Everton Player of the Month, 2000-01

2000-01 Season

Michael Ball

Not surprisingly, given his sweep of the recent ToffeeWeb Player of the Month awards this season based on the fact that he has been a revelation since November, Michael Ball is the ToffeeWeb visitors' choice for Player of the Season.

Ball was, of course, the club's player of 2000/01 as well as that of the Liverpool Echo. Let's just hope he is still with us next season, unlike last year's winner, Nick Barmby!

David Weir received the second highest number of votes from you, the ToffeeWeb voting public, while Steve Watson came in third.

April 2001

Michael Ball

Is it just me or has Michael won this a few times this season!  I don't think anyone can argue with the ToffeeWeb team on this one!  He has been consistent, determined, and he reads the game very well, whilst also saving the team on a number of occasions.  He has recently gave the club a boost by saying he wanted a new contract to extend his stay at the club, as he doesn't want to play for anyone else at the present moment in time.  We all know words are cheap, and the past tells us that, but it is encouraging all the same.  With Richard Gough hanging his boot's up at the end of the season, he looks to be a important player next season, if his current  form is anything to go by.  If this excellent level of consistency continues into next season, more England Caps will surely come his way!

 March 2001

David Unsworth

This months award was received by a player with great character and a lot of bottle.  His latest test was against Newcastle at home when, against the boo boy's, he stepped up to take a penalty at the Gwladys Street end, to cancel out his own goal.  Since then he has played every Everton game, and even though his future is uncertain, he has played some of his best football and his consistency has been to a high level.  He then had to score another penalty against West Ham, for the opening goal in a 2-0 victory.  He seems to have his fair share of critics, but I don't think anyone can doubt his love and determination for Everton Football Club.

 February 2001

Michael Ball

Michael Ball has received the ToffeeWeb Player of the Month award for the third time this season.  There wasn't really anyone else to match him this month.  His competent and sometimes classy performances have been rewarded with his very first England cap against Spain at Villa Park.  In the absence of Richard Gough he has been the steadying force in the back line, and his driving runs have helped the side create some chances.  He has admitted that the kick up the backside given to him by Walter Smith, last season, has benefited him, and we are seeing the results of that now.  A second England cap could be in the offing next month, so watch this space.  He can only get better and better!

Michael Ball

Once again Michael Ball has scooped the Player of the Month award.  He has been the most consistent blues performer, which saw the blues only loose twice.  Once against Derby county away, and the Tranmere FA Cup tie.  His solid performances have suggested he should be in the England squad, something that hasn't been said for about two years.  He has played as a make shift centre back since November, but has in the latter end of the month has played in a back three, which seems to suit him even more!  Once again, keep it going Bally!

 December 2000

Michael Ball

The month of December Yielded just one point and just two goals for Everton so you could hardly make a striker Man of the Month.  Michael Ball has possibly been the most consistent of the side's players, even with him playing in the unfamiliar position at centre back.  I don't feel he is the finished article in that position and he has a lot to learn, but his effort hasn't been hidden.  Also, he may not be the tallest of players but in today's game you have smaller players playing in advanced positions, so he should be able to hold his own.  If Michael can keep improving, his future must certainly be at Everton – especially if he remains a versatile member of the squad.  Keep going, Bally!

 November 2000

Danny Cadamarteri

The month of November has seen the rise of a fallen Everton youngster.  Danny Cadamarteri has been performing to something like the level we all know he can, and helped the side to two out the three victories – grabbing his first goals at Goodison since his famous Mersey Derby goal in 1997.  There is still a long way to go for him but his determination has been there for all to see and, although his rise to the top of the Goodison front line may be down to injuries, this may be the break he has needed to convince us and his manager that he has a future at Everton.

 October 2000

Paul Gascoinge

He may have lost that extra yard of pace but Gazza has been in the sort of form that has had some quarters of the press calling for him to have a recall to the international stage.  He was ironically bought to play a bit part in Everton’s season, but has become an important cog in the Everton engine room.  His fitness has been one of the important factors in his rise back to the top.  His leanness along with the fighting spirit, and most importantly his creativity has brought the side much needed vigour and finesse to the team.  He may not be the Gazza of old but his commitment a determination has guided him to be a well-earned Goodison favourite.

 September 2000

Franny Jeffers

Franny this month has been showing Everton fans some of the potential he processes.  Goal scoring regularity in such magnitude hasn’t been seen at Goodison since a certain Mr. Kevin Campbell moved to Goodison in 1998, when he bagged 9 goals in 8 games.  Franny has been toughted as a future England international and on his current form you can see why.  Jeffers has thrived on the service given to him by Paul Gascoinge, and the pair seen to have an understanding as well as a bit of banter.  More of the same and I think…we will all be happy!

 August 2000

Duncan Ferguson

He may have only made two substitute appearances against Leeds and Charlton but the big Scot scooped this month's Toffee Web award.  His two goals against Charlton Athletic at Goodison marked his return to the club and also sealed the match.  His efforts got the blues their only win so far this season.  During the match he took a blow on the calf when he collided with Charlton’s Richard Rufus.  He is sadly going to be unavailable for the next 6-8 weeks.  But good work all the same Dunc!