Dec 31 - The Gravesen Saga  The Echo is claiming that Tommy Gravesen is staying in Denmark with his sick grandfather until Wednesday, when Smith told him to be back in training today — even though he is injured for tomorrow's game.  All building up nicely for the much-needed mid-season injection of cash to bolster Everton's yawning coffers...

Dec 31 - Win or be sacked?  According to The Sun, the Everton Board have told Walter Smith that he must beat Middlesbrough on Wednesday and secure victory in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup against Stoke on Saturday — or face the sack.  Doesn't say where Everton will find the £2M needed to pay off him and Knox! 

Dec 31 - Cup tie on TV overseas  The distinct possibility of an FA Cup 3rd Round upset has the TV cameras travelling to Stoke next Saturday for the visit of Everton.  The cup-tie will be broadcast live in most parts of the world (but not the UK); check your local listings.

Dec 30 - Royal Blue Mersey  Another of our columnists, Ian Mills is not too impressed with much he has seen from Everton over the Christmas period...

Dec 30:  Another fine mess?  Everton's current on-field crisis of confidence has its roots in endemic mismanagement that has dogged Everton off the field for the best part of the past decade.  Colm Kavanagh reckons it's time some action was taken to get the Club back on the right track... and no, he is not talking about Kings Dock.

Dec 30: Viewpoint: Let's go down A Swedish Everton fan, Thomas Green, has written to us summing up some of the many frustrations Evertonians the world over must feel following yesterday's woeful performance.  He thinks relegation may actually be a good thing, but for many, that would surely be too painful to stomach.

Dec 29:  Everton 0 - 3 Charlton Athletic  An utterly dismal day at Goodison Park.  Radzinski lasted for just one decent shot on goal before a groin injury forced his replacement by an unfit Ferguson.  Graham Stuart scored in a very poor first half.  The second half was no better, with Jason Euell scoring Charlton's second.  And for good measure, Stuart's substitute Konchesky added the third.  Charlton's first win at Goodison since 1949!

Dec 29 - Gravesen fuels the fire  More comments from Mad Dog in another Danish newspaper may well seal his fate with Everton, where such blatant honesty cannot be tolerated.

Dec 28 - Club reply on store closure  Everton have replied to a fan's e.mail request for an explanation of why the store was closed for the two days before Christmas. 

Dec 28 - Gravesen given a smack  If Ananova are to be believed, Walter Smith is upset about Tommy Gravesen's truth-telling to a Danish newspaper.  Phil McNulty makes some big-picture observations... but somehow, this all seems a little bit too contrived... 

Dec 27 - Gravesen's frustration  Tommy Mad Dog Gravesen moans that Everton will be unable to build a decent team because they have no money.  Somebody should tell him Everton are surviving only by selling their best players and replacing them with aging crocks.

Dec 26:  Everton 0 - 2 Manchester United  Toil and effort versus quality and skill.  It is only right which one should win out in the end, and that was down to two moments of magic from United.  They tore through Everton's previously resilient defence (commanded masterfully by Abel Xavier) with two superb goals to take all the honours.  That makes it three defeats on the trot, dropping Everton down four places to 13th.

Dec 26 - Smith still here in 2005?  In this interview at the Electronic Telegraph, Walter Smith reveals his desire to be the Everton Manager leading the Club into the new pastures of the Kings Dock.

Dec 25 - Megastore Holiday  No-one would expect Everton's Club store to be open on Christmas Day, but what about the two days before Christmas?  Peak shopping days?  Apparently not for Everton's megastore... unless they simply ran out of stock? 

Dec 24 - Pistone now crocked  Alessandro Pistone has suffered knee ligament and is expected to be out of action for the next six weeks.

Dec 22:  Sunderland 1 - 0 Everton  The game went ahead despite heavy snow in the Northeast and the Black Cats' new signing Claudio Reyna scored the only goal to see off a typically inept Everton.  Gravesen started but was withdrawn for Alexandersson after just 22 minutes following a hot-headed performance and a very early yellow card.  Moore and Tal were surprise inclusions in the starting line-up, but the American couldn't find his third successive goal.

Dec 21 - Boa Morte Card rescinded  Boa Morte's red card picked up after the fracas he initiated with Davey Weir has been rescinded on appeal to the FA.  Davey Weir's second yellow in the same incident remains and Davey serves his sentence against Sunderland

Dec 20: Feature: What does he have to do?  Despite taking just 30 minutes to score the winner against Derby, Joe-Max Moore only made it onto the pitch at Leeds last night because of an injury to Allessandro Pistone.  Will his sweet left-foot consolation volley that sparked an unlikely comeback convince "Tictac" that to score goals you need strikers – irrespective of how they're built – and that Goodison's resident Yank can score goals.

Dec 20 - Paul Gregg's new focus  Everton Director Paul Gregg is leaving Clear Channel (previously SFX) to concentrate on other things, including his role at Everton in the Kings Waterfront Development.

Dec 19:  Leeds United 3 - 2 Everton  Joe-Max Moore made further mockery of Walter Smith's insistence on omitting him from the start with a cracking volleyed left-footer late on and David Weir struck in stoppage time from an Idan Tal corner to set up an exciting finish at Elland Road.  Mark Viduka (18') and two from, yes, you guessed it, Robbie Fowler (25' and 70') had Blues fans wondering how many (particularly after Smith had to withdraw Pembridge for Gascoigne and Pistone for Moore because of injury) but the late rally restored some respectability to the scoreline.  Report by Rob Burns

Dec 19:  At the risk of seeming ungrateful..  The cat-calls for Walter Smith have died down since mid-table mediocrity become the established norm for Everton this season.  So it is a little disconcerting to read that Thor Martinsson (an Evertonian in the Faeroe Isles) thinks the time is now to act on the manager's demonstrated lack of ability.

Dec 19 - Player Status update  As the injury crisis deepens after the Leeds game, keep track of the current status of players in the Everton Squad with our updated index page.

Dec 18 - Campbell back when?  Campbell will return 'next month' or 'in the New Year' after a presumably miraculous cure of his back problem some time between now and then...

Dec 17 - Reserves draw Mini-Derby  Everton Reserves drew 1-1 with Liverpool, Nick Chadwick getting on the scoresheet yet again, and hopefully nudging Walter with a little reminder that he is a striker, perhaps ready for his debut...  Reserves Apps & Stats — you can't get this anywhere else!

Dec 17 - No justice for Weir  It must surprise no-one that Everton's appeal today for referee Phil Dowd to review video evidence of Fulham's fracas ( where David Weir was unfairly given his marching orders for a second yellow card) fell on typically deaf FA ears.  Davie's dismissal stands and he will miss Saturday's match at Sunderland.

Dec 17:  Undercover action by Everton  It is good to see that the Club is planning to take direct and more meaningful action against the racist element, by bringing in undercover police officers and stewards (and Bill Kenwright?) to sit amongst the fans for the next away games.  

Dec 17 - Danny Cad on trial again?  No, not that kind of trial... he's gone to Barnsley so they can size him up for a possible transfer when his £10k/week Goodison pay packet ceases at the end of the season... or before?

Dec 16 - POTM November  There really was only one choice for ToffeeWeb Player of the Month last month and he swept the voting.  Take a bow, Steve Simonsen.  Do Everton finally have a safe pair of hands?

Dec 15:  Everton 1 - 0 Derby County  Everton toiled their way to a deserved victory over Derby, but the solitary goal by half-time substitute Joe-Max Moore was not indicative of the Blues' dominance.  Bad luck and profligacy in front of goal — Pistone twice headed against the woodwork — in the first half continued into the second as Gravesen (later withdrawn with a horrific head injury), Alexandersson, Gemmill and Radzinski missed good chances.  Moore, finally given his chance, tucked home the crucial goal with 15 mins to go.  New Report by Richard Marland

Dec 15 - EiFC 5 - 0 ToffeeWeb  Teams of Everton fans from internet mailing lists and our discussion forum took each other on for charity on Saturday, and to make a statement against racism.  The EiFC won again, that's 2 out of three in this continuing series. 

Dec 14 - Xavier stalling?  This Daily Mail story at Soccernet makes it sound like something has changed regarding Xavier's deliberations about his future... but the facts of the story remain the same: his is not going to decide until the New Year.  Are they just running a little behind the times?

Dec 14 - Bill the Boss  Bill Kenwright says that he will sit with the Everton fans at Sunderland to help weed out the racists.

Dec 13:  Being positive on Kings Dock  With Arsenal setting the pace by securing planning permission for their Ashburton Grove stadium, Ken Rogers of the Echo compares and contrasts their optimism with our doubters who think that Everton should be putting aside the dream and concentrating on strengthening the team.

Dec 12 - FA Cup: Stoke City v Everton  Everton will travel to Stoke's Britannia Stadium for the 3rd Round of the FA Cup on Saturday 5 January 2002 (KO: 3pm – All Ticket).  Stoke beat Halifax 3-0 in tonight's 2nd Round replay after drawing the initial tie 1-1 on Saturday.

Dec 12 - Willing investors  We asked ToffeeWeb's readers if they would buy shares in Everton if the board initiated a Share Issue. Click here for the not altogether surprising result.

Dec 11 - Cut-price match tickets  A cold December afternoon at Goodison against lowly Derby County hardly ranks as a Category A game... so Everton are cutting ticket prices substantially (£10 for adults; £5 for kids and OAPs) in an effort to get a few more people in through the turnstiles on Saturday.

Dec 11:  The wrong approach   Everton's management have made a strong statement against the racist element, but the only threatened action — banning all fans from away games — promises to punish the innocent while letting the guilty go free.  Prosecuting racists is notoriously difficult; but is this blanket approach appropriate?   Or does it represents an easy option that avoids tackling the real problem: the individual racists?  Vote in the December Poll

Dec 10:  More non-news about Kings Dock  Our old friend, Mickey Blue Eyes has provided Phil Pellow at the From The Terrace website with more direct non-news from Sir Joe Dwyer about the latest developments at Kings Dock.  But we can't tell you anything more due to "commercial confidentiality"...

Dec 10 - Club seeks justice for Weir  Everton will appeal today for referee Phil Dowd to review video evidence of Saturday's fracas at Craven Cottage where David Weir was unfairly given his marching orders for a second yellow.

Dec 9 - FA Cup: Halifax or Stoke  Everton will travel to either Halifax or Stoke in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup.  Ties will be played during the first weekend of 2002.  Halifax and Stoke drew 1-1 on Saturday, and replay on Wednesday 12 December. 

Dec 9 - Zamora Rumours continue  Rumours persist that Everton will close a deal with Bobby Zamora, Brighton's goalscoring sensation.  But don't be surprised if he actually joins West Ham...

Dec 9:  Viewpoint: Our Shame  Mindless racism and hatred from a section of the Everton support at Leicester two weeks ago was not an aberration.  Our match reporter describes a sickening continuation of this pathetic and cowardly behaviour that marred yesterday's game against Fulham, and poses a serious threat to the Club's future.  

Dec 8 - Disciplinary Woes  In one game, Everton's much-improved disciplinary record this season takes a knock, with Weir and Pistone now facing one-match suspensions.  "I thought the decision to send David Weir off was disgraceful - he's the only player that has ever been sent off for clearing the ball, being pulled down and stamped on by the opposition." — Walter Smith.

Dec 8:  Fulham 2 - 0 Everton  Paul Gascoigne started the game, but Everton were toothless as Fulham took control, Hayles scoring with a simple header before the break.  No changes at half-time, and Everton conceded a second to Hayles from a corner.  So much for 11 defending our corners!  Weir and Boa Morte were later dismissed after an ugly brawl caused by Boa Mote's dreadful challenge.

Dec 7:  Devil's Advocate  Bill Kenwright wants everyone to talk up the wonderful project that is Kings Dock.  But Paul Holmes has scratched below the surface and taken a closer look at the Money Trail...  In the continuing silence from Goodison Park he has more questions than answers about how it is all really going to work out.

Dec 7 - McNulty Rant  Journalist Phil McNulty ignores the pleas to avoid negative press about Everton, pointing up the Club's abject failure to strive for anything other than mediocrity on the field until Kings Dock becomes a real money spinner.

Dec 6 - Xavier looking elsewhere?  Fears that Abel Xavier will simply walk away for free at the end of the season have been strengthened by this less-than encouraging piece at the Sky website.  Everton feel Xavier is only worthy of a pay-as-you-play deal, so you can hardly blame him... 

Dec 5 - Player of the Month  A not too surprising winner, Thomas Gravesen was your choice for October.  Now vote for your November POTM by clicking here.

Dec 5:  Communication is the key  The Independent Supporters Association are an important bridge between the Everton Board and the general fanbase and, as usual, they were represented at this week's AGM.  Their main plea was for better communication, especially between the club and fans, but also in the local press.  Read their presentation.

Dec 5 - Bid on a signed football  UCL Hospitals Charitable Foundation is running an auction of footballing memorabilia to benefit its cancer appeal and they have a football signed by the Everton team up for bidding.  Check it out if you're interested.

Dec 4:  Cash crisis deepens striker worries  With Duncan Ferguson injured again and rumours surfacing that Kevin Campbell could be facing another lengthy lay-off or even that his career could be over, thoughts turn to who Everton can acquire as replacements. Attempts to draft in a loan striker have yielded little success but media reports suggest that the club are looking to squeeze some cash out from somewhere to buy Brighton's Bobby Zamora.

Dec 4 - Reserves draw with Bantams  1-1 after 90 seconds... Everton went on to draw this Reserves match 2-2, with Jesper Blomqvist playing for the first half.  Read the excellent coverage now available (finally!) at the new Official Website.

Dec 4:  The return of Gazza fever  Paul Gascoigne is back in the Premiership spotlight after his introduction in the second half against Southampton inspired Everton to a hitherto unlikely 2-0 victory. His dreams of representing England in the Far East next year may be far-fetched but Walter could offer him another year at Goodison.

Dec 4 - Transfer windows are coming  Europe's 11 leading football leagues have agreed in principal to restricting player transfers to two calendar windows, one in the summer close season, one during January.

Dec 3:  Everton AGM  Everton FC Co Ltd held their Annual General Meeting this evening, in the positive atmosphere created by a much-needed win.  Little of any substance was really discussed or revealed, which has become the norm for these meetings, as this report confirms.

Dec 3 - Kings Dock Developer  Everton have signed up prestigious developers Bovis Lend Lease as construction partners for advancing project planning as part of their preferred bid that will include a new stadium for Everton. 

Dec 3 - Goal of the Week  Tomasz Radzinski's excellent strike against Southampton has been chosen as Goal of the Week by the BBC.

Dec 3 - Bela Lugosi?  The 27-year-old Argentinian midfielder Gonzalo Belloso has been handed a four-day trial at Goodison Park.  Belloso joined Strasbourg in 1999, and was on loan with Mexican club Cruz Azul earlier this year.

Dec 2:  Everton 2 - 0 Southampton  Following another turgid 45 minutes, Everton burst out of the starting gates at the beginning of the second half and took the lead when Radzinski latched onto a Watson flick on and buried the ball past the 'keeper.  Lively substitute Gascoigne was denied a penalty, Gravesen missed two complete sitters and cleared the ball off the line at the other end before Pembinho made the game safe late on.   

Dec 2:  Put the fans in charge!  Defenders playing up front is all well and good in a dire emergency but with two fit strikers available for selection in form of Cadamarteri and Moore, Walter Smith is persisting with Watson up front and the recent goal drought (today's result aside) has been testament to the success of that tactic. The latest ToffeeWeb Quick Poll shows how much the fans agree with the manager's strategy!

Dec 1 - Belt stays just as tight  Another searching analysis of Everton's dismal corporate finances – this one by Paul Walker of the Press Association – concludes that Smith must continue to operate frugally in the transfer market, with the likelihood that more players will be sold to finance modest squad restructuring for the foreseeable future. 

Nov 30: New Official Everton Website Following in the trail-blazing footsteps of ToffeeWeb, the revamped Official Everton Website (if it's working!) uses Active Server Pages to convey vastly improved presentation and content to Everton fans on the Internet, the highlight being a vast selection of video clips in the BlueVision Video Lounge.  How long before we are no longer needed???

Nov 29 -   Test your Everton knowledge with this fun Everton Crossword puzzle at Planet Football.  [Click on LAUNCH below the crossword graphic]

Nov 29:  di Canio Fair Play Award Everton's favourite West Ham player, Paulo Di Canio, has been further rewarded for his magnanimous gesture at Goodison last season: Fifa have given him their Fair Play award for 2001.  Rumours from the Vatican suggest that sainthood is not far behind...

Nov 29 - Xavier's contract talks  Abel Xavier's future at Everton hangs in the balance – if the negotiating stances described in the Daily Post are to be believed.  Xavier wants a decent 3- or 4-year deal; Everton are offering a desultory pay-as-you-play package.

Nov 28 - Yin and Yang  We knew it was rubbish when they said Duncan would be back inside two weeks.  Walter Smith has now learned that his talismanic (arrgh!) striker (who has not scored in open play this season) will be out 'til after Christmas.  What next? Unsie up front?

Nov 28:  Viewpoint: Where's my Share?In a long article edited for ToffeeWeb's Viewpoint, Ian MacDonald reviews the business of owning shares in Everton FC Co Ltd, and makes a rallying cry for the Board to initiate the long-overdue Share Issue for the fans, expressly to benefit the equally long-overdue Youth Academy.

Nov 27 - FA Youth Cup Win! Everton's youngsters out-maneouvered West Ham during extra time this evening, winning 2-1 following a goalless first 90 minutes.  

Nov 27 - The Judderman ponders his future Everton will open talks with Abel Xavier this week about extending the Portuguese international's contract.  Rumours have suggested he is eyeing a return to the Continent but his form was great until he was poleaxed by Paul Gerrard the other week.

Nov 26:  Have we beaten the "lesser teams" hoodoo?  ToffeeWeb's statistics tables reveal little that is spectacular this month following Everton's recent dip in form.  However, without wishing to tempt fate, the evidence so far shows that Everton are finally playing well against those teams battling away in the bottom half of the table - a failing of previous seasons has been the Blues' inability to perform against "lesser teams".

Nov 26 - Transfer Merry-go-round  Strong but unconfirmed rumours suggest that Everton are on the verge of signing Dion Dublin from Aston Villa.  How strange it would be if he were to end up at Goodison after the shenanigans surrounding Howard Kendall's attempts to sign him eight years ago!

Nov 25 - Ball Explodes  Michael Ball's anger at being substituted on 74 mins of the Glasgow derby today erupted into a physical confrontation with Rangers manager Dick Advocaat that is certain to see the young Evertonian in serious trouble.

Nov 25:  Strike a Light!  Everton play to another turgid draw while Campbell and Ferguson are injured, with the excellent Steve Watson struggling to be a striker up front, while a clutch of other strikers on the books are overlooked.  Colm Kavanagh stays remarkably restrained in his latest analysis of Everton's mixed fortunes.

Nov 24:  Leicester City 0 - 0 Everton  Walter Smith persisted with the Radzinski-Watson partnership up front (and left Joe-Max Moore on the bench throughout) but what few chances there were wasted by both sides.  Frank Sinclair had a header volleyed off the line by Gary Naysmith and Trevor Benjamin's "goal" was disallowed for an obvious foul on Steve Simonsen.  Paul Gascoigne's introduction on the hour did little to lift the tedium.

Nov 24 - Out in the cold?  Michael Ball talks to Michael Walker of The Guardian about leaving Everton for Rangers, turning down Middlesbrough, and his chances of getting into the England team.  "There was one part of me that was saying I could never play against Everton."

Nov 24 - Sounds like Gazza may start   SoccerNet, who have previously spent a lot of energy writing Gazza off, now claim that Walter Smith could be planning to use him as a not-so secret goal-scoring or creating weapon at Leicester.

Nov 23 - PFA Deal averts strike  The PFA has finally agreed a deal on their share of the Leagues' TV revenue in lieu of appearance fees. The strike, which would have affected Everton's next match at Goodison, has been called off.

Nov 22:  Kings Dock: Where are we now?  At the Everton From the Terrace Website, Phil Pellow reviews the progress towards a new home for Everton in the Kings Waterfront Development, and provides his personal views on some of the remaining issues that need resolution.

Nov 22 - Strike Fine Threat  Everton have raised the stakes in the impending PFA strike threatening to fine players who refuse to play in front of the cameras.

Nov 21:  Tal's position looks weak  Idan Tal, projected as one of the more promising of Walter Smith's previously unknown signings, is becoming increasingly frustrated by his failure to be included in first-team action.  He has many fans, but his consistent failure to make a real impression during the few games he has played does not auger well for him, especially with Blomqvist snapping at his heels. 

Nov 20:  Millsy's Royal Blue Mersey  One of our younger contributors, Ian Mills, is on half-term from his A-Level school work, and provides his own personal assessment of Everton's recent improvements, with the record now showing just one loss in the last six matches.

Nov 20 - Duncan's Ankle Op  Duncan Ferguson will be out of action for just two weeks after a surprise operation to remove a biece of bone from his ankle?  And the rest... He'll surely be out 'til Christmas. 

Nov 19: October Player of the Month  The month of October saw Everton draw one, win one and lose one - the latter rather unfortunately at home against Newcastle.  Which player do you think was the pick of the bunch in the games against Ipswich, Aston Villa and Newcastle?  Vote for your Everton Player of the Month for October.

Nov 19 - The Reserves crash at Sunderland 2-4, where new signing Jesper Blomqvist had an impressive run out, along with Pembridge, Moore, Tal, Cadamarteri, and Nick Chadwick, returning from injury.  The last two scored the goals, as reported by Matthew Fearon

Nov 19 - Gazza wants to stay  Paul Gascoigne has restated his desire to stay for Everton and, if possible, get back into the England squad. 

Nov 18:  Everton 0 - 0 Chelsea  Everton slip to 12th after another nail-biting mid-table six-pointer turns into a drab and dismal exhibition that fully merited the scoreless result.  In the end, Everton were lucky to escape with a point – thanks to an excellent Simonsen save off a wicked Zola free-kick.  No doubt we should celebrate this as confirmation of our hard-won mid-table mediocrity? 

Nov 17 - Bad day in Blackburn  The Under-19s were beaten by a late goal at Blackburn, as Steve Milne reports.  The Under-17s lost 1-3 to the cloggies as well. 

Nov 16 - New Year Radz Worry  Looking forward to the New Year, Everton are fearful that Tomasz Radzinski could be missing for 3 or 4 vital games in January if he accepts a call-up to the Canadian National squad for defence of the Gold Cup in North America.

Nov 15:  Poll: Is a Share Issue the way to go?  Still £20M in debt and running out of home-grown talent to flog for small fortunes, Everton's financial future doesn't have to rely solely on the uncertain prospect of the Kings Dock.  The board could initiate a Share Issue whereby fans could invest in the club and inject millions into the coffers, albeit at the expense of the value of the current shareholders' stock.  Would you buy shares in Everton if you were given the chance? 

Nov 15 - Who?  Everton are interested in Mexican Pavel Pardo.  So say the Daily Star...

Nov 15:  Viewpoint: Everton Accounts  The release of Everton's accounts, and the remarkably positive spin that has been placed on the large debt of around £20M, prompts Neil Wolstenhome to consider the broader picture and make some key recommendations to the Everton Board ahead of next month's AGM.

Nov 15 - Gazza's reward?  In the Daily Post, Andy Hunter leads with a story that Walter Smith is thinking about extending Gazza's contract, given his new attitude and sobriety since June.

Nov 14 - Radzinski can't save Canucks  The return of Tomasz Radzinski to international action is not enough to save Canada from defeat against diminutive Malta, who won this friendly 2-1.  Radz was booked and pulled off on 57 mins – thankfully uninjured.

Nov 14:  Injury doubts for weekend  Walter Smith heads towards Sunday's PPV match-up against Chelsea knowing that his strike force may be severely depleted with injuries to Campbell and Ferguson, and fears about Tomasz Radzinski playing for Canada on Thursday. 

Nov 14 - Glass Ankles Jeffers  An update on Francis Jeffers and life at Arsenal reveals that an ankle injury which is keeping Jeffers out of the squad may need surgery and a lengthy layoff.  So these injuries are not just an Everton curse, and could impact the £2M slice of his £10M transfer fee that is appearance-related.

Nov 13 - Reserves Beaten  Everton Reserves – without new signing Jesper Blomqvist, injured in training!!! – lost 1-3 to Manchester United after leading at half-time.  Report from Steve Milne

Nov 12 - Myhre moves on  Thomas Myhre's painful demise at Everton become final today as he completed a move to Turkish side Beshiktas for a fee of around £300k.

Nov 12:  Get it Right  This contribution from Evertonian Patrick Hart highlights the shameless ignorance our friends in the media show when they fail to recognize or acknowledge Everton's substantial record and place in the history of English football.

Nov 12 - Time to give Simo a go  By far the biggest return of votes for one of our Quick Poll votes has delivered a damning verdict on Paul Gerrard who fell way short even of the outgoing Thomas Myhre.  The fans obviously think Steve Simonsen now deserves his chance between the sticks.

Nov 11:  Up for the Cup  At the behest of FourFourTwo magazine, Ian MacDonald of the Everton Independent Supporters Association has pieced together this little story of the second time Everton won the FA Cup, in 1933.

Nov 11 - Fantasy Transfer Land  It's Sunday, and time for some classic tabloid-inspired nonsense from TeamTalk.  This story has Duncan Ferguson being sold to finance the arrival of Birmingham's Bryan Hughes.  Yawn...

Nov 10 - Gazza for England  A guest on Frank Skinner's ITV chat show, Gazza tells how he would love to be a member of Sven's 2002 World Cup squad.

Nov 10:  EFC Business: better or worse?  Compared to last year, Everton FC Co Ltd made a smaller financial loss (down to £3.7M from £11.2M) at the cost of massive borrowing (up to an incredible £29.7M from £15.2M), with £1.6M paid in interest.  These figures exclude transactions after 31 May 2001, such as £8.75M in net income from transfer fees. 

Nov 10 - Alexandersson does well Niclas Alexandersson played a solid part in Sweden's 1-1 friendly draw with England at Old Trafford.  Tommy Gravesen picked up an injury for Denmark v Holland and was substituted at half-time.

Nov 10 - U-19s doing better  Steve Milne reports on a good 1-0 win for the U-19s against tough opposition from Coventry, with Michael Symes the scorer.

Nov 9:  Shareholders Meetings  An open meetng of the Everton Shareholders Association takes place on 20 November.  Shareholders may obtain tickets for themselves and invited guests at £5 to cover the buffet.  Also, the delayed Everton AGM is scheduled for 3 December 2001.

Nov 9 - Players approve strike action  Players of the PFA have overwhelmingly approved the call to strike if necessary to further their claim for the agreed 5% of TV income in lieu of the players receiving appearance money for playing in front of the cameras.  Everton's Sky match v Southampton on 2 December may be at risk if an agreement can't be reached.

Nov 9 - Canadian Confusion  Act now!  Order your unique red Everton kits form this Canadian website before they are all gone!  (Maybe Tomasz Radzinski thought he was joining the other lot...)

Nov 8:  Smith signs Blomqvist  Everton have secured the services of Swedish winger Jesper Blomqvist on a free transfer from Manchester United, with a contract until the end of the season.  His addition to the squad should undoubtedly add some much-needed flair – if he can remain fit – although Idan Tal and Kevin McLeod might not be too chuffed!

Nov 8 - Internet mis-information  SoccerAge mischievously claims that Thomas Gravesen has admitted he may leave the club if he doesn’t get an improved contract, when their direct quotes indicate no such thing.  Incompetent journalism!  

Nov 7 - Young Finn on trial  One strange name on the teamsheet for last night's reserve games was that of Jukka Sauso, a 19-year-old Finn who is on trial with Everton.

Nov 6 - Reserves overcome Bolton  Paul Gascoigne starred in Everton Reserves' 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers this evening - the Blues securing the result that the seniors should have held on to at the weekend!  Tal and Pilkington were on target. 

Nov 6:  New Academy/Training Site?  If the Daily Post is to be believed, Everton are considering selling off Bellefield and Netherton in order to buy a new site in Liverpool for the development of a modern training facility that will presumably include a permanent home for the long delayed Everton Youth Academy. 

Nov 5 - New Arsenal TV date  Are we allowed to relay the copyrighted information that the home fixture against Arsenal has been moved to Sunday February 10 at 4 pm, for live coverage on Sky tv?  Probably not...

Nov 5:  Who wants to be Number One?  Colm Cavanagh asks the question of Everton's erratic band of goalkeepers, which is soon to be depleted by one when Tommy Myhre reportedly completes his move to Beshiktas later this week...  

Nov 5 - Gravesen up for grabs?  Fireworks indeed if that cheeky old bugger Bobby Robson got anything more than a fire-fly in his ear after trying to buy Thomas Gravesen.  We'd say "No" , but this is how it starts...

Nov 3 - U-19s draw at Bolton  The youngsters have not been doing too well this season, although Wayne Rooney keeps up his impressive scoring form in this 1-1 draw. 

Nov 3 - Sport First, Britain's first newspaper dedicated to sport (oh yea? So what of the Sporting Life?) list three Everton players – Alessandro Pistone, Thomas Gravesen, and Paul Gascoigne – in Saturday's Team of the Day.

Nov 3:  Bolton Wanderers 2 - 2 Everton  No Ferguson or Watson; Gerrard demoted to the bench as Simonsen gets his Premiership debut.  But D'Usro is the ref, and he gifts Bolton a goal after 10 mins from a non-free-kick.  Just before the break, Stubbs levels it with a brilliant shot from a free kick.  GAME ON!  And then, the greatest moment in recent Everton history as some beautiful football ended with Gazza burying a great shot!  But heavy pressure from Bolton – down to 10 men! – finally pays off in the 94th minute when they equalise.  Another 2 points needlessly surrendered...


Nov 2 - FA Youth Cup 3rd Round  Everton's youngsters have been drawn to play West Ham United away in the 3rd Round of the FA Youth Cup.  Games are to be played on or before 8 December 2001. 

Nov 1 - Beshiktas in for Myhre?  More rumours about Tommy Myhre being wanted by Turkish side Beshiktas, but it seems doubtful they would pay the £0.5M Everton claim he is worth.

Oct 31 - Campbell injury doubt  Duncan Ferguson may be set for a recall to the starting line-up as Kevin Campbell is still suffering from the injury that caused his substitution against Newcastle.  

Oct 30 - Simo in for Debut?  The Daily Post is talking up Steve Simonsen – who they still think was Britain's most expensive goalkeeper, despite only about £500k changing hands at the time – for his baptism in the Premiership after Paul Gerrard incurred the implacable wrath of Walter Smith.

Oct 29 - Reserves lose at Leeds  Everton Reserves lost out to Leeds United and a headed goal from their new signing Seth Johnson in the FA Premiere Reserves League (Northern Section).  Report from Steve Milne

Oct 29 - Nostalgia Time  The Independent's resident Evertonian, Brian Viner, turns 40 and casts his mind back to 1971...

Oct 28 - Gazza for Coach? Over at The Telegraph, Patrick Barclay looks at the likelihood that Gazza could transition into coaching when his playing days finally end.

Oct 28: SuperKev on Walter the Saviour  The Official Website has wheeled out team captain Kevin Campbell to talk up the fine reputation of Walter Smith, insisting that he is amazed the cannie Scot stayed with Everton and prevented the drop down to the Nationwide at the end of last season, what with all those injuries, etc, etc. 

Oct 27 - Idan's Israel fail to qualify  Idan Tal's Israel team fail to reach the World Cup qualifying play-offs after being held 1-1 by Austria.

Oct 27 - Xavier in hospital  After sickening accidental head-butt from his own goalie that lead to Newcastle's first goal, Xavier was knocked unconscious and taken to hospital for observation.  He now misses a mandatory three weeks of matches.

Oct 27:  Everton 1 - 3 Newcastle Utd  After going into the break a goal down – Paul Gerrard gifting a goal to Newcastle when he took out Abel Xavier leaving Craig Bellamy to slot into the empty net – more pathetic defending in the second half consigned the Blues to another defeat.  Nolberto Solano fired in a second on 47 minutes.  David Weir powered home 2 mins later to set up the fight-back but missed chances - Tomasz Radzinski the chief culprit - meant that Smith's men - the better side overall - failed to make amends and Acuna rubbed salt into the wounds with a late third.   BBC Audio Report from Stuart Hall 
Match reports from Rob Burns and Matt Fearon

Oct 27 - ToffeeWeb Forum  BraveNet have shut down while they move to a new location, so we have had to relocate the ToffeeWeb Forum again.  Please bear with us and bookmark this link. 

Oct 26:  Still Talking Blue  The long-awaited sequel is here!  Author Becky Tallentire is taking orders for signed copies of her second collection of hard-hitting personal interviews with 15 of Everton's heroes that spans the last 50 years of success and failure on the pitch for the Royal Blues.  The book costs £14.99 (plus p&p: UK - £2; Europe - £3; USA - £5; Australia £6).  Order yours now!  Enjoy some special excerpts from Becky's new masterpiece!

Oct 26:  Clubs need Stability  The BBC's ex-Echo journalist, Phil McNulty draws out Walter Smith on the recent rash of managerial sackings at various football clubs, with the Everton manager emphasizing the need for stability rather than knee-jerk reactions to poor performances on the field of play.  

Oct 26 - Is Paulo di Canio about to sign for Everton?  It would be nice, but you never can trust these unsubstantiated rumours...

Oct 25 - Funeral for Jim King  A great turnout of Evertonians past and present attended the funeral of Jimmy King, a leading figure in Everton's Official Supporters Club for over 20 years, who died suddenly at the age of 70.  

Oct 25 - Radz for Canada  The Daily Post is talking up Radzinski's case for a return to the International Soccer scene with powerhouse team Canada... who have already failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Oct 24:  The leaving of Goodison  Helen Carter writes for The Guardian about the potential socioeconomic impact that Everton leaving Goodison Park could have on the predominantly working-class community of Walton.

Oct 24 - Barry Horne speaks for PFA  Over at the BBC Website, PFA Chairman Barry Horne answers questions from the fans about the threatened players strike in response to the Premier League's unilateral reduction in the percentage of TV income that goes to the players group in lieu of TV appearance fees.

Oct 23: - Colm is for turning  Many months ago, Colm Kavanagh was one of the earliest to suggest in his 40th ToffeeWeb column that Walter Smith was not up to the task of managing Everton.  He hasn't quite admitted the need to eat his words just yet, but the signs of rapprochement are being kindled in his latest comment piece where he considers "The Devil You know..."

Oct 23 - Reserves beat Blackburn  A strong Everton Reserves beat Blackburn 3 - 0 with rotating members of of the first-team squad getting a game – except Pembridge, who is already ruled out of the Newcastle match.  Full line-up and report from Steve Milne

Oct 22 - Goalmakers  A new feature at ToffeeWeb will help you keep track of the players who are making the final touches that lead to goals for Everton.  Mark Pembridge and Gary Naysmith are the leading providers with three each so far.  Kevin Campbell can also claim three penalty-winning moves. 

Oct 22 - Gravesen Impresses  The Daily Mail, aka ESPN Soccernet, are recycling some old Gravesen/Tyson tales in the light of Mad Dog's inspiring performance on Saturday.

Oct 21 - Prosinecki linked again  Sunday is the day for wild rumours... today its a reappearance of the links to Robert Prosinecki, who has been very impressive for Portsmouth.

Oct 20 - Get yer chequebook out!  If there is any money to spend on players, ToffeeWeb's visitors say emphatically that Everton should at least invest in a classy midfielder.  Belated September Poll Result

Oct 20: Everton 3 - 2 Aston Villa  After a nervous start, a strong Everton team took the game to Villa, with Watson scoring a great close-range header after 30 mins.  In the second half, Radzinski and then Gravesen scored in the space of a few minutes, and Goodison Park went nuts!  But a quick reply from Hadji, and a strong finish from Villa – with a last-minute goal from Peter Schmeichel! – had Evertonians in fear and trepidation until the final whistle... New Report from Julian Cashen

Oct 20 - Mad Dog says Madsen  Some websites are reporting that Tommy Gravesen is pushing for Everton to sign his Danish teammate, Brondby's highly-rated striker Peter Madsen... Doh!  Now everybody knows!  

Oct 19 - Quiz Nite at Goodison  Shape up and line up in teams of four for the next fun-filled Everton Quiz Nite on Friday 19th October at 7.30pm in the Legends Lounge, Park End at Goodison Park.  £1 a head on the door.  Prizes & signed memorabilia.  Over 100 turned up last time so don't miss out!

Oct 19 - Fan club leader dies  Jimmy King, a leading figure in Everton's Official Supporters Club for over 20 years, has died suddenly at the age of 70.  He worked tirelessly to promote the interests of Everton fans and was one of the Fans Focus representatives.

Oct 18 - Elleray the Idiot  The FA will not penalize Mauriccio Tarrico for the horrendous tackle that put Thomas Gravesen out of action for 6 weeks because David Elleray now says he saw nothing wrong with it!!!  And it takes TWO MONTHS to figure this out???  This, the precious disciplinary system that fines Everton thousands for picking up too many stupid yellow cards – from their referees!!!

Oct 17 - Swedish link  TeamTalk suggest that Everton have been in contact with Helsinborg about defender Christoffer Andersson, citing the need to replace Michael Ball.  No matter that Everton have an abundance of defenders, not to mention Naysmith and Pistone in the wing-back spot...

Oct 17:  Viewpoint: More Villans than heroes  Everton have a lousy record against Villa in the Premiership, their last win coming 6 years ago.  Walter Smith has managed just two goalless draws in the way of points in his time as Goodison boss, but can his class of 2001-02 lay to rest the club's Villa bogey on Saturday?

Oct 17 - Reserves lose at Boro  A mainly young Everton Reserves team with limited experience traveled to Middlesbrough where they suffered their first defeat of the season.  We have half a match report from Steve Milne.

Oct 16 - Gemmill's slow recovery  Scott Gemmill is still suffering from an injured back and is unlikely to play for the Reserves on Wednesday, although Gazza is expected to get another run out.

Oct 15 - Joe-Max says his piece  Joe-Max Moore has expressed his annoyance at the speculation that some newspapers and websites carried at the weekend, suggesting he was unsettled at Goodison.  On the Club website, he confirms his commitment to Everton.  

Oct 14 - Davey Jones: stay or move?  Wolves fans deduce the probable from the possible as they ponder whether they will soon be seeing their manager David Jones heading for Goodison Park.  Also, read this article about Dave Jones in The Observer.

Oct 13:  Ipswich Town 0 - 0 Everton  Walter Smith opted for a bizarre 5-2-3 formation with Dunc, Radz and SuperKev up front!  But the plan backfired as Campbell missed numerous golden chances.  Neither side could break the deadlock.  Read a new report from Paul Collyer.

Oct 12 - Moore has itchy feet?  Some sources, including The Echo, see fit to claim that Joe-Max Moore would likely welcome a move away from Goodison after the loss of his early goal-scoring form has led Smith to largely ignore him in team selections.  Moore, however, says it is nonsense, and he will play out his contract.

Oct 11 - Player of the Month - September  The winner of this month's ToffeeWeb POTM poll - voted by you - would also be prime candidate for "most improved Everton player" on last season. He's also excelling at international level. Click for more.

Oct 11 - Kings Dock reality check  At the From the Terrace website, Phil Pellow casts a worrying eye over the latest rumblings about the Kings Dock project, which may yet turn out to be the pathway that ultimately leads to... Ground Sharing!!!!

Oct 11 - Tony Grant moves on  Another ex-Blue who was destined to be a great star has moved on from Manchester City to Burnley, now that he no longer has the protection Joe Royle – one of the few who believed he could one day make the grade.

Oct 10 - Ball gets Rangers debut Two months into his new career at Rangers, Michael Ball finally gets a full debut in last night's 3-0 CIS Cup win over Airdrie.  Ball's new start has been dogged by a knee injury.

Oct 9 - Here comes Sun Jihai  If Teamtalk is to be believed, Everton are interested in signing Chinese International from his club, Dalian Shide.  Rochdale's Kevin Townson is also being looked at...

Oct 9:  Jevons' last-minute Kop-killer  We don't usually give a monkey's about Liverpool, but this story of an ex-Blue's cup-killing exploits makes very nice reading: Grimsby stun Liverpool "An extra-time strike from Phil Jevons knocks holders Liverpool out of the Worthington Cup."  

Oct 9 - Nearly all fit  Walter Smith is almost close to having a fully fit squad, with Ferguson and Gemmill recovering, but Gazza is still doubtful for the weekend trip to Portman Road.  

Oct 8 - Smith  denies Scots link  Walter Smith has firmly denied weekend suggestions that he may be tempted to take on the job of Scottish team manager now that Craig Brown has finally gone. He also denied rumours of a return to Ibrox.

Oct 8 - Everton's Youth Cup winning captain Mick O'Brien has been released on a free transfer by Torquay and has joined Chester City. 

Oct 7:  Go Joe-Max!  Joe-Max Moore, who hasn't scored a goal for Everton in nearly two seasons, became a US hero today as he scored both goals (one a penalty) that gave the USA the win they needed to put them into the World Cup Finals yet again, despite a rather poor performance.

Oct 6 - Tommy the Tank  Tommy Gravesen inspired Denmark to steam all over Iceland, scoring two goals in a 6-0 win that sends the Danes to Korea/Japan for the World Cup Finals.  Also, Mark Pembridge was impressive in a rare Welsh win over Belarus.

Oct 6:  Weir scores for Scotland  On a day of emotional lows and highs for England, who scrapped through to the World Cup Finals with a last-minute Beckham free-kick, David Weir stepped up to head the winner for Scotland in a 2-1 win over Latvia.  His first goal for his country in his 30th full international.

Oct 6 - Youth Teams Beaten  The mighty forces of Crewe Alexandra's youth teams have humbled Everton's youngsters at home, the Under-17s losing 0-1 and the Under-19s crashing to a 2-4 defeat.

Oct 5 - Echo Money Tales  The Liverpool Echo finally catches up with the news about the failed media deal, and figures out that the cash from the Jeffers and Ball deals is coming in on the drip.  In a third piece, Mark Thomas puts this together in the context of Kings Dock.  And then he dreams about 2005.  Why this sudden plethora of financial stories???

Oct 5 - Cadamarteri interest  Both his hometown club of Bradford City and Stoke City have reportedly shown an interest in Danny Cadamarteri whose Everton days are over following his recent brush with the law.

Oct 4: - Behind closed doors  An Everton XI drew 1-1 with Preston in a private training game at Bellefield today.  Team: Gerrard (45' Simonsen), Hibbert, Xavier, Stubbs, Unsworth, Pistone, Cleland, McLeod, Radzinski, Campbell, Clarke.  Campbell equalised Preston's earlier strike.  Radzinski hit the post.  Watson, Gazza and Dunc were in attendance but did not play any part.

Oct 4 - Naysmith carrying injury  TeamTalk report that Gary Naysmith may not be fit enough to play for Scotland at the weekend, after picking up a knock in the 5-0 blitz of West Ham

Oct 3 - Mixed bag of stats  Everton are among the highest scorers in the Premiership at the moment (shades of 1999-00), but old habits persist; namely a poor record in the first 45 minutes of matches and against the top half of the table. Check out some early season stats. 

Oct 3 - Gazza to miss just one game  Gazza is expected to be fit for the visit of Aston Villa in a couple of weeks after sustaining minor knee ligament damage early on against West Ham. 

Oct 2:  Rhino has the hump  The Daily Post were claiming that David Unsworth is not a happy camper despite scoring a nice goal for Everton Reserves on Monday night.  Squad rotation is one thing, but being made the scapegoat for Everton's earlier run of defeats might be a bit unfair.  Rhino now vows to fight for his place.

Oct 2 - Player of the Month : Vote for who you think was Everton's best player during the mixed month of September.


Oct 1 - Reserves draw again  Everton Reserves traveled to a rampant Newcastle (current Reserve League leaders) and were held to a fourth successive 1-1 draw, with David Unsworth (dropped from Saturday's big win) scoring the goal. Read this report by Steve Milne.  

Oct 1:  Viewpoint: Rounding another corner  The 5-0 humiliation of West Ham was a fantastic way for Walter Smith and Everton to answer their critics, but they will have to deviate from history if they are to prove that the manager has what it takes to turn the corner permanently and keep the Blues in the top half.  Previously under Walter, big wins have been followed by depressing form.

Sep 30 - Poor old Gazza  Paul Gascoigne will be out for a few weeks following yet another self-inflicted injury when he damaged knee ligaments trying to tackle Kanouté.

Sep 29:  Tomasz Radzinski capped a wonderful day for Everton against West Ham Utd by rounding the 'keeper to notch the Blues' 5th goal with 15 mins to go.  Despite losing Gazza early on, Everton dominated and went ahead on 45' when Campbell headed home.  Don Hutchison scored a farcical og 5 mins into the 2nd half; Thomas Gravesen danced through to smash home No 3 just minutes after Hutchison's gaffe and Steve Watson fired in the fourth.  New report by Julian Cashen

Sep 28 - Sing that again, Slav Ex-Everton player Slaven Bilic, multi-lingual qualified lawyer, now wants to add 'pop-star' to his CV...

Sep 28: An Open Forum? This strange account of a private shareholders' meeting has suddenly appeared on the Official Website, nearly two months after the meeting was held at Goodison Park.  It seems more like a thinly veiled slap in the face to the Echo's David Prentice rather than a realistic report on that old meeting!

Sep 27 - Radz back in training  Expectations are high that Tomasz Radzinski could finally be given his full Everton debut against West Ham at the weekend, now that he is back in training, and Duncan Ferguson has a recurrence of his old groin strain.

Sep 26 - Andy Gray backs Smith  Andy Gray stands firm with his fellow Scot, claiming Walter Smith has done a good job with one hand tied behind his back.   

Sep 26 - More injury worries  We are trying to keep track of the developing injury crisis but it's hard when players get injured in training on a Friday.  Here is the Echo's projection for our injury problems this Saturday. 

Sep 26:  Everton fan Alan Doyle feels that Walter Smith cannot be blamed for the recent run of dismal results.  In defence of Walter Smith he continues to manage Everton through "very difficult circumstances" and deserves even more chances to prove that we can cling on to 12th place in the Premiership...

Sep 25: - Many Evertonians have been describing their own reactions to the latest Everton defeat over on Kenny Fogarty's ToffeeWeb Forum.  Seems like our columnist Ian Mills feels your pain, judging by his latest ToffeeWeb contribution.

Sep 24 - Reserves draw again  Everton's reserves game against Manchester City ended in a 1-1 draw with Joe-Max Moore getting the goal and Danny Cadamarteri making an appearance.  This was their third such result in the new campaign.  Report from Steve Milne

Sep 24 - Materazzi drops a few:  1) While playing for Everton he was sent off '"for being Italian."  2) The players told him to go back to Italy.  3) He would only return to the Premiership for a London club.

Sep 24 - Everton fan and Championship Manager designer Paul Collyer has set up an Everton web forum reserved for suggestions on making improvements at Everton FC.  What sort of things do you want to see changed for the better?  Provide your input to the Everton Supporters Forum.

Sep 23 - Gazza: the full Interview  Gazza has publicly admitted that he has a drink problem.  This exclusive interview in The Observer brings out the very human aspects of his poignant life-story, in which Walter Smith has played a significant part.  We have finally tracked down the full version at the Guardian website.  

Sep 23:   Stability as a means to an end may be all well and good.  But if "stability" is a euphemism for continuing decline denoted by asset-stripping, incompetent management, dire football, poor results, lower attendances... well you get the drift.  So does Colm Kavanagh who wonders if the Camel's back about to break?.

Sep 22:  Everton traveled to Ewood Park without Tomasz Radzinski, who was not fit, and lost 1-0 to Blackburn Rovers.  Hibbert and Gazza started; Everton missed a penalty that Ferguson executed poorly, letting Friedel save.  Then Blackburn grabbed an easy goal through Grabbi.  Everton tried very hard but they just could not score.  Read this report by Rob Burns.

Sep 22 - A little later than planned, the results of ToffeeWeb's Player of the Month for August poll are in and, unsurprisingly, The Big Yin got the nod. Check out the results.

Sep 19 - David Unsworth has been rewarded with a new three-year contract extension.

Sep 19 - Cada was leaving anyway  Danny Cadamarteri claims he was leaving at the end of the season anyway, since Everton can't "guarantee him first-team football"... nothing to do with the fact that he is simply not good enough?

Sep 18 - Cada to be released  Danny Cadamarteri will be encouraged to leave the club before his contract expires if "suitable arrangements" can be made... 

Sep 18 - Leeds game rearranged  Everton will now visit Elland Road on Wednesday, December19 (7:45pm), unless Leeds are knocked out of the Worthington Cup by Leicester City on October 8, in which case the game will be staged a week earlier on Wednesday, December 12. 

Sep 18:  It may feel like cutting off your own arm but in Cold hard reality, ToffeeWeb Webmaster and columnist Lyndon Lloyd believes Walter Smith should take the bold decision of relegating Duncan Ferguson to the bench.  Everton's attempts to challenge at the right end of the table may depend on a more mobile attacking partnership.

Sep 17: Big Yin or Big Yawn? Everton fan Ben Fardey is not too impressed with our Duncan Ferguson.  But Declan O'Shaughnessey reckons the problem lies in the lack of supply from our inadequate midfield.  Send your considered contributions to the ToffeeWeb Editor.

Sep 17 - One of Everton's 1960s stars, winger Alex Scott, passed away last week at the age of 64.  This link Alex Scott dies leads to his obituary in The Guardian.

Sep 16:  We haven't heard much from Colm Kavanagh since the start of the season.  But our Irish columnist has some thoughts about yesterday's derby: Taking it on the Chin.  And they're not as negative as you might have expected from the poor result.

Sep 15: - What can we to say about another dismal, depressing, defeat?  Everton were simply not good enough; outplayed by Liverpool in all areas of the field by the red horde.  Watching this game unfold hurt deeply.  Instead of 10 league places separating Everton and Liverpool, there is now just one.  Latest report is from Jenny Roberts

Sep 15 - Alan Stubbs is featured in this article in the Telegraph by Henry Winter.  Stubbsy talks of his childhood as an Everton fan, and how it is a dream come true for him to now be playing for The Blues. 

Sep 15 - Joe-Max Moore's pain  Joe-Max Moore talks to The Guardian about how he reacted to the terrible events of this horrendous week back in America.

Sep 14 - Gough puts his boots back on  Richard Gough is reportedly making a footballing comeback after leaving Everton for apparent retirement in May. The 38 year-old defender will make a two guest appearances for injury-hit Australian National Soccer League side Northern Spirit  

Sep 14:  Gravesen back in the frame Thomas Gravesen is set to return to first team action after making a rapid recovery from the horrible Tarrico tackle that took a gouge out of his leg.  Thomasz Radzinski could make his debut, probably from the bench.  But Nick Barmby has been dropped by Liverpool to avoid unpleasant recriminations from Everton fans.

Sep 14 - Cadamarteri fined  Danny Cadamarteri was fined £2,000 plus costs of £4,000 after being found guilty of assault.

Sep 14 -  Former Blue Sandy Brown has apparently been hospitalised after suffering a second stroke yesterday. The ToffeeWeb team extends its best wishes to Sandy and his family.

Sep 13 - Alex Scott dies  One of Everton's 1960s stars, winger Alex Scott, has passed away at the age of 64.

Sep 12:  Everton fell prey to the banana-skin once again as they lost 4 - 5 on penalties at Goodison Park to First Division Crystal Palace.  It was 1-1 after both 90 mins and Extra Time.  Duncan Ferguson scored his third penalty of the season after 6 mins; Freedman equalised from the spot 4 mins later.  Captain Campbell blasted the first and ultimately decisive penalty kick over the bar in the shootout.  Report by Paul Waring

Sep 12 - Leeds game off  Everton's fixture against Leeds United next week has been postponed as a result of this week's cancellation of all remaining Uefa matches due to security fears, with the Leeds match against Maritimo rescheduled for 20 September. 

Sep 10: Life when you're poor Walter Smith tells The Telegraph he is "blissfully happy" at Everton FC, operating on a shoestring budget.  Perhaps he is actually reflecting on his annual salary – estimated to be around £750k...

Sep 10 -  It appears certain that Paul Gascoigne will finally be given some time on the field when Everton take on Crystal Palace at Goodison Park in the 2nd Round of the Worthington League Cup on Wednesday. 

Sep 9 - Mad Dog fit again  Tommy Gravesen says he'll be fit for the Goodison derby game on Saturday.  Will Walter Smith agree?

Sep 9 - Thanks, but No thanks  Second division Notts County say an agent offered them Paul Gascoigne on loan, but they decided to say no.

Sep 8 - Danish wonderkid [Rumour]  Everton are reported to be interested in 16-year-old Mads Beierholm who has burst on the scene in Denmark, scoring 2 goals in 6 games.  

Sep 8:  The bubble bursts in predictable fashion as Manchester United's rotation squad demonstrate that the Table really was upside-down, and little of substance has really changed at Everton.  A poor display, with United making over 20 strikes on goal to a pathetic 5 from Everton.  Gascoigne?  Not even on the bench.  

Sep 7:  Danny Cadamarteri has been found guilty of causing actual bodily harm to Joeline Joel, who sustained a suspected fracture of the jaw in a late-night fracas in Liverpool city centre last October.  Sentencing is deferred until next week but will not involve prison time because the attack was provoked.

Sep 7 - Everton fans reps have been getting down one-2-one with senior Everton executives to discuss a wide range of current issues in the latest Fans Focus meeting.  We bring you an easy-to-read version of Ian MacDonald's detailed notes on this informative exchange of views. 

Sep 7 -  Smith rules out Scots Job  Walter Smith has made it clear he has no interest in taking up the job of Scotland manager, should the post become vacant any time soon.

Sep 4:   Three of Everton's walking wounded played in tonight's Reserves match at Sheffield Wednesday.  Paul Gascoigne, Abel Xavier and Alec Cleland all played the full 90 minutes, in which young Nick Chadwick was again on the scoresheet, grabbing a late equaliser for Everton.  Read Steve Milne's Report

Sep 4 - Taricco to be charged  The video review committee have recommended to the FA that Mauricio Taricco of Spurs be charged for the horrific studs-up tackle that took a piece out of Thomas Gravesen's leg at Goodison last month. 

Sep 4 - Jeffers England Hat-trick  Francis Jeffers, recently of Everton but now with Arsenal, scored a hat-trick for England U-21s in their 5-0 defeat of Albania.  "His subtle movement off the ball was a class above anything else on show on the night."  Ho hum. 

Sep 4 - Player of the Month  Who do you think was Everton's best player in the month of August (i.e. the season so far!). Vote Now! Poll closes 5pm BST Friday September 7th.

Sep 4 - Everton v Man U on TV  Everton's home fixture against the reigning champions on Boxing Day will now be available on PPV (KO: 3pm), while overseas Blues can catch this weekend's clash at Old Trafford live or on tape delay (depending on location).   

Sep 4 - Radzinski setback  The Everton injury curse is likely to rule Thomasz Radzinski out of the Old Trafford clash on Saturday: he is still having hamstring problems.

Sep 3 -  Man U (h) on Pay-Per-View... on Boxing Day, that is.  Everton's home fixture against the reigning champions on Boxing Day will now be available on PPV.  KO: 3pm.

Sep 3 - Poyet Red Card Stands  The FA have declined the opportunity to rescind Gus Poyet's red card, awarded for a cynical bodycheck on Steve Watson a fortnight ago.

Sep 2 - Spotted playing for a 'Sunday park' team in Ireland was former Everton player from the 60s, Mick Meegan.  Meegan is 67, and he finished the game. They don't make them like that any more.

Sep 2 - Hutchison on his move  Don Hutchison's strange description of his move from Sunderland to West Ham appears to carry the hallmarks of further disharmony between player and manager... 

Sep 2 - Petrov declined Smith's offer  The Sunday tabloids also publish a claim that Celtic midfielder Stilian Petrov turned down an £8M transfer to Everton last season.  The claim was subsequently denied by Walter Smith.

Sep 1 - International Blues Plenty of involvement of Everton players in today's World Cup qualifiers: Weir, Naysmith & Gemmill for Scotland; Joe-Max Moore for the US; Alexandersson for Sweden; and Tal for Israel.

Sep 1 - Player of the Month  Who do you think was Everton's best player in the month of August (i.e. the season so far!). Vote Now! Poll closes 5pm BST Friday September 7th.

Sep 1:  The results for the August ToffeeWeb Poll are in and it seems the majority of us don't want the naming rights to the new stadium sold to a corporation and that it should simply be called the Kings Dock.  Check out the results, along with some of the other imaginative suggestions for the ground's moniker, and vote in the September poll.

Aug 31 - Gravesen's secret to success "I can't play well if the team is not doing well."  Hmmm... that may explain what was happening last season, with the lost dog impressions...

Aug 31 -  Thomasz Radzinski is back in training after recovering from a hamstring tear that has kept him sidelined so far this season.

Aug 31:  Everton Press Officer, Alan Meyers leaves the club today, to be replaced by Darren Griffiths, the excellent commentator for Internet audio webcasts of Everton matches.  

Aug 31 - The inaugural Blues Quiz night will take place on Friday night in the Legends Bar in the Park Stand at Goodison (8 pm start).  Every one is very welcome - and admission is only £1.  There will be a bar, and food is available.

Aug 30 - Hedman Deal Collapses Coventry were presumably asking too much for Magnus Hedman as Everton fail to agree a fee for the Swedish No 1 goalie.  Maybe it was all a scam to put the willies up Paul Gerrard?

Aug 30 -  Everton's home fixture against Chelsea has been moved to Sunday 18 November with a 2pm kick-off to facilitate pay-per-view coverage. 

Aug 29 - Cut-Price Palace Everton are to give the fans a welcome gift by cutting ticket prices for the Worthington Cup 2nd Round tie with Crystal Palace in two weeks.

Aug 29 - Everton's remarkably successful Youth Academy gets a big spread in today's Daily Post.  Much of the credit goes to 1960s legend, Colin Harvey,

Aug 28:  Everton Reserves, reigning champions of their Northern section of the FA Premier Reserves/U-21 league, kicked off the new season against Aston Villa with Danny Cadamarteri opening the scoring on 62 mins only for Villa to equalise.  Paul Gascoigne played. 

Aug 28 - More Elleray madness  David Elleray has admitted he made a mistake in sending off Gary Doherty for committing the foul on Kevin Campbell that gave Everton the match-saving penalty against Spurs.  Ferguson's goal, of course, still stands. 

Aug 28 - Pembridge injured Mark Pembridge has had to withdraw from the Welsh squad after having to be substituted against Middlesbrough due to a calf injury.

Aug 27 -  Gemmill speaks softly A rare chance for hard-working Scot Gemmill to bask in the limelight after his screamer that sealed the win for Everton on Saturday.

Aug 25 -  Everton to face Palace  Everton were drawn at home to Crystal Palace in the 2nd Round of the Worthington League Cup this morning.  The tie will be played in the week commencing 10th September. 

Aug 25:  A Scott Gemmill wonder volley following a first half header from Kevin Campbell gave Everton a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough and sent the Blues back to the top of the Premiership on goals scored.  

Aug 24 - Tal awaiting his chance  Everton's Israeli winger Idan Tal says he has benefited from his first full pre-season and is hoping to get the chance to show Blues fans what he can do.  One thing is for sure, as a player who can beat a man with skill, he deserves an extended run in the side.

Aug 24 - Dunc doubtful for 'Boro  TeamTalk claim that Duncan Ferguson has joined the growing Everton injury list and will miss Saturday's match v Boro.  Walter Smith, however, is hopeful that he and Steve Watson will pass late fitness tests.

Aug 23 - Tarrico Video Trial  Argentinean Mauricio Tarrico's unforgivable lunge at Thomas Gravesen will be the subject of a video review by the FA disciplinary panel!

Aug 23 - Naysmith fit again  Gary Naysmith should make a welcome return to the Everton squad this weekend, and has been called up for Scotland, along with Davey Weir and Scott Gemmill. 

Aug 23 -  Add Watson and Pistone to the lengthening list of walking wounded who may miss Saturday's encounter with bottom team Middlesbrough.

Aug 23 -  Former Blue Anders Limpar talks to Umbro about Everton's prospects this season suggesting that the 1995 cup win shows that anything is possible. He's not convinced Ball will be missed, though.

Aug 22 - The atrocious tackle by Tarrico left Thomas Gravesen stunned and numb. He talks to the Echo about how it could easily have broken his leg – a tackle David Elleray saw nothing wrong with! It leaves Walter Smith with a burgeoning injury list.  We count up to eight of the Premiership squad who are now out injured... But the official website says none!

Aug 21 -  The midfield star of the first half against Spurs, Thomas Gravesen, is facing 4 to 8 weeks off with a badly gashed leg that required 30 stitches thanks to Tarrico's reckless tackle. 

Aug 20 - Everton 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur: Everton had their long-suffering supporters - not to mention their manager - tearing their hair out as their long-ball tactics failed to kill off Tottenham after the visitors had been reduced to 9 men. Duncan Ferguson's second penalty in two days earned a point following Darren Anderton's controversial opener.

Aug 20 - Walter Smith knows what he wants from Everton at Goodison Park this season: a return to the form of two seasons ago, when we were scoring for fun!

Aug 18 -  Everton gave two fingers to the critics predicting their doom this season with a hard-earned opening-day win at Charlton Athletic.  David Weir atoned for an earlier blunder that had allowed Jonatan Johanssen to put Charlton ahead by smashing home the winner 13 minutes from time.  Duncan Ferguson's penalty had equalised for the Blues just past the hour.

Aug 18 - Everton for Europe  After a nightmare last season, the Everton players are heading for Europe under the leadership of their new captain, Kevin Campbell.

Aug 17 - Unsworth:  Spot on  A nice piece on David Unsworth in the Liverpool Echo exemplifies Rhino's attributes that goes beyond penalty-spot confidence.

Aug 17 - Ball move gets green light Michael Ball's transfer to Rangers has finally been sanctioned by the Ibrox board despite the fact that the player doesn't look like being able to play for six to eight weeks because of injury.  The fee is believed to be £6.5M, although this has yet to be confirmed.

Aug 17 -  A rumour from France suggests that although Marseille want to sign Attilio Tokoli from Dunferr, he's saying he wants to join Everton. Is Walter planning an early season surprise?

Aug 16 - Nyarko Loan Move Alex Nyarko has joined Monaco on an extended loan deal with a view to a permanent £3.5M transfer. 

Aug 15: New fitness régime Hopefully, the appointment of a new Head Physiotherapist at Everton, and expansion of the medical facilities at Bellefield, does not portend a season with more injuries than the last nightmare?  We will of course be better prepared to deal with them...

Aug 15 - Myhre in the mire Thomas Myhre wallows in self-pity at the way Walter Smith has written him off. 

Aug 15: Season Preview: The Curtain Rises  Another of our correspondents chips in with his analysis of Everton's chances in the Premiership this season; Julian Cashen puts the pressure firmly on Walter Smith to produce the goods before Christmas – or else! Walter himself believes Everton are in good shape for the new season.

Aug 15 - Nyarko Loan Move  Midas Soccer claim that Alex Nyarko has joined Monaco on a two month loan with a view to a permanent £3.5m transfer.

Aug 14:  Season Preview: What's Another Year?  Less than a week to go, and Colm Kavanagh has somehow found the time to consider Everton's future season without maligning the reputation of Manger Walter Smith, or mentioning Paul Gascoigne.  Is he in denial???

Aug 14 - Everton to go down The Guardian's Dan Rockwood [who he?] is calling time on Everton's precarious life in the Premiership.

Aug 14 - Ball forced to prove fitness Rangers are requiring that Michael ball trains hard with the Rangers players for a week – despite his niggling knee injury. 

Aug 13: -  Espanyol were the opposition for Everton's last pre-season game – and a very special opportunity to remember the incomparable Alex Young in this, his testimonial.  After Unsworth missed a penalty in the 2nd minute, Joe-Max Moore glanced in an excellent Pembridge free kick on 24 mins.  There was no further score.

Aug 13 - Visions of Gold A nice little poem that captures something special about Alex Young, and bridges the gap in time between then and now – and written by a red!

Aug 13 - Everton set to struggle The BBC sports pundits weigh in with a predictably unenthusiastic assessment of Everton's prospects for the coming season.

Aug 12 - Gravesen, Alexandersson, Tal and Myhre all will miss the Alex Young testimonial against Espanyol on Monday night as they are involved in midweek international matches.

Aug 12:  Radzinski the realist This interview with Thomasz Radzinski in the Sunday Mirror pulls no punches in terms of pre-season optimism, with the Polish-Canadian expressing neither surprise nor regret that the club he has joined aspires to attain the lofty position of 10th in the Premiership.

Aug 12: - Different Worlds The widening chasm between Everton and Liverpool in terms of investment, aspirations and achievement, is analysed in depth in this two-page spread by Ian Ridley in The Observer.

Aug 12 - Ball may need Op The Mail is the usual source for bad news about Everton, and they don't let us down with this story that Michael Ball's £6.5M move to Rangers is all but dead in the water: .  

Aug 12 - "Treated like an adult" Fans of Walter Smith will not want to read much into the comments of a certain Arsenal player who clearly still loves the club he left in pursuit of greater footballing achievements... 

Aug 11 - Alex Nyarko may still go to Monaco on loan after it was revealed that the French League club has rekindled their interest in the want-away Ghanaian. 

Aug 11:  Everton took a reserve side down to Herefprd, and ran out 2-1 winners over the non-league side, with goals from Nick Chadwick and Idan Tal.  

Aug 10 - Walter smith has named Kevin Campbell as the man to lead Everton's onslaught on the Premiership this season.  Davey Weir is given the role of vice-captain.

Aug 9 - Gary Naysmith is expected to be fit enough to get a run-out against Hereford United at the weekend.

Aug 9 - Prodan slinging mud With Everton for once playing a cagey game to avoid another Bilic/Williamson saga, Daniel Prodan slags off Walter Smith and the club in this selfish outburst following  the collapse of his move to Goodison: 

Aug 9:  Everton Shareholders attended a special Shareholders' Forum at Goodison Park this evening, to put questions about the Kings Dock project and other issues to Everton's Board of Directors, including Bill Kenwright and Sir Philip Carter.  ToffeeWeb has a report of what was discussed.

Aug 9 - Michael Ball's transfer to Rangers has been delayed by injury concerns, with rumours that the player could be unable to play for up to a month.

Aug 9 - Ince builds tennis court! .. in Heswall!  Midas soccer are doing their dubious best to keep the prospect of Paul Ince's transfer to Everton smouldering away...  

Aug 8 - Israeli defender Shimon Gershon has thanked Everton for the week's trial in Tuscany but expects to stay with Hapoel Tel Aviv with Walter Smith looking unlikely to follow up his interest in the defender.

Aug 8 - £50,000 threat Everton get headline billing in The Telegraph for incurring a £50k suspended fine based on another poor disciplinary record of 5 red and 89 yellow cards last season. 

Aug 7 - Prodan Plug Pulled Everton have called off the transfer of Daniel Prodan after negotiations hit the rocks – not over the cash for agents problems rumoured yesterday, but over clauses related to medical issues that Prodan and his advisors had trouble accepting.

Aug 7:  The fourth and final stop on Everton's Northwest Mystery Tour is Wigan.  Wigan got an early goal but SuperKev equalized just before the break.  Kev completed his hattrick and Stubbs got one, then Ferguson and Alexandersson to complete the rout.

Aug 7:  Emotional goodbyes for Ball: After being branded as a greedy mercenary, lifelong Evertonian Michael Ball showed some inconsistent emotions as he said his goodbyes to the club, indicating this was not the outcome he wanted.

Aug 7 - Myhre rejects Spurs move  Tommy Myhre has turned down an opportunity to double his money as second-string goalie at White Hart Lane, saying he must have first-team football – for the sake of his teetering International reputation.

Aug 6:  Season Preview: The new season will be crunch time for Walter Smith who - given the current boardroom stability and unlikely repeat of last season's injury crisis - must prove once and for all he has what it takes to manage in the Premiership.

Aug 6 - Negotiations surrounding Daniel Prodan's proposed move to Goodison are progressing slowly but are apparently stalling over various points of disagreement concerning the Romanian international's personal terms.

Aug 6: - Brian Viner, in his occasional Everton-centric column in The Independent,  ruminates over the enigma that is Everton, the loss of Michael Ball and tries to pick three teams worse than the Blues for relegation this coming season.

Aug 6:  SoccerNet quotes Walter Smith's confident expectation:  'We are hoping that Paul will be back with us in a couple of weeks. When the injuries clear up, he will be back playing for Everton again.'

Aug 6 - Make sure you bookmark the very smart-looking new website for the increasingly popular Everton fanzine Speke from the Harbour, edited by Mark Staniford.

Aug 5:  The Sunday People claims that Paul Gascoigne is once again close to a parting of the ways with Everton after more injury worries are threatening his ability to play a part in the new season campaign.

Aug 4 - The annual ferry-ride to the Birkenhead side of the Mersey ended in the usual pre-season defeat to Tranmere and the entirely predictable collateral damage in the form of a hamstring problem for Radzinski.   

Aug 4 - The £6.5M transfer of Michael Ball to Glasgow Rangers entered its final stages as the young Evertonian reached agreement on personal terms with Walter Smith's old club. 

Aug 3:  Webmaster Lyndon Lloyd thinks there has been no public outcry over Michael Ball's imminent sale to Rangers, and wonders if that is because the fans aren't sure of the real reasons for his departure? Viewpoint

Aug 3:  A journalist at SoccerNet departs from the Club line about the Michael Ball saga, giving more credence to the belief that the loss of this rare young talent is the work of Walter Smith.

Aug 2 - Everton have confirmed that Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle has made an enquiry about transfer-listed goalkeeper Thomas Myhre, although no official bid has been lodged.

Aug 2 - According to the Echo, Michael Ball relishes the prospect of playing for Rangers, but still wants his £750k "loyalty" bonus sorted.  

Aug 1: - It seems Walter Smith will of course get his way, selling yet another Everton Player of the Year (his fourth, Everton's sixth in six seasons!), this time to his old club, Rangers.  By far the best young prospect to come through the Youth Academy for a decade, lifelong Evertonian Michael Ball is being forced out of Goodison after the Club terminated negotiations on a new contract.

Jul 31:  Walter Smith fielded another somewhat negative line-up in Everton's second pre-season friendly against Burnley at Turf Moor, and pulled off goalscorer Alexandersson at half-time for presumably defying the carefully honed 0-0 tactic he is perfecting for this season's Premiership campaign... Only joking!!!

Jul 31:  SoccerNet (aka the Daily Mail) claim that Daniel Prodan arrived at Everton last night for his medical and to talk personal terms, in preparation for his imminent transfer, pending a work permit from the Department of Employment.

Jul 30:  There are signs that significant progress is already being made to improve the transport infrastructure around Kings Dock as part of a new £200M MerseyTram proposal being submitted for government approval.

Jul 30:  One of the things Gazza brings to Everton is publicity and a much-needed elevation in profile.  So it's nice to see positive stories in the media, who even picked up on David Moyes as he spotted a rare sight: Everton performing wing-play!

Jul 29:  The Sunday People has a nasty habit of publishing the most scurrilous Everton rumours... which eventually turn out to come true.  So, what price Michael Ball to Liverpool?

Jul 28: - It's finally time for Everton to play some football, as they travel to Deepdale for their first pre-season friendly, against David Moyes' plucky Preston North End.  Read our preview from Ian Mills.

Jul 27 - Football agent Dennis Roach is to be investigated by the FA on five charges, including aspects of Duncan Ferguson's transfer from Newcastle.

Jul 27 - Michael Symes was Burscough's tormentor for the second week running, with five more goals to help an U-18 team trounce the local opposition.  Report now in from Steve Milne 

Jul 27:  Walter Smith believes that "after a really difficult period in its history, the club is now turning itself around" and “Next season can be the best since I arrived here.”  See why Walter Smith is the man leading Everton to a bright new future in this Press Association article.

Jul 27 - Monaco have backed out of any loan deal for Alex Nyarko; they probably couldn't afford his wages!

Jul 27:  Ian Mills was down at Bellefield this week, and heard some disturbing news from David Unsworth who says he may not be staying... Millsy's Mersey

Jul 27:  The ToffeeWeb Editor has stirred a hornets' nest with his no-holds-barred denunciation of Walter Smith's tenure at Goodison.  We're asking for your views on this emotive issue and have published the pick of the responses from both sides of the debate here.

Jul 26:  Will the sweeping and seemingly unstoppable changes that are threatening to forever alter football as we know it brush Everton Football Club aside in a globalized rush for television money?  Read this analysis by Colm Kavanagh.

Jul 25:  Is Walter Smith destroying the very essence of Everton FC with the imminent sale of Michael Ball, and the probable signing of Paul Ince?  The ToffeeWeb Editor is convinced.  

Jul 25 - In place of the cancelled friendly at Chester City, Everton travel to Shrewsbury Town today for a game played behind closed doors.  No other details have been made available.

Jul 24: Israeli Shimon Gershon will come over to train with Everton, but there is no talk of a transfer, says Walter Smith.

Jul 24: - The departure of Sean Doherty from Everton's Youth Academy is confirmed on Fulham's website.  The loss of this very talented England Youth international who has the promise to be a player of the future cannot be disguised as anything other than a stunning blow to Everton's youth program.

Jul 22 - At a press conference called for Monday morning in Liverpool's Maritime Museum, long-awaited confirmation is expected for the selection by English Partnerships of Houston Securities as the preferred bidder for the Kings Dock.

Jul 22:  The grandiose and impressive bid for Kings Dock may herald a new era of commercial success at Goodison, but it seems that Everton are still not thinking in terms of a big club or recognising that the paying customer is the key to financial success...Viewpoint: the 'Big Club' Mentality.

Jul 22:  Usually reliable media sources are indicating that Romanian captain Daniel Prodan will be offered a place at Goodison Park this week, placing further pressure on Michael Ball's position in the left side of the defence.

Jul 21:  Walter Smith will face the wrath of an FA Disciplinary Hearing next week as Everton's big haul of red and yellow cards last season – compounded by some atrocious refereeing – has again put us top of the Badboys charts.

Jul 20: - After a singularly unimpressive career with Everton, consisting of four sub appearances and just one start in a League Cup game, Peter Degn has finally left Everton.  He returns to his native Denmark, joining Brondby for a 'nominal fee'. 

Jul 20 - After a successful trial in Tuscany, Water Smith appears to be keen on making Daniel Prodan his third signing of the summer.  The feeling appears to be mutual.

Jul 19:  Shirt Numbers for senior Everton players remain relatively unchanged for the coming season.  Only 24 have been announced, with Xavier, Degn and Myhre bringing up the rear, and no place for Alex Nyarko.  Full Squad.

Jul 19 - A young Everton Reserves team beat Burscough 4-1 tonight with goals from Symes 2, McKay and Chadwick.

Jul 17 - Everton have told WBA boss Gary Megson that midfielder Kevin McLeod is not for sale.

Jul 17:  Tomasz Radzinski is finally an Everton player after being unveiled at a press conference at Goodison Park on Tuesday morning.  Read this ToffeeWeb Viewpoint.

Jul 17 - Soccernet journalist Colin Wood claims that Alex Nyarko has incurred a £30,000 fine from Everton for failing to appear at Bellefield.

Jul 16 - Romanian captain Daniel Prodan has joined the Everton squad for pre-season training in Tuscany.

Jul 16 - EISA Chairman Ian MacDonald sat down with Walter Smith last week and candidly discussed the long list of concerns that frustrated many Evertonians last season.  Read his Interview here.

Jul 16 - A new away kit was unveiled by Everton today: grey shirts with black shorts.

Jul 15 - England U-17s lost 2-0 to Brazil, Sean Doherty earning a penalty that his Everton team-mate Scott Brown had saved by goalie Vitor.

Jul 15 - An Everton team composed of ageing heroes from a distant era of fame and success failed to move beyond the group stage.

Jul 15:  Twenty-three members of Everton's Premiership squad for next season's campaign left for a week's fitness training at Il Cioccio in Tuscany.  Notable for their absence are Michael Ball, Abel Xavier and Alex Nyarko.

Jul 13 - It took Jeffers just 9 mins to open his account for Arsenal, scoring the opener in a friendly against the mighty Boreham Wood.

Jul 13 - Everton and the tough-talking Belgians have finally agreed a fee of around £4.5M for Tomasz Radzinski.  The Canadian striker will travel to Goodison early next week for a medical and to sort out personal terms. 

Jul 13 - Everton have called off their friendly with Chester City, citing spurious "safety" concerns... however, we know the real reasons.

Jul 13 - Early Casualties?... or imminent departures???  Michael Ball and Abel Xavier may both miss the Italy trip; calf strain and virus are the respective "ailments".

Jul 12 - Tony Cottee finally brought his professional footballing career to an end today, after 18 years.  Scoring 99 goals in 6 seasons at Everton, he will be remembered as the striker who didn't quite cut the mustard.

Jul 12:  While we await the outcome of the painfully protracted Radzinski saga, our up-beat columnist, Colm Kavanagh, runs his laser-honed eye over what remains of our attacking force for the coming season – Kevin Campbell and Duncan Ferguson.

Jul 12 - Having rejected a trial at Goodison, Daniel Prodan is being invited to join Everton's pre-season training camp in Italy next week.

Jul 11:  The layout of the Kings Dock project has been revised to address a number of issues and concerns raised about the original concept.  Changes include a moat around the external pitch area, foot-bridges across The Strand, improved provisions for car-parking, and a proposal for a special ferry terminal. 

Jul 11:  Contract talks between Everton and representatives of Michael Ball have broken down without resolution, leaving the player's future in the balance, with two years left on his existing contract.  Walter Smith seems certain to want to cash in, but Ball's value is now down to a pathetic £6.5M.

Jul 10:  The odysseys surrounding Michael Ball and Tomasz Radzinski drag on with Everton sitting down with Ball for "showdown talks" after the defender reportedly rejected a £5M contract offer.  Radzinski meanwhile could invoke a clause in his contract that allows him to move to a top European league should the opportunity arise. Everton plainly aren't giving up on their number one transfer target.

Jul 9 - Grimsby Town have confirmed the transfer of Phil Jevons from Everton, following a successful medical.

Jul 9 - On the Sky website, Everton fan and snooker star John Parrott says he is happy to see Alan Stubbs in a blue shirt, but appears to be under no illusions about the difficult task Everton will face again this season, as they struggle to keep in touch with the mid-table mediocrity.  

Jul 8 - Despite reports at the weekend that Michael Ball would accept a new contract at Everton, nothing is certain, and the rumours of a move – this time to Chelsea – have resurfaced.  Bill Kenwright told the ESCLA AGM on Saturday that the only serious enquires came from Blackburn, who could not match his Everton wage-packet, but that his deadline for agreeing terms had now passed.  

Jul 7 - Thomasz Radzinski is amongst the scorers as Anderlecht destroy FC Knokke 9-0 in a friendly while Belgian fans run riot!

Jul 7:  Despite numerous rumours about his imminent departure, Everton apparently expect David Unsworth to negotiate a new deal following successful talks with Walter Smith over his role in the squad.  Unsworth still has 12 months to run on his existing contract.

Jul 6:  In the Tomasz Radzinski transfer saga, an improved offer was supposedly rejected by Anderlecht yesterday.  The player, who had missed training in protest, has apparently called off his ill-advised "strike".

Jul 6 - David Weir has had a minor operation to remove a blockage in his nose.

Jul 5 - Everton have sold lifelong Liverpool fan Phil Jevons to Grimsby for the princely sum of £150,000, potentially rising to £250,000 on appearances.

Jul 4:  Everton are holding out for a successful resolution to negotiations for Tomasz Radzinski after making an improved offer – assuming Anderlecht haven't shopped them in to FIFA for an illegal approach to their player!

Jul 4 - Having knocked back a bid by FC Copenhagen to extend Thomas Myhre's loan spell, Everton have rejected their offer to take the Norwegian off their hands completely as well short of their evaluation of the player.

Jul 3 - Everton U-19 defender Michael Price, who was released in May, has joined Hull City.

Jul 3 - Abused by Archie Knox, Stephen Hughes has left Everton to join Watford on a free transfer.

Jul 3 - The Kings Dock dream looks to have taken another important step closer to becoming a reality last night when a Board Meeting of English Partnerships was believed to have concurred with Liverpool Vision's recommendation of Houston Securities as the preferred bidder to develop the 14.6 ha site with, among other things, a new 55,000-seater stadium for Everton Football Club.  Official confirmation is not expected until the end of the month.

Jul 2:  Boyhood Evertonian Alan Stubbs is expected to be unveiled as Everton's first signing of the summer on Wednesday.  The player has turned down Celtic's offer of a three-year extension to his contract, in favour of a "dream move" back to Merseyside for the scouser.

Jul 2 - Another key decision for the Kings Dock bid is expected tonight as the Board of English Partnerships will hopefully ratify Liverpool Vision's recommendation for 'preferred bidder' status.

Jul 1:  Joe-Max Moore started for the Yanks against Mexico in the huge Estadio Azteca, with over 100,000 rabid Mexicans sizzling in the torrid heat and sappingly thin atmosphere.  The USA struggled to keep up with a Mexico team desperate for points, who dominated the first half with only moderately effective territorial possession.  It was 1-0 after 16 mins when a Joe-Max Moore foul led to a simply executed free-kick floated in to an unmarked Mexican who placed it well wide of Kasey Keller and into the net.  Joe-Max Moore's contribution centered around fouls, although, to be fair, the ref was blowing for most of the US contact. Moore failed to appear for the second half....