News Headlines & Features
New paintings from Dr France
Everton's Founding Fathers honoured
30 Jun - Dr David France has come up with another marvelous way to celebrate Everton's history, commissioning a series of very impressive oil paintings depicting six of Everton's founding fathers: Ben Swift Chambers, John Houlding, John McKenna, George Mahon, James Baxter and Will Cuff were key figures in the formation of Everton Football Club back in the 19th Century. The paintings will form part of the Everton Collection and it is Dr France's intention that they do the rounds so that as many fans as possible may get to see and admire them.
Jacobsen completes Blackburn move
29 Jun - Lars Jacobsen has completed his anticipated move to Blackburn Rovers. The Dane was reportedly in discussions with Everton regarding a new contract but it appears as though David Moyes's inability to guarantee him first-team football next season has led to him moving across Lancashire to link up with Sam Allardyce's outfit.
West African trip is off
Cup Clash rules out Ghana friendly
26 Jun - Everton's ground-breaking pre-season trip to Africa has been scrapped after the Ghanan FA scheduled a domestic cup competition that would prevent Asante Kotoko from playing the fixture at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on 12 July. Alternative opposition will be sought for a game in the UK on or around that date before Everton jet off to North America for two showpiece friendlies, in Edmonton, Alberta, against River Plate on 26 July, and in Salt Lake City, Utah, against the MLS All-Stars on 29 July. For the final pre-season friendly, Everton will host Malaga at Goodison Park on Friday 7 August: KO, 8pm.
Andy King suffers a heart attack
52-year-old awaits angiogram
25 Jun - Andy King, who has a place in so many Everton hearts, fell ill over the weekend and was diagnosed having suffered a heart attack. It was no surprise that many Evertonians have voiced their concerns and are anxious to learn of his plight. The 52-year-old former Everton striker is currently in hospital awaiting to undergo an angiogram that will ascertain the extent of the damage he has suffered. Get well soon, Andy!
Everton to play Coventry
Marcus Hall's Testimonial
24 Jun - Everton have added another date to their fixture list of pre-season friendlies, and this one is a little closer to home. The Blues will travel to Coventry City for Marcus Hall's testimonial which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 2 August 2009, kick-off is 12:30pm. Coventry have been out of the Premier League since completing their new stadium, the Rioch Arena, and the match could well feature England Under-21 star Daniel Fox who was released from the Everton Academy in 2005.
Everton One set for Saturday opening
23 Jun - The transformation of the old Everton Megastore will be complete this weekend when the Club re-opens its doors under the name Everton One. The store has undergone a complete facelift under the guidance of Everton's new retail partners, Kitbag Ltd — among the improvements are a new exterior, high-speed check out system, a new, faster, purpose-built shirt printing facility and a unique click-and-collect service where fans can order merchandise online and collect them in-store the very next day.
Moyes looks to grow Rodwell
Development ramping up next season
21 Jun - David Moyes has been talking to the Daily Star about the prospects for his young star defender, midfielder and goalscorer, Jack Rodwell, who recently sealed a new 5-year deal with the Blues. “He has only just turned 18 and it’s going to take experience and time. But undoubtedly he has a good future ahead of him. You can see he has ability and we’re keen to push him on.
Next season, instead of playing five, six or eight games, it might be up to 18 or 20, depending on how his progress is." And right on que, The People claims Man Utd are eyeing him up...
Blues start with Arsenal test
2009-10 fixtures released
17 Jun - Everton will kick off the 2009-10 season with a Sky Four test having been pit against Arsenal at Goodison Park on 15 August. The Blues will finish the campaign at home as well, with Portsmouth the visitors on 9 May. The Merseyside derbies are on November 28 (H) and February 6 (A) respectively, while Boxing Day involves another trip to the northeast, this time against Sunderland. The fixtures are provisional until the TV broadcasters have had their way with them.
Introducing: ToffeeWeb Membership
17 Jun - It's been a long time coming — 18 months, in fact! — but we're finally ready to introduce an oft-requested and much-needed feature: the ToffeeWeb Membership system. Going forward, you will need to be a registered member of ToffeeWeb.com in order to post comments to Mailbag, Column, Fans or Editors Blog articles. It's free, quick and hopefully easy and we hope you'll sign up today!
Many of you have registered but not completed the process. You need to check your e.mail for our Activation Request and click on the link in there (or copy and paste it into your browser). This step is necessary to complete your registration. Thanks for your patience!
A Cuff Family treat
Paul Wharton tracks down Charlie Cuff
14 Jun - Everton Shareholder and budding historian Paul Wharton was very pleased with one aspect of Everton's FA Cup Final appearance: it allowed him to meet Charlie Cuff, the grandson of Everton pioneer and legend, Will Cuff, who played such a vital role in the development of the club during the first half of the 20th Century. Charlie Cuff, his son and daughter flew in from Australia for the Cup Final and on a trip to Merseyside were treated like royalty by the Club and other fans.
Castillo and Valente depart
12 Jun - Everton have announced that Segundo Castillo will return to Red Star Belgrade following the expiry of his season-long loan from the Serbian club. Everton will not be taking up the option to sign the Ecuadorian on a permanent basis. Joining him through the exit door are Nuno Valente, one-time hot prospect John Paul Kissock, striker Scott Spencer and, of course, Andy van der Meyde. Lesser-known Academy members Eunan O'Kane, Cory Sinnott, Thomas McCready, Luke Powell, Michael Jensen and Daniel Redmond have also been released. Nothing has been said of Lars Jacobsen who is thought to be in talks about the possibility of staying at Goodison for another season.
Club confirms River Plate friendly
10 Jun - Everton have confirmed earlier reports in Canada that the Club will play a friendly against world-famous Argentine club, River Plate, at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta on 25th July. The match will kick off at 7:30pm local time, 2:30am BST and will be the Blues' second exhibition match in North America that month — the Blues are also playing a Major League Soccer XI in Salt Lake City.
Cahill and Australia qualify for 2010
Socceroos book their place in South Africa next year
6 Jun - Tim Cahill's Australia have secured their place in the World Cup Finals in South Africa next year thanks to a goalless draw with Qatar today. The Socceroos, who were denied at the last World Cup by controversial refereeing in their second-phase match with Italy, needed a draw against the MIddle Easterners and got it, qualifying for their second successive Finals.
Everton launch 2009-10 home strip
Mixed reaction to retro 80s design
4 Jun - Everton officially unveiled next season's home kit today at the new megastore in the Liverpool One shopping center, though the impact of the launch was somewhat lessened by leaked photos of Louis Saha modeling the shirt earlier this week. With it's overly large white "V" on the chest, overdoing rather than evoking the 1984-85 kit, and unfortunately-placed stitching across the breast, reaction to the new design from fans has been mixed at best.
Club confirms new deals for trio
Jagielka, Yobo and Howard commit to Blues
3 Jun - Everton have confirmed that the formalities have been completed on contract extensions for Phil Jagielka, Joseph Yobo and Tim Howard and that all three have put pen to paper on their respective deals. Talks are ongoing with Lars Jacobsen regarding the possibility of the Dane staying at Goodison Park for another season at least. The 29 year-old has stated his desire to stay despite rumoured interest from the Bundesliga in his services.
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Snippets & Rumours
Rumour: Gudjohnsen Sr. claims Everton interest
30 Jun - Everton, Aston Villa and Fulham are the three Premier League clubs interested in signing Eidur Gudjohnsen, according to the Icelandic striker's father, Arnor.
Now 30, Gudjohnsen was a big hit with Chelsea before joining Barcelona and while his father suggests he probably will leave the Nou Camp this summer, his astronomical wages and advanced years would probably make a move to Goodison unlikely.
Rumour: Bradley linked again
30 Jun - Everton are again being linked with a move for United States international, Michael Bradley, who again garnered recognition for his performances in the Confederations Cup in South Africa this month.
The 21-year-old was hotly tipped for a move to Goodison last year after making a big splash in the Dutch Eredivisie with Heerenveen but ended up joining Borussia Moenchengladbag instead.
The Bundesliga side only avoided relegation by a point but Bradley nevertheless scored five times in 26 starts, cementing his reputation as a goalscoring central midfielder.
Even though David Moyes is a known admirer of the 21-year-old, there is little substance so far to the reports linking him with a move to Everton this summer.
Rumour: Everton in pole position for M'Bia?
29 Jun - Updated: Reports in France suggest that Everton and Marseilles have both lodged official bids for Stephane M'Bia, with the Blues' €12m offer trumping that of l'OM, thought to be €9m.
Given the choice, however, M'Bia would opt for Marseilles over Everton according to his lawyer. "If Marseille makes a small additional effort, he will sign there. Otherwise he will move to England," says Ralph Isenegger.
The report in Foot Mercato indicates that Rennes are satisfied with the Everton offer but will sell the Cameroon international to the highest bidder, which can either be taken at face value or could merely be an attempt to extract as much money from Marseilles before the 22 year-old midfielder makes his preferred move to the French south coast.
No Final glory for Rodwell and England
29 Jun - Jack Rodwell came on as a second-half substitute as Stuart Pearce tried in vain to turn the tide of the U21 European Championship Final in Malmo but within a minute of the Everton youngster's arrival, Germany had extended their lead to 3-0, before adding a fourth without reply.
Rumour: A Ruud-iculous notion?
29 Jun - The Guardian's irreverent Rumour Mill page mentions a link between Everton and Rudd van Nistelrooy without citing the original source of the rumour. Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City are also mentioned as potential sutiors for the aging Dutch star.
Rumour: No approach for Lewis yet
29 Jun - Peterborough United's director of football, Barry Fry, has denied reports that he has received an offer from Everton for goalkeeper, Joe Lewis.
Reports suggested that David Moyes had lodged a £2m bid for the England U21 international but Fry is adamant that no firm offer has been made.
Howard and the USA edged by Brazil
29 Jun - The USA had one hand on the Confederations Cup thanks to a stellar first half by Tim Howard and a 2-0 lead but Brazil turned the game on its head in the second half to win the Final 3-2. Steven Pienaar and hosts South Africa finished fourth when they lost the third place playoff to Spain, also by a 3-2 scoreline.
Rumour: Moyes interested in Berg
29 Jun - The Daily Mail report that Everton are interested in Sweden U21 striking sensation Marcus Berg, though with Ajax expected to make a £10m bid, there seems to be little to the link.
Rumour: Everton alerted to Cana availability
29 Jun - Everton may follow up their long-time interest in Albanian international Lorik Cana if he decides to leave Marseilles this summer, which may be on the cards seeing as his club appear willing to cash in on his current value.
L'OM sporting director Jose Anigo told L'Equipe: "It's not that he's asked to go particularly, it's just that at this moment Lorik has spent four years here, and he has the right to look for something else."
"Today it's clear that if something comes up, we will listen to offers."
Cahill slams player/agent's lies
28 Jun - Tim Cahill has reacted to the bad blood that has marred Australia's qualification for the World Cup finals next year by slamming the machinations of an unnamed player/agent on the Socceroos team.
CD Everton fall to Universidad
28 Jun - CD Everton fell to 3-1 defeat at Universidad de Chile in Santiago, losing 3-2 on aggregate in semi-final playoffs for the Chilean league title. Not their year, sadly but Centenary celebrations continue...
Rumour: English clubs meet M'Bia price
28 Jun - Everton and Manchester City appear to be leading the chase for Stephane M'Bia after Rennes admitted that "Engilsh clubs... are ready to meet our valuation".
Marseilles are also believed to have held talks with their fellow Ligue 1 side but are not prepared to offer enough for the 22 year-old midfielder.
Rumour: Reyes and Huddlestone bids dismissed
28 Jun - Everton have apparently rubbished reports linking them with moves for Tottenham's over-rated midfielder Tom Huddlestone and Jose Antonio Reyes.
The Mirror, and reports in the Spanish media suggested that the Blues want to bring the former Arsenal star back to the Premier League after an injury-ravaged spell at Atletico Madrid but the Spaniards want Steven Pienaar in part exchange.
But Dominic King in the Echo says the Club have poured cold water on reports of an £8m bid for Huddlestone and a £4m move for Reyes.
Rumour: Pennant ponders crossing the Park
28 Jun - The News of the Screws' Sunday bollocks suggests that Everton want to sign Liverpool flop Jermaine Pennant on a free transfer but the midfielder is concerned about the reaction from Liverpool fans.
The red-top rag also furthers the rumour that the Blues are keen on signing Obafemi Martins from relegated Newcastle.
Footy Fotos
27 Jun - Some brilliant photographs in this shortlist collection for Barclays 2009 Photographic Awards, including Fellaini connecting well with Alex's mush, Yobo with head and shoulders seemingly buried in the turf, and an amazing shot of Steven Pienaar airbourne, upside-down, after scoring against Sunderland.
Tiger Tim set to play 60 games
25 Jun - Tim Cahill is set to play as many as 60 games next season for both Everton and Australia (provided he stays fit) as he looks forward to challenging for the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup for Everton, and of course the 2010 World Cup for Australia. "Four (or) five more years of this and then I can hang my boots up and I can chill," says Tiger Tim.
Rumour: Blues looking for £20M?
25 Jun - Everton appear set to reject City's rumoured £15M bid for Joleon Lescott and are likely holding out for £20M.
Come trot the globe with us!
25 Jun - Tim Howard — fresh from his mammoth exploits in the US goal, manfully holding back the Spanish onslaught in a fantastic semi-final win over the cocky Iberians that puts the Americans into the final of the Confederations Cup — has been bizarrely pre-selected to audition as a new member of none other than the Harlem Globetrotters!!! Transfer fee currently undisclosed...
Rumour: Hutton links continue
24 Jun - Having been linked with an attempt to sign Kyle Naughton from Sheffield United, David Moyes is regularly being touted as a suitor for Alan Hutton.
The Scottish full back was signed for a hefty £9m by Tottenham but a foot injury severely limited his playing time for the Londoners and the Daily Mail suggest that he could be available for a cut-price £5m, with Aston Villa also strongly linked.
Friendly at Blackpool
24 Jun - An Everton side will also travel to Blackpool for a pre-season fixture on Tuesday 4 August 2009; kick-off 7:30pm.
Rumour: City to lodge £15M Lescott bid
24 Jun - This morning's newspapers are full of reports that Manchester City are going to put their gobs of money where their...erm... gobs are with a formal offer for Joleon Lescott, believed to be £15M.
The expectation is that Everton, who have insisted they have no interest in selling their best players, will reject this opening bid and how this all shakes out may ultimately come down to how high City will go or to the player himself.
Reports suggest that the Eastlands club with their Arabian riches will offer to double Lesott's £40,000-a-week wages while others speculate whether a bid north of £20M would give David Moyes cause to consider cashing in on a player for whom he paid £5M two years ago.
ESPN step into Setanta void in UK
23 Jun - The spectacular collapse of Setanta has given ESPN the opportunity to step in and buy up the rights to broadcast both Saturday evening and Monday night Premier League games for the next four years. In the UK, they will use Sky but there will be no change in the USA and Canada as Setanta's international operations are entirely separate from those in the UK.
Jacobsen's future still not certain
23 Jun - While the Liverpool Echo suggest that Lars Jacobsen could indeed be bound for newly-promoted Burnley, the Dane's agent claims that Everton are keen to renew is his contract and that talks will resume early next month.
Remember the name...
22 Jun - Harry Simmons. Better than Rooney at the same age. Trouble is, that age is all of 7 years old! Well, we missed this story last weekend when it featured in The Guardian... now I'm kinda wishing I'd never read it. Too many horrible reminders...
Rodwell equaliser earns first for U21s
22 Jun - Everton's Jack Rodwell scored on his first start for England U21s, notching the equaliser as Stuart Pearce's side finished top of their group in the European Championships.
Rumour: Standard reject Defour bid
22 Jun - Everton are reported to have had an offer for Steven Defour rejected by Standard Liege.
The midfielder was instrumental in the Blues' exit from the Uefa Cup at the first hurdle last year and Moyes is known to have been admirer of his even before then.
Liege, from whom the Blues acquired Marouane Fellaini last August for €15m are thought to want the same amount for Defour.
Rumour: Owen link pedaled again
21 Jun - Everton are still intent on signing Michael Owen if the Mirror's Sunday nonsense is to be believed. Nothing concrete is offered by way of support for the report which suggests that the Blues believe they represent Owen's best option as he seeks to remain in the Premier League following Newcastle's relegation to the Championship.
South Africa advance to final four
21 Jun - Steven Pienaar and host-nation South Africa advanced to the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup last night despite losing 2-0 to Spain. Bafana Bafana progressed to the final four along with Spain after New Zealand and Iraq played out a goaless draw in the other Group A match.
Cahill's image tarnished down under
21 Jun - Tim Cahill has only ever come off as a model pro who goes out of his way to promote the game, especially among kids, but an e.mail sent to Australia's Daily Telegraph from a senior player in the Socceroos squad rips into the Everton midfielder by inference over his recent off-field conduct, specifically the incident where was turfed out of a Sydney nightclub last week. But were those allegations fabricated?
Rumour: Sesma link lacks substance
21 Jun - The agent of Vallodolid striker Jonathan Sesma says that a Premier League club has enquired about his client's availability, with some news outlets reporting that the club in question is Everton.
The 30 year-old Spanish midfielder is believed to have been scouted by Everton this season and agent Antonio Lopez says:
“We have received phone calls from an English team and from a Greek one, but they are yet to make any bid”
“I have been in touch with the club's directors, but at the moment I cannot do anything.
“Possible suitors must make a firm offer and reach an agreement with the club, something that is yet to happen.”
All very vague, really and very little substance to the Everton link.
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