lack of incomings during the transfer window intensified when Mikel Arteta departed for Arsenal shortly before last month’s deadline.The ongoing financial restraints prompted supporters group The Blue Union to arrange a peaceful protest march calling for change among the club’s board before Saturday’s home Premier League clash against Aston Villa. However, the game itself saw David Moyes’s side receive impressively vociferous support from the home crowd.And Baines admits the players fed off such backing as they were unfortunate to be held to a 2-2 draw.“Out on the pitch it felt more positive and there was a better vibe around the place,” said Baines. “It does show how that helps and you could probably tell that it spurred us on a little bit and we felt like everyone was behind us.“We worked hard enough and played well enough to win the game and we’ve got to come away and look at the reasons why we didn’t, but also take the positives out of it and try and build on it.” The level of noise was more impressive given the attendance of 32,736 was Everton’s lowest for a Saturday 3pm league match for nine years.Everton manager Moyes did manage to bring in two new signings before the window shut, bringing in Dutch winger Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid and striker Denis Stracqualursi from Argentine side Tigre.Drenthe made his debut as a second-half substitute on Saturday, and the pair are lined up to feature for the reserves tonight against Villa’s second string alongside Ross Barkley, Jan Mucha and Magaye Gueye. And of Drenthe’s display at the weekend, Moyes said: “He’s not had a pre-season, but I think people can see something. The hard thing is I don’t know if he’d ever seen Goodison before. They (new pair) don’t know how we play, don’t know the speed of the game and sometimes if you get them to sit back and watch they can get an idea of what it is like.“If I had thrown them right in they might get caught up in the whole thing.”
Mark Lawrenson: Everton FC’s financial situation reflected throughout the Premier League
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 13 2011
THE peaceful protest at Goodison Park on Saturday has once again brought Everton FC’s predicament under the spotlight.For me, though, their problem is one symptomatic of so many other clubs in the Premier League at the moment.I understand why the protesting fans are upset. They want success and have grown tired of getting close to it but it not having materialised for many years.But the fact is, for those teams that aren’t in the top six, the main aim is to at the very least make ends meet and perhaps make a profit.That is not edifying for Everton supporters. But it’s the same for Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland. Costs are being cut and belts tightened.Let’s face it, Liverpool have spent more than £100million just to give themselves a chance of being in the top four. There’s no guarantee they will achieve that either.For two-thirds of the top flight, it’s a matter of staying in the league and not losing loads of money.Everton are fortunate that they have a conveyor belt of youngsters coming through, when a lot of other teams simply don’t have that resource. While short on strikers, Everton otherwise have a good squad, which is pretty incredible given their money situation and says a lot about David Moyes and the spirit within the dressing room.The nub of Everton’s problem has stayed unchanged for some time.If and when the club get somebody in as new owners, it will take millions before they can even consider they might consistently challenge the current top six. What do you get when you buy Everton? Immediately, you’d take on a bit of debt, you’ll have a manager banging on the door for new players and you’d definitely need a new ground.
How much will that cost? £300m? £400m? Who is going to do that?Unfortunately, right now the answer would seem nobody. Everton are just not an attractive proposition, not in terms of the playing or coaching staff but from a business sense.Fans calling for change should be careful what they wish for. Bill Kenwright has a strong ally in Moyes and if he left, the manager may well follow.Certainly, if Kenwright departed tomorrow then I believe the club would be in a mess.I don’t understand those supporters who are so utterly intent on Kenwright leaving. There is only so much he can do, and he doesn’t take a penny out of the club.Now that the debt has been cut back a little, the banks will be off Everton’s case for a while.At least the fans were behind the team from first whistle to last on Saturday, and Everton should have beaten Villa.In his brief cameo, Royston Drenthe showed enough to suggest he has the type of unpredictable talent that might win a game or two, while both Apostolos Vellios and Ross Barkley demonstrated why youth still deserves a chance.This season is going to be the same old, same old for Everton. That’s just the way it is in the Premier League right now.Believe me, while Manchester duo United and City battle it out at the top, the big story will be where the rest of the top flight is heading – Everton included.
Everton FC’s Royston Drenthe nets first goal in reserves win over Aston Villa
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 14
NEW BOY Royston Drenthe gave Evertonians an exciting taste of things to come as he netted his first goal in a royal blue jersey last night. Drenthe, who impressed on his first team debut with an exciting substitute cameo appearance in Saturday’s Premier League game with Aston Villa at Goodison Park was among a Blues reserve side facing the Midlanders’ second string at the Stobart Stadium Halton. The Dutch international scored Everton’s second goal of the evening after teenager Ross Barkley had given the hosts the lead with an excellent finish from the edge of the penalty area.
Daniel Johnson set up a tense finale when he pounced on a loose ball with seven minutes to play but the second string held on to record their first victory of the season. Drenthe and fellow new boy Denis Stracqualursi both started for Everton and showed glimpses of what they are capable of but it was Frenchman Magaye Gueye who was the stand out performer as he continues his comeback from a broken toe. Gueye had a hand in both Blues goals and his pace and trickery were Everton’s most productive outlet. Alan Stubbs’ side had to withstand an early barrage from Villa as the visitors twice went close to taking the lead in the opening quarter of the game. On eight minutes Slovakian goalkeeper Jan Mucha made an acrobatic save to deny Villa winger Samir Carruthers. Carruthers connected well with a left wing cross and Mucha did well to deflect the ball away from danger.
After 21 minutes Villa striker Graham Burke cut inside from the left flank and his right footed piledriver beat Mucha but cannoned off the crossbar. Within five minutes Everton took the lead through their best move of the game. Gueye’s pass found Barkley who guided the ball into the corner of Benjamin Siegrist’s goal with a classy finish from 20 yards out. Everton’s second goal was the result of some superb counter attacking play. Mucha quickly cleared a Villa set piece to Gueye and his clever reverse pass found Drenthe who raced clear of the Villa defence and passed the ball into the net. In the second half both teams searched for a third goal, and Drenthe again went close in the 58th minute. Stracqualursi won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, and the Dutchman’s effort was parried clear by Siegrist. On 64 minutes Stracqualursi showed good close control inside the penalty area, teeing himself up for an ambitious overhead kick that went a couple of yards over the Villa bar. With 13 minutes left Gueye almost got the goal his performance richly deserved. Barkley found him inside the penalty area but he sliced his shot wide of the post. Villa then halved Everton’s advantage in the 83rd minute when youngster Daniel Johnson found the net. Mucha could only parry Gary Gardner’s free kick and Johnson slammed in the rebound for 2-1.
EVERTON: Mucha, Browning, Garbutt, Barkley, Mustafi, Nsiala, Gueye (Bidwell 86), Baxter, Stracqualursi, McAleney (Forshaw 75), Drenthe (Orenuga 63). Subs: Davies, Hope..
Everton FC’s Seamus Coleman even suprised himself with early return from serious ankle ligament damage
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 14 2011
SEAMUS COLEMAN says he has even surprised himself with his early return to fitness – only five weeks after suffering serious ankle ligament damage. The Irishman was an unexpected inclusion in Everton’s starting line-up against Aston Villa on Saturday, after he was expected to be sidelined for two months with the injury he sustained against Villarreal in pre-season. Coleman acknowledged his impressive powers of recovery, but said he is now desperate to make up for lost time by persuading David Moyes to pick him again when the Blues face Wigan this weekend. He said: “I surprised myself to be honest. I was back training on the Monday and had a really good week. Obviously I was trying to impress the manager, he saw fit to put me in and I was more than happy to play. “It was very frustrating to get injured when I did. I was really enjoying that match against Villarreal, it was close to half-time and then I got that dirty tackle. “It was disappointing to miss the first two games of the season, but I was suspended for one of those so only really missed one league game through injury if you want to look at it positively. “When it happened I thought it was broken but you always panic at that stage. I calmed down a bit but it was badly swollen and bruised and we thought I would be out longer. “There was no exact timescale but thankfully I healed quickly and I wasn’t out for long. I am generally a quick healer and I was itching to get back so I listened to the medical staff and did what they said.” Just as impressive as Coleman’s speedy recovery was his performance, as his bursts down the right flank set the tone for a high tempo performance from Everton. The 23-year-old, nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award last term, admits he ran out of gas before being withdrawn late in the second half, but he is focused on stepping up his fitness in training this week ready for another home game. “It felt great to be back – even just to be back walking out of the tunnel again,” Coleman added. “I was delighted to be back at Goodison and I really enjoyed the game. I just tried to get it down and beat the full-back. “I blew up a bit towards the end as the five weeks out began to show but I’ll have another good week in training, try to impress the manager and hopefully be involved against Wigan.”
Blues midfielder Jack Rodwell hails influence of Everton FC's ‘Mr Dependable’, Leighton Baines
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 14
JACK RODWELL has hailed the growing influence of Everton’s ‘Mr Dependable’ Leighton Baines – as he backed the England defender to shine once again against Wigan on Saturday. Rodwell insists that Baines is more important than ever to the Toffees’ success, and praised his team-mate’s ability to fulfil multiple duties for David Moyes’ side. Baines, 26, scored Everton’s second goal from the spot during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, and also secured a point for the Blues with a late penalty the last time they faced Wigan in April. Rodwell said: “He’s more important than ever.
"He’s on pens, he’s on free-kicks, he takes corners as well. “Bainsey is an attacking full-back who gets a lot of assists and last season he was by far our best player. “He’s started off well again, and scored at the weekend. "He’s a great player and will hopefully have a good game against his boyhood club.” Rodwell completed another 90 minutes with an impressive performance in the centre of Everton’s midfield against Villa, and hopes he can build on his injury-free start to the season so far. The 20-year-old started the last campaign in the first team, after an eye-catching string of pre-season displays only to pick up an ankle injury against Villa in August. “It’s out of my hands really but I just want to stay injury free now,” he said. “Injury can hold back progression and it did for me last season so that’s probably my biggest regret. "I’ll do everything I can to stay injury free and get games, and hopefully that will improve me with the experience. “You’ve got to try to stay as fit as possible and do the extra work in the gym. "Hopefully with a bit of luck that’s enough.
"Obviously you’re going to pick up knocks and niggles along the way, but nothing too serious.
Rodwell also welcomed the exciting cameo from 19-year-old Greek striker Apostolos Vellios against Villa, along with a first glimpse of new loan signing Royston Drenthe and the potential of Denis Stracqualursi. He said: “Hopefully he (Vellios) will get a lot of games, or come on and have an impact like he did at the weekend. He’s from Greece so he obviously still has to learn the English game a bit more, but he’s got a lot of potential. “I didn’t know much about Denis until he came here, and had not seen a lot of him. But he scored a lot of goals in Argentina and hopefully he can do the same here. Also the likes of Drenthe has been at Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world, so he’s not exactly going to be a bad player and when he came on at the weekend he looked lively. They can both bring a lot to the team.” Meanwhile, Everton’s home game against Stoke City on Saturday, December 3, has been put back a day due to the Potters Europa League involvement. The match will now take place on Sunday, December 4, after Tony Pulis’ side’s Europa League group stage fixture the previous Thursday.
Everton FC Reserves 2 Aston Villa Reserves 1: Royston Drenthe hits winner with fellow new boy Denis Straqualursi also in action
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 14 2011 ROYSTON DRENTHE scored what turned out to be the winner for Everton FC Reserves in a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Stobart Stadium last night. The Dutchman and fellow new boy Denis Stracqualursi both played and showed what they are capable of in the 2-1 win. Young midfielder Ross Barkley also in action and on the scoresheet, while Magaye Gueye impressed and has a hand in both goals as he continues his comeback from a broken toe. Barkley gave Everton the lead after 26 minutes picking up Gueye’s pass and delivering an excellent finish from just outside the penalty area. Everton added a second on the counterattack started by keeper Jan Mucha. From Gueye’s pass Drenthe raced clear of the Villa defence to score.
Both sides had chance after the break but Villa’s Daniel Johnson set up a tense finale when pouncing on a loose ball with seven minutes left. But Everton held on for victory.
EVERTON RESERVES: Mucha, Browning, Garbutt, Barkley, Mustafi, Nsiala, Gueye, Baxter, Stracqualursi, McAleny, Drenthe. Subs: Davies, Forshaw, Bidwell, Orenuga, Hope.
Everton FC winger Seamus Coleman suprised by swift recovery from injury
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 14 2011
EVERTON FC winger Seamus Coleman admits surprising himself with his swift recovery from the “dirty tackle” that ruined his start to the season. Coleman made a shock return for EFC on Saturday by starting the 2-2 Premier League draw at home to Aston Villa. It was a mere five weeks after the Republic of Ireland international damaged ankle ligaments when caught by a poor challenge from Villarreal’s Carlos Marchena in a pre-season friendly. There were fears Coleman would be sidelined for at least two months, but the flying winger’s early comeback had provided David Moyes with a welcome positive. “I surprised myself to be honest,” said Coleman. “I was back training on the Monday and had a really good week. “Obviously I was trying to impress the manager, he saw fit to put me in and I was more than happy to play. “It was very frustrating to get injured when I did.
“I was really enjoying that match against Villarreal, it was close to half-time and then I got that dirty tackle. “It was disappointing to miss the first two games of the season, but I was suspended for one of those so only really missed one league game through injury if you want to look at it positively.
“When it happened I thought it was broken but you always panic at that stage.
“I calmed down a bit but it was badly swollen and bruised and we thought I would be out longer. “There was no exact timescale but thankfully I healed quickly and I wasn’t out for long. “I am generally a quick healer and I was itching to get back so I listened to the medical staff and did exactly what they said.” Coleman played 81 minutes against Villa on Saturday before being replaced, and is already pressing for further involvement in this coming Saturday’s visit of Wigan Athletic. “It felt great to be back – even just to be back walking out of the tunnel again,” he added. “I was delighted to be back at Goodison and I really enjoyed the game. “I just tried to get it down and beat the full-back. “I blew up a bit towards the end as the five weeks out began to show but I’ll have another good week in training, try to impress the manager and hopefully be involved against Wigan.” New signings Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe both improved their match fitness by appearing for the reserves in their 2-1 victory over Aston Villa last night with the Dutchman scoring the winner.
Meanwhile, Everton’s Premier League home game against Stoke City has been put back 24 hours due to the Potters’ Europa League commitments. The Goodison clash will now take place on Sunday, December 4 with a 3pm kick-off. The switch is subject to change pending the announcement of that month’s live TV games.
Blue Boys: Kevin Sheedy - Everton's under-18s on a rollercoaster
Liverpool Echo Sep 15 2011
Anton Forrester
EVERTON Academy coach Kevin Sheedy has described the Blues’ Under-18 season so far as a “bit of a roller coaster.” But after a disappointing dip with Huddersfield last weekend the Blues are now hoping for an upward surge this weekend at Newcastle. After an opening day victory at Tottenham was followed by a defeat by Reading, the Blues impressed against Sheffield Wednesday then were held by Huddersfield last weekend. “We’ve got a few first year players who are finding their feet at the moment,” added Sheedy “ so you expect a few ups and downs. “The boys did really well at Tottenham, not so well against Reading then bounced back with a good performance against Sheffield Wednesday. “On Saturday, though, we didn’t perform very well. “We gave away two bad goals and we weren’t that impressive going forward either. “Hopefully that means we’re due a good one again this weekend at Newcastle. “It’s a 1pm kick-off so we’ll be making an early start and will hopefully perform well.” The bright spot against Huddersfield was a pair of goals by Anton Forrester. “Anton finished well with his left foot and then got a neat touch to a whipped in free-kick,” added Sheedy. Everton had started brightly and had the ball in the net inside the first minute, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside. From the resulting free-kick, the Terriers went down the other end and scored, but Forrester pulled the Toffees level in the 25th minute. A defensive lapse on the half-hour mark saw Hudders-field go back in front, butt Forrester was on hand again nine minutes later to make it 2-2, heading home from an Adam Thomas free-kick. A scrappy second half failed to produce many chances for either side as the two teams were forced to settle for a point apiece. Sheedy added: “We edged the first half in difficult conditions but we didn’t create as many opportunities for the amount of possession we had. “The second half was disappointing. We didn’t play particularly well and didn’t do enough to win the game. We’ll be working hard in training to improve on that.” Everton: Fitzgibbon, Pennington, Touray, Dier, Heneghan, Thomas, Johns (Barrow 75), Molyneux (Higgins 80), Browning (Long 65), Hope, Forrester.
Anton’s great left peg EVERTON’S Under-18 striker Anton Forrester put a smile on his coach’s face last weekend – by practising what he used to preach. Kevin Sheedy was the proud possessor of the most cultured left foot in Goodison folklore, and the value of a good left peg is a lesson he’s been trying to coach into the young striker. “We’ve been working on Anton’s finishing, especially with his left foot, so it was pleasing to see Anton score his first goal against Huddersfield with his left foot.
“It was a good finish, too, so we’re pleased to see some of his hard work pay off.”
David Prentice visits the Dixie Dean Suite at Everton’s Goodison Park and enjoys some fine dining
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sep 15 2011
ONE of William Ralph Dean’s favourite meals, I am reliably informed, was a bowl of tripe, poached in milk and washed down with a glass of bitter. “He loved it, but it would stink the house out,” recalled his granddaughter, who used to prepare the dish for him. The great man wouldn’t find sheep’s stomach on the menu of the newly refurbished lounge which bears his name at Goodison Park today. And diners in the Dixie Dean Suite should be thankful. Instead, the inviting aromas of fillet steaks, summer puddings and smoked salmon cakes waft around an impressively redesigned lounge.
Poster sized period photographs of the most prolific centre-forward in English football history adorn the room, along with silverware in glass cabinets and other items of memorabilia. But the most impressive piece of decor is a large dividing glass partition, separating the restaurant from a cosy snug called the ‘chairman’s lounge, and featuring an image of Dean’s record breaking 60th league goal on frosted glass. The chairman’s lounge is a holding area for scouts from visiting clubs – on the afternoon we dined Sammy Lee and Alan Harper were among the guests – and while they were invited to enjoy a glass of Monte Cavijo Tempranillo Rioja or chilled La Croix Sauvignon Blanc, the six course dining extravaganza, followed by half-time cheese and biscuits and full-time cakes and sandwiches was reserved for diners. The food was undeniably impressive. Guests arrived shortly after noon to enjoy a ‘Tapas Sharing Plate’ – a selection of hors d’oeuvres including, herb bread, Parma ham, salami, pickled peppers and quails eggs. For starters there was a choice between crab, smoked salmon and scallion cakes with a red onion compote and Bearnaise sauce’ or corn fed chicken and prosciutto salad, with baby leaves, herb croute, quails eggs and parmesan dressing.’
Everyone in our party opted for the fish cakes, and while red onion compote seemed an unusual accompaniment, it worked. An excellent zucchini soup with brie croutons followed, then a choice of fillet steak in Barolo wine sauce or pan seared halibut vierge, or arborio risotto for the vegetarian option. All the steaks were advertised as cooked medium rare, which seemed an unusual stipulation, but no-one in our party minded and the steak was very, very good. Dessert choices included summer pudding with clotted cream or cappuccino creme brulee, both were excellent, followed by coffee and chocolates. With it being the opening day of the new lounge, guests were also treated to a rendition of the intensely moving Ballad of Dixie Dean, written and performed by a winner of the John Lennon Song Writing Award, Gerry Markey. And CDs of one of the last interviews the legendary marksman ever gave were circulated around the room. Of course the success of the Dixie Dean Suite, regardless of the quality of the cuisine or service, will rely heavily on what happens after the plates have been cleared away – and on what is served up on the pitch. On the opening day of the season that fare could accurately have been described as ‘tripe’; a home defeat by newly promoted Queens Park Rangers coming hot on the heels of Liverpool’s late victory at Arsenal, all screened in high definition on numerous screens around the Suite. But there will have been nowhere more sumptuous inside Goodison Park to drown supporters’ sorrows than the Dixie Dean Suite. The most fitting tribute you can pay the new lounge is that it does the great man justice.
Package prices for the Dixie Dean Suite have been reduced for the 2011/12 campaign. Seasonal membership is still available from £4,995+VAT per person and supporters can also enjoy individual matches, with prices starting from £275+VAT.
Everton FC letters: Blues youth investment is working
Liverpool EchoSep 15 2011
DISAPPOINTING not to take all three points against Villa, but Everton should take encouragement by their performance which, augurs well for the season. The Blue Union demonstrated against the Board’s lack of investment in the club, but there’s the dichotomy; Everton have invested considerably in terms of installing a youth policy, which was sadly lacking prior to the appointment of David Moyes. Rodwell, Barkley, Coleman, Vellios, Magaye Gueye, Stracqualursi – all 23 and under – will contribute significantly in their own and Everton’s development this season and come the next transfer window Everton should be bold and bring in more players of this ilk.
David, Aintree
I WRITE to point out that Blue Union do not represent either me or many other Evertonians that I know. They appear to be a frustrated group of fans who feel the need to point the finger of blame somewhere, but have no constructive solutions to offer. Perhaps they should take Nil Satis Nisi Culpa as their strap line. I first went to Goodison in the 1950s and have been a season ticket holder for as long as I can remember, and I have been through good and bad times. We do not want another Peter Johnson, or even a billionaire who wants to play big money poker games with our team and then leave it high and dry when fads change or they move on to other toys and interests. We need what all teams want, a supporter at the helm. I do not think even the most biased Blue Union member will doubt that Kenwright is a true supporter. Nor can they doubt that he has absolutely put his money where his mouth is. Whether they like it or not Bill Kenwright is the owner, and in being so has taken on financial risk, but never has he betrayed Everton. We are far better now under him, and Moyes, than we were before. Blue Union, and all fans, have the right to be heard and complain, but they need to be sensible about it. Now it is a question of trusting those at the helm and uniting behind the team. We do not need this sort of distraction.
Blue4life
A POWERFUL protest took place at Goodison Park on Saturday. A moment when the vast majority of Evertonians had their say on the current problems engulfing their club. This protest didn’t take place outside the ground however, where the combined efforts of countless dissenting groups could muster no more than a few hundred marchers, including kids and circus acts. The real protest took place inside Goodison Park when Bill Kenwright’s face appeared on the big screen. As the smattering of boos started it was immediately drowned out by prolonged, spontaneous applause from all corners of the ground. This was as clear a statement to the protest groups as you could wish to hear. And the message was simple. You don’t speak for us, you have no mandate to pursue your aimless agenda, your actions are only serving to further destabilise the club. Let’s get back to doing what we do best, supporting the club we all love.
Joe Ainsworth
Everton FC jury: Blues fans opinions on the Villa game & other issues surrounding the club
Liverpool EchoSep 15 2011
ment (1)Recommend inShare.0
Lee Molton: Blues should be more upbeat I JUST can’t subscribe to the doom and gloom engulfing some sections of the crowd. Okay we lost Arteta and only brought in an unproven South American, who doesn’t speak English, and a Dutch winger who has a history of temperamental issues. But we have gained a new star in the emergence of Ross Barkley and, if Tuesday night’s reserve victory over Villa is anything to go by, have another emerging gem in Magaye Gueye. Jack Rodwell, too, is starting to show a spark of the talent that drew envious glances from several top managers a year or so ago. I was encouraged by our performance last Saturday and if we improve even slightly on that effort then Wigan are there for the taking. More points and more confidence. As for the anti-Kenwright lobby, would you rather have some faceless eastern squillionaires in charge or a chairman who lives and breathes Everton – and has done a pretty sound job in difficult circumstances.
Michael Drummond: Blues will score goals LEADING up to the Villa game, the press was dominated (anything about Everton anyway) about what are we going to do without Arteta. Well what we did was play some of the neatest and confident football I have seen for a while.
Each player ignored all off the field issues and just got their heads down and played – just what we wanted! Rodwell and Fellaini were quality in the midfield and Vellios should be starting after his stint towards the end. I just wish we got the three points to match the performance but we failed to stop their goals, both of which were avoidable. Looking ahead to the Wigan game, I am full of confidence that we can get all three points. If we keep making the chances, despite a lack of fire power, we will score goals.
Tony Scott: Fans have a right to air their views
ALL 30,000 Evertonians that entered Goodison Park on Saturday are rightly entitled to their opinion on how Everton FC is being run at the moment, The Blue Union, and what Bill Kenwright and the board are doing to attract investment. Lads who I go the match with protested, some didn't and we get on with it. My take on it is if the board put as much effort into selling the club as they do spinning stories I don't think there would be a Blue Union. What concerns me more is Blues are now staying away from Goodison Park. I think its a mixture of fans getting fed up of the running of the club and the cost too. What working class lad can afford £100 for three home match tickets in the space of ten days? Debbie Smaje: Vellios looked fantastic when he came on I WONDERED after deadline day if we would end up missing Beckford and Yakubu more than Arteta, and if the Villa game was anything to go by, that could be the case. Arteta has been inconsistent for too long now, and without him, our central midfield were excellent. Both Rodwell and Osman shone from finally playing in their right positions in the middle, and complemented Fellaini well. Coleman’s return was a welcome one too. But all that was missing on Saturday was a natural striker. Vellios looked fantastic when he came on and was unlucky not to win it for us twice, but until that point, we had done everything right, just not in the final third. But its likely that will continue to be a problem for us. I wouldn’t have a problem seeing Vellios start against Wigan. With Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester Utd in four out of our next five games, it’s essential to beat Wigan on Saturday.
Magaye Gueye hoping to form alliance alongside new Everton FC star Royston Drenthe
Liverpool Echo Sep 15 2011
MAGAYE GUEYE believes new loan signing Royston Drenthe can be a boost rather than a bar to his hopes of claiming a first team place at Everton. The young Frenchman enjoyed a handful of cameo appearances as either a right or left winger last season, but after an impressive pre-season suffered a broken toe – then saw a former Real Madrid star who occupies a similar role in the side to him, arrive on loan. Gueye refuses to accept, however, that his first team chances have now regressed.
The pair played in the same reserve side on Tuesday night when Drenthe scored and Gueye impressed, and the Frenchman believes they can repeat that experience in the first team. “Royston is a top-quality player, I need people like him around because I can learn off him everyday,” he explained. “He is very quick and direct and likes to take on players and Seamus Coleman is very similar. “I feel that I am involved more in the build-up play and the passing, but the most important thing is that I think we can all play together which is good for the team.”
Gueye actually set up both Blues goals in the reserves’ 2-1 win over Aston Villa and he added: “I feel better now. I was playing so well before I got injured and I was feeling really fit. “When I was injured I did all the training and rehab I could as I wanted to come back quickly because we need the players and I feel really good. “The gaffer says to me I have the ability to be in the team, I just need more games. I played in the reserve team for a long time last season but now I feel ready for the first team. “The injury gave me a bit of a break but I'm working hard everyday and if the boss calls me to go on the pitch I will be ready.” Reserve team boss Alan Stubbs was delighted with the quality on show from Gueye, Drenthe, Ross Barkley and co. during the reserves’ 2-1 victory over their Aston Villa counterparts. “I was pleased with the win,” he explained “but I thought we’ve played better and lost before. “On the flip side of that, I don’t think we’ve played as well against Villa but we’ve won the game. Two bits of quality have won it for us really. “Ross and Royston’s goals were the difference. “When you’ve got players like that in your team, you can play badly and win games because of the quality and I think that proved to be the case.”
Mikel Arteta exit could set precedent fears Everton FC manager David Moyes
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sep 15
DAVID MOYES accepts that the reluctant sale of Mikel Arteta could see his other high profile stars come under the microscope in the next transfer window. But the Blues boss is confident that he will not have to sanction any more significant sales this season. Arsenal had a bid for Phil Jagielka rejected during the summer and failed to draft-in a proven English central defender with Premier League experience, despite signing German international Per Mertesacker. And Marouane Fellaini’s early season form has already alerted a host of Champions League clubs. Asked whether Arteta’s departure could make it harder to keep hold of his highest profile players, he said: “It could do. It could set a precedent. “I accept that, but on this occasion I thought it was the right one to do.”
But Moyes believes he will not have to oversee any further exits this season. Jagielka made it clear he was not agitating for a move to The Emirates this summer, like Arteta, while Everton are confident that they will be able to tie up a long-term deal for Marouane Fellaini in the very near future. There are just a handful of issues to be resolved regarding the Belgian’s contract before both parties can put pen to paper. Arteta, meanwhile, spoke of his pride at making his Champions League debut for Arsenal against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. “The challenge here is to win trophies and at Everton I didn’t have the chance to do that,” he explained. “Hopefully, we are going to have it here. “The difference between winning trophies and not can sometimes be very small details.
“The important thing is to get there because, when you do, you have a chance. We have to make sure we are close.” Arteta revealed that he spoke to the player he replaced, Cesc Fabregas, after moving to the Emirates Stadium. “I talked to him the day after I signed the contract and he helped me on two or three things,” he said. “He was really nice to me. “He advised me on the areas to live, about the team-mates, about the club and how good they are, the people at the club. It was very good. “With a club like Arsenal, you are going to be under pressure and you need to handle it and try your best. “At every club I have been at, I have had pressure and this is not going to be any different. “But being under pressure is good as it means people expect something from you. “I think we have got the players here to make us good and play good football. “We weren’t that good with the ball on Tuesday night because Dortmund were very good putting pressure on us but we will be fine.”
Everton FC manager David Moyes determined to sort out Marouane Fellaini new deal
Liverpool Daily Post Sep 15 2011
DAVID MOYES is determined Everton FC will not allow Marouane Fellaini’s contract talks to develop into a situation similar to that which saw Steven Pienaar make a cut-price exit. Fellaini and his representatives have been in negotiations with EFC officials for a number of months over a new deal. The Belgian, a club record £15million arrival from Standard Liege in August 2008, has just under two years left to run on his current agreement. However, Everton realistically have until the end of the January transfer window to tie up a long-term commitment from Fellaini or risk his value being significantly decreased the following summer due to the midfielder having entered the last year of his current contract. Such a scenario would echo that of Pienaar, with whom contract talks reached an impasse and the South African, with only six months remaining on his deal, joined Tottenham Hotspur in January for just £3million. And while maintaining Fellaini is “close” to agreeing a new deal, Moyes admits the clock is ticking and said: “The point you’re making is right. We will have to act.” The Goodison manager accepts last month’s reluctant sale of Mikel Arteta could send out an encouraging message to potential suitors of both Fellaini and Phil Jagielka.
Moyes sanctioned the £10million sale of Arteta to Arsenal shortly before the transfer deadline, despite Everton having only hours earlier turned down an identical offer from the Gunners.
It prompted fears among supporters that pressure from the club’s bank to lower their debt had led to the Goodison outfit cashing in on the Spaniard. Moyes has since dismissed such suggestions, but of Arteta’s exit possibly setting a precedent, he said: “It could do, it could do. It could set a precedent I accept that, but on this occasion I thought it was the right one to do.” While Everton turned down a £12m bid from Arsenal for Jagielka during the summer, the Goodison outfit are confident of holding on to the centre-back with the player himself having given no indication of wanting to leave. Jagielka’s form has dipped slightly at the start of the season following the speculation over his future. But Moyes believes the centre-back is getting back to his best with an impressive performance during last Saturday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at home to Aston Villa.
“There were a few on Saturday who upped their performance on recent games,” said the Goodison manager. “Jags was more like the old Jags. “He is a big player and we need him, and he showed in one-v-one situations he is hard to beat. He showed that against (Gabriel) Agbonlahor and there were bits of that which we need.”
Ian Doyle: Everton FC fans group The Blue Union will always appear in the minority
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 15 2011
IF The Blue Union’s quest for change at Everton FC has succeeded in one thing, it’s in reminding us there is more than one type of football supporter. Before Saturday’s game against Aston Villa at Goodison Park, the fans’ group would have been encouraged that around 500 people joined the protest march up to the ground. Yet once inside, the feedback was very different. The sight of Bill Kenwright beamed on the big screens prompted a murmur of boos from his detractors, but that was soon drowned out by the applause that swept throughout the home support. Does that admittedly hardly scientific measure of backing mean The Blue Union are going to pack up and go home?
Not quite, although it does suggest it will take more than a man dressed as a clown carrying a cake to win over the hearts and minds of their opponents. The Blue Union’s actions have proven extremely divisive among even the most diehard of Evertonians, some completely at odds with their message and, perhaps more pertinently, the means in which it is being put across. Certainly, the furore over how the contents of their meeting last month with Kenwright emerged has, depending on your point of view, either successfully exposed Everton’s fragile financial state or simply heaped embarrassment on the club. But The Blue Union will contend they are at least trying to do something to encourage change. And there lies the rub. For many match-going fans, football is a pastime, a hobby, a release at the end of the working week. They’ll revel in victory, grumble at defeat, banter with colleagues and friends. Ultimately, though, that’s as far as it goes. That’s not to say they don’t care; after all they are paying their hard-earned and want value for money.
But they won’t go out of their way to protest outside of passing verdict on what is transpiring during the course of a match, or by simply voting with their feet and not turning up. Indeed, would Kenwright have been so readily saluted had Everton been losing at the time and not winning?
This isn’t exclusive to Everton. Across Stanley Park, Liverpool were in a far more precarious state but their protests still relied heavily on a core of a couple of thousand who encroached heavily on their everyday lives to fight for what they thought was right. And there have been plenty of other examples in English football where such supporter movement has been reliant on a vocal few while the silent – but still opinionated – many remained seemingly unmoved. Whatever side of the argument you are on, there is no doubt The Blue Union steadfastly believe in what they are doing.
Only time will tell if they are right. But, when it comes to numbers, they will always appear in the minority. That is one thing that will never change.
Everton FC’s Royston Drenthe and Magaye Gueye hope reserve display will put them in EFC first team reckoning
Liverpool Daily Post Sep 15 2011
ROYSTON DRENTHE and Magaye Gueye both hope they have done enough to give Everton FC manager David Moyes a selection headache this weekend. The attacking duo bolstered their claims for a first-team berth for Saturday’s Premier League visit of Wigan Athletic with starring roles for EFC reserves on Tuesday night. Drenthe found the target during a 60-minute run-out while Gueye laid on both the Everton FC second string’s goals in the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Halton Stadium in Widnes. And Holland international Drenthe, a deadline day arrival from Real Madrid, is desperate for playing time after missing out on a chunk of summer preparations at the Bernabeu. “At the moment I want to play every game,” said the left winger. “At Real Madrid I didn’t play any pre-season games. “It was really important for me to play (for the reserves) but also for the young guys. They did very well. “In the first half we did not do enough but we changed it round in the second half and in the end I am really glad that we won the game.” Of his goal, Drenthe added: “It was a good goal. They had a free-kick but we were looking to attack. We have very quick players in Magaye, Conor (McAleny) and me. “Magaye put me in – it was not easy – but I shot before the keeper went to the ground and it was in the back of the net. It was a nice goal.” Fellow new boy Denis Stracqualursi also appeared in a strong reserves line-up, with Ross Barkley scoring Everton’s other goal. Drenthe had made his senior debut three days earlier as a second-half substitute in the senior clash with Villa. And the 23-year-old said the buzz of his Everton debut reminded him of making his bow with hometown club Feyenoord. “Making my debut was an amazing feeling,” he said. “It was like playing at Feyenoord again. In Spain it is different. You have some stadiums with that kind of ambience but there are only a couple.
“Here it was like making my debut at Feyenoord again. The crowd was really good. I appreciate the chance to play for Everton and hopefully I can now do a good job for the club.”
Gueye, meanwhile, is hoping to make up for lost time after his encouraging pre-season was halted by a toe injury that kept the France under-21 international on the sidelines for a month. “I feel better now, I was playing so well before I got injured and I was feeling really fit,” said Gueye.
“When I was injured I did all the training and rehab I could as I wanted to come back quickly because we need the players and I feel really good. “The gaffer says to me I have the ability to be in the team, I just need more games. I played in the reserve team for a long time last season but now I feel ready for the first team. “The injury gave me a bit of a break but I'm working hard every day and if the boss calls me to go on the pitch I will be ready.” With Gueye and Seamus Coleman now back to fitness and Drenthe having arrived, Everton manager Moyes can now call on pace down either flank.
And Gueye added: “Royston is a top-quality player, I need people like him around because I can learn off him every day. “He is very quick and direct and likes to take on players and Seamus is very similar. I feel that I am involved more in the build-up play and the passing, but the most important thing is that I think we can all play together, which is good for the team.”
Bluewatch: Mixed feelings on and off the pitch for Everton FC fans
by James Connor, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 15 2011
MIXED emotions prevailed at Goodison Park last Saturday as Everton FC performed well but lacked the ruthless edge to take all three points from Aston Villa. There were also mixed messages from the fan base as first one group of supporters, the Blue Union, staged a demonstration march criticising Bill Kenwright and the board – only for a sizeable majority of the Goodison crowd to give the Everton chairman a rousing round of applause midway through the first half. With another home match looming this Saturday, many supporters will be waiting to see what the Blue Union have planned next. Clearly though, events will largely be dictated by results on the pitch and as long as Moyes’ men can keep competing for a top eight place a fans’ crisis should be diverted. After the Villa match Moyes was keen to downplay his team’s expectations for the season, arguing the fans should be realistic in their hopes of what can be achieved. That’s a worrying statement from a manager who has always claimed in the past part of his job was to raise the fans’ expectations. The fact is, with a squad virtually unchanged from last season the supporters still expect Everton to be pushing for European qualification. And with rival clubs experiencing far more turmoil than Everton – Sunderland, Villa, Tottenham and Blackburn all enduring various forms of drama at the moment – the Blues can take advantage once again. However, with Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United lined up to face the Blues by the end of October, getting the three points against Wigan is vital. Everton will have to improve defensively though, as the Villa game highlighted an alarming lapse from the normally diligent Blues defensive play. Both of the Midlanders goals should have been dealt with earlier. The fact that the Blues struggled to get a two-goal lead during the match emphasises how important keeping a clean sheet will be this season. Seamus Coleman, meanwhile, continues to dazzle the Everton crowd every game he plays, with his ability to get past the opposition full-back almost, it seems, at will. His return to the team was a surprise and he showed no signs of his injury lay off as he tormented the Villa defence. Meanwhile, on the left flank, Bilyaletdinov seemed to lack the conviction to take on Villa’s new-signing Alan Hutton. The Russian may find opportunities to impress becoming increasingly rare as Royston Drenthe, hopefully, gets himself match-fit in the next few weeks.
Ian Doyle: It still seems strange seeing former Everton FC star Mikel Arteta in red-and-white and not royal blue
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 15 2011
SEEING Mikel Arteta decked in red and white will to take some getting used to. The Spaniard’s move to Arsenal was made very real this past week, not least on Tuesday when he was in action in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund. Arteta will do well at the Emirates. He has the chance to play at the highest level and Everton received a decent fee for a 29-year-old. That, though, doesn’t make it any easier watching him in what Evertonians will always regard as the wrong colour.
Everton FC may face some fringe players from Wigan Athletic in Premier League clash at Goodison Park
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 15 2011
WIGAN ATHLETIC manager Roberto Martinez insists his fringe players have given him plenty to think about ahead of Saturday’s clash against Everton. Martinez made seven changes from the side beaten 3-0 by Manchester City when they travelled to Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night. And despite a 2-1 defeat, the Latics’ fourth second-round exit in six years, Martinez felt the trip to south London was a worthwhile exercise. On-loan Chelsea left-back Patrick van Aanholt, one of three debutants, certainly pressed his claims for a place at Goodison Park with an assured display in the back four, while Shaun Maloney and young substitute Callum McManaman also looked sharp.
Ben Watson’s stoppage-time goal came too late but Martinez was unrepentant after rotating his squad and vowed to do the same when the FA Cup comes around in January. “I felt we learned two or three players will be competing for the first team and that’s what this competition should be about for us,” he said. “We can’t participate in the League Cup at the expense of losing other players. Just a week ago some of the players were travelling all over the world with international weekends and then we played a very difficult game at Manchester City and we have to share the effort. If you want to be successful in the League Cup you have to be able to do it with a squad. I was happy with certain players who showed they are ready. “It was a great exercise. And what we need to do now is make sure in the FA Cup the whole squad is ready and sharp.”
Ex-Everton star Dan Gosling pleads for chance to star at Newcastle
Liverpool Daily PostSep 15 2011
NEWCASTLE midfielder Dan Gosling is hoping he can help to make up for the loss of Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan this season. The pair contributed 23 goals between them last season before Carroll left for Liverpool in January and skipper Nolan headed to West Ham over the summer. However, Gosling served up a timely reminder of his own potency with a double in the reserves’ 6-0 demolition of Norwich on Tuesday and is convinced he can help out if manager Alan Pardew gives him a first-team chance. Gosling said: “I will bring a lot of energy and I want to bring some goals to the midfield as well. “We have lost 12 goals in Kevin Nolan, so if can score some goals and help the team, hopefully we will be all right.” Newcastle have enjoyed a more than solid start to the new Premier League campaign and currently sit in fourth place. However, while they have conceded only one league goal in four games, they have scored just three themselves, and they created little of note in Monday night’s 0-0 draw at promoted QPR. The task of scoring the goals the Magpies need to book a third successive top-flight campaign rests with Shola Ameobi, Leon Best, Demba Ba and Peter Lovenkrands. And Gosling knows he faces a fight to force his way into Pardew’s plans. The 21-year-old arrived from Everton last summer with a knee injury Newcastle knew would sideline, but to date he has made only two league appearances, both of them as a sub against Sunderland, and one start in the Carling Cup win at Scunthorpe last month.
Howard Kendall: David Moyes is always the man to lift any Everton FC gloom
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 16 2011
YOU can’t keep a good manager down, and whether there are protests before a game or not – David Moyes is the perfect man to prevent it affecting his Everton FC players. You could see against Aston Villa that Moyes had his players fired-up and ready to atone for a couple of poor displays in the league prior to Saturday. They did that in style, and responding equally to the fantastic backing of the entire home support which produced the type of atmosphere which normally produces three points and a memorable win for the Toffees. That it didn’t, was unfortunate but there are still positives to take from the Villa encounter ahead of this weekend. The players played for each other, and gave their all for the club – from Tim Cahill to Tony Hibbert – there was a squad that wanted to lift things with hard work and commitment. Mikel Arteta’s sale was temporarily forgotten, and I’m sure the players have already moved on. Everton have lost great men in the past – even Alan Ball was sold – teams change, players deal with it. We were unlucky not to get a penalty for Barry Bannan’s foul on Leighton Baines. It’s frustrating and I think there’s a serious problem with how many are being missed. I felt for Kenny Dalglish as well, because Liverpool seemed to be denied a decent claim and then have one given against them which I didn’t feel was a penalty. It goes back to the use of technology, and whether football should follow cricket, rugby and tennis and adopt an appeal process when play is suspended for a moment while a fourth official checks the TV replay and makes a decision independent of the ref.
Everton FC’S Jack Rodwell ready to revive his X-Factor star billing
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 16 2011
FROM star-struck performer to tough-talking mentor – it’s fitting that Everton FC midfielder Jack Rodwell was promoted during a team-bonding X-Factor competition on recent England U-21 duty.
The 20-year-old has come a long way from the nervous debutante who first appeared in a royal blue shirt against AZ in Alkmaar in the Uefa Cup before he was legally old enough to drive. Then aged 16, Rodwell did enough to suggest he could be a star in the making – and built upon that reputation until it began to weigh too heavily upon him. If his memorable solo goal against Manchester United in 2009 was the equivalent of a debut single soaring to number one, since then the Birkdale-born midfielder has been mired in ‘difficult second album’ territory. A succession of untimely injuries, and functional but underwhelming displays have seen him struggle to nail down the first team place many assumed was a given. But now, with Mikel Arteta’s departure easing the personnel crush in the centre of midfield, Rodwell is poised to flourish. Indeed, even before the Spaniard’s departure he had started two of Everton’s three games, and was impressive in the draw with Aston Villa on Saturday. It’s possible that Evertonians were glimpsing a long-term fixture in central midfield with Rodwell partnering Marouane Fellaini. “I probably feel most comfortable in a central midfield pairing, although I can play in a three as well,” says Rodwell, while relaxing after training at Finch Farm. “I can play defensively or going forward – box to box. I enjoy getting up to support the attack, I think most people do, but I’ve played central defence all my life so if I’m asked to play defensively I can do that too. “Felli did really well at the weekend, and hopefully if that’s a partnership which everyone likes it could be the partnership for the season. There’s a lot of good players in central midfield though, so I’ll take nothing for granted.” Rodwell’s performance against the Midlanders was particularly notable for him barking orders at his fellow midfielders. A player who has long been mature off the pitch was visibly maturing on it, undoubtedly helped by captaining England’s U-21s in their last outing, a victory over Israel. “If you get the captain’s armband for any team it gives you a big confidence boost, and I think if you play in central midfield you’ve got to be vocal and pull people around in different positions,” he says. “It helps your game as well if you can get people to do work in certain areas, and it’s the best way you can be. I’ve been here for quite a long time now and I’ve grown with confidence. “I feel a bit more of a man now. I’m 20 years old now so I've got to be a man on the pitch. Skippering the under 21’s was a big thing for me, a big honour.” Rodwell was joined in midfield for that game by club team-mate and Everton’s latest academy darling, 17-year-old Ross Barkley. “It was a bit surreal because obviously he’s one of the lads here, and we keep in touch a lot,” he says. “ I’ve made my debut for the 21s and it can be daunting. It’s a big step from the 19s to the 21s, everyone is watching. You’ve just got to reassure him everything is going to be fine, and tell him to play his normal game. “There’s a pressure in the sense of knowing that if you do well at that level, the next step up is the seniors. 21s is a man’s game and 19’s is still a boys’ game. I think Ross will do really well. He came in and did well against Israel, and he has done well here this season.
“I’m sure he’ll be fine with the mental side of it, he’s got the backing of everyone here.” Rodwell picked up the captaincy from friend, and fellow ‘X Factor’ judge, Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, 21, a player he hopes to face in next month’s Merseyside derby. Me and Henderson get on,” he says. “There’s a bit of friendly banter because we’re at rival clubs. He’s a good lad and he’s made a good move to Liverpool, so hats off to him, I hope he does well. “The derby will be an exciting game for me. Hopefully I’ll play and be going head to head with Jordan. We’re both young and team mates in the same side so it will be a challenge. “It seems a long time ago now since I made my debut but I feel like I’ve come on a long way, and I’m still developing and not even 21 yet. Hopefully I can keep improving.” Rodwell is encouraged by Everton’s start to the season, which he points out is normally “much worse”, and hopes the Blues are rewarded if they control tomorrow’s clash with Wigan in the way they largely commanded Villa. “You can dominate a game, and we did that against Villa,” he says. “We’ve had a look at the stats and we had a lot more shots, crosses and pretty much dominated every area but the stats are unimportant because we didn’t win. It was the reverse at Blackburn. It evens itself out over the course of the season. “The home support at the weekend was really good, and that really picked us up. I’m pleased Wigan is a home game. “In the past their main threat was NZogbia but he’s gone now. I think we’re a different side from last year too, I can’t quite put my finger on what it is but I think we’ve got more resilience and with that home crowd behind us we’ll do better than last year. “It has to start with us the players as well. We have to show we’re giving everything and that spurs the crowd on, so if we do that then we’ll all be fine.”
Howard Kendall: Everton FC will beat Wigan Athletic but goals are still a cause for concern
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 16 2011
I’M a great admirer of Roberto Martinez and his footballing principles. He should never be patronised for sticking to that and making his Wigan side play some lovely football, while staying in the Premier League. That doesn’t, however, alter my view that Everton will win comfortably tomorrow. The Latics have lost Charles N’Zogbia, and while they frustrated at Goodison last season, I think Everton will have too much for them this time around. The only concern for David Moyes, as ever, will be goals. He will have started the season banking on a few goals from his defence at set pieces, wanting his midfield to chip in, but then ideally would want 30 goals in total from his strikers.
If by the end of the season the Blues have scored 60 or 70 then that’s all right, they won’t be far off the top six. But if it’s more like 30 or 40, I’d expect that to show in their league position too.
Goals are usually the difference, and I’m not sure he has two strikers who can get 15 each at the moment. Tim Cahill will work his socks off, but in reality he should be in the midfield filling that area’s quota of strikes, not leading the line week in week out.
David Prentice: Big screen delivers panto season early at Everton FC
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sep 16 2011
THE pantomime season has come early to Everton FC. Oh no it hasn’t! But it could do, especially if the ‘host broadcaster’ insists on flashing images of Bill Kenwright on the big screen again tomorrow.
You can see the scenario now – Kenwright critics trying to drown out the Bill backers, boos and hisses competing with applause and cheers, each party to try and prove that their voices are in the ascendancy. It’s bad enough having to listen to ‘jokers’ screaming ‘Shooot!’ every time Tony Hibbert crosses the halfway line, without even more side issues taking focus away from the action.
The problem, of course, will lie with the images which are beamed up onto the big screen . . . and unfortunately that is out of Everton’s control. The ‘host broadcaster for the day, whether it be BBC or Sky, decide on the images selected – and while contentious penalty decisions are carefully blocked so as not to inflame supporters’ tempers, film directors appear to think that fans competing over a club chairman makes for good viewing. That certainly appeared to be the case last weekend, when the director panned swiftly back to the Blues’ chairman after his first shot elicited such a lively response. But we could all do without it tomorrow. After all, following 14 episodes of Coronation Street, Z-Cars, The Villains, Dixon of Dock Green, Softly Softly, The Liver Birds, Any Dream Will Do and a splendid role as a reporter in Carry On Matron, do we really need to see any more Bill Kenwright on TV?
Everton FC new boy Royston Drenthe joins Ross Barkley admirers
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 16 2011
ROYSTON Drenthe admits he has joined Ross Barkley’s growing band of admirers at Everton FC – as he compared his Blues debut to making his bow with hometown club Feyenoord. The 24-year-old loan signing was given a raucous reception by the Goodison faithful in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, and then scored for the reserves on Tuesday night. Now he is desperate for another taste of the action when Wigan arrive in the Premier League on Saturday, and hopes Barkley – who was also on target for the reserves, can continue in the side with him. He said: “Making my debut was an amazing feeling. It was like playing at Feyenoord again. In Spain it is different. You have some stadiums with that kind of ambience but there are only a couple. “Here it was like making my debut at Feyenoord again. The crowd was really good. I appreciate the chance to play for Everton and hopefully I can now do a good job for the club.” Drenthe’s goal was the highlight of a 60 minute run-out and set the Blues on the way to a 2-1 victory at the Stobart Stadium to give him a real lift as he bids to reach peak fitness. The Dutchman is playing catch-up as he has not had a pre-season but the signs are looking good following two bright cameos. “At the moment I want to play every game. At Real Madrid I didn’t play any pre-season games,” he added. “It was really important for me to play but also for the young guys. “Ross has good quality, and I told him that before we played together when we were in training. “He was asking me about Real Madrid and I said that at this age, he has to play football and not think too much, just to be patient, work hard in training, and everything will come good.” Meanwhile, Everton are encouraging fans to head down to Goodison Park to give blood next week. The National Blood Service is hosting a donation service in the People’s Club at Goodison Park on Tuesday, September 20.
Everton FC’s Jack Rodwell believes he can form a midfield link with Marouane Fellaini
Liverpool Daily Post Sep 16 2011 Add a commentRecommend inShare.0
MIDFIELDER Jack Rodwell is keen for Marouane Fellaini to commit his long-term future to Everton FC, because he believes the duo could forge an enduring partnership at the heart of the EFC engine room. With Rodwell just 20 and Fellaini only 23, both players’ best years are ahead of them – and Rodwell is hopeful that the Belgian’s current contract talks will be successfully resolved. “Fellaini did really well at the weekend and is a really good player,” explained the England under-21s star. “If that is a partnership that works and people like it, then maybe that can be the partnership for the season, but I know there are a lot of good central midfielders at the club so I am taking nothing for granted.”
Since breaking into the Everton side as a teenager, there has been much discussion as to the best way to utilise Rodwell’s talents. Initially it was thought the defensive side of midfield play suited him best and, while admitting that role comes naturally to him, Rodwell prefers to operate as a more attacking midfielder. “I am still developing as a player,” he added. “It seems a long time ago I made my debut and I do feel as though I have come on an awful lot as a player but I am still only 20 and hopefully I can continue learning and getting better. “I probably play best as a central midfielder in a two or a three. I can sit and defend or I can get forward as well but I like to get box-to-box – you get forward then you get back. “I like getting forward – as everyone does – but like I say, I can also play defensive midfield. I have played centre-half most of my life so it is not a problem.”
Rodwell will hope to retain his starting place alongside Fellaini against Wigan at Goodison Park tomorrow, while new loan signing Royston Drenthe is itching to make his full debut. The Dutch international came on as a substitute against Aston Villa last weekend and made an instant impression on the home fans. The feeling was mutual. “Making my debut was an amazing feeling,” said Drenthe. “It was like playing at Feyenoord again. In Spain it is different. You have some stadiums with that kind of ambience but there are only a couple. “Here it was like making my debut at Feyenoord again. The crowd was really good. I appreciate the chance to play for Everton and hopefully I can now do a good job for the club.” Drenthe built up his match fitness with a 60-minute run-out for the reserves in midweek – and celebrated his first goal in a 2-1 win over Aston Villa’s reserves. “At the moment I want to play every game,” added Drenthe. “At Real Madrid I didn’t play any pre-season games. “It was really important for me to play but also for the young guys. They did very well. In the first half we did not do enough but we changed it round in the second half and in the end I am really glad that we won the game.” Of his goal he added: “It was a good goal. They had a free-kick but we were looking to attack. We have very quick players in Magaye (Gueye), Conor (McAleny) and me. Magaye put me in – it was not easy – but I shot before the keeper went to the ground and it was in the back of the net. It was a nice goal.”
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez says Shaun Maloney needs time to shine against Everton FC
by David Prentice, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 16 2011
N’ZOGBIA was a Wigan match-winner last season and an Everton FC target this summer. The Frenchman is now an Aston Villa player, but Wigan boss Roberto Martinez brings his N’Zogbia-less team to Goodison Park tomorrow warning it would be wrong to expect new signing Shaun Maloney to fill his match-winning void. Forward N’Zogbia, one of the Latics’ most potent attacking weapons over the last two seasons, joined Aston Villa in a £9.5million deal in the summer. It was the kind of deal David Moyes had hoped to clinch, until Barclays Bank demanded a reduction in the club’s overdraft and players like Joseph Yobo and Yakubu proved impossible to move on until the final day of the transfer deadline. N’Zogbia’s departure has seen youngster Victor Moses – the player in the Premier League who has had the most total shots (15) this season without scoring a goal – given more chances while Scotland striker Maloney was brought in from Celtic on deadline day last month.
Maloney, 28, is hoping to make his mark in the Premier League at the second attempt after a previous unsuccessful spell with Aston Villa. Martinez wants to give him time to settle and does not want to burden him with an expectation to match the impact made by previous players. The Spaniard said: “Every player is different. It would be a big mistake to try to replace a player that has gone. “The players that have gone haven’t got an influence in the side anymore. “What is important is to see the talent we have in the squad is really exciting. “Shaun Maloney is in the peak of his career at 28. “He has got the know-how, the experience and technically he is such a gifted player.
“If we can get him to enjoy his football he is going to be an exciting player to watch and will have a massive role.” Maloney was overlooked for last week’s loss at Manchester City but made his debut in Tuesday’s Carling Cup second round defeat at Crystal Palace. He will hope for another opportunity at Everton tomorrow but Martinez intends to ease him into action. Martinez said: “We need to help him get himself up to the speed that the league demands because he is coming from a completely different competition and in a different role, playing in a team where you probably don’t have to work too much off the ball. “What is important now is that Shaun is injury-free. “He has a fantastic football brain, he has had great experiences. “I want him to enjoy his football in probably the most important years of his career.” Martinez, 38, is optimistic about the future at the DW Stadium after steering them clear of relegation last season. The former Swansea manager was heavily linked with Aston Villa in the summer but resisted overtures from the midlands club.
Chairman Dave Whelan made the manager a promise to significantly upgrade training facilities at the club’s Christopher Park base and, although plans are delayed, Martinez is upbeat. Martinez said: “We have had a bit of a setback in terms of the timescale we expected but we are well on with what we want to do. “We are close to finalising the paperwork with the training ground. “It is going to take between six and eight months to get the new buildings. “We are really excited. The training ground is an important part of the football club and it is going to be a big part of the legacy of Wigan Athletic.”
‘Everton put you against the wall’ warns Wigan manager Roberto Martinez
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 17 2011
WIGAN boss Roberto Martinez has warned his side little will prevent David Moyes sending out a formidable Everton team today. Many observers have so far been focusing on the Blues’ off-field dilemmas with their lack of funds highlighted by the recent sales of Mikel Arteta, Ayegbeni Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford. Some frustrated fans staged a protest outside Goodison Park last week but that did not affect the players, who produced a spirited performance in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
Martinez expects much the same from Moyes’ side today and said: “If you look at the game against Aston Villa, they did not look like a team that has been affected by what is going on around them.
“I think Everton are a real example of how to be competitive on the pitch whatever happens off it.
“Anything that happens at board level, with certain players or fans, can have an affect on the football pitch. “Players are human beings and you get affected psychologically by the events that are going on around you. “But if I could highlight an example of how not to be affected by that on the pitch, it is Everton. “We are going to have to be at our best, otherwise you are going to be hurt.
“At Goodison Park Everton really test you, put you against the wall and make you defend well.
“It is not just their football ability, you need to overcome the mentality they have got.” Wigan made a positive start to the season with two draws and a win in their opening three games. Their run came to an abrupt halt, however, at Manchester City last weekend and Latics, after making seven changes, were then dumped out of the Carling Cup by Championship side Crystal Palace. Martinez said: “Now we have got three games before the next international break, playing three teams with real strong tradition – Everton, Tottenham and Aston Villa.” “The first game is the one we are really focused on and we are desperate to get back to that solid mentality we showed in the first three games of the season.” Martinez is likely to restore the likes of Gary Caldwell, Hugo Rodallega and Victor Moses while Scotland striker Shaun Maloney will hope to make his league debut.
Nine former Everton FC number nines to reunite at evening event
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool EchoSep 17 2011
HATS off to the organisers of the Everton 9’s evening this winter - who have secured the presence of nine of the Toffee’s famous number nines. With 841 goals between them, the band of Goodison legends - including Dave Hickson, Derek Temple, Joe Royle, Alex Young and Andy Gray - are set to entertain guests during the evening at Whitby Sports & Social club in Ellesmere Port on Friday, November 18. Including a three course Christmas dinner, and comedian, tickets cost £40 and can be bought from 2 rivers promotions on 07947 413 224 or from Ellesmere Port Evertonians on 07786 570 825.
Royal Blue: Everton FC director Robert Earl tells US TV news show he invested for ‘love of the game’
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 17 2011
EVERTON director Robert Earl was interviewed on US TV last week, when he was asked if it’s impossible to make money from investing in football. Earl answered in the affirmative during his stint on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” show, when he also gave the presenters an Everton home shirt.
Along with suggesting he will be back in town in October for the derby, and inviting the hosts, Earl agreed with one of the anchors who asked if investing in the game was more ‘for the love of the sport’. Maybe the question they should have asked is why Earl invested in buying shares in Everton in the first place. Because following an early blaze of publicity when his friend Sylvester Stallone was a high-profile guest at Goodison, supporters have heard little else from the Planet Hollywood magnate. Of course, his purchase of Paul and Anita Gregg’s stake in the club was ostensibly to aid his friend Bill Kenwright’s vision for the Blues’ future, but while the hopes of finding new buyers for Everton remain in the balance, it’s tough not to wonder what Earl gets out of his investment – and just how much love he still has for the game?
Barry Horne: Everton FC will beat Wigan and life will not look too bad
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo Sep 17 2011
IF Everton FC win today, then the start of the season will not have been as bad as some of the doom-mongers would have you believe. The Blues should win as well, I’ve seen Wigan twice this season and they are not different to last. Last season, Everton had trouble in breaking down sides who came to Goodison Park who were there to settle for a point, hoping to frustrate from the outset.
Hopefully we have learnt from these experiences because I fully expect Wigan to do the very same.
An early goal makes them come out and play. I watched them at Swansea earlier in the season and it was a particularly dour performance, one only improved upon in the latter stages when Wigan sensed they could go on and win the game. But a good start, like the one witnessed against Aston Villa last week, this afternoon and an early goal will not allow Wigan to be so negative. Once they are forced to attack more then Everton can punish them further because they continue to look vulnerable at the back. I am confident Evertonians will be able to look at the Premier League table on Sunday morning and know this has not been the disastrous start some would have to think.
I also hope Everton fans will be able to talk about their excitement of a flourishing Leighton Baines-Royston Drenthe partnership on the left hand side. Drenthe looks ready to get back on track and David Moyes had knack of reviving flagging careers.
Royal Blue: Former Everton FC defender Gary Ablett fighting back against Leukaemia
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 17 2011
FRIENDS who went to visit Gary Ablett shortly after he was hospitalised for the first time with Leukaemia still speak of their profound shock at the sight which greeted them. Gone temporarily was the imposing frame of a powerful athlete who graced the defences of both Everton and Liverpool during their Eighties and Nineties. In its place was a fragile man clinging onto life after being physically ravaged by an aggressive disease that cares not a jot for past glories. It still surprises more when young people are struck with cancer, especially footballers. They are supposed to be the epitome of physical fitness, even when they have retired and turned to coaching, cancer seems out of place among the ranks of our former heroes. But Ablett’s condition, like John Hartson and Eric Abidal, proves anyone can fall victim. And typically the FA Cup winner is doing everything he can to raise awareness about his illness, and to encourage people to act quickly and get crucial earlier diagnosis. Blue September is specifically aimed at raising awareness of cancers that can affect men – including lung, prostate, bowel and skin – and the lifestyle choices males can make to reduce their risk. It also encourages men to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they have a worrying symptom. And former Blue Ablett, who was part of the 1995 Everton FA Cup final side which defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley, is urging male fans to get medical advice if they are worried about a change in their physical well-being. Gary, 45, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma last year. The illness, a blood cancer, struck just as Ablett, who also played for Liverpool, was about to embark on the next phase of his career by joining Roy Keane’s coaching staff at Ipswich Town. It was something he never imagined would ever affect him, which is why he is backing Blue September. “I wholeheartedly support this campaign,” said Gary reflecting on the time after he was diagnosed with cancer. “I thought it can’t be me, it just can’t. I felt so strong – I had played for the best two teams in the world, coached for the best two teams in the world. “It can’t be me. But unfortunately it was. “In terms of what I’ve been through with the different regimes of the chemotherapy, the blood transfusions, the platelet transfusions, eight radiotherapy sessions, the lumber punches and I had a bone marrow transplant in January 2011…the list can go on and on.”
He added: “If you feel anything, you need to get it checked out. I’ve done it previously in the past when I had cancer in my toe. “Get it checked, don’t mess around. Don’t ever think it can’t be you because it could be. Cancer doesn’t discriminate - it can attack anyone at any time.” For the past two years, Everton’s Premier League Men’s Health programme has also been working to provide males aged 18-35 years with a pathway towards a more positive and healthier lifestyle. Based at the Everton Active Family Centre, Goodison Park, the programme helps men from the local community to access a wide range of resources such as gym facilities, health information, mentoring and advice from trained coaches. More information about Blue September can be found at
Everton FC v Wigan Athletic Preview: David Moyes on why Royston Drenthe has lit up Everton’s training ground
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 17
APPARENTLY a team dinner at Real Madrid just wasn’t the same without new Everton FC signing Royston Drenthe’s colourful presence. Such was the spiky little Dutchman’s temporary popularity in the Bernabeu dressing room, Sergio Ramos would not allow anyone to start until his late arrival.
Once there, Drenthe recalled in an old interview, Ramos & Co would smile and ask him to sing.
A gold toothed, rapping, former skater from Rotterdam, the 24-year-old has already brought some of that star quality to Everton’s Finch Farm training ground. Indeed Royston Ricky, note the extra initial on the back of his shirt today, moved his new manager to smile and admit he is “a bit noisy” among other things, after a week when he marked his run out for the reserves with a goal.
“His character has been good, we have enjoyed him and at the moment he has been fine,” said David Moyes, as he weighed up the extent to which his loan signing would feature against Wigan today. “He’s keeping us on our toes. He’s a happy fellow at the moment.” Drenthe is reportedly the type of player who operates with his big, beating heart firmly on sleeve. In short, if he’s happy – he plays well. How well he plays during this season-long stint at Goodison could yet trigger wider interest in him, but the Blues at least have first option on making his stay permanent.
The Blues have taken over the last year of Drenthe’s deal, and can sign him in the summer when he becomes a free agent. “He’s here for a year,” said Moyes. “We’ll have a chance to see how he is. I’ve met his family, he’s brought his kids over. Hopefully he’ll be a good boy. “Supporters always like to see new faces and work out how they are going to fit into the team, and that’s part of being a football manager as well. I’ve seen things I really like and there are some things I’m going to have to do a wee bit of work on. We have to try and get the best from him.” Drenthe’s 14m euro 2007 move to Real Madrid went sour when the La Liga club’s supporters decided he was more zero than their initial assessment of hero. And since signing for the Blues on transfer deadline day, Drenthe has admitted he and Jose Mourinho are unlikely to be exchanging Christmas cards. Moyes tried to solicit the Special One’s opinion before signing the Dutch tyro, but went ahead with the deal anyway when he was unable to consult him. “I didn’t speak to Mourinho, no. I tried earlier in the season but couldn’t get through,” said Moyes. “I can see why Real Madrid wanted him. But I don’t want to put too much pressure on the lad too early. “He’s someone who we have signed for a year to have a look at and hopefully he can help us out.” Moyes points out that Drenthe will be in good company if he resurrects his fading star on Merseyside. “We’ve signed a few players like that in the past. Look at Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta,” said the Blues boss. “Mikel wasn’t playing at Sociedad, Steven was struggling at Dortmund, so we’ve had a few like that. “We have had a few that haven’t worked, but the point is that we have had some that have. We hope that it works with Royston.”
Although he finds his new-boy amusing and intriguing in equal measures, Moyes hasn’t grilled him too much over why his Real Madrid move flopped. “I’ve not really had a chance to ask why it didn’t work out at Real,” he said. “It’s been more a time for him to get to know me and us to get to know him, and finding out about him in terms of what he is like on the pitch and how he interacts with the players. “We are finding out where he likes to play in training games, how he passes it, how he delivers the ball, what I think I would expect him to bring to the team and in what areas.
“More than likely he’ll have played differently at Real Madrid than we’ll ask him to at Everton. We both need to look at what fits.” Drenthe has a reputation in Spain as being prone to temperamental outbursts on the pitch, but Moyes is experienced enough to know how to smooth any rough edges.
“I’m confident if we see anything wrong with his temperament I can point it out, like we did with Felli (Marouane Fellaini). “That might be in him. But he is still pretty young and keen to impress, and because of that he has that little bit of fire in his belly. That’s not a bad thing. “Royston must have for some reason not been regarded good enough to get into the Real Madrid team. But there is no shame in that. “We’re talking about someone we got in at the last minute before the transfer deadline. “Let’s hope it becomes something bigger, but we have to make sure we just calm it down right now.”
Everton FC chairman Bill Kenwright offers to refund fans who bought Mikel Arteta and Jermaine Beckford shirts
by Ben Turner, Liverpool Echo
Sep 17 2011
EVERTON FC chairman Bill Kenwright has personally offered a refund to disgruntled fans who forked out for shirts bearing the names of Mikel Arteta and Jermaine Beckford. Popular Spanish midfielder Arteta and striker Beckford made deadline-day moves to Arsenal and Leicester respectively.
The Toffees raised about £14m from the transfer deals, although they were completed so late manager David Moyes did not have time to utilise the cash. The ECHO understands the gesture could cost the successful West End theatre, TV and film producer around £15,000 should all those who qualify for their money back decide to come forward. Based on the £54 quoted on club’s online store for an adult shirt with a player’s name on the back – it equates to just under 3,000 shirts.
It is believed people buying Arteta shirts prior to his eleventh hour shock exit outweigh sales of striker Beckford shirts by three-to-one. Mr Kenwright told evertonfc.com: “I have been contacted by several supporters, a lot with children, who had bought the new shirts with Mikel and Jermaine’s surnames on the back of them. “Both players left the club quite literally at the very last minute on transfer deadline day. “These are unusual circumstances and I simply want to try and play fair by those supporters who have spent hard-earned money on these shirts.” Any supporter who purchased the 2011/12 home or away kit, printed with the names of the departed players, from either the Everton One or Everton Two stores in the city or did so from the club’s online store can get their money back. However they must provide proof of purchase. The deadline for the refund offer is September 30.
Everton FC boss David Moyes orders Jack Rodwell to get tough and build on his consistent start to the season.
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 17 2011
DAVID MOYES has ordered Jack Rodwell to get tough as he challenged the talented midfielder to build on his consistent start to the Everton FC season. Rodwell impressed his manager with a confident performance during the draw with Aston Villa last weekend, and Moyes admits he wants to see the 20-year-old improve further. The England U-21 star has forged a promising partnership with Marouane Fellaini, in a youthful central midfield pair, and the Blues boss says he will pull no punches with his constructive criticism this term. He said: “What we are saying is let’s see if he can given us some consistency, and then if that happens we’ll get him playing and improving.
“We’re on his case now. Sometimes when the young boys come in you don’t always treat them like the older lads, you don’t want to be too critical of them and be positive with the good things they do. “And while he’s still a young boy he’s also experienced at Everton and has been around the team so we’re a bit more on Jack’s case to say ‘Come on, the demand is if you’re going to do it we need to see you stepping up’. I thought he played quite well last week so he’s got the chance to do it again.” Moyes insists Rodwell has played plenty of Premier League matches compared to some of his England U-21 team-mates. “He’s still young, he’s 20,” said the Scot. “There are a lot of 20-year-olds who don’t get consistent runs of games. Jack’s been in the spotlight with the media since he was 16. “There are a lot of people who have just broken into the U-21’s who probably don’t play as much as Jack. But because we’ve put him in there early it’s easy to forget he’s still young. “He’s been doing some extra work, he’s been watching a lot of stuff on the video to see things he could do better and what he’s done well. Steve Round has had him a few afternoons working with him as well. We always try and improve all our players but we’re trying to give Jack every opportunity and we want him to do well.” Moyes praised Rodwell’s good-natured attitude in training, but stressed he wants to see a nastier side to him during games. He said: “He needs to be tougher on the field. He’s a great lad to have around, he’s a good lad to work with, pleasant, respectful, and he listens and enjoys his work. You want him to be like that, and he is. But at the same time you want him to roll his sleeves up on the pitch, and fight his own corner. “He knows he has to do it now, step out. That’s not to put pressure on him, but it’s to say we really think he’s a good player, he can do better, and he showed it last week. Let’s get a consistent run of form from him. “Him and Felli are both very energetic and their youth is something we want to have in the side.” The Everton boss insists the pair must be allowed to grow into the partnership. “I see Jack as being someone at the moment who is a bit more box to box and can do everything, not someone who can necessarily sit there and break up the play,” he said. “He can break forward and join in. He’s an excellent striker of the ball with both feet, and has got the ability to score with his head in the box. “So there’s a bit of a similarity with Fellaini and we need to see if we can marry that together. They’re both quite happy to run into the box and join in and in modern day terms we need one to sit and not move.”
Meanwhile, Victor Anichebe is the only Everton player sidelined by injury for the visit of Roberto Martinez’s men. John Heitinga is fit again after recovering from a niggle picked up on international duty and Louis Saha is also returning to fitness after missing each of the club’s games since the Carling Cup victory over Sheffield United. Magaye Gueye has recovered from a broken toe and Tim Cahill has overcome a minor knock picked up in the draw with Aston Villa.
Everton refund fans who bought Arteta or Beckford replica shirts
17 September 2011 21.14 The Guardian
The Everton chairman, Bill Kenwright, has offered to refund fans who bought shirts bearing the names Arteta or Beckford this summer. The popular Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta and the striker Jermaine Beckford made deadline-day moves to Arsenal and Leicester City respectively. Everton raised about £14m from the deals, although they were completed so late that the manager, David Moyes, did not have time to utilise the cash. Kenwright has been criticised by a group of fans for a lack of progress on selling the club, which is in need of major investment, and his goodwill gesture on the shirts is unlikely to bring much respite from those growing increasingly frustrated at the situation at Goodison Park. "I have been contacted by several supporters [a lot with children] who had bought the new shirts with Mikel and Jermaine's surnames on the back of them," Kenwright told the Everton website. "Both players left the club quite literally at the very last minute on transfer deadline day. "These are unusual circumstances and I simply want to try to play fair by those supporters who have spent hard-earned money on these shirts." Any supporter who purchased the 2011-12 home or away kit, printed with the names of the departed players, from either the Everton One or Everton Two stores in the city or from the club's online store can get their money back if they can provide proof of purchase. The deadline for the refund offer is 30 September.
The Last Word: Everton fans split in half but I must come down on side of Kenwright
By Brian Viner
Saturday, 17 September 2011
Independent
I don't suppose Bill Kenwright would have mortgaged his home to buy Everton if he'd known the scale of abuse, including death threats, that was in store The BBC's impartiality, or otherwise, is generally mentioned in connection with its interpretation of British politics, or unrest in the Middle East, rather than internecine rumblings at Everton Football Club. Nevertheless, bobble hats off to the Corporation for admirably balanced reporting during last Saturday's Match of the Day, which, as part of its coverage of the fixture against Aston Villa at Goodison Park, featured not just the pre-match march by disgruntled Evertonians calling on chairman Bill Kenwright to sell the club, but also, once the game was under way, a loud and unequivocal burst of applause for Kenwright when his face appeared on the big screen. Despite the media attention given to the forces of disgruntlement, who have named themselves the Blue Union, Kenwright still enjoys the support of a majority of Everton fans, many of whom understand that the portentous old enjoinder to be careful what you wish for applies in spades to ownership of a Premier League football club. Moreover, it is not a matter of partisanship but plain fact that nobody has done more than Kenwright to attract large-scale investment in, and to find a new owner of, the club he loves with possibly too much passion.
Now, a few weeks ago in this space, I wrote a flippant, rather ill-considered column that I later regretted, about the bareness of the coffers at Goodison and the financial constraints under which David Moyes has had to work. That the manager's hands are currently tied in the transfer market is unarguable, but he is a man whose ambitions are balanced by his principles, which is not an equation you find everywhere in football. The money he has been given down the years, not only for transfers but also to sustain wage increases, is negligible only by comparison with what some of his Premier League counterparts have been handed. In the context of a sensibly run business, it has been considerable, maybe even excessive. Moyes knows it. He knows, I think, that Everton dwell rather closer to economic reality than most clubs in the Premier League, starting with the US-bankrolled institution across the park. Unfortunately, rational expenditure tends not to be how trophies are won these days, but even so I wouldn't mind betting that Moyes views Kenny Dalglish's extravagant splurges in the transfer market with something less than envy. In a way, Moyes was born too late. Along with some other fine football men who will probably never know what it feels like to sanction a payment of £35m and upwards on a player, he deserves to have operated in an era before the game's credo was "who spends, wins". As for Kenwright, if he could go backwards in time, I don't suppose he would have mortgaged his home and office building to buy Everton, not if he'd known the scale of abuse, up to and including death threats, that was in store for him. And as so often with abuse and death threats, they have been ignited not by insight but ignorance, which brings me back to my regrettable column of 20 August, this Everton fan's emotional response to the chairman's revelation, in a discussion with three Blue Union representatives that he thought was confidential, that Keith Harris, the broker charged with finding a buyer, had unearthed a couple of hoaxers. What I didn't know then, and do now, was the extent of the hoax. The theatrical impresario in Kenwright probably thought he'd seen every kind of chicanery in Shakespeare plays, not to mention every dimension of greed, betrayal and injustice. Then he bought and attempted to sell a Premier League club. I, for one, owe him an apology.
EVERTON v WIGAN
INTERESTING OPTA STATISTICS
17 September 2011
Sporting Life
Will Everton's superior record in north-west derbies prove decisive at Goodison Park this afternoon? Here's what Opta say... Wigan have won just two of the 12 Premier League meetings with Everton.
The Latics have only scored nine goals in the dozen Premier League fixtures against the Toffees.
Wigan have only lost one of their last eight Premier League matches. Everton haven't drawn 0-0 in the Premier League since they met Wigan at Goodison Park in December 2010. Everton have conceded just six corners this season, fewer than any other team in the top flight. The Toffees have allowed their opponents the joint-fewest shots on target against them than any team in the Premier League (11). Former Latics' favourite Leighton Baines has scored two penalties in the last four games between Wigan and Everton, which earned the Toffees an extra three points in total.
Wigan have won just seven of 39 Premier League north-west derbies away from home. The Latics have earned just 12 points from their last 16 north-west derby matches. Everton are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League north-west derbies at Goodison Park, winning eight in that run.
EVERTON V WIGAN
17th September 2011
Daily Star
LOAN signing Royston Drenthe could be pushing for his first Everton start after featuring for the reserves in midweek. Fellow deadline-day arrival Denis Stracqualursi may also make his Toffees debut. With striker Louis Saha still not fully match fit, Tim Cahill is expected to start in attack again.
WIGAN defender Emmerson Boyce (ham- string) is rated as 50-50, while defender Steve Gohouri (calf) and Antolin Alcaraz (thigh) remain sidelined. Shaun Maloney, David Jones and Patrick van Aanholt could make league debuts. Last season: Everton 0 Wigan 0. Top scorers: Leighton Baines, Leon Osman (Everton) 1; Franco Di Santo (Wigan) 2. Referee: Peter Walton.
Everton 3 Wigan Athletic 1 - Final whistle match report
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 17 2011
ROYSTON Drenthe helped Everton secure a vital three points against Wigan with an injury time goal, as the Blues ran out 3-1 winners at Goodison. The Dutch loan signing netted after a headed knock-down from fellow new-boy Denis Straqualursi to apply the gloss to a cagey overall performance.
Teenage striker Apostolos Vellios had already come from the bench in the second half to edge the Blues ahead with his first goal in a royal blue shirt. The Greek 19-year-old had almost snatched a last-minute victory against Aston Villa last weekend, but was not to be denied again when he leapt highest to convert a Tony Hibbert cross in the 83rd minute The Blues were good value for the win in the end, although they found it tough going at times against a motivated and resilient visiting side who gave them more than a few scares. David Moyes had picked the same team which had started so brightly against Aston Villa, much to the chagrin of Louis Saha who used Twitter to emphasise his devastation at being omitted from the squad. But the men who were included acquitted themselves well again. Jack Rodwell made another positive start, the 20-year-old used the ball intelligently throughout and was quick to try his luck at goal in the early stages. The first chance came when Leighton Baines crossed for Seamus Coleman, and despite being unmarked at the far post the Irishman scuffed his header. As against Aston Villa the Blues were dominating possession and crafting a succession of early chances. But there was also very nearly an unpleasant shock. Marouane Fellaini dawdled then slipped in possession and gifted the ball to Franco Di Santo who raced through on goal, fortunately opting to shoot high and wide when Hugo Rodallega was far better placed to test Tim Howard. The Blues’ initial vigour settled, although Leon Osman and Baines linked up delightfully to prevent Tim Cahill with an opportunity on the turn but the Aussie just about failed to get his strike on target. That scare at the other end aside, Everton’s back four were coping comfortably with Wigan’s limited attacking threat. And Tony Hibbert was justifying his manager’s decision to keep him in the side at the expense of club captain Phil Neville, crossing well on the overlap and defending with his trademark solidity. And a goal seemed certain when Hibbert combined nicely with Coleman, allowing the Irishman to drill low ball across goal that Fellaini connected with only to see his close range shot cleared. Then recent frailties surfaced again, and it was Wigan who took the lead on half an hour. Franco Di Santo was given too much time and space, then surged too easily past Osman and his shot across goal was deflected in by Hibbert’s lunge.
It Fortunately Everton made quick amends. Cahill made a magnificent leap from a Baines corner to hit the bar, and Phil Jagielka reacted quickest to head home his first goal at Goodison in more than three years. It could have been two seconds later when Baines’ free kick beat the wall but sneaked wide of the post. Cahill was outstanding again. Winning free kicks, and winning headers he had no right to, the 31-year-old was leading the line faultlessly. The second half saw Everton step it up as they attacked the Gwladys Street. Seamus Coleman’s wing play is evolving by the game, and he beat two Wigan defenders only to curl his shot agonisingly wide within moments of the re-start.
David Moyes quickly rewarded loan signing Royston Drenthe for his goal-scoring reserve team cameo on Tuesday with a further taste of the action, swapping him for Diniyar Bilyaletdinov on 58 minutes. The Blues had a chance to edge ahead when Wigan skipper Gary Caldwell hauled Cahill to the surface on the edge of his area, but Baines’ free kick was off target again. Further chances came and went unconverted. So far, same old story. But then step forward Apostolos Vellios. Having started the move, he leapt to convert Hibbert’s cross and set Goodison rocking. True to the topsy turvy nature of the nature, Wigan substitute David Jones almost instantly struck the bar at the other end, then the superb Hibbert blocked his follow-up. And it was colourful Drenthe who wrapped things up when he finished coolly after seizing on Stracqualursi’s knock down deep in injury time.
The victory means Everton head into a tough run of league fixtures against Manchester City and Liverpool with their tails up.
EVERTON: (4-2-3-1) Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka (Capt), Baines, Rodwell, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov (Drenthe 58), Osman, Cahill (Stracqualursi, 83) Coleman (Vellios, 66).
Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Neville, Barkley.
Bookings: Fellaini
Goals: Jagielka (32) Vellios (83) Drenthe (90 plus)
WIGAN: (4-2-3-1) Al-Habsi, McCarthy, Caldwell (Capt), Watson, Van Aanholt, Lopez, Figueroa, Rodallega (Maloney, 90), Di Santo, Moses, Gomez (Jones, 70).
Subs not used: Pollitt, Thomas, Crusat, McArthur, Sammon.
Bookings: Caldwell
Goals: Di Santo (30)
Ref: Peter Walton
Attendancw: 31, 576
Everton 3-1 Wigan: Sunday Mirror match report
September 18 2011 By Anthony Clavane
Crisis, what crisis?
After last Saturday’s protests attacking Everton’s failure to sign big names, Goodison saw a Greek teenager and a Galactico give them their first home triumph of the season. David Moyes admits he gambled taking Royston Drenthe on a season-long loan from Real Madrid. But the Dutch winger really livened things up when he came on for Diniyar Bilyaletdinov in the second half and put a bit of oomph into the Toffees attack. Blues chairman Bill Kenwright might have come in for stick after the club were forced to sell Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu before the transfer window shut – with Joseph Yobo leaving on loan – but this meant Moyes was forced to blood kids like Apostolos Vellios.
And the 19-year-old rose to the occasion, coming off the bench to turn the game around. But it wasn’t all striker joy for Moyes after veteran front man Louis Saha walked out of Goodison before the game had even started. The 33-year-old Frenchman, who has played just 41 minutes this season, is understood to have left the ground after discovering he was not in the squad. Moyes said: “Everybody has to report in for the game and then I tell them the subs because they know the team already. “I don’t know if he went home – I am not bothered. I was more interested in the players out there.It is good that he is upset not to be in the 18, isn’t it?” Saha Tweeted: “Absolutely destroyed. It’s coz I’m confident in my ability that I’m gutted.” It was Tim Cahill who again took on the role as the lone Toffee up front with Leon Osman in behind him. Wigan struck first when Franco Di Santo cut inside to strike a rising, curling effort into the top corner. The Blues hit back immediately when Leighton Baines’s corner was headed by Cahill on to the bar and Phil Jagielka followed up to level with a diving header. Baines almost got on the scoresheet when his free-kick beat the wall but flashed past the post. But it was the introduction of two supersubs that broke the deadlock. First Vellios stole in between the centre-backs to head Tony Hibbert’s right-flank cross past Ali Al-Habsi. Then, in the dying seconds, the Greek youngster flicked on Tim Howard’s long kick to send Drenthe through for a one-on-one with the keeper – and the Holland international coolly slotted home. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was devastated by defeat – and a serious injury to Hugo Rodallega. Martinez said: “It looks like medial ligament in his right knee. It doesn’t look good and leaves a big hole in the squad.” VERDICT: The new-look Everton deserved the win, with Apostolos Vellios and Royston Drenthe scoring their first goals in English football to give them a valuable victory against Wigan.
THE BIG ISSUE: Will Everton's lack of firepower cost them?
Everton didn't have a recognised striker until Apostolos Vellios came on midway through the second half. Up until then, Moyes had played Tim Cahill as the lone man up front with Leon Osman in behind him. But then Apostolos Vellios - and Royston Drenthe - came on and everything changed. The Greek teenager put Everton ahead - and then set up Drenthe to score the goal that sealed the three points. So, perhaps selling strikers Jermaine Beckford and Victor Anchebe before the transfer window closed will not turn out to be such a disastrous move
Dropped Everton striker Saha Tweets I'm "absolutely destroyed"
September 18 2011 The Sunday Mirror .
Everton striker Louis Saha voiced his disappointment at being left out of the squad to face at Wigan at Goodison Park by expressing his frustration on Twitter. The 33-year-old Frenchman has played just 41 minutes this season - both as a substitute - and has not featured since the Carling Cup win over Sheffield United on August 24. Everton manager David Moyes has stressed he will only pick those players in form - he has started captain Phil Neville on the bench for the last two matches - and as Saha has been struggling for match fitness he was left out again. "I am not good enough. Absolutely destroyed," Saha tweeted. "It's coz I'm confident in my ability that I'm gutted."
It is understood Saha was at Goodison Park this afternoon but left the ground soon after discovering he was not in the squad. Saha's mood appeared to have mellowed slightly as the match kicked off, as he then tweeted: "Come on lads. 3pts."
Saha sulk casts doubt over Everton future after striker excluded from squad
Sep 18 2011 by Alan Nixon, The People
LOUIS SAHA put his Everton future in doubt yesterday after storming out of the ground and having a go at boss David Moyes. Saha was upset to be left out of the squad despite the Goodison club’s lack of forwards, and is likely to face Moyes’ anger. The Frenchman posted on Twitter: “I am not good enough, absolutely destroyed” and headed home before the kick-off. Moyes left Saha on the sidelines and preferred two of his cheap signings – Apostolos Vellios and Denis Stracqualursi – who both came on and played important parts in a fighting 3-1 win over Wigan. The Everton boss said: “I want players to be upset when they are not involved. I have no problems with that. “Everybody reports for the game and we tell them the subs. They knew the team already. “I’m not really that bothered. I’m more interested in the 11 that were playing.”
Everton 3 Wigan 1: Moyes's supersubs Vellios and Drenthe seal vital victory
By Joe Bernstein
Mail on Sunday 18th September 2011
Nobody finds a cut-price hero the way David Moyes can, but on this occasion he was happy to pass on the credit for discovering 19-year-old Apostolos Vellios to one of his former scouts. Moyes, the only Premier League manager unable to splash out in the summer, must be delighted that he took the advice of Mike Doherty and snapped up Vellios from Greek side Iraklis in January for just £50,000. Doherty is now at Chelsea but Moyes and every Evertonian should raise a glass to him as Vellios came off the bench to score an 84th-minute goal which effectively saw off the Wigan challenge. To add to the Goodison feel-good factor, debutant Royston Drenthe, on loan from Real Madrid, sealed the points in added time with a third goal, and all that after Everton had fallen behind, albeit for 97 seconds. Moyes said: 'I have to give credit to Mick Doherty. He found Seamus Coleman for £60,000 and Vellios for even less. I like to see players myself when I can, but when they're abroad it's not always possible. But if the scouts think they're worthwhile, you're willing to take a chance, even though it's a lot to expect them to come into the Premier League. 'Vellios has something. I bought him unseen because of the price. And yesterday when we needed to change one or two things, he came up trumps.' You would think Moyes cannot keep pulling rabbits out of the hat - but he is doing his best to prove that he still can. Having sold Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford in the transfer window, his starting line-up did not have a single recognised striker, with midfielders Tim Cahill and Leon Osman doing their best to fill in up front. Louis Saha was not included in the 18 and sulked about being axed on Twitter - and that has not impressed Moyes.
Wigan struck first when defenders backed off Franco Di Santo in the area and he hit a rising shot which clipped Tony Hibbert before going past Tim Howard. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez said: 'If we'd gone in ahead at half-time, I think the game would have been ours.' But his side could not even hold their lead for two minutes. Osman's corner was met with a splendid header by Cahill and when it bounced off the bar, Phil Jagielka headed in the equaliser. Everton huffed and puffed in the second half and Moyes sent on Dutchman Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi, last season's top scorer in the Argentine league, for their Everton debuts. But it was his third change, Vellios, who ultimately settled the game. The teenager's first touches were awful but he is clearly decent with his head and the way he rose between the two centre-halves to meet Hibbert's cross was majestic.
Wigan rallied, with David Jones hitting the bar and Victor Moses denied by a Hibbert block as he chased the rebound. But their hopes were ended in added time when Drenthe, unwanted by Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu, outpaced the defence to add a third. Martinez said: 'Ninety per cent of our performance was right. But there are two things you have to be aware of at Everton; their height at set-pieces and their crossing.' To add to the Wigan boss's woes, Hugo Rodallega tangled with Stracqualursi and was carried off with suspected medial ligament damage to his right knee.
The 26-year-old Colombia striker could be out until Christmas and Martinez added: 'It's a big blow to a club like ours. It leaves a big hole in the squad.' As for Everton, watching Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, assistant David Platt and former Arsenal mover-and-shaker David Dein really brought home the financial constraints now facing Moyes. He said: 'We made some changes in the second half. At first it didn't look as though it was going to work but in the end it did and we're happy. We played Cahill and Osman up front for a reason. We haven't many options.'
But as long as the Scot and his scouting team uncover bargain gems like Vellios, hope remains eternal at Goodison, albeit on a tight budget.
MATCH FACTS Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman (Vellios 66), Fellaini, Rodwell, Bilyaletdinov (Drenthe 58), Osman, Cahill (Stracqualursi 83). Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Neville, Barkley.
Yellow cards: Fellaini, Vellios.
Scorers: Jagielka 33, Vellios 84, Drenthe 90+8.
Wigan: Al Habsi, Van Aanholt, Caldwell, Lopez, Figueroa, Gomez (Jones 71), Watson, McCarthy, Moses, Di Santo, Rodallega (Maloney 90+2). Subs not used: Pollitt, Thomas, Crusat, McArthur, Sammon.
Yellow card: Caldwell.
Scorer: Di Santo 31.
Attendance: 31,576.
Referee: Peter Walton.
EVERTON 3 WIGAN ATHLETIC 1: ROYSTON DRENTHE SEALS DEAL FOR TOFFEES
Sunday Express
September 18,2011
By Gary Jones for Express
EVERTON left it late to secure their first home win of the season after it appeared they would again finish disappointed having dominated throughout. David Moyes' side laboured in front of goal, as they have done so far season, but managed to eke out victory without a recognised front-line striker.
Three goals in their previous three matches had pointed to a familiar problem for the Toffees.
And on a day when one centre-forward they let go in the summer was the match-winner a few miles up the road in Lancashire, and the one genuine striker they have left departed Goodison Park in a huff before kick-off it seemed they might pay for their lack of bite up front. Yakubu, deemed surplus to requirements by Moyes in the summer and allowed to leave for little over £1million, scored twice for Blackburn on his debut against Arsenal. Louis Saha, he of the perennial injury problems, was left out of the squad again and reacted by venting his frustration on Twitter. With Tim Cahill now reclassified as a striker by Moyes, who has few other options at the moment, it highlighted how short the resources are. But the Scot's sides are nothing if determined and after defender Phil Jagielka had equalised Franco di Santo's opener with only the third goal of his four-year Everton career, youngster Apostolos Vellios headed in with six minutes to go before Royston Drenthe poked home deep in injury time. It made the absence of Saha, who has played just 41 minutes in two substitute appearances this season, immaterial - although Moyes may have something to say about his pre-match comments. "I am not good enough. Absolutely destroyed," tweeted the Frenchman, who is understood to have left Goodison Park soon after discovering he was not in the squad.
"It's coz I'm confident in my ability that I'm gutted." Everton had dominated from the off but after Seamus Coleman's stooping header was turned around the post by Ali Al Habsi. Di Santo's lack of vision squandered Wigan's chance to take an early lead. Marouane Fellaini's stumble on the halfway line gave the Argentinian a free run at Jagielka but with the unmarked Victor Moses in acres of space to his right the striker blazed a hopelessly optimistic 30-yard shot well wide. It was a rare chance in a half which the hosts dominated with Tim Cahill being crowded out by Gary Caldwell after Leon Osman's neat reverse pass had sent Leighton Baines racing into the area. Caldwell was the busiest centre-half as he also kept out Fellaini's close-range effort as Coleman began to enjoy some freedom on the right. But Moses posed even more of a threat and looked destined to score when he nipped in front of Sylvain Distin only for Tony Hibbert to slide in and knock the ball behind in the 31st minute. Moyes will have been furious with the way Di Santo was allowed to collect Ben Watson's near-post corner, casually wander back towards the flag before turning inside Osman and firing in a shot which deflected off Hibbert and past Tim Howard for his third goal of the season. Having previously struggled for goals the Argentinian has now scored more this season than in his previous three-and-a-half years in England. However, the lead lasted just 97 seconds as Osman's inswinging corner was met by a powerful Cahill header which crashed against the crossbar, rebounding to Jagielka four yards out who nodded home. Baines, with a free-kick, and Cahill, with a header, both went close as Everton finished the half strongly. Everton continued to pressure without threatening after the break. Their lack of a predatory instinct up front was highlighted in the 76th minute when Osman rolled an inviting cross into the six-yard area only to look up and see none of his team-mates had made a run to connect. Drenthe and fellow loan signing Denis Stracqualursi, making his debut, came on as substitutes and without very little input the game swung in Everton's favour. When Hibbert whipped over a cross from the right the 19-year-old Vellios rose highest to head into the far corner of the net. Even then Everton could not relax with Wigan substitute Dave Jones hitting the crossbar from long range. However, when Drenthe raced through to poke past Al Habsi in the eighth minute of injury time the fans were finally able to celebrate three points at home for the first time since May
Vellios proves there is no substitute for firepower
Everton 3 Wigan Athletic 1: Greek comes off bench to turn game as Moyes' late changes inspire Everton
By Nick Szczepanik at Goodison Park
Sunday, 18 September 2011
WSunday Indenpendent
Everton's first home win of the season came in dramatic fashion as David Moyes' late substitutions proved decisive. In the absence of a natural goalscorer, Everton were drifting towards stalemate until 19-year-old Apostolos Vellios, signed from Iraklis Salonika in January, came off the bench to win it with his first goal in English football, a header that many a more heralded Everton centre-forward would have been proud of. It was the Greece Under-21 forward's fifth appearance for Everton, all as a substitute, and his first goal for the club. Another Everton sub, Royston Drenthe, scored his first to settle it in injury time, from a flick by a third, Denis Stracqualursi. "We ran out of ideas halfway through the second half and we were looking to cause Wigan more problems," Moyes said, giving credit to Mick Docherty, the club's former scout – who left for Chelsea last month – for finding Vellios and Seamus Coleman. "[Vellios] has a lot to to do and a lot to learn but he's certainly got something." Vellios proved Moyes right in omitting Louis Saha from his squad, which caused the France forward to tweet his displeasure. Moyes, though, sounded unconcerned. "I want them upset when they're not involved." Roberto Martinez, the Wigan manager, felt that his team had performed well in the absence of key defenders, and his problems grew when Hugo Rodallega was taken off on a stretcher with suspected medial ligament damage to his right knee late in the game.
"It's a blow," Martinez said. "Ninety per cent of the performance was what we wanted, we just got heavily punished for not cutting out crosses. If we had played that game 10 times we would have got something out of it nine times. But in football you get what the scoreline tells you." Until Moyes introduced Vellios, Tim Cahill had toiled alone up front. He has failed to score for Everton in 2011, and playing as a lone forward was unlikely to improve that record, his goalscoring strength lying in arriving late and unmarked. It meant that Everton were unable to profit from a steady stream of crosses provided by Leighton Baines, and Wigan's only early chance was handed to them when Marouane Fellaini's slip gifted the ball to Franco di Santo. The Argentinian set off for goal but shot wide from 25 yards with Rodallega screaming for the ball. Otherwise it was all Everton. So Wigan must have surprised even themselves by taking the lead just past the half-hour, Di Santo's angled shot taking a nick off Tony Hibbert and rising past Tim Howard. Everton equalised two minutes later as Leon Osman floated a corner from the left invitingly towards Cahill. He leapt high to meet it and although his header smacked back off the crossbar, Jagielka was on hand to nod home the rebound.
Wigan were marginally more adventurous in the second half, and Baines was lucky that Victor Moses stayed on his feet after an ill-timed challenge in the penalty area, but Everton dictated the pace again without being able to find a cutting edge. Enter Vellios. He made an inauspicious start, shooting limply at Ali Al Habsi with Osman far better placed. But if he lacked the predator's instinct, a Goodison tradition of great headed goals was upheld as he rose above the defenders to glance Tony Hibbert's cross past Al Habsi. Wigan mounted a spirited response. Their substitute David Jones's lob came back off the bar with Howard beaten, and Hibbert somehow got in a block when Moses looked certain to put the loose ball in. But in injury time Drenthe ran on to Stracqualursi's touch before slipping the ball past Al Habsi.
Everton (4-4-1-1): Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman (Vellios, 67), Rodwell, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov (Drenthe, 59); Osman; Cahill (Stracqualursi 83)
Wigan Athletic (4-2-3-1): Al Habsi; Lopez, Caldwell, Figueroa, Van Aanholt; McCarthy, Watson; Moses, Rodallega (Maloney, 90) Gomez (Jones, 71); Di Santo.
Referee: Peter Walton
Man of the match: Baines (Everton).
Everton FC 3 Wigan Athletic 1: Phil Jagielka helps EFC find winning rhythm
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 19 2011
Everton FC manager David MoyesLIKE Phil Jagielka’s dancing, Everton FC may not be in perfect rhythm yet, but they can still raise a smile. The stand-in skipper’s jaunty goal celebration on Saturday was indebted to British comedy film The Inbetweeners, when a group of gauche teenagers jet-off on their first lads holiday to Greece. And it was a Greek 19-year-old with far smoother moves who helped secure a vital win against Wigan, before a hip-hopping, skate boarding Dutchman raised the Goodison roof. Apostolos Vellios rose from the bench to cap another encouraging cameo with a goal, and prompt an understated David Moyes to declare: “I think the Greek boy’s got something.”
And Royston Drenthe proved Moyes could yet be in the process of polishing another rough diamond in the Mikel Arteta, Steven Pienaar mould. Indeed, while Arteta’s departure for £10m still hangs over Everton’s season, what price the loss of Goodison scout Mick Doherty this summer to Chelsea?
As Moyes pointed out after a 3-1 win that consolidated an improved start to the season, it was Doherty who plucked Vellios from Greece’s second division, not to mention discovering £60,000 uber-bargain Seamus Coleman. Neither might be the finished product yet, but their performances - along with some of the Toffees’ more established players - reiterated that death knells for Everton’s season have been a little premature. Moyes may not have an abundance of options - but he does at least have plenty of young, hungry players with bags of raw talent. Victory over Wigan Athletic is not a balm capable of completely soothing any long-term concerns about Everton’s future, but it does present progress of sorts. Last season the Blues struggled to eke out two draws with the Latics, and their difficulty in finishing the chances they created undermined them time and time again.
It seemed as if that familiar failing resurfaced on Saturday, while Yakubu and Arteta were rubbing it in by hitting the back of the net elsewhere. But then Moyes was able to turn to Vellios and Drenthe, and the goals arrived right on cue. Everton’s manager said recently his side needs to find new ways to win now, and one of his young charges, Jack Rodwell, claimed there is a new resilience among his ranks. Both were proved right, and Rodwell has, to abide by the old cliche, been doing his talking on the pitch too. The 20-year-old was impressive against Villa and more so against Roberto Martinez’s men, at times over-shadowing his older central midfield colleague Marouane Fellaini, who was having a rare off-day. Regardless, the vitality and physical presence which the duo bring to a key part of Everton’s engine room, along with their ability to pick a pass, bodes well. This wasn’t simply a celebration of youth though. Tony Hibbert was excellent, thoroughly vindicating Moyes’ decision to keep him in the side at the expense of club skipper Neville. The right-back has always been a durable defender, but his forward play, so often his Achilles heel, is evolving - proved by a string of decent crosses that eventually yielded an assist for Vellios’ header in the second half.
That Hibbert was then capable of making a goal-saving block just moments afterwards underlines why he still has plenty to offer this team. Another veteran with plenty to offer was the incessant, defender’s worst nightmare that is Tim Cahill. It was another lung-busting, no-holds-barred centre forward display from the Aussie which prompted one admiring Wigan official to mutter at half time, “He’s an absolute warrior that Cahill.” So he was, creating Phil Jagielka’s 32nd minute equaliser by hitting the bar with his own header courtesy of that canny movement and ability to find space in the area from set pieces. Cahill tweeted afterwards that he felt like he’d done 12 rounds in the boxing ring, and he had certainly softened up the visiting defence enough for Vellios and Drenthe to land their knock-out blows. It wasn’t all scrap-book stuff. More slack defending had allowed Wigan to take a shock lead when Franco Di Santo was afforded too much space to bear down on goal unimpeded. There is still plenty of work to be done to tighten up a defence that once prided itself on meanness. And upcoming opponents Manchester City and Liverpool will certainly make the Blues pay more severely for any lack of focus in their own half, in a way that Wigan, despite having tidy spells in possession, could not. Still, a win over West Brom in the Carling Cup on Wednesday would stretch Everton’s run to five games before Autumn has officially arrived. Maybe they have finally cured their lousy habit of starting the season slowly after all.
EVERTON: (4-2-3-1) Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka (Capt), Baines, Rodwell, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov (Drenthe 58), Osman, Cahill (Stracqualursi, 83) Coleman (Vellios, 66). Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Neville, Barkley.
WIGAN: (4-2-3-1) Al-Habsi, McCarthy, Caldwell (Capt), Watson, Van Aanholt, Lopez, Figueroa, Rodallega (Maloney, 90), Di Santo, Moses, Gomez (Jones, 70). Subs not used: Pollitt, Thomas, Crusat, McArthur, Sammon.
GOALS: Di Santo (30), Jagielka (32) Vellios (83) Drenthe (90 plus)
CARDS: Booked – Fellaini, Vellios
REFEREE: Peter Walton.
ATTENDANCE: 31, 576
David Moyes plans to build new Everton FC around emerging young stars
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 19 2011
DAVID MOYES hopes that teenage stars like Apostolos Vellios and Ross Barkley can be at the vanguard of an emerging young, new Everton FC team this season. On a day when the Blues had to rely heavily on untried players to secure a late victory over Wigan – deadline day arrivals Royston Drenthe scored from a Denis Stracqualursi flick on, and Vellios scored the decisive second goal – Moyes warned Everton fans that he would have to lean heavily on youth again this season.
Ross Barkley has already made an impact this season at 17, Vellios (19) celebrated his first Premier League goal on Saturday and the Blues boss also spoke warmly in his programme notes of Conor McAleny’s progress. After Everton’s 3-1 win Moyes said: “It’s difficult for a couple of Everton Football Club supporters to accept that because we’re a big club they see themselves as one of the big clubs. But if I don’t put the young boys in we could go with what we’ve got and eventually they could all get older and we won’t have a team. “So I have to find a way of finding a new team and if nothing else see what young boys we think can go the distance. “Jack’s (Rodwell) played well today, Marouane’s young, Ross Barkley’s on the fringes of it, Seamus is still young. We feel as if we’ve got the makings of it but we’re lacking at the top end of the pitch, and at times wide players, but today we did okay. “I don’t think we’ve got a group (of young players), but we’ve got two or three who might have a chance and we’re trying to push them.” Vellios and Royston Drenthe claimed the headlines on Saturday with their first Goodison goals. But afterwards Moyes added: “If you’d judged them on goals I’d have said ‘great’ but on bits of their performance I’d have said ‘no’ but I made a decision that we needed to try something. “We’d run out of ideas midway through the second half and we were looking for solutions as to how we could try and cause Wigan some more problems.”
After a bright introduction against Aston Villa last weekend, Vellios scored a stunning header and Moyes added: “He can finish from crosses, as you saw today. He’s got an ability to get on the end of things and he’s actually technically really good for a big lad. “He didn’t show it in the early part, but technically he’s very gifted so we have something to work with and because of that we’ve said okay let’s give you a go on the big stage. “To start matches he has to do things like make the right decision, like when he shot instead of playing Leon Osman in when he was in a good position and there were moments when he gave the ball away a couple of times in risky positions. “He has to be more secure with the ball. We were having to defend at that time and he has to realise the importance of it, but he did in the end and the goal will help him. He’s a young centre forward and he’ll be thrilled to score that goal.” Vellios joined Everton last January for £50,000 from Iraklis, identified by the same scout who spotted Seamus Coleman – a scout who has since moved to Chelsea. “I don’t take credit for finding them,” added Moyes. “Mick Doherty was the one who got me Seamus Coleman from Ireland for 60 grand and Tolos from a second division club in Greece for less than that. “But as a manager, at prices like that if the scouts really think that they’re worthwhile we bring them in. It’s a lot for us to then expect those boys to be Premier League players. It’s very few you can turn into that. But thankfully the one or two we’ve got are at least giving us a bit of competition. “That we are starting with Cahill and Osman tells you a little bit about how we think. We think that they still have something to offer and in the first half they did. Ossie got between the lines and caused them problems, Cahill had one or two bits. “But the ones who came on gave us something to think about. I’m not getting carried away. We have played better but I think it was an important game for us to win today.”
Everton FC’s Phil Jagielka admits he was unsettled by summer Arsenal transfer speculation
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 19 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA admits he was unsettled by summer speculation linking him with a move from Everton FC to Arsenal, after his goal-scoring return to top form against Wigan on Saturday.
The 29-year-old headed home his first Goodison Park goal in three-and-a-half years against the Latics, as Everton fought from behind to record their first home win of the Premier League season.
Jagielka cancelled out Franco Di Santo’s deflected opener before late goals from substitutes Apostolos Vellios and Royston Drenthe sealed a 3-1 victory. The England defender had been widely tipped to join the Gunners before the transfer window closed, but Everton ultimately rejected Arsene Wenger’s advances. Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta eventually headed to the Emirates in a last-minute £10m switch, after Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford had also been sold. Jagielka says he found it tough to shrug off the discussion about his future. But he insists the Everton squad remains healthy, especially after the closure of the transfer window allowed everyone’s to return to football.
He said: “I was slightly affected because my name was in the papers a little bit. But I spoke to the manager a couple of times and he let me know what was going on. It was difficult. We were all a lot happier when the window shut. “Unfortunately we had lost Mikel and Jermaine but that’s what we needed for the club to go forward. Hopefully we will have a good season and that will be the turning point. “We’ve balanced the books and brought a couple of players in on loan who have done really well. We’ll go from there. “It was difficult because I’m not used to speculation. There wasn’t a part of me that expected to go, so it wasn’t hard mentally. If I had wanted to go, I’m sure the gaffer would have expected me to kick up a fuss. But me and him had a chat and there was an understanding. “He’ll probably tell you that it was the easiest transfer saga he’s dealt with. There was never an issue. I just would have liked it to have gone and that be the end of it. “The squad doesn’t look that much weaker. Jack (Rodwell) is getting chances, for instance. As much as there has been turmoil, there hasn’t been much we could do about it. But it would be too easy for us to blame things like that for poor performances. “When the lads go out on the pitch, nobody is thinking what the fans have been doing. We are just concentrating on football.” Saturday’s win moved Everton up to seventh, improved by one place after Liverpool’s 4-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur yesterday, and Jagielka says the Blues can take positives from a decent start to the season, even if they are still short of strikers. “It’s probably been our best start for a while,” he said. “But we know we have got a tough run of fixtures coming up and it will be hard to keep the points coming in. “It’s good to have different people scoring, like Tolos getting his first. Royston got one too, Bainesy chipped in last week. “We’d love to have to have a 20 goals a season man but I’m not sure that we have got that guy up front. It is really important that when we do put the ball in the danger area that we are not relying on one person to stick his neck out.” Jagielka said his dancing goal celebration had been pre-planned with Tim Cahill before kick-off. He said: “It’s The Inbetweeners. Me and Tim made a pact that if he scored, I’d back him up and if I scored, he said he’d back me up. “I’m going to have to wait and see the video to see if he stuck to his word. If he hasn’t, he’s just made me look like a plonker.”
Everton FC 3 Wigan Athletic 1: Old heads lead the way for the new EFC
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 19 2011
THERE was something old, new, borrowed and blue for Everton FC on Saturday as they tied the knot with three points – but it was those married to the club the longest who fuelled victory. Without a senior striker in the matchday squad and Louis Saha left out, manager David Moyes needed inspiration from the bench when Saturday’s match with Wigan Athletic looked to be grinding to a frustrating halt. Despite old head Phil Jagielka cancelling out Franco Di Santo’s soft opener, momentum was slowly seeping out of Goodison Park in the second half but with the use of what must be considered plan C in terms of their attacking options, Everton found light at the end of the tunnel. Greek forward Apostolos Vellios broke new ground by scoring his first senior goal before on-loan Royston Drenthe sealed victory in injury-time, latching onto Denis Stracqualursi flick on, to secure a deserved first home league victory of the season. Everton were patient and indeed superior for long periods but made life difficult for themselves by shipping another flimsy goal, a regular blotch on their otherwise generally decent beginning to this season. Having to fight from behind should not have been the case but when Di Santo was afforded the luxury to turn towards goal unimpeded, the home side were asking for trouble. Thankfully, Everton’s response was swift and decisive. The game’s outstanding player Tim Cahill defied logic to win the aerial battle in a crowded area, planting his header against the bar only for the rebound to fall kindly for stand-in captain Jagielka who nodded home. Cahill’s contribution was not just for the equalising goal but also in paving the way for Everton to be in with a shout of winning the game at the weekend.
That the Australian – and partner in crime Leon Osman – continue to harass Premier League defences as a makeshift front pairing is a real feather in their caps. With Saha venting his frustrations on social network site Twitter, having not been deemed fit by the manager, and Everton’s other striking options still fresh faced, Cahill assumed the responsibility. When heeding the call from his manager in times of need, the Australian assumes greater powers of menace and he ran Wigan’s back four ragged until his substitution with seven minutes remaining. Given Everton’s options could be limited when they go to Manchester City on Saturday, Cahill may be charged with rediscovering his uncanny knack of scoring at Eastlands and on this form few would bet against him.
Cahill could so easily have opened his account for the season here against Wigan after his close range effort, engineered by Osman and Leighton Baines, was blocked at close range before his back post header whistled over the bar as half-time approached. His replacement, with Stracqualursi coming on for his debut, was as much borne out of the need to enliven their attack as it was a show of compassion for the man who had ran himself into the ground for the cause. But if Cahill led the line, Tony Hibbert provided the last line of defence on several occasions. The most stirring of Hibbert’s rearguard actions was his goal-saving block on Patrick Van Aanholt as he looked certain to find an immediate reply to Vellios’ glancing header which had put the home side ahead on 84 minutes. Tim Howard, largely untroubled all afternoon, had been caught off his line when David Jones’ bundled effort looped onto the bar, but the retreating Hibbert put his body in the way.
It proved an imperious 60 seconds for the Everton stalwart after he produced the cross from which Vellios leapt highest and directed the ball beyond Ali Al Habsi. In the first half his scurrying recovery foiled Victor Moses from a clear sight on goal, in a rare foray forward for an otherwise cautious first half showing from Wigan. As many suggested would happen, Wigan were content by offering up safety first as their contribution to the game. But with Everton intent on rattling their visitors, it looked like being an unwise game plan from the Latics. As they did against Aston Villa, Everton were soon into the groove and Coleman’s back post header was finely saved by Al Habsi. The pressure continued to be applied and was even encouraged as Wigan dithered in possession at the back.
Coleman was involved in the home side’s next significant chance when his low cross found Marouane Fellaini, but Wigan captain Gary Caldwell produced a timely block. Di Santo’s goal which soon followed was against the balance of play and though Everton recovered from it, the strike will be a gentle reminder of improvements still to be made from such situations. The equaliser had brought hope for the second half but Wigan remained stubborn and Moyes’ men became loose with their passing. But a crisp cross from Hibbert found Vellios before Howard’s long punt made its way into the stride of Drenthe who showed composure to slot beyond Al Habsi. Whether relying on the untried combinations from the bench is a last resort, only time will tell but Everton will happily toast it for now.
Everton FC defender Phil Jagielka admits summer talk of move to Arsenal left him unsettled
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 19 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA admits he was affected by summer speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal – but Everton FC's stand-in captain is delighted to finally be able to put the talk behind him.
The 29-year-old notched his first goal at Goodison Park in three-and-a-half years on Saturday as Everton fought from behind to record a first home win of the Premier League season against Wigan Athletic. Jagielka cancelled out Franco Di Santo’s deflected opener before late goals from substitutes Apostolos Vellios and Royston Drenthe sealed a 3-1 victory. Many felt Jagielka would not be an Everton player for the start of the new campaign with Arsenal picking up their pursuit of the England defender in the close season but the club rejected advances from the Emirates Stadium.
Jagielka says seeing his name linked so strongly and regularly with a move away from Merseyside was a new experience to deal with and the centre half has expressed relief the transfer window is now closed. Whilst Jagielka stayed put, Mikel Arteta, Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford all left Everton and though disappointed to see the players go, Jagielka feels the squad remains healthy. “I was slightly effected because my name was in the papers a little bit,” said Jagielka of the summer speculation. “But I spoke to the manager a couple of times and he let me know what was going on. It was difficult. There were rumours of this player going and that player going. We were all a lot happier when the window shut. “Unfortunately we had lost Mikel and Jermaine but that’s what we needed for the club to go forward. Hopefully we will have a good season and that will be the turning point. We’ve balanced the books and brought a couple of players in on loan who have done really well. We’ll go from there. “It was difficult because I’m not used to speculation. There wasn’t a part of me that expected to go, so it wasn’t hard mentally. If I had wanted to go, I’m sure the gaffer would have expected me to kick up a fuss. But me and him had a good chat and there was an understanding. “If you ask him, he’ll probably tell you that it was the easiest transfer saga he’s dealt with. There was never an issue. I just would have liked it to have gone and that be the end of it. Maybe there wasn’t too much to write but I’m sure if you’d asked the Gaffer what was going to happen, he’d have put a lot of money and it (him staying). The squad doesn’t look that much weaker. Jack (Rodwell) is getting chances, for instance. As much as there has been turmoil, there hasn’t been much we could do about it. We still see papers and we read about it. But it would be too easy for us to blame things like that for poor performances. When the lads go out on the pitch, nobody is thinking what the fans have been doing. We are just concentrating on football.” Saturday’s win moved Everton up to eighth, improved by one place after Liverpool’s 4-0 loss at Tottenham on Sunday, in the standings and Jagielka says despite of the negativity which has greeted their start to the season, the team can reflect on a decent first four matches. With the former Sheffield United man admitting the club are without a striker who can plunder 20 goals a season, Jagielka says sharing the scoring burden is as important as ever. “If you look at the start to the season we’ve had, it’s not been as horrific as has been made out. It’s probably been our best start for a while. But we know we have got a tough run of fixtures coming up and it will be hard to keep the points coming in, even though we will try. “It’s good to have different people scoring, like ‘Tolos’ getting his first. Royston got one too, Bainesy chipped in last week. Hopefully that will take the pressure off any one person and we can keep scoring more than one a game. We’d love to have to have a 20 goals a season man but I’m not sure that we have got that guy up front. “It is really important that when we do put the ball in the danger area that we are not relying on one person to stick his neck out..”
Everton FC manager David Moyes happy with win and with Louis Saha's Twitter reaction to not playing
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 19 2011
DAVID MOYES was delighted with his side after Everton FC fought back from a goal down to beat Wigan Athletic 3-1 at Goodison Park on Saturday. And the Everton manager was even happy to have a disgruntled striker Louis Saha, who bemoaned his omission from the squad on Saturday. After going a goal down to a Franco di Santo, Phil Jagielka’s header levelled it up 97 seconds later. And with six minutes remaining substitute Apostolos Vellios nodded in Tony Hibbert’s cross and Royston Drente added the third deep into injury time, with both players registering their first goals for the club. The result doubled Everton’s Barclays Premier League goal tally for the season, having managed just three in their previous three matches. There has been six different players on target for Everton this season. But not striker Saha, who has played just 41 minutes this season in two substitute appearances. He was left out of the squad and immediately vented his frustration on Twitter. “I am not good enough. Absolutely destroyed. It’s coz I’m confident in my ability that I’m gutted,” the 33-year-old Frenchman wrote on learning he had not made the 18. Asked about the player’s comments Moyes said: “It’s good that, great. I want them upset when they are not involved.” It is understood Saha left the ground soon after discovering he was not in the squad. “Everybody reports for the game and we tell them the subs, because they knew the team,” added the Everton manager. “I’m not really that bothered. “I was interested in the 11 players I was concentrating on and that is what everyone should have been concentrating on.” The scoreline flattered Moyes’ side somewhat as although they dominated possession they lacked a cutting edge up front. However, the introduction of the 19-year-old Vellios and Drenthe bore fruit with late goals. “We made the decision we needed to try something,” explained Moyes. “We ran out of ideas midway though the second half and we were looking for solutions as to how to cause Wigan problems. “The goals may have come but I wasn’t so mad on bits of the performance. “If you judge it on goals it worked, but if you judge it on performance like I do then I would be hoping all the subs would come on and play much better. “But if we are expecting a 19-year-old boy from Greece and a couple of free transfers to come on and make a difference then people have to change their expectations.” Martinez felt his side warranted a point from the game. “It is one of those days where you don’t get the result you deserved,” said the Spaniard. “Ninety percent of our performance was exactly what we wanted and that little 10% was not to stop two crosses, one in the first half and one in the second. “I feel we got heavily punished feel if we had played this game 10 times we would have got something out of it in nine of them.”
BILL KENWRIGHT has pledged to refund supporters who purchased this season's Everton kit with the names of Mikel Arteta or Jermaine Beckford emblazoned on the back.
The pair were surprisingly sold by the Goodison outfit on deadline day last month, with Arteta's £10million departure to Arsenal causing particular unrest among supporters.
The gesture from Everton chairman Kenwright, which begins at 9am this morning and runs until September 30, means any fan who purchased a 2011-12 home or away kit with the surname of either play on the back can get their money back with proof of purchase.
Kenwright said: “I have been contacted by several supporters (a lot with children) who had bought the new shirts with Mikel and Jermaine’s surnames on the back of them.
“Both players left the club quite literally at the very last minute on transfer deadline day.
“These are unusual circumstances and I simply want to try and play fair by those supporters who have spent hard earned money on these shirts.” Supporters who purchased the printed shirts from either the Everton One or Everton Two store are advised to return to the store with the shirt and relevant receipt and notify a member of staff they wish to receive the refund on or before September 30.
Bargain buy Apostolos Vellios is the latest to take up Everton FC’s scoring mantle
by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 19 2011
THE lack of funds available to Everton FC manager David Moyes for squad strengthening has come under the microscope in recent weeks but the relatively small amount of cash he used this year is now looking like money well spent. Before EFC’s previous home game at Goodison Park a week earlier, Blue Union protestors had displayed a ‘birthday cake’ to mark two years since the club last spent money on a new player. Disgruntled fans have even created the ‘Everton Time’ website with a running clock counting the time since their club last shelled out for a recruit. It’s true to point out that the last money Moyes spent on a ‘senior’ first team player was the £6.2million the Scot used to bring in Dutch international John Heitinga on September 1 as he used the final portion of the funds raised from Joleon Lescott’s move to Manchester City, having already drafted in Sylvain Distin (£5million) and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (£8.9million). However, since then Moyes has been afforded some funds to secure the services of a couple of promising youngsters in the shape of Magaye Gueye (£1million in June 2010) and Goodison Park’s latest darling, Apostolos Vellios.
The Greek teenager, was snapped up from Iraklis in his homeland in January for an undisclosed fee – thought to be around just £250,000 – but given the progress he has made, complete with his goal against Wigan, he already has the makings of yet another Moyes bargain. Not since the days of Tony Cottee at the very dawn of the Premier League era, have Everton possessed a striker of genuine long-term goalscoring consistency and even the diminutive Londoner – a record £2.2million buy when he arrived in 1988 – failed to hit the heights expected of him given his hefty price tag. In the generation since, many talented frontmen have passed through Goodison’s doors and several have enjoyed periods of success but none since Gary Lineker in his all-too-brief Everton career have been able to plunder their way to the top of the scoring charts in the way heroes of yesteryear such as Dixie Dean, Tommy Lawton and Bob Latchford did. Peter Beardsley, was a clever player rather than a truly prolific marksman, Duncan Ferguson, while unplayable in the air, lacked the consistency to unleash his full potential, Francis Jeffers made his ill-fated move to Arsenal which undid all of his early promise while Kevin Campbell – who almost single-handedly saved the club from the drop in 1999 with nine goals in just eight games while on loan was never going to be able to keep up that kind of scoring ratio on a long-term basis.
Moyes himself has tried in vain to find the holy grail of a penalty box predator who could quite literally provide the finishing touches to an otherwise talented squad. The most talented player England has produced so far this century, Wayne Rooney defected to Manchester United while still just 18. The once prolific James Beattie never recaptured his purple patch of form from his Southampton days while in a royal blue jersey. And for all his early promise, Andrew Johnson seemed to suffer a crisis of confidence after the likes of Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger got into his head with their ‘diving’ jibes. Ayegbeni Yakubu did the business for a year – 21 goals in his debut season at Goodison – but while he has recovered from the career-threatening ruptured Achilles tendon injury he picked up at White Hart Lane in November 2008, he has never been able to recapture his previous form.
It must have been interesting for Evertonians to see ‘The Yak’ bag a brace in Blackburn’s win over Arsenal on Saturday – he never seemed to score against the big teams for the Blues – as in one afternoon he doubled his Premier League tally of last season.
Many Rovers fans won’t be too pleased though as it probably means that Steve Kean won’t be getting the chop. Still at Goodison, at least until he heard that he wasn’t in the squad to face Wigan, is that great enigma Louis Saha. Again, one of these strikers who is ‘as good as any in the Premier League on his day’, unfortunately those days in question seem to be fewer and further between than ever before for the veteran Frenchman and his fragile frame.
A likeable fellow though, let’s hope he didn’t injure his index finger typing out all those ‘Tweets’. Given all this, it may well be a sound idea for Moyes to plough all of the funds available to him from the sales of Mikel Arteta, Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu into a single player in the shape of as good a striker he can find either in January or next summer.
In the meantime, Moyes will be hoping that both Vellios and on-loan Denis Stracqualursi – a leading goalscorer in the Argentinian League – can plug the gaps in an equally effective manner as they did late on against Wigan. It’s a heavy burden to carry on their admittedly broad shoulders but Everton weren’t going anywhere on Saturday until they finally added some striker’s instinct to their game.
Everton 3 Latics 1
Victor Moses fires a shot at goal
19 September 2011
Wigan Today
TWO goals in the last six minutes from Everton’s supersubs saw Latics crash to a third demoralising defeat in a week. While there were extenuating circumstances behind the reversals at Manchester City and Crystal Palace, Wigan’s latest loss had no such mitigation.
The Toffees were definitely there for the taking after a disappointing start to the season, and the mood among the home supporters wasn’t helped when Latics took the lead on the half-hour mark through Franco di Santo’s third goal in his last three games. However, the lead lasted barely 97 seconds before Tim Cahill headed against the bar and Phil Jagielka followed in to force the ball home. With both teams pushing for a winner, David Moyes threw on substitutes Denis Stracqualursi, Apostolos Vellios and Royston Drenthe, and saw Vellios and Drenthe reward him with late strikes that secured the points. And Wigan’s afternoon was summed up when star striker Hugo Rodallega was stretchered off in injury time with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. Roberto Martinez had sprung a surprise pre-match with his team selection, handing Patrick van Aanholt a debut at left-back, meaning Maynor Figueroa switching to centre-back and a rare start at right-back for Adrian Lopez. There was also a recall in midfield for James McCarthy, with James McArthur dropping to the bench alongside new signings Shaun Maloney and Albert Crusat.
Ali Al Habsi was Wigan’s star man in the 0-0 draw in this fixture last term, and the Oman No.1 was quickly called into action, tipping a Seamus Coleman header round the post for a corner. Wigan’s first sight of goal resulted in Di Santo squandering a potential two-on-one opening, ignoring the unmarked Rodallega and electing to shoot from 30 yards, an effort which flew well wide of Tom Howard’s goal. Gary Caldwell did well to crowd out Cahill after good work by Leighton Baines, the Scot then blocking a shot from Marouane Fellaini as Everton upped the ante. Victor Moses came close to opening the scoring just before the half-hour mark, Tony Hibbert sliding in to deny him after the winger had deceived Silvain Distin. But the respite was only temporary, with Latics taking the lead from the resulting corner. The ball was played short by Ben Watson to Di Santo, who turned Leon Osman before firing in a shot that took a slight deflection past Howard. Martinez will have known how important it was for Wigan to consolidate their advantage until at least the half-time whistle. But Everton refused to lie down and drew level with their very next attack, Jagielka applying the finishing touch after Cahill’s header had hit the woodwork. Wigan started the second half on top and could have won a penalty when Baines jumped in on Moses, who rode the challenge when others would surely have gone down. Unfortunately for Latics, Moses’ honesty didn’t pay off as the home defence were able to clear his cutback.
With both sides looking for a winner, Di Santo was fouled on the edge of the area, only for Rodallega to send the free-kick high over the bar. At the other end, Everton themselves won a dead-ball situation when Cahill was smothered by Caldwell, with Baines also finding the crowd behind the goal rather than the top corner. Vellios, on for Coleman, then squandered a great opportunity to play in Osman with the Wigan defence stretched, but the youngster made no mistake moments later when he got his head to a Hibbert cross and planted a header beyond Al Habsi into the bottom corner. Incredibly, Latics almost repeated Everton’s trick from the first half and pulled themselves level with seconds, when substitute David Jones broke and hit the bar with a dipping volley. From the follow-up, Moses saw his shot blocked by Hibbert, the ball being cleared downfield. Wigan’s afternoon went from bad to worse when Rodallega came off second best in a crunching collision with Stracqualursi and was stretchered off after lengthy treatment. And their misery was compounded deep into stoppage-time when Howard launched a long ball forward, and the ball was flicked on for Drenthe to finish coolly past Al Habsi.
Latics: Al Habsi; Lopez, Caldwell, Figueroa, Van Aanholt; Moses, McCarthy, Watson, Gomez, Rodallega; Di Santo. Subs: Pollitt, Thomas, Crusat, Jones (for Gomez, 71), McArthur, Sammon, Maloney (for Rodallega, 90).
Everton: Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Diston, Baines; Coleman, Fellaini, Rodwell, Bilyaletdinov, Osman; Cahill. Subs: Mucha, Heitinga, Drenthe (for Bilyaletdinov, 58), Neville, Barkley, Stracqualursi (for Cahill, 83), Vellios (for Coleman, 66).
Shots on target: WA4 E10
Shots off target: WA5 E7
Corners: WA9 E4
In the book:
Latics: Yellow: Caldwell. Red: None.
Everton: Yellow: Fellaini, Vellios. Red: None.
Attendance: 31,576
Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
Star Man - PATRICK VAN AANHOLT - Fine debut from the on-loan Chelsea man, solid at the back and almost scored a cracking goal in the second half.
Martinez’s verdict: ‘We knew we’d have to deal with crosses and set plays, but Everton will feel they scored two easy goals’
Moyes’ verdict: ‘All I was thinking about today was the three points. I think we deserved it but we can play better’
Paul Kendrick’s verdict: Latics failed to build on taking the lead, letting Everton back in and coming away from a winnable game with nothing.
Vellios on target to spearhead Moyes' youth brigade
Everton 3 Wigan Athletic 1
By Nick Szczepanik at Goodison Park
Monday, 19 September 2011
The Independent
Everton announced last week that they will give refunds to supporters who have bought new replica shirts printed with the names of Mikel Arteta and Jermaine Beckford, who were both sold at the transfer deadline. Perhaps they should have offered them Apostolos Vellios jerseys as replacements instead. The 19-year-old Greece Under-21 forward signed from second division Iraklis Salonika in January for around £50,000, who headed what proved to be the winner against Wigan, represents a youthful future, and a new financial reality, at Goodison. In Ross Barkley (17), Jack Rodwell (20), Seamus Coleman (22) and Marouane Fellaini, Everton already have what their manager, David Moyes, called "the makings" in midfield, and Vellios is one of "two or three" more low-budget young players that he hopes can step up in other positions. "It's the only way we can do it, get some of these young boys," Moyes said, sounding like a Glaswegian Arsène Wenger as he added: "I've got to make sure that those players feel I believe in them. I've told the supporters we'll be giving a lot of the young boys opportunities, and it'll be up to them to show that they can do it. In turn, it could mean that some results don't go the way we want. It's difficult for an Everton supporter to accept that because they see themselves as one of the big clubs." Moyes not only has to manage the expectations of fans but also of players after Louis Saha complained on Twitter that he had failed to make the bench ahead of Vellios and others. "He has only trained this week and I think he was out with injury for six months," Moyes said. "And I think he has played one 45 and one 60 minutes. I am in the business of winning games and there's a little bit of being fair as well." Roberto Martinez, the Wigan manager, seemed to be in a minority in feeling that Everton's late goals, by Vellios and Royston Drenthe, had distorted the result of a game that his team had controlled, but his major concern was the possible loss of Hugo Rodallega for up to three months with a knee ligament injury. "Hugo Rodallega means goals and you cannot buy goals with money," he said. Moyes, for one, will hope he is right about that at least.
Scorers: Everton Jagielka 33, Vellios 84, Drenthe 90.
Wigan Di Santo 31. Substitutes: Everton Drenthe 5 (Bilyaletdinov, 58), Vellios 6 (Coleman, 66), Stracqualursi (Cahill, 83). Wigan Jones 6 (Gomez, 71), Maloney (Rodallega, 90). Booked: Everton Fellaini, Vellios. Wigan Caldwell. Man of the match Baines. Match rating 7/10. Possession: Everton 53% Wigan 47%. Attempts on target: Everton 10 Wigan 4. Referee P Walton (Northants). Att 31,576.
EVERTON 3 - WIGAN 1: PHIL JAGIELKA'S DANCE A SMASH HIT
Daily Star
19th September 2011 By Graham Chase
FOR Everton fans, this summer has been about as much fun as watching every episode of Bargain Hunt back to back. But Phil Jagielka’s goal has helped to banish the Goodison blues and then he celebrated by recreating the iconic dance from smash-hit comedy The Inbetweeners. Jagielka nodded Everton level after Franco Di Santo opened the scoring, before late goals from subs Apostolos Vellios and Royston Drenthe nabbed victory for David Moyes’ boys. A section of the Goodison support is still worried about the way the club is being run after another close-season full of departures rather than big-name arrivals. But at least a run of seven points from three matches has helped put some smiles back on Blue faces – as well as getting Jagielka dancing. The England defender said: “The celebration was from The Inbetweeners. “I made a pact with Tim Cahill that if he scored, I’d back him up and if I scored, he said he’d back me up. “But I’m going to have to wait and see the video to see if he stuck to his word. If he hasn’t, he’s just made me look like a plonker!”
Mikel Arteta’s deadline-day switch to Arsenal stunned Evertonians, and Jagielka was also tracked by Arsene Wenger through the summer. The Gunners chief failed with two cheeky bids for the centre-back, 29, who is filling in as skipper in the absence of Phil Neville.
Jags admitted that the constant talk about Arsenal’s interest did get to him. He added: “I was slightly affected because my name was in the papers a little bit. “But I spoke to the manager a couple of times and he let me know what was going on. “Unfortunately, we lost Mikel and Jermaine Beckford but that’s what we needed for the club to go forward.
“Hopefully we will have a good season and that will be the turning point.”
Di Santo set Wigan on their way just after the half-hour, when his shot flicked off Tony Hibbert and flew past Tim Howard. But Jagielka was dancing two minutes later, nodding in after Cahill headed Leon Osman’s corner against the bar. They looked like getting only a point until Vellios thumped a header past Ali Al Habsi from a driven Hibbert cross. And eight minutes into added time, new boy Drenthe raced on to Denis Stracqualursi’s flick to make it three. Not even Louis Saha’s moaning about being left out of Moyes’ squad could take the gloss off a vital three points. The Frenchman is unlikely to be punished for his comments. As for Vellios, he could have a big future. “He can finish from crosses, as you saw,” said Moyes. “He’s got the ability to get on the end of things.” Wigan boss Roberto Martinez felt his team deserved at least a point. His main worry was over Hugo Rodallega – top scorer for the last two seasons – being stretchered off with a ruptured medial knee ligament. Martinez said: “We’ve got other strikers at the club who now have a big role to fill.”
Everton 3 Wigan 1
By JUSTIN ALLEN
The Sun 19 Sep 2011
LOUIS SAHA was made to look a right Twitt by Apostolos Vellios. Fit-again Everton striker Saha faces a club fine for kicking up a stink on Twitter after being left out of the squad for the Greek kid.
And manager David Moyes was vindicated as the 19-year-old rookie, who cost just £50,000 in January from Iraklis, climbed off the bench to head home the decisive second goal. Vellios nearly scored a late winner against Aston Villa the previous week after coming on as a late sub. But this time he produced a stunning header to put Everton in front with just six minutes left. Saha tweeted that he was 'absolutely destroyed' and obviously just 'not good enough' after finding out he had been left out of the squad despite recovering from an ankle injury. He added: "It's because I'm confident in my ability that I'm gutted." But Moyes hit back: "What we want is hungry footballers. It's my job to win matches and Vellios won the game. "Louis has only trained this week and was out injured for six months. He's played one 45 and one 60 minutes this season. "Also you've got to be fair. I had a decision to make on whether I left Vellios or Denis Stracqualursi off the bench and the two of them worked to get into a position to be subs. "You have good players at good clubs. Are they all moaning at Manchester United if they're not in? I don't think so. They're thinking their time will come and they have to do it when they get there." Asked whether Saha will be hit in the pocket for his untimely comments, Moyes promised: "We'll look at the club rules." But the Everton boss indicated Saha should take a leaf out of Phil Neville's book. The Toffees stalwart, 34, was once again an unused sub as Tony Hibbert continues to impress at right-back. And Moyes said: "Phil's attitude is spot on. He was in the dressing room, rallying his troops, encouraging them. He was the loudest in there. It doesn't make any difference to him as he's not daft and knows his chance will come again."
He said: "The Greek boy can finish from crosses as you saw. He's got the ability to get on the end of things. Technically he's really good for a big lad. "There's something to work with and that's why I've said "Let's see if you can do it on the big stage'. He has to do things like make the right decisions — there were moments when he gave the ball away in risky places. But he'll be thrilled to have scored."
One player delighted to get on the scoresheet was skipper Phil Jagielka. He cancelled out Franco Di Santo's 31st-minute opener for Wigan by nodding home 100 seconds later after Tim Cahill's initial header had bounced back off the crossbar. The defender said: "I haven't got a great scoring record — but feel more confident now because the set-pieces are going in the areas we need them to."
Midfielder Royston Drenthe — signed for the season from Real Madrid — completed the scoring in stoppage time after getting one-on-one with Ali Al Habsi.
DREAM TEAM
STAR MAN - TONY HIBBERT (Everton)
EVERTON: Howard 7, Hibbert 8, Jagielka 7, Distin 7, Baines 7, Coleman 7 (Vellios 8), Fellaini 7, Rodwell 7, Bilyaletdinov 7 (Drenthe 6), Osman 7, Cahill 7 (Stracqualursi 6). Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Neville, Barkley. Booked: Fellaini, Vellios.
WIGAN: Al Habsi 6, Van Aanholt 7, Caldwell 6, Lopez 7, Figueroa 7, Gomez 6 (Jones 6), Watson 6, McCarthy 6, Moses 6, Di Santo 7, Rodallega 7 (Maloney 5). Subs not used: Pollitt, Thomas, McArthur, Crusat, Sammon. Booked: Caldwell.
REF: P Walton 8
Moyes: It won't always be pretty but we'll keep winning mentality
September 19 2011 The Daily Mirror
Everton manager David Moyes' rebuilding job is under way at Goodison Park and while he has warned it may not be comfortable viewing at times, the winning mentality will remain.
Late goals from Apostolos Vellios and Royston Drenthe helped the Toffees to a 3-1 win over Wigan at the weekend in a match where they laboured to find the decisive final touch.
But having lost creative midfielder Mikel Arteta to Arsenal at the end of the transfer window and sold striker Jermaine Beckford to Leicester and Ayegbeni Yakubu to Blackburn, Moyes is still trying to find the right formula. Drenthe and fellow loan signing Denis Stracqualursi are still well short of their top form but the introduction of youngsters like Vellios, 19, and Ross Barkley, 17, have provided a glimpse of the future. Seven points from their opening four matches - good enough for sixth place in the Barclays Premier League table - represents Everton's best start to a season since 2006-07 when they picked up 10 points from a similar number of matches. People are always talking about our start," said the Scot. "We have a couple of wins but we can play better - but it was an important game for us to win against Wigan. "This time last year you (the media) were saying Manchester United weren't playing that well and they went on to be champions. "I'm not saying for a minute that is going to be us but the point I'm making is we have started the season well and got some wins. "Normally we are talking about a bad start for us. We have picked up the points and we are trying to improve. "But people should realise we have lost a lot of really good players and we are trying to find a new team and introduce new players. "It might not always be that flowing or attractive at the moment but my job is to try to win the games.
"It is a lot for us to expect those boys to be Premier League players. "Thankfully the one or two we have got are at least giving us competition." Everton face Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United in their next five fixtures and will need to draw on all their resources within a small squad for such a run of games. Defender Phil Jagielka, who scored the Toffees' other goal on Saturday, believes the increased competition has helped get the season off to a decent start. "It was nice to look across to the bench (on Saturday) and see how healthy it was," he said. "Denis has not been here for long but we know what he gives us, he is a good honest lad and a bit of a handful and showed that with (the assist for) the third goal. "Tolos (Vellios) can also nick a goal. It is a long season and we haven't got a big squad so because of the attacking options they offer they are sure to play a big part. "I'd say our start is above average when it is usually below average. "It is definitely a better start than what we have had but if you look at the fixture list, on paper, it has not been the hardest start in the world." Has Moyes pulled off another bargain-basement miracle with Stracqualursi and Drenthe?
Ian Snodin: Tony Hibbert deserves his place in the Everton FC team
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Sep 20 2011
I WAS delighted to see Tony Hibbert rewarded for his display against Aston Villa by keeping his place in the team for the win against Wigan. He was fantastic again and is keeping the club captain out of the side which says it all. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Phil Neville back in some capacity for the Carling Cup tie against West Brom tomorrow, but maybe not at right-back unless David Moyes wants to rest Hibbo. Although some fans have been quick to have a pop at Tony over the years, he never lets anyone down and his crossing was brilliant on Saturday. Not only did the lad set up Vellios’ goal he then got back to put in that all important block when Dave Jones looked like pegging Everton straight back, and potentially ruining their momentum with a gutting equaliser just like against Villa.
Tony had to sit on the sidelines a bit at times last season but he doesn’t moan to all and sundry, or go about with a miserable face on him. He gets on with it and carries on giving his all in training.
John Heitinga is another one who keeps his head down and works hard when left out, and he could get a chance against the Baggies, as could Ross Barkley. Neither are changes that weaken the team.
Everton FC defender Tony Hibbert ready to fight on for the blue cause like his friend, boxer Tony Bellew by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 20 2011
TONY HIBBERT might not land many knock-out blows in his day job with Everton FC, but he has a fighter’s heart. The EFC right-back is never afraid to put his body on the line for Everton, and his natural combative qualities have led to a top-flight career spanning more than a decade. Hibbert’s recent performances for the Toffees have been so impressive, he has kept club captain Phil Neville out of the team, and his cross for Apostolos Vellios’ goal against Wigan ensured he was the toast of Goodison Park on Saturday night. And while the 30-year-old has been a part of the Everton set-up since the age of 10, he spent his spare time as a youngster following in his father’s fleet footsteps in a boxing gym. Hibbert’s father Paul was a well-regarded amateur at St Aloysius gym in his native Huyton, but with the same modesty he passed onto his son, rarely spoke of his youthful achievements. It was only when Hibbert Jnr discovered his father’s trophies, that a life-long interest in the sweet science developed in the future Everton stalwart. “I didn’t know he was into boxing really until I found his trophies in the loft and asked him about it,” says Hibbert after a tough training session at Finch Farm when he found time to pound the heavy bag after the balls were put away.
“It was then that he told me about it. People said to me he was all right. I took an interest then, and we’d always watch the fights on telly together. I liked the local lads, particularly Shea Neary. “I still follow the local boys like Tony (Bellew) obviously, and the Smith brothers. I know what they go through training wise because I’ve done it to an extent. It can be a brutal sport. Like with my fishing it’s nice to have other interests outside football. “As a kid I was always in and out of gyms and I still do a bit with Dave (Billows, Everton’s highly-rated strength and conditioning coach) on the bag and on the pads here. “I was at Everton from the age of 10 but I used to go down and do circuit training at the gym with my mates. I sparred a few times with them too. It was good, but nothing too heavy because the trainers knew I was playing football and looked after me.” Hibbert has had ample chance to discuss his love of boxing since Scouse light-heavyweight champion, and passionate Evertonian, Bellew started training at Finch Farm under Billows’ watchful eye. The big-punching contender, who enters the ring to Z-Cars and fights in royal blue shorts with the Everton crest emblazoned on them, has been training harder than ever as he prepares to face Nathan Cleverly next month in a world title show-down at the ECHO arena. And Bellew has fast become a popular figure at the Blues training ground, with everyone from the first team squad – of which he is practically an honorary member – to the receptionist following his fortunes with interest and affection. “It’s good to see Tony coming in, because he’s a big blue and it’s nice to be able to lend our support to him,” says Hibbert. “He’s really supportive of us and a great lad to get along with. He is a good ambassador for the club and you can’t question who he supports when he’s in the ring.
“The lads here all look out for his fights, and we love talking to him about it. It helps take our minds off what we do every single day. Tony’s interested in us and vice versa – we spark off each other.”
Hibbert is not the only fight aficionado in the Everton ranks either, Tim Cahill counts Australian former cruiser weight champion Danny Green among his close friends, and Jose Baxter spent his summer training with local prospect Joe Selkirk. “I used to talk a lot about it to Wayne (Rooney),” says Hibbert. “He had a few good boxers in his family too. It’s either in you, or it isn’t but I think it’s a really decent sport for young lads.” Bellew’s gruelling regime to be in top shape for his fight on October 15 has made a big impression. “Watching them have to get their weight down, and the strict diet they have to follow really opened my mind,” says Hibbert. “I can see what Tony goes through and it’s unbelievable. You’ve got to be very dedicated to put your body through that. Then to go into a fight, and feel that pain. “It’s a lonely sport when you’re in the ring I suppose. I take my hat off to anyone who does it, because that lad wants to knock your heads off and you want to knock his off. There’s a hell of a lot of skill involved but first and foremost bravery.” Hibbert believes Bellew can upset the odds by dethroning the champion, and backs the Wavertree puncher’s power to win the day. “I think he’s got a great chance against Nathan Cleverley,” he says. “Tony’s an unbelievable boxer and so is Nathan. It won’t be easy but I know Tony has got a big performance in him, and can win that title. “Tony has the power to knock anyone out in his division. If his head is ready and he’s up for it, he can be unstoppable. Cleverly won’t have much reply if Tony is on top of his game. His power is huge.” For now Hibbert’s main focus is the visit of West Bromwich Albion in a tricky Carling Cup third round tie tomorrow. And he insists his stint in the team at Neville’s expense is of secondary importance to the team spirit which is alive and well in the dressing room.
“There are lads there who can step in any time and they’re great players so it’ll be interesting to see if the team stays as it was,” he says. “Any club has got to have options and the competition is for the better of the squad. At the moment the manager has stuck with me because we did well against Villa, then got the win against Wigan. The manager has stuck to the principle that the lads are doing well so deserve our chance and that’s how it should be. “Nev is always supportive. That’s our lads for you, I’ve done the same and so have others. We’ll pat whoever is starting on the back and then get on with our own training and hope for a chance when it comes again. “A cup run is very important for us. West Brom are a Premier League club so I’m sure it’ll be a hard game. We really need to give it a good go in the cups for a chance of silverware, and if we can get a cup run it can help our confidence in the league at the weekend (v Manchester City). “We’ve got our heads down and worked hard and it’s showed on the pitch.” Everton’s progress in the cup may yet be unknown, but one thing is certain. If Hibbert’s name is on the team-sheet tomorrow – he’ll come out fighting.
Ian Snodin: Everton FC’s Tim Cahill can be as effective as most strikers in the top flight
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 20 2011
THERE has been a lot of talk about Everton FC having a striker shortage, and maybe some eyebrows raised when David Moyes left two forwards on the bench on Saturday. But for me the manager’s judgement was vindicated in every respect during the morale-boosting 3-1 win over Wigan Athletic, and Leon Osman and Tim Cahill continue to represent his best options in attack. I think the Aussie is currently the best striker Moyes has, if you exclude Louis Saha on fitness grounds. Tim was at it again against the Latics, toiling endlessly and forcing the opposition defence to work extra hard.
His set-piece magic was in good supply too when he hit the bar from a corner, allowing Phil Jagielka to equalise with the rebound. It was crucial that Everton came back into the game so quickly too, because falling behind against the run of play is bad, but going in at half time a goal down would have been even worse. Fortunately the team had started brightly again, with the crowd spurring them on and vice versa. The Blues have developed a timely habit of starting games at a pace, and they’re doing a good impression of a team who have started the season quite well for a change.
Wigan didn’t bring many fans so it was important that the Goodison crowd were up for it, and they responded to the decent football Moyes’ men served up in the first 20 minutes. Even though I firmly believe Tim Cahill is currently the best striking option, it was heartening to see young Apostolos Vellios getting on the score-sheet for the first time. He looks like a player we’ll be able to bring on to change games, and after almost getting the winner against Aston Villa, he went one better against Roberto Martinez’s men. Vellios has made a big step up from the Greek second division to the Premier League, but he is only going to improve by training with the quality internationals at Everton, and the raw potential which he has can be fine tuned by the coaches on a daily basis.
I particularly liked the way he started the move that led to his goal by laying the ball off, then showing a hunger to get into the box and get his head onto the ball. You want your strikers to show a determination to get into the area at the right times, and he has displayed an appetite for that which will give Moyes food for thought. He will have rough edges, in a similar way to Denis Stracqualursi who is also coming to this league for the first time and being asked to play at a higher level than ever before. But both men showed they have got the drive to try and make things happen when they got a taste of the action on Saturday, and you can’t ask for more than that.
Everton FC manager David Moyes pays tribute to EFC captain Phil Neville’s attitude
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Sep 20 2011
PHIL NEVILLE will be a big noise in the Everton FC dressing room again tomorrow night, even if he doesn’t make the starting line up against West Bromwich Albion.
But Everton boss David Moyes hinted that his captain could expect to be back in the starting XI for the Carling Cup third round tie after watching the last two games from the substitutes’ bench. “Phil will always play for me and his attitude was spot on,” said Moyes. “He was rallying the troops, in the dressing room, encouraging them. He was probably the loudest in the dressing room today. “It doesn’t make any difference to him. “But he knows his opportunity will come again and he’ll be the first one to acknowledge that Tony Hibbert has played well in a couple of games. “Good players know their time will come and what they have to do when they get there.” Neville was surprisingly left out for the visits of Aston Villa and Wigan, but his reaction was in stark contrast to Louis Saha’s attitude when he learned he hadn’t made the 18-man squad for Saturday’s match. The French forward didn’t stay to watch the game and tweeted sarcastically “I am not good enough. Absolutely destroyed.”
He could be drafted back into the squad for tomorrow, but Moyes added: “Great. I want them upset when they’re not involved. I haven’t got a problem with that at all. “What we want is competition and hungry footballers. It’s my job to try and win the game and I need to try and keep progressing the club. “He (Louis) only trained this week. He has been out six or seven months and I think he’s played one 45 and one 60 minutes so I’m in the business of winning games and I have to be fair as well. “I would probably have had a decision to make, do I leave Tolos off the bench or Denis? and from what I’ve seen the two of them have got themselves into a position to be on the bench. No problem. “Our expectations have to change a little bit because over the period we’ve lost a couple of really good players and we’ve never really been able to get that centre forward we could have done with over the last two or three years. “Every manager wants more firepower. I would say I definitely want more and it does get me down at times. But I’ve got to make sure that those players see I believe in them, I’ve told the supporters we’ll be giving a lot of the young boys opportunities because that’s what we’ve got. “It will be up to them to show what they’ve got.”
Mark Lawrenson: Everton FC’s new boys show sulking Louis Saha how it’s done
Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 20 2011
NO strikers? No problem for Everton FC. That seems to be the way for Everton at the minute after five goals in their last two games despite starting without any recognised forwards. I sometimes feel I might be in a minority with this view, but I believe David Moyes gets the maximum out of almost all his players. If you consistently get the best out of players, then you are a top manager. It’s what Moyes does best. While the top six are shopping at Harrods, he keeps going to Lidl and he’s come up with some unbelievable bargains. I’m told that new boy Royston Drenthe is lightning quick in training, the quickest by miles, and he came off the bench and got a goal at the weekend.
Apostolos Vellios was another who, for the second week, has come on and done well. That’s what good management is about, making the best use of your players. Somebody who might not be quite so enthusiastic towards Moyes right now is Louis Saha. It’s fine for players to be upset when they aren’t picked. A manager would be worried if they weren’t. But the problem for Saha is that Everton just aren’t getting the games from him at the moment. There’s no doubt Saha is a very good player but he hasn’t had many days like that in the last 18 months or so. He doesn’t deserve his place in the team. For players with a history of injury problems such as the Frenchman, Moyes will be prepared to nurse them through, but Saha has to repay that. He has to get his head down and train hard, he can’t just announce at the end of the week that he’s fit and then expect to walk straight into the team. Saha will look at the weekend’s game and think Vellios has done well, Drenthe has done well and Denis Stracqualursi is also now involved. If Saha has anything about himself, then he has to work hard and get his head down. Until then, he can have nothing to complain about.
Everton FC manager David Moyes praises attitude of Phil Neville as EFC captain fights to regain starting place
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 20 2011
DAVID MOYES has praised the attitude of Phil Neville as the captain fights to regain his place in the Everton FC side. The 34-year-old has been left out of the Goodison Park side’s last two matches in favour of Tony Hibbert who has seized his chance with a pair fine displays. Although Neville will be disappointed by the manager’s decisions, Moyes says the former Manchester United player has refused to sulk and was firing up the Everton team during Saturday’s match with Wigan Athletic.
Moyes insists his captain will have the chances to force his way back into the frame and hinted that others left on the sidelines may wish to take leaf out of Neville’s book. Louis Saha vented his frustrations at not being included in the matchday squad for the visit of Wigan on social network site Twitter. “Phil will always play for me and his attitude was spot on,” said Moyes. “He was rallying the troops, in the dressing room, encouraging them. He was probably the loudest in the dressing room today. It doesn’t make any difference to him. “But he knows his opportunity will come again and he’ll be the first one to acknowledge that Tony Hibbert has played well in a couple of games.
“Good players know their time will come and what they have to do when they get there.” With Saha still not deemed match fit by the manager, Everton tasked Tim Cahill and Leon Osman with leading the line against Wigan. Cahill produced a man-of-the-match performance to help soften up the visitors’ defence but it was young Greek striker Apostolos Vellios and on-loan Royston Drenthe who stole the show with late goals in the 3-1 win. Moyes admits the lack of more proven frontmen is a major source of frustration but it remains a situation out of his hands. But Everton manager is refusing to dwell on the predicament and says placing faith in the club’s rising stars is the only way forward. “Every manager wants more firepower,” added the manager. “I would say I definitely want more and it does get me down at times. “But I’ve got to make sure that those players see I believe in them, I’ve told the supporters we’ll be giving a lot of the young boys opportunities because that’s what we’ve got. “It will be up to them to show what they’ve got and it could mean that some results don’t go the way we want.”
Villas-Boas lines up £20m January bid for Everton youngster Barkley
Daily Mail
20th September 2011
Chelsea will try to take advantage of Everton's financial difficulties with a £20million January bid for teenage midfielder Ross Barkley. Barkley does not turn 18 until December but is already being touted as one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League. The Blues made an informal approach in the summer and, according to the Daily Mirror, will up the stakes with the big-money bid when the transfer window reopens in the winter. Barkley was discovered by scout Mick Doherty, who left Goodison Park for Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago. Everton manager David Moyes, who has started Barkley three times this season, is desperate to keep the youngster but could do with the cash to reinvest in players. Kids are alright: Andre Villas-Boas is determined to buy young players Much has been made about the average age of Chelsea's squad and manager Andre Villas-Boas has addressed the issue by bringing in the likes of teenagers Oriol Romeu and Romelu Lukaka, while fellow new recruit Juan Mata is only 23. Barkley is next on Villas-Boas' list and the Portuguese coach will weigh in with the huge offer knowing that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has also been keeping an eye on the Merseyside-born player.
Striker Saha snubbed for Wigan win after refusing to play for Everton reserves
Daily Mail
20th September 2011
Louis Saha was left out of the Everton squad at the weekend for refusing to play in the reserves. The striker stormed out of Goodison Park before the Toffees beat Wigan 3-1 and let rip on Twitter when he discovered 90 minutes before kick-off that he would not be involved. He tweeted: 'I am not good enough. Absolutely destroyed. It's coz I'm confident in my ability that I'm gutted.' Snub: Louis Saha is said to have refused to play for Everton's reserves But, according to The Sun, manager David Moyes did not include Saha because the Frenchman refused to line up for the second string against Aston Villa in midweek.
No nonsense: Everton manager David Moyes Saha has made just two substitute appearances this season as he eases back after his latest injury. The former Fulham and Manchester United forward came off the bench against QPR in the Premier League and Sheffield United in the Carling Cup. He was not missed against the Latics as Phil Jagielka, Apostolos Vellios and Roysten Drenthe grabbed the goals to take Moyes' men to seventh place with seven points from four games - their best start since 2006. Moyes said: 'Normally we are talking about a bad start. It might not always be that flowing or attractive at the moment but my
West Brom are on par with Everton FC, says James Morrison
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 21 2011
JAMES MORRISON says West Brom are now on a par with Everton and should show David Moyes’ side that tonight. The Scotland international believes the squad Roy Hodgson has assembled is good enough to compete with the Goodison Park club on a level basis, following last season’s 11th place finish in the Premier League, just four places behind the Toffees. Speaking ahead of tonight’s Carling Cup third round clash, Morrison said: “Obviously, Everton are a team that are at a similar level to us and it will be a chance to show how good we are.” Albion completed a memorable league double over Everton last season by winning their final home game 1-0. “At the end of last season, we played really well and we just need to get that form back and see what happens,” added Morrison, who also figured in the Baggies’ 4-1 success at Goodison Park in November. “It’s early days but we’ve got to start getting points quickly because we don’t want to be adrift from the pack and be looking up the league table.”
Everton FC starlet Ross Barkley not known by Chelsea says manager Andre Villas-Boas
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Sep 21 2011
CHELSEA coach Andre Villas-Boas admitted that he ‘didn’t really know’ about Ross Barkley’s ability after being linked with a £20million move in January for the Everton teenager. Villas-Boas said: “People have told me he’s a good young, British talent.
“I really don’t know the player.” The Portuguese also revealed he had complained to referees’ chief Mike Riley about the performance of the officials in Chelsea’s Premier League defeat at Manchester United. Villas-Boas was still smarting by the manner of what was his first loss in charge of the Londoners and his first defeat in a league game for 17 months.
Chelsea fell 2-0 behind at Old Trafford on Sunday to goals which replays showed should not have stood as both scorers had been offside, with United eventually running out 3-1 winners.
Villas-Boas said: “Very, very unhappy with a poor performance from the referees, which in the end had a decisive role in the result, and I don’t take it very, very lightly. I already went further ahead with the situation by speaking to the correct people.”
Everton FC legend Brian Labone’s widow Pat talks about life as a WAG in the glory days of ‘66
by Janet Tansley, Liverpool Echo Sep 21 2011
As a new documentary explores the world of the WAGs in ‘66, Janet Tansley speaks to one former WAG about the life of a soccer wife then – and now WITH her shiny brown locks, dazzling smile and perfectly polished nails, Pat Labone could give today’s WAGS a run for their money. But the glamorous widow of Everton Legend, Brian Labone, knows only too well how the life of a soccer wife in days gone by was a far cry from today’s celebrity-soaked circus. “We didn’t have a room to sit in at the ground or anything laid on for us,” she laughs.
“I can remember standing outside in the wind and rain, waiting for Brian to come out after a game. “It was only thanks to a kindly doorman that, occasionally, I was able to sneak in and wait inside!” Today when we think of WAGs images of a VIP life of glitz and glamour immediately spring to mind, but in the days of ‘66, when our boys were hailed as heroes there was no welcoming committee and no ceremony. The wives drove themselves, entered through the normal stadium entrance and found their own seats. After the historic win the players and wives were whisked away in separate coaches to a London hotel where the wives went one way – sidelined into a burger bar – and the players went another, paraded in front of adoring crowds and entertained at a swanky banquet. The wives were definitely not on the guest list. Ironically, while it was a world familiar to Pat, now 69 and still living in Merseyside, this was one occasion where she was not on the sidelines. Because Brian turned down the chance to play in the World Cup winning team – to get married and go on honeymoon with her instead. “I don’t suppose that would happen today,” she smiles. “But Brian said he never regretted it for one moment. “We had booked our wedding and honeymoon 18 months before the team for the World Cup was announced and, to be honest, Brian was not in the original team so we were going ahead and making our plans.
“To me it appeared out of the blue that he had been called up, but I didn’t get the chance to speak to him until later that day by which time he had already made the decision to pull out.
“I was surprised he had already made the decision but we had made our plans and Brian wasn’t even sure he would get a game. Had he been first choice I don’t think we would be having this conversation now. “I was thrilled, like any bride I was wrapped up in all the arrangements though when they won, it would have been nice to have been part of that – and he must have felt the same. “But to be fair he never complained about it or passed any comment. He just accepted it. “If it happened today I would think differently about it but football then was just a job.” Football has indeed, accepts Pat, changed beyond belief.
As a new documentary explores the world of the WAGs in ‘66, Janet Tansley speaks to one former WAG about the life of a soccer wife then – and now “It’s not so much a sport but big business now and I sometimes wonder whether we have made progress. “In Brian’s day all the players were available to the fans, now you can’t get near them.” And the rewards were a world away from today... “Brian and I were courting and engaged for four years before he was able to get his first car!” says Pat. And even then, the WAGs were rarely part of the package. “We were sidelined. We didn’t exist. “It was hard because the players would be taken away for special training and holidays, but the wives were left at home. But we are talking here about wives who had their own careers too and went to work. “It was a joint set up to keep the home running, two salaries coming in. “We were completely different from the so called WAGs of today. “I don’t know any WAGs personally so I will err on the side of caution, but I don’t think what I read about is complimentary. It seems they either get careers off the back of their husband’s fame or they are known for shopping or holidays or whatever.
“Louise Redknapp is one who appears to me to have got it right, with her own career, she seems to have a good marriage and family life, and isn’t like those throwing themselves in the public eye. And there are many more like her I’m sure. “But I wouldn’t want to be known as so and so’s wife only, an extension of them, I would want to stand – and did – as my own person,” adds Pat who was a former model and secretary. Wives did get to be included in rewards and arrangements when players got to competition finals and it was lovely, says Pat. “But we had to get to Wembley before that happened. “And there was one occasion where Everton took the players for a holiday and they were allowed to take their wives – but at that time I was only engaged to Brian so I couldn’t go because we weren’t married.”
WAGs of ‘66, YeSTERDAY, Thursday, 9pm
Everton FC planning David Moyes contract talks
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 21 2011
EVERTON FC are believed to be ready to begin talks over a contract extension for David Moyes in the new year.The Blues boss’s deal does not expire until 2013 but negotiations will commence early next year to tie the Scot, who will mark his 10th anniversary as Everton manager in March, to a new long-term contract.Negotiations on Moyes’ (right) current deal took several months before he agreed on terms close to £65,000 a week.The former league manager’s association manager of the year first wanted to ensure he had contractual guarantees of his control over all football matters at the club in the event of new ownership.And although he has admitted his frustration at financial restrictions at Goodison, Moyes has given no indication he would not sign a further deal.
Everton FC’s Ross Barkley has advice at hand for dealing with transfer speculation
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 21 2011
ROSS BARKLEY need only look around the senior dressing room at Everton FC for the perfect people to ask for advice on dealing with being the subject of endless speculation.The 17-year-old has only started three games for David Moyes first team, but has already had his name linked with Manchester United and Chelsea in a string of fantastical transfer stories.And as he prepares to help Everton’s attempts to progress in the Carling Cup tonight, Blues assistant coach Steve Round is confident the Wavertree teenager will not be affected by the premature speculation.“Ross is quite a level headed lad and he’s got some very good mentors within the dressing room here who will always advise correctly on doing the right thing every day and being the right professional,” says Round.“That makes our job much easier obviously, and it’s testament to the likes of Tim Cahill, Phil Neville, or Phil Jagielka obviously.“But the lad knows he’s just starting out really. He’s had a good start to the campaign but last season was disrupted massively for him. He was out for 10 months with a broken leg and he has hardly had any work or coaching because he missed most of his first year.“He’s potentially a very good player but potential by definition means he’s only capable of it – he hasn’t done it yet. In the future I expect him to come through and be a top player for Everton – not for anybody else.“You’ve only got to look at some of the previous ones. Jack Rodwell was the cause of a lot of speculation but he’s stuck it out and he’s playing regular Premier League football now.“He’s in the team, he’s getting better every week and Ross has got to establish himself here first. People could forget he’s only 17 and just starting out on his footballing journey.”Round is enthused by the attitude and potential he has already seen in Barkley, who last month made his England U-21 debut.“I’m sure that his journey will be very successful,” he says. “I like his mentality and attitude to work. He’s the proverbial sponge - he’s into me every day asking what he can do better, and he listens, learns and wants to improve.“He trains really hard, and comes out for extra work just as you’d expect from a young player. We’ve got a lot like that to be fair. “He’s up there. It’s early to tell because he’s got to perform and consistently do it over a period of time. I’ve worked with some exceptional young players in my time and talent wise he’s as good as any I’ve worked with, but talent only gets you so far.”Round is in a typically upbeat frame of mind after Everton’s solid start to the season, and says the positive mood has never dipped during what appeared to be a fraught summer.“One thing it does is it gives the younger players the opportunity. Maybe if we’d signed a player then Vellios wouldn’t have had that opportunity, or Ross Barkley wouldn’t get the opportunity.“It’s what we do at Everton we make the most of what we’ve got and we’re very happy with what we’ve got.”Tonight’s third round draw against Premier League opponents indicates the difficulty of the Carling Cup, according to Round.And he insists that there are few teams now who do not take the competition with the utmost respect.“I don’t think any teams don’t take it seriously,” he says. “Teams might rotate their squad but rotating your squad at Manchester City might mean bringing in some of the players who didn’t start against Fulham on Sunday, the likes of Tevez.“Then those players that are coming in might have a point to prove, to say they should be in the team anyway and they might play better than whoever would have played. It’s a fallacy that teams don’t take it very seriously. Every player or coach I’ve met does.”
Everton FC striker Louis Saha faces fight for EFC future after being left out of Carling Cup squad
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 21 2011
LOUIS SAHA faces a fight to save his Goodison Park future after being left out of Everton FC’s squad again for tonight’s Carling Cup third round tie.The 33-year-old French striker was omitted from the squad for the Blues’ 3-1 win over Wigan Athletic at the weekend despite being in training for a week.And his decision to express his frustration on Twitter had not endeared Saha, who is out of contract next summer, to David Moyes ahead of his selection for tonight’s clash with West Brom.Assistant coach Steve Round said: “He’s not in the squad. He’s not ready. He trained last week and he’s trained this week so far. “The manager is going to keep a close eye on his training and see how he improves and progresses over the next week or two. I’m sure he’ll be available come Saturday.“He’s been a bit in and out this season with injuries and it’s been a bit stop-start with him so far. If you’re training and you are fit, you will say you are ready to play. It’s the manager’s decision.”Saha declined the chance to boost his fitness by playing for the reserves against Aston Villa last Tuesday, a game that saw Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe leapfrog him in Moyes’ selection plans. “He was asked if he wanted to participate in the reserve game but he didn’t feel he needed it,” said Round. “I don’t think it had that much of a bearing to be honest.“The manager doesn’t feel he’s quite ready to play in the team yet. Simple as that. I think the manager has quietly spoken to him. We get on with it. All these type of things are dealt with internally.”Moyes could grant a raft of players a starting place against Roy Hodgson’s men tonight, as he balances rotating his squad with ensuring progress in the cup.As well as Drenthe and Stracqualursi, Apostolos Vellios, John Heitinga, Phil Neville, Ross Barkley and Jan Mucha could all be in contention ahead of a tough trip to Manchester City on Saturday. Round insists the focus to succeed in the cup and target a Europa League place as a result will be undiminished.He said: “We were very disappointed to miss out (on Europe) last season, especially finishing seventh.“The manager’s very keen to have European football every season.”Tickets are still available for tonight’s game, with prices starting from £20 for adults, £10 for juniors and £15 for OAP’s. Visit evertonfc.com, call 0871 663 1878 or go to the box office at Goodison Park.
Louis Saha fighting for Everton FC future after being left out of Carling Cup squad
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 21 2011
LOUIS SAHA is fighting for his Everton FC future after being left out of the squad for this evening’s Carling Cup tie against West Brom.The Frenchman will miss the third round clash against West Bromwich Albion at Goodison despite having been in full training for more than a week.Saha raised eyebrows on Saturday by expressing his displeasure on Twitter at not even being named among the substitutes for the 3-1 home win against Wigan Athletic.In the 33-year-old’s absence, young forward Apostolos Vellios emerged from the bench to score while new striker Denis Stracqualursi had a hand in Royston Drenthe’s late clincher.And Saha, who is out of contract at the end of the season, now faces a battle to win back his first-team berth and extend his Goodison career.“Saha is not playing, he’s not in the squad and is not ready,” confirmed Everton assistant manager Steve Round. “He’s trained the last week and this week so far, and the manager will keep a close eye on his training and see how he improves and progresses over the next week or two.“I’m sure he will be available for selection for Saturday and the following week.“He’s been a bit in and out of training this season because of injury, it’s been stop-start for him so far. “If you are training then you are fit and you’ll think you are ready to play, but it’s the manager’s decision whether you are ready to play for the team.” Saha declined the chance to improve his fitness by making an appearance for the second string in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa reserves last Tuesday.“He was asked if he would participate in a reserve game but he didn’t think he needed it at that stage,” said Round. “I don’t think that decision has had that much bearing, though, to be honest.“There are a lot of players who want a 10-minute run-out from the bench, and the manager has to pick who he believes will have the biggest impact.”Saha’s reaction at the weekend has already been addressed by Everton manager David Moyes, and Round added: “Louis’s attitude has been fine. He would be upset at not playing, you’d expect any player to be disappointed especially at a club like Everton where you want to play.“He was very good on Twitter later on supporting the lads and celebrating when we scored, so I don’t think there’s a problem.“I think the manager has quietly spoken to him. We get on with it. All these type of things are dealt with internally.“But we’re keeping a very close eye on Louis in training. If he trains well and performs well he’ll be in for selection in the future I'm sure.”Other than Victor Anichebe, Everton have a full-strength squad to choose from with Moyes poised to rotate his resources.New signings Drenthe and Stracqualursi are vying for a start, along with Ross Barkley, Vellios, John Heitinga, goalkeeper Jan Mucha and skipper Phil Neville.
Everton FC v West Brom Preview: Why in-demand Ross Barkley can go places... at Goodison Park
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 21 2011
IF ever there was a sign of the impact Ross Barkley is making at Everton FC, it has come by virtue of the rumour mill.Last weekend Manchester United, this week Chelsea; the Premier League’s big guns are already glad-eyeing the latest young EFC sensation to roll off the conveyor belt at the Finch Farm academy.But the message from Everton is loud and clear. Barkley is going nowhere, with Goodison the right place for the 17-year-old to continue his development.“He won’t be affected, it’s just speculation,” says assistant manager Steve Round of interest in Barkley. “Ross is quite a level-headed lad and has some very good mentors in the dressing room here that will always advise him correctly on doing the right thing every day and being the right professional.“That makes our job much, much easier. That’s testament to the likes of Phil Neville, Tim Cahill and Phil Jagielka. “Ross knows he is only just starting out. He has had a good start to this campaign, last season was disrupted massively for him as he was out for 10 months with a broken leg, so he has missed much of his coaching from that first year.“He is potentially a good player, but potential by definition is something you could be capable of.“He hasn’t done it yet. But in the future I expect him to be a top player for Everton, not for anybody else.“You only have to look at some of the other players. Jack Rodwell was the cause of a lot of speculation, but he stuck it out, now he is playing regular Premier League football and is getting better with every game.” Barkley made his senior debut at home to Queens Park Rangers last month and subsequently started the wins against Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers, before being rested to the bench for the recent home clashes with Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic.The teenage midfielder is one of several players hoping for a return to the starting line-up when Everton entertain West Bromwich Albion in tonight’s Carling Cup third round clash.And Barkley has impressed the coaching staff with his training approach and willingness to learn.“Ross has to establish himself here first, which I’m sure he will do in time,” says Round. “But you can’t forget he’s only 17 and is only just starting out on his journey. I’m sure his journey will be successful.“I like Ross’s mentality and attitude to work. He’s the proverbial sponge. He is in to me every day, wondering what he can do better, he listens, he learns. “He wants to improve, he trains really hard, he comes out to do extra work, and that’s what you expect from a young player. “He is up there with the young players I have worked with during my career. He still has to perform consistently over a period of time and I’m sure that will happen.“Talent-wise he is as good as any youngster I’ve worked with but talent only gets you so far.” Last season’s seventh-placed finish would usually have been enough to earn European qualification, and Round admits returning to Continental combat – whether it be through league position or cup success – is a burning ambition for the Goodison outfit.“We were very disappointed to miss out last season, especially after finishing seventh because usually that nips you in,” says Round.“If you look at the last seven years since Middlesbrough won it in 2004, Manchester United have won it three times, Chelsea have won it twice, Tottenham have won it once, and last year obviously Birmingham won it.“So if the top boys go strong at it and win it, it helps you get in it via the league and if you win it, you get in that way. “It’s a great opportunity to propel yourself into Europe. That’s something we always want at Everton. The manager’s very keen to have European football every season if he can. It’s getting more and more difficult but that’s what he wants to do.” Round adds: “The luck of the draw is always the same in the cup. But I don’t think any teams don’t take it seriously.“Teams might rotate their squad but rotating your squad at Manchester City might mean bringing in some of the players who didn’t start against Fulham on Sunday, the likes of Tevez. Their bench was worth more than our entire squad.“So it’s difficult to say the manager is not taking it seriously, when he is. Then those players that are coming in might have a point to prove, to say they should be in the team anyway and they might play better than whoever would have played. “It’s a fallacy that teams don’t take it very seriously.“ Every player or coach I’ve met does. It’s only people’s perception over whether it’s a better player coming in or being left out.”Everton have started the season well, sitting in sixth place in the embryonic Premier League table with seven points from four games and a fixture in hand on most of the teams around them.
Ross Barkley link with Chelsea is just speculation, insist Everton
21/09/2011 (The Metro)
Everton are confident of holding on to the latest product of the youth system at Goodison Park, Ross Barkley.Related Tags:Andre Villas-BoasWayne RooneyNeil WarnockDavid MoyesRoy Hodgson.The club's assistant manager Steve Round said the rumours linking the 17-year-old with a move to Chelsea are just that.'Ross is very level-headed,' Round said. 'It's just speculation, he knows that.' Barkley's first performance for the Toffees against Neil Warnock's QPR side had a number of the Premier League big boys sitting up and taking notice of the youngster, who looks set to follow in the footsteps of Everton's most famous youth product, Wayne Rooney.He also impressed when he started against Sheffield United in the Carling Cup and Everton's 1-0 win over Blackburn.However, Round said the young midfielder will not be affected by all the talk surrounding his future..Barkley will once again be in the shop window on Wednesday when David Moyes' side welcome Roy Hodgson's West Brom to Goodison Park for a Carling Cup third-round clash.Rumours have suggested Andre Villas-Boas could be lining up a £20million bid for Barkley in January, as the Chelsea boss continues to look towards young players to replace his ageing squad.According to the Daily Mirror, the Stamford Bridge club made an informal approach in the summer before Barkley made his first-team debut and will test Everton's resolve with big money in the winter.
Everton to discuss new deal for manager David Moyes in new year
Andy Hunter
guardian.co.uk, 21st September 2011
The Everton manager, David Moyes, will soon mark 10 years at Goodison Park. open talks over a contract extension for their manager, David Moyes, in the new year. Moyes's deal does not expire until 2013 but negotiations will commence early next year to tie the Scot, who will mark his 10th anniversary as Everton manager in March, to a new long-term contract.Negotiations on Moyes's current deal, which is worth £65,000 a week and makes him the highest earner at the club following the departure of £75,000-a-week Mikel Arteta to Arsenal, lasted several months as the manager sought guarantees that his control over all football operations would not be diluted in the event of Bill Kenwright selling the club.Although a takeover or new investment has not materialised, fuelling speculation over Moyes's future, the Everton manager has repeatedly said that he is content at Goodison Park and will not leave due to the continued financial restraints.
Michael Appleton meets his mentor
Wednesday 21st September 2011, Express and Star
West Brom assistant boss Michael Appleton wants to upset one of his mentors when the club resume their Carling Cup campaign against Everton. The Hawthorns coach will go head to head with his former manager David Moyes when the Baggies take on Everton in this evening’s third round tie at Goodison Park. But, regardless of the high esteem in which he holds the Toffees boss, Appleton is determined to leave Moyes disappointed by helping Roy Hodgson mastermind a passage to the last 16. Moyes helped Appleton launch his first-team career when he left Manchester United to join an exciting young Preston side in 1997. And the 35-year-old former midfielder, who is now Hodgson’s right-hand man at the Hawthorns, is a huge fan of the Everton boss. Appleton said: “I’ve got a lot of respect for him. When I left Manchester United, I went out into the big wide world to try to learn the game. “David took charge five or six months after me going there and he did a fantastic job. He had a group of young players who were all willing to learn and willing to put a shift in and were successful. “It got him the opportunity to manage in the Premier League and, after Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, he is the longest-serving Premier League manager. He has done a fantastic job at Everton. “He’s a winner first and foremost, his teams are always very organised and they have got a never-say-die attitude, but he brings a calmness. “Everton have been through tough times while he’s been there, but he’s made sure he’s come through those periods with flying colours and a lot of the time done it without the budget that some of the big boys have had. “He’s brought a steadiness at times to the Euphoria that goes with the Premier League.” West Brom, who are without Shane Long because of an illness that has also made Roman Bednar a doubt, are expected to make changes as they did for the second round win at Bournemouth. But Appleton also ruled out Zoltan Gera because of an ongoing ankle problem.
Billy Jones sets sights at West Brom
Wednesday 21st September 2011, Express and Star
West Brom defender Billy Jones today set his sights on a Premier League starting place as he prepared for Carling Cup action at Everton. The former Preston man believes he can use the third-round tie at Goodison Park tonight to push his claims for a starting berth in the Baggies’ league campaign. But Jones admitted he faces a fight to force his way into the Baggies’ first-choice defence, even after a run of four defeats in their first five league games of the season. He said: “Personally, and for other players like me, tonight’s a chance to give the gaffer a headache with a good personal performance that will lead to a good team display. “I just need to keep on knocking on the door. There are other lads similar to myself that aren’t starting at the moment in the Premier League.
“Hopefully, I’m starting tonight and it’s a chance to give the gaffer another headache by showing what I can do and why the club signed me in the first place.” Jones has yet to figure for the Baggies in the Premier League but played in the 4-1 Carling Cup win at Bournemouth. And the 24-year-old insisted he is enjoying his time at the Hawthorns after arriving in the summer on a free transfer from Deepdale. He said: “I signed at West Brom knowing I would need to be patient for my chance in the Premier League. “The main thing is we’re all pushing in the same direction. We just want to win and push as far up the league as we can. “The main priority is Premier League points but I think we can do well in this competition.”
Everton 2, West Brom 1 - Extra Time Report
Sep 21 2011
Birmingham Post
WEST BROM are out of the Carling Cup after Everton captain Phil Neville scored in extra time.
The 33-year-old had watched the last two matches as an unused substitute but when recalled for the visit of West Brom the defender was the unlikely match-winner. Various attacking combinations had failed to find a breakthrough after Chris Brunt's penalty midway through the second half had given the visitors the lead. But Marouane Fellaini gave Everton a lifeline they barely deserved with an unstoppable 89th-minute volley. And Neville, who has fallen behind Tony Hibbert in the pecking order for right-back, showed his forwards how it should be done with a quality left-footed finish from outside the area in the first half of extra-time. For long periods, however, it appeared the Toffees would struggle to score one goal never mind two. Summer loan signing Denis Stracqualursi, on his first start, fired an early shot wide with Fellaini flicking a header past the far post from Leighton Baines' left-wing cross, Jack Rodwell bundling a shot well off target and Royston Drenthe, also on full debut, forcing Marton Fulop into a save at his near post. The Baggies were similarly toothless as only Peter Odemwingie looked threatening. He left Phil Jagielka struggling to keep his footing as he danced past him and centre-back partner John Heitinga on the edge of the area only to shoot wide. Odemwingie produced a similar result with another long-range shot having run through the inside-right channel. The second half began the same as the first but Seamus Coleman should have done better having worked an opening for himself on the right of the area, shooting tamely at Fulop. Another Drenthe free-kick picked out Fellaini at the far post and he nodded back to Ross Barkley whose wild swing diverted the ball to Stracqualursi but he hooked a shot straight at the goalkeeper. But as had been the case at the weekend, the visitors hit Everton with a counter-attack goal in the 56th minute. Somen Tchoyi's through-ball sent Odemwingie clean through and as Jan Mucha raced off his line there was going to be only one winner. The goalkeeper escaped with a yellow card for his foul and Brunt smashed home the penalty. Everton ramped up the pressure in the closing stages with Apostolos Vellios, who had replaced Barkley just past the hour, glancing a header wide, Fellaini nodding weakly into Fulop's arms and Baines drilling a 20-yard free-kick into the wall. With a minute of normal time remaining Fellaini's well-controlled volley from the edge of the area found the bottom corner of the net to force an extra 30 minutes. Odemwingie could have won it in the fifth minute of added time after weaving past Jagielka and Mucha but his angled shot flew over. Neville did not make the same mistake in the 103rd minute when Drenthe cut the ball back to him and he curled a left-footed shot past Fulop from 25 yards.
Everton FC 2 West Brom 1 (AET): Phil Neville back to fire EFC through in the Carling Cup
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 22 2011
FOR most fans the cost of a Wednesday Carling Cup tie was too much, for David Moyes the cost of defeat could have been even higher, but fortunately for both, Phil Neville is priceless. From kicking his heels in frustration as an unused substitute against Wigan on Saturday, the club captain saved Everton from slumping to another torrid early cup exit. Neville’s extra time winner prevented the Toffees from kissing goodbye to their most realistic route to silverware, and reminded everyone of his inestimable value at Goodison. At times last night it was easy to wonder if Moyes had been wise to rotate his team, even if the replacements were of suitable quality. But ultimately those changes yielded the goods, when young Greek substitute Apostolos Vellios, a hero on Saturday against Wigan Athletic helped to craft the opening for Marouane Fellaini to drag the tie into extra time. Then the Dutchman, on his full debut, showed the skill and trickery to tee-up Neville for his last-ditch curler.
Jan Mucha, Everton’s reserve goalkeeper, probably bought all of them a drink last night. The dramatic rally means this tie won’t be remembered for his error of judgement in conceding a 57th minute penalty which gifted West Brom the lead. The hardy few who braved a rainy evening received meagre reward in a first half when two teams deploying a solitary striker and five in midfield largely cancelled each other out. The Blues hogged possession, but struggled to overcome two banks of well-drilled bodies which made it tough for them to find a way through. And when there chinks of light in the defensive wall facing them, they suffered from a distinct lack of fluidity.
Ross Barkley attempted an overhead kick from Royston Drenthe’s laser-guided free kick, but his effort rebounded off Joe Mattock. Then Denis Stracqualursi tried his luck but his shot in turn cannoned off Barkley. For their part, West Brom might have resembled Bayern Munich in their red change strip, but the similarities stopped there. They failed to fashion much on the counter-attack, but could have led when Phil Jagielka made a hash of stopping Somen Tchoyi, only for the powerful striker to blaze over the bar. In response, Drenthe highlighted his abundance of confidence with a free kick from 25 yards, after Barkley had been bundled over, that was not far off. Then at the other end Peter Odemwingie slalomed past Heitinga and skewed his effort off target. Next Everton flattered to deceive, when Fellaini got on the end of Leighton Baines’ pin-point cross only to head well wide. A thriller it most certainly was not. But Drenthe looked most likely to produce some much needed inspiration, and forced Marton Fulop into a save at his near post just before the break. And at least there had been a Barkley play-ground nut-meg to savour too. Coleman tried to enliven things after the re-start, twice bursting through on goal and testing Fulop. Then Stracqualursi’s hooked side-footer forced the Baggies keeper into a smart stop from Drenthe’s free kick. Suddenly the game was opening up. George Thorne missed a clear chance to convert at the far post from Chris Brunt’s corner, and Odemwingie flicked wide from Choyi’s cross. Then the same pair combined to calamitous consequences for the Blues. Choyi’s pass dissected Everton’s defence and the pacy Odemwingie got there first ahead of Jan Mucha, who promptly upended him. Chris Brunt converted from the spot, and the Slovakian keeper was lucky to escape with a caution, while probably wishing his camouflaged jersey could let him slip away into the night. Moyes had seen enough, and promptly replaced the fleetingly effective Stracqualursi and Barkley with Apostolos Vellios and Tim Cahill. They failed to change the pattern of play, though, which was increasingly in the visitor’s favour, as Graham Dorrans tried his luck from range and Odemwingie went close again. A depressing exit loomed. But then Heitinga crossed, Vellios did enough to unnerve the Baggies defence, and as the ball dropped Fellaini swivelled and found the bottom corner of the net with a crisp shot. Injury time saw Tchoyi flash his shot over from a tight angle after surging past Heitinga, and Fellaini made a further nuisance of himself up front. Drenthe looked set to poke the Blues in front but for some desperate defending, and then did superbly to tee-up Phil Neville for his immaculate winner. Job done eventually, maybe this will be the start of something special. After all, every successful cup run needs its nerve-shredding near-miss doesn’t it?
Everton FC U18s must finish their impressive approach play better says coach Kevin Sheedy
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 22 2011
EVERTON’S U-18s will be keen to get back to winning ways when they host Bolton Wanderers at Finch Farm on Saturday. The young Blues have faltered slightly after their impressive 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at the start of the month. Since then, Kevin Sheedy’s side have underwhelmed during an eventual 2-2 draw with Huddersfield Town and then sank to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United on their travels. Sheedy was particularly unhappy with his team’s failure to raise their game against Huddersfield, and did not mince his words in his assessment of a weak performance. “Defensively we were very poor,” said the Blues legend. “We conceded two sloppy goals and although we scored twice we got exactly what we deserved. “The overall performance was very disappointing and we let the boys know that we expect much higher standards from them and we were keen to see how they responded. “The Newcastle game was probably our best attacking display of the season so far ironically, given that we didn’t score. “We hit the bar and made their keeper work hard. Up until the final third we were good to watch, and since then there has been plenty of positives to take and work on in training to improve our connections with the ball when we’re shooting at goal and so forth. “We probably created eight good chances, so obviously we need to sharpen up our finishing and get better in that respect. “But it’s early in the season and we’ve got quite a few first year scholars who are still learning the pace of our training and matches. It will take time for them to get up to speed.” From the side which won the Barclays Premier Academy League last season, Sheedy has lost the goal scoring talents of Conor McAleny, who has stepped up to the reserves. But at the other end they have added the goalkeeping potential of Polish teenager Mateusz Taudul, 17, who impressed during a summer trial and won himself a contract with a string of eye-catching early performances.
Leighton Baines hails Everton FC team spirit after Carling Cup victory over West Brom
By Greg O'KeeffeSep 22 2011
LEIGHTON BAINES admits sheer desperation motivated Everton to cling onto their place in the Carling Cup as they came from behind to beat West Brom 2-1 in injury time. The England defender said the spirit in the Blues dressing room after their come-back in the third round tie at Goodison last night was defiance and hunger to go all the way to Wembley. Everton equalised against Roy Hodgson’s men in the 88th minute courtesy of Marouane Fellaini, before clinching their progress in injury time thanks to Phil Neville’s goal. And Baines said the Blues were determined not to be dumped out. He said: "We are desperate to achieve something, basically. "There’s no point pretending otherwise – we want to win it and we were desperate to stay in it. "We feel we’re capable and we fought and worked for it, and hopefully we’ll get the fruits of that later on in the competition. There will still be top sides in it but you can see how seriously we take it and want to win it so badly. "Ideally you’d do it in the 90 but we’re just happy to be in the draw for the next round. It’s important to us this cup run, it means a lot to us. "You could see that towards the end of the game we fought hard to get the equaliser and we were still pushing towards the end to win the game. It’s nice to be in the hat." Baines was full of praise for skipper Neville who was restored to the side as David Moyes rang the changes from Saturday’s Premier League win over Wigan.
"It sums him up," said Baines. "The fact he wasn’t in the team the last few games doesn’t change his character and personality around the place. "He’s still the same top professional who gives everything and it’s good to have people like that around the place. I know the manager is glad to have him around, and you can see how pleased we were for him when he scored. "It’s good we have the competition for places. Hibbo has probably been our best player for the games he;s come in, and it’s a tough one for the manager. They are both pushing hard for a start.", but to have people looking over their shoulder means you get more from them." Baines believes his manager’s decision to push Fellaini up front in the second half was pivotal to securing their comeback. He said: "We changed it at half time and threw big Felli further up the pitch for us to play up to him and it did help. They put a lot of men behind the ball so it was difficult at first. They only started to press us when we got into their half, and sat back so it was tough, especially after they got the goal. Felli going up top gave us something to build on."
Everton FC 2 West Brom 1: Extra time sees EFC through in Carling Cup
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 22 2011
EVERTON FC manager David Moyes admits supporters are not excited by the early rounds of the Carling Cup – last night’s strung out affair at Goodison Park will have done little to discount that theory. Even though they salvaged going out at the third round stage exit for the second consecutive year by the skin of their teeth when Marouane Fellaini levelled late on and Phil Neville struck sweetly in extra-time, Everton have done little in recent times to evoke excitement in a competition which more often than not draws accusations of contempt rather than it does draw in the crowds. Moyes, for the most part, could not be accused of prioritising forthcoming fixtures over the league cup and knows it represents arguably the side’s best chance of achieving European football for next term. However his players failed to respond in kind for long periods as an experimental West Bromwich Albion side, drastically changed for their last Premier League game at Swansea, showed adequate attacking intent to force Everton into a rescue job which should not have been required. As the few Evertonians, who displayed their unflinching loyalty to the club in this competition, sat out extra-time at Goodison last night they will have felt their team made hard work just to be in with a shout after the 90 minutes were up. But perhaps they stayed knowing that with their ever green captain on the field, their team was always in with a chance of making amends for what went on in normal time. Despite last season’s fizzer against Wolverhampton Wanderers, few expected to see Neville on the scoresheet anytime soon but his measured finish in the first half of the additional 30 minutes turned the tables in this third round cup tie. Chris Brunt’s penalty early in the second half was enough to separate Everton and West Brom on a night which dragged until Fellaini hit a low shot on the turn which squeezed its way beyond the reach of Marton Fulop.
Left out of Everton’s last two matches, Neville had received the backing of Moyes who insisted his club captain would seize his opportunity when it came, so the 34-year-old’s winner will not have come as a total surprise to the manager. Perhaps that the second half of the game was graced with any goals at all will have been what raised his eyebrows, given the manner in which the evening began. With both sides lining up in cautious 4-5-1 formation, there was always the danger Everton and West Brom would be at loggerheads and smother one another’s work The home side, for their part, were attempting to spread the play and stretch the Roy Hodgson’s men. Ross Barkley, part of a five man midfield, took the advanced role upon himself to try and provide a link to lone frontman Denis Stracqualursi. Chances in a frustrating first half of play were rare for Everton and only Stracqualursi’s goalbound effort, which was inadvertently blocked by Barkley, and Marouane Fellaini’s misguided header were theirs to show for an opening 45 minutes of toil. West Brom had found themselves the recipients of two very decent sights on Jan Mucha’s goal, more through slices of fortune than anything creative, yet Somen Tchoyi and then Peter Odemwingie blazed wildly over the bar. Drenthe, an exasperated figure on the left flank, came inside looking to find that penetrating pass but against the red wall of West Brom defenders, the on-loan Dutchman found as much joy as he had done out wide. The attrition was a breeding ground for mistakes also. Unnecessary tackles and lax passing were become symptomatic of a half of Carling Cup football few will remember. The game had all the hallmarks of one heading towards where nobody wanted to see it – in extra-time. With Saturday’s trip to Manchester City already evident in aspect of manager David Moyes’ team selection last night, an additional 30 minutes of burden on players such as Fellaini and Baines was an unwelcome surprise. Cutting through the boredom at least was the the endeavour of Barkley, Stracqualursi and Coleman who showed a desire for this cup tie matched by few others in Goodison. Indeed Coleman’s typically buccaneering run early in the second half brought a first save out of West Brom goalkeeper Marton Fulop before he was quickly forced into a second when Stracqualursi’s instinctive shot on the turn went goalward. West Brom felt they too would join in the with the new found spirit of forward thinking and George Thorne was inches away from connecting to Chris Brunt’s dangerous corner. The Hawthorns side went forward soon after as Tchoyi split the defence to send Odemwingie through on goal. Mucha showed hesitation and paid the price when the West Brom striker edged the ball beyond his reach and fell under the goalkeeper’s challenge. Brunt converted the spot-kick with fierce accuracy. Going behind forced Moyes into bringing on Tim Cahill and Saturday’s goal hero Apostolos Vellios for the willing Stracqualursi and Barkley. Everton at least showed the desire to source an equaliser, even if the quality was not always forthcoming. Vellios and Fellaini both went close with neat headers before the Belgium international, playing up front as Moyes sent every body forward, found the breakthrough. Everton’s parity was soon so nearly extinguished five minutes into extra-time when Tchoyi took advantage of miscommunication between Mucha and John Heitinga, but as he was in the first off, the tall striker was off target once more when he should have done far better. Much like Neville did when curling the ball past Fulop from just inside the area for the winning goal though Everton had to survive one final scare when Paul Scharner forced Mucha into a smart stop. Whether Neville’s goal scoring exploits will be enough to earn him a Premier League recall at Man City at the weekend remains to be seen however.
Everton FC looking to go all way after Phil Neville Carling Cup winner
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 22
STEVE ROUND says Everton FC are desperate to go on a cup run after they edged past West Bromwich Albion in the Carling Cup last night. The Goodison Park side required an 89th-minute equaliser from Marouane Fellaini to send the third round tie into extra-time following Chris Brunt’s early second half penalty put Roy Hodgson’s men in front. In contrast to West Brom’s much changed starting 11, Everton manager David Moyes picked a strong side for the game but his team struggled to break down the visitors. Staring consecutive third round exits in the face, the home side threw on weekend goal hero Apostolos Vellios and partnered him with Fellaini. Assistant manager Round has hailed the impact of the substitutes and says when the game moved into an additional 30 minutes he felt confident Everton would prevail. Phil Neville’s fine strike in the first-half of extra-time sealed the home side’s passage into the fourth round draw and Round says the Everton captain continues to show that calibre of strike on a regular basis in training. “We thought it was going to be a tough game because Roy Hodgson’s teams are always well coached and very difficult to break down; they cut out the spaces or you very well,” said Round. “We had a lot of possession in the first half without hurting West Brom. “We didn’t penetrate with speed or intelligence. “The ball retention was excellent but we couldn’t make that defining moment and so we were always susceptible to the sucker punch. “So we pushed Marouane Fellaini further forward and brought Tolos (Apostolos Vellios) on and went more direct to win those second balls. “We created a few chances in the last 15 minutes and in extra-time, we know we are a fit and strong unit and so felt we might have the edge. “It was a tremendous goal from Phil Neville. “We see Phil in training and what he does in shooting practice. He and Tony Hibbert both have great strikes on them. It was a great strike from Phil tonight. “The team are very keen to have very good cup runs and you can see that by the team selection.” Round also calmed concerns that ahead of this weekend’s game at Manchester City, extra-time was exactly what Everton could have done without. “It was a hard-fought win and the manager said to the team that 90 minutes on Saturday will be easy now after playing 120 tonight.” West Brom manager Roy Hodgson meanwhile had no qualms with Everton goalkeeper Jan Mucha remaining on the pitch after he brought down Peter Odemwingie for the away side’s penalty. Mucha was shown a yellow card but some commentators suggested that the Slovakian was lucky to escape being sent off after denying the striker a scoring sight of goal. “I don’t believe in red cards in that situation,” said the former Liverpool manager. If you argue to the letter of the law then it could have been. “But the interpretation of that rule should have been changed a long time ago. “It would spare the goalkeeper from being sent off in those situations when they have made an honest attempt to play the ball. “What the goalkeeper did was not anything vicious.”
On the rest of the game, Hodgson added: “We missed some chances to put the game out of their reach but we didn’t throw the game away.”
Everton 2 West Brom 1
22 September 2011, Express and Star
West Brom were dumped out of the Carling Cup after Phil Neville’s extra-time stunner fired Everton through. The Baggies suffered late heartbreak when Marouane Fellaini’s 89th minute equaliser cancelled out Chris Brunt’s second-half penalty. And Neville’s curling strike after 103 minutes settled the tie – although goalkeeper Jan Mucha saved sharply from Paul Scharner’s effort deep into extra-time. West Brom boss Roy Hodgson made nine changes following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Swansea, with more than an eye on the weekend’s visit of Fulham in the Premier League. Brunt, goalkeeper Martin Fulop, Gareth McAuley, Billy Jones, Joe Mattock, Graham Dorrans, George Thorne, Simon Cox and Somen Tchoyi all started. Everton dominated the early possession but failed to seriously test the Baggies backline and the visitors created the best openings. Tchoyi had already shot wide before he latched onto Thorne’s 17th minute pass and blazed over from 10 yards, despite wriggling past the Everton defence. Two Royston Drenthe free kicks caused few problems as the Baggies grew in confidence and Peter Odemwingie almost capitalised on Phil Jagielka’s loose pass but fired wide.
But Fellaini almost stunned West Brom, glancing Leighton Baines’ cross wide just before the half hour. However, neither team took full control during a one-paced first half, which ended with a muted response from the home crowd. Everton began the second period with renewed purpose and Seamus Coleman and Denis Stracqualursi both tested Fulop within five minutes of the re-start.
It rose Albion from their brief second-half slumber and Thorne just failed to touch in Brunt’s teasing 52nd minute corner. But there was a sense the Baggies could unlock the Everton defence with more invention and, four minutes later, they went ahead. Tchoyi’s excellent pass found Odemwingie, who outstripped Jagielka and was brought down by the flailing Mucha in the area. That the striker was wide of goal spared the goalkeeper a red card and Brunt duly rammed the spot kick into the bottom left corner. Everton responded by throwing on Tim Cahill and Apostolos Vellios but the duo failed to conjure up an immediate response. Marshalled by the impressive Olsson, Albion withstood heavy pressure with Fulop saving twice from Fellaini, but their resistance broke a minute from time.
The dangerous Fellaini latched onto a bounced ball 18-yards out and struck a low half volley into Fulop’s bottom left corner. Reinvigorated, Everton pressed and Jack Rodwell’s shot was deflected behind before extra time. Tchoyi bulldozed through only to fire over after 95 minutes, as did Real Madrid loanee Drenthe at the other end. But it was left to Neville to settle things, curling in from 12-yards after Drenthe teased the Albion defence. Scharner almost levelled two minutes from time, but Mucha saved smartly at his near post to put Albion out.
Neville puts Toffees through
Wednesday 21st September 2011,
Express and Star
Everton captain Phil Neville put the disappointment of losing his first-team place behind him to score the goal which beat West Brom 2-1 and put his side into the fourth round of the Carling Cup.
The 33-year-old had watched the last two matches as an unused substitute but when recalled for the visit of West Brom the defender was the unlikely match-winner. Various attacking combinations had failed to find a breakthrough after Chris Brunt’s penalty midway through the second half had given the visitors the lead. But Marouane Fellaini gave Everton a lifeline they barely deserved with an unstoppable 89th-minute volley. And Neville, who has fallen behind Tony Hibbert in the pecking order for the right-back spot, showed his forwards how it should be done with a quality left-footed finish from outside the area in the first half of extra-time. For long periods, however, it appeared the Toffees would struggle to score one goal never mind two. Just as they had done against Wigan on Saturday – when they came from behind to win – Everton got an early grip of the game but struggled to make it count Summer loan signing Denis Stracqualursi, on his first start, fired an early shot wide with Fellaini flicking a header past the far post from Leighton Baines’ left-wing cross, Jack Rodwell bundling a shot well off target and Royston Drenthe, also on full debut, forcing Marton Fulop into a save at his near post. The second half began the same as the first but Seamus Coleman should have done better having worked an opening for himself on the right of the area, shooting tamely at Fulop. But as had been the case at the weekend, the visitors hit Everton with a counter-attack goal in the 56th minute. Somen Tchoyi’s through-ball sent Peter Odemwingie clean through and as Jan Mucha raced off his line there was going to be only one winner. The goalkeeper escaped with a yellow card for his foul and Brunt smashed home the penalty. Everton ramped up the pressure in the closing stages with Apostolos Vellios, who had replaced Barkley just past the hour, glancing a header wide, Fellaini nodding weakly into Fulop’s arms and Baines drilling a 20-yard free-kick into the wall. With a minute of normal time remaining Fellaini’s well-controlled volley from the edge of the area found the bottom corner of the net to force an extra 30 minutes. And in the 103rd minute Drenthe cut the ball back to Neville and he curled a left-footed shot past Fulop from 25 yards.
Everton 2-1 West Brom (aet): Heartache for Baggies
September 22 2011 The Daily Mirror
An impossible situation calls for an improbable solution. And it doesn't get more improbable than a glorious Phil Neville winner. The defender produced a stunning finish to give Everton a miraculous extra time victory over West Brom in a Carling Cup tie that had seemed beyond their grasp for much of its duration. With less than 60 seconds of normal time remaining, Everton looked dead and buried as the visitors held a lead through a Chris Brunt penalty, and the tie with a vice like grip of control.
Somehow, using all their renowned spirit and refusal to submit, they levelled in the last minute, thanks to a fine Marouane Fellaini goal, to take the contest into extra time..and towards Neville's incredible denoument. He is not exactly known for his goalscoring ability. In his illustrious 17 year career, he had found the net just nine times before last night, but the manner in which he reached double figures suggested he had been doing it all his life. Royston Drenthe provided the pass on the edge of the box, and with his left foot - yep, that's his left - the Blues skipper steered a searing, dipping drive into the top corner, with consumate skill to send Goodison into raptures.
And as assistant boss Steve Round explained afterwards, it left the Everton dressing room in stunned silence afterwards. Phil kept his head down in the dressing room at the end, and wanted everyone to praise him, so we took the opposite approach...and no one said a word to him!" he explained.
"There's always a bit of banter about him not scoring enough goals, but in training you can see he has a really good strike on him, and he has shown he is capable of a finish like that. "It really was some finish. It was a great strike, and a fitting goal to win a tie in extra time." It was the cruellest of luck on visiting boss Roy Hodgson though, who could be forgiven for believing he is cursed at this ground, and in this city. On his last visit here a year ago, his fate as Liverpool manager was virtually sealed with humiliating defeat by the old enemy, and last night, he suffered a similarly cruel fate.
The Baggies had dominated so much of the game they must have thought the job was done as the clocked ticked into the final minute of 90, and certainly they didn't deserve the dramatic conclusion to a tie that was slow to explode into life. Brunt converted from the spot just before the hour, after Peter Odemwingie had been dumped in the box by home keeper Jan Mucha, and either side of that goal the visitors had chances to kill the tie and stride confidently into the fourth round.
Somen Tchoyi twice fired over from good positions, and Odemwingie did the same, as Everton lost direction and with it their nerve on a listless Goodison night. Yet with time ticking down and the struggling home side fast running out of ideas, Fellaini broke the smothering shackles of the otherwise dominant visitors, to twist on the edge of the box and fire home a left foot shot with just 60 seconds remaining, to again invoke the dreaded extra period. That at least lifted the night above the sense of the second-rate nature of this competition that seeped through into the performance like the grey evening drizzle. And it allowed Neville his moment of stunning glory that will live in the memory long after the rest of the often ordinary fare is consigned to the footnotes of football history, even if Hodgson was left bemoaning his fate. "We didn't really want the extra time, and we felt we did enough in the 90 minutes to win, but you have to see these games out until the end, and we didn't," he admitted. "We missed chances to put the game out of their reach, and that was disappointing."
Everton 2 West Brom 1
By MIKE ELLIS
September 22 2011-The Sun
PHIL NEVILLE stepped up to the plate to send Everton into the last 16. The former England defender had scored just 12 goals in more than 600 games for Manchester United and the Toffees. But, last night, he struck for the 13th time in his 17-year career — a sizzling left-foot shot — to complete Everton's fightback. It was a miserable return to Merseyside for Roy Hodgson. David Moyes directs things from the touchline Marouane Fellaini loses out to Somen Tchoyi Martin Olsson gets there ahead of Denis Stracqualursi Marouane Fellaini gets in a header at goal Seamus Coleman and Peter Odemwingie get stuck in Graham Dorrans battles for the ball with Everton striker Denis Stracqualursi Royston Drenthe challenges Jonas Olsson Jan Mucha brings down Peter Odemwingie to concede a penalty Chris Brunt blasts home the spotkick Chris Brunt is mobbed after his successful conversion Marouane Fellaini fires home Everton's late leveller in normal time David Moyes and Jack Rodwell lead the celebrations after Marouane Fellaini's equaliser Phil Neville cracks home the winner The Everton players are all smiles after Phil Neville's winner A year ago, he was in charge of Liverpool when they crashed out of the Carling Cup at home to Northampton. Last night, he was less than two minutes away from booking West Brom's place in the fourth round of the Carling Cup following Chris Brunt's penalty. Somen Tchoyi released Baggies hitman Peter Odemwingie on 57 minutes. The Nigerian was sent sprawling by keeper Jan Mucha, who was lucky to escape with a booking, and Brunt did the honours from the spot. But, in the 89th minute, midfielder Marouane Fellaini fired home from the edge of the penalty area to earn Everton an extra-time reprieve. More misery was to follow for Hodgson when home skipper Neville put them in front two minutes before the end of the first half of extra-time after being teed up by Royston Drenthe.
Hodgson said: "You must make certain you take your chances when a game lasts 120 minutes.
"We came close to holding out in normal time and could have scored more than one. We missed chances to put the game beyond Everton's reach but I was pleased with our performance." Everton assistant boss Steve Round said: "We are keen to have good cup runs which is why we picked a strong team. "In addition to Marouane's strike it was also a tremendous goal from Phil Neville."
SUN STAR MAN - LEIGHTON BAINES
EVERTON: Mucha 6, Neville 6, Heitinga 6, Jagielka 7, Baines 7, Coleman 6 (Gueye 7), Barkley 6 (Vellios 7), Fellaini 7, Rodwell 6, Drenthe 7, Stracqualursi 4 (Cahill 6). Not used: Howard, Hibbert, Bilyaletdinov, Distin. Booked: Mucha, Drenthe.
WEST BROM: Fulop 6, Jones 6, McAuley 7, Olsson 7 (Dawson 5), Mattock 6, Tchoyi 6, Dorrans 7, Thorne 6 (Scharner 6), Brunt 7, Odemwingie 5, Cox 6 (Morrison 6). Not used: Daniels, Jara, Mulumbu, Berahino. Booked: Dorrans
EVERTON 2 WEST BROM 1: FELL SWOOPS TO PUT ROY HODGSON IN A SWEAT
22nd September 2011 By Darren Witcoop
Daily Star
ROY HODGSON suffered a torrid six-month reign on Merseyside – and unlikely goal hero Phil Neville last night ensured his misery would continue. Hodgson had a nightmare spell in charge of Everton’s rivals Liverpool before heading to take over the helm at West Brom. And almost a year to the day when his Reds side were dumped out of the Carling Cup across the park against Northampton, his team came unstuck again. This time there was no major shock involved with his return to Merseyside ruined by extra-time saviour Neville. But the third-round defeat will still hurt even if the Premier League remains Albion’s top priority. Hodgson said: “I was pleased with the performance and there were plenty of positives. “But we didn’t want extra-time. Our priority is the league, you only have to look at our team selection. He wanted the game finished in the 90 minutes but we didn’t want to lose it. “We missed chances to put the game out of their reach and we were punished in the end. “But in terms of a response from our defeat at Swansea, I certainly got that.”
It had appeared so good for Hodgson’s men as they looked to have edged out fellow Premier League side Everton in the battle between the two second-string teams. After Somen Tchoyi and Peter Odemwingie had wasted first-half chances, they deservedly drew first blood with Chris Brunt’s 57th-minute penalty. demwingie burst clear and after he was hauled down by Everton reserve goalkeeper Jan Mucha, Brunt converted from the spot. There seemed no way back for Everton as they looked devoid of ideas. But Marouane Fellaini sent the dour tie into overtime when he found space to shoot low for the 89th minute leveller. It was the last thing either side wanted and chances remained few and far between except for another wild attempt from Tchoyi. But former Manchester United defender Neville had the final say when he collected Royston Drenthe’s pass before curling home a fine 103rd minute winner. Everton’s assistant manager Steve Round said: “We are keen to have a good cup run and it’s important to keep our early season momentum going.
“It was a fantastic goal by Marouane and we know we are a fit and strong unit and we got the edge in extra-time via Phil. “It was a great strike by Phil and we know he can do that. “He’s done it before and practises in training all the time. “To see it fly in surprised many people know doubt, but we are delighted.”
Everton 2 West Brom 1 AET: Veteran Neville sends Toffees through after late comeback
Daily Mail
22nd September 2011
Roy Hodgson endured one of his most wretched days when Liverpool manager at Goodison Park and he had reason to lament the famous old ground once again on Wednesday night. For much of West Bromwich Albion's Carling Cup third-round tie against Everton, it appeared as if Hodgson was going to preside over a hard-fought victory that would have gone some way to erasing the humiliating 2-0 defeat he suffered on his most recent visit to the ground last October. But, instead of waking up in the last 16 this morning, Hodgson finds himself pouring over another defeat. Though the visitors had led until the 89th minute thanks to Chris Brunt's penalty, goals from Marouane Fellaini and Phil Neville - his first in this competition - floored Hodgson's side. Hodgson tried to play down his frustrations, but the sight of him hurling his coat to the floor when a chance was squandered at the end of extra time told another story. 'We didn't throw it away,' he snapped. 'We missed some chances and we wanted the game finished in 90 minutes and ideally wanted to win it. I thought we played very well.' Yet it was not enough. Fellaini showed why Everton boss David Moyes is so keen for him to sign a new deal with a thumping 20-yard effort to snatch extra time for the home side when all seemed lost. But Neville topped that in the 103rd minute with a curling effort that fizzed past Marton Fulop to flatten Hodgson. It should have been so different. Albion ought to have been two goals up at the break, only for Somen Tchoyi and Peter Odemwingie to spurn openings.
Still, Brunt's thumping spot kick should have been enough after goalkeeper Jan Mucha clattered into Odemwingie. Everton, however, are renowned for their fighting qualities which again paid dividends. Head coach Steve Round said: 'This team want to have a good Cup run and you could see that from the manager's selection. They don't give up. It was important we won to keep the momentum going.' Everton went into the game on the back of a four-match unbeaten run but a half empty ground, lack of atmosphere and Moyes' indifferent programme notes suggested this fixture was not on their list of priorities. To see Moyes gesticulating when his team were trailing, though, showed a man who cares deeply and, in the end, Everton deserved their place in Saturday's draw. The only surprise was the identity of the man who scored the winner. Neville has played 29 Carling Cup games over more than 15 years but his arcing drive from inside the area was his first goal in it. Round said: 'Believe it or not, Phil practises his shooting every day in training. He is actually quite good at it. He's expecting everyone to praise him now.'
MATCH FACTS Everton: Mucha, Neville, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman (Gueye 79), Barkley (Vellios 62), Fellaini, Rodwell, Drenthe, Stracqualursi (Cahill 62).
Subs not used: Howard, Hibbert, Bilyaletdinov, Distin
Booked: Mucha, Drenthe
Goals: Fellaini 89, Neville 103
West Brom: Fulop, Jones, McAuley, Olsson (Dawson 104), Mattock, Tchoyi, Dorrans, Thorne (Scharner 96), Brunt, Odemwingie, Cox (Morrison 83).
Subs not used: Daniels, Jara Reyes, Mulumbu, Berahino.
Booked: Dorrans
Goal: Brunt pen 57
Referee: Jon Moss.
HODGSON UPBEAT DESPITE DEFEAT
Daily Express
Thursday September 22,2011
West Brom manager Roy Hodgson admitted he was not "particularly sad" at his side's 2-1 extra time Carling Cup third-round exit at Everton. West Brom manager Roy Hodgson admitted he was not "particularly sad" at his side's 2-1 extra time Carling Cup third-round exit at Everton. The Baggies were a minute away from winning after Chris Brunt's penalty midway through the second half only for Marouane Fellaini to volley in an equaliser. Everton captain Phil Neville then popped up with the winner in the 103rd minute. "It is very easy to draw a line under this and move on," said Hodgson.
"Any game you lose, even if it's in extra-time after a good performance, you don't feel great about it but on the other hand our priority is the league. Our goal is not to win the League Cup it is to get another season in the Premier League and, to be quite frank, it can be counter-productive for teams like ourselves. "I couldn't ask for more than the players gave and had we won it I would have been happy. But losing it in the way we did doesn't make me particularly sad. That is what we have to make certain we are ready for it and in actual fact I would have preferred if Everton had scored their two goals in the 89th and 90th minutes. "We wouldn't have had to waste 30 minutes of running for players who are playing on Saturday. We've drawn 1-1 in 90 minutes and more than deserved it. It was a wonderful cup tie and I thought both teams played well - particularly us for long periods. I'm a bit saddened with two minutes to go we conceded a goal. "But changing the team as much as I did (making nine changes) I thought they did exceptionally well and I thought we deserved the win after 90 minutes." Everton assistant manager Steve Round was naturally pleased to progress having been so close to going out. "We know Roy's teams are well organised and tough to beat and we found it difficult to break them down," he said. "We had a lot of possession in the first half but couldn't turn that into chances and you are always susceptible to the sucker punch and we got caught on the break. Luckily right at the death, Fellaini pops up with a great goal and into extra-time Phil Neville produces a wonder-strike to win it. We are delighted we are in the hat for the next round."
Everton loan young midfielder Baxter out to League One Tranmere
Daily Mail
22nd September 2011
Everton midfielder Jose Baxter is crossing the Mersey to sign for League One Tranmere on a month’s loan. The 19-year-old, who became Everton’s youngest senior player when he made his debut against Blackburn in August 2008 aged 16 years and 191 days, wrote on his Twitter account: ‘Happy to be going on loan tomorrow to Tranmere. Looking forward to meeting the lads and getting three points on Saturday.’ Record-breaker: Jose Baxter Baxter has only played 13 minutes for the first team this season and that was in Everton’s Carling Cup win over Sheffield United but is expected to go into Tranmere’s squad to face Preston tomorrow. Boss Les Parry made the move after Newcastle’s Ryan Donaldson tore a hamstring on his debut
Tranmere Rovers manager Les Parry secures loan deal for young Everton starlet Jose Baxter
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 23
BUSY Tranmere manager Les Parry is lining up Everton teenager Jose Baxter as a loan signing in time to figure in the side at Preston North End this weekend. He has also set up the prospect of a second loan spell, sometime in the future, for Ryan Donaldson, whose temporary move from Newcastle United had to be cut short this week. Parry’s immediate priority is to secure the services of a young front man to fill the role just behind the striker that became Andy Robinson’s speciality in the early weeks of the season. And he believes Baxter fits the bill perfectly. Parry said: “We need someone to fill that role. It is important to us.” The 19-year-old, who has made 14 senior appearances for the Blues, is due to register with Rovers today and can expect to lineup in the team at Deepdale tomorrow. Baxter said on his twitter account: “Happy to be going on loan to Tranmere. Looking forward to meeting the lads and getting three points on Saturday.” The Daily Post understands Everton manager David Moyes agreed to release Baxter on a month-long deal following discussions with Parry this week. Robinson suffered a hamstring injury at the end of August and Rovers hoped they had found a replacement in Newcastle’s Ryan Donaldson. However, the 20-year-old Donaldson suffered a hamstring injury 25 minutes into his debut against Wycombe Wanderers last Saturday. Although Robinson is on the mend, I understand Tranmere are keen to recruit Baxter, who figured in Everton’s Carling Cup win over Sheffield United earlier this season. Donaldson returned to Newcastle where a scan revealed a grade two hamstring tear, ruling him out of action for six weeks. Parry said: “For the time Ryan was on the pitch, I think everyone would agree he played that role off to a tee. “He looked bright. He got us the free kick from which we scored our first goal. It is a real shame he had to go back. He was devastated because he really enjoyed it here. But I have had a chat with Ryan and hopefully we are going to get him here for another spell once he is right. He can’t wait to get back here. “Now we’re looking for someone else and I’m confident we will get a deal done before the Preston game.” Robinson, who has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-0 win at Brentford at the end of August, resumed training yesterday and could be in contention for a recall at Deepdale. But Parry has doubts about whether the 31-year-old will be up to a 90 minute job against a strong Preston side who have reeled off five straight League One wins. Parry said: “Fitness wise and he is still probably lacking just a little bit. The same can be said about Martin Devaney. Robbo is a bit closer than Martin but whether fitness wise he is able to start a game is debatable. Personally I don’t think he is, which is one of the reasons we are bringing in someone else.” Tranmere expect Ian Goodison to carry on at the heart of the defence after a scan revealed a small tear in one of his stomach muscles. The problem has been troubling the 39-year-old Jamaican for several games and Parry said: “The problem seems to be resolving itself and he seems to be over the worst of it. “I’m sure Ian will be fine. We go easy on him these days. He does not have to train on Mondays and Tuesdays. We have to be careful because we don’t want Age Concern coming onto us saying we’re working him too hard.” Preston were beaten for only the second time this season when they went out of the Carling Cup at Southampton on Wednesday. But manager Phil Brown changed all 10 of the outfield players who figured in Preston’s 3-1 League One win at Brentford last Saturday. The majority of those players will be back to face Tranmere. Preston travelled back from the south coast by air, to give themselves two days of preparations for the Rovers game. Brown said: “I can’t thank the owners and the chairman enough for that opportunity.”
Momentum can set us up for Man City trip says Everton FC’s Leighton Baines
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 23 2011
EVERTON defender Leighton Baines believes the momentum they have gained from a five-match unbeaten run sets them up well for their biggest test of the season so far at Manchester City this weekend. The Goodison Park outfit left it late to come from behind on Wednesday night to clinch a 2-1 extra-time victory over West Brom in the third round of the Carling Cup. Their only blemish so far is the opening-day home defeat to newcomers QPR, but even that has been forgotten after four wins and a draw in all competitions. Everton have become City’s bogey team over the last few years, winning seven of the last eight encounters and the last four in succession. But, while confidence is growing within David Moyes’ squad, the match at the Etihad Stadium marks the start of arguably their toughest month with fixtures against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United to follow in October. “It is a big game for us at the weekend because City have been doing well but we will take confidence from the results we have had against them in the past,” said Baines. “We will draw on that. We have a tough run of games over the next few weeks so it was important we kept our momentum going (with the win over West Brom). "We are fully aware that we treat every game individually so we won’t take anything for granted. We will use those past games against City for confidence but we have to go there and get whatever we get.” Everton sit seventh in the table, three points off third having played one match fewer. The loss to QPR was a huge missed opportunity but Baines said it had to be confined to history. We still look at the QPR defeat and think ’What if?’ “But we don’t want to torture ourselves too much by doing that,” added the left-back. “We just want to have a good few weeks with a tough run of games and come out the back end of it in a good position.” Playing 120 minutes in a midweek Carling Cup tie prior to an early kick-off away on Saturday would not have been the choice of Moyes, although he did rest a number of his big-name players until well into the second half. But Baines insisted they could not use it as an excuse. “Extra time is probably not the ideal preparation but, once you get your recovery done and your mentality for the game right, it is surprising how quickly you can recover,” said the England international. “I don’t think we can have it lingering over us or have it as any kind of excuse because we still have to do a job. I thought we looked quite fit and we were the ones pushing for the goals late in the game last night. “We have a decent squad with good players so the manager has the option to freshen things up.”
Everton FC's Phil Jagielka confident of continuing Etihad Stadium hoodoo despite Man City's “frightening” start
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 23 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA admits Manchester City have made a “frightening” start to the season – but is confident Everton can extend their hoodoo over Roberto Mancini’s men. City have dropped only two points from their opening six games to lie second behind Premier League leaders Manchester United. However, Everton have won seven of their last eight games against the Citizens including four successive victories at Eastlands. David Moyes’s men continued their own encouraging form by securing progress to the last 16 of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday. And Jagielka believes Everton possess real hope of a fifth straight win at City. “City have been frightening, really,” said the centre-back. “Both Manchester team seem to have taken the Premier League by the scruff of the neck and City will be competing for the title this season and not fourth. “If I do my homework, it will take me a few nights given the amount of strikers they have got. But we’ll have a rough idea of what squad they’ll play. “It’s going to be a hard game, but we normally do quite well at City’s ground and hopefully that can continue. “We are suited at times to play on the counter-attack and City play 4-2-4 so there’ll be a chance to hit them on the break. We did that last year with two early goals and managed to see that out until the end.” After losing their opening game of the season to Queens Park Rangers, Everton have won four and drawn one of their next five games and stand sixth in the table. And Jagielka has dismissed fears the exertions of extra time on Wednesday night will have any bearing on tomorrow’s early kick-off. “The last couple of games have been positive with three decent results on the spin,” he said. “We know we didn’t play well for the whole game against West Brom, but I think there was only one team going to win it in extra time. “There’s not much you can do, you know there are no replays it could be extra time and possibly penalties we were much happier going into extra time than being out of it. I’m sure going into the game we will be okay.” Tim Howard has been named Everton’s player of the month for August on the strength of his fine performance in saving a penalty and making several other impressive stops to secure a 1-0 win at Blackburn Rovers. Meanwhile, Jose Baxter is set to join npower League One neighbours Tranmere Rovers on a month-long loan.
Dave Prentice: When is a goal not a goal?
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sep 23 2011
WHEN is a goal not a goal? A couple of non-league players will have an opinion on that this week.
Tom Foley and Thomas Moore were both on the scoresheet in Bootle’s Liverpool Senior Cup tie with Marine on Tuesday. But neither strikes will ever appear in a record book after the match was abandoned following an unfortunate injury to a linesman. Denis Law would call them lucky.
He once scored a double hat-trick in an FA Cup tie against Luton, the match was abandoned after 69 minutes and Manchester City lost the replayed tie 3-1! Oh, and Denis scored the one in that match, too. I ask the question because Liverpool’s resident statistician, Ged Rea, is currently wrestling with a goalscoring dilemma. Liverpool are closing rapidly in on a milestone 9,000th goal in all competitions. He thinks. Ged has compiled a list of Liverpool goals scored in league, FA Cup, League Cup, European competitions, World Club competitions, Charity Shields, Screen Sport Super Cup, the Football League’s Centenary tournament at Wembley and the six Test matches used to decide promotion and relegation in days gone by. All undoubtedly competitive fixtures. And all leaving Liverpool just three goals short of the magical milestone. Unless an errant Sheriff of London Charity Shield match is included. A what? I hear you mutter. The Sheriff of London Charity Shield was actually a forerunner of the present Community Shield, played once a year. But while the Community Shield and its Charity Shield predecessor were contested between leading sides of the day, tThe Sheriff of London’s version was always played between an amateur team and a professional side.
So should it count in Ged’s official tally?
The competition was short-lived because the pro fessional sides almost always demolished the amateurs – just like Liverpool in 1906 against Corinthians. The fixture was dropped the following year, and while it was resurrected a couple of times, most recently in 1983 when Watford put six past Corinthian Casuals, it was always considered a ‘friendly’ fixture. Watford don’t count that clash in their official appearance records, so should Liverpool? More than 20,000 watched Liverpool beat Corinthians in 1906, which suggests they should. But then twice that figure watched Jamie Carragher’s testimonial when the Reds defender scored a penalty - for Everton - and that strike will never figure in any future record books. And I’m a newspaper man and always on the lookout for an eye catching headline, so I’m prepared to leave out the Sheriff of London Charity Shield, because it means Liverpool have now scored 8,997 first class goals . . . and the 9,000 milestone may be reached at Anfield tomorrow.
Former Everton FC player James McFadden set for Wolves
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 23 2011
WOLVES manager Mick McCarthy believes out-of-contract striker James McFadden would be “a great addition” to his squad after impressing when on trial at the club this week. McCarthy has made it clear he wants to sign the Scotland international who is looking to rebuild his career after suffering a cruciate ligament injury 13 months ago. McFadden parted company with Birmingham during the summer after the Carling Cup holders did not take up an option on his contract.
But he has impressed during training with Wolves this week and McCarthy hopes a deal can be thrashed out for the 28-year-old. McCarthy said: “I sincerely hope there are going to be some developments with McFadden. He has looked fine this week with us, I want to sign him. “When will that happen and how far down the road we are, I don’t know. “But he is a talented lad and a good character and has fitted in really well. “He has enjoyed it, at least I think he has, and he will be a great addition to our squad, definitely. “I get the feeling from him that he wants to come here and I hope that is the case. If we can do something, then we will.”
Howard Kendall: Everton FC boss David Moyes forced to take risks
by Howard Kendall, Liverpool EchoSep 23 2011
REPORTS this week have suggested the club are ready to sit down with the manager in the New Year and thrash out a new deal. I’m sure David will be happy with that situation. I remember going back to Everton for my second spell in charge and there being no money then. Moyes knows the running of the club and knows the financial situation. Losing one of your best players is also not great but the manager knows what he is doing. In these circumstances you’ve got to take chances as a manager. When he goes into the transfer market, the manager has got to look to the lower leagues but of course it is more of a risk.
Howard Kendall: How taking a hard line with players can be for greater good
by Howard Kendall, Liverpool Echo Sep 23 2011
THE manager has sometimes got to make a difficult decision to uphold internal discipline at a football club. David Moyes has been firm but fair in his handling of Louis Saha this week by leaving him out of the past two matches. I remember when I signed Mickey Thomas from Manchester United in an exchange, plus a little bit of cash, for John Gidman. After a few appearances for us, Mickey was sidelined with an injury so when he was on his way back to fitness, I asked him to go and play for the reserves up at Newcastle United. His response was ‘I’m not going up there’. I explained how I wanted him to have a little run out before I could consider him fit enough for the first team again. Mickey didn’t turn up to go to the north east and when I asked him why he’d not done what I’d asked of him, he said he signed to play for the first team and not the reserves. At this point I made it clear that he had signed for the club, not the first team, and it was up to me, the manager, to decide when and where he played for Everton. The morning after he’d not gone to Newcastle I phoned up Brighton manager Mike Bailey who I knew had been interested in Mickey before we signed him. I asked Mike ‘Do you still want him?’ Mike asked what the problem with Mickey was and I told him that there wasn’t one. Mike agreed to sign him and we even made a small profit on Mickey. You can’t have people who do not want to play for the club. The reaction you can get from the other players by taking such a stance can be really beneficial. If they didn’t know already, it reminds that the manager is well and truly in charge.
Dave Prentice on Everton FC: Is Marouane Fellaini wasted as a latter day Mick Lyons?
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sep 23 2011
MAROUANE FELLAINI changed a game on Wednesday night when he was asked to do a Mick Lyons.
It may not be long before he’s asked to do the same to save a season. For younger readers, ‘doing a Mick Lyons’ means being ushered into an emergency striking role in a bid to save a game slipping away from the Blues. And it was a role Everton’s brilliant Belgian performed very effectively against West Bromwich Albion to help send his side into the last 16 of the Carling Cup. While Big Mick was all fire and brimstone and a sharp eye for a goal, Fellaini simply transferred his midfield class 40 yards up the field, scored a sublimely taken goal on the turn and knitted together previously wooden attacking efforts with style and polish. It’s something he’s done before, when he and Tim Cahill forged a makeshift but marvellous partnership a couple of seasons ago. And given Everton’s currently parlous lack of strikers it’s an option David Moyes may have to reluctantly consider once again. Louis Saha is currently showing all the reliability of my old Vauxhall Viva, Apostolos Vellios is hugely promising but desperately raw, and the word from Finch Farm is that while Denis Stracqualursi can finish superbly in training, Wednesday’s evidence suggested he will take time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. Which all leaves the Blues desperate to muster some firepower from somewhere. Fellaini undoubtedly can offer that. The quandary comes because of the quality that he brings to the Blues midfield – quality and a surprisingly voracious appetite for hard work. Ask fans for Everton’s hardest working player and you’ll usually, quite correctly, get the answer Leighton Baines. The indefatigable full-back has already run a marathon in the Blues cause this season – 27.85 miles to be precise – but he is closely chased home by the big Belgian.
Indeed Fellaini covered more ground than anyone on the pitch in Saturday’s victory over Wigan (7.74 miles), is one of only nine Premier League players to have covered more than 13 kilometres in a single match (against Aston Villa), and has completed more passes in his opponents’ half than any other Everton player (75). And don’t think Fellaini spends his time chasing sloppy controls. His touch is immaculate, he almost never gives away possession and he has learned to curb the tackling excesses which earned him so many bookings in his first Premier League season. Take him out of the Everton engine room and the Blues are a poorer side for it, but add him to the forward line and the Blues clearly carry a greater threat. Which all adds to a sizeable dilemma for David Moyes to wrestle with. It’s a switch the Blues boss will resist . . . for now. But unless Louis Saha can produce the best comeback since Lazarus or Big Denis can hit the ground running, it’s a move he may have to consider sooner rather than later.
Howard Kendall: Forget any talk about money troubles at Everton FC
by Howard Kendall, Liverpool Echo Sep 23
THEY say money talks, but I really wish it wouldn’t. The whole situation at Everton seems to revolve around money at the moment. Everything is about the club having no money available, being cash strapped and this and that. But the manager is going about it the right way and getting good results with it. We should all stop talking about money and start talking about what the club does have and what the players are currently achieving. Game in, game out they are putting in 100% effort and David Moyes has himself a good team at Goodison, no doubt about it. People need to stop thinking about takeovers from multimillionaires and which players they would want to go and buy should that happen. It might be difficult for the manager because I’m sure he would like to bring one or two new faces into the football club of course. But wholesale changes are not needed, that is for certain. Let’s look at the players Moyes has got rather than the ones who have gone and who we may like to see replace them. We must appreciate what we’ve got and appreciate the manager who continues to do a tremendous job.
Everton FC jury: Fans give their thoughts on West Brom and look ahead to Man City
by James Connor, Liverpool EchoSep 23 2011
REASONS to be cheerful. A win is a win is a win. Three points gratefully received on Saturday and a victory in the Carling Cup courtesy of that promising ‘youngster’ Phil Neville. On the other hand two good results doesn’t make a season. We’ve got some difficult games coming up against the richest clubs in the Premier League, not to mention that perennially tricky pratfall of the away tie at Fulham.
All the fans are 100% behind the team, that goes without saying. My fear is that the impact of no major signing for two years, the loss of our two most creative players and a first team squad of 18 will eventually tell. Next up are the Abu Dhabi Casuals and apart from the 2004 horror show it’s been a good fixture for us. Great to see Tony Hibbert getting an assist last Saturday. Can this be the day..? Lee Molton: Can Neville be dropped now? WHEN the going gets tough, Phil Neville gets going! The captain responded to being dropped with a great goal to send the Blues through to the next round – can he be dropped again now? It was a long night at Goodison but it was worth it as the Blues advanced into round four. It was not the best performance but a win is all that is needed. Vellios and Drenthe stood out for the Blues, it surely must be time to start with Vellios – he can be quite a handful and can score goals too! A better performance is needed against the moneybags of City on Saturday, but they will not fancy playing the Blues. We have won on the last few visits there and can get a good result again, I fancy a Tim Cahill header to win it.
Debbie Smaje: City is litmus test for Blues
THINGS are certainly looking brighter in terms of results, but we can’t keep playing as badly as we are and expect to keep winning. City on Saturday will provide a far greater test than Wigan and West Brom did. But on the upside, the emergence of Vellios off the bench has been a bright spot. It is refreshing for once to see a big man who actually wins a few headers up front! He is good with his feet as well, and it is no coincidence that in the last two games, we have scored four goals once he has come off the bench. He was unlucky not to score a late winner in the Villa game too. The main problem in the last couple of games though is the midfield. Is it really necessary to have two holding midfield players in the same team? The attack are lacking support already, by playing Fellaini and Rodwell together is making it worse. Playing Osman or Barkley in Rodwell’s place would make a massive difference going forward.
David Wallbank: The future is Blue
EVERTON wobble through to the last 16 of the Carling Cup. Some would say unconvincing, predictable, and irritating to describe our performance! I would say unbeaten in five and winning more than we lose! The low crowds at Goodison aren’t at all inspiring, but with results starting to look more positive you would hope that the vibe surrounding Everton becomes more constructive?
Many aspects of Everton at the moment need a ‘glass half full’ mentality. Denis and Royston look promising; Vellios seems to be a classic centre forward. Even the skipper is chipping in with winning strikes! I’m optimistic about what will happen next, City away on Saturday could define our season! A win in Manchester signals a true return to the ‘dark horse’ label loosely associated with Everton in recent successful campaigns.
Steve Round says new Everton FC striker Denis Stracqualursi needs time to settle
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo Sep 23 2011
Denis StracqualursiASSISTANT manager Steve Round has urged Everton fans to show patience with Argentinean striker Denis Stracqualursi. The 23-year-old was handed his first start for the Blues in Wednesday night’s Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion and though replaced by Tim Cahill midway through the second half, made a promising full debut. Round has praised the way Stracqualursi showed endeavour and willing in the third round tie at Goodison Park and says it will take time before Evertonians see the very best of the man brought in on a season long loan from Tigre in his homeland. Stracqualursi is likely to start Saturday’s trip to Manchester City on the bench as manager David Moyes carefully manages the South American’s introduction into English football.
“There was only Denis Stracqualursi in the starting team who was not an international on Wednesday night,” said Round. “Denis leads the line and holds the ball up. He's a tough lad and takes the hits. It will take a while for him to settle in and get up to full speed.” Leighton Baines, meanwhile, says Everton midweek extra-time exploits should not leave them drained for the weekend’s early kick-off at Man City. Baines reckons the players will have been afforded ample recovery and their recent record at City – where they have won the last four Premier League meeting at Eastlands – will also act a revitalising tonic for any weary legs. “It’s a big game at the weekend for us, City have been doing really well but we’ll take confidence from the results we’ve had against them in the past and draw on that going into the game. “We’ve then got a tough run of games over the next few weeks so it’s important that we’ve kept our momentum going tonight and hopefully we can build on it. “It’s probably not (the ideal preparation, playing extra-time) but you’d be surprised once you’ve had your recovery and you get your mentality right for the game you’d be surprised how quickly you can recover. “I don’t think we can have it hanging over us or use it as any kind of excuse, we’ve got to go there and do a job. “We look quite fit and we were the ones looking for the goals towards the end of the game and into extra-time. “They just keep growing and over the past few years they have kept adding to it. But we’ve done well against them in the past. We’ll use our past games as confidence going into but we’ve got to earn whatever we get. “We’ve got a tough run of games now but hopefully we’ll come out the back end of it in a good position.”
Former Everton FC manager Howard Kendall recalls time at Manchester City
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo Sep 23 2011
THE road between Everton and Manchester City is one well worn and the parallels between the two clubs equally as defined. As managers, players and backroom staff have travelled from Goodison Park, Maine Road and latterly, to the new surroundings in Eastlands then back, the blue half of either city has been forced to watch as their rivals in red dominate not just their local landscape.
Howard Kendall of course, did more than most to puncture Liverpool’s status on Merseyside and as the club’s greatest ever manager, he dragged Everton to the summit at home and abroad. In between Kendall’s first two spells in the Goodison Park hotseat was a brief tenure at Athletico Bilbao before he took the call from Man City in their hour of need. That Kendall was charged with securing the club’s top flight status in December 1987, is a notion as far removed as possible from where Manchester City find themselves today, in the Champions League and with serious designs on winning the Premier League title. As Kendall explains, the bottomless pit of money which propels City’s charge now was not afforded to him when he accepted the job at Maine Road. Yet he went beyond the expectations and by the time Everton came calling, Kendall left the club top of the First Division table. Kendall says he tried to incorporate the elements which had made his Everton side so successful in the mid-1980s, into his new project in Manchester. But his heart remained with the club he played for and managed with distinction, describing Manchester City as an “affair” but life at Goodison Park like a “marriage”. And as David Moyes prepares the current Blues side for a trip to the Etihad Stadium this weekend, Kendall maintains the belief Everton can prevail – even though he admits City are a force to be reckoned with. “I could not really have expected Man City to be in the sort of position they are in now when I was manager there, I had very little to spend,” said Kendall.
“I tried to bring in players who I knew from my Everton days, players such as Adrian Heath, Peter Reid and Alan Harper. It was all really to get the club out of relegation trouble. “As it turned out, we did it handsomely and in the next season it took off but that is when I was invited back to Everton and I couldn’t turn that down. I wanted to bring Peter Reid back with me but he said that if he got offered the job at Man City then he was staying there. “Man City have spent fortunes in the past couple of seasons and finally it looks like it is starting to gel. “Whereas in the past it appeared the manager was going out and spending millions and millions of pounds on whoever, there never seemed to be a clear system the team were trying to play to. “For a while Man City looked as though they were bringing in players without a system but the side has now taken shape. “It remains a difficult game for Everton but thankfully, the side are defensively very good. The back four and goalkeeper are a major strong point for the Blues. They are going to be tested though.
“Man City have so many exceptional players in their team and you’ll look at the team sheet and say ‘Oh dear, he’s playing and he’s playing’. Their strikers are obviously particularly dangerous.
“But Everton must concern themselves with getting the best out of their own players and we know Tim Cahill is a threat. Because of Cahill’s threat, you would imagine at their team meetings this week they have identified their best header of a ball and said ‘you see to him’ because Tim is such a threat in the air. “Everton must be solid at the back on Saturday, tight in midfield and look to hit them on the counter attack. Without doubt playing 4-5-1 is what David Moyes will do. “The back four have to be tight and they have been together long enough for this not to be a problem, whether that’s Phil Neville or Tony Hibbert at right back. “Hibbert is a player that has to be appreciated by everybody at Everton. He goes out and gives 100% plus, everytime he pulls that blue shirt on. You can’t fault the lad.”
Louis Saha back on Twitter to reveal determination for getting back into the Everton FC first team
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo Sep 23
LOUIS SAHA has revealed his determination to get back in the Everton first team. The French striker has been left out of the last two matches by manager David Moyes and after receiving the news ahead of last weekend’s match with Wigan Athletic, vented his frustrations on Twitter. But last night he used the same internet platform to answer supporters’ questions, with the 33-year-old forward says he is working hard to force his way back into the reckoning and played down the prospect of him joining former team-mate Yakubu at Blackburn Rovers anytime soon. “I can’t be happy but have to work wait and see,” tweeted Saha in response to a question asking if he was happy being left out.
“Hopefully be back soon,” was another and “Really hope I can just get back playing well,” a further tweet of intent from the former Manchester United man. Saha was posed all manner of questions but revealed his pleasure at being an Everton player when asked if Blackburn would be considered as a new club if he were to leave the Blues. “Blackburn is another great club in the PL. Now I’m at Everton and happy,” said Saha. However Saha was less committal when queried if interest in the transfer window from a wealthy Russian club or an outfit in America’s Major League Soccer were to surface. “In every transfer window you have to consider. It is quite a stressful period in the life of a player,” he replied. Ahead of the weekend’s trip to the Etihad Stadium meanwhile, Phil Jagielka has described Manchester City’s form as scary. But the England centre back says Everton have continued to be successful against Roberto Mancini’s men because of their ability to hit teams on the counter attack. “The form of both Manchester teams has been frightening so far,” said Jagielka.
“They have taken the Premier League by the scruff of the neck. “If I do my homework on all of Man City’s strikers it will take a few nights but we’ll have a good idea of what team they are going to play. It is going to be a hard game but we have done well against them, especially at City’s ground. “We are quite suited to playing on the counter attack. Man City play 4-2-4 so you get opportunities to hit them on the break.”
Moyes showing faith in youth as quiet Everton evolution takes shapeBy Dominic King
23rd September 2011
Daily Mail
Every Friday, Sportsmail's man on Merseyside, Dominic King, will provide expert analysis and behind-the-scenes insight into the affairs of a footballing heartland. This week's focus is the changing face of the Everton side. Things are changing at Goodison Park. In a subtle, quiet way – much more evolution than revolution – David Moyes is slowly reshaping the identity of Everton’s team.
To a wider audience, his work might have been going unnoticed but last Saturday at Goodison Park, in the hour before kick-off, Louis Saha’s stream of consciousness on Twitter alerted everyone to the fact an overhaul is in progress. In normal circumstances, Moyes would have found a place in his squad for the vastly-experienced Saha but, on this occasion, he opted to go with rookie forward Apostolos Vellios and untried loan signing Denis Stracqualursi. This, evidently, startled Saha who swiftly left Goodison and, in a series of tweets, let it be known that he was everything from ‘absolutely destroyed’ to ‘gutted’ to be missing the Barclays Premier League game with Wigan Athletic and that he was no longer ‘good enough’. Head boy: Rookie forward Apostolos Vellios has impressed at Goodison Park, scoring a fine goal against Wigan But what Saha, 33, could not argue, however, was that Moyes’ decision was correct. Vellios – an imposing 19-year-old signed from Iraklis Thessaloniki in January – came up trumps, scoring the crucial second goal in Everton’s 3-1 win.
Saha, though, is not the only senior member of Moyes’ squad to have been on the end of a cold, ruthless decision in the formative weeks of this campaign. What’s more, there is every reason to believe he won’t be the last. Take Phil Neville. Moyes could not hold his captain in any higher esteem but that did not stop the manager omitting the 34-year-old from his starting line-up for the last two Premier League fixtures against Wigan and Aston Villa. Tim Cahill, idolised by supporters and scorer of so many important goals for Everton, is another to have learned sentiment and longevity does not guarantee automatic selection. He was left out of the team that scrambled a win at Blackburn on August 27. The man who scored the crucial goal at Ewood Park, meanwhile, was sold four days later. No matter that Mikel Arteta had been Everton’s heartbeat for so long, Moyes recognised selling to Arsenal for £10million represented excellent business for a man who will turn 30 next March. Now this is not to say that Saha, Neville, Cahill et al no longer have a part to play. Their respective records and contributions for Everton since they arrived at the club means Moyes will absolutely be looking to them again as this season unfolds. Yet, clearly, they will not be around forever and what Moyes has demonstrated during the past couple of months is that he is making plans for the future. He is persisting, for example, with a midfield axis of Marouane Fellaini (23) and Jack Rodwell (20) to see how that will flourish. Vellios has shown in three substitute appearances for the first team that he definitely has something about him and with the right polishing, he could flourish. Ditto Seamus Coleman, whose outstanding form last year earned him a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. Then, of course, there is Ross Barkley. Big things are expected of this 17-year-old and one thing of which he can be certain is that Moyes will give him the very best platform to maximise his potential. Feeling that he has to accommodate the old guard does not come into the manager’s thinking. Youthful energy: David Moyes is quietly changing the look of his Everton side ‘I don’t know if this is a group (of youngsters) but I think we’ve got two or three who might have a chance,’ said Moyes. ‘Can they (make it)? It’s not like they’re an elite group. We’ve got two or three and we’re trying to push them to see if one of them can come up and pop their head up. ‘It’s the only way we can do it, to give some of these young boys a chance. That’s the best of what we’ve got at the moment, the best of what’s fit or the best to play at the time. That’s why the expectations have got to change.’ As must the team, if Everton are to keep progressing.
Marcus Hahnemann signs for Everton
Friday 23rd September 2011,Express and Star
Former Wolves goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann has signed for Everton on a short-term deal until January. The 39-year-old, released from Molineux in the summer, will provide cover for United States compatriot Tim Howard and Slovakia international Jan Mucha. Hahnemann had been training with Wolves while he searched for a new club but has now been snapped up by their Premier League rivals.
Everton boss Moyes lands former Wolves goalkeeper Hahnemann as back-up for
Daily Mail on 23rd September 2011
Everton boss David Moyes has captured the signature of free-agent goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.
The former Reading, Wolves, Fulham and Colorado Rapids stopper was released by Mick McCarthy in the summer and will now join the Toffees as back-up to fellow American Tim Howard, according to reports. Blue boy: Hahnemann is heading to Everton Slovakia international 'keeper Jan Mucha has been the reserve at Goodison Park and was in the starting XI for the midweek Carling Cup clash win over West Bromwich. Moyes now has options for the No 1 spot after taking advantage of the fact that free agents are allowed to sign for a team despite the transfer window being shut.
Howard is expected to be reinstated for the crunch weekend clash with Manchester City.
Squad sheets: Manchester City v Everton
Guardian. Friday 23 September 2011
David Moyes can only dream of having the riches on offer to Roberto Mancini at Manchester City. While the Italian was busy signing Sergio Agüero and Samir Nasri this summer, Moyes was left scouring the loan market for players, which makes it somewhat surprising that Everton have won the last four games between the sides. They could have done without extra-time against West Bromwich in midweek though – not least because City were able to field a reserve side and still beat Birmingham on the same night. Jacob Steinberg
Venue Etihad Stadium, Saturday 12.45pm
Tickets Sold out
Last season Manchester City 1 Everton 2
Referee Howard Webb
This season's matches 4 Y19, R3, 5.50 cards per game
Odds Manchester City 2-5 Everton 7-1 Draw 7-2
Manchester City v Everton: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic Manchester City
Subs from Pantilimon, Taylor, Savic, Zabaleta, K Touré, Kolarov, Onuoha, Balotelli, Razak, Hargreaves, Tevez, Milner, Wabara
Doubtful Milner (concussion)
Injured De Jong (foot, 27 Sep), Johnson (ankle, 1 Oct)
Suspended None
Form guide DWWWW
Disciplinary record Y5 R0
Leading scorer Aguero 8
Everton
Subs from Mucha, Barkley, Gueye, Stracqualursi, Heitinga, Saha, Neville, Vellios, McAleny, Garbutt, Wallace, Bilyaletdinov, Mustafi
Doubtful Saha (knee)
Injured Anichebe (groin, Nov)
Suspended None
Form guide WDWL
Disciplinary record Y6 R0
Leading scorer Six players 1
Match pointers
• Sergio Agüero's run of eight goals in his first five Premier League games equals the record set by Micky Quinn for Coventry
• Everton have won seven of their last eight Premier League games with Man City, and all four of their games at the Etihad Stadium
• David Silva has created more scoring chances from open play (18) than any other top-flight player
• Tim Cahill has scored in his last three games against City in Manchester
• Yaya Touré scored in both Premier League meetings with Everton last season
Barry Horne: Royston Drenthe can pick up where Steven Pienaar left off at Everton
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
Sep 24 2011
THINGS are on the up at Goodison Park. Seven points from nine and progress into the last 16 of the Carling Cup is a good month’s work and the doom-mongers have retreated into their shells.After an outstanding display against Villa, the Wigan game was something of a disappointment with Everton easily the better of two poor teams on the day.But despite a relatively poor team performance there were some individual bright spots. Leon Osman continued his fine run of form which stretches back to February.The defence looked very assured and the resurgence of Phil Jagielka means he formed part of a very effective back-four.But possibly the most pleasing aspect of the game was the contribution of the ‘new’ boys.Apostolos Vellios has impressed me every time he has made an appearance from the bench and he scored a goal which Duncan Ferguson would have been proud of. Denis Stracqualursi played his part in the match-clinching third goal, although looks like he might have some work to do to get up to speed in the Premier League.And in Royston Drenthe, David Moyes looks to have found yet another player whose flagging career looks set to be rejuvenated at Goodison Park.I would be astonished if Drenthe does not very quickly become a firm Goodison Park favourite.He looks full of enthusiasm, he is aggressive, which the Goodison crowd always loves, and his touch and vision are what you would expect from someone who is a full Dutch international.Leighton Baines had a subdued game going forward, but I can see those two forging a partnership which is similar, if not better, to the Baines-Pienaar combination which was so effective.I am looking forward to seeing them flourish in the weeks ahead.
Barry Horne: Phil Neville’s silence is golden
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
Sep 24 2011
l I AM not alone in recent years in praising the attitude and professionalism of Phil Neville.
But once again he demonstrated all the qualities of a top bloke and a top player in everything he has done in the last few weeks.He is ‘old school’ and it would undoubtedly hurt him to have been left out of the starting line-up recently.I get the impression that many modern footballers are not that bothered whether they play or not, and some of those who are bothered feel an appropriate way to show disappointment is to throw a hissy fit and take their ball home.Phil Neville hasn’t uttered a dickie bird, but I’m willing to bet he has trained harder than anyone else. Young players take note.
Barry Horne: Phil Neville’s silence is golden
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
Sep 24 2011
l I AM not alone in recent years in praising the attitude and professionalism of Phil Neville.But once again he demonstrated all the qualities of a top bloke and a top player in everything he has done in the last few weeks.He is ‘old school’ and it would undoubtedly hurt him to have been left out of the starting line-up recently.I get the impression that many modern footballers are not that bothered whether they play or not, and some of those who are bothered feel an appropriate way to show disappointment is to throw a hissy fit and take their ball home.Phil Neville hasn’t uttered a dickie bird, but I’m willing to bet he has trained harder than anyone else. Young players take note.
Royal Blue: Everton FC players support Roy Castle marathon runners
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 24 2011
EVERTON players briefly swapped their football shirts for running vests at Finch Farm this week.Phil Neville along with Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Leon Osman are backing a 60-strong team, who are all running this year’s Liverpool Marathon to raise thousands of pounds for The Roy Castle Lung C ancer Foundation. The Liverpool Marathon takes places on Sunday, October 9 and is the first marathon to take place in the city for 18 years.Neville said: “I’d like to wish all of Roy’s Runners the very best of luck in the Liverpool Marathon.
Royal Blue: Everton FC have a new resilience that bodes well for the future
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 24 2011
WHISPER it quietly but there’s something in the water at Goodison Park this season which points towards a positive campaign.It may be an almost intangible change in the nature of Everton’s team, but circumstances could yet conspire to go in David Moyes’ favour after a difficult summer.It was Jack Rodwell who first hinted at the subtle hardening of the Toffee’s collective backbone when he said: “I think we’re a different side from last year too, I can’t quite put my finger on what it is but I think we’ve got more resilience.”Rodwell was speaking before the Wigan game, when Everton went a goal behind only to respond with three goals which eventually put the result beyond doubt and provided a timely morale boost even if the performance wasn’t quite a classic.Next up was West Bromwich Albion in the Carling Cup, and again the Blues went behind. Suddenly the spectres of Reading and Brentford from last season – and too many other cup nightmares before them – reared on the horizon.But that resilience Rodwell referred to was in evidence again. Marouane Fellaini provided a manful stint as a makeshift forward to get the scores level and then superior hunger and desire lent the Blues the edge, as Phil Neville curled the winner into the top corner.There’s a marked difference from last season when Everton were playing much slicker football at times but failing to get results.Remember Wolves or Wigan at Goodison, or Blackburn away on the opening day.Too often Everton simply didn’t have a plan B, or the uplift in motivation to grind something out when it mattered. They’d go a goal behind, or get pegged back and results would invariably suffer.Perhaps it’s a response to the summer which has passed, when the Blues failed to sign the high-profile forward they needed and ultimately lost one of their star men when Mikel Arteta left to try and conquer the Champions League as part of Arsene Wenger’s crumbling Arsenal dynasty.More optimistically, it could even have echoes of the season which followed straight after Wayne Rooney was sold to Manchester United.
Diversity is alive and well in the Goodison changing room
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 24 2011
DIVERSITY is alive and well at Goodison Park.Royston ‘Ricky’ Drenthe’ is a rapping, skateboarder and now Marcus Hahnemann – a death-metal loving, hunter has signed on. Viva la difference.
Royal Blue: Everton FC promote Extra Time for older fans
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 24 2011
EVERTON survived extra time on Wednesday, but could you?The Blues are backing a new football initiative that is having a major impact in improving the health and quality of life for older people in Merseyside.The ‘Extra Time’ programme is designed to encourage people to be active and uses the ‘power of football’ to engage over-55s.It involves personal health advice at the Everton Active Family Centre (Goodison Park), where goals are set over a six-week period.
Manchester City v Everton FC Preview: David Moyes hopes his side remains Untouchable in Manchester city gun-fight
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 24 2011
YOU don’t bring a knife to a gun fight. So says Sean Connery, as tough-talking prohibition cop Jim Malone in classic gangster flick The Untouchables.This afternoon, another no-nonsense enforcer from north of the border is doing just that.By his own admission, David Moyes wades into football’s equivalent of that sticky situation, as he takes his Everton side to the home of the richest football club on the planet.Except, for all their opponent’s riches and abundance of star players, the Toffees have a fearsome record at Manchester City’s stadium which could provide a genuine psychological edge against one half of the Premier League’s pace-setting city. “This is like going into a gunfight and I have got a knife so I am going to have to do the best I can,” says Moyes ahead of the televised 12.45pm kick-off.“We’ll need to be the best knife fighters. It could be the wrong terminology to use in this world, but you take my point. We need to do everything perfectly.“We have to find a way of stopping Man City. Let’s not kid ourselves and say we are going to go there and completely outplay them because that is why you pay £30m for a player – if you have that player then you tell him to go out and create.“At this moment in time we don’t have that so our job is to find ways of getting the job done.“It was the same last year and we won the games.“It was the same in that we needed to go there and find a way of stopping them doing what they do but at the same time also playing our own stuff.“I thought they were better last year on the year before and this year they are better again.”Moyes hopes City boss Roberto Mancini could have one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, which the Italian has already labelled a must-win.“The one thing they haven’t come up against is coping with the level of the Champions League and then having to play Premier League games,” he says.“That’s why they’ve bought so many good players in. We might find he changes his squad for the game against us, because I think Bayern Munich becomes an important game for them.“I know that their expectations will be to get out of the group at least, so the Bayern game will certainly be in their mind.” Although that potential distraction aside, Everton’s manager is not kidding himself at the size of the task at hand, as he bids to stretch his team’s unbeaten run to six games.“They played really well in the games against us last season but we got the results,” he says. “We got the goals at their place, and then got a player sent off as well. “But they played some good football. They’ve upped the quality even more now. They’ve added even better players. Dzeko has got himself in real goalscoring form, they’ve brought in Aguero who has started the Premier League really well, and they’ve got Nasri who was probably Arsenal’s best player last season.“They’ve strengthened to make themselves better.”Moyes has had some tough decisions to make over recent weeks, in dropping club captain Phil Neville and dealing with Louis Saha’s outburst before the victory over Wigan.And although, true to form, he has not shirked the tough calls, the Blues boss denies he has gone back to his toughest basics.“We can’t afford to carry anyone,” he says. “We’ve got a big job on to win the games. I can’t let anyone get away with it. What I tend to find is whoever I don’t play, people think he should be playing.“Then the minute I put him in, people say the other one should be playing.“That happens. We’ve probably got 13 or 14 players who we could throw a blanket over and say whoever you play, you might get roughly the same. It’s not going to be much better than the other one.
“But I only make the decision because I feel they’re right, not to try and be harder.“If everybody wanted to hear my reasons for every choice they could sit in my office and spend three hours every day with me looking at that magnetic board, going goggle eyed and making my decisions on why him, and why that. That’s what I do.“It’s not because someone tweeted.“If I don’t think they’re playing well enough, I generally won’t play them.“I hope I’ve never changed, even from my Preston days when I’ve said I’ve since mellowed. I think it’s just me doing what I think’s right.”
Everton FC boss David Moyes warns Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin that John Heitinga is breathing down their necks
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 24 2011
DAVID Moyes has warned Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin not to become complacent – as John Heitinga is breathing down their necks for a starting role.The Everton boss was impressed with Heitinga’s performance in the mid-week Carling Cup win over West Brom, and says the Holland international is in the reckoning for a first-choice place in his defence.Moyes, who has already dropped club captain Phil Neville this season, will not allow any of his squad to believe they are indispensable, and he knows only their best will be good enough against Manchester City at the Etihad today.He said: “It’s not a case of only Sylvain and Jags for the Premier League. It’s for whoever is going to play – it’s two from three. “Johnny played very well on Wednesday. If they don’t keep their standards up I’ve got no problem changing it around, and he is right in the mix.“He offers us intelligence, understanding, reading of the game, a good user of the ball.“If anyone is reading into it that it’s just a set pair, they’re wrong. Johnny gives us good use of the ball and he’s playing for the second best team in the world as a centre half so we’re not daft. If the two don’t measure up to it, I’ll change it.”Moyes is also expected to bring striker Louis Saha back into the squad after omitting him for the last two games.But the Frenchman is likely to have to be content with a place on the bench as Moyes tries to extend his winning record against the Citizens. “He’s had another week’s training and we’ll see how it goes from there,” said Moyes. “It’s a week after and we’re still taking about it because somebody put something out on a Twitter site, which I think is a ridiculous really.
“We discussed it (Twitter usage) at the start of the season so the players are aware of it.”Meanwhile, Tim Howard has backed Tim Cahill to continue his scoring form against the blue half of Manchester, after the Aussie scored in the last three visits.He said: “He takes the fight to them and they know that going into it. Tim relishes those opportunities to get stuck in, put himself about and really pester the opposition.“Manchester City will be a difficult task. But we need to go there and dig in and be resilient – it has worked for us in the past.“(Last year) you could see the elation on all of the players’ faces. It was such a cold night and our fans were out in their thousands and that win really galvanised the club.“I think the players and fans really embraced that win and it showed that it is not all about money, it is about performances and spirit. We talked about having spirit but we proved it that night.”Howard was yesterday joined by another US goalkeeper at Goodison, as 39-year-old former Wolves stopper Marcus Hahnemann joined until January to provide extra cover.Hahnemann said: “I’m excited to finally belong somewhere again and it’s going to be great. To be with Tim again will be good because we get along well and I think we make a good partnership.“I love the stadium and there’s such a great atmosphere. It was always a dream of mine to play in the Premier League and the first match I can remember watching was a Cup final with Neville Southall and Bruce Grobbelaar.”
Manchester City v Everton FC preview: Blues set Academy example for all clubs to follow, says Leon Osman
Ian Doyle
Sep 24 2011
AS they this week proudly unveiled multi-million pound plans for a new Academy centre aimed at creating a dynasty of homegrown talent, proud Manchester City officials were unanimous in hailing Barcelona as the model to which all clubs should aspire.But Leon Osman believes the Eastlands outfit need only look down the M62 for a more straightforward example of how to truly harness local potential.“You can have the best facilities in the world but if you are not going to give the time to embed the players, then they are never going to come through,” says the Everton midfielder.“The facilities will help only so much, it is about a philosophy and the amount of time the manager is going to give young players.”Having himself come through Everton’s Academy system, Osman has first-hand experience of the opportunities youngsters are afforded at Goodison.With City, at least for now, seemingly spending their way into the Premier League’s highest echelons, the prospects for young Mancunians are significantly reduced.Indeed, while Osman could be joined by fellow local boys Tony Hibbert, Ross Barkley and Jack Rodwell in the starting line-up at Eastlands for today’s early Premier League kick-off, City are likely to call on no homegrown talent.“Any younger player who is trying to break into the first team has a lot better chance of doing it at Everton than Manchester City because at Everton we don’t have a massive squad and loads of money to bring in new players,” says Osman.The youth development plan is really big at the club to develop players and give them time. And when the time is right, the manager feels they will be brought in over a period of time and that definitely benefits you. That is how you get players in your first team long-term.“The opposite case is what they have at Man City where they spend a lot of money on players and they are expected to do it instantly because of the amount of money that has been spent.“If that doesn’t happen they will go out and spend an equal amount of money on someone else. There is probably no time to bring any players through.”Osman adds: “But at any club, the manager can only give players time for so long. If they are not good enough, there is not much more he can do.“I think the way things are going now, for young players to be given time they will have to drop down to the Championship. It is very rare that a young player, unless they are really top class, is given time to come in and do it in the Premier League. “Today’s clash will inevitably be dubbed the clash between the haves and the have-nots. But for Osman, the envious glances will not all be of a Goodison persuasion.“I am sure there are aspects of Everton that City could draw from,” he says. “Our team spirit, the way the club is run getting steadily better long-term, all these things are good from our point of view.“The massive intake of money and the players they are able to go out and buy is of massive benefit to them, but we just have to keep ticking along and show hopefully a team will always beat a team of individuals.”Certainly, such an approach has benefited Everton in this fixture in recent times, with David Moyes’s men having won seven of the last eight meetings and aiming for a remarkable fifth successive triumph at Eastlands.So are Roberto Mancini’s men fearful of their North West rivals? “We hope so,” says Osman. “If that is something we can try and use to our advantage we will.“Man City have come a long way since we started this run against them, they have kicked on massively as a team, but we have still managed to get good results against them.“Hopefully it is in their heads and we can continue to do well. Maybe it is just about belief. Every time we have gone into a game against Man City we have believed we can win and that has proved to be the case in recent years.”As well as the obvious differences in finance and expectation, the protracted transfer of Joleon Lescott two years has done much to further inflame what is fast becoming an intense hostility from Everton supporters towards City.“I have certainly noticed the edge between the two teams since he went there but that can’t really affect us as players because we are still friends with Joleon on and off the pitch,” says Osman.“As players we don’t get sucked into that type of thing. I don’t think we consider ‘who’s pinched our players’. Mikel has just gone to Arsenal and we don’t think of Arsenal badly because they pinched him off us. It is part and parcel of football for players to be sold. “I can certainly see the rivalry intensifying off the pitch with the fans and every bit of edge the fans pick up gets transferred on to the pitch and it does help in that way. The atmosphere becoming electric helps us.”Despite a difficult summer with transfer business condensed into a few hours on deadline day, Everton have started the season strongly with progress to the last 16 of the Carling Cup and seven points from four Premier League games.However, today’s fixture begins a run of six testing games, with home clashes against Liverpool and Manchester United and trips to Chelsea, Fulham and Newcastle United.“Considering how we usually start seasons, playing well and not picking up points, it’s been good for us to start by not playing so well and manage to come away with wins,”says Osman. “But we have a big month to go on with now.”Posting another reminder at Eastlands that money can’t buy everything would be a good way to start.
David Moyes: Everton FC taking on Manchester City is 'like going into a gunfight with a knife'
Ian Doyle
Sep 24 2011
DAVID MOYES admits it will be “like going into a gunfight with a knife” when he takes Everton into battle at moneybags Manchester City this afternoon.While the Goodison manager continues to work under strict financial restraints, City’s billionaire Abu Dhabi owners have bankrolled another massive summer spending spree.It has already started to bear fruit with Roberto Mancini’s side in impressive form this season and only two points adrift of Premier League leaders and neighbours Manchester United.Everton have nevertheless enjoyed a remarkable recent record against City, winning seven of the last eight meetings and aiming for a fifth successive triumph at Eastlands in today’s early kick-off.But Moyes is under no illusions of the size of the task facing his players. “It’s like going into a gunfight when you’ve only got a knife,” said the Goodison manager.“I have to go in there and see what I can do. It will be a difficult task. We will need to do everything right. City played really well against us last year in both games but we managed to get the results. They have really improved even from a year ago.“Every time I see them and play against them, I am more impressed. I don’t think they disappoint with their football.”Moyes added: “I don’t think there’s a massive change in their approach, they just keep bringing in more quality. Now Dzeko has got into goalscoring form, Aguero has started the Premier League well and they have Nasri, who was arguably Arsenal’s best player last year.“I think they have a real chance of challenging with Manchester United, Chelsea and some other teams at the top for winning the league. But if you have spent that money then you would expect them to be.“There’s nothing negative I can say about their team. City have taken things to a different stratosphere.”However, Moyes is hopeful City’s forthcoming Champions League group clash at Bayern Munich on Tuesday may influence Mancini’s team selection today. “The one thing City haven’t come up against is playing a Premier League game and then a Champions League game,” said the Everton manager. “But that’s why they have such a big squad.“Who knows, he might change the team for the Premier League because Bayern Munich on Tuesday is a big game.“Their expectation is to get out of that group. The Bayern game is something that will be in their mind.”Louis Saha returns to the squad after being omitted from this week’s home wins against Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion, with Moyes stating: “We spoke with the players about Twitter at the start of the season. I’m thinking about opening an account myself, it might be the way to drop them!”While Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin have been the first-choice centre-back partnership in the Premier League, John Heitinga strengthened his claims for regular inclusion with a solid display in the midweek Carling Cup win against West Brom.And Moyes said: “It’s not Sylvain and Jags for the Premier League. It’s whoever I think will play. Johnny Heitinga played well in midweek and it’s two from three.“He is right in the mix because of the level he is at. He offers us a different type of intelligence and use of the ball.“Heitinga plays for the second best team in world football. So if the two centre-backs don’t stick at it then I’ll have no problem with changing it.”Meanwhile, Everton have signed 39-year-old goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann on a short-term deal until January to provide further competition for Tim Howard and Jan Mucha.“We have only got two keepers so I felt we needed someone,” said Moyes. “He is experienced and will give us that bit of extra cover.”
MANCHESTER CITY 2 - EVERTON 0: ROBERTO MANCINI HAILS SUPER-SUB MARIO BALOTELLI
25th September 2011 By Steve Millar
Sunday Star
IT wasn’t just a monkey off the back – more like a huge silverback gorilla. Everton had arrived at the Etihad Stadium with no fear and no ambition to entertain after winning their last four games against City in Manchester. In fact, David Moyes’ men had been victorious in seven of their last eight clashes and set up a mean and solid defence. The message was loud and clear – if City wanted the three points in their chase of the title they would have to find a way through 11 stone walls.
It called for a stroke of genius and boss Roberto Mancini found one. He introduced Mario Balotelli in the 59th minute for the out-of-touch Edin Dzeko and the game was turned on its head with the Italian piercing the Everton armour with his first Premier League goal of the season, nine minutes after coming on. And in the 88th minute Everton were finally undone when the dynamic David Silva conjured a pass of sheer brilliance which a second City substitute, James Milner, was delighted to guide home. Balotelli has endured life as a sub this season but unusually hasn’t moaned or sulked, much to Mancini’s delight, running straight to the City boss to celebrate his goal. Mancini said: “Mario is a good guy. Sometimes his behaviour is so-so but he’s a good guy. He likes City. He likes English football. “He is really unhappy sometimes. When he doesn’t score he’s unhappy. But today he is happy. He knows it was an important goal. “Mario hasn’t played for three or four games but worked well. He didn’t say anything and he waited for this moment. I enjoyed it for him because he scored an important goal.” Moyes had no such feeling of euphoria and was unhappy with referee Howard Webb for what he thought was a rash Vincent Kompany touchline challenge on Tim Cahill. Boss Moyes said: “It was a terrible challenge. His foot goes right on his shin.
“And their goal was our throw-in anyway. Leighton Baines told the linesman the ball came off Samir Nasri. I didn’t think they got the big decisions right. “I think the crowd influenced the decisions. The referee was taken by the crowd. “We have seen them get some big results against some really big teams so I wasn’t going to come here for the enjoyment of Manchester City.” Moyes was also true to his conviction that City will be in the hunt for honours at the end of the campaign.
He added: “They have got a real talented team, an excellent team – and they will be contenders. I have no doubt about that.” That didn’t look the case as City fans suffered in a first half of frustration. The faithful have been used to City sweeping away all before them. But this time there was no dominance, no passes of perfection – and certainly no goals, which in itself was a rarity.
Not that it was easy to penetrate a solid dark blue line as Everton came with a plan to mass the ranks behind the ball – to stifle and suppress. To say the first half was scrappy was a vast understatement. In fact, most of the action came from referee Webb who flashed four yellow cards in 11 minutes as Everton dug in. Silva came in for plenty of stick and Jack Rodwell and skipper Phil Neville went into Webb’s book for niggling challenges on the Spaniard. Leon Osman also picked up a booking, along with Yaya Toure, as the skill factor was virtually non-existent.
Dzeko thought he’d found a way through when Phil Jagielka misdirected a backward header to keeper Tim Howard but the City striker couldn’t cash in. Sergio Aguero picked up Marouane Fellaini’s headed clearance and curled a belter towards the top corner before Howard saved at full stretch. Nasri got in on the act with a dipping right footer that Howard two-fisted out for a corner as City finally started to find some long-awaited rhythm with Balotelli taking over from a misfiring Dzeko. It looked as though the Everton line would hold out until they were breached in the 67th minute by Aguero’s trickery. The Argentinian striker danced across the edge of the box before back-heeling to Balotelli whose shot was deflected off Jagielka and into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later it was almost 2-0 when Balotelli found Silva. His first effort slammed into Tony Hibbert and his follow-up smacked the post before City struck the killer blow two minutes from time. Everton substitute Royston Drenthe gave the ball away on the half-way line and Silva was on it in a flash. He waited, turned and twisted before threading a wonderful ball through for Milner to prod home.
MANCHESTER CITY 2 EVERTON 0: SUPER MARIO COMES OF AGE
Sunday Express
Sunday September 25,2011
By Mike Whalley
IT’S a revelation that could rock football. Maybe, just maybe, Mario Balotelli is starting to listen to his manager. The striker, told to grow up by Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, has caused all manner of headaches, on and off the field, during his short career. Whether driving into a women’s prison, fighting with his team-mates on the training ground or struggling to put on a bib during a pre-match warm-up, Balotelli has never been far from the centre of attention. He was at the heart of things as a substitute against a dogged Everton side too – but this time, for all the right reasons.
Mancini’s men were running up against a brick wall in their bid to stay in touch with neighbours Manchester United in the early title running. David Moyes had set up his side to strangle the creative threat of David Silva, and for more than an hour, it worked. Mancini needed extra width. He decided the erratic Balotelli was the man for the job. Within moments, the frustration had changed to elation. It was the young striker who steered home a low shot 22 minutes from the end after the excellent Sergio Aguero’s mesmeric run across the edge of the area, followed by an exquisite backheel, had set him up. Balotelli’s goal celebrations can veer between the low-key and the downright sullen. But this time, there was genuine emotion as he ran to the bench to embrace his manager. From a striker who has been largely confined to the sidelines this season as Aguero and Edin Dzeko have shone, it was a good case for a more prominent role in the team. “Mario is a good guy,” Mancini said. “Sometimes his behaviour is so-so. But he likes Manchester City, he likes English football. “I think he can make a contribution this season. I’m sure he can. We’ve improved as a team since last year, and I’m sure Mario can improve with us.” Victory was sealed with two minutes left after Silva slotted a perfectly-weighted through ball for substitute James Milner to score his first league goal for City. Two beautiful goals had secured an ugly win over an Everton side who had, before yesterday, made a habit of tripping City up, winning seven of their previous eight league meetings. The game was billed as a battle of the haves against the have-nots, with Mancini spending £78million on players over the summer while Moyes spent nothing. Money, though, is not in itself a substitute for discipline, determination and spirit Everton gave Silva a hard time for the first hour, with first Jack Rodwell and then Phil Neville booked for fouling him. Tim Cahill, so often a scorer against City in recent years, headed over Everton’s one decent second-half chance from a Seamus Coleman cross. But the Aussie later went off with a bruised shin after a challenge on Vincent Kompany, leaving Moyes fuming with referee Howard Webb. “It was a terrible tackle on Tim,” Moyes said. “A terrible challenge. Their guy’s foot goes right on his shin. I’m disappointed it wasn’t spotted. “I thought the referee was taken in by the crowd.”
MARIO BALOTELLI AND JAMES MILNER SHINE FOR CITY
Sunday Express
Saturday September 24,2011
By Gary Jones
SUBSTITUTE Mario Balotelli came to Manchester City's rescue by inspiring Roberto Mancini's men to a rare victory against bogey team Everton. As always, City were finding it sticky going against the Toffeemen. Balotelli's introduction after an hour changed all that, the Italian's shot flying in off Phil Jagielka to put the Blues on the way to a precious victory at the Etihad Stadium that was sealed by James Milner in the final minute. There could not be a greater contrast between City's vast wealth and the relative hand-to-mouth existence of their north-west neighbours. Yet Everton are a stoic bunch and despite enduring another summer of fiscal austerity, manager David Moyes has engineered a decent start. And, of course, there was that amazing record against City to protect. Since Sheikh Mansour completed his Blues buy-out in 2008, the clubs have met on six occasions. Everton have won five, including the last four, proving money cannot buy you everything.
Moyes' masterplan this time was to send Jack Rodwell scurrying around after danger-man David Silva all afternoon. It was a task Rodwell stuck to gamely, and clearly Silva did not like, even though he responded in textbook fashion, moving himself next to Leighton Baines, in theory creating a huge hole for the remainder of City's midfield to fill. That they did not manage it was in part due to the cussedness of Phil Neville and Seamus Coleman, who tackled anything that moved, and part due to lacklustre displays from Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri, neither of whom imposed themselves on the contest. Indeed, there were only 10 minutes of the opening period remaining when Tim Howard was forced into his first save. It was a good one though, the American parrying away Sergio Aguero's goalbound curling shot despite the not inconsiderable frame of Edin Dzeko closing in. Howard also denied Gareth Barry shortly afterwards as City began to turn the screw, although by the time referee Howard Webb blew his whistle for half-time, Everton were showing more attacking intent than they had done since the opening moments, when they were actually on top. The hosts came close to opening their account straight after the restart when former City skipper Sylvain Distin rather unconvincingly combined with Howard to turn Nasri's dangerous cross behind. Mancini's men were unable to maintain the pressure though, so with an hour gone, the Italian turned to Balotelli, ahead of deposed skipper Carlos Tevez. A very astute move it turned out to be too. Everton were still reorganising following the exit of Tim Cahill, who had earlier guided a header just over but then came off worst in a challenge with Vincent Kompany that led to him becoming the fourth visiting player booked when the Italian struck. Aguero was the architect, crabbing in from the right flank before rolling the ball into Balotelli's path as he found his own route into the penalty area blocked.
Without a league goal since February, but becalmed after a pre-season row with his manager in the United States and a scorer in the midweek Carling Cup win over Birmingham, the Italy striker took aim, benefiting from a slight deflection off Jagielka as the ball nestled in the far corner. The 21-year-old immediately sprinted off to his manager to celebrate, any irritation that has at times existed between the pair currently not in evidence. Within a couple of minutes, Silva had almost made it two, drilling a low shot against the base of Howard's left-hand post, the Everton keeper knowing he was getting nowhere near it. Howard was able to reach Balotelli's next effort, a stinging shot from the edge of the area that was heading for the bottom corner. The Toffeemen were on the back foot though and only an offside flag prevented them conceding a second after Silva had tapped home Balotelli's cross. Milner eventually secured the win, racing onto Silva's through ball before keeping his nerve to beat Howard in the final minute
Manchester City 2 Everton FC 0 - Final whistle match report
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 24 2011
EVERTON’S fine record at the City of Manchester stadium was ended by two second half goals that punctured an otherwise sterling defensive performance. David Moyes’ men were left with scant reward for a master-class in the arts of stifling, as they repelled waves of attack from Roberto Mancini’s expensively assembled thoroughbreds. Eventually though their lack of an attacking outlet, and the sheer quality of City’s forward players was compelling enough to yield an opening – even if it did come via a deflection from Phil Jagielka. Cameos for Louis Saha, Apostolos Vellios and Royston Drenthe were not enough to snatch the point the Blues arguably looked like deserving. And when the superb David Silva dissected their rearguard with a pass that allowed sub James Milner to finish, Everton were finished. It was harsh on the Toffees, who had largely dealt with the ever-mercurial Silva via a man-marking mission from Jack Rodwell. The game began with some hope that Everton would be able to attack a little more frequently. Leighton Baines’ right footed shot skewed wide after neat passing from the visitors, as the Blues looked to capitalise down their left. But they were soon repelling danger, when Silva tricked past Rodwell and his low cross into area was blocked by Sylvain Distin. Then Samir Nasri’s long range drive went comfortably wide. Then Yaya Toure picked up the ball on the edge of Everton’s area and slipped a short pass to Sergio Aguero in the box, who turned and seemed destined to test Tim Howard but blasted wide under pressure from Tony Hibbert. Rodwell was booked on 20 minutes for catching Silva’s ankle as he challenged for the ball, with Howard Webb quick to protect the lithe Spaniard. So it went, with Phil Neville next into the book – harshly after appearing guilty of nothing more than tangled legs with the playmaker who stayed down for an age before recovering with undue haste after his fellow professional had been carded. Everton remained very narrow and compact, stopping City from playing through spaces, but dealing with most crosses. But Tim Howard was forced into a fantastic diving save by Aguero with ten minutes of the half left, as City continued to dominate possession. And minutes later Dzeko tried his luck from 20 yards as City caught Everton on the break during a rare attack from the visitors. Normal service was resumed as Aguero again twisted and turned inside the box, looked up and stroked an astute diagonal back to Gael Clichy who blasted wide. Everton were soaking up plenty of pressure, but defending manfully. At least the Toffees had a shot after the restart, Leon Osman testing Joe Hart after exchanging passes with Baines and Coleman. It was back to absorbing pressure for ten minutes then, until Tim Cahill nearly stuck the knife in when he just headed over on the break from Coleman’s cross. A string of Everton corners ensued, as City were put in the unfamiliar position of being on the back foot The natives began to get restless as a result, and frustration bubbled under on the field too. Vincent Kompany left his foot in and stamped on Cahill leaving the Aussie writhing in agony. That injury was serious enough for Moyes to withdraw his talisman, and give Louis Saha a rare taste of league action. Eventually, it took a slice of misfortune for Everton to be undone. Going nowhere across the area, Aguero passed back to lurking substitute Mario Balotelli whose side footed effort took a deflection off Jagielka on its way past Howard.
A flurry of City chances followed; Silva hit the post at the second attempt and then Balotelli volleyed narrowly wide from distance. And after James Milner had sealed, events it was left for Saha to volley wide as Everton’s impressive travelling support headed for the M62.
EVERTON: (4-4-2) Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Neville (Capt) (Drenthe, 72), Osman, Rodwell, Fellaini, Coleman (Vellios, 80) Cahill (Saha, 65). Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Stracqualursi, Bilyaletdinov.
Bookings: Rodwell, Neville, Osman, Jagielka.
Goals:
MANCHESTER CITY: (4-2-4) Hart, Richards, Lescott, Kompany (Capt), Clichy, Barry, Nasri (Savic, 83) Toure, Silva, Aguero (Milner, 78), Dzeko (Balotelli, 60). Subs not used: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Tevez.
Bookings: Toure
Goals: Balotelli (68) Milner (89)
Ref: Howard Webb
Manchester City 2-0 EvertonEverton's Jack Rodwell was dogged but he could not stop David SilvaThe
David Pleat The Guardian, Monday 26 September 2011
With Jack Rodwell man-marking David Silva, and the Spanish international drifting inside, it left room for Micah Richards to get forward and attack. Photograph: Graphic A defensive gameplan designed to stifle Manchester City's creator in chief, David Silva, imploded in the 68th minute when Mario Balotelli broke the deadlock of Everton's disciplined resistance. The highly rated Jack Rodwell was given the task of shadowing the roaming Spain forward whose clever passing skills are the catalyst for most of City's goal chances. It was a clever idea and David Moyes's men almost succeeded.
Man-marking is a rarely used strategy in the modern game. In the past, great players have been allocated shadows to mark them tightly who are instructed not to worry about contributing when their side gains possession. Arsenal's Peter Storey and Chelsea's Ron Harris were excellent in this role. During my days at Sheffield Wednesday I assigned Peter Atherton to man-mark Gianfranco Zola in one game at Stamford Bridge and he did a superb job against the brilliant Italian in a 2-2 draw.
However, for every upside of any designated plan there is a corresponding downside. The marker, Rodwell was discouraged from joining in when his team regained possession so, in effect when they had the ball, Everton were a man short. Also in this system the frontrunner, Tim Cahill, can get isolated when longer passes get swallowed up by powerful centre-backs, Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany, in a two-versus-one situation. Moyes reverted to his tried and trusted troops to contain a buoyant City side, picking a five-man midfield with his valued lieutenant Phil Neville returning to anchor. In a niggly first half Everton thwarted City's approach play with strong tackling and admirable tactical discipline. With Leon Osman having to play narrow to bolster central areas with Rodwell following Silva doggedly, Leighton Baines found early space to get forward when Silva vacated his right-side berth to hunt the ball. Later in the game Micah Richards, the Manchester City right-back, realised the opportunity to attack this space from wider positions and helped turned the game in City's favour. Rodwell had followed Silva with discipline, concentration and diligence, particularly as he was under the threat of a yellow card. It takes self-control to man-mark in midfield areas for long periods without losing the plot – it is easy to forget the role and go in search of the ball. Balotelli's deflected shot broke Moyes's gameplan and then we saw the mentality change. When Everton were forced eventually to release the shackling of Silva the Spaniard, without Rodwell's steadfast attention, put the ball into the Everton net but it was disallowed. Further pain was suffered when Silva, again without his marker, provided James Milner with the chance to put further daylight between the teams.
MANCHESTER CITY 2 - EVERTON 0: WE ALL GO NUTS OVER MARIO BALOTELLI
Monday September 26,2011
By Richard Tanner Daily Express
JAMES MILNER confirmed the public’s perception of so-called mad maverick Mario Balotelli – then backed his Manchester City team-mate to keep driving opponents crazy. “That’s pretty accurate,” was Milner’s response to whether the ‘nuts but talented’ view of Balotelli is a fair one. Italian Balotelli, 21, had just delivered a half-an-hour cameo that encapsulated virtually everything that delights and occasionally infuriates. Sent on as a substitute, he broke Everton’s dogged resistance with a well-taken shot, gave City some width and pace, carved out two great chances for David Silva, raked his studs down the back of Phil Jagielka’s ankle, was then chopped down by Jagielka, beat his fist on the turf when he didn’t get a free-kick from referee Howard Webb – then disappeared, refusing all requests to speak to the media. It was left to Milner to give the insider’s view of Balotelli, who will miss tomorrow’s Champions League game against Bayern Munich courtesy of a Europa League red card last season. Despite his occasional odd-ball behaviour, predilection to collect parking tickets, and a curiosity that has taken him into a women’s prison and a crime-ridden suburb of Naples, Balotelli has buckled down rather than sulked at being on the fringe of the team. James Milner confirmed the public’s perception of so-called mad maverick Mario Balotelli “I don’t think anyone is happy when they’re not in the team,” said Milner. “But Mario hasn’t shown his frustration. He trains hard every day . He came off the bench and did what you want a substitute to do: make an impact. He only needed half a chance and he took it. It wasn’t an easy finish. He’s a great finisher. You can see his quality every time he comes on.” Milner also made an impact as a substitute, scoring his first Premier League goal for City to compound David Moyes’ frustration. For 68 minutes Moyes’ containment plan frustrated City with Jack Rodwell and Phil Neville taking a heavy-handed approach to man-marking Silva and both being booked for their efforts. But in the end City’s quality tipped the scales. Sergio Ageuro’s skill created the opening for Balotelli before Silva supplied the pass for Milner. Moyes was unapologetic about fielding a side without any strikers but chose instead to vent his fury at referee Webb’s failure to punish Vincent Kompany after he clashed with Tim Cahill, saying: “The boy [Kompany] does him. He definitely sees his shin going in and stands on it. The officials seemed to spot most things but did not spot the big one.” Last night the FA indicated they are unlikely to review the incident as Webb saw it and made a judgment call.
No one is awarded a penalty early in a game... not even Fergie
By Graham Poll
Daily Mail 26th September 2011
Managers post match comments are always interesting and one in particular this weekend came from the daddy of the all, Sir Alex Ferguson. When asked about the incident from which Manchester United had a penalty claim early on he replied: 'It was too early for the referee to give a penalty.' On the surface this is nonsense as a foul is a foul whether in the first minute or the last. However, Ferguson understands referees very well and knows the pressures they are under.
Have a word, ref: Ferguson knows what goes through official's minds
More from Graham Poll... Graham Poll's Official line: Oliver is a good ref, but he got this one wrong 25/09/11 Graham Poll: Torres was stupid and Kompany should have seen red 25/09/11 Graham Poll: Dalglish can't cover up Liverpool's failings by blaming referees 18/09/11 Graham Poll: Do referees favour 'big clubs'? Yes, but they don't know they're doing it 12/09/11 Graham Poll: Kenny Dalglish should blame Liverpool's strikers and not referee Mark Clattenburg 11/09/11 Graham Poll: Ref gives Scots raw deal after Rezek 'dive' 04/09/11 Graham Poll: Time to clear up the confusion over goal-scoring opportunities 28/08/11 Graham Poll: North-east scrap showed why we must not put brakes on beautiful game 22/08/ The only penalties you are likely to see in the opening 15 minutes of a game are blatant ones, hand ball on the line or an obvious foul.
There is really no logical explanation for this and I can remember many early penalties that were not given being highlighted at select group referee meetings: meetings that Ferguson’s insight and input at would help referees enormously. Next up was David Moyes who also voiced his concerns to Howard Webb personally after Everton’s game at Manchester City. His complaint in the post-match conference was that Webb was inconsistent in his punishment of fouls but I watched the game live and thought that Webb did well in a tough game. Everton appeared to set out to defend strongly and in particular stay tight on City’s skilful players. Jack Rodwell man marked David Silva until he was rightly cautioned and then Phil Neville took over for a few minutes until he was also cautioned.
Webb’s detection and punishment meant that Silva was able to have more freedom in the second period. That was good refereeing, showing awareness of tactics and affording players the protection they are entitled to. Moyes complaints were surely more borne out of frustration that his teams excellent defending could not last for the full 90 minutes but to blame the referee was unfair.
Everton boss David Moyes angered by bad Kompany
Belfast Telegrapgh
By SImon Stone
Monday, 26 September 2011
Everton boss David Moyes has accused Vincent Kompany of deliberately trying to hurt Tim Cahill during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City. The incident occurred in the second-half, when the game was still goalless. Cahill was booked for a rash challenge, but as Kompany took evasive action, he landed on the midfielder's leg. Cahill was replaced by Louis Saha and Moyes reported afterwards his player had only suffered bruising to his shin, but he felt the damage could have been far worse and pointed the finger at Kompany. "The boy does him. He definitely sees his shin going in and stands on it. People who have been players know what I am talking about," said Moyes.
"I don't think it is too bad. It just looks like bruising, but they are the ones where it doesn't take much to crack your shin. "The officials seemed to spot most other things, but they did not spot the big one. Referees are judged on big decisions." Moyes was not impressed by the performance of World Cup final referee Howard Webb and his officiating team, whom he felt showed inconsistency in the way they handled the game and got a key decision wrong in the build-up to Mario Balotelli's opener. "Overall, we found the way the officials treated us really difficult to take," said Moyes. "We found it difficult to talk to them." Everton finished the game with five yellow cards compared to City's one, which Moyes did not feel was a fair reflection of how the game panned out, pointing out one contrast where an Everton player did not get a free-kick for a challenge very similar to one Leon Osman was booked for earlier in the game. "There is a challenge on the edge of the box by Vincent Kompany on Louis Saha that was not much different to the one by Leon Osman on Micah Richards," he said. "What we want is a bit of consistency." Moyes' game-plan looked like paying off until the introduction of Balotelli after an hour. It did not take long for the Italian to bag his first Premier League goal since February and set City on a victory march that was secured by fellow substitute James Milner in the final minute. "I was lucky with the substitutions," said City manager Roberto Mancini.
Graham Poll: Torres was stupid and Kompany should have seen red
By Graham Poll
26th September 2011
Dail Mail
Fernando Torres didn’t commit a forward’s tackle, he committed a stupid and dangerous one. The referees’ camp could show Torres’s challenge - with both sets of studs showing - as the perfect example of a red-card tackle. Once both feet are off the ground the tackler cannot pull out or decrease the force of the tackle. Howard Webb had a good game at the Etihad; he tried to protect skilful players from strong tackles. The worst tackle, however, could not be detected. Tim Cahill committed a reckless challenge which Vincent Kompany saw coming and turned his body to prevent injury to himself. But the City defender then appeared to stamp down on Cahill. It was a red card offence and the FA should charge Kompany and slap him with a three-match ban.
Ex-Everton FC chief executive Trevor Birch says Goodison Park is key factor deterring potential new owners
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 26 2011
FORMER Everton chief executive Trevor Birch says Goodison Park is the key factor deterring potential new owners from buying the club. Birch, who left his role after only six weeks in 2004, believes the Blues will never compete at the very top of the Premier League unless they build a new stadium to increase match-day revenue. Former Liverpool player Birch, who is now head of restructuring and insolvency at accountants PKF, said: “They simply cannot generate sufficient revenue when Man Utd are earning £3m a game and Everton £500-700k. “The gulf is just too great for them to compete. “When someone looks at Everton and says they want to buy [the club] the first thing they have to do is look at building that stadium. A stadium costs £300-£400m. Who is going to make that investment? “Basically they are buying a club that has incurred losses of £30m over the last five years. So you are not going to make any money and have to build a stadium.”
Birch, who was also chief executive at Leeds, Chelsea, Derby and Sheffield United, added: “Those clubs with great stability, which Everton have, with the younger players coming through, you could look with enthusiasm to the future. “But what they won't do is ever compete for the league title again in the short term.”
Phil Kirkbride: Manchester City 2 Everton FC 0 Match Analysis
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo Sep 26 2011
EVERTON employed tactics borne out of realism and Jack Rodwell was their leading pragmatist. Manager David Moyes sent his side to Manchester City on Saturday lunch time with the target of stifling the Premier League’s second most prolific attack whilst maintaining the hope his makeshift frontline could muster a goal. The Blues’ boss made no apologies for his strategy and rightly so.
As much as it annoyed the home side and their fans it was one which gave an Everton team, so far removed from the luxury of riches at Eastlands, the best chance of levelling the playing field and making it eight wins in nine against City. The linchpin to the Blues boss’ masterplan was Rodwell, a player who has struggled to find definition in the Everton midfield since his senior debut against AZ in Alkmaar in 2007. Injuries have played a significant role in the 20-year-old’s inability to hold down a starting place however recent signs – the departure of Mikel Arteta providing greater opportunities being a help – are that Rodwell is gathering a sense of identity. Although tasked with the labour intensive role of man marking Man City’s marvellous David Silva at the Etihad Stadium, Rodwell passed this test of maturity and discipline with distinction. It is also safe to assume his Spanish is a little better today after spending early afternoon always within ear shot of the former Valencia man.
By shackling their most creative outlet, Everton and Rodwell restricted City to just six shots on target throughout the 90 minutes as their forwards were bereft of the usual supply line. The majority of shots were from distance and rarely with Tim Howard’s goal firmly in sight – the opening goal was no exception. During the first-half in particular, Everton’s back four were as comfortable as you would hope to be at Eastlands thanks, in big part, to Rodwell. Ultimately, Moyes’ men soberingly fell to two late goals but they deserved better; Rodwell in particular. It was no coincidence that Silva – who had created 18 chances from open play before kick-off, more than any other in the league – was subdued as Rodwell stalked his every move for the best part of 80 minutes until Moyes relieved him of the job. Silva took the plaudits and celebrated the three points after his perfectly weighted pass for Milner with a minute remaining of normal time but it told nothing of how he had toiled under the persistence of Rodwell. The youngster showed levels of concentration which have sometimes been missing in his career. Such was Rodwell’s dedication and application to the role of pest that he even followed Silva towards the touchline at one point in the opening 45 minutes, unaware the Spaniard was merely receiving instructions from his manager, Roberto Mancini.
That the 20-year-old still produced a telling performance even after picking up a booking for a mistimed challenge on Silva after just 19 minutes, is further credit to him. The caution placed Rodwell and Everton’s game plan in danger of imploding, so Moyes briefly took his foot soldier off the front line. Captain Phil Neville, earning a Premier League recall after being left out of the previous two fixtures with Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic, stepped into the role but he too quickly found it was one laced with pitfalls. Also earning himself a yellow card, unjustly it seemed when his legs became tangled with Silva’s, Neville had his fingers burnt when the World Cup winner made the most of their collision. Although post-match, Silva said the experience of being man marked was “strange” he was savvy enough to try and loosen the shackles upon him by giving referee Howard Webb reason to believe he had been the victim of a far nastier challenge than it had been.
So after three minutes away, Rodwell returned to breathing down the neck of Manchester City’s number 21. There Rodwell remained until the 79th minute when, with Everton 1-0 down to Mario Balotelli’s deflected goal, Moyes released his player from his duty and urged him forward as the visitors pursued an equaliser which never felt beyond them. But perhaps it was telling that with Rodwell no longer tracking his every move, Silva found the room to lay on City’s second for Milner and finally extinguish any thought of Everton levelling the game. Barring a surprise tactical switch, it is unlikely Rodwell will be charged with man marking any of Liverpool’s forward thinking players in the first derby of the season on Saturday. So Rodwell’s next challenge is to find similar influence in games when his role is less specific.
Manchester City 2 Everton FC 0: Fine record ends as City's Goliath flexes its muscles
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 26 2011
Frustration as Everton go down to defeat at Man City PERHAPS it had to end some day. There was only ever going to be a finite number of times Everton could come and play David to Manchester City’s growing Goliath. With sad inevitability, eventually this fixture underlined the old adage that money talks – or, in City’s case, howls like a banshee. While the Toffees have enjoyed a fine record at the City of Manchester stadium, there was always a sneaking suggestion that this season would be different. The superstars have had time to settle, and more have been added to their ranks. The crazy sense of momentum this global footballing behemoth is gathering will eventually flatten only those able to compete in a similar financial galaxy. Few can of course, but Everton certainly cannot and the disparity took its toll on Saturday. Finding it impossible to break down a well-organised team of super-fit professionals defending resolutely? Bring on more than £40m worth of talent in Mario Balotelli and James Milner. Even the cover of City’s match day programme was dedicated to an image of the proposed £100m, 80-acre youth development and training centre they believe will rival Barcelona’s famous talent factory, La Masia. And yet it took a slice of misfortune for Everton’s heroic defensive display to be punctured. It was only when Balotelli’s second half shot took a generous deflection off Phil Jagielka’s lunge that Tim Howard was beaten. The goal changed everything, but what of Everton’s approach prior to it? Many will argue the Blues should have been sent out to fight fire with fire, but reality means it would have been fighting a flame thrower with a lighter. David Moyes would love to send out a team capable of matching City for footballing finesse. He’s a purist who would like nothing better than deploying a 4-2-4 formation full of artists like David Silva. And there is some credence to the claim that one day he should just do it. Because, ultimately, it’s eleven men against eleven. But does anybody really believe that applied here? Moyes has a professional responsibility to try and get a result, and that starts with not being beaten. That he was unsuccessful was partly down to his game-plan being damaged by misfortune and poor refereeing by Howard Webb. Moyes had deployed Jack Rodwell to man-mark the influential David Silva, a task he fulfilled with impressive rigour and stoicism, but Webb made it ten times harder by instantly booking the Everton man for his first foul when he clipped the Spaniard’s heel in a genuine attempt to win the ball. Any doubt on Webb’s inclination to protect Silva at all costs vanished when he later booked Phil Neville for the grievous crime of clashing legs with the former Valencia ace, who helped make up the referee’s mind by seeming to feign injury. The World Cup final official compounded an idiosyncratic display by awarding the home side a throw-in when the ball had in fact gone out via Samir Nasri, and City scored from the subsequent phase of play. Everton had their moments in attack, fleeting though they were, and Tim Cahill could have repeated his trick of scoring crucial goals against the Citizens but headed over. The Aussie was forced out of the action soon after, when Vincent Kompany stamped on his ankle in a tackle, one of two misdemeanours for which the Belgian escaped punishment – the later a blatant obstruction on Louis Saha. Having gone a goal down, Moyes did show more adventure. Saha had already replaced Cahill, his Twitter-related exile over, and Royston Drenthe and Apostolos Vellios followed to no avail. The over-riding consequence of Everton’s change in approach was to unshackle Silva, and predictably the magician capitalised on a sloppy ball from Drenthe and hesitation in the Toffees’ defence to slide a wonderful pass into substitute James Milner who sealed the defeat. It was always going to be difficult for the Blues to defend so resolutely for 90 minutes, even if they had largely limited City’s attacking threat by forcing them to play through the centre where they are less effective. There were some positives amid the gloom. Rodwell, who had been asked to similarly man mark Cesc Fabregas at the Emirates last season, showed his growing maturity by sticking to Silva, a player who has created more chances than any other player in the division. And even though it didn’t seem like it, Everton actually attacked more on Saturday than they did during their 2-0 victory at the same venue last season, when they scored two early goals and then defended even more unremittingly. Indeed, their use of the ball was often calm and considered – preferring not to simply go long every time, even if their shape and lack of bona fide strikers encouraged such an approach. The frustrating thing about this defeat is being reminded of the sheer size of the gap between Everton and teams like City, Manchester United and Chelsea, who await them in the Carling Cup’s last sixteen. Last season, Moyes continued to find ways to bridge it, and he may yet this time around, although days like Saturday will be more routine against the Premier League’s top four. By his own admission Moyes would not even need the staggering funds Manchester City have to transform Everton, and field a team capable of competing against them again. But in the absence of a level playing field, it’s likely that romantic victories against the odds will become increasingly rare.
Everton FC’s Phil Jagielka cannot hide his frustration at performance of ref Howard Webb after rare defeat at Manchester City
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 26 2011
PHIL Jagielka could not hide his frustration with the performance of referee Howard Webb after Everton sank to a rare defeat at Manchester City. The England defender, along with his manager David Moyes, insists the official contributed to the Toffee’s down-fall at the Etihad stadium on Saturday, despite a brave defensive display. Moyes told reporters after the 2-0 defeat that his players had been concerned by Webb’s “arrogance” on the pitch, and also claimed the 2010 World Cup final referee was influenced by the home crowd. He was also angry the official missed an apparent stamp by Vincent Kompany on Tim Cahill which left the Blues midfielder unable to continue. And Jagielka, 29, said the Blues suffered from a string of poor decisions by Webb, including an incorrect throw-in for their opponents in the run up to Mario Balotelli’s opening goal, and ignoring a second half block by Vincent Kompany on Louis Saha that should have resulted in a free kick on the edge of the area. He said: “We felt a couple of key decisions didn’t go our way. I’ve been told it was blatantly our throw-in for their first goal, Bainesy kicked it off their lad and from the throw-in they scored. Then Louis goes through and from our view he was blatantly obstructed. I can understand the ref being concerned giving it if it might have been a penalty, but it was clearly outside, so it’s not like it was a big call. “What could have been a decent point is now a defeat. We realise it’s a hard place to come, but for two-thirds of the game we were heading for a clean sheet.
“When you come to City, you need that rub of the green. They have so many attacking options and keep the ball for such long periods, if you aren’t lucky then you aren’t going to win the game.
“We aren’t going to spit our dummy out, but with a bit more luck we could have seen the game out.”
Everton lost their unbeaten record at the City of Manchester stadium, having won four on the run there, but were only behind when Balotelli’s strike deflected off Jagielka and past Tim Howard.
“If you are part of the big four maybe you can fight fire with fire, but for the rest of us, we have to come up with a gameplan,” said Jagielka. “Obviously it didn’t work, but it wasn’t too bad for the majority of the game. “It’s hard to defend like that for a full game. I feel more sorry for our strikers and the midfielders, as a defender you are shuffling across and blocking holes, whereas for the others they are having to chase people. “With players like Jack and Felli having to play 120 minutes in midweek, to come here and run around again, it’d be interesting to see the stats how far they’ve run. The credit goes out to them.” Jagielka believes City have certainly improved from last season. He said: “A few of their players have settled down now, and you can tell they believe they should be where they are now, rather than maybe just hoping. “Mancini has got his style of play into the players, the back five have more experience and Joleon and Vincent have played together more often in central defence. It’s all about getting partnerships and I think City proved that. “They will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season, as they were last season. “Whether they’ve got enough to pip Man Utd and Chelsea, who have the experience of the cold December nights and nicking an away win despite playing badly, time will tell.” Meanwhile, Everton will play Chelsea at Goodison Park in the Carling Cup fourth round. The tie will take place during the week beginning Monday, October 24.
Merseyside derby memories: Everton FC put four past Liverpool at Anfield in 1964
By Sean 26 2011
Ahead of the 216th Merseyside derby on Saturday, the ECHO takes a look back at five of the best Everton victories over Liverpool Liverpool 0 Everton 4 - Anfield - 19 September 1964
Defending First Division Champions Liverpool had got off to a stuttering start to their league campaign - four losses and just two wins in their opening seven games - but no-one saw this result against Everton coming. Merseyside derbies tended to be cagey affairs, keenly contested and decided by fine margins, which made the magnitude of the Blues' victory all the more impressive.
Everton sat eighth in the table going into the game, a whole 10 places above their neighbours, but they had not prevailed in a league game at Anfield since 1951. The match began in dramatic fashion. Derek Temple sent a crashing drive past Tommy Lawrence in the first minute. Moments later, Liverpool's Roger Hunt was denied by the crossbar and soon after by a last-ditch clearance from Sandy Brown. Thereafter everything went right for the Blues. Andy Rankin was imperious in goal and the Everton forwards could do no wrong in attack. Fred Pickering, Colin Harvey and Johnny Morrissey all got on the scoresheet and piled on the misery for the home fans. A tale of two keepers: Liverpool's Tommy Lawrence called into action, Everton's Andy Rankin makes a flying save
Recounting events during the game, Harvey said: "Fred Pickering scored the second. It looked a bit of a soft goal but I think the ball took a deflection off Ron Yeats and went away when Tommy Lawrence had the original shot covered. "And then I got the third. My first derby goal - in fact, my only derby goal. The ball came to me on the edge of the box, I chested it and as it bounced I just lobbed it into the top corner. I was really only aiming to keep it on target. "We came under a bit of pressure in the second half but Andy Rankin made a couple of good saves from Gordon Wallace and then Johnny Morrissey made it 4-0 from outside the area. Generally speaking, we won quite easily."
Everton completed the double over Liverpool with a 2-1 win at Goodison Park in April and finished the season in fourth place, with the Reds back in seventh. Liverpool: Lawrence, Byrne, Moran, Milne, Yeats, Stevenson, Callaghan, Hunt, St John, Wallace, Thompson Everton: Rankin, Harris, Brown, Gabriel, Labone, Stevens, Scott, Harvey, Pickering, Temple, Morrissey Goals: Temple, Pickering, Harvey, Morrissey Attendance: 52.619
Manchester City 2 Everton FC 0: Spending power finally pays off for Mancini's men
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 26 2011
Manchester City spending power finally pays off against Everton FC IT WAS a day for unusual sights at Eastlands. Lancashire parading the County Championship Cricket trophy at half-time.
Mario Balotelli smiling. Jack Rodwell employed as a man-marker. Manchester City beating Everton.
But some things don’t change. And referee Howard Webb clearly possesses the uncanny knack to frustrate, outrage and perplex. Just ask David Moyes and his team, who were left seething after an afternoon in which their brave rearguard action was ultimately undone thanks in part to some poor decisions. However, this defeat wasn’t just down to the officials. Instead, for once the chasm between the haves and have-nots was exposed as Everton’s own squad shortcomings were made similarly apparent. The pattern was set from the moment the teamsheets were handed in.
Everton were here to contain, the proverbial bus parked in front of Tim Howard’s goal intent on blunting the attacking threat that has seen City emerge as genuine title challengers this season.
And for two-thirds of the game, it worked. Roberto Mancini’s side huffed and puffed as Everton’s hold over their North West rivals – having won seven of the last eight meetings and four in a row at Eastlands – showed no signs of loosening. Rodwell’s assignment to track David Silva at every opportunity – even following the Spaniard to the touchline at one point as he received treatment – highlighted the defensive discipline that caused ripples of discontent among the home crowd and forced Mancini to turn to the bench for salvation on the hour. At this point, the difference in financial clout between the teams became obvious. Who to choose: £26m James Milner, £24m Balotelli or £32m Carlos Tevez? Mancini plumped for Balotelli and within eight minutes had been rewarded. But not for the first time, City owed a debt to the officials, wrongly awarded a throw-in when Leighton Baines clearly struck the ball against Samir Nasri. It prompted a move that eventually led to Sergio Aguero running across the Everton backline from right to left before backheeling into the path of Balotelli, whose driven shot from 20 yards deflected off Phil Jagielka and looped beyond Howard. City’s relief was such that even the perennially moody Italian grinned. But for Everton, the goal illustrated their grumbles with the officials, with an already difficult job made harder by Webb and his cohorts. The list was lengthy. Substitute Louis Saha – welcomed back into the fold post-Twittergate – aggrieved not to be awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position when blocked by Vincent Kompany. Phil Neville booked for not very much. City players escaping similar censure.
However, the incident that most irked Moyes was a challenge between Kompany and Cahill that saw the Everton man comically booked despite limping out of proceedings. Replays confirmed what the naked eye feared; Kompany had gone over the top and stamped on Cahill’s leg, the Australian fortunate to escape a more serious injury than heavy bruising. Small wonder the indignation from the visiting dugout. Likening the match as going into a gunfight without a knife, Moyes strengthened the analogy by selecting a team without any ready-made firepower, leaving striking triumvirate Saha, Apostolos Vellios and Denis Stracqualursi on the bench. For Moyes to enter a game without a recognised striker is nothing new; Fellaini and Cahill, the makeshift forward line on Saturday, were reprising a partnership that briefly proved successful two years ago. But that was primarily forced upon the Goodison manager because of injuries. Now, however, their selection perhaps hinted at Moyes’s misgivings with his available forwards, none of whom he judged, whether through fitness or form, ready to lead the line at Eastlands. With Fellaini and Cahill midfielders by trade, and Rodwell and Phil Neville dropping almost as deep as centre-backs Jagielka and the impressive Sylvain Distin, Everton often operated a 6-4-0 formation when not in possession, intent on plugging the gaps between the lines and not allowing City to play their usual intricate passing game outside the area.
The decision for Rodwell to man-mark Silva was intriguing, a test of the player’s discipline and tactical nous made all the more demanding by a 20th-minute booking for the Everton youngster.
Silva later admitted he had never before been given such close attention, and while he managed once to wriggle free when striking the post in the 70th minute, it was only when Rodwell abandoned the role as Everton sought an equaliser in the closing moments that the Spaniard made a significant impact. Even then, it was after being gifted possession from an unwise pass from substitute Royston Drenthe that Silva was able to slip Milner through for the clinching goal in the 89th minute.
Would Everton have fared better with a more adventurous approach? After all, there was encouragement when witnessing the unease at which City coped during a rare spell of Everton pressure after the interval when Leon Osman saw a shot held by Joe Hart and Cahill glanced a header over from a Seamus Coleman cross. And there was even chance of a consolation during injury time when substitute Vellios capitalised on indecision between Hart and Joleon Lescott to tee-up Fellaini for a drive that was cleared off the line. By then, though, the game was over. Although a rare event these days for Everton, there was no shame in losing to City; only the manner in which it happened.
Everton FC manager David Moyes praises Jack Rodwell for man-marking job on David Silva
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 26 2011
Everton FC manager David Moyes praises Jack Rodwell for man-marking job on David Silva
DAVID MOYES praised Jack Rodwell’s performance in man-marking David Silva at the weekend – with the Manchester City midfielder admitting he had never before been given such close attention.
Rodwell tracked Silva’s every move for much of the Eastlands encounter, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for Everton. The 20-year-old midfielder stuck to his task despite a first-half booking, with Silva creating City’s second goal for James Milner only after Rodwell had been relieved of his assignment with the visitors in search of an equaliser. And Moyes said: “If nobody has identified Silva in the Premier League by now then something’s up with them. He’s as good as anybody in the Premier League at the moment. “He’s the one who is the hub, and I thought we did a good job on limiting his chances. Jack Rodwell did a great job on marking David Silva.” Silva himself said: “It was a new and valuable experience being man marked because it has never happened to me before.
“I don’t know about it being a compliment to my talent, but they decided to play that way.” Of Rodwell, Silva added: “He didn’t say anything to me. He did his job on the pitch and was always with me. Those kind of things stay on the pitch and after the game, it is forgotten about.” Moyes believes Everton’s obdurate performance deserved greater reward, and added: “I don’t have the same tools as Man City, but the players came really close. I have to praise their job. “For the best part of 70 minutes and we had pretty much contained them. It was a really disciplined performance and we’re well aware of how Manchester City have been playing and the results they’ve had against teams like Tottenham. The second goal destroyed us, it was a poor mistake in the middle of the field and for the majority of the game the players had made no mistakes and stuck to their task. “I thought we were a little bit unfortunate not to get something from it.” City manager Roberto Mancini was relieved his team could break down Everton’s rearguard and earn only their second win in nine meetings with the visitors. “I think that we played very well,” said Mancini. “The problem was Everton defended for all the game. It’s difficult to have a good solution when a team defends right through the game. “In this game it was very important we were patient. If you score a goal, you can change; if not, it is very hard. It is not easy to beat Everton because they are a good team, have good players, and you have to work hard against them.”
Everton FC's Phil Jagielka is fuming over Howard Webb’s ‘key decisions’
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 26 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA joined manager David Moyes in pointing the finger at referee Howard Webb after Everton suffered rare misery at Eastlands. The visitors believe their brave rearguard action was undermined by the officials as they slipped to a 2-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester City on Saturday. Jagielka was one of several Everton players to approach Webb and his assistants at the final whistle following a string of contentious decisions. Moyes’s men were unhappy at City being wrongly awarded a throw-in during the build-up to Mario Balotelli’s 68th-minute opener, and that substitute Louis Saha was not awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area shortly afterwards following a block by Vincent Kompany. And Jagieka said: “We felt a couple of key decisions didn’t go our way. I’ve been told it was blatantly our throw-in for their first goal, Bainesy kicked it off their lad and from the throw-in they scored. “Then Louis goes through and from our view he was blatantly obstructed. I can understand the ref being concerned giving it if it might have been a penalty, but it was clearly outside, so it’s not like it was a big call. “What could have been a decent point is now a defeat. We realise it’s a hard place to come, but for two-thirds of the game we were heading for a clean sheet. “When you come to City, you need that rub of the green. They have so many attacking options and keep the ball for such long periods, if you aren’t lucky then you aren’t going to win the game. “We aren’t going to spit our dummy out, but with a bit more luck we could have seen the game out.” Moyes was particularly disgruntled by a challenge by Kompany on Tim Cahill that forced the Australian off with a bruised leg. “I thought the boy does him,” said the manager. “He definitely sees his shin going in and stands on it. “People who have played will know what I am on about. You can see his leg there, and I think he does him. “The officials seemed to spot most other things but they didn’t spot the big one and they are judged on their big decisions. They are the sort of tackles where it doesn’t take much to crack your shin. “We found the way the officials treated the players difficult to take. We found it a strain. I think what we want is consistency.” Everton, who had won on their last four visits to Eastlands, were on course to frustrate their hosts once again until Balotelli’s shot deflected in off Jagielka. Substitute James Milner grabbed the second in the 89th minute with Moyes’s side having been forced to abandon their defensive approach in search of the equaliser. “If you are part of the big four maybe you can fight fire with fire, but for the rest of us, we have to come up with a gameplan,” said Jagielka. “Obviously it didn’t work, but it wasn’t too bad for the majority of the game. “It’s hard to defend like that for a full game. I feel more sorry for our strikers and the midfielders, as a defender you are shuffling across and block holes, whereas for the others they are having to chase people. “With players like Jack and Felli having to play 120 minutes in midweek, to come here and run around again, it’d be interesting to see the stats how far they’ve run. The credit goes out to them.” Of City’s title hopes, Jagielka added: “City will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season, as they were last season. “Whether they’ve got enough to pip Man Utd and Chelsea, who have the experience of the cold December nights and nicking an away win despite playing badly, time will tell.” Meanwhile, Everton will host Chelsea in the Carling Cup fourth round. The tie will take place during the week beginning Monday, October 24.
Manchester City 2 Everton 0 - Stuart Brennan match analysis
Stuart Brennan
September 26, 2011
Manchester Evening Post
Title-winning teams cannot afford to have bogey sides. That is why, going into a game against a side which had beaten them in seven of their previous eight encounters, and won the last four on the bounce, City needed to win this one. The problem was that Everton, as always, were dogged and determined opponents, prepared to spoil and scrap their way to a point, in the hopes of snatching all three. Going into the game, the usual noises were emanating from the Everton camp, about how money can’t buy you team spirit, how the Toffees are driven by their desire to prove a point to the minted Mancs, and how they feel City are afraid of the bogeymen. All nonsense, of course, but nonsense that needed putting to bed. City did just that, and the manner in which they did so should be every bit as heartening to Roberto Mancini and the fans as the devastating football they played at Tottenham, or the clinical dominance of Wigan. Against a team which packed two banks of four players between the Blues and their own goal, and at times had all 11 in their own third of the pitch, free-flowing football was always going to be at a premium. And when David Moyes identified David Silva as the maestro of the City orchestra, and ordered Jack Rodwell to give him his muscular attention, it was clear this would be a long afternoon, with patience required. But win they did, to make it eight straight victories at home – impregnability at home is another feature of teams that bring home the silver. The most pleasing aspect of the win was the fact that Mancini spotted the possibilities of changing the whole dynamic of the game by introducing Mario Balotelli. The normal course of events would have seen Carlos Tevez trotted off the bench to add his brand of scurrying menace to a penalty area thick with bodies and devoid of space. Hindsight suggests that Tevez, not fully fit and well below par so far this season, might have just ended up running down blind alleys, and City’s conundrum would remain unsolved. Balotelli, in concert with the irrepressible Silva and the ever-optimistic Sergio Aguero, simply tore up the Everton script. The young Italian has the strength and close control to operate in tight spaces, and his prodigious shooting ability is always liable to win games. Silva, despite being kicked and buffeted at every turn by Rodwell, continued to exert an influence, finding half a yard of space and only needing one touch to control and pass, and keep the attacks going. He also drifted left, right and deep, dragging Rodwell with him to create spaces for others, and testing the youngster’s stamina and concentration. It was just as well that Silva can perform under such attention, and with such expectation on his shoulders, as Samir Nasri was peripheral and Edin Dzeko was not as influential as he has been so far this season. When it boils down to it, City’s two undisputed world-class stars were the men who unhinged Everton, Aguero and Silva attracting Everton players like bees around honey, and freeing others to do the damage.
Aguero was first to find a crack, setting off on a swerving, sliding run across the face of the Everton edifice. When three defenders recognised his threat and converged, he simply slipped the ball back for Balotelli, who could see an expanse of goal. He needs no second invitation, and the side-footed shot took a slight deflection but still fizzed past Tim Howard. The 20-year-old has developed a reputation as the most under-stated goal celebrator on the planet – in fact, he borders on miserable, sees the act of putting the ball in the net as little more than a brickie sees the laying of another trowel of mortar. He ran to halfway to hug Mancini and break into a grin, simultaneously showing his belief in a manager who hasn’t been picking him, and hinting that perhaps the sullen teenage sulks are giving way to a more mature embracement of life. Balotelli continued to have an impact, setting up the liberated Silva to hit a post, and then teeing him up for an offside goal. With their wall breached, Everton were done. They had posed little threat to Joe Hart, and their unconvincing attempts to haul the goal back simply meant Silva and Co found more space in which to operate.
The little Spaniard darted in to steal the ball on halfway, but was surrounded by the enemy and with no obvious solution. He simply danced and waited for James Milner, another inspired Mancini substitution, to power forward, and then delivered a stinging pass for the England star to despatch and settle the issue. Mancini has made it plain that, at this moment, Tevez – iconic hero of the last two seasons – is currently fourth choice behind Dzeko’s goalscoring excellence, Aguero’s clinical genius and Balotelli’s power and precision. What happens next is down to the player himself. He has the talent to play a full and effective part in an exciting season – in fact, he could be the difference between title glory and near-miss. Dropped by his country and his club, Tevez is in danger of spoiling his legacy, which should see him as a world-class star. There will be no more bending over for him. Victory not only exorcised the ghosts, it also meant the Blues have now won 12 and drawn one of their last 13 home games. That kind of home form is another requisite of title winners.
Ian Snodin: Why I hope the Merseyside derby lets me gloat over Ian St John
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 27 2011
IF THERE’S one extra thing I’ve got my fingers crossed about at tea-time next Saturday, it’s that I’ll be able to gloat over Ian St John. We do the Terrace Talk show on Radio City, and while we always have a good laugh and banter anyway, the gloves really go off when it comes to the Battle of the Mersey Quiz. I’d like nothing more than to do him in the quiz, and then rub it in with the delight of three points for Everton in the derby. The Saint will know about it if the Blues do me proud and he’ll be the same if the worst happens.
Ian Snodin: Jack Rodwell impressed as Everton FC’s go-to man
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 27 2011
I WAS very impressed with the display of Jack Rodwell as he largely stifled the threat of David Silva in the first half on Saturday. He stuck to his task with great focus and mental strength until circumstances changed during the game. Silva has been the main man in the Premier League so far this season, and it was a fascinating contest to watch the young England U-21 hopeful charged with man-marking the Spanish World Cup winner. I was never asked to man mark anyone during my playing career, and I can’t imagine it’s easy to stick to someone like that entirely during a game.
Jack has been a centre-back so he has good defensive nouse and has the right sort of mentality to put the team ahead of his own eagerness to impress. Silva admitted during the game that he has not had the done to him before, and it was a good ploy which would have worked had Jack not picked up an early booking, and the Blues gone behind courtesy of a deflected shot by Mario Balotelli. It’s not a ruse I’d expect Moyes to do all the time though.
Ian Snodin: Mersey derby day still gives me nerves
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool EchoSep 27 2011
EVEN though I don’t play for Everton anymore, the derby is still the first fixture I look for and I still got those same nerves in the run-up to the big day. Even watching the Merseyside derby gives me knots in my stomach and Saturday will be no different. It’s not always the best game, and won’t be a classic but the excitement levels will grow all week nevertheless. While Liverpool have some dangerous players, I don’t think they’re firing on all cylinders yet. Luis Suarez is an exciting talent who has got people sitting up and paying attention, and Stewart Downing is a good player but I think if we can get after Liverpool and close them down quickly there’s a good chance we can upset them.
Everton will need to work harder than ever, and not let the Reds play across the back, while at the same time squeezing high up the pitch, putting their back four under pressure. If our midfielders work extra hard, it will make the defence get tight. My only fear was the knock Tim Cahill took on Saturday. My first thought when I saw him hurt was ‘what about the derby?’ Liverpool don’t like playing against Tim, and Kopites will have been delighted to see a doubt over his involvement in what is their biggest test so far this season.
Ian Snodin: Lay off Howard Webb, he had a rare off-day refereeing Everton FC’s game at Manchester City
Liverpool Echo Sep 27 2011
Frustration as Everton go down to defeat at Man City EVERTON were always destined to get a reality check in one way or another on Saturday. Even if they had managed to get some sort of result against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, it was guaranteed to be based on a mammoth defensive effort and unlikely to feature a flurry of goals. Anybody who doubted Everton would be under the cosh for 90 minutes, probably hasn’t watched many City games so far this season. The fact is they’re on a different level of investment, and have signed so many world-class players that lining up against them now will just be like facing Manchester United or Chelsea. A lot of people were talking about the Blues’ record against Roberto Mancini’s men in the past, but records are one thing – and the amount of spending the Citizens have done over the summer is another! The possession statistics said it all afterwards, with the home side seeing more than 60% of the ball, and Moyes was probably hoping to keep it extremely tight and then nick one up the other end through a set piece of break away goal. Sadly the Blues went a goal down first, and if I’m brutally honest I expected the worst after that. It’s a tough conclusion, but that’s the reality of the situation when you consider City’s bench alone. They just have so many classy options and will certainly be challenging for the league come next May. Of course it didn’t help that Howard Webb awarded City a throw in before they took the lead, and the official has taken stick for his performance as a result.
But I’ve got to say I think Webb is a fantastic referee and doesn’t deserve to be pilloried heavily.
It’s ironic coming from me because I was the worst for moaning at refs during my playing days – I still am in charity games! – and they must have hated officiating while I was on the pitch. But everyone makes mistakes, and Webb is still the best around in the Premier League. If anything, I think he could have been better helped by his two linesmen, or referee’s assistants as they are supposed to be. For instance, the Vincent Kompany stamp on Tim Cahill, while he’s certainly done him, it happened very quickly, in a split second, and it’s always going to be difficult for the referee to see. But I just don’t think Webb had much in the way of help from his assistants. It was a rash tackle from Tim, but when you have the hindsight of watching it on Match of the Day it’s obvious what Kompany has done. The referees don’t have that luxury and it’s one of the toughest jobs in football, because they are never going to please two sets of players, opposing managers and home and away crowds.Webb will have more good games than bad.
Jack Rodwell insists Everton FC are full of confidence ahead of the Merseyside derby
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 27
JACK RODWELL insists Everton FC are still full of confidence ahead of the Merseyside derby despite their defeat by Manchester City at the weekend. The Toffees were consigned to only their second loss of the season at the Etihad stadium after a brave defensive performance, with Rodwell impressing during his mission to man-mark Spain midfielder David Silva. Now the 20-year- old believes it is important that the Blues get any disappointment out of their system ahead of the visit of Liverpool on Saturday. The England U-21man said: “We have made a decent start and got some good victories under our belts so we won’t get too down about this and we will focus now on the Liverpool game. “We had a match in midweek which went to extra time so that was a hard workout. Man City was again another hard workout but we will have a rest, get into a good week’s training and bounce back for the derby.” Rodwell admitted it was frustrating to see the Blues come unstuck in the final 20 minutes of their match at Eastlands. But he was in philosophical mood about the nature of the defeat by Roberto Mancini’s men. He said: “We had our game plan and it worked for 70 minutes. "They got the goal and it knocked the stuffing out of us and it was very difficult to come back from that. “They have got a lot of money now and have bought some very good players.
"They have a strong squad but we have a strong squad as well. We tried to match them but it wasn’t to be today.” Meanwhile, Portuguese striker Joao Silva remains keen to return to Everton and make an impact on the Premier League, as he continues an impressive loan spell back in his homeland with Vitoria Setubal. The 21-year-old impressed against Sporting Lisbon on Saturday, and remains highly-rated by the Portuguese media. Silva was allowed to gain further first-team football experience on a second loan stint this term, after spells playing for Alan Stubbs’ reserve side last season. The 6ft 2in hit-man has scored twice in two games so far for Vitoria, and has not given up on a career with the Blues. He said: “I know I’ve got a season ahead of me in the Portuguese top flight to play well and score goals. I’m sure that everyone at Everton is alive to my performances. “When I left Everton, we reached an agreement because I’m a young player but I need to play. I need to get my match rhythm, I need to gain maturity, and without playing that’s difficult, so we agreed that going out on loan would be a good option. “Now I hope things go well for me and that David Moyes is attentive so that one day I am called again and I get my opportunity, which I haven’t had yet. “If a big club in Portugal came in for me, it would be an option to consider, and I’d have to see who offered the best conditions and then think about it. “Everton are a big club, but I need opportunities.” Another young Blue on loan, Shane Duffy, could extend his spell with League One side Scunthorpe United today. Scunthorpe are hopeful of prolonging Duffy’s initial month-long deal, which ends this week. Everton’s reserves surrendered a lead three times yesterday without the Republic of Ireland defender, as they drew 3-3 with Chelsea. Goals by Apostolos Vellios, Magaye Gueye and Luke Garbutt had the Blues ahead, but Billy Clifford and a brace from Todd Kane rescued a point for the Londoners, with five of the goals coming in the second half.
Mersey Derby Memories: Graeme Sharp's screamer gives Everton FC Anfield victory in 1984
By Neil MacdonaldSep 27 2011
Graeme Sharp celebrates scoring the 1984/85 goal of the season in the Merseyside derbyAhead of the 216th Merseyside derby on Saturday, the ECHO takes a look back at five of the best Everton FC victories over Liverpool FC Liverpool FC 0 Everton FC 1 - Anfield - October 20 1984 WHEN Everton FC arrived at Anfield on October 20 1984, it had been 14 long years since the Blues last won at Anfield. However they arrived with a sense of optimism, fuelled by Howard Kendall's skillful building of a team that was to go on to win the First Division. EFC had started steadily in the league and were sixth before the match. However their midfield of Peter Reid and Paul Bracewell had started to exert a controlling influence on games and this was to be key against Liverpool, missing Graeme Souness who had moved to Sampdoria at the end of the previous season. Up front, Adrian Heath and Graeme Sharp were also showing the benefits of playing together so many times with a great understanding. The effectiveness of Liverpool's own front two - Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush - was hampered by Rush's recent return from a cartilage injury and Dalglish's loss of form which saw him dropped for the 1-0 defeat away to Tottenham. Against that backdrop, Everton took an early stranglehold on the match and didn't let go - with the match being remembered on both sides for Graeme Sharp's brilliant winning goal. The Scottish striker took Gary Stevens' long ball around Alan Hansen before volleying a screamer of a shot over a stunned Bruce Grobelaar and into the Anfield Road end net. It would go on to win Match of the Day's goal of the season award, with even Liverpool boss Joe Fagan saying: "It was a bloody good goal, worth winning any game. "It would almost have been a shame for us to score after a goal like that." The momentum gained by the Blues saw them sweep through the rest of the season, with the Cup Winners Cup adding to their league triumph. Liverpool FC: Grobbelaar, Neal, Kennedy, Lawrenson, Hansen, Whelan, Dalglish, Robinson, Molby, Wark, Rush. Everton FC: Southall, Stevens, van den Hauwe, Ratcliffe, Mountfield, Reid, Steven, Heath, Sharp, Bracewell, Harper. Goals: Sharp Attendence: 45,545
Louis Saha can still be a game-changer for Everton FC, says Sylvain Distin
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 27 2011
LOUIS SAHA can still transform Everton FC's season with his goal-scoring ability, according to Sylvain Distin. Saha, 33, made his latest EFC comeback from injury as a substitute during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City. The French striker had been restored to David Moyes' first-team squad, after being left out as doubts reamained over his overall fitness. He used Twitter to express his frustration after being omitted of the 3-1 win over Wigan Athletic, and was excluded from the squad for the Carling Cup win over West Brom. But Distin insists Saha still has plenty to offer the Toffees. He said: "He's a game changer for us and we see that every time he's on the pitch. "We're going to need everyone but Louis is an amazing player. If we can keep him fit then he can change our season." He added: "People only see him in games but I play against him everyday and trust me he's a pain. He's sharp, he's strong and he's really good with the ball. "The defenders behave differently because you've got a tough striker. He creates space, he scores goals he does a bit of everything." Everton have a tough run of fixtures before the end of October with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United on the horizon. But Distin says the players will not feel more pressure during this period: "I've been in England for 10 years now and I can't remember any easy games.
"Sometimes we feel like playing those big teams are going to be the toughest games, but everyone has got quality in their team. "So the big games won't be more difficult than the ones we'll play later on through the season."
Everton FC star Jack Rodwell says spirits remain high ahead of Merseyside derby
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 27 2011
JACK RODWELL insists Everton FC will head into Saturday’s Merseyside derby in confident mood despite Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City. Goals from Mario Balotelli and James Milner condemned David Moyes’ men to a 2-0 loss at the Etihad Stadium, with the EFC manager critical of referee Howard Webb afterwards. Next up is a lunchtime date with Liverpool at Goodison Park this weekend, and Rodwell says Everton’s players will have no time to feel sorry for themselves ahead of such a crunch fixture. He said: “We have made a decent start and got some good victories under our belts so we won’t get too down about this and we will focus now on the Liverpool game. “We had a match in midweek (in the Carling Cup against West Bromwich Albion) which went to extra time so that was a hard workout. Manchester City was again another hard workout but we will have a rest, get into a good week’s training and bounce back for the derby.” Rodwell himself performed admirably in an unfamiliar man-marking role, stifling City’s key creative talent, David Silva, impressively throughout. But after Balotelli’s deflected - and disputed - opening goal, Everton were forced to commit more men forward, and Silva was able to free himself sufficiently to lay on Milner’s late clincher. “It was disappointing,” added Rodwell. “We had our game plan and it worked for 70 minutes. They got the goal and it knocked the stuffing out of us and it was very difficult to come back from that. “They have got a lot of money now and have bought some very good players. They have a strong squad but we have a strong squad as well. We tried to match them but it wasn’t to be today.” Sylvain Distin, who also impressed with a resilient defensive display, echoed Rodwell’s sentiments. “When you really look at it you can take some positives out of it,” said the Frenchman. “Yes we lost 2-0 but it was against City who have some amazing players. “But there were some good performances for Everton. Jack Rodwell did a really good job on David Silva and we did not see much of him. We did well but sometimes you have just got to admit you were second best. “City have spent over £300m in the past two seasons so they are contenders for the title and that is what you have to do if you spend that kind of money,” he said. “We have got a really small squad when you compare with them. We have a lot of young players who have never played in the Premier League before or are playing their first season. It is nothing to be ashamed of. We did what we could do. We stuck to the plan. It did not work in the end but sometimes you have to admit the opposition were better than you.” Everton, who will today assess the injury sustained by Tim Cahill in Saturday’s game, have confirmed that their Carling Cup fourth round clash with Chelsea will take place on Wednesday October 26, kick-off 8pm.
Mark Lawrenson: Everton FC were unlucky in defeat to mega-bucks Manchester City
Liverpool Daily Post
Sep 27 2011
DAVID MOYES was visibly frustrated after Everton FC’s defeat to Manchester City on Saturday – and it was not hard to see why. David was upset at one or two refereeing decisions that went against his side – Vincent Kompany’s stamp on Tim Cahill, and the throw-in decision which led to the first goal – but I think his frustrations stemmed more from the fact that Everton did not get the reward their efforts deserved. I thought, for an hour or so, they were very good. Of all the teams that City have faced this season, that was their trickiest game. Everton were competitive, they were organised and they made life so difficult for them, with Jack Rodwell doing a great man marking job on David Silva. The flip side to that game plan is that you sacrifice your own threat, and in truth Everton rarely looked like finding a goal. And ultimately, when a side can bring almost £50million worth of talent from the bench – and still have Carlos Tevez in reserve – it is always likely to make a difference, and so it proved. David Moyes would kill for just one of those options, never mind the absurd depth that City have at their disposal. City will roll a lot of other teams over, home and away, so it is hard to be critical of Everton in that sense. They went with a plan, and it worked well for a long time. They were a bit unfortunate to concede the first goal as they did. When you play in that manner, you are always going to have to ride your luck, but unfortunately Everton couldn’t. No disgrace in that.
Tim Howard hopes Everton FC’s experience in Merseyside derbies will be crucial against Liverpoolby Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool EchoSep 28 2011
TIM Howard hopes Everton’s experience in Merseyside derbies will be crucial in their clash with Liverpool on Saturday. The USA goalkeeper is preparing to play in his 13th game against the Reds, and is just one of a host of derby veterans in David Moyes’ squad. In contrast several new faces in Liverpool’s squad will experience the white-hot atmosphere that is Goodison Park on derby day for the first time. Despite growing up on the other side of the world, Howard has learned to appreciate what the derby means to Evertonians in his six years on Merseyside. He said: “If you play passionately for a long period of time you start to become part of the fabric of the club just like the fans are and the way the homegrown players are. “It’s not easy to do that and maybe we’re not even there yet but you start to feel it little by little. “Everyone wants to know when the Liverpool game is, how quickly it comes in the season and whether it is at Anfield or at home. “We’re up for it and it’ll be a good one.” Meanwhile defender Sylvain Distin believes a Carling Cup fourth round tie against Chelsea at Goodison Park could work in their favour. Everton knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage last term and Distin believes playing against the top teams brings the best out of them. He said: “It’s a tough draw but we did well last season so why not? Sometimes you are a bit more focused playing against the bigger teams because you know you are going to have to play well. “We’ve had some really good games against Chelsea in recent seasons, but this is a new season so we can’t really compare.”
Remarkable Everton FC Barclay’s Premier League statistic which could bode well for Merseyside derby
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 28
RESILIENCE has become a byword for describing David Moyes’ Everton, with the Scot developing a team that rarely makes the same mistakes twice. But some may nevertheless be surprised to learn that it has been almost two years since Everton lost consecutive games in the Premier League.
Sixty-five top flight matches have taken place since the Toffees last endured the bitter taste of defeat twice in a row, stretching back to November 2009. To put their record in perspective, only Manchester City come even remotely close, with 32 games since they lost twice. Evertonians must cast their mind back to a gloomy winter evening 22 months ago, when they were beaten 3-2 by Hull City on the same evening that their hopes of a new stadium in Kirkby were dashed. The stat will provide optimism to Blues fans ahead of this Saturday’s derby showdown at Goodison, which follows Saturday’s defeat by Manchester City at the Etihad stadium. But there is a less welcome factor in the equation – the rare defeat which followed that setback in Hull in 2009 was a 2-0 Merseyside derby reverse at Goodison Park. The Blues typically made amends for that demoralising reverse at the hands of Phil Brown’s Hull later in the 2009/10 campaign, when they thrashed the Tigers 5-1 at Goodison thanks to strikes by Mikel Arteta, Landon Donovan and Jack Rodwell. And despite a poor start to the campaign, Moyes eventually guided his men to a respectable eighth-placed finish, just two points behind their city rivals. The following campaign saw the Blues never allow losing to become a habit. One of the low points of the season was undoubtedly the demoralising 4-1 humiliation at the hands of West Brom at Goodison, and a trip to Stamford Bridge immediately afterwards presented the toughest road to redemption. But the Blues responded to going behind to a Didier Drogba penalty in West London, to snatch a late equaliser courtesy of Jermaine Beckford.
Then, when they kicked off the New Year with a 2-0 defeat by Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, Everton responded with a pulsating 2-1 win over Harry Redknapp’s high-flying Tottenham at Goodison. The following month saw the same pattern repeated; Arsenal consigned the Blues to a 2-1 loss at the Emirates during a controversial game when Moyes claimed Cesc Fabregas should have been sent off for his half-time comments to the fourth official. Once again the misery was banished with a thrilling 5-3 demolition of Blackpool at Goodison that saw Louis Saha fire his way into the history books with four goals. Even the dismay at West Brom completing the double over the Merseysiders in their final away game of the season at the Hawthorns was banished with a triumphant closing day win over Chelsea. Moyes’ all-encompassing analysis of bad results means his team have bounced back time and time again. And the Scot has engendered such loyalty in his players that they are always desperate to restore his faith in them after a below-par display. There were no consecutive league defeats in the 2008/09 season, and you have to go back to October 2007 to find another two league disappointments – one of which included the infamous Mark Clattenburg derby shocker. Now everyone of a Royal Blue persuasion will hope to enter a tough run of games, as fixtures against Chelsea, Fulham and Manchester United follow, on the back of yet another resilient triumph.
Phil Jagielka: Everton FC must go back on attack for Merseyside derby after defensive stint against Man City
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 28
PHIL JAGIELKA insists Everton must go back on the attack for the Merseyside derby after their defensive stint against Manchester City. The England defender has been buoyed by the Blues’ home form, having lost just once in five games at Goodison this season, and believes the best way to topple Liverpool is by returning to the attacking blueprint that saw them defeat Wigan 3-1 in their last league outing. Jagielka, 29, acknowledges that Everton’s city rivals will represent another stern test after the 2-0 reverse at Manchester City’s Etihad stadium, but hopes the Blues approach the 216th Merseyside derby with only victory in mind. He said: “At home we have been doing okay. We changed things around a little bit for the City game, so hopefully we can go back to the way we have been for the Liverpool game and put up a performance and try to get a win. “It’ll be nice to get back to that. It’s still going to be hard against Liverpool, they’ve had a decent start to the season so we’re not pretending we’ll be up against a Liverpool that is struggling. “They have brought in a lot of good players and a lot of good quality. As much as we say we are looking forward to the derby, we aren’t expecting to automatically win it. “But we will be trying our best to get three points, whereas against City it was more us looking for a draw and maybe nicking a goal.” David Moyes’ side are on the brink of a difficult run of fixtures in the Premier League, with trips to Chelsea, Fulham and then the visit of Manchester United in October all following Saturday’s derby. But Jagielka says a high-octane clash with Liverpool is the perfect way to bounce back from the disappointment of defeat by Manchester City, that saw Everton lose their winning record over the Citizens. People would have looked at the fixture list and thought we were entering a run of games where maybe we aren’t expected to get maximum points,” he said. “There won’t need to be a reaction for the Liverpool game. It’s a good game for us to have after the City defeat.” Jagielka's central defensive partner Sylvain Distin is still in talks with the Blues about extending his own contract, as he attempts to agree a two-year extension to a deal that ends next summer. But one player who has signed a contract, until January at least, is Marcus Hahnemann, who has described his excitement at signing for Everton on loan until January. The 39-year-old former Wolves goalkeeper, who will contest Jan Mucha for the spot of deputy to Tim Howard, said he signed for the Blues because he was impressed by David Moyes. He said: “I didn’t come here for the money – let’s just put that there. That didn’t quite happen. I get a good feeling for managers when I listen to them being interviewed but when I chatted to him on Friday about what we were both looking for he seems like a great guy and I don't know how anyone could not want to play for him. “We’ve had a decent start but we’ve got a big game this weekend and then we got to Chelsea. “I’ve been training at Wolves and not belonging so to come to Everton means I’m over the moon.”
Merseyside derby memories: Brotherly love as Wayne Clarke stops Liverpool's record-breaking hunt
Dan KaySep 28 2011
Graeme Sharp punches the air delight at goalscorer Wayne Clarke wheels awayCOLIN HARVEY'S first season in charge having replaced Howard Kendall as Everton manager had not exactly gone to plan, with Merseyside neighbours Liverpool looking likely from early on in the campaign to depose the Blues as champions. Despite the autumn boon of a Littlewoods Cup third round win at Anfield courtesy of Gary Stevens' late winner, inconsistent league form (Everton ultimately finished fourth, twenty points off the top) coupled with domestic cup exits to Arsenal and Liverpool left Harvey's men facing a rather flat spring run-in after the excitement of the title chase twelve months previously. To make matters worse, Liverpool headed to Goodison in mid-March, as champions-elect, with bookmakers having stopped taking bets on them winning the league and the odds for going the whole league season without a defeat coming down from 100-1 to 6-4. The previous Wednesday night, a 1-1 draw at Derby County equalled Leeds United's run in 1973/74 of 29 unbeaten league games since the start of the season and Keny Dalglish's men headed across Stanley Park, deprived of regulars like Mark Lawrenson, Ronnie Whelan and John Aldridge through injury but looking to break that record on the patch of the old enemy, who themselves would be without skipper Kevin Ratcliffe. In front of a raucous Goodison crowd and the watching TV millions however, Everton tore into their opponents and were rewarded before even a quarter of an hour had been played when Bruce Grobbelaar failed to deal with a left-wing corner and Wayne Clarke scrambled the ball home from close-range. Liverpool pressed for much of the game without ever really causing Neville Southall too much discomfort and the final whistle heralded scenes of jubilation on the pitch, in the stands and in West Yorkshire as the preservation of their share in the record (Arsenal eventually took it by going the whole of the 2003/04 season unbeaten).
Indeed the matchwinner's brother, former Leeds and England striker Allan 'Sniffer' Clarke was in the Goodison stands and was there to congratulate youngest sibling afterwards.Wayne said, "I was pleased Allan was there; I was pleased to score of course but more pleased, really, for him.
"We hadn't talked before about the game or the record at all during the week but when I met him beforehand, he said he wanted two things from me - a car park ticket and the winning goal.
"The chance came from a corner we had to take twice. It was one we've worked on all seasom.
"We knew that Bruce would come for it and he couldn't quite reach. Graeme Sharp got a toe on the ball and it came to me. "Looking at the video afterwards, I was surprised at how little space there was to aim at. "We knew that they would come at us but we'd beaten them in the Littlewoods Cup by trying to attack them, never giving them time to settle on the ball. "At the end of the day, we're disappointed that we're not where Liverpool are but at least we gave them a little reminder, and gave our fans something to hold on to. Till next time."
Sylvain Distin chasing new two-year deal at Everton FC
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 28 2011
SYLVAIN DISTIN is hoping for a new two-year deal as Everton FC aim to avoid losing the defender for nothing at the end of the season. Goodison officials are currently in amicable talks over a fresh contract for the 33-year-old, whose present agreement expires in the summer. Everton have offered a one-year extension, but Distin, who signed from Portsmouth for £5.3million in August 2009, is seeking a deal twice that length and is awaiting the club’s next move. While discussions are ongoing, the Goodison outfit are aware the Frenchman, who appeared for Everton in every game last season, would be free to speak to foreign clubs in the New Year. David Moyes will no doubt be keen for Distin to further his Everton commitment with the player in sparkling form this season alongside Phil Jagielka at the heart of defence. Distin, meanwhile, believes compatriot Louis Saha still has a part to play for Everton this season. The 33-year-old forward has struggled for fitness this season, his cause for first-team involvement not helped by comments on Twitter and his decision to leave Goodison having been omitted from the squad in the recent home win over Wigan Athletic.
Saha made his latest comeback as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City at the weekend, and will be hopeful of an appearance in Saturday’s home derby against Liverpool. And Distin said: “He’s a game-changer for us and we see that every time he’s on the pitch. “We’re going to need everyone but Louis is an amazing player. If we can keep him fit then he can change our season.
“People only see him in games but I play against him everyday and trust me he’s a pain. He’s sharp, he’s strong and he’s really good with the ball. “The defenders behave differently because you’ve got a tough striker. He creates space, he scores goals he does a bit of everything.” The visit to City was the first in a run of games that sees Everton entertain both Liverpool and Manchester United while visiting Chelsea, Fulham and Newcastle United. But Distin said: “I’ve been in England for 10 years now and I can’t remember any easy games. “Sometimes we feel like playing those big teams are going to be the toughest games, but everyone has got quality in their team. “So the big games won’t be more difficult than the ones we’ll play later on through the season.” Meanwhile, Everton defender Shane Duffy is set to extend his loan spell at npower League One Scunthorpe United for a second month. “I’ve spoken to Shane and he is benefiting from playing in someone’s first team,” said Scunthorpe manager Alan Knill. “It’s better he plays in a competitive team that is playing quite well rather than the reserves. “That’s what they sent him to us for, to learn, and that’s what he’s doing. I think he’s getting better.”
Everton FC will go back on the attack for derby, insists Phil Jagielka
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 28 2011
PHIL JAGIELKA is convinced Everton FC will banish any safety-first tactics and go back on the attack in this weekend’s Merseyside derby. David Moyes adopted an unashamedly defensive formation for last weekend’s visit to Premier League high-fliers Manchester City. Everton went into the game without a recognised striker in the starting line-up, and their approach was paying off before goals in the final quarter from substitutes Mario Balotelli and James Milner consigned the visitors to a 2-0 defeat. Moyes’s negative tactics caused a ripple of consternation among supporters unhappy at seeing their team playing for a point against opposition they had beaten seven times in the previous eight meetings. But Jagielka believes Everton will go for the jugular when Liverpool make the short journey across Stanley Park on Saturday. “It’s still going to be hard against Liverpool, they’ve had a decent start to the season so we’re not pretending we’ll up against a Liverpool that is struggling,” said the England international. “They have brought in a lot of good players and a lot of good quality. As much as we say we are looking forward to the derby, we aren’t expecting to automatically win it.
“But we will be trying our best to get three points, whereas against City it was more us looking for a draw and maybe nicking a goal. “We changed things around a little bit for the City game, so hopefully we can go back to the way we have been for the Liverpool game and put up a performance and try to get a win. It’ll be nice to get back to that.” The visit to City was the first in a run of games that sees Everton entertain both Liverpool and Manchester United while visiting Chelsea, Fulham and Newcastle United. Jagielka, though, is confident Everton can bounce back from the Eastlands loss while extending an unbeaten four-match home run. “People would have looked at the fixture list and thought we were entering a run of games where maybe we aren’t expected to get maximum points,” said the centre-back. “There won’t need to be a reaction for the Liverpool game. It’s a good game for us to have after the City defeat. At home we have been doing okay.” Tim Howard believes Everton’s greater collective experience of Merseyside derbies could work in their favour this weekend. The United States international will play in his 13th match against their neighbours, one of a number within the squad who have a wealth of games in the fixture in comparison to as many as six derby debutants for Liverpool. “If you play passionately for a long period of time you start to become part of the fabric of the club just like the fans are and the way the homegrown players are,” said Howard. “It’s not easy to do that and maybe we’re not even there yet but you start to feel it little by little. “Everyone wants to know when the Liverpool game is, how quickly it comes in the season and whether it is at Anfield or at home. We’re up for it and it’ll be a good one.”
Blue Boys: Everton under-18s frustrated with Bolton draw
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sep 29 2011
EVERTON’S Academy youngsters were frustrated by Bolton Wanderers last weekend, with a 1-1 draw. And for young striker Anton Forrester it was a sweet and sour afternoon. Forrester enjoyed a personal duel with visiting keeper Lewis Fielding, drawing first blood as he raced onto a through ball to smash a rising shot into the top corner from a narrow angle. But the Blues were unable to build on their bright start. Fielding thwarted the home side time and again. Forrester was frustrated twice by superb saves as he threatened to extend the advantage.
Blue Boys: Edward Flinn scoops player of the year award at Everton’s 2011 Disability Player of Year Awards
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sep 29 2011
ELEVEN-year-old Edward Flinn was a major award winner at an Everton’s 2011 Disability Player of the Year Awards this week. The youngster from Orrell Park, who plays for the Blues’ U12s pan-disability team, scooped the Manager’s Player of the Year award and received his prize from first team star Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. Edward, who is deaf, received the award in recognition of the improvements he has made to his game over the last year. A forward, he is now part of the Liverpool County FA Disability Centre of Excellence and is making inroads to represent England.
Everton’s disability manager Steve Johnson said: “I am delighted to see Edward receive his award. He is an excellent player who has a bright future ahead of him. “The awards ceremony was also an opportunity for us to celebrate a much loved powered-wheelchair player, Matthew Jones, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago. “Matthew was a fantastic young man who thoroughly enjoyed playing for Everton Football Club. “The programme offers football opportunities for a range of different disabilities including physical, sensory and learning disabilities, without Everton in the Community disabled people like Matthew and Edward would not have had the chance to play football.”
Everton’s Shane Duffy has loan spell at Scunthorpe extended
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sep 29 2011
TEENAGE Blues defender Shane Duffy’s loan at Scunthorpe is set to be extended for a second month. The centre-back has made four appearances for the Iron since moving on transfer deadline day and Scunthorpe boss Alan Knill has been very impressed. “The thing I like most about him is when the ball comes into the box, he really wants to head it – before anybody else. He’s a proper centre-half,” he said. “I’ve spoken to Shane and he is benefiting from playing in someone’s first team. It’s better he plays in a competitive team that is playing quite well rather than the reserves.”
Everton FC fans' letters: EFC went into a gunfight with a white flag
Liverpool EchoSep 29 2011
THERE was no shame in Everton losing 2-0 to a good Manchester City team, the shame was in the way they lost. Moyes said before the game he was going into a gunfight with a knife. He put the knife away and went with a large white flag instead, playing with 10 men behind the ball for most of the game, with three centre-forwards on the bench. Fulham scored two against City last week, Bolton, bottom of the league, scored two a few weeks ago. Do you think they scored these goals by playing defensive football? Everton got battered in the first half last season against City, put two up front in the second half and scored two and won the game. Moyes, you learned NOTHING from that game. You moan about needing a bit of luck in these games. If you play your team with the tactics you used on Saturday you deserve all you get, which is nothing.
Dave Abrahams, L11.
READING David Prentice on Friday ( I do like your page David) I could not help but smile as I got near the bottom of the page. We all agree football is a technical game but only in certain areas, but when it comes to measuring how many miles a player covers in a game I shake my head and indeed smile.
How does the crack go in the pub now after the game, “Wow Felli had a goodun! he must have covered 15 miles today!” Did anyone ever measure Alan Ball on distance? I can just see David Moyes on a Monday morning saying to Tim Howard: “What happened to you Tim, you only covered 120 yards!” PS: If Howard Webb is number one referee in this country then God help us. The man is a disgrace. He struts around the park like a Prima Donna with his different poses, and forgets what he is on the park for. If he was a doctor he would be struck off for negligence. Drop him into the lower leagues for a few weeks and bring him down to earth, or put him out to pasture for his posture.
Geoff Warriner, L32.
A VERY disappointing defeat against City, but on the whole, an encouraging defensive display, with Distin in particular outstanding, and an excellent cameo from Vellios. Everton should have tested Joe Hart considerably more, and not been tactically tepid. Nevertheless, Everton are not too far in being considered as a top five outfit, but this will depend how bold the board are going to be come January. Everton need a midfield patroller who can hold on to the ball, but importantly, the ability to thread the ball through the opposition’s D, a left winger with pace, another midfielder who is going to compete for a central midfield berth and a physical pacy right back. The young players who could fit the bill are Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Nedhum Onhua and Darren Gibson, but finance needs to raised. Bilayletdinov has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has evaded him. Considering he is a regular for the Russian side the Toffees could well earn a sizeable transfer fee for him. Everton are going through a transitional stage, but it is encouraging the youngsters have been given opportunities.
David, Aintree.
Everton FC jury - Merseyside derby special
Liverpool EchoSep 29 2011
Tony Scott: Ross Barkley could be derby day hero APART from Ladies Day at Aintree this is as about as Scouse as it gets on Saturday. Yes, it’s derby day at Goodison Park. Who would have thought back in October 1894 this fixture would still have every ingredient of drama, controversy, excitement and of course the glory of gloating over them for six months? All I want to see from Moyes on Saturday is a positive team selection and go for it, this isn't the Liverpool team of old, everyone knows it and they are there to be got at like Tottenham Hotspur proved. The Everton fans have, as usual, the most important role to play come 12.45 and get The Old Lady rocking to its foundations and the players will respond, no doubt about it. If Vellios or Saha get at Jamie Carragher from the off we will have a great chance, and I've a sneaky feeling Ross Barkley may be the talk of the city come Saturday night.
Mike Drummond: Luis Suarez must be kept at bay LOOKING back at the City game, it is clearly evident that we set up not to get beat. Our defending was quality but it became a lot more difficult as the game went on especially that City had the option of bringing two fresh pairs of attacking legs against our resilient defence. We had no chance of scoring with only Cahill up front, there was no way of a breakthrough unless we got the set piece. It’s the above that worries me going into the derby. Even though our neighbours are nowhere near the standard of City, we are struggling against the likes of West Brom. We haven’t got much option but to keep the same team as we did on Saturday either, I just hope the crowd gets behind the team. One of our key objectives should be to make sure Suarez is kept at bay. He is the type of player that anyone would hate to play against, but he can’t score every game!
Mike Williamson: I'd love EFC to go for the Reds from the first whistle WITH Cahill almost certain to be used alone up front on Saturday, I think we will be playing straight into the opposition’s hands.
God love him forever but he is not a lone striker. Of course, we will hear the same old clichés about not wanting to lose, but if we try a containment game from the start then I think we will be in trouble. That’s the game they will be expecting us to play but I would love DM to surprise everybody by going for them from the first whistle. Whatever the approach, the experience of players like Fellaini, Osman and Jags will be needed to settle the rest of the team down in the first part of the game, while keeping Suarez tightly controlled will be the key.
Cole Fraser: Change of tactics needed
DERBY day is nearly upon us. That day, when the usual friendly banter, turns into a harsh hatred.
Personally, I love derby day, but I understand those who don't look forward to it. Win, lose or draw, I never feel let down by Everton, and I feel that Saturday will be the same. Team selection, though, is vital. If the right 11 players are picked, then we can definitely go out and beat Liverpool. It beggars belief why we started the match at City with no natural left midfielder, while Royston Drenthe sat on the bench. Royston must start, along with Apostolos Vellios. Vellios has impressed with every performance and must be wondering what he has to do to get a start. At a time when we're short of strikers we should be looking to get one into the side, instead of relying on Cahill to lead from the front. Let's get Tim back in his preferred role and go for the jugular.
Everton FC star Sylvain Distin trying to treat Merseyside derby like any other game
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo Sep 29 2011
Everton FC defender Sylvain Distin meets the mediaTHAT special feeling is in the air again on Merseyside. The one which has football supporters, blue or red, giddy with excitement, yet sick with apprehension. Derby day can do that to folk. At Finch Farm, however, the mood is a little different. Maybe it is something to do with the glorious late-September weather which has spread across the city this week, but Everton’s players seem quietly confident ahead of their 216th cross-city dispute with Liverpool this Saturday lunchtime. None more so than Sylvain Distin. The burly defender may only have been an Everton player for two years, but he has already tasted the whole range of derby-day emotions. And the 33-year-old insists he will treat the build-up to this weekend’s clash as if it were any other game. “The derby is an important game, we can feel that from the fans,” he says. “But for us it is just another big game. And so we are getting ready for it like any other big game.
“What can you do? It is just another football game. We know it is a special atmosphere, but on the pitch it is the same as playing any other team. There is no special preparation.” Not even for that unique Goodison atmosphere? Or the inevitable raft of meaty challenges which usually follow the first whistle? “It is more the fans who create the special atmosphere,” insists Distin. “Maybe foreign players don’t really understand what it is about at first, but it is a special day. “Derbies in every country are special but in England they are completely different, and that is because of the fans. It is a special atmosphere, a special game. And because of that atmosphere you can feel a little more tension on the pitch. “You can have some good tackles as well, but they are the kind of things where you need to be careful and try not to be too hard, and to just think about the football. “Those kind of things can make it a slightly different game. But once the game starts, and after maybe a couple of yellow cards, then it goes back to being a normal football game. “Do I enjoy it? Of course! That is the kind of thing I want. “As a football player, you want big games, great atmospheres. That is what I came to England for. “It is a positive thing for me, as long as it is not too dirty. But to be fair, in ten years in England I have not played in any derby game where it has been too bad. There are some strong tackles, but that is the same in every game I guess.” Distin has already experienced the highs and lows of Merseyside derby combat since his arrival at Everton from Portsmouth in 2009. From defeat in each of his first two encounters (“a great experience for me, win or lose”), to last season when the Blues took four points off their rivals, and could easily have taken all six.
Distin himself was on the scoresheet the last time the sides met, a 2-2 draw at Anfield back in January, and says it was a special moment for him. “It is strange, but in a way you prefer to score away from home,” he says. “I don’t know why, but it feels a little more important. It is a strange feeling. “Obviously as a defender you don’t score many goals, so when you do score one you want to feel like it is an important one. That goal was one of them.” So is he expecting to be a marked man if Everton get an attacking set-piece on Saturday? “Well we have a few guys who can score at set-pieces,” he laughs. “We have Tim (Cahill), me, Jags (Phil Jagielka), Felli (Marouane Fellaini), even (Leon) Osman, who is great in the air for a small guy. So I don’t think the attention will be focused solely on me at set pieces. We have lots of players who need attention, and it is going to be difficult to mark us.” Also difficult, Distin admits, will be handling Liverpool’s new-look attack. Though he is looking forward to seeing one player in particular. “I played with Craig Bellamy when I first came to England (with Newcastle) 10 years ago,” he adds. “He is a great guy but he is a real pain on the pitch!
“Even playing with him he is a pain! He wants every single ball, and he keeps barking all the time. But he is a great guy, and it will be nice to see him. “I haven’t seen him for a long time. I had a great time with him at Newcastle, and whenever I have played against him it has been good.” Everton fans will be hoping the Frenchman will still be smiling – and that Bellamy will still be barking – come 3pm on Saturday.
Everton FC’s plans to open a school move closer after winning government support
by Ben Turner, Liverpool Echo Sep 29 2011
EVERTON FC’s bid to be one of the first football clubs in the country to open a school is a step nearer after impressing government chiefs with its plans. As we revealed in July the club’s official charity, Everton in the Community, revealed its intention to apply to the government to create a free school in Liverpool. Everton – whose Latin motto translates into Nothing But The Best Will Do – would run the school and it would be funded by the government. Working with existing education providers in the city the school, for 14 to 19 year-olds, would be run day-to-day by the Blues’ charity. It will use the power of sport to engage pupils who may thrive better in a non-traditional schooling environment as well as their wider families. Despite interest from other clubs the ECHO can exclusively reveal that the Toffees are now the only Premiership outfit in the running to see their free school ambitions become a reality. The club had set out its plans to officials at the Department For Education. And their initial blueprint has met with a favourable response from government officials. After scrutinising 273 free school applications it today confirmed that the club is one of a handful of applicants to make it through to the financial stage. The club must now prepare a robust financial business case with a final decision on its plans expected by the year’s close. The club stress the school is not just for Evertonians. And it would offer a range of learning styles and activities to prepare pupils for the world of work. Free schools are aimed at teachers and parents who want to set up their own schools, independent of local authorities. The Blues’ chief executive Robert Elstone said: “We are proud to be associated with a project that will make a difference to the lives of many in our local community.” He added: “We have played a huge part in the Liverpool and Merseyside community for over 100 years and this latest move demonstrates our desire to continue to make a difference where it counts.”
Everton FC defender Sylvain Distin insists he is not holding out for a two-year contract
by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo Sep 29 2011
SYLVAIN DISTIN insists reports suggesting he is holding out for a new two-year contract at Everton FC are wide of the mark, and says he would be happy to sign a one-year deal at Goodison Park.
Stories circulated earlier this week claiming the French defender had been offered a one-year extension to his current deal, but that he was hoping to be handed an extra year as reward for his consistent form. But the 34-year-old, whose current Blues deal expires at the end of this season, says he has made no such demands, and that he is happy to commit his future to the club. Disitn said: “I read today in the newspaper that I was asking for a two-year contract. I am not sure where that has come from but it is completely untrue, and I would like to rectify that. “I am happy with one-year. If Everton want to give me two then that is all good, but I am really happy with one.”
Distin has been a virtual ever-present at Goodison since joining the club from Portsmouth in 2009, and is certain to start Saturday lunchtime’s Merseyside derby with Liverpool. There, he will come face to face for the first time with Luis Suarez, who has been in sensational form for the Reds this season. Distin, however, insists that he will have no fears. He added: “Luis seems to be a great player, an amazing player with great quality who can score goals. But he won’t be the first great striker I have played against. “I have been here for 10 years, I don’t know how many games I have played, but I have played against players like Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer, Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka, Fernando Torres. I could give you 20 or 50 names of top strikers I have played against.
“I played against (Edin) Dzeko and Aguero last weekend, so it is just going to be another good challenge, and one which I will enjoy. I can’t wait. “I actually think Aguero and Suarez are very similar in the way they are built physically, and the way they play. It will be another good test.”
Everton managed to keep the free-scoring Aguero relatively quiet for more than hour at Eastlands on Saturday, but Distin expects to see a much more attacking performance this weekend, as David Moyes’ side chase all three points. “There was a lot of defending to do (at Manchester City) but that was just a one-off game,” he said. “It is not the Everton style. “We play our football and try to win the game. That is a strength of ours. “It is a home game as well, so we will not be going out just to defend. We want to win.”
Tim Cahill is still a derby doubt says Everton FC boss David Moyes
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 29 2011
TIM Cahill is still a derby doubt as he battles to recover from a badly bruised shin, according to Everton FC manager David Moyes. The EFC boss was furious when Cahill was hurt in a challenge with Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany during last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at the Etihad stadium. Moyes was incensed that Kompany escaped censure for the tackle, with Cahill instead booked and forced to limp off. The 31-year-old Aussie, who is Everton’s top scorer in post-war derbies, has responded to treatment at Finch Farm but has been unable to train so far this week.
Moyes said: “We’re not sure. His leg was black and blue and he hasn’t trained yet but we’ll be keeping a close eye on him, and we’ll wait and see. “He’s been doing well for us up front, he hasn’t scored any goals yet but he’s done well.” Toffees medical staff will give the makeshift centre-forward every chance to prove his fitness, and the feeling at Finch Farm is that he will eventually recover enough to figure against Kenny Dalglish’s men although he is likely to have to carry the knock. Cahill has form for shrugging off injuries, and last month told Australian media. “I come back and I have never played in the reserves,” he said. “I always get thrown into the thick of it. I make sure I am in peak form when I return and I spend every day on the bike for half an hour, plus doing weights in the gym, yoga. If I have a leg injury, I still do one-legged bike work while that is repairing.”
Everton FC teenager Luke Garbutt joins npower League Two side Cheltenham on loan
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 29 2011 EVERTON FC teenager Luke Garbutt has joined Cheltenham on a month's loan.
Merseyside derby memories: Duncan Ferguson gets Joe Royle's Everton FC reign off to flying start with victory over Liverpool
By Sean BradburySep 29 2011
Duncan Ferguson scores the opener for Everton FC in a 2-0 win against Liverpool in 1994Ahead of the 216th Merseyside derby on Saturday, the ECHO takes a look back at five of the best Everton FC victories over Liverpool FC
Everton 2 Liverpool 0 - Goodison Park - 21 November 1994
Joe Royle's Goodison Park reign got off to the perfect start as Duncan Ferguson and Paul Rideout fired the new boss to a 2-0 triumph in in his first game in charge. Victory in the 151st Merseyside derby looked an unlikely prospect before kick-off. With just one win in 16 matches, Everton were rock bottom of the Premier League table and bang out of form. To make matters worse, Liverpool had won 20 of the previous 42 derbies whereas the Blues only had seven wins to their name in that time. The visitors had the better of a frenetic opening period, dominating possession but reaching half-time with nothing to show for it. Everton emerged after the break with Paul Rideout on for the injured Matt Jackson and the ensuing tactical reshuffle, with Daniel Amokachi dropping into midfield and Rideout joining Ferguson in attack, gave the Blues the edge. Video: Ferguson nods the Blues ahead before Rideout makes it two Ferguson broke the deadlock from an inswinging Hinchcliffe corner on the hour mark, the net rippling with Liverpool keeper David James rooted to the spot.
Rideout hit the post before Liverpool briefly threatened to get back into the tie with a spell of pressure, but the substitute had the rub of the green on 88 minutes, dispatching past James and sealing the win. Bar a muted shout for a penalty in the 82nd minute, Liverpool could have no complaints. Everton were resolute in defence, pressed in midfield and took their chances up front.
Their climb up the table continued slowly but surely, resulting in a 15th-placed finish in the league.
And Paul Rideout was the hero again in the FA Cup Final in May, as the Blues claimed a shock 1-0 win over Manchester United and brought their first major trophy for eight years home to the Goodison faithful.
Everton FC: Southall, Jackson (Rideout), Ablett, Watson, Unsworth, Horne, Parkinson, Ebbrell, Ferguson, Amokachi (Limpar), Hinchcliffe
Liverpool FC: James, Jones, Scales, Ruddock, Babb, Bjornebye (Redknapp), McManaman, Molby, Barnes, Fowler, Rush
Goals: Ferguson, Rideout
Attendance: 39,866
Everton FC star Tim Cahill winning battle to be fit for Merseyside derby
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 29 2011
Tim Cahill, Everton FC
EVERTON talisman Tim Cahill is winning his battle to be fit for this weekend’s Goodison derby.
Cahill suffered a badly bruised shin after being on the receiving end of a strong challenge from Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany during last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Manchester City.
Everton manager David Moyes was furious Kompany escaped censure for the tackle, with Cahill instead booked and forced to limp off. However, the Australian, who is Everton’s top scorer in post-war derbies, is responding to treatment at Finch Farm and is now expected to take his place in the starting line-up against Liverpool. In comparison to Anfield counterpart Kenny Dalglish, David Moyes can call upon a squad rich in derby experience. But Phil Jagielka, who is poised for his eighth appearance in the fixture, is confident Everton’s new boys will deliver if called upon for the 216th Merseyside showdown. New signings Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi, along with young trio Apostolos Vellios, Ross Barkley and Magaye Gueye, could all be involved for the first time against Liverpool. And Jagielka said: “Roy will know about derbies and was at Madrid who have some big rivalries and Denis will pick up on the vibe of it all. I am sure they will be fine. “But yes, this week does feel a bit different. Obviously we have a few Evertonians in the squad, although there is probably the odd Liverpudlian in the building somewhere, but it is always talked about, right from the Monday all the way through to the weekend, and the players do look forward to it. “The two teams aren’t far apart in the table at the moment but that does not seem to really matter, the derbies are always good to watch for one reason or another and hopefully that will be the same on Saturday.” Barkley, meanwhile, could make his competitive debut for England Under-21s after being named along with team-mate Jack Rodwell in the England Under-21 squad for their UEFA European U21 Championships qualifying double-header next month. Stuart Pearce’s side face away games in Iceland and Norway as they aim to qualify for the 2013 European Championships. Rodwell captained the U21s in the recent friendly win against Israel, a game in which Barkley earned his first cap at that level.
Ex-Everton FC winger Pat Nevin on why Merseyside derbies are the best
Liverpool Daily PostSep 29 2011
PAT NEVIN is a member of a very exclusive club of football personalities who know what it is like to experience derby games as a player, media analyst and as the chief executive of one of the participating clubs. And as much as the former Scotland international winger is enthusiastic about every role he has played in the game over three decades, he admits he would relish another chance to pull on the blue shirt of Everton against Liverpool at Goodison this weekend. Nevin played in derbies for Clyde, Chelsea, Tranmere, Kilmarnock, Motherwell and close to a dozen on Merseyside during a spell with Everton which ran from 1988 to 1992. He spent four years working as chief executive at SPL club Motherwell, a spell that overlapped his retirement as a player in 2000.
His current media work with the BBC, Channel 5 and Chelsea FC takes him to games across the UK and Europe every week and he's been back to Merseyside to report on Liverpool/Everton games on many occasions. Nevin said: "My job at the moment is brilliant – but it is rubbish compared to being a player! "Merseyside derbies were not the easiest games to play in. They were fierce but that wasn't a problem. I loved them. They were the best derbies I played in because of the intensity.
"Chelsea wasn't quite the same. There are a number of London derbies and we always felt the big one for us was Arsenal. But Arsenal regarded Tottenham as their big derby." Nevin joined Everton from Chelsea at the instigation of manager Colin Harvey, who had succeeded Howard Kendall after the 1987 title success. The Scot was less happy after Kendall returned for a second spell at Goodison. He recalled: "I may have been in a situation where I was playing for a manager whose tactical approach I did not agree with but did not detract from my enjoyment of the games I played for Everton." Nevin scored his only derby goal for Everton in a 3-1 league defeat at Anfield on February 9, 1991. "I rememberŠDave Watson knocking the ball down and I scrambled itŠin from six yards," Nevin said. However, that was just the first of four derbies in the month and the following three, all FA Cup fifth round ties, were a good deal more memorable. A sprawling tackle by Gary Ablett on Nevin in the first goalless game at Anfield on February 17 is regarded by many Evertonians as the most blatant penalty not to be given in a Merseyside derby. Three days later the first replay at Goodison produced a heart stopping 4-4 draw in which Everton equalised four times and was followed, the next day, by the resignation of Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool manager. A week later Everton won the second replay, also at Goodison, thanks to Dave Watson's goal. Nevin said: "The 4-4 draw is the derby game I remember most. How could you forget it? Every time Liverpool hit us we bounced back. Then by the time the next replay came around, Kenny had left Liverpool."
A year later Nevin found himself released on loan to Tranmere Rovers and the transfer was made permanent in the summer of 1992. Nevin became a hugely popular and respected figure at Prenton Park, helping John King's team to reach the play-offs in the division now known as the Championship in three successive seasons in the mid 90s. In 1997 Nevin returned to Scotland to finish his playing career with Kilmarnock and Motherwell. It was at MotherwellŠthat Nevin experienced derbies from the directors box, first in the unusual role as player/chief executive, then, after hanging up his boots in 2000, purely as an administrator. Nevin said: "Being the chief executive of the football club is a very difficult gig. I did not really enjoy it but I learned a lot and it was fascinating." He will be working in Scotland on Saturday but keeping his ears open for the Goodison result and hoping for an Everton win. Nevin said: "I'm very fortunate to have enjoyed myself at every club I played for and also fortunate that I had a good relationship with the fans. So when people ask me which club I support, there are quite a few of them!"
Ian Doyle: I’m not sitting on the fence but evenly-matched Merseyside derby looks like being a draw
by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post Sep 29 2011
OPEN your window and, listen carefully enough, you can hear it. A familiar, faint thud that only ever happens at this time of year. Yes, it’s the sound of form-books being thrown out of the window as the city prepares for the greatest parochial spat since the last one. But are recent performances and the league table completely irrelevant when it comes to forecasting the Merseyside derby?
The evidence of the last few years would suggest not. And it’s why Saturday’s Goodison scrap should be prove an intriguing encounter with both teams evenly balanced. Everton and Liverpool have made, on the face of it, encouraging starts to the season. But neither is without obvious shortcomings, as David Moyes and Kenny Dalglish continue tentatively rotating their resources in search of a consistently winning formula. Certainly, Moyes won’t – and perhaps daren’t – park the bus again as he did to ultimately no avail at Manchester City last Saturday. But it’s clear the Everton manager doesn’t quite fully trust the attackers at his disposal, be it the youth of Apostolos Vellios, the unknown quantity of Denis Straqualursi or the temperamental talent of Louis Saha. Saha is the most obvious inclusion, but Moyes may be tempted to stick with makeshift forwards Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill against a Liverpool defence that is struggling for clean sheets. Cahill’s fitness is crucial. The Australian loves these fixtures and helps fire the Goodison crowd, and like many of his team-mates is a veteran of numerous derbies. This could be to Everton’s advantage, with Liverpool’s line-up possibly containing as many as six derby debutants. Goodison is not a place for the faint-hearted. And, despite the opening-day reverse to Queens Park Rangers, Moyes’s men have now found their groove at home, where they won the equivalent fixture 2-0 a little under 12 months ago. A lot has changed at Liverpool since then. But what hasn’t altered is the fact the midfield battle will determine where the game is won and lost. Again, Everton can take encouragement. In losing at Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool’s engine room, which is unlikely to start with Steven Gerrard, failed to maintain their composure in the heat of a frenetic battle, a point Moyes will no doubt not allow to pass unnoticed. Dalglish may fight fire with fire. Enter Craig Bellamy and the X-factor of Luis Suarez, while in Andy Carroll he has at his disposal the type of derby target man not seen since the days of Duncan Ferguson. This, you’d think, is the ideal platform for Carroll, a blood-and-thunder Premier League encounter ready-made for the striker to win over the hearts and minds of his Anfield doubters. Elsewhere, Leighton Baines has previously named Dirk Kuyt as his most difficult opponent, and with the Dutchman possessing a strong derby history, it’s inconceivable he will again be overlooked. The last time Dalglish took charge of a Goodison derby, he quit two days later.
The game that night ended in a draw. And, at the risk of acquiring a splintery backside, it would be no surprise to see a repeat on Saturday afternoon. Probably not a 4-4 one, though. Graeme Souness’ assessment of Carlos Tevez was hard to argue with GRAEME SOUNESS is a personality that, for wildly varying reasons, has proven hugely controversial on Merseyside ever since first pulling on a Liverpool shirt in the 1970s. But it was extremely difficult to argue with the former Anfield manager’s refreshingly forthright assessment of the apparent refusal of Carlos Tevez to come on as substitute for Manchester City in their Champions League clash at Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.
“With half an hour to go, why would a player not want to go on and help his team-mates?” said Souness. “How selfish can you get, just because he didn’t start? How petulant can you be? “You would chase him as far as you can from Manchester tomorrow, because he is one bad apple and that can spread. “He’s a disgrace to football. The man in the street thinks there’s a lot wrong with the modern footballer; he epitomises what the man in the street thinks is wrong with modern footballers.” It made for great television, as former Manchesetr City manager Mark Hughes – whose agent, the shady Kia Joorabchian, also represents Tevez – shuffled awkwardly in his seat alongside Souness. At a time when the decreasing attendances are beginning to reflect the financial restraints of everyday folk, the sight of one of the highest-paid players in the world doing the childhood equivalent of taking his ball home left a bad taste in the mouth. Sure, no matter how much you get paid, you are going to get upset from time to time. But Tevez was as Souness rightly called – a total disgrace. My substitutes’ solution makes sense – that’s why it won’t happen THERE has been plenty of feedback to my suggestion last week that restricting teams to three substitutes for domestic games in every country would help save football. Those querying the approach pointed to players such as the infamous Winston Bogarde who are quite happy to take their money without kicking a ball. That slightly misses the point. In any profession, there will always be people who will try their very best to get away with the doing nothing for maximum reward. And with belts being tightened, in any case clubs are much less likely to take a chance on players that have garnered such a reputation. Three subs is definitely the way to go. It will bring down squad sizes, place more demands on the versatility of players and managers, ensures teams cannot stockpile talent, and increases the level of competition across the league.
Which is exactly why it will never, ever happen.
Blue Watch: Gap between Everton and the top gets bigger – but Liverpool are no Manchester City
Jim Connor Liverpool Daily Post Sep 29 2011 Everton lose at Man CityAS Everton conceded against Manchester City last weekend – from a shot deflected off Phil Jagielka – most Blues fans must have wondered just how we are meant to compete against the rich clubs. Not content with a first team worth many, many times the price of the entire Everton squad, the City fans can rest assured they will still get their fair share of the lucky breaks. Balotelli’s goal highlighted that sometimes hard work and team spirit are simply not enough in the Premier League. And Alex Ferguson may lament Manchester United shaking hands with the devil, but certain clubs clearly don’t get to move in the same social circles. Such is the enormous gap between Everton and City that Moyes opted for an overly defensive set-up. And it nearly worked. Had the Blues manager pulled off yet another David and Goliath act in the Premier League, no doubt the plaudits would have been flowing. He and his team would have deserved them, but they deserve recognition even in defeat. Losses like those against City just underline the measure of the achievements of Moyes and his players over the years.
Everton have been battling against the very structure of football in this country, and until that structure is changed – so there is a level playing field for everyone – Premier League mismatches will continue to be the norm. This weekend, however, it is the derby, the one fixture some will tell you where the form book – and money – goes out of the window. A cursory glance of the results of the last ten years, though tells a different story. Everton’s derby day successes have been rare against our cash-rich neighbours. Nevertheless, hope always seems to spring eternal with this fixture, and looking at the Liverpool squad – excepting Luis Suarez – there isn’t an obvious gulf in class. But Liverpool have spent huge amounts of cash this year, so Everton’s derby hopes, as always, are tinged with a fear of what could happen if Dalglish has managed to get the Reds recruitment policy right for once. In the past it seems Moyes has been too cagey in these games, too willing to defer to Liverpool’s reputation rather than start out with an attacking mindset from the off. After all Liverpool are not Manchester City. Last Saturday at Eastlands was a far greater challenge for Moyes and his players. A home match at Goodison against Liverpool is still winnable by this Everton squad – our Mersey rivals are still within touching distance of us. With Saha back on the pitch Moyes can unleash his most potent strike force – with derby talisman Tim Cahill avoiding an injury lay-off. Cahill is the one Blues player who, as usual, can have a massive impact on this result. No doubt Moyes will be looking for Tim to provide another great derby day memory for the Blues.
Everton FC move step closer to becoming first Premier League club to set up Free School
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 30 2011 EVERTON have moved a step closer to becoming the first Premier League club to set-up its own school. The club’s official charity, Everton in the Community, met with the Department of Education in August, and are now set to complete a financial review into the plan. The Free School, funded in its entirety by central Government, would be run day-to-day by the Blues' charity, and will use the power of sport to engage pupils at risk of exclusion and their wider families with an alternative learning experience whilst also making them feel involved. The school would be open to all young people aged 14 to 19 who would benefit from a wider range of learning styles and approaches to prepare them for the world of work. Chief executive Robert Elstone said: “We conducted a rigorous appraisal of the project ahead of making the decision to express our interest and absolutely considered it the right thing to do. “We are proud to be associated with a project that will make a difference to the lives of many in our local community. "Everton is a football club built on a history of being brave and innovative, leading groundbreaking initiatives both on and off the football field. “We have played a huge part in the Liverpool and Merseyside community for over 100 years and this latest move demonstrates our desire to continue to make a difference where it counts."
Howard Kendall: Everton FC have the defensive steel to cope with Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 30 2011
I HOPE Everton FC ensure the Merseyside derby kicks off at it’s usual 100mph pace tomorrow. Liverpool have a lot of derby debutants compared to the experience among David Moyes’ ranks and the players who have not featured in one before will turn around and say: “What’s going on here?” if Everton start at full throttle. Some derbies over recent years have seen a little too much side-ways and backwards passing for me, and the Blues would be better served putting pressure on their opponents early doors and showing they mean business, which in turn will crucially get the crowd going. I’ve heard a lot of talk about the threat of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll but Everton are better focusing on their own strengths. They’ve got two of the best central defenders in the league, in Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka, who can cope with them – it’s not as if there are inferior players being asked to cope with Liverpool’s front-men. Of course one name that still may figure on the opposition team-sheet is destined to carry a little bit of the fear factor. Steven Gerrard is still a massive player, and will be a big threat if he’s involved. Everton’s coaching staff will certainly hope his name isn’t on that team sheet tomorrow morning. Everton have a real team – not that Liverpool rely on just one player any more either – and Kenny Dalglish will be just as worried about the danger of Leighton Baines’ set-pieces and crosses because he’s a different class too. I hope there’s a joker in the Blue dressing room to lighten the mood before kick off – just like John Bailey did for me when he was going around saying: “These rednoses are nervous lads!” with his shirt on back to front!
Howard Kendall: No need for Everton FC to deploy man-marker against Liverpool
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 30 2011
I DON’T expect David Moyes to deploy the same defensive tactics he used against Manchester City again in tomorrow’s big game. It’s very difficult for players to defend behind the ball for 90 minutes against such quality opponents as City, and sooner or later in most cases something will happen. Instead of man-marking any of Liverpool’s attackers, I believe Everton will close down players collectively just like Barcelona. Barca are the best in the world, but first and foremost they do the tough work to stop their opponents playing. It’s about getting about the midfield battle as one, and closing the space for Liverpool to play in. If one of my teams had Peter Reid going into a tackle and missing it, Paul Bracewell would be there right behind him waiting to mop up. With David Silva’s calibre I can understand the logic behind asking someone young and athletic like Jack Rodwell to stick to him, and stop him from weaving his magic, but while Liverpool have a whole host of very talented attacking players I don’t think the same demand will be there to just neutralise one of them. Instead I hope Rodwell is allowed a bit more freedom.
Kevin Ratcliffe’s Everton FC Merseyside derby tactics: Picking either Tony Hibbert or Phil Neville at right-back a major decision to be made for Everton FC
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo Sep 30 2011
I DON'T think it matters about past or present results because derby games always ensure form means little. Strange results are commonplace and you can control all the statistics on the day but if you don't put the ball in the net then it means nothing. Sometimes you'll have to ride your luck in these games and other times it is not on your side on these occasions. In Merseyside derbies a great deal of pressure is on the players and the match officials.
DEFENCE
The system I would pick for the players available is unlikely to be any different to that of the manager David Moyes. I imagine Everton will line up with five men across the middle of the park and if Tim Cahill is passed fit, then I'd like to see him deployed in a deeper role in the midfield.
Everton's defence got a real workout at Manchester City last weekend but they were up against a side with one player worth the same as the Blues' entire back four and midfield combined. Three of the back four who are likely to play tomorrow lunchtime look nailed on but the only area which looks up for grabs is right-back. Tony Hibbert has played the last three Premier League games there and has that little bit extra in terms of pace. This is not meant as disrespectful but Hibbert is just a bit better at defending than Phil Neville. Neville, of course, has experience and is a great leader and so the only aspect David Moyes must consider is that if Hibbert is not having the best of games, can he inspire the players like Neville can when he's not at his best? It is a difficult one. Liverpool have a few good players so if you're worrying about one person, another will hurt you. It is all about being tight on both sides. They are a threat from midfield and have spent big this summer so with that comes pressure.
MIDFIELD
If Cahill is fit then I think he can add another dimension to the Everton midfield. Marouane Fellaini is my first pick for Everton every week and I’d put him alongside Jack Rodwell at the heart of the midfield. More than likely, Cahill will be the one to push forward and that leaves Jack and Marouane anchoring the midfield. It’s a bit like when I played and Peter Reid and Paul Bracewell sat deep.
This too allows your full-backs to bomb on which, with Leighton Baines at Everton’s disposal in particular, is no bad thing. Pushing Baines forward, for example, will help put pressure on young right-back Martin Kelly. Although he played in last season’s derby at Anfield he is still relatively inexperienced so Everton need to attack him.
ATTACK
To me, Apostolos Vellios looks decent and maybe Saturday is where he earns his stripes at Everton.
He seems to have a bit of the old fashioned striker about him; he can take a challenge and cuts across defenders very well.
DANGER MAN
Luis Suarez has settled in to English football really well and brings excellent workrate to his overall game.
VERDICT
It will be tight so whoever takes that chance when it comes can win.
Dave Prentice: What are the odds of another unlikely Everton FC or Liverpool FC derby hero
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sep 30 2011
THE Merseyside derby sometimes has a habit of throwing up unlikely heroes for Liverpool FC and Everton FC. Alan Waddle was a John Toshack understudy who scored one goal in a four-year Anfield career. But it came against Everton at Goodison Park. It might have been 38 years ago, but he can still dine out on it today. Kevin Ratcliffe managed only one more in his celebrated 493 match Goodison career, but it came at Anfield. Few expected the ball to end up in the Kop net even after Kevin had pulled back his left foot, but it did – and the celebrations were riotous. Then there was Chris Lawler ghosting in at the back post, Gary Stevens scuffing one in at the Kop End, Nicky Tanner, Lee Carsley, Dan Gosling . . . occasional goalscorers at best, but who all enjoyed a dramatic afternoon in the sun. There are plenty more gifted goalscorers who never got to celebrate that intense emotion. Kevin Keegan played for Liverpool during an era when they were dominant in the derby. Everton failed to win one from 1971 through to 1978, but Keegan never got his name on the scoresheet. Bob Latchford scored over a century of goals for the Blues. Before he moved to Goodison he scored against Liverpool for Birmingham. After he left he scored against Liverpool for Swansea. But while he was wearing Royal Blue he never once managed to smuggle the ball past Ray Clemence. Which brings us to tomorrow. Only four players from the 36 on duty have experienced the ecstasy of a derby goal. Tim Cahill is a derby doubt, Steven Gerrard could well be on the substitutes’ bench, Dirk Kuyt is not a certain starter and Sylvain Distin isn’t due another goal for a year or two. So the chances of another unexpected derby hero are high. Who would your money be on? Lucas was nearly a derby hero three years ago, until Phil Neville did a passable impersonation of Tim Howard to palm his shot round the post, was sent off for his troubles and Dirk Kuyt stepped up to claim the honours. What chances the Brazilian scoring only his second league goal for the Reds?
Or Jose Enrique breaking his duck? Or maybe Denis Stracqualursi coming off the bench to make an almost instant impact on Mersey folklore? All would be stories to join the long and colourful list of Mersey derby folklore. But surely the most unlikely story of all would be if a local boy chose the Mersey derby stage to break a duck which has been mythologised by Blues fans. Can I just remind you what Tony Hibbert had to say about his 277 match drought earlier this summer? “The closest I’ve come was in derby matches,” he added. “One fell to me on the edge of the penalty area and I didn’t half catch it sweet. It went straight at Pepe Reina but if I’d slightly mishit it, maybe shanked it, it would have flown in either side of him. Then there was a header at Goodison against Liverpool. I’d come on as a sub and when I connected I thought ‘this is going in!’ “But it wasn’t to be.
“I’m obviously saving it up for a derby match! I honestly have no idea what I’d do if I do score.”
In a week when a certain Argentinian striker decided he didn’t fancy getting involved in a Champions League match on one of world football’s greatest stages, perhaps we should be reminded exactly what it feels like just to play in a Merseyside derby. Andy King knew exactly what it felt like to score in the fixture, but that didn’t give him his biggest thrill. “To have played in these matches is an experience that’s almost impossible to describe,” he declared. “If I die tomorrow, I’ve done something that millions would give their right arms to have done.” And the experience of actually scoring in the fixture and becoming an unlikely derby hero? Let’s wrap up where we started . . . with the reminiscences of one of the most unlikely derby heroes. So far. “The thing I remember most about the game was how very difficult it was to communicate with your team-mates, even the ones who were only five yards away,” recalled Alan Waddle. “The only detail that sticks in my mind is Ian Callaghan getting the ball wide and looking up before he made a cross. “As the ball came over David Lawson decided to come out of his goal and then he and Mick Lyons seemed to leave it to each other which gave me the chance to get between them and get my foot to the ball.”
Yes, it’s as easy as that to become a derby day hero. But who that hero will be tomorrow is anybody’s guess.
Everton FC fan and shadow education secretary Andy Burnham believes shared stadium is the way forward for Mersey clubs
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo Sep 30 2011
Everton FC fan Andy Burnham at Goodison ParkANDY BURNHAM wears the red rose of Labour proudly on his chest, but his veins course with royal blue blood of Everton FC. The Shadow Secretary of State for Education will take his usual seat for tomorrow’s Merseyside derby, not among the directors or in a corporate box, but among the fans of the Gwladys Street end. And as the 41-year-old walks around an empty, sun-bathed Goodison Park after spending the week in his native Liverpool for Labour’s party conference, he mixes the rousing enthusiasm of a life-long Evertonian, with the zeal of a politician who recognises why the club’s heritage is so special. The former Labour leader candidate revealed why he believes a shared stadium is the way forward for Merseyside, after, he hopes, the small matter of three points has been resolved in David Moyes’ favour tomorrow. “It’s a club with soul,” he says, after predicting a home win for the Toffees. “A club with roots and identity. It’s all still there. Unlike many other clubs in the Premier League where so many have changed from the places I used to visit as an away supporter. They have morphed into something different but this club hasn’t – it’s still a club rather than a company. “You walk in through these doors and it’s welcoming. It’s about the love of the club and the sport and that’s what sets Evertonians and Everton apart.” Burnham, whose earliest derby memory is Andy King scoring in 1978, has a long-standing love affair with Everton, and his eyes sparkle as he discusses the club.
“In the 70s we went in the Lower Bullens with my dad and as we got a little older he started to take us in the Gwladys Street and we’ve stood and sat in the same place now for 30 years,” he says.
Looking around Goodison, he adds: “I would love to see this place updated if it could be, although I know there are issues with that. It’s one of the great stadia of English football, full of history. There are clubs who have moved out to retail parks and other places who have lost their identity. It’s no secret I opposed Kirkby for that reason. “I have come round over time to the idea of a shared stadium. I never thought I would say that. But I could accept it now. “And actually although Liverpool supporters might question why they’d want that, it could be a way of getting both of these clubs into the very top echelons again. It would help them compete in the Champions League, it would help us work our way to becoming a Champions League club and the way it would work with revenue would mean we would both have so much more money to invest in our playing staff.
“I don’t know whether the will is there to talk about it again but if it is, I’ll put my cards on the table and there’s probably not many more people bitter and twisted than me! It’s right for both clubs and it’s right for the city.” Burnham admits his decision is based on hard-nosed pragmatism.
“I’m not in favour of a shared stadium because I want to be closer to them,” he says smiling. “It’s more driven by the necessity that I want Everton to be in England’s top four where they should be and in the Champions League where they should be. It would be a stadium that would be top draw, among the best in the world. “The onus has to be on the clubs – they both have to want it. If the will was there, you’ve got an alignment of people in political positions who would want to make it a reality. “I know for some people it’s still an absolute no-no and I respect that. I was in that position. But the economics of football have changed all around us and they’re in danger of leaving this city behind. Our two clubs are at risk of being a little bit frozen out of this new era of huge wealth in football. When it comes to that game this city should never be on the outside – it’s the pre-eminent football city in Britain. “I’m sure there will be people in the City Council who recognise that and there is a will we should explore it. It could be hard for the city council to invest in a stadium when we’ve got cuts in public services but it’s not necessarily public money, it’s whether it can enable or provide other assets. “Cooperation in terms of planning and roads would be important. If people want to talk about it, I’m open-minded to talk about it. If they put that emotional reaction aside it would be wonderful for the city.” The Leigh MP admits he has been frustrated by the stance of past city councils on the stadia issues, particularly over Stanley Park. “That frustrated me a bit because from my blue tinted perspective I kind of felt that there was more help being provided by the city council back then, not the current administration, to Liverpool,” he says. “I remember asking an official from the council when I was culture secretary, “So what park are you going to let Everton build on?” when they were talking about there not being a site for us. “There needs to be even handedness. For any club alone to build a stadium of the scale we’d both want is very difficult and to have it empty for half the year, the economics becomes more difficult. “I’d never force to but I’ll offer my advice and help. “I want Everton sorted out for this century so we can end it where we began, among the top clubs in the top flight of English football.” Where he is unequivocal is in his respect for Everton’s current chairman. “I want to put on record my thanks to Bill Kenwright for what he’s done,” he says. “In an era of madness in modern football as clubs have gone to the wall, and become unrecognisable, this club never has. He’s kept us up there, even in the top four, without losing what’s special. I know there’s lots of debate about this but let’s give credit where it’s due.
“I understand the frustrations, I’m not saying there are not questions that need to be asked about the club’s future. But he’s a true Evertonian who has moved us forward a million miles. “I was here that day in 1998 when we just stayed up against Coventry. In fact I was one of those shouting for regime change on the pitch because that was the lowest point we’d ever reached in my time watching them. So people have got to remember that day, and look at Everton now. We’ve come along way. “He’s one of our own and by God he’s done a good job. “We’ve got an exceptional manager, a chairman who couldn’t love the club any more, and a squad of players who are loyal and understand what the club means to the supporters. It’s a special thing – meddle with it at your peril.”
Everton FC boss David Moyes on the fateful and fraught time he first watched Tim Cahill
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Sep 30 2011
IT’S somehow fitting that Everton FC boss David Moyes had to brave some rough-stuff, verbals and a potent threat before he first clapped eyes on Tim Cahill. The Everton manager, and his chairman Bill Kenwright, encountered all of the above as they drove slowly into Milwall’s New Den to watch a number of targets in 2004, including the largely unheard of Aussie midfielder. Seven years later, and Moyes is responsible for submitting countless Premier League defenders to the same aggravation - and he could not be happier with the results of that fraught scouting mission. “It was Millwall Birmingham and a play-off game, and Bill was driving me,” says Moyes as he puts the Socceroo through his paces in the hope he can be fit to terrorise Liverpool tomorrow. “As we drove towards the ground, we got caught up in the crowd and they were battering the car on the way in, banging on the roof of the car, making a right racket and I said to Bill, “We're going to get it here.” And it was that game, they said there was going to be trouble. It was lucky we didn't turn the car around.
“We came away and I said, “Bill, we've got to try and get him.” Bill put an offer in the next week and we had the boy in his office and the minute he came in he lit the place up. He had that Aussie confidence saying I want to do this, I want to do that.” Moyes had been going to watch Birmingham’s Darren Purse, but is eternally grateful it was the boy from Sydney, and not Stepney in London, that caught his eye. “He has helped me because part of any new manager who comes into a job you have to make good signings to help your own position and to help the team get better,” he says. “I think Tim Cahill was a really good signing for £1.5m from Millwall at the time, and yes OK me trying to spot it, but then you need the person to come and from day one he has been nothing but magnificent. “The way he goes about the job, the way he puts himself over, the way he talks about Everton football club he has been great.” Cahill was close to signing for Crystal Palace before he opted for Merseyside, and Moyes suspects many managers have regretted not landing him - although, he insists, there have surprisingly been no serious bids for him over the years. “If you think of all the managers out there who have said to themselves, 'How did we not go for Tim Cahill?',” he says. “And I am not saying “Oh look at David Moyes!” I'm just saying the boy has done great for me and great for Everton.” Moyes insists the success of his move for the Aussie emboldened him to take risks on further players from the lower leagues. “If you get a bit of joy it makes you ready to do it again,” he says. “At that time that was our sort of price-tag. AJ (Andy Johnson) was with Palace for a spell in the championship, Joleon (Lescott) we had been watching at Wolves, they were up and down, people like that we had been looking around. “In that good Millwall team there was Lucas Neill, Steven Reid, Paul Ifill and they had a good team. People went to pick them off and I think we picked the best one. “He came from the lower league and you are always thinking, 'Can you step up lad?' We identified that he had an ability to do certain things, but can you do that on a bigger stage? Against better players? “Are you going to get the same room to score in the box? Are you going to be able to make the same runs? What are you going to contribute if you don't do that? These were all the things that were always going to be questioned about Tim, but he dispelled those pretty quickly. “I think we have been good for him. Everton were a good fit for him, where we were, how we were developing and I think there are still things debated about Tim.” The Everton boss accepts that Cahill’s role in his teams has, at times, been difficult to accommodate. “Can he be a centre forward? What exactly is he?,” he says. “And that is why most of his career he has been better playing, if you play with three midfielders, one of three or behind a striker, rather than one of a midfield two. “We have had to create a position for him, he has been the one who has stopped us at times playing two up top because we are not quite sure about him being an out and out central midfield player.”
Regardless of what Cahill cannot do, Moyes knows enough about the game to realise why he is such a handful for defenders. “I think because the way he fights you,” he says. “The way he can intimidate you, he's not scared of the physical side of the game, he is good in the air but in his own way he is clever enough to look after himself and he knows when to do the right things. He has been great for Everton. He is going to be one of a kind in our time and by the time his time has come to an end I hope he can have something to show for it.”
Merseyside derby memories: Andy Johnson scores two for Everton FC as Reina's drops keep falling on his head
Sep 30 2011
Andy Johnson tells Liverpool fans the score in the 2006 Goodison DerbyAhead of the 216th Merseyside derby on Saturday, the ECHO takes a look back at five of the best Everton FC victories over Liverpool FC Everton 3 Liverpool 0 - Goodison Park - 9 September 2006
Tim Cahill grabbed his third goal in as many Merseyside derbies but Andy Johnson wrote the headlines, bagging a brace and sending Liverpool packing by helping the Blues to a 3-0 victory. The Reds were enjoying a rich vein of form - unbeaten in 17 games - and had every right to be confident for the trip across Stanley Park. But Cahill opened the scoring midway through the first-half and Johnson's unanswered double saw the visitors humbled by their heaviest derby defeat since Everton triumphed 4-0 at Anfield in 1964 Dominic King's ECHO match report at the time read: "With Jamie Carragher clearly unfit and Fabio Aurelio looking bewildered by the rough and tumble of this local squabble, Liverpool's defence was out of sorts and Andrew Johnson did not need a second invitation to wreak havoc. How he took it.
“Petrified his pace would cause problems, Liverpool simply did not know how to handle Everton's record signing and made a string of errors for which they were ruthlessly punished.
“Playing a key role in the move that led to Tim Cahill grabbing the first goal in front of a baying Gwladys Street on 23 minutes, Johnson enjoyed the kind of derby debut that usually appears in the pages of Roy of the Rovers. Goodison most definitely has its new hero.
"Two chances came his way and both were gleefully gobbled up." King continued, "However, it wasn't just his goalscoring that was so impressive. Moyes may have opted to go with a five-man midfield but this was nothing conservative about this line-up. Far from it. It had the perfect balance of silk and steel." In the Liverpool Daily Post, Ian Doyle wrote: "Those of a Blue persuasion will rightly bask in the glory of this victory for days, weeks and months to come. “The sight of Pepe Reina flapping Carsley's speculative injury-time shot on to the head of Johnson for Everton's third encapsulated their sorry afternoon”.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Naysmith, Osman (Beattie), Neville, Carsley, Arteta (Nuno Valente), Cahill, Johnson
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko (Pennant), Luis Garcia, Fowler (Riise), Crouch (Kuyt)
Goals: Cahill, Johnson (2)
Attendance: 40,004
Derby Preview: Why Tim Cahill is the best thing that’s happened at Everton FC for me, says David Moyes
Liverpool Daily Post Sep 30 2011 David Moyes with Tim Cahill 300
HE’S been hailed as the best thing to happen during David Moyes’s time at Everton FC. But the Goodison manager has revealed how a New Den ambush almost prevented a move for Tim Cahill from ever materialising. It’s long been etched in folklore that Moyes was intending to run the rule over visiting centre-back Darren Purse when deciding to take in the 2004 play-off semi-final between Millwall and Birmingham City. But, approaching the ground with chauffeur and chairman Bill Kenwright, Moyes admits the pair very nearly made the decision to turn back – for their own safety. “Bill was driving me and as we drove towards the ground, we got caught up in the crowd and they were battering the car on the way in, banging on the roof of the car, making a right racket,” says the Everton manager. “I said to Bill, ‘We’re going to get it here’. They’d said there was going to be trouble at the game. It was lucky we didn’t turn the car around.” Indeed. Interest in Purse soon turned into a pursuit of Cahill, and having seen the Australian come close to signing for Crystal Palace there was relief when Moyes finally got his man in the summer of 2004. “We came away and I said ‘Bill, we’ve got to try and get him’. “Bill put an offer in the next week and we had the boy in his office and the minute he came in he lit the place up. He had that Aussie confidence saying I want to do this, I want to do that. “He actually had a chance to go to Crystal Palace, but they wouldn’t pay the fee or the agent’s fees. If they had, he would have gone there. “In that good Millwall team there was Lucas Neill, Steven Reid and Paul Ifill. People went to pick them off and I think we picked the best one.” The rest is history. Now, more than seven years later, Cahill’s contribution has been such that Moyes believes it is without parallel during his tenure. “I always think Nigel Martyn was my best signing at Everton, but I would say Tim is the best thing that has happened to me at Everton,” says the Goodison manager. “He has been the best thing, the way he has gone about it, the way he has conducted himself, for me, how much he has helped me and how much he has helped Everton.
“He is going to be one of a kind in our time and by the time his time has come to an end I hope he can have something to show for it, a trophy or something.” Cahill loves few games as much as the Merseyside derby, and is Everton’s leading post-war scorer in the fixture with five goals, one ahead of Duncan Ferguson. And although entering the latter stages of his career – and having not registered a strike this calendar year – Moyes is confident the Australian still possesses the knack of popping up with a crucial goal. “He is massive because of his attitude and energy and he is a big part of the whole team ethos here, he really is,” says the Goodison manager. “He beats the drum and he keeps everybody at it. He has a great record of scoring goals when it matters, important goals and that won’t change. “He may not score bundles, but what won’t change is that he will still be scoring goals when it matters for us. He has helped me because part of any new manager who comes into a job you have to make good signings to help your own position and to help the team get better.” Moyes has previously admitted to building teams around Cahill’s unique ability as an attacking midfielder, although the Australian, who is 32 in December, is now being utilised more as a makeshift forward. “There are still things debated about Tim,” says the Goodison manager. “Can he be a centre forward? What exactly is he? And that is why most of his career he has been better playing, if you play with three midfielders, one of three or behind a striker, rather than one of a midfield two. “We have had to create a position for him, he has been the one who has stopped us at times playing two up top because we are not quite sure about him being an out-and-out central midfield player. “Now he has started to move more towards being up front because he can play as well as anybody up there.
“Over the years I have been here, Tim has been the best player to play behind the striker. People say you play one up front, but Tim was always the one who played behind and gave us that position. “For the one behind we are now trying to maybe look at doing something differently, but it can still be Tim at times.” And Moyes, who surprisingly reveals that there has never been any official approach from another team to attempt to prise Cahill away from Everton, believes since his first day at the club, the Australian has proven people wrong.
“He came from the lower league and you are always thinking, ‘Can you step up lad?’” says the Scot. “We identified that he had an ability to do certain things, but can you do that on a bigger stage? Against better players? Are you going to get the same room to score in the box? Are you going to be able to make the same runs? What are you going to contribute if you don’t do that? “These were all the things that were always going to be questioned about Tim, but he dispelled those pretty quickly.” And how.
Merseyside derby memories: Andy Johnson scores two for Everton FC as Reina's drops keep falling on his head
Sep 30 2011
Andy Johnson tells Liverpool fans the score in the 2006 Goodison Derby
Ahead of the 216th Merseyside derby on Saturday, the ECHO takes a look back at five of the best Everton FC victories over Liverpool FC Everton 3 Liverpool 0 - Goodison Park - 9 September 2006
Tim Cahill grabbed his third goal in as many Merseyside derbies but Andy Johnson wrote the headlines, bagging a brace and sending Liverpool packing by helping the Blues to a 3-0 victory.The Reds were enjoying a rich vein of form - unbeaten in 17 games - and had every right to be confident for the trip across Stanley Park.But Cahill opened the scoring midway through the first-half and Johnson's unanswered double saw the visitors humbled by their heaviest derby defeat since Everton triumphed 4-0 at Anfield in 1964.Video: Andy Johnson is the derby day heroDominic King's ECHO match report at the time read: "With Jamie Carragher clearly unfit and Fabio Aurelio looking bewildered by the rough and tumble of this local squabble, Liverpool's defence was out of sorts and Andrew Johnson did not need a second invitation to wreak havoc. How he took it.“Petrified his pace would cause problems, Liverpool simply did not know how to handle Everton's record signing and made a string of errors for which they were ruthlessly punished.“Playing a key role in the move that led to Tim Cahill grabbing the first goal in front of a baying Gwladys Street on 23 minutes, Johnson enjoyed the kind of derby debut that usually appears in the pages of Roy of the Rovers. Goodison most definitely has its new hero."Two chances came his way and both were gleefully gobbled up." King continued, "However, it wasn't just his goalscoring that was so impressive. Moyes may have opted to go with a five-man midfield but this was nothing conservative about this line-up. Far from it. It had the perfect balance of silk and steel."In the Liverpool Daily Post, Ian Doyle wrote: "Those of a Blue persuasion will rightly bask in the glory of this victory for days, weeks and months to come.
“The sight of Pepe Reina flapping Carsley's speculative injury-time shot on to the head of Johnson for Everton's third encapsulated their sorry afternoon”.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Naysmith, Osman (Beattie), Neville, Carsley, Arteta (Nuno Valente), Cahill, Johnson
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko (Pennant), Luis Garcia, Fowler (Riise), Crouch (Kuyt)
Goals: Cahill, Johnson (2)
Attendance: 40,004
September 2011