Full Season 2003-04
If it happened and it was Everton-related, it's right here in the comprehensive Season Diary. Items are in reverse chronological order (more recent first).
Navigate to individual months and seasons using the links directly below:
News Headlines & Features
Stop the Madness 30 Jun - There's only so much of the ridiculous media frenzy surrounding Wayne Rooney you can take, only so many unwanted comments from ego maniacal football pundits urging him to leave that you can hear before you just want to scream enough is enough. Rooney has what it takes to become the greatest player Everton has ever seen. He could eclipse William Dean and become a Goodison legend but why do you get the feeling that none of that matters because, in the end, the malignant forces of money and media that now rule the game will win out? Lyndon Lloyd takes time to vent and indulge in some wishful thinking. Unsworth left in the lurch 29 Jun - David Unsworth's next club was supposed to be Bolton but the Trotters have put a hold on all incoming deals, leaving the Everton stalwart pondering his next move. He was offered a one-year deal by Everton, later increased to two years, but has turned those down... are they still on the table? (The Daily Post says they are ...) He may be needing something just now! My Advice: Stick with Everton 28 Jun - It seems that Brian Viner, the Evertonian journalist writing in The Independent, has been sitting on his hands these last two weeks while many of his colleagues have been writing nonsense. This excellent piece captures the feelings Wayne gave us on the way to the Euro 2004 Quarterfinals, and the dread we feel at the prospect of Paul Stretford persuading him to leave the club he loves. Paul Stretford — "Pro" Active 27 Jun - For his 100th Corner piece on ToffeeWeb, Colm Kavanagh has put together a detailed picture of the the dubious world of football agents and the kinds of tricks they get up to. The story about how Wayne Rooney's original agent, Peter McIntosh, lost out to a smash and grab by ProActive's Paul Stretford is indeed disturbing; he is now the man who will most likely decide when and for where Wayne Rooney leaves Everton. Rooney out until September 26 Jun - David Moyes must plan to start the 2004/05 season without his best player after the club announced that Wayne Rooney will be out of action for up to eight weeks — the new campaign kicks off in seven. The 18 year-old, who cracked a bone in his foot as England were dumped out of Euro 2004 on penalties at the hands of Portugal, has been advised not to start his rehabilitation for at least a month. 26 mins and the game just deflated 24 Jun - The Boy looked good in the Quarter Final against Portugal, and had a few nice touches after Michael Owen scored a clever goal inside 3 mins. But, contesting for the ball, Rooney cross-stepped and appeared to sprain his ankle after just 26 mins. He was soon withdrawn and later declared to have broken a metatarsal bone in his right foot. England played poorly without Our Kid, and went on to lose on penalties after both sides scored in extra-time. If that doesn't put an end to all the hype and all the transfer nonsense (not to mention the ridiculous headlines with plays on the syllable "Roo"), nothing will. Rooney's value to Everton: £70M 23 Jun - The media are drooling over the prospect of Everton selling Wayne Rooney, but what is the potential value to Everton FC of keeping Wayne Rooney for the next five years? Christiano Multesanti shows that figure is conservatively at least £70M. Everton capture Bent 23 Jun - David Moyes has made his first signing of the summer with the acquisition of striker Marcus Bent from Ipswich Town for £450,000. The 26 year-old chose Everton over fellow Premiership club Portsmouth after Joe Royle and Ipswich accepted bids of the same amount from both clubs. Bent spent last season on loan with Leicester City and scored 10 goals, including a heart-breaking injury-time equaliser against the Blues at the Walkers Stadium. Wayne can't stop scoring 21 Jun - Wayne Rooney's star keeps rising — and Evertonians keep bracing themselves against the media frenzy! The 18 year-old scored his third and fourth goals of Euro 2004 — making him the tournament's top scorer so far — before being wisely withdrawn to protect against a suspension-inducing second yellow card. Sven Goran Eriksson's team will face the hosts, Portugal, on Thursday after France topped Group B with a 3-1 win over the Swiss. Unfortunately, Johan Vonlanthen's goal for Switzerland has already taken Wayne's record of youngest ever scorer in the Finals, but he probably won't mind if he wins the Golden Boot! Back him or Sack him? 20 Jun - There has certainly been a lot of crap flying around over the last week... but one of the most worrying pieces of information (or gossip?) was the statement in The Independent (and written incidentally by Evertonian Glenn Moore) that the relationship between Wayne Rooney and manager David Moyes has broken down. Doubts are beginning to surface over Moyes's skills in the difficult but essential area of man-management... Could the Moyesiah's continued presence actually be detrimental to Everton? Not according to the number of disapproving responses received, including this from Gareth Prytherch that says we all must back David Moyes to the hilt. Media hype on over-drive 19 Jun - With this latest article in The Independent, the national British media continue with the escalating speculation surrounding Wayne Rooney. Two star turns for England in Portugal have sent the hacks scurrying to fill column inches with reports trying to suggest that the Evertonian prodigy is wasted at Goodison, has fallen out with Moyes, wants £80,000 a week and will sign for FC Moneybags for £50m as soon as Euro 2004 is over. Has anyone thought, as they slaver over the endless rumours, that the boy might just want to play football for his beloved Blues for a few more years? Rooney fires England to first Euro 2004 win 17 Jun - Everton's teenage superstar Wayne Rooney scored twice for England as they notched their first points of Euro 2004 with a comprehensive win over 10-man Switzerland. The No. 9 became the youngest player to score in the European Championship Finals when he fired England ahead after 23 minutes and doubled their advantage with a second with 15 minutes to go. Steven Gerrard, one of the villains of the France defeat, scored the third in the 82nd minute. Fantastic news for Wayne but mixed feelings for Blues fans who'll be wondering how on earth we're going to be able to hang onto England's best player. Vaya con Dios 16 Jun - Alex Nyarko's attempts at rehabilitating himself at Everton have met an abrupt end with the news that he has failed to secure an extension to his work permit to cover the final year of his five-year contract. The Ghanaian spent a period wandering Europe looking for a permanent move after he quit Goodison in the wake of an on-pitch confrontation with an Everton supporter at Highbury three years ago. The God-fearing midfielder faces a similar search this summer now that his career with the Blues is officially over, although we will presumably be footing the bill for another 12 months. Peter Clarke also declines 15 Jun - Peter Clarke made it clear he doesn't want to play for David Moyes, as he also rejects the deal Everton have placed on the table. Despite less-than-convincing displays for the Blues, Clarke had been offered a one-year extension. But this short-term approach is meeting fierce resistance from the Everton players, making Clarke the fourth to rebel with Radzinski, Unsworth, and Simonsen. Radzinski's transfer request rejected 14 Jun - Tomasz Radzinski has handed Everton a written transfer request saying that the contract offer on the table represents only a one-year extension to his current deal. Predicting he will be in the same situation next summer as he is now, the Canadian international — who scored for his country this weekend in their 4-0 win over Belize — says that if he is not offered the three-year contract he desires he will have no choice but to leave. Everton have rejected the request, however, setting up an impasse that could run the length of the close season. England expects, Rooney delivers, but France triumph 13 Jun - The unbelievable pre-tournament media hype has run its course but Blues fans must brace themselves for a fresh wave of Roo-mania following the 18-year-old's performance in England's Euro 2004 opener. Everton's starlet was a constant threat against France and while he didn't score, he set up the penalty that should have sealed the game with a scintillating run into the area; David Beckham missed the resulting spot kick and Liverpool's Stephen Gerrard was the second villain of the day with a horrific back-pass that allowed Zinedine Zidane to score his second late goal and hand the French an injury-time winner. Newspapers just can't wait 11 Jun - Apropos of nothing, other than England's impending Euro 2004 campaign and the thought that Everton are planning a new and lucrative five-year deal for Wayne Rooney, the newspaper speculation and rumour-mongering has swung into overdrive yet again, the The Sun leading the way and The Guardian not far behind... Despite the best efforts of Birch and Kenwright to convince us that everything is just fine, it is clearly going to be a very trying summer for Evertonians... Watto's Euro Diary 10 Jun - In this new feature, Paul Watson will capture the mood and spirit of Euro 2004 from a distinctly Evertonian perspective in daily dispatches from places like... Scotland. Seems like he won't actually be in Portugal until the middle of next week — isn't there some important game going down before then? Radzinski on the mark for Canada 10 Jun - To get you in the mood for Everton's trip to Texas next month, David Haimes reports from the Canadian national team's aborted friendly against MLS club side the San Jose Earthquakes. The match took place last Saturday in San Jose, California, complete with annoying mascots, "jump-the-gun" pyrotechnics, corporate-sponsored corner kicks, and a power failure that ultimately ended the game early. It'll surely have you rethinking that holiday in Houston this summer, ya hear, although watching "soccer" in the USA is not all bad. First meeting poorly attended 9 Jun - There was a relatively poor turnout of only 50 or so on a very warm summer evening for the first meeting of Evertonians for Change last night, which called for the creation of an "inclusive" Everton Supporters Group that can reflect the concerns and views of all Evertonians. The minutes of the meeting convey the sense of continued venting by fans frustrated with the Club's decline, with a focus to put pressure on those in charge of the Club — in effect saying “there are 38,000 of us here to maintain a watch over your custodianship of our Club”. Consider also the recent maneouvering by True Blue Holdings to effect changes. Just edged out by Chelsea! 8 Jun - Well our desire to represent EFC in the best way possible has been recognised in the inaugural Football Website Awards, run by 4football.net in association with SoccerAM. The site that was voted best Independent Football Website in 2003-04 was the Chelsea site, cfc-net; ToffeeWeb was the runner-up. But we did win a signed print of Wayne Rooney that we will auction off with proceeds going to the Everton Former Players Association. Moyes puts Sivebaek in his place 7 Jun - David Moyes has reacted angrily to the statements that John Sivebaek made over the weekend about Thomas Gravesen's impending availability. "Thomas has shook hands with me on an agreement, which we’ve reached in private," said Moyes, adding that “If players don’t want to play for Everton, then they won’t play for Everton, it’s as simple as that. That suits me and if Thomas Gravesen tells me that himself, I will accept it — but I won’t accept that from someone I don’t know.” Blues Thai one on 6 Jun - Everton are expected to name Thailand-based Chang Beers as their new sponsors after Paul Gregg reportedly flew to Bangkok to conclude negotiations on the biggest deal in the club's history. The agreement, initially for 12 months and worth £1.5m a season, represents further attempts by the club to tap into the growing Far East market. Chang, which means "elephant" in Thai, are owned by businessman Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi and the deal was part-brokered by the country's national team coach, Thawatchai Satchakul — both had apparently signalled their intention to strike a deal with Liverpool because of Chang's association with Carlsberg. The Golden Vision 5 Jun - It was a momentous occasion for Evertonians in the 1960s: a Play of the Week special centered around the matchday ritual of Everton fans and their Goodison idol, Alex Young — The Golden Vision. That was the title fo the 90-minute play that was broadcast on BBCtv and then disappeared... save for a few bootlegged copies. But mark your calendars now: The Golden Vision is to be re-broacast on BBC 4 at 10:10 pm on Sunday 27 June 2004. Set those DVRs/PVRs/VCRs now! Putting the record straight 4 Jun - After reading Michael Durkin's jaundiced analysis of the Shareholders' Association AGM, Colm Kavanagh, who is one of the Executive Committee members personally slated by Mr Durkin, provides a response to the continuing stream of jibes and sniping directed at Steve Allinson, the Executive Committee and the Association as Durkin continues to reject the democratic decisions of the majority. The Dean Index 3 Jun - Many fans have often wondered how Dixie Dean's amazing 60-goal haul in 1927-28 would stack up against the top scorers of today, and indeed all the sharp shooters throughout the history of the league. After reading John Keith's book on Dixie Dean, Everton fan Trevor Powell worked out a means for making that comparison, taking into account other factors that affect the overall number of goals scored each season. His research illustrates just how exceptional Dean's achievement really was. Everton Heroes of the 1980s 2 Jun - A major photographic retrospective has opened at the Conservation Centre in Liverpool city centre covering Everton's 1980s heyday. The exhibition includes a range of evocative photos from the archives of the Liverpool Echo & Daily Post. It runs from 28 May to 19 September 2004 and features 60 images of the stars of the era and fans savouring the team’s successes when manager Howard Kendall was in charge. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12 noon-5pm; entrance is free. Kenwright is new Chairman 1 Jun - Everton FC Co Ltd have finally announced that Sir Philip Carter has stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Directors, with Bill Kenwright assuming that role. Carter will now carry the pompous sobriquet of 'Life President.' Keith Tamlin, a director since 1974, is also stepping down as the Everton Board continues to shrink in size, with Gregg, Abercromby and Woods the only other members. Everton head to the States 1 Jun - Everton have announced they will be playing against two Mexican teams in the Copa del Tejas tournament to be held on 29 July and 1 August 2004. The games will be played at the new 69,500-seat Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas — the world's first retractable-roof throwball and rodeo stadium. A list of the pre-season fixtures set up so far is provided here.
Snippets & Rumours
Sponsors announced 'next week' 30 Jun - Speaking via the ToffeeTalk Q&A session on the Official Site, CEO Trevor Birch said that the new shirt sponsors will be announced next week and that the delay in finalizing that deal is what pushed back the launch of the new kit. He also reiterated that Rooney isn't for sale and that a shared stadium with the dark side is the likely solution to the stadium issue. Gerrard waiting by the phone 30 Jun - Paul Gerrard, released by Everton this month as his contract expired, is hoping that Nottingham Forest will be calling him back after his successful loan spell at the end of last season. Jim Emery, N Ireland scout 29 Jun - Jim Emery is the N Ireland scout for Everton, and he has a little more to say about Wayne Rooney than the glowing plaudits about his prowess and maturity as a footballer: Wayne is a poet, and we didn't know it. Lineker left Everton too soon 29 Jun - Nice to see Gary Lineker, who had his most successful season at Everton, encourage Wayne to stay at Goodison — although he does hedge his bets rather with the old "gut feeling"... Need any info on Houston? 29 Jun - Anyone who is planning on coming over to Houston, TX, for the Copa de Tejas tournament is encouraged to contact Robbie Watson who will be very happy to supply any local information to help out. Robbie is a life long Blue, originally from Liverpool, who now lives in Houston. Real Sociedad game ON 28 Jun - Everton's pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad scheduled for Saturday, 7 August 2004 will go ahead as planned. The club received written, faxed confirmation today from the Spanish club. Radz may miss opener 28 Jun - Tomasz Radzinski could miss Everton's opening game of the season because Canada are due to play in the CONCACAF Group B semi-final World Cup qualifying game at home to Guatemala on August 18. Watto's EuroDiary: Day 19 28 Jun - Some observations about the Danes and the Czechs, who actually managed to produce a result without going to extra time and penalties. Reminder: The Golden Vision 27 Jun - Sunday on BBC4 at 10:15 pm: The Golden Vision. Ken Loach directs this Wednesday Play from 1968, which intercuts documentary footage of Everton's Alex Young with a story about the life of devoted Evertonians in the Sixties. Black & White. Moyes restates his case 27 Jun - David Moyes reiterates his position regarding Wayne Rooney in the Sunday Herald, saying he is not selling the lad who is a key part of Everton plans for the new season, but an 'incredible' bid (surely unlikely now?) would have to be looked at. Watto's EuroDiary: Day 18 27 Jun - Paul Watson describes Tobias Linderoth as Sweden's fifth defender and suggests that, while he plays like that for Everton, it really doesn't work for the rest of the team. Strange, is it not, that Everton have two of the best midfielders in Euro2004, yet our midfield is crap? Sweden out 26 Jun - Linderoth was pretty effective as defensive midfielder for Sweden but they finally lost to Holland on penalties after extra time (0-0) in the third Euro 2004 Quarter-Final. Watto's EuroDiary: Days 14 thru 17 26 Jun - Another four installments from Portugal. On Day 14, it's all about Wayne; on Day 15 contemplates the ticket situation for England v Portugal. Paul leaves on Day 16 just as England crash out: good timing!. And on Day 17, it's back home as the dust settles; look for a job. Linderoth wanted out in January 26 Jun - Tobias Linderoth has revealed that he wanted to move back to Stabaek, the club from which he signed for Everton, during the January transfer window because he feared he would miss out on Euro 2004 if he didn't play enough matches. David Moyes was reluctant to allow the midfielder to go out on loan so the move never transpired and he ended up becoming a first-team regular until the end of the season. Prelude to the Media Madness 25 Jun - A very worrying development that presages the dreaded 'brand marketing' of Wayne Rooney to the most prurient sectors of the media is his impending appointment of Ian Monk as PR advisor... Real friendly still on 25 Jun - Although Real Sociedad have apparently called off their pre-season friendly with Birmingham City, they have assured Everton that the match at Goodison scheduled for 7 August will still go ahead as planned. Ignore the 'f****g hype' 25 Jun - So says Paul Gascoigne who, as a victim of his own success and the national media, urges Wayne Rooney not to be in any rush to leave his roots on Merseyside. Media hypocrisy exposed 24 Jun - In The Mirror, journalist Briane Reade (who went to the same school as Wayne Rooney) provides some pertinent comments to counterbalance the torrent of hype and duplicitous nonsense written about the lad in much of the media over the past couple of weeks. Opener against Arsenal 24 Jun - The new fixture list (copyright protected) has been announced and Everton will open the Premiership campaign with a home game against unbeaten Champions Arsenal on Saturday 14 August 2004. After travelling to Crystal Palace on the 21st, Everton's third game, at Man Utd, has already been postponed since it clashes with a Champions League qualifier. You'd think they could at least feed that into the computer before they pressed "Play"... Tommy was the best 23 Jun - Thomas Gravesen was, once again, one of Denmark's most impressive players in the draw with Sweden - if not the best player on the field. So says Karsten Krogh at football365.com. Yeah, we're still not interested 23 Jun - In the face of ludicrous media hype, David Moyes once again insists that he will not listen to offers for Wayne Rooney. Watto's EuroDiary: Days 10 thru 13 23 Jun - A quadruple-header from Portugal. On Day 10, Paul Watson goes walkabout, On Day 11 tries to get from A to B and back. On Day 12 he finally gets to watch a game. And on Day 13, he's there for Wayne's' big game against Croatia. Everton have Bent offer accepted 23 Jun - David Moyes could land his first close season signing this week if Ipswich's Marcus Bent agrees terms and chooses Goodison over Fratton Park. Ipswich have accepted £450,000 offers from both clubs leaving the choice up to the striker. Nyarko payout in dispute 22 Jun - Everton are refusing to pay Alex Nyarko around £1M representing the balance of his contract because he has no work permit and therefore cannot fullfil the basic requirement of the contract: playing football for Everton. This one promises to be a very interesting test of player power... Scandinavian duo advance 22 Jun - Thomas Gravesen and Tobias Linderoth will join Wayne Rooney in the Euro 2004 Quarter Finals after Denmark and Sweden shared the honours in a 2-2 draw that sent both countries through and eliminated Italy, former-Blue Marco Materazzi and all. Coached by the White Pele 22 Jun - Colin Harvey is pretty humble about taking too much of the credit for coaching Wayne Rooney in this interview from BBC Radio Five Live. Rooney does play for Everton! 22 Jun - Good to see Phil McNulty turning it on in the national media to remind everyone from whence young Rooney came... Online Petition 22 Jun - Sign on here if you want to support Mujahid Rasul's online petition to the Everton Board of Directors that we should not sell Wayne Rooney even if we are offered a 'kings ransom'. Watto's EuroDiary: Day 9 22 Jun - After a brief intermission, the story breifly resumes. Internet cafés are clearly few and far between in Portugal. We should have given him a satellite phone... Moral Dilemmas 22 Jun - This very long article by Rob Fox considers the immense challenges facing Everton Football Club, and looks especially at ways in which keeping Wayne Rooney would be worth far, far more to the Club than accepting 50 million pieces of silver from the highest bidder. Well, we knew he was good... 21 Jun - Rooneymania goes into hyperdrive as his England team-mates shower more praise and adulation on the 18-year-old starlet, who lost his record as the youngest ever scorer in the European Championships when Switzerland's Johann Vonlathen (4 months younger than Wayne) scored an equalizer against France. Sven out of line 21 Jun - Statements by Sven Goran Eriksson over the weekend regarding "phoning Rooney's agent" have been commented on by David Moyes, who is not impressed that the England manager was thus condoning an illegal approach for a player under contract. Well said, David. Paradise Lost 21 Jun - From Rooney-mania back to all the worthless aging players in the current Everton squad, it's all the fault of Bill Kenwright and True Blue Holdings. So says Bill Kenwright's biggest critic, Paul Holmes. Linderoth misses Denmark clash 21 Jun - Tobias Linderoth will be missing for Sweden as they take on Scandinavian neighbours Denmark in their final group-stage match in Portugal. The midfielder is suspended after picking up two yellow cards. Graham Allen moves on 20 Jun - Graham Allen, once an Everton youngster famously traded to Tranmere Rovers in exchange for the Most Expensive Goalkeeper in Britain (yeah, right), has moved on to Rushden & Diamonds since his Prenton Park contract expired. No Sale! — even at £50M 20 Jun - David Moyes and Bill Kenwright have vowed that they would not sell Wayne Rooney, even if their £50M price-tag was met. "I would turn down any bid for him and say: 'Thank you very much. What else do you want to talk about?'" — so says Chairman Bill Kenwright... Bulykin Bullet 20 Jun - Everton target Dmitry Bulykin scored Russia's winner over Greece at Euro 2004 with a nice bullet-header after 17 mins but Greece go through to a quarter-final game — possibly against England? Moyes delighted for Wayne 20 Jun - In the Sunday Herald, David Moyes offers up strangely muted praise for Wayne Rooney, perhaps in an attempt to scale down some of the hype? Idiots, Morons and Cretins 19 Jun - The utter nonsense being written in the media about Wayne Rooney at the moment must be driving most Evertonians crazy. This one seen in Manchester papers today takes the biscuit. Nick Armitage's response is to hit back hard and put our old friends the ignorant journos back in their proper place. Szetela unlikely to sign 19 Jun - According to Top Draw Soccer (don't ask!), young US starlet Danny Szetela is unlikely to sign for a Premiership Club for another couple of years... Rooney goal stands 18 Jun - Uefa have confirmed that England's second goal against the Swiss has been accredited to Wayne Rooney. There was some doubt as the shot hit the post and rebounded into the net off the goalkeeper but officials have confirmed that the original shot was on target so the goal is Wayne's. Jevons moves on to Yeovil 18 Jun - A one-time hope from the youth ranks at Goodison Park, striker Phil Jevons has joined Third Division Yeovil Town after being relegated from the Second Division with Grimsby Town. The Plan from Uncle 18 Jun - Wayne Rooney's uncle, John Morrey, the rumoured source of stories linking the 18 year-old with a big-money part-exchange move to Manchester United, says Wayne may be "wasting his time" at Everton. Erm, the lad is 18 — most players his age are still kicking around the stiffs, uncle! Introducing Everton 18 Jun - The NFL's Houston Texans, hosts for the Copa de Tejas tournament, offer an error-strewn introduction of the Blues to the US audience, comparing us favourably with teams like the Green Bay Packers and baseball franchise, the St Louis Cardinals in terms of history and achievement. Former Blue suffers heart-attack 18 Jun - Former Everton and Liverpool forward, David Johnson, has suffered a heart-attack in Singapore. The 52 year-old was coaching at the time. Something to think about 18 Jun - Richard Williams in The Guardian makes some intelligent and appreciative comments on our kid Wayne, a thankful respite from the other nonsense filling the tabloids... Radzinski on target again 18 Jun - Tomasz Radzinski, scored again yesterday as Canada beat Belize 4-0 in the second leg of a CONCACAF zone play-off. The 30 year old was later withdrawn with a knee injury. Watto's EuroDiary: Day 8 17 Jun - Is he finally flying to Portugal today? Will he actually get to see a match live and in person? Will England win? These questions and many more might be answered in today's EuroDiary... Wayne Rooney Interview 16 Jun - This link takes you to an audio interview at BBC Five Live in which Mike Ingham talks with Wayne Rooney after the game against France (you will need Real Player). Watto's EuroDiary: Day 7 16 Jun - All the teams at Euro 2004 have now played one game; Paul Watson casts his eye over the group standings and makes some more questionable predictions... Rooney having a blast 16 Jun - England may be still writhing in pain over the Liverpool-inspired injury-time collapse against France, but Wayne Rooney is having a great time, and says he's better than his back-pass mate Stevie Gerrard "at most things". Euro2004 Dreaming, Part I 16 Jun - Ever wonder what David Moyes's Everton would be like with Andrei Kanchelskis on the wing? Well how about Denmark's Dennis Rommedahl who's an admirer of the Premiership? Moyes confirms Matteo interest 15 Jun - David Moyes has publicly confirmed rumours we posted recently concerning his interest in former Liverpool defender, Dominic Matteo, currently with relegated Leeds. Final step for Pettinger 15 Jun - Andrew Pettinger, once highly vaunted as the next great Everton goalkeeper, will have trouble getting anywhere in the game after he was released by Grimsby. Watto's EuroDiary: Day 6 15 Jun - It looks like Paul Watson is edging closer to Portugal as he gets his act in gear for a little family holiday in the Algarve... Swedes bang in five 14 Jun - Sweden put five past Bulgaria in their Group C game at Euro 2004, Henrik Larsson scoring two excellent goals; Linderoth was solid in midfield. No more room at Goodison 14 Jun - The club have had to regretfully announce that fans will no longer be able to bury the ashes of loved ones around the pitch's perimeter because there is simply no more room. Watto's EuroDiary, Day 5 14 Jun - Paul Watson laments England's reverse against the French and looks ahead to finally flying out to Portugal to watch Wayne and the boys in the flesh. Link fixed Clarke wants out 14 Jun - Defender Peter Clarke has become the second player to signal his desire to leave Goodison by submitting a transfer request this week. He has turned down a one-year extension to his current contract. Watto's EuroDiary: Day 4 13 Jun - Paul Watson watched the opening games — from the depths of Asda — and readies himself for tonight's big game, while continuing to recount his personal story of life as a fan. Bulykin starved 12 Jun - Many Everton fans got their first glimpse of Everton target Dmitry Bulykin, who was forced to plough a lone furrow up front for Russia with little meaningful support as they went down 1-0 to Spain in the second Group A match of Euro 2004 on Saturday. Watto's EuroDiary: Day 3 12 Jun - As Euro 2004 kicks off in the Portuguese sunshine, Paul Watson is still in Scotland, and ponders the plight of Wales, whom many think should have been playing tonight instead of Russia... Doherty still a promising talent 12 Jun - Rumours suggesting that Sean Doherty, the young Evertonian who was stolen away by Fulham's Youth Academy two years ago, had been released by The Cottagers appear to have been greatly exaggerated... Nice welcome for Benitez 11 Jun - The Ruleteros Society are giving new Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez a copy of their book, Cien Años de Calidad, the history of Everton Football Club — in Spanish. Nice one, lads! Watto's EuroDiary: Day 2 11 Jun - Paul Watson's second day of his Euro 2004 diary continues to set the scene, with some of the history underlying his self-styled life as an itinerant footie fan. Li Tie healing slowly 10 Jun - Li Tie has returned to Bellefield to continue his daily recovery regime under the watchful eye of Physio Mike Rathbone, who says that the healing process is slow, but he is hoping to have the midfielder ready for the new season. Thierry likes way Rooney plays 10 Jun - In yet another article talking up Wayne Rooney, Thierry Henry says some nice things about the lad on the first page of this Daily Post story. Season ticket warning 10 Jun - Everton Club Secretary David Harrison has issued a warning to season-ticket holders that they cannot hope to keep their current seats if they delay renewal until after the 19 June deadline. Rooney's massive Nike deal 10 Jun - The Daily Express has been publicizing their understanding of a new sponsorship deal for Wayne Rooney, potentially worth £5M over 10 years, that will serve to raise the stakes ever higher as we enter Euro 2004... Houston tickets on sale 9 Jun - Combination tickets for both Everton games in the Copa de Tejas go on sale today through Ticketmaster. Fans from Everton Supporters Club - North America are getting $40 seats ($80 packages) in Sections 104 and 105 of the Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX. Individual tickets go on sale 26 June. Naysmith getting in shape 9 Jun - Gary Naysmith is recovering well from an ankle injury and the hernia surgery he completed at the end of last season, and is looking to build his fitness again after saying he was unfit for three months. Pachuca & America 8 Jun - Everton's Mexican opponents in the Copa de Tejas will be Pachuca on 29 July and America on 1 August 2004. Pachuca, winner of the 2003 Mexican Championship, is Mexico’s oldest club and most successful team over the last five seasons. Pachuca also captured the 1999 and 2001 Mexican Championships. Club America has been Mexico’s most successful club, winning a record 13 league titles and six cup titles. Everton will play Burnley 8 Jun - Everton will play their second pre-season game in England at Turf Moor on Thursday 22 July 2004, prior to leaving for the Copa de Tejas in Houston, USA. Evertonians for Change 8 Jun - A reminder that the first meeting of Evertonians for Change will take place tonight at 7:30pm at The Casa on Hope Street. All Evertonians are welcome. Stephen Hughes released 7 Jun - Stephen Hughes, once of Everton FC, has been released by Charlton Athletic; another in a long line of those who will not be coming back to haunt us? Repeat: "Rooney is not for Sale" 7 Jun - Confirming David Moyes's words as Wayne Rooney prepares to wear the England No 9 shirt in Euro 2004, Bill Kenwright makes another great soundbyte: "I cannot foresee Wayne Rooney being in anything other than an Everton shirt." Wayne is not leaving Everton 6 Jun - While noting that Chelsea are likely to be the only club who could afford to buy Wayne Rooney, David Moyes reiterated that "He is an Everton player and will remain that way and we have no intention of selling him." Gravesen's agent sows the seeds 6 Jun - Thomas Gravesen's agent John Sivebaek has been mouthing off again, laying the groundwork for him to turn down Everton overtures after Euro 2004, when he was expected to negotiate a new contract — either with or without squad improvements that Sivebaek now doubts... Who says agents are not ruining the game? Branch moves to Chester City 6 Jun - Michael Branch, once of Everton FC, has left Bradford City and joined newly promoted Chester City. Ringing endorsement for Birch 6 Jun - With the biggest margin ever in one of our polls, 97% of ToffeeWeb readers said that the appointment of Trevor Birch as CEO is a good move. Houston: we have visitors 5 Jun - Everton get a nice write-up in the Houston Chronicle ahead of Tuesday's official Copa de Tejas announcement that is expected to name the Mexican clubs Everton will play at the end of July. Rooney hits two in England romp 5 Jun - Wayne Rooney has grabbed a brace as he and England finish their Euro 2004 preparations in style with a 6-1 demolition of Iceland at the City of Manchester Stadium. Rooney scored with a nice drive in from 8 yds, followed by a superb strike from 25 yards before coming off at half-time. Rooney takes a forward step 5 Jun - After the raw audio of yesterday comes the considered journalism of Glenn Moore in today's Independent, who is impressed with Wayne Rooney's maturity, lack of bravado, down-to-earth sensibility — signs that perhaps his minders are doing a better job bringing the lad on than we may have suspected. Rooney talks scouse 4 Jun - A link on the page above delivers the full audio stream of Wayne Rooney interviewed at the BBC, enunciating his developing opinions on things England, "n' tha" — in perfect scouse. Kilbane has ankle op 4 Jun - Everton decided that Kevin Kilbane needed some surgery on his troublesome ankle to remove a piece of bone from the joint. The operation was completed on Thursday and "went well" according to later reports. Hopefully he will recover in time for pre-season training. Bill behind the lens 4 Jun - The fifth item of movie news at the above link has Bill Kenwright working on his first role as a film director, making Colette's Cheri, starring Jessica Lange, Judi Dench & Hayden Christensen. Ground share a last resort 3 Jun - The national media has run away with the idea that Trevor Birch's comments regarding Everton's need for a new stadium are confirmation that he is in favour of ground sharing with Liverpool. In fact, the new CEO said that such a move would be a "last resort," but don't let that get in the way of a good story, eh. McBride brace for USA 2 Jun - One-time Everton player Brian McBride scored two for the USA in a good 4-0 win over Honduras as the Americans dominated the match from start to finish on Wednesday. Makes you wonder why Everton couldn't have got him last season instead of Fulham... Management duo in Italy 2 Jun - David Moyes and his assistant, Alan Irvine, flew out to Italy today at the invitation of Giovanni Trapattoni to spend a few days examining the Italian national side's training techniques as they prepare for Euro 2004 which kicks off in 10 days' time. Economist says we should share 2 Jun - With new Everton CEO Trevor Birch making early noises about ground sharing, Liverpool University Economist Peter Stoney has prepared a report detailing the economic benefits of a central docklands stadium for Liverpool FC that would be an even better proposition (financially) if shared with Everton. AGM re-elects Executive Committee 2 Jun - Despite a lot of procedural wrangling and some individual displeasure over the outcome, Steve Allinson and most of the current Executive Committee of the Everton Shareholders' Association were re-elected at last night's AGM. These personal observations are from Ted Neeson. ESA calls for EFC EGM 2 Jun - At their Annual General Meeting in the Alex Young Suite last night, Everton Shareholders Association passed a motion calling upon the Board of Everton FC Co Ltd to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting of their shareholders to address a series of concerns regarding investment and the future direction of the Club. Wayne Rooney for England 1 Jun - Wayne Rooney picked up his 12th England cap in a tight 1-1 draw with Japan. Rooney had little chance to pose a goalscoring threat but made some neat touches in build-up play and almost created a second goal for Michael Owen. Radz in no rush 1 Jun - Tomasz Radzinski has told Everton that he is no rush to decide his future as he awaits further negotiations over the two-year contract extension he was recently offered. Hands off McFadden 1 Jun - New chairman Bill Kenwright tells Rangers and Celtic that Everton aren't interested in selling Scottish striker James McFadden, whom David Moyes apparently sees as a "first team pick" for next season. Cole keen to prove himself 1 Jun - David Moyes's hopes of bringing Joe Cole to Everton on a season's loan have been hit by the England midfielder's desire to stay at Chelsea and prove himself under the new manager. Birch: Stadium vital for revenue 1 Jun - New CEO, Trevor Birch, believes that the key to Everton's financial future remains a state-of-the-art stadium — whether that's a purpose-built facility, a redeveloped Goodison or ground-sharing with the dark side — but he warns that nothing will happen overnight, particularly given the current climate of English football finance. No quick fix 1 Jun - In a belatedly-published Fans Comment piece, Richard Parker offers another post-mortem on the season. He puts the blame on the players, believes that with the debt consolidation Everton are on the right financial track for the long-term, but warns that money must be made available this summer for transfers if we are to avoid the drop next season.
Season Comparisons 31 May - We got a request some time ago to take a look at something that used to be a feature in Everton Matchday programmes of the 1960s: a direct comparison between this season and last, based on points earned against each opponent. Pity we couldn't have chosen a better season to start with: the points accumulation spirals deep into the red, as you'd expect... We also added in the differences in attendances which highlites an additional 9,000 Blues who went to league games at Goodison this season. ESA Committee, an inside view 29 May - ESA Executive Committee member and Independent Blue, Ian Macdonald, sets the record straight regarding the difficulties the committee had following the Reform Group's coup last year that wrested control from the Old Guard. Ian makes an empassioned plea for Blues to stop the backbiting and infighting tipified by Michael Durkin's robust outburst that calls for the wholesale resignation of the Executive Committee at next Tuesday's ESA AGM. Tell us what is going on 28 May - The unannounced and unexplained postponement / cancellation of Thursday's EFC Board Meeting provides a classic example of the lack of communication coming from the Club to the fans, especially after the frustration Bill Kenwright moaned about concerning the Goodison rumour mill. Evertonians for Change call upon the the Club to communicate with the supporters directly and publicly as an obvious means for neutralizing the rumours. McFadden on target again 27 May - Jamie McFadden scored the solitary winner for Scotland, jinking and swerving his way through a stubborn defence to beat three players before driving a shot past Estonia keeper Martin Kaalma from the edge of the box, sending yet another message back to David Moyes that his preferred position is as a striker. Birch appointment is confirmed 26 May - Everton have confirmed what everyone already knew with the announcement that Trevor Birch will be the club's new CEO effective 1st June. Michael Dunford, who was promoted to the position from that of Club Secretary three years ago, steps aside at the end of his contract for a man who has earned a reputation for sorting out clubs with massive financial problems. A former Liverpool player, Birch is an emphatic step towards putting a professional business operation into action at Goodison Park and is seen as a welcome move by most. What do you think? Boardroom shake-up near 26 May - In the Liverpool Echo, David Prentice suggests that a major shake-up of the Everton Board of Directors is imminent, with Sir Philip Carter finally stepping down after overseeing almost two decades of decline. With the Everton Rumour Mill in full swing, no-one is admitting to anything — but there is a Board meeting on Thursday, when sparks are expected to fly. The latest indications are that Director Keith Tamlin will also step down, with Bill Kenwright becoming Chairman. Lies, damned Lies and rumours 25 May - Need help figuring out what's going on at Everton FC? Confused by all the claims and counter-claims, rumours, and downright lies? Struggling to tell if Billy K is telling us the truth or spinning us with a bit of theatrical flourish? Rob Fox has painstakingly pieced it all toogether in this weighty Fans' Comment article that you need to wade through to put your mind in order... Don't Fear the Reaper 24 May - With rumours circulating that Everton are to sack Michael Dunford from his post as Everton CEO and bring in Trevor Birch, Paul Holmes provides some timely insight into the nature and means of the man who he expects will have a critical role in securing the club's future. Although Paul warns that one of his skills is... asset-stripping. The glass is half full 21 May - Two new Fans Comment articles, both penned before the Bluehouse meeting, Bill Kenwright's responses in the Echo, and the approach to Alan Smith, offer a surprisingly upbeat message for the close season. Emma Caulfeld retains faith in David Moyes, Bill Kenwright and the potential for a £5m transfer kitty; Tom Hadley, meanwhile, feels that August and not now will be the time to panic if no new faces arrive. Unfortunately, if the fans sit on their hands now, August might be too late! Perhaps this inspiring analogue from the North American NHL, provided by John Horan should give us the impetus we need to make some changes now. Fans' Meeting at the Bluehouse 20 May - Over 300 Everton fans crowded into the Bluehouse pub near Goodison Park on Wednesday night for a meeting called by Ian Macdonald of the Everton Independent Supporters Association. They were addresed by Prof Tom Cannon, Joe Beardwood, Frank Hargreaves, Mark Edwards, Carl Roper, and Ian Macdonald. The group then formulated a series of questions for the Everton Board, the ultimate source of the Club's problems. Is it really this bad? 19 May - More questions than answers from Everton fan Stephen Burton, who mulls over the difficult issues facing Everton this summer as we struggle to come to terms with what this all means for the future of the Club. It's so sad that many fans are now talking of selling Rooney as some magic solution to our ills — just when the opposite message needs to be sent to the Board. Thankfully, David Moyes has ruled out this ridiculous notion — but as we know only too well, it may not be enough to prevent the Board from doing just that. Shootout coming soon? 18 May - You might have expected Colm Kavanagh to be the prime ranter when it comes to summing up Everton's dreadful collapse this season, but Colm appears to have an uncanny sense that there are yet more sparks set to fly at Goodison in the close season as the tensions run deep behind the scenes between players, manager, management, CEO, Board, and individual directors... Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 16 May - No doubt we are going to recieve a lot of articles like this one from Declan Burke during the next few days... weeks... months? — as we all dwell on the parlous state of Everton Football Club and our decidedly dodgy prospects for the next Premiership season. A lot has been said already about the problems at Board level, the abject lack of committment from many of the players, who are simply not good enough. David Moyes himself is clearly under no illusions anymore. Utterly, utterly pathetic 15 May - Pride, the fans, 14th place, £2m extra prize money... apparently none of it was sufficiently important for the players to give a toss as they were soundly thrashed by Manchester City, leaving this once-proud club in 17th place in the Premiership. Abysmal defending allowed City to score three times before the break and add two more late on as it became abundantly clear that a lot of these players have little or no desire to play for David Moyes. Kevin Campbell bundled home a consolation for the Blues on the hour mark for his first of the season but it is going to be a long and very painful summer. Cashing in the Golden Boy 14 May - As the inevitable rumours linking Wayne Rooney with a not-so-big money transfer to Manchester United or Chelsea gather momentum again and seed fear among the hearts of Evertonians everywhere, controversial ToffeeWeb columnist Peter Fearon explains the change of heart that brings him to the conclusion that Everton have to sell Wayne Rooney. Of course, that is to assume many things — not least the questionable ability of the club to get the right price and spend the money wisely — and under-estimate how much the Golden Boy embodies the Blues' future in the minds of the fans. City Centre Superstore announced 12 May - Everton will finally open a city-centre superstore that could double the Club's retail revenue. The Club has secured a site on Ranelagh Street outside Central Station which is set to open on 22 May 2004. Why, Oh why has it taken this long, Mr Dunford? Stating the obvious 10 May - Despite the title of this opinion piece, Nick Armitage makes a refreshing diversion from the doom, gloom, and fear-mongering of recent weeks. He dwells instead on the positives he sees within the current Everton squad and encourages fans to renew their season tickets so that David Moyes can continue the work he started (despite the extended downward blip), rolling over he squad into a younger, better team. Reader responses Last home game falls flat 8 May - The fans showed their support with a sell-out for the final home game of the season but two goals from Youri Djorkaeff condemned Everton to a numbing second successive defeat at Goodison. The Blues started brightly and Duncan Ferguson, a surprise starter, should have scored but slipped at the crucial moment; it was Bolton who broke the deadlock after 12 minutes. Everton fell flat after the goal and didn't perk up until after the break with an improved display. Leon Osman set up Ferguson for the equaliser with 22 minutes left and the home side were denied a penalty soon afterwards, the referee awarding a free kick in the area for a backpass which Rooney fired into the wall. With three minutes left, the ball squirmed through to Djorkaeff and he slipped it past Martyn to hand the visitors the lead once more... yet another late goal conceded by David Moyes's men. Reports from Simon, Paul and Jonathan. Fans Comment Special 6 May - With the end of the season drawing near, the frustration levels are rising among the supporters, as evidenced by the tide of feedback and articles we have been receiving at ToffeeWeb Towers. Here are four more of your submissions: Give him a new contract? You've got to be joking Speculate to accumulate Get rid of the Gravedigger? Power to the people Motivation 6 May - Peter Fearon's stinging criticism of David Moyes has prompted a mixed response. However, in a measured article, Ted Neeson ponders just how much the manager is able to motivate the players and how much that responsibility they must bear themselves. He also takes a look at what motivates different players; whatever it is that drives Moyes's charges, it has clearly been missing this season. Get Carter 4 May - Comments and opinions are flowing thick and fast as we enter the final stretch of this dismal season, with few more loquacious than Colm Kavanagh (his last Corner excepted!). This time he focusses a little more on the failures at Board level that have seen Everton continue to struggle on and off the pitch. True Love not enough 3 May - Despite having put in what he would want us to belive have been his best efforts over the past five years, it is clear to many that the leadership of Bill Kenwright is leading Everton nowhere. Steve Thompson believes it is now time for him to surrender control to someone who has the necessary resources to turn us around... before it is too late. This glass is not even half-empty 2 May - Of course, since yesterday's installment in the continuing debacle that is Everton this season, we have recieved many positive messages, optimistically forecasting how great we will be next season... but amongst this onslaught, these two submissions stood out for their honesty and candor in telling it like it really is. Another pathetic capitulation 1 May - Leon Osman showed the way on his first senior start giving Everton the perfect start with a goal after two minutes but the team's inability to play for more than 45 minutes hit home once again. Osman repaid the fans' faith in his abilities by latching onto a James McFadden cross and heading in the opening goal, before Wayne Rooney chipped narrowly wide and McFadden forced a good save from Paul Jones. Just before half time, Rooney missed with just the 'keeper to beat. The second half was all Wolves and Henri Camara unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner to level the game on the hour mark leaving Carl Cort to claim a late winner when, unchallenged, he headed Kennedy's free kick past Martyn.
More responses to MBE 31 May - Mike Owen and Anne Asquith, both members of the Everton Shareholders Executive Committee, have responded to the accusations made against them by Michael Durkin (aka Mickey Blue Eyes) on the Bluekipper website (see below). McFadden sets up a nice one 30 May - Scotland cruised to a 4-1 win over Trinidad & Tobago at Easter Road, with Jamie McFadden laying on the first goal after 6 mins with a clever back-heel. Meanwhile, Tomasz Radzinski could do little to prevent his Canadian side falling 1-0 to Wales in Wrexham; BBC Report Palace return to the Bigtime 29 May - Everton will be playing Crystal Palace in next season's Premiership after they beat fellow Londoners West Ham United 1-0 to win the Divison One Playoff Final, joining Norwich and West Brom as the promoted clubs. Radz eyes World Cup Finals 29 May - Tomasz Radzinski plays for his adopted Canadia against The Royal Duchy of Wales in Wrexham on Sunday with half an eye on qualifying for the 2006 World Cup from the Concacaf region, some 20 games hence. Colm's Open Letter to MBE 29 May - Colm Kavangh responds directly to Michael "Mickey Blue Eyes" Durkin over his paranoid call (see below) for the ESA Executive Committee to be sent packing at next Tuesday's AGM. More Long Knives at the ESA AGM? 28 May - Long-time critic of pretty much everyone and everything Evertonian, Mickey Blue Eyes wades in against the current power base within Everton Shareholders Association ahead of next Tuesday's AGM claiming the Executive Committee should all be ousted for their stance on some ridiculous conflict of interest issue that has neutrailzed their effectiveness as a voice for the small EFC shareholders. Board meeting postponed 28 May - Yesterday's planned meeting of the Everton Board of Directors has been postponed, putting the Goodison Rumour Mill in high gear, with conspiracy theories centering on a tussle between Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg over who replaces Sir Philip Carter as Chairman. We should have gone down! 27 May - That's what ZOO Magazine thinks, the cheeky bastards. Claiming we benefitted from a handball decision against Leicester, the Foxes also suffered in their game against Arsenal. But hey, the Table never lies! Moyes rejects Radzinski rumours 27 May - Everton have flatly denied reports that Fulham have made a £1.5m offer for Tomasz Radzinski who is the subject of on-going speculation regarding his future as he stalls on a new contract. Goodbye, Mr Dunford 27 May - Michael Dunford's nine-year tenure in the Everton corporate heirarchy — first as Club Secretary and then CEO — will end when Trevor Birch takes up the post of CEO next Tuesday. If only it were true that Everton was run as well as Arsenal... Rathbone still busy 27 May - Everton Physio Mike Ratbone still has plenty of work to do repairing the injuries Everton players picked up in the last few games... almost as if they collectively gave up on Moyes's objective of winning every game? Smith to join United 26 May - 55% of you thought he would be a good signing (even at £7m) but, as expected, Alan Smith will today join Manchester United. Moyes talking with Paul Dickov 26 May - As promised, David Moyes has told Everton fans that he is talking to 31-year-old Paul Dickov, the Leicester striker who could be available for a "nominal" transfer fee of around £100k. Szetala deal close 25 May - Teenage American midfield prospect Danny Szetala is expected to join Everton's Youth Academy on his imminent return from Argentina where he is on duty with the US U-18s. Thais talking to Everton 24 May - The Thais who wanted to invest heavily in Liverpool are talking to three other clubs, including Everton, in case their deal with Liverpool falls through. EfC want open public debate 24 May - Everton for Change (EfC) do not think that Bill Kenwright went into enough detail when answering the 10 questions put to him in a leaflet from the fans last week, and are asking for something like a radio phone-in that would allow fans to get to the heart of the issues. Everton laugh off latest Roomours 23 May - Everton laughed off the latest rumours in the Sunday People endeavouring to convince its gullible readers that a massive deal for Everton's young starlet has been completed. Bernie Mullin, President & CEO 22 May - Here's a topical story about a smart Evertonian who has taken self-improvement to heart... and made himself the President & CEO of a massive sports entity in the USA... Taking the piss! 21 May - David Prentice, who is more likely to be closer to the truth than most, makes a stinging attack on the players who gave up working for David Moyes and played their woeful part in Everton's lowest points total since 1889. Superb! Blues in sponsor negotiations 21 May - Everton announce on the official site that they are close to unveiling their new shirt sponsor, probably within the next couple of weeks. With an increase in televised games overseas next season, it's come down to two bidders — a Far Eastern firm and a multi-national — and will "eclipse" the Kejian deal. Bill provides more responses 21 May - Bill Kenwright tackles some of the hardest questions about his tenure at Goodison Park, and responds with his usual passion, making it really sound like he is doing everything possible, despite the continually grinding rumour mill... so who are we to believe? ToffeeWeb Player of the Season 21 May - Only 2% voted him as the best of the 4 signings Moyes made last September in our quick poll, but there was little doubt who would be voted your ToffeeWeb Player of the Season. With almost 2/3s of the votes, take a bow, Nigel Martyn. Everton bid £7M for Alan Smith 20 May - ... or not! Leeds Director Peter Lorimer seems a bit confused on the matter, claiming that a bid is imminent — as has now been confirmed on the Official Everton Website. But Alan Smith apparently wants to go to Man Utd... It all raises many questions. Bill's empassioned responses 20 May - In tonight's Liverpool Echo, Bill Kenwright has provided anwers to the ten questions put to him in the leaflet circulated at Eastlands last Saturday. So everybody should be happy now, right? City Centre Superstore opens 20 May - Everton finally opened a store in Liverpool city centre today, with Sir Philip Carter doing the honours. Fans report that the store is a good size and well stocked, although new Umbro kits will not go on sale for some months yet... Shareholders Assoc. Statement 20 May - The Shareholders Association have issued a statement following last night's meeting of fans at the Blue House endorsing efforts by all Evertonians — fans, shareholders and club officials alike — to seek a solution the club's current crisis. The Shareholders AGM on June 1st is expected to support the motion for an EGM of the club as soon as possible. Youngsters sign on 19 May - 16-year-old Icelandic youngster Bjarni Thor Vidarsson has joined the Everton Youth Acaademy on a three-year deal. Everton also announced professional contracts for just two of their senior Academy players: Anthony Gerrard and Daniel Fox. Come to the Bluehouse tonight 19 May - Ian Macdonald believes the fans need to come together to discuss what options we have to save Everton. True Evertonians are invited to meet at the Bluehouse (the Stanley Park pub next to the Megastore) at 8pm tonight, Wednesday 19 May, where they will work to find an answer to the Club's woes. Pistone and Irvine come to blows? 19 May - According to The Mirror, Alessandro Pistone and assistant manager Alan Irvine went mano y mano in a training-ground brawl recently. If rumours of dissent in the squad weren't so rife you could shrug this off because of the source's reputation but, reading between the lines, it seems to have occurred between the Wolves and Bolton debacles. Moyes answers the fans 19 May - David Moyes answered calls from Everton fans on an exclusive web chat today. The Official Everton website is carrying this transcript. Youngsters moving on 19 May - Everton Under-19 player Joey Jones has joined Maccelsfield Town; Robert Booth and Gavin Lynch have secured extended trials at Blackpool and Bournemouth respectively after being released by the club. Echo: Moyes gets a paltry £1.5M 18 May - According to the Echo, that's the budget David Moyes is limited to in terms of improvements to the squad, unless he sells to buy... Since this sum includes new players' wages (perhaps all it represents is the avearge wage of the 12 players released yesterday — ~£2,500 a week!), there won't even be any small transfer fees involved. New Academy gets the nod 18 May - No less a figure than Sir Philip Carter has announced that Everton's proposed new training academy at Halewood has finally recieved planning permisson. That's were the good news ends, however, as the club must now secure planning permission for development at Bellefield and then sell the old training ground before they will have the money to actually start building the new facility. Fulham to up bid for Radzinski 18 May - Will £1.5M be enough to prize Radzinski away from Everton? Or is David Moyes trying to get Sean Davis thrown in as well? Gravesen stalls on new deal 17 May - Thomas Gravesen has told Everton that they will have to bring in new players before he will consider signing a new contract. 'Thomas has had four fantastic years at this club, and he wants to stay, but that demands changes in the squad, and we have clearly told this to Moyes,' his agent, John Sivebaek, told a Danish newspaper. Moyes won't take up Jeffers option 17 May - As expected, David Moyes has turned down the opportunity to turn Francis Jeffers' season loan into a permanent contract. The striker returns to an uncertain future at Arsenal. Rooney named in Euro 2004 squad 17 May - Unsurpisingly, Wayne Rooney was named as one of four strikers in England's squad for Euro 2004 this summer. Richard Wright is on standby while Nigel Martyn held true to his word and declined an invitation to be included. Clarke offered a one-year deal 17 May - As David Moyes realizes he could be desparately short of players next season, he has offered defender Peter Clarke the opportunity to extend his expiring contract for a further 12 months. Everton not after Phad Thai 17 May - Everton have denied stories suggesting that they are one of the other Premiership clubs courting the Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for his (ill-gotten?) mega-millions, should Liverpool reject his bid. Contract Status 16 May - As we enter what promises to be a period of turmoil and change for the Everton Squad, this new ToffeeWeb page tracks the contract status of all our senior squad players, and highlights the deadwood expected to leave during the summer. We need to buck our ideas up 16 May - So says Kevin Campbell about the Everton players on the Official Site, which would be great if it weren't too late! This kind of rally cry should have come three months ago! Moyes promises changes 15 May - Following another shameful away performance that caps an equally miserable season, David Moyes says big changes will be made and seeks to assure fans that he won't sell Wayne Rooney to fund his squad building. Moyes talks tough 15 May - David Moyes, in this piece from The Mirror (published before today's culminating catastrophe) talks about massive changes coming in the summer, perhaps confirming rumours sent to us that he "lost" the squad in a major row after the Wolves fiasco two weeks ago. Reds topple Blues on penalties 14 May - Liverpool won the Liverpool Senior Cup Final tonight 9-8 on penalties after the teams had battled to a 1-1 draw during normal time. Fulham offer for Radz rejected 14 May - According to The Echo, David Moyes has turned down flat a miserly £900,000 bid for Tomasz Radzinski who has still to give the Blues an answer regarding their recent contract offer. Evertonians for Change - Website 14 May - Evertonians for Change has announced the launch of its website; click on the link above. They have also announced the date of their first Public Platform Meeting; this will take place on Tuesday 1 June 2004 at the The Casa, Hope Street, Liverpool. All concerned Blues are welcome. More details on the website. Not all doom and gloom 13 May - Rob Fox provides insightful analysis into the current situation on and off the field at Goodison Park and concludes that there is hope for the future. Reader responses Player of the Month: April 13 May - There were only two players in it for the month of April and together they picked up 85% of the votes but Joseph Yobo was the clear winner this month. It's also time to vote for your Player of the Season. What is to be done 13 May - Two more Fans Comment articles: "Mad Dog" laments our current mediocrity while Chris Arellano hopes that David Moyes will get the backing he requires. Everton ball charity auction 13 May - Over on ebay.co.uk, Weston Spirit are auctioning off for charity an Everton football signed by the current team. Weston Spirit is a national youth charity tackling issues of social exclusion in young people through Personal Development programmes and projects. Youngsters' task too much 12 May - Everton's Under-17 Youth Academy side couldn't make a dent in Aston Villa's 4-goal lead from the first leg of the national FA Youth Academy League final, drawing 1-1 at Goodison Park tonight in front of 1,300-odd fans. Nyarko may face a deal breaker! 12 May - When Alex Nyarko joined Everton in July 2000, the maximum time granted on a work permit was four years, but Nyarko signed a five-year deal with Everton (go figure!). If the Department of Employment refuses to grant the player an extra 12 months this summer, Everton will have to pay up the remainder of his contract and allow Nyarko to leave for nothing! Oh dear, Mr Dunford! Opinions 12 May - In an article submitted to ToffeeWeb, John Hughes takes a Championship Manager-esque look at David Moyes's options, both in terms of existing and potential personnel. Keep your nerve 11 May - As we continue in our lengthy series of Fans Comment articles, Mike Iddon believes that David Moyes remains the key to Everton's future. Vote for Nigel Martyn 11 May - BBC Radio 5 Live is having a vote for the best over-35 player of the season and Nigel Martyn is one of the 8 candidates but he's wallowing in third place and he needs your vote. Evertonians for Change! 10 May - Time for a change? Want your opioion on the current state of affairs to be heard at Everton FC? Then lend your support to this new fans group by sending an e.mail to Carl Roper, who is spearheading EfC — Evertonians for Change. Bet on the drop next season? 10 May - The fears of many Evertonians are reflected in this analytical assessment from the Square Football betting website of Everton's prospects in next season's Premiership campaign... although it is a bit of a contrast from this earlier piece! Len Capeling pulls no punches 10 May - In the Daily Post, Uncle Len sums up the dire straits in which Everton find themselves as this dreadful season draws to an end. Tangled webs we weave 10 May - The normally sober Sporting Life has taken David Moyes's heartfelt post-match comments, added the leaked news of a new four-year deal for the manager, and deduced that Bill Kenwright is now the target of fan frustrations. The Holy Trinity 9 May - For the first time since they played so effectively as a fabulous midfield trio, Ball, Kendall and Harvey were back together at Goodison last weekend for a fabulous night of nostalgia laid on by Bluenose Promotions. Ian Macdonald was there to record their reminicences for posterity. Something has to change 8 May - There is some meagre reassuranace that David Moyes refuses to hide, and he reacts as we do to the sorry displays put forward by his charges, whom he can no longer inspire. He needs money... but will he get any? Moyes to be offered new deal 7 May - Everton will move to secure the services of David Moyes for four more seasons by offering him an extension to his current contract which expires in two years' time. Moyes: I'm embarrassed 6 May - David Moyes says that he greeted the effective confirmation of Everton's safety from relegation not with joy but embarrassment. He aims to win both remaining games, something Everton haven't done since 1996. New home strip unveiled 6 May - Everton's new home strip, the third in as many seasons, has been unveiled on the official site. The biggest change is not the shirts — which, because we Blues are a traditional bunch, change so little — but the socks which return to traditional white. Overall, not bad at all. Player of the Month: April 5 May - The final PotM vote before we open the voting for Player of the Season in mid-May. Vote for your man for April now. Kilbane may need surgery 5 May - Kevin Kilbane may need surgery to remove small pieces of bone from his ankle that cause a problem when he stikes the ball. It's been a problem for some years, but apparently not a big enough one to have prevented him from passing a transfer medical... Moyes confident of support 5 May - Sounding more like a palliative to the disillusioned fanbase, David Moyes believes that Bill Kenwright will make funds available for him this summer, and that they have learnt from last season's frustrating episope with Sean Davis. Well, that's good news then, isn't it? New strip unveiled Thursday 4 May - The new home strip will be unveiled on Thursday and the players will wear it during the final home game of the season on Saturday. It will be available to buy in July. Young guns shot down by Villa 4 May - Everton's Under-17 Youth Academy side are all but beaten in the Playoff Final for the national title after going down 5-1 tonight at Villa Park. The return leg is at Goodison Park next Wednesday; admission is FREE. Same old, same old 4 May - David Unsworth and Tomasz Radzinski have both been offered contract extensions of two years — something of a volte face in Unsworth's case, and questionable in the case of Radzinski, whose miss-rate in front of goal is becoming an embarrassment. Meanwhile, the Daily Post claims both players will hold out for three-year deals!!! False Messiah 4 May - David Moyes has escaped much of the flak that has been levelled at Everton for the dismal state of the Club as we limp wearily to season's end. But Peter Fearon grabs the nettle and identifies the self-imposed limitations that have made things even worse for Moyes... our False Messiah? Reader responses Naysmith having surgery now 3 May - Given a new ankle injury that puts Gary Naysmith out for what is left of the season, Everton have decided to operate on his hernia problem. Bolton game televised overseas? 3 May - The Blues' final home game of the season has been pencilled in for televised coverage in the US (on 2-hour tape delay) and, live probably, other overseas markets. Safe at last 2 May - Everton's Premiership future was secured for another season thanks only to the continuing demise of Leeds United, who cannot now catch Everton and are effectively relegated due to a huge negative goal difference. The task now, should our players accept the challenge, is to avoid finishing 17th. Colm has seen the Masterplan 1 May - Colm Kavanagh has discovered the Everton Board's Masterplan that will underpin an audacious effort to bring life back into our beleaguered football club...
Feeling Blue 29 Apr - It's not as bad as the title sounds: Paul Traill takes a look at some aspects of David Moyes's management and suggests some things that could have been done a little differently. He then provides a brief analysis of the impending losses to the squad as the players reach the end of their contracts, both this summer and next. Bringing in new faces is obviously a critical task for Moyes; how he will accomplish this effectively with minimal financial resources available remains to be seen... Accentuating the positives 27 Apr - Our recent articles slamming Everton for the manner of the season-ticket price hike have caused Everton fan Stuart Mann to say: Let's be a bit more constructive... but he ends up going over much of the same ground in terms of where we are as a club, what has brought us to this point, how important Rooney is to our future, and why haven't the Board sanctioned a Rights Issue. Welcome to Collinwood 27 Apr - The brash manner of Club CEO Michael Dunford's announcement, signalling substantial increases in season-ticket prices for next season's fayre on offer at Goodison Park, has got many people's backs up. Paul Holmes takes a long hard look at the pattern of continuing decline and financial mismanagement that underlies the latest body-blow to faithful Evertonians. We have had enough 25 Apr - Here at ToffeeWeb Towers we get plenty of flak for being "negative", but it is with some reluctance that we have agreed to publish this heartfelt rant by a frustrated Evertonian who has obviously reached his personal breaking point. Kenney Sweeney runs the Mid-Chesire Supporters Club but it doesn't help his case against increasing season ticket prices when he starts off by calling someone (it's not quite clear who exactly) a 'moron'. Still, it will probably strike a chord for many... Stead's sucker-punch floors lacklustre Everton 23 Apr - Precious reward money is slipping away each week with seemingly little concern among the Everton players as Blackburn leapfrog the Blues to reach 40 points. Both sides had headers from corners tipped behind in the first quarter of an hour before Everton lost chief playmaker Thomas Gravesen to injury. Just before half time, Joseph Yobo forced a save from Friedel, Stead forced another acrobatic stop by Martyn and Linderoth made a miracle clearance off the line before Radzinski's shot was palmed around the post and Watson's volley from the corner was deflected narrowly wide. The Blues had marginally the better of the second half but weren't good enough overall and were sucker-punched with 10 minutes to go, Stead heading in the decisive goal. Money too tight to mention 22 Apr - As Everton crawl closer to safety at the end of a truly dismal season, Colm Kavanagh wonders again about the moribund finances that bind us hand and foot, while we see Club luminaries like Paul Gregg and Lord Grantchester listed among the nation's richest. Is there perhaps another way to shake things loose? Fox in the box? 21 Apr - Daniel Fox, one of the few Youth Academy players to be retained for the coming season, was on hand to fire home a quick free-kick in the reserves game against Birmingham City at Southport on Tuesday evening. Richard Wright (in goal) was the only senior player on the field as the youngsters from the Youth Academy were given more match practice while a handful of normal reserves players are away on loan. Looking to the Future 20 Apr - There is a player in the First Division earning rave reviews from his manager and whom the fans are praying will stay... and he is ours. Faced with the prospect that Leon Osman could be sold on to Derby County without ever having been given the chance to prove he can make the Premiership grade with Everton, Lyndon Lloyd breaks the extended silence in his Comment column to put forward the case for building for the future with our young stars like Osman, James McFadden and, of course, Wayne Rooney. Everton and the woodwork frustrate Chelsea 16 Apr - Everton ground out the draw they came for with a committed if sometimes desperate rearguard action as Chelsea were booed off at the final whistle by their disgruntled supporters. Frank Lampard floated an effort off the crossbar in the first half and shot against the post in the second as the home side threatened to make the crucial breakthrough. And Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink could have scored from one of four gilt-edged opportunities, but it was Everton who had the clearest sight of goal when Wayne Rooney was denied with a point-blank save by Ambrosio. Rendered impotent by another miserable display by Gravesen and reliant on a towering performance by Yobo, Everton were fortunate to earn a point but grateful nonetheless to halt a sequence of defeats at Chelsea's hands. Jeffers' volte-face 15 Apr - Francis Jeffers has done an about turn and buried the hatchet with David Moyes in clear-the-air talks according to the Official Site. Faced with two months in limbo training with Everton's youth team, the 23 year-old striker has apologised for his outburst before the Spurs win on Good Friday and has been restored to the first-team squad. He is eligible for the Blues' final five games of the season, although how much part he actually plays after all the furore remains to be seen. Moyes keen on Okocha? 15 Apr - Not normally inclined towards idle gossip, The Independent suggest that David Moyes is seriously interested in bringing talented midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha to Goodison Park on a free transfer next season. The Nigerian, whom Walter Smith is rumoured to have rejected as too old, too fat and too slow before turning around and signing David Ginola, is currently plying his trade with Bolton Wanderers and is out of contract in June. Despite Okocha's age (he'll be 31 in August), there is no doubt that he would add a desperately lacking touch of creativity — frankly, it's the sort of move that should have been made in January last year. [More speculation in the Rumour Mill] Martyn preserves valuable point 13 Apr - Nigel Martyn was the hero of the hour on his return to Elland Road as he pulled off a string of magnificent saves to deny his old team and salvage a draw for disappointing Everton. David Moyes reintroduced Wayne Rooney to the fold and he drove home from distance after just 12 minutes to give the Blues the lead. However, the home side found their stride again after half an hour, and Martyn had to make three amazing saves either side of half time before James Milner smashed home the equaliser with Everton floundering early in the second period. Leeds carried by far the greater threat after the interval, as Everton's midfield went AWOL — as typified by a shocking display by Thomas Gravesen — but Moyes's side held out to keep Leeds 3 points behind in the table. Jeffers placed in limbo 11 Apr - Francis Jeffers has been shunted into a state of limbo by manager David Moyes after a misunderstanding regarding team selection for the Good Friday game that saw Everton slay a number of demons. With Campbell injured, and Ferguson and Rooney suspended, getting 10 mins on the field was not good enough for Franny, who claims he was told he would start the match. After apparently refusing to play again for Moyes, Jeffers has sealed his own fate, since — under the terms of a season loan — he cannot play for Arsenal, and he cannot join any other club on loan this season, although Everton are obiged to continue to pay him and provide him with training facilities. See officious Club Statement. ToffeeWeb will be making no further comment on this matter... although we do have a Fans Comment from Koi Yu Ng. Moyes's boys dish out revenge 9 Apr - Everything came together in fine style as David Moyes's Everton laid to rest a few annoying hoodoos with a scintillating first-half performance that carried them through to a first win in front of the cameras this season and a first defeat of Spurs in 7 years — all on James McFadden's first start up front. After a quarter of an hour, David Unsworth popped up at far post to convert a Steve Watson flick-on to open the scoring and 7 minutes later, after McFadden had forced Gary Doherty into hacking him down, Gary Naysmith curled a beauty of a free kick past Kasey Keller. Then Joseph Yobo converted after Keller had spilled a set piece from the same place to make it 3-0. A more pedestrian second half yielded a solitary goal for the visitors by Stephen Carr... who promptly killed their momentum by being sent off for clipping the heels of the tricky McFadden. Match Report Young Reserves hold Leeds 7 Apr - A side of predominantly young academy players travelled to Wakefield and held Leeds to a goalless draw on Wednesday night. Steve Simonsen was the only recognized senior name on the field, and he is still looking for a place to land in the knowledge that he will be released at the end of the season, along with a number of the other players. Duncan Disorderly 5 Apr - By his admission of guilt for violent conduct against Steffen Fruend, and making an obscene gesture to Leicester fans, the FA has slapped Duncan Ferguson with a further four-match ban and a £10k fine that will hardly make a dent in his £35k+ weekly pay packet. Nick Armitage is not impressed... although there is no decision yet on which games he will miss — apparently this is in the hands of the Club, who could have the ban come into effect for the next four games, or the final four games of the season... or, by waiting until the last moment to appeal the decision to the FA, get the entire ban shifted into next season! Defensive errors cost Everton dear 3 Apr - Everton's five-game unbeaten run came to an end at St James' Park as Newcastle ran out 4-2 winners, a scoreline that flattered the home side. The game was barely 5 minutes old when Bellamy latched onto Shearer's flick-on and easily out-muscled Unsworth before slotting past Martyn. Everton equalised 8 minutes later, though, through Gravesen. A lucky bounce for Dyer put the Magpies ahead again before a bizarre Campbell backpass sent Shearer through one-on-one and he made no mistake. Watson then had a legitimate goal chalked off for offside before Yobo popped up at the far post to head in the Blues's second. But the grandstand finish petered out into a fourth for Newcastle when Unsworth blocked Bowyer's shot and Shearer had an easy task of notching his second of the afternoon. Belated match report. What's all this about Loyalty? 1 Apr - The media-generated fuss about Sven Goran Erikkson daring to consider his own career has got David Flynn a little bit exercised. In this piece, he takes a look at the quaint concept of loyalty as it applies in today's cutthroat world of football and concludes that the idea is feintly ridiculous. Then again, there's only one David Unsworth...
Wayne expected to sign 30 Apr - Time for some (rather premature?) positive news? Based on a tenuous quote from David Moyes, Evertonians are hereby assured that Wayne Rooney will sign a new five-year contract with Everton in the summer. Chadwick priced too high for Lions 30 Apr - Everton have placed a "ridiculous" price on Nick Chadwick, according to Millwall chairman Theo Paphitis, who was obviously hopeful of converting his loan spell at the Lions' Den to a permanent deal on the cheap. McFadden has a different view 30 Apr - In this interview, James MacFadden clearly sees himself as a player for the present, and as a forward, not a winger. But Moysey knows best... Clarke played last game 30 Apr - Peter Clarke could not hide his disappointment at knowing that he has played his last game as an Everton player after captaining the Reserves on Tuesday. Despite starring for England at all youth levels, he seems unable to make the grade in the Premiership. Li Tie stays in China 28 Apr - Li Tie still seems a long way from a full recovery after breaking his leg in a training incident with the Chinese national team back in February. McFadden impresses again 28 Apr - Jamie McFadden was once again very lively in his up-front role for Scotland, who lost narrowly in Denmark. Gravesen did not play for the Scandinavians but Linderoth played 72 mins for Sweden in their 2-2 draw in Portugal. Ferguson unlikely to play 28 Apr - Duncan Ferguson, who has missed the last six games through a combination of suspension and injury, is not expected to play against Wolves this weekend because of "doubts over his sharpness"!!! Isn't that what the Reserves are for? Didn't they play last night??? Reserves finish poorly 27 Apr - A young Everton side featuring Iain Turner in goal after he returned from loan with Chetser City could do little against Sunderland and went down by a 0-2 scoreline in the last Reserves game of the season. Osman gets his debut! 27 Apr - David Moyes kindly sent us this message: "Thanks to you lads for your time and effort in producing a wonderful website. Everton supporters truly are a wonderful breed. Here's the team for Saturday." Well, we thought you'd like some good news... Smokescreen! 26 Apr - Colm Kavanagh posted this eloquent missive to the ToffeeNet mailing list. It covers a number of important issues surrounding the increase in season ticket prices. Gravesen and Kilbane crocked? 26 Apr - Everton will probably be without two of their 'better' players for the season run-in, with Gravesen damaging knee ligaments and Kilbane pulling a hamstring. Just what we need as we face Wolves and Man City... U-17s in Playoff Final 24 Apr - Everton's youngsters won through 6-5 on penalties against Spurs following a tense 1-1 draw that went into extra time, with James Vaughan grabbing the equalizer right at the death of the semi-final playoff game for the FA Youth Academy Under-17s national title. Radz is keen to stay 23 Apr - Tomasz Radzinski responds positively to the news that David Moyes sees him as one of Everton's key players, and will be looking to agree a contract extension before his current deal expires next year. Gerrard a winner with Ireland 23 Apr - The Irish Under-18 team that includes Everton youngster Anthony Gerrard have won the Viseu Torunament in Portugal with one game to play after wins against Turkey and Portugal. Moyes determined to deliver 23 Apr - David Moyes acknowledges the faith the fans have kept in him, and is determined to see the Club progress under his management, with new faces targeted for summer transfers. Osman plays one more for Derby 21 Apr - Despite earlier reports, Leon Osman still has one more game to play for Derby — this weekend at Burnley — before his loan spell expires. David Moyes has said firmly that Ossie is not for sale, but implied strangely that he wont be considered for any of Everton's remaining games this season. Owls first pre-season fixture 21 Apr - Everton will visit Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Tuesday 3 August 2004 in the first of a "packed" pre-season schedule to be announced by the Club. Gerrard for Ireland! 21 Apr - Anthony Gerrard, Everton's only other senior Youth Academy player to be retained next season, flew out yesterday with the Ireland U-18 squad for the Viseu Tournament in Portugal. Gerrard is eligible to play for Ireland through his mother's family. Reserves play Birmingham today 20 Apr - Everton reserves will take on Birmingham City at Southport in a rearranged game, with Jeffers possibly getting a run out. Tomasz and Thomas to stay 20 Apr - Although Everton are not doing anything official until the summer, David Moyes will offer new contracts to both Tomasz Radzinski and Tommy Gravesen. Osman implored to stay 19 Apr - Leon Osman was implored by the Rams fans to stay on at Pride Park after he helped Derby County to a 5-1 win over Preston in the last home match of his three-month loan from Everton. Has he learnt how to compensate for his diminutive stature? Or will David Moyes give him away because he's "too small"? Hardly the repentant one 18 Apr - Francis Jeffers does himself few favours with an 'explanation' that excuses his rash behaviour and strong words to manager Moyes last week as simply down to frustration. Saying he still desperately wants a contract at Everton, he's lucky the manager is a lot more understanding than the fans who booed his appearance as a substitute at Chelsea. Player of the Month: March 18 Apr - Following the pattern of back-to-back winner this season, your February pick Wayne Rooney has picked up the March Potm award as well. Results Increasing debt is no solution 18 Apr - This piece in The Independent about the financial tribulations of Manchester City (the people's club???) puts the Everton Board's frugality into some context. It would be nice to think all City's problems are down to the hugely overated Keegan but, as the rich get ever richer, the football also-rans seem destined to a perennial and increasingly painful struggle... Moyes looking to add players 18 Apr - David Moyes recognizes the need to add quality and guile to the committment and graft his team usually plays with as he looks forward to the summer... but will the Board come up with any money for him? Symes extends Crewe loan 17 Apr - Young Everton reserve striker Michael Symes, who is out of contract in the summer, will now stay at Crewe until the end of the season. Chester win promotion 17 Apr - Chester City won promotion back to the Nationwide Third Division after four seasons in The Conference. With Everton's young Scottish keeper Ian Turner, who is on loan until the end of the season, they have been unbeaten in the 11 games he has played since joining them on loan in March. Norwich fans still bitching 17 Apr - Norwich City fans, who have spent the last four months bitching and moaning about accusations of racist chanting against Joeseph Yobo, have been finally slapped down by the FA, who have told them there will be no appology coming from Everton. Under-17s are into the semis 17 Apr - Everton's Under-17 Youth Academy Group A Champions overcame Leicester City in their Quarterfinal playoff with late goals from Hopkins and Anichebe. The dirt on Franny 15 Apr - We knew it wouldn't take long for one of the media's 'investigative journalists' to unearth the true story about what went down between Francis Jeffers and David Moyes last week... He's still only young... 15 Apr - Wayne Rooney is one of six nominees for the PFA Players' Young Player of the Year award. Butt here are no Everton players nominated in the senior category. Weir returns in Reserves win 14 Apr - A well-taken goal by 19 year-old Italian striker Patrizio Pascucci was enough for Everton Reserves to overcome Bolton Wanderers 1-0 at Haig Avenue this evening. David Weir saw action for the first time since serving his suspension. Gemmill returns 14 Apr - Scott Gemmill has returned to Everton after Preston North End decided against a permanent deal, or a loan extension, in view of a knee injury the player is carrying. Umbro in new shirt deal 14 Apr - As Everton's current kit deal with Puma is running out, news that the Club has struck a new deal with JJB who will supply all Club and other outlets with products made by Umbro. The most "lucrative" deal in the club's history could be worth between £10M and £20M over 5 years. Teen prospect lands Everton trial 13 Apr - Everton have invited 16 year-old Michael Coulson of Scarborough's centre of excellence on trial. The attacking midfielder was spotted by Goodison scouts and will play in the Blues' youth academy team against Liverpool on Saturday. Preston weigh up Gemmill loan 13 Apr - Preston North End boss Craig Brown has declared his interest in extending Scot Gemmill's loan from Everton which expires this week. The midfielder is carrying a slight knock but could be asked to stay at Deepdale for another month. Player of the Month: March 12 Apr - It's here again, the PotM vote. Have your say on who you thought was numero uno in March. Osman leads the way for Rams 12 Apr - Leon Osman, on loan from Everton, put Derby County ahead in the first half of a Division 1 relegation battle with Bradford, who included Micheal Branch in their line-up, with Danny Cadamarteri and Tom Kearney on the bench. Branch could do little to prevent the Bantams from losing 3-2 and moving that bit closer to Division 2. All Points North 10 Apr - In the All Points North Charity Challenge, four Evertonians will be attempting to visit all 42 Scottish football league grounds in 24 hours this coming July, and hope to raise at least £10k for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and the National Kidney Federation. They need yotu support. Moyes: Toughest season 9 Apr - David Moyes admits this has been his toughest season in management, and he has vowed to spend some time in self-examination before ringing the changes. The Darkness comes to Goodison 8 Apr - Nothing new there, the darkness has plagued Goodison for the best part of 17 years! But we digress... Retro-rockers The Darkness have been confirmed among the list of music celebrities slated to play in the charity Soccer Six tournament at Goodison Park on 9th May which includes LibertyX, Phixx, Clea, Mark Owen and reputed Blue-belly Lee Latchford Evans. Stubbs may need groin op 8 Apr - The niggling groin injury that kept Alan Stubbs out of the Newcastle game may need an operation in the summer; Stubbs will miss tomorrow's massive game against Spurs; defenders David Weir and Peter Clarke are still suspended. Unsworth admits he is distracted 8 Apr - David Unsworth has admitted that not knowing where he will be playing his football next season has started to play on his mind. You don't say... Pondering Ferguson's future 7 Apr - This is one of a number of similar rambling articles appearing in the press, bringing together every recent facet of the Ferguson saga, with a dash of salt from the "Everton Money-men" (Who?), suggesting that Big Duncan's Everton future could end sooner than his current contract. But analyse it carefully and there is nothing in here we didn't already know... and Moyes is still keen to keep playing the Big Yin — wearing the captain's armband to boot! Carsley concentrating on Blues 6 Apr - Lee Carsley has requested that Ireland boss Brian Kerr not consider him for the forseeable future, so that he can concentrate on regaining his place in the Everton side. Easter rest for Big Dunc 6 Apr - Everton have decided that Duncan Ferguson will serve out his four-match ban immediately, missing games against Spurs, Leeds, Chelsea, and Blackburn, thus giving him a chance to recover from his current injuries. Schumacher loan ends dismally 6 Apr - After going on trail, and then spending a month on loan at Oldham Athletic, Everton youngster Steven Schumacher never even made it to the first team! Cien Años de Calidad 5 Apr - Que? No, not 100 years in hell (although it sometimes feels like that...) this is the history of Everton — in Spanish, thanks to the diligent efforts of the Ruleteros Society. The official launch of the book takes place on Tuesday 6th April - 12:30pm, in the Dixie Dean Suite at Goodison Park. All are welcome. Gemmill a hit at Deepdale 5 Apr - After scoring the winning goal against Bradford that keeps Preston within chasing distance of a play-off place, there are hopes that Scot Gemmill will find a permanent home at Deepdale before his one-month loan from Everton expires next week. Millwall make it to the final 4 Apr - Nick Chadwick sat on the bench as an unused sub for Millwall at Old Trafford today as they battled their way to the FA Cup Final with a 1-0 win over Sunderland, with John Oster playing well for the Black Cats. McFadden says he's happy 2 Apr - Jamie McFadden's wonderful goal for Scotland has set all the rumour mill's grinding, with suggestions that Rangers will come snooping soon. But McFadden insists he is happy in Everton Reserves and Moyes seems blissfully unaware of his ability to play as a striker; maybe he'll come off the bench at Newcastle and repeat this feat? Shootouts, revisited 1 Apr - Our dedicated statto, Steve Flanagan, has rounded up some more details for what we believe is the definitive and only complete record of our club's dismal performance in penalty shootouts.
The price of fame? 31 Mar - Wayne Rooney, who picked up his 11th cap for England in Sweden today, has spoken at length about the great party thrown at the weekend for his finacée Colleen's 18th birthday. He expressed his frustration that the fun was spoiled by some idiots who started fighting when the free bar closed at 2am, obviously upset that some tabloid newspapers (surely not The Sun?) made this out to be a mass brawl between the two families. Radzinski strike not enough 27 Mar - Everton scored in the 78th minute for the fourth game in a row but also conceded late on to throw another two points away in the increasingly painful struggle to pull away from the drop zone. After three-quarters of the game had yielded little in the way of excitement, Tomasz Radzinski fired the Blues ahead with 12 minutes to go. However, less than 5 minutes later, Joseph Desire Job was involved in the 'Boro equaliser that squirmed past Nigel Martyn. Everton Res 0 - 0 Middlesbrough Res 24 Mar - An Everton Reserves side looking a lot more like a Youth Academy team — except for the presence of Richard Wright in goal — ground out a scoreless draw with Middlesbrough on Wednesday night. In addition to the seven players out on loan [... er, make that six], notable by their absence were Steve Simonsen, Paul Gerrard and Francis Jeffers. One player who could savour this game, however, was Christian Seargeant, making his debut at this level. Under-17s are the tops! 22 Mar - Everton's Youth Academy scored a major achievement by winning Group A in the FA Youth Academy Under-17s League. They won their final group game on Monday, beating Crewe 3-0 in the second half after a very nervy first half; Steve Milne was there. The tight group of youngsters include Paul Hopkins (6 goals in the last 5 games) and Andy Fowler (wonder who he's related to?). They now get home advantage in the first game of the playoffs. Last-minute away day woe... again 20 Mar - Marcus Bent headed a dramatic stoppage time equaliser to cap a controversial encounter that saw Everton again drop two vital points away from home. After a scrappy first 40 minutes, Duncan Ferguson proved once again that he has no self control, allowing Leicester to rile him up and get sent off for repeated offences. [His reaction to the red card when he physically assaulted Stefan Freund may see more serious charges brought.] Ironically, Everton were better with 10 men and with 15 minutes left, Wayne Rooney fired past Ian Walker to make it 1-0. Gravesen then ran the length of the pitch on a scintillating run but the chance eventually went begging. But in injury time Nigel Martyn produced a wonder save, tipping a shot onto the post and Marcus Bent headed home from the resulting corner. Reports from Paul Traill and Colm Kavanagh Reserves held by Leeds 16 Mar - Everton started brightly when Jamie McFadden laid on a goal for youth striker Michael Symes after just three minutes. But the team featuring Richard Wright, David Weir, Lee Carslely and Nick Chadwick failed to score again despiote a number of good chances and allowed Leeds to levle the score on 68 mins. Rooney makes the crucial breakthrough 13 Mar - Everton laboured to a narrow 1-0 win over struggling Portsmouth thanks to a 78th-minute strike by Wayne Rooney that hands David Moyes a win on his second anniversary in charge and the Blues their first "double" of the season. A disappointing first half yielded few chances as the midfield pairing of Alex Nyarko and Tobias Linderoth forced on Moyes by Thomas Gravesen's suspension struggled to inspire. The visitors, yet to win away so far this season, had the best chance of the first 45 minutes but Eyal Berkovic missed with an open goal at his mercy. Tomasz Radzinski turned a Steve Watson pass over the bar from 10 yards out and then had a great chance early in the second half but he shot wide from 6 yards. With the match dragging on towards a seemingly inevitable draw, Rooney pounced and could have had two more but fired agonisingly wide both times. Automatic 3-match ban for Weir 11 Mar - David Moyes is not best pleased, to say the least, over the prospect of losing his recovering central defender David Weir for three games starting with the important clash against Middlesbrough in a fortnight. Unless Everton can stage a successful appeal — the prospects for which must be significantly reduced after Davd Moyes candidly observed that "refereeing standards in the reserves games are poor"(!!!) — Weir will serve the automatic ban. Weir sent off; Wright impresses 10 Mar - Richard Wright put in a strong performance keeping goal for the reserves tonight at Blackburn. He stopped everything Blackburn could throw at him, only to be beaten by an own goal when Brian Moogan gave him no chance off a Blackburn cross. David Weir wont have helped his recovery by getting sent off for pushing Amaruso; he will now be unavailable for Everton's first-team clash against Middlesbrough. 125th Anniversary Dinner 6 Mar - No off-the-field Everton event would be complete without the rousing commentary that Ian Madonald faithfully provides... and this one is no different — even if it has taken him a week to gather his thoughts and put down in glorious detail the stirring emotions and magic moments that made up the 125th Anniversary Dinner, put on last Saturday night by the Everton Shareholders Association. Guest speakers included Barry Horne, Brian Viner, and Gordon West. Bray Wanderers 0 - 4 Everton 2 Mar - David Moyes used this weekend's upcoming break in the league programme as an opportunity to get in some more match practice for his win-shy squad and give recovering injury victims Richard Wright and David Weir a chance to stretch their legs. Francis Jeffers opened the scoring against Bray Wanderers of the Eircom league, and added a second just on half-time. Second-half goals from Jamie McFadden and Nick Chadwick rounded out the action.
Sweden 1 - 0 England 31 Mar - Wayne Rooney hit the post and narrowly failed to score with one of England's better chances as the national side were unable to beat Sweden yet again, going down to an Ibrahimovich goal a few minutes before the hour mark, when Rooney was part of a four-way substitution. McFadden on the mark for Scotland 31 Mar - James McFadden may be struggling to find his feet at Goodison but he scored again for Scotland today as they lost their international friendly 2-1 to Romania at Hampden Park. Liverpool Senior Cup 31 Mar - A young Academy team represented Everton in the semi-final of this season's Liverpool Senior Cup at Southport last night and sneaked a 1-0 win over the Haig Avenue senior side. Bernard Murphy, RIP 30 Mar - The funeral for Bernard Murphy is being held on Tuesday afternoon at St Aloysius Church in Liverpool. Everton Independent Supporters have raised over £2,000 in his memory. ForFoxSake.com, the unofficial Leicester website, continue that club's wonderful response to his tragic passing with a nice tribute. Ferguson cleared on race slur 30 Mar - After an investigation by the FA, Duncan Ferguson has not been charged in the business over racial insults levelled byFulham's Luis Boa Morte due to lack of evidence. However, Duncan will plead guilty to the more obvious case against him over his conduct at Leicester. Newcastle game on TV overseas 30 Mar - Everton's game at Newcastle on Saturday will be broadcast live or on tape-delay in many parts of the world. Not a good omen considering the live cameras have yet to cover a victory for the Toffees this season... Player of the Month - February 30 Mar - Signalling a return to form (which he has carried through into March), Wayne Rooney was voted your ToffeeWeb Player of the Month for February, way ahead of two-time winner, Kevin Kilbane. Along for the ride? 29 Mar - Wayne Rooney is travelling to Gothenberg with the rest of the England squad but a sore back and/or an injured ankle could still keep him sidelined for the friendly against Sweden on Wednesday. Birthday Bash 29 Mar - A nice party laid on for Wayne Rooney for his fiancée's 18th birthday degenerated into a mass brawl as the couple's familes came to blows in the early hours of Sunday morning... or maybe it's all a pack of lies from The Sun? Apparently so... Moyes sounds depressed 28 Mar - David Moyes was not in upbeat mood after watching his team throw away another two points from a winning position against Boro. But he was able to blame Boro's goal on the Ref, who pulled Watson out of position while letting a free-kick be played that led to the fateful corner and scrambled equalizer. Bernard Murphy, RIP 27 Mar - The Club marked the tragic and untimely death of Everton fan Bernard Murphy before last week's game at Leicester with a full page obituary in today's matchday programme, and flowers placed in the centre-circle for an impeccably observed moment of silence before today's kick-off. Naysmith will need surgery 26 Mar - Gary Naysmith has been withdrawn from the Scotland squad to limit the amount of football he plays until the end of the season, since he needs surgery on a niggling groin proiblem. CPS spit out Rooney charge 25 Mar - The Crown Prosecution Service has ruled out charging Wayne Rooney (Nicola Sunenberry accused him of spitting in her face at the Manchester nightclub Ampersand last month) beacuse there was "insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction". Bury miss out on Schumacher 25 Mar - A loan switch was on the cards for another of Everton's young hopefulls before yesterday's 5pm deadline but the Clubs realized that his current loan at Oldham runs for another week, and FA rules prevented transfer of the loan to Bury until that time — after the deadline had passed. Leigh Mills says No to the Blues 25 Mar - Swindon Town's 16-year-old star, Leigh Mills was to have been part of a swap deal for Sean O'Hanlon but he has turned down the chance to join Everton. Paul Gerrard loaned to Forest 25 Mar - Nottingham Forest have secured the services of Paul Gerrard on loan until the end of the season. Gerrard becomes the seventh Everton player currently out on loan (surely some sort of record?), and is unlikey to return as his contract expires in June. Sean O'Hanlon makes move 24 Mar - After two months on loan with Swindon Town, young Everton Reserves player Sean O'Hanlon has made the move permanent. He never got to play for the senior Everton side. The move was a free transfer, despite claims in some otherwise reputable journals that cash-strapped Swindon stumped up £150k for the lad: simply not true. Prof Cannon asking questions 24 Mar - Professor Tom Cannon, a prominent member of Everton Shareholders Association, has asked for more openness and transparency from Everton FC when it comes to explanations for where the millions have been frittered away. He cites two examples: payments to consultants over the Kings Dock fiasco, and the dealings with True Blue Holdings on the takeover from Peter Johnson. Ferguson charged by FA 24 Mar - Duncan Ferguson has been charged with violent conduct after a red mist followed the red card on Saturday, and his reaction gets a mention in referee Barry Knoight's report to the FA. He has 14 days to respond and could easliy end up with a big fine at least an additional 3-match ban. Symes on loan to Crewe 24 Mar - Michael Symes becomes the seventh Everton player farmed out on loan as he joins Crewe Alexandra for one month. Spurs game live in North America 23 Mar - The home clash with Tottenham on April 9 will be shown live on Fox Sports Net in the US and Canada, 3pm ET/12noon PT. Turner gets the call 23 Mar - Everton's young goalkeeping prospect, Iain Turner, who is on loan with Chester City, has received the call-up for Scotland's Under-21 squad for a game against Romania next week. Snow Blue and the Seven Bluenoses 23 Mar - It's not quite April the First, but the Royal Court in Liverpool will be staging what claims to be the first football panto: "The villains of Anfoldia try to steal the Golden Boots of Dixie Dean from Goodisona in an effort to get the Blue Noses to sell them Wayne Rooney". And Bill Kenwright is nowhere in sight! MV Everton in trouble 23 Mar - An ocean-going tanker by the name of Everton caught fire yesterday, off the coast of Oman, after colliding with a fishing vessel. The Yanks on USS Yorktown made 'best speed' to rescue 24 of the 25 seamen on board. Dunc: Enough already! 23 Mar - Feelings on Duncan Ferguson are mixed, with some blaming the ref rather than the big man himself. But John Jennings has watched Everton for over 40 years and he's had enough: he thinks Dunc is a disgrace to the club. The Moores — soccer city dynasty? 22 Mar - This total non-story commands four pointless paragraphs in the Liverpool Echo. Why? Surely even a child could have produced more of a story? Osman's loan extended 22 Mar - Midfielder Leon Osman will remain on loan with Derby County for a third and final month, having impressed manager George Burley. SuperKev R&B: 2 Wikid! 22 Mar - We missed this story from Saturday's Independent in which Brian Viner interviews Kevin Campbell about music and football. Chadwick on target for the Lions 21 Mar - Nick Chadwick got the last goal in Milwall's 4-1 mauling of West Ham as they chase a playoff place in Division 1. Everton fan dies in Leicester 20 Mar - A 40-year-old Everton fan, Bernard Murphy was killed by flying debris caused by the high winds, while on his way to the Walkers Stadium today. Goal hero now misses two games 20 Mar - Wayne Rooney scored the goal that should have given Everton victory at Leicester, but his tenth booking of the season moments earlier will cost Everton dear as the young star now misses crucial games against Newcastle and Spurs. Ferguson will only miss one game — the Newcastle match — unless he is sent back to Barlinnie for common asault... Chadwick back at The Den on loan 19 Mar - Nick Chadwick has rejoined Milwall for a second loan spell this season, and has a chance to be part of thier great run in the FA Cup. Stubbs recovers from head wound 19 Mar - A serious gash to the head that was sustained late on in the Portsmouth game and needed half a dozen stitches will not rule Alan Stubbs out of the Leicester clash on Saturday. Nation's favourite scouser? 18 Mar - Well, as determined by a poll of a paltry 2,000 people, Wayne Rooney snagged first place in anticipation of — wait for it — International Scouse Day... Nurse! Boa Morte cleared of offensive gestures 17 Mar - Fulham's Luis Boa Morte has een cleared of making offensive gestures to Everton fans at Loftus Road in January, the FA declaring the case against him was "not proven". A decision on his rascist complaint against Duncan Ferguson is still pending... Weir's red card appeal fails 17 Mar - THe FA Disciplinary Committee were unimpressed by Everton's case, supported by video showing that contact between Weir and Amoruso was minimal when the referee showed him a straight red in the reserves game at Blackburn. He will miss the games against Boro, Newcastle, and Spurs. Player of the Month: February 17 Mar - Voting is belatedly open for the February PotM poll. Cast your vote for the player you thought was the pick of the bunch now. China tour is cancelled... again 16 Mar - Everton's proposed post-season tour in China has been cancelled for the second year running. Last season it was down to SARS, this time it's a clash with the opening of the Chinese league season that's to blame. Only two stay from Youth Academy? 16 Mar - In this strangely worded piece from the Official Everton site, it would appear that only two of the current crop of U-18s and U-19s will be offered professional contracts with Everton: Daniel Fox and Anthony Gerrard. Ferguson pulls a hamstring 15 Mar - Duncan Ferguson left the field early against Portsmouth with a hamstring pull that may keep him out of the game at Leicester on Saturday... and maybe for up to a month! Carke's Coventry loan ends 14 Mar - Peter Clarke returns to Everton after playing his last game on loan for Coventry City, before a four-match ban comes into effect following a red card he picked up against Cardiff a couple of weeks ago. That was his second dismisal of the season after picking up a pair of yellow cards in the Reserves match at Liverpool last September. T G Jones Obituary 13 Mar - A belated memorial to the great T G Jones, Everton centre half around the time of the second world war, written by James Corbett, author of Everton, The School of Science. Moyes accepts blame 13 Mar - It must be hard for David Moyes to admit that he is partly to blame for Everton's poor record so far this season, which sees them back in the same position as on the day he took over two years ago. Weir to appeal red card 12 Mar - Everton appear intent on trying ot appeal the red card given to David Weir for supposedly kicking Amoruso in the reserves game at Blackburn this week, but David Moyes is not that hopeful of seeing it rescinded. Gemmill farmed out on loan 12 Mar - Scot Gemmill, who has been unable to penetrate first-team selection this season, becomes the sixth Everton player currently on loan as he joins Preston North End and links up again with former Scotland boss, Craig Brown for a month. Wright looks to return 10 Mar - Richard Wright will start the long haul to put pressure on Nigel Martyn tonight when he plays for Everton Reserves at Blackburn Rovers. It will be his first competitive game in months, after the successful run-out at Bray Wanderers last week. Farrelly moves on to Wigan 9 Mar - Garreth Farrelly, whose goal against Coventry City in May 1998 saved Everton from relegation, has moved on to Wigan after sending four years with Bolton. Witness for the defence 9 Mar - Francis Jeffers is being asked to testify in the Boa Morte – Duncan Ferguson racial name-calling saga. FA inspectors are then expected to compile their report on the matter. Li Tie making slow recovery 8 Mar - Li Tie says that his fractured shin is still very painful and will need several more weeks for a full recovery. He will remain in China for at least another month. Turner extends Chester loan 8 Mar - Everton's young goalkeeper, Iain Turner, will stay on loan with Chester City until the end of the season to build up his match experience. U17s extend their lead 6 Mar - Everton's U17s, managed by Gary Ablett, chalked up a 4-1 home win over Wolves to extend their lead at the top of their Academy section to four points. Turner doing well at Chester 5 Mar - Everton's young goalkeeper Iain Turner has been putting in some impressive performances at Chester, and is looking to extend his one-month loan. Schumacher joins Latics on loan 5 Mar - Reserve midfielder Steven Schumacher is the latest Blue to go out on loan, joining Oldham Athletic for a month-long spell. Birmingham the model for Moyes 4 Mar - This article in The Guardian highlights how David Moyes's two years in charge at Goodison have come full circle. In it, the boss says that Birmingham City's financial model is one that Everton would do well to follow. Radz: joint top scorer 4 Mar - This Canadian website uses last Saturday's timely contribution from adopted Pole Tomasz Radzinski to take a brief look at Everton's season — and make the inevitable comparisons with last. Clarke blown his chance? 4 Mar - After failing to impress David Moyes at Everton and going out on loan to Coventry City, Peter Clarke got himself sent off inside 3 mins of Tuesday's game at Cardiff City. Ferguson takes Walter on board 3 Mar - Walter Smith has surprisingly been appointed as Sir Alex Ferguson's Assistant Manager until the end of the season. It is the former Everton boss' first footballing role since being sacked two years ago. Pistone out for a few weeks 2 Mar - Damage to Alessandro Pistone's hamstring muscle has been confirmed with a scan. The defender will miss a number of games while he recouperates. No improved contract for Unsie 2 Mar - David Unsworth will not be offered any improvements on the terms of a one-year contract extension at Everton, and is now being touted for a move to Man City or Bolton in the summer — a rumour that is strenuously denied by his agent. ESA Chairman resigns 2 Mar - John Sinnot, Chairman of the Everton Shareholders Association Executive Committee, has resigned over personal differences concerning the publication of an earlier press release about a possible rights issue. Too good to go down 2 Mar - One win and everything suddenly looks rosy? Over at the SquareFootball.net website, Antony Melvin asserts that Everton will easily achieve the 36 points needed to stay up this season, with the help of such players as "Kevin Kyle" (who he?) and 'Graveson'. Optimism is indeed a wonderful thing... Referee! 2 Mar - Nick Armitage feels compelled to have a good old moan about the man in the middle. Schumacher loan confirmed 1 Mar - Stephen Schumacher will be with Oldham Athletic for a month on loan after playing twice for thier reserves side while there on trial. Friendly in Dublin 1 Mar - Everton are taking a farily senior squad to the Carlisle Grounds in Dublin for a friendly with Bray Wanderers on Tuesday night. Kick off: 7:30pm. Pistone may have hamstring damage 1 Mar - Everton's medical team hope that the hamstring injury which ended Alessandro Pistone's contribution on Saturday is not too serious, but they will send him for a scan.
Relief as Blues win at last 28 Feb - Tomasz Radzinski came off the bench to break the turgid deadlock at Goodison Park with a 78th-minute header and Thomas Gravesen atoned for a largely dreadful display by sealing the win with a cracker 5 minutes later as Everton picked up three points for the first time in 2004. After an hour of tedium that was really only punctuated by two great saves by Nigel Martyn to deny a revived Aston Villa, Rooney picked out Radzinski with a great cross and he beat Sorensen at the near post. Then, Gravesen ran through the guts of the Villa rearguard from deep before lashing the ball past the 'keeper earn a vital win and allow the Blues to capitalise on favourable results elsewhere. Investment in Everton: The Way Forward 26 Feb - Click the above link to open up a .pdf file that contains Steve Allinson's absorbing and remarkable vision for the future of Everton Football Club, off the field. It's a fantastic prospect — mobilizing the hundreds of thousands of Everton fans in Liverpool, the UK, and around the world, to get them involved in the running of the Club as owners. Discuss this here. Sentimental Value? 25 Feb - Are we weighed down by the shadows of past Everton glories? Are we forever hoping to see reincarnation of our old heroes manifested in the current squad? That is Gareth Holme's contention, which he applies to the aging players of today he sees as David Moyes's favourites who should quite simply be put out to grass. Ossie's Dream 24 Feb - As Colm Kavanagh considers our plight and the impending struggle to avoid relegation, his thoughts are drawn to the possibility of having a new player come in to revitalise our moribund midfield. A lad full of potential, a lad who has an eye for scoring goals and is getting fulsome praise at his current club. A lad who's name is already on our books! But No, says Davie: he's too small. And don't even think of Alan Ball! Two points tossed away at St Mary's 20 Feb - Desperately needing three points, Everton threw away two of them by allowing Southampton to make a dramatic comeback late in the second half. 2-0 up and coasting at the break on the back of a commanding first half performance that demanded more than the goals by Rooney and Ferguson, Moyes's men were pegged back to 2-1 by Kevin Phillips' goal just before the hour. However, when Rooney smashed home his second with 12 minutes to go, the win looked secure. But Linderoth fouled Prutton in the area on 81 minutes and Beattie beat Martyn from the spot, before substitute Fabrice Fernandes unleashed a wonder strike than cannoned in off the post in stoppage time to earn the home side an undeserved share of the spoils. Investment in Everton: The Celtic Trust 18 Feb - Getting the fans fully involved in and committed to the financial business of their football club is seen as the preferred long-term solution to the woes we are now experiencing. What can Evertonians learn from the experiencs of The Celtic Trust, established to rescue the Old Firm club from near oblivion and revitalize its fanbase? Ian Macdonald provides his detailed views and commentary on the second part of the special forum put on last week by Everton Shareholders Association. (Note: .pdf file needs Acrobat Reader) Discuss this here. Not for sale... unless... 17 Feb - In response to yet more rampant Rooney rumours, David Moyes has reiterated the mantra that the Young Man is not for sale. Unfortunately, one key quote in the story is enough to strike fear in every Evertonian who has witnessed the previous sale of our best players from Tommy Lawton to Alan Ball when business dictates: "Unless I am told differently by the Board of Directors there will be no players leaving that I want to keep at the club." Evertonians must impress on Bill Kenwright and the entire Board that this Club will be finished if Rooney is forced out. Nothing less. The Curse of Walter still Lingers 16 Feb - Seb Hasslett provides a prospective analysis of the current squad, linking the incipient lameness back to its primary source: the legacy of Walter Smith's profligacy in the transfer market. David Moyes will continue to be hamstrung by this 'curse' for a few more seasons... assuming he will still be here! Let's not forget either that Walter Smith became a very rich man as a result of his tenure at Everton. Investment in Everton: Football as a Business 14 Feb - Ian Macdonald's summary of the recently held Shareholders Association Forum should probably carry a health warning as it will only heighten the fear and trepidation of Evertonians who struggle to understand our current plight. The first presentation by Joe Beardwood represents a very unwelcome dose of reality as far as the financial side of Everton FC is concerned. It is however, essential reading if you want to know some of the reasons why the Board of Directors (according to Ian) can do little more than they already have... although that point will always be contentious! (Warning: large .pdf file >1MB needs Acrobat Reader) Discuss this here. Peter Clarke goes on loan 13 Feb - After having been consistently awful in his increasingly rare appearances for Everton, Peter Clarke has been shipped out on loan to Coventry for a month. Taken together with the current loans of Osman, O'Hanlon, Schumacher, Chadwick (currently injured) and Turner, it is clear that David Moyes has no intention of looking to play any Everton youngsters in the impending relegation scrap. So, with no money to spend and the transfer window closed, he must rely on the erratically inconsistent players currently at hand. We are not happy 13 Feb - The titles of these three pieces say it all: As low as it gets, Who's to Blame? and Déjà vu, Anybody? Plenty of aggrieved voices as Everton plunge inexorably toward yet another relagation battle, looking as bad as ever. Meanwhile, Matthew Barry backs up the concerns raised in the most recent Colm's Corner highlighting our desperate plight in the midfield and the inactivity of the Board. Seventeen Long Years 12 Feb - Colm knows it is a bit of a knee-jerk after last night's dismal showing in Birmingham, but it needs to be said, time and again, until something changes for the better among the impotent custodians of this historic and once proud club. Again we are laid low by poor on-field showings that are underpinned by a blinkered failure to act at a higher level within the Club. In the 17 years since our last Championship, we've had just one Cup victory to savour. Humiliation at St Andrews 11 Feb - The decision not to bolster the midfield in any shape or form during the transfer window is, just as our readers predicted, looking like a huge mistake as David Moyes's side shipped another three goals through their porous defence and created nothing in an embarrassing defeat by erratic Birmingham. It took Damien Johnson 10 minutes to score with an innocuous-looking effort that crept inside the post before Stan Lazaridis marauded through to blast home to make it 2-0. Five minutes into the second period, another appalling error by Alan Stubbs allowed Mickael Forssell to chip the ball in to put the game beyond sorry Everton's reach. Wayne Rooney's shot against the post late was the only bright spot for the travelling Everton fans. Pride comes with a fall 9 Feb - It was a game of heartbreakning lows and very special exhilarating highs. Colm Kavanagh was there and he went through the ringer watching this one. His description, captured for Colm's Corner, focuses on the reaction of the players and their contribution to a memorable Goodison game. Zinedine Kilbane 8 Feb - Well, perhaps the nickname is a little over the top, but there is no doubting the positive contribution that Kevin Kilbane has made to a struggling Everton team. Sebastian Hassett has prepared this feature article on the player who tied yesterday's game at 3-3 with that excellent equalizing header. Crushed after stirring revival 7 Feb - Three goals down at home to United inside 30 mins and it looked like a rout was on the cards. It could so easily have been six for the Red Devils with Everton totally outplayed. Men against boys. But David Moyes made three changes at half-time and it was a totally different game, with Everton full value for their wonderful three-goal recovery. But this was United we were playing, and the inevitable last-minute goal went the wrong way underlining that, whatever we seem to do, we just can't win. You can only take so much of this 5 Feb - It is far better to be in the thick of things, amongst the noisy Everton away contingent, where the game is important but your experience of the unique atmosphere created is what really stays with you. So pity poor David Flynn, stuck in the Fulham stand all on his lonesome with time and space to actually watch how the players and the team are performing. Nothing to distract him from the abysmall quality of our football. Then you might sympathize when he says this was the night he stopped being a football fan. Last chance not enough 4 Feb - Francis Jeffers pounced again in injury time to save this FA Cup 4th Round tie for the second time in 10 days after a flash of magic by Junichi Inamoto from 25 yards had threatened to send Fulham through against an uninspired Everton. Despite a some bright moments either side of half time when Radzinski and Rooney were both perhaps guilty of poor finishing, the 3,500 travelling Blues had little to cheer as Fulham dominated until a rip-roaring final few minutes. First Jeffers went in bravely to head home the equaliser, then he missed, incredibly heading back across the face of goal from 2 yards out. Then the on-loan striker curled inches wide before the referee blew to signal extra time. 5 mins into the first period of extra time, Jeffers missed another sitter, lifting the ball over the bar with the 'keeper beaten. But Fulham regained the lead when they carved Everton open and Steed Malbranque squeezed it past Martyn. Match Report. Derby Day 2 Feb - The turmoil that derby day represents for an Evertonian is captured by Steve Allinson in this piece, where he makes the case against writing match reports, or even subjecting the game to any level of critical analysis on such unique occasions. There is only one thing that matters....
Internationals get a week off 29 Feb - Wayne Rooney, Tobias Linderoth and Tommy Gravesen have been granted a week off by David Moyes in recognition that they will be playing in Portugal this summer. Player of the Month -- January 28 Feb - For the second month running, surprise package Kevin Kilbane has scooped the PotM honours, comfortably beating Nigel Martyn in the January voting. Dunc's abuse row fizzling out? 27 Feb - After the FA talked to Duncan Ferguson yesterday about Luis Boa Morte's accusations of racial name-calling, it appears unlikely Ferguson will be charged with any crime for lack of evidence. Where are they now? 27 Feb - On the night shift in Tesco. That is Brett Angell's current job after being released by QPR last May. The Dunford interviews? 26 Feb - There are a slew of articles on Everton finances, ground sharing, development of Goodison, ticket prices, etc at the icLiverpool website today, with all seeming to feature quotes from Everton CEO Michael Dunford. Swop deal: Mills for O'Hanlon? 26 Feb - Everton have had an offer accepted for Swindon's young defender Leigh Mills, with the possibility that Sean O'Hanlon may make his current loan deal permanent. Don't Panic! ... Don't Panic? 25 Feb - Alan Irvine says "Don't Panic" just as David Prentice points out that 26 pts after 26 games is the lowest points total Everton have ever had at this stage in the Premiership... Eeeek!!! Memorial Ground under threat 25 Feb - Liverpool City Council and private investors are trying to build an academy cum sports centre on Dixie Dean Memorial Ground — the old Campfield on Heyworth St, L6. It was given to the people of Liverpool by John Moores University and is used on a regular basis by local children and others including amateur football teams. Local residents are against this proposal; a meeting will be held at Breckfield School, Hamilton Road, Liverpool tonight (Wednesday) at 8 pm — all are welcome. Police want United meet 24 Feb - The saga of the naughty Man Utd players drags on with Merseyside police wanting a meeting to discuss their behaviour with senior members of the Club. Arrests can be only weeks away... O'Hanlon extends loan 23 Feb - Sean O'Hanlon, who scored one and helped set up the other goal in Swindon's 2-0 win over Chesterfield, has had his loan spell with the 2nd Division side extended for another month. Only Chelsea and Real Madrid 22 Feb - First he was "not for sale at any price"; then more simply "he's not for sale" Which changed to "unless the Board know something different..." and now David Moyes (of all people!), implies we would accept sufficent payment for Rooney from Chelsea or Real Madrid. Just softening us up for the inevitable... Osman extends Rams Loan 21 Feb - Leon Osman, who scored the winner for Derby today. is to extend his loan stay with the midlanders for another month — albeit with a 24-hr recall clause. Simonsen turns down contract 20 Feb - Steve Simonsen has turned down the offer of a one-year extension to his contract. Faced with being third in line, he is looking for another club where he can play regular first-team football. Li Tie broken leg confirmed 19 Feb - It has now been confirmed that Li Tie has sustained a fractured tibia from a bad tackle on the training field while away with China last week. He will now be out for the rest of the season. Chadwick looking elsewhere 19 Feb - Nick Chadwick is prepared to leave Everton this summer if he doesn't get an unlikely extended run in the first team. He is out of contract this summer and, following an abbreviated loan spell at Millwall, he feels he will have to move away in order to play regular first-team football. More heartfelt Rooney comment 18 Feb - Nick Said speaks for many Evertonians as he sums up our feelings about Wayne Rooney over at the Football365.com website. Wayne Rooney for England 18 Feb - Wayne Rooney played 71 minutes in England's 1-1 draw in Portugal, while Kevin Kilbane and Ireland were goalless against Brazil, Tobias Linderoth and Sweden went down 2-1 to Albania, James McFadden and Gary Naysmith each featured in Scotland's 4-0 drubbing by Wales, and Thomas Gravesen helped Denmark beat Turkey 1-0. Tommy Eglington, RIP 18 Feb - Tommy Eglington, an Irish International winger and key Everton player in the post-war years, has died aged 82. Punch Drunk Love 18 Feb - Paul Holmes doesn't mince words as he provides a probing response to the issues reviewed in the first part of the ESA forum. Of most concern is the contention that the Everton Board is blameless for the current parlous predicament. Reserves beaten by Baggies 16 Feb - A reserves side including Scott Gemmill, Steve Watson, and Nick Chadwick — who was playing his first game since recovering from hernia surgery after cutting short his loan at Milwall — was unable to beat West Brown on their own turf, going down to a single goal from N'Dour. Should he stay or go? 16 Feb - We said last time that the rumours of Rooney's impending departure would come with annoying frequency. This time, its the claim of a £25M move to Man Utd in The Mirror that has Nick Armitage's back up. Living beyond our means 16 Feb - This piece by Andy Hunter in the Daily Post summarizes findings from the ESA Forum on Investment in Everton that we are featuring in detail this week. Li could be out until the summer 15 Feb - Li Tie's shin injury is likely to keep him out of action for the rest of the season. The Chinese international's involvement in the first team this season has been limited at best. Moyes to keep tabs on boozing? 15 Feb - In a reaction to last week's nonsense, David Moyes, according to The People, will insist on knowing where his charges are off to when they go boozing. Wright recovery on track 15 Feb - Richard Wright is expected to get back into full training next week after recovering from the latest operation on his knee. Player of the Month: January 14 Feb - January started well enough but tailed off disappointingly with our exit from the FA Cup. Nevertheless, there are a few candidates who might be worthy of the PotM accolade. Vote now. Moyes: New offside law is rubbish 14 Feb - David Moyes has joined the growing ranks of managers disaffected with the new interpretation of the offside law that is causing so much confusion among managers, players and officials alike. There is now an online petition which fans can use to protest FIFA's meddling. Li Tie suffers injury 14 Feb - Blues midfielder Li Tie has suffered a shin injury while training with the Chinese national side. Speculation that he has broken his leg is unconfirmed, with the Official Site saying that it will be 48 hours before conclusive tests are completed. Super Eagles take 3rd place 13 Feb - Joseph Yobo was booked 10 minutes into the African Nations Cup Third-Place Playoff but Nigeria still went on to beat Mali 2-1 to finish third overall. Weir absence costing us dear 13 Feb - Howard Kendall highlights David Weir's long injury layoff as a key factor in the Blues' recent run of poor results. Indeed, he and Joseph Yobo make up what is arguably the Blues' best defensive partnership and they've both been absent recently (although HK seems to favour Alan Stubbs). FA to hear Dunc's denial 13 Feb - The FA have called Everton and asked for a meeting with Duncan Ferguson regarding the claim of racist name-calling made belatedly by Fulham and Luis Boa Morte. More off-field nonsense 12 Feb - Wayne Rooney has been accused of spitting at a woman in the Manchester nightclub Ampersand when a group of Everton players were celebrating Kevin Campbell's birthday. Pro-Active Sports manager Paul Stretford says Wayne denies it and is entirely innocent; so does his mum! Nigeria out on penalties 11 Feb - Joseph Yobo scored from the spot during the penalty shoot-out that decided the African Nations Cup semi-final but it was Tunisia who triumphed 5-3, sending the Nigerians home broken hearted after the game had finished 1-1 after extra time. Parliamentary Report recommends changes 11 Feb - Among them: A salary cap (try getting that past the meddling European Union!), a doubling of the Premiership TV money distributed to lower league clubs, levies on agents, clubs' budgets to be finalised two years in advance, and a greater commitment to 3pm Saturday kick-offs. Norwich still want apology 11 Feb - As another illustration of how ridiculous things are getting, Norwich are still bleating about accusations of racist chanting in the FA Cup tie from over a month ago! Can we please get back to football? Fanning the flames of hatred 11 Feb - Martin Samuel in The Times speaks a lot of sense about the Man Utd abuse fiasco, and rightly concludes that it casts us as a Club in a very poor light. Jacko still going strong 10 Feb - Hero from Everton's '95 Cup run, Matt Jackson is still going strong under manager Paul Jewel at Wigan Atheltic. Amo backs the Big Yin 10 Feb - Daniel Amokachi has spoken out in defence of Duncan Ferguson over the allegations of racist name-calling made by Fulham's Boa Morte. Police don't seem interested 9 Feb - The Police seem content to let the FA deal with the numerous complaints lodged by Everton fans about what they think was unacceptable behaviour on the part of Manchester United players. In other reports, the FA is said to be waiting for the police to do something.... This is getting ridiculous 8 Feb - The silly nonsense over United players making rude gestures may now come back to bite the club, with The Sun publishing a nice picture of a plastic bottle hurtling towards Ronaldo. Ossie with last-minute equalizer 7 Feb - Leon Osman was the hero for Derby County when he rifled home a last-minute equalizer to salvage a point against Cardiff City in Division 1. Ooo, Betty! 7 Feb - Those wicked Man United players might be in trouble with the FA if Everton can prove — horror of horrors — that they swore and made rude gestures at some Everton fans. Is ths some new rule that obviously doesn't work in reverse? Turner on loan to Chester 5 Feb - Young goalkeeper Iain Turner is going out on a month's loan with Chester City. Fulham lodge racist complaint 5 Feb - Fulham have finally lodged a formal complaint with the FA that Boa Morte was subjected to racist name-calling by Duncan Ferguson, who vehemently denies the allegations. Alexandersson makes move now 4 Feb - Niclas Alexandersson has completed his move to IFK Gothenburg on a free transfer after languishing in Everton Reserves since he declined to extend a loan spell at West Ham last season. Soccernet Team of the Week 3 Feb - Both Nigel Martyn and Tony Hibbert were selected for Soccernet's Team of the Week after their excellent derby displays. Burley impressed with Osman 3 Feb - George Burley has been singing the praises of Leon Osman, who has impressed in midfield for Derby in the two games he has played so far during his loan spell. FA not happy with Boa Morte 3 Feb - The FA want to know why, if Boa Morte's racist allegations have any validity, they were not reported to the FA before appearing in the media. Support and OTT gushing; a fine line 2 Feb - Bill Kenwright believes that Nigel Martyn, the Blues' hero at Anfield on Saturday, is the best goalkeeper in the world right now, but dreads a phonecall from Sven Goran Eriksson. Probably best to keep your thoughts under your hat then, Bill. Schumacher at the Lattics 2 Feb - Previous England youth team captain Stephen Schumacher has failed to make the grade at Everton and will play a couple of trial games with Oldham Athletic this week. Big Ron has a point 2 Feb - Ron Atkinson thinks that Wayne Rooney is wasted on the right and that Everton should employ him behind the front two if they don't want to break up the Ferguson-Radzinski partnership. Now Houllier turns racist 1 Feb - Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier issued a shocking and blatantly racist statement about British managers after he disagreed with Moyes over missed penalty calls: “Every time we foreign managers play against a British manager ... they never acknowledge that they lost normally.” Er, who lost???
170th derby peters out to goalless draw 31 Jan - A very lively first half saw plenty of goal-mouth incidents and the odd moment of controversy as Martyn pulled off two magnificent saves to deny Gerrard, while Dudek stopped Gravesen's jinking run by saving with his legs and then pushed a Stubbs header over the bar at the other end. The second half started with Rooney missing badly with just Dudek to beat and Gerrard again trying his luck, screwing a shot inches wide of the post after both sides came out unchanged. Cheyrou then missed the same way Ferguson had done in the first half by glancing a free header wide from right in front of goal. With Everton defending deep and having seemingly settled for a draw midway through the second half, Le Tallec connected with a corner but Hibbert headed off the line. Match Report It's all in the mind 30 Jan - As we gear up for the 170th Merseyside derby, Everton's need for a victory is urgent, not only to put one over the old enemy for the first time in five years but also create some momentum for a sustained bid for European qualification. With Liverpool grinding their way through another erratic season, they are there for the taking if David Moyes can do something he has thus far susprisingly failed to do: inspire a decent performance in a Mersey derby game from his players in which the fans can at least be proud. Moyes with "something different" 29 Jan - David Moyes recognizes that his record against local rivals Liverpool is not that great. He believes he has put his finger on something different about the way Everton should play against the reds that might just turn things in our favour... but he's not giving anything away as the anticipation over this season's Anfield derby builds up to Saturday's kick-off. The game is on live tv for exiled Evertonians overseas: check you local listings. Moyes own story 27 Jan - Some of you may have missed this excellent interview with David Moyes that appeared in last weekend's Sunday Times. Moyes talks about having to change in the Premiership, after climbing through all the other divisions with Preston probably had allowed him to become a little set in his ways. And it was double training sessions during the break in Tenerife that the players didn't like... Absorbing stuff! Jeffers rescues lucky Everton 25 Jan - Francis Jeffers finally claimed his first goal for Everton since his return on loan from Arsenal as he scrambled home an equaliser with a minute to go to force a replay at Loftus Road in 10 days' time. Having dominated the first half as usual, it was the same frustrating story for David Moyes's side who missed plenty of chances to turn their vast superiority into goals. And, again, three minutes into the second half, the opposition went ahead, this time Sean Davis fired home a rebound from close range. With confidence visibly deflated, Everton struggled to create anything from then on until Moyes threw Jeffers on for the last 5 mins. With stoppage time looming, Ferguson knocked down a corner and The Ears was on hand to save the tie. Match Report. A frustating state of affairs 23 Jan - The modern game of football is all about money, with the agents the pivotal characters in numerous nefarious financial deals that are part of the downfall we are now witnessing. Dermot Corrigian has been reading about them in Broken Dreams by Tom Bower, who covers many of the dubiuos deals that were put together in the 1990s — including a number involving our old friend Walter Smith, who made sure he became a millionaire while transfering dross like Peter Degn in and out of Goodison. Weir off injured for Reserves 22 Jan - Everton Reserves chalked up a good win against Manchester United on their own turf after second-half goals from Steve Watson and Niclas Alexandersson, despite losing David Weir in the first half when he was stretchered off with what could be a serious knee-ligament injury. The Everton line-up also included Gemmill, Watson, Li Tie, Nyarko, Clarke and Osman, while few names in the United line-up were instantly recognizable. Read this report from Steve Milne. McBride signs for Fulham 21 Jan - Brian McBride has signed for Fulham after talks with Blackburn broke down when he would not agree to a clause that would have given him a paycut if Blackburn are relegated. The 31-year-old MLS star, who joined Everton for two months last season and scored 4 goals (what are they?) in seven starts, has to undergo a medical and obtain a work permit before he can play for the nasty Cottagers. So we don't expect to see him in the Fulham line-up to play against Everton in the 4th Round of the FA Cup at Goodison Park on Sunday, although Chris Coleman is trying to rush his signing through. Brickbats for the Board 18 Jan - A home defeat, in a game we should have won if we had played a little bit better — and coming on the back of last week's hugely disappointing result at Fulham — has upset many fans, not least Nick Armitage. Who is to blame for our currrent misery? Well, of course, it's the Everton Board of Directors, who's continuing inactivity during the January Sales seems unaffected by yet another worrying slide down the table toward the dreaded drop zone... The Revival Stalls 17 Jan - David Moyes's target of 4th place looks a distant and laughable prospect following a second consecutive frustrating defeat in a game that Everton should, again, have won. A solitary goal by former Blue, Graham Stuart, was enough for Charlton whose own uninpsiring performance belied their lofty league position Moyes chopped and changed up front again and appeared to go against everything that fuelled the recent revival, dropping Radzinski and playing Rooney from the start. Although they applied pressure in the last third of the game, a Duncan Ferguson shot cleared off the line was as close as the Blues came. There will still be no new players arriving this month, though... Kenwright pondering share deal 13 Jan - Steve Allinson of the Everton Shareholders' Association has approached Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg with a proposal that could raise up to £15M in extra capital for the Club. The plan is similar to one employed successfully at Celtic a few years ago, and involves issuing 15,000 new shares that will be available for fans to buy after being offered to existing shareholders. Read Guy McEvoy's analysis of what it could mean to be Buying you Share in Everton FC. The Fulham Experience 12 Jan - Shaun Cox describes the unpleasant side of supporting Everton at away games: exposure to the mindless racist minority who persist in spoiling the experience for genuine fans, by dispensing their pathetic bile on players and supporters of both teams. The club is doing what it can to Kick Out Racism at Goodsion, but these travelling idiots represent a more difficult challenge to the management and to genuine supporters. Everton left to reflect on chances missed 10 Jan - Everton's poor record in the Capital continued at Loftus Road where Fulham, our opponents in the FA Cup 4th Round, ran out 2-1 winners due to a combination of good fortune and a hatful of missed opportunities by the Blues. Campbell, Radzinski, Jeffers and Kilbane all had chances inn the first half but when Malbranque went down Naysmith's challenge a minute before the break, Saha converted from the spot. Less than a minute into the second half, Malbranque shot from an angle and it was 2-0... all that domination worth nothing. Kevin Kilbane unleashed a 30-yard wonder strike to give Everton hope with 10 mins to go but more missed chances condemned Moyes's side to their first defeat of 2004. Reports by Andy Westlake and Paul Trail. Radzinski on the mark to earn valuable draw 7 Jan - There was to be no repeat of Wayne Rooney's dramatic injury-time winner of last season, but a Tomasz Radzinski goal 16 minutes from time was enough to earn the Blues a highly-deserved point against high-flying Arsenal. In a game of few chances, Kevin Kilbane saw an effort cleared off the line before Kanu waltzed through to slot past Nigel Martyn and open the scoring after half an hour. Rooney missed a glorious chance from 4 yards out and stung Lehmann's hands with a ferocious free kick in the second half before Francis Jeffers shot, the 'keeper parried and Radzinski followed up with his left foot to fire home the equaliser. Ring any Bells? 4 Jan - Lifelong Everton fan Pete Scoffield has picked up on yesterday's criticsm by Shaun Cox of the Everton Board of Directors for their parsimony in the transfer market. In this piece, he provides a pointed history lesson from Everton's darkest days in the lower half of the old Second Division. Does he have a valid point? Many fans will doubtless agree with his outrage and anger towards the Board. What do you think? Discuss this at our new ToffeeWeb Forum. Ferguson at the double from the spot 3 Jan - Two penalties by Duncan Ferguson on top of Kevin Kilbane's headed opener were enough to send a confident Everton through to the FA Cup Fourth Round. A chances-filled first half saw Ferguson go close with two good headed chances before Kilbane did the business on 15 minutes to open the scoring. However, the Canaries equalised totally against the run of play from a sweet strike by Jim Brennan that canoned off the post and in. Alan Stubbs was felled in the area in each half and both times Ferguson rifled home the spot-kick to seal the Blues's passage to the next round. toffeeweb.kfogarty.com 1 Jan - As the Internet develops, many users are asking for more interactive facilites that are better suited to their needs. Kenny Fogarty has invested supreme effort in setting up this new suite of Everton discussion forums specifically as an extension to the ToffeeWeb site, using cutting edge phpBB software. We urge you to register and get posting so that you, our readers, can dictate the tone and content of these forums from the start. Meanwhile, the People's Forum morphed briefly to become Mere Green Old Boys...
Yobo on target in Africa 31 Jan - Joseph Yobo scored the opening goal for Nigeria in their 4-0 win over South Africa at the African Nations Cup. McBride scores on Fulham debut 31 Jan - Brian McBride came off the bench to scramble home the winner over Spurs in his first game for Fulham. Shareholders Forum 30 Jan - Investment in Everton is the topic for a special Everton Sharehlders' Association Forum a week on Monday. Guest speakers include the secretary of the Celtic Trust. Boa Morte plays racist card 30 Jan - Waiting until the day after he is charged with misconduct by the FA, Fulham's Luis Boa Morte now claims that Diuncan Ferguson called him a 'black cunt' during an off-the-ball incident in last Sunday's FA Cup tie. Can't we leave well enough alone? 30 Jan - The newly imposed transfer windows have only been around five minutes and there's talk of scrapping them for domestic moves. Have FIFA got nothing better to do? More disruptions on the way 29 Jan - As if international breaks weren't a big enough obstacle to maintaining momentum in the league, Premiership clubs have voted in principal for a 13-day mid-winter break starting next season. Incidentally, Scotland just did away with theirs. Boa Morte charged by FA 29 Jan - Fulham's Luis Boa Morte has been charged under Football Association rule E1 for improper conduct during the Blues' 2-1 defeat at Loftus Road earlier this month. The charge apparently relates to obscene gestures he made to Everton fans. Clarke may be needed 28 Jan - Peter Clarke may get another chance to show if he can make the grade in the Anfield derby, as David Unsworth is suffering with a back problem. Kids hold Toon Reserves 28 Jan - This one slipped by under the radar on Monday, with a young and inexperienced Everton team playing out a 0-0 draw against Newcastle Reserves. Winter wants to ruin one more derby 28 Jan - He's suffered jibes about his fake tan from David Moyes and will remain in infamy among Blues fans for allowing Gary McAllister to steal crucial yards before putting a 40-yard free kick past Paul Gerrard to win a Goodison derby in stoppage time, but Jeff Winter wants to officiate one more Merseyside derby before he retires. Kenwright: the anti-Scrooge! 27 Jan - Bill Kenwright has arranged to lay on coaches to get 2,500 fans down to London for the FA Cup replay at Fulham next week, footing the bill from his own pocket from some of the proceeds of his West End production, Scrooge. Morocco stun Nigeria 27 Jan - A late winner from Youssef Hadji that left Joseph Yobo standing saw Morocco secure a surprise win over Nigeria in the African Nations Cup today. Yobo was booked after just 7 mins of the game. Hammers... if we beat Fulham 26 Jan - Everton have what should be an added incentive to beat Fulham in the 4th Round replay a week on Wednesday as the winners have been drawn at home to West Ham. Osman out on loan 26 Jan - Leon Osman has gone out on loan for a month to Derby County, in the quest to get some decent first-team experience under his belt. Dunford drops the ball again? 25 Jan - Michael Dunford appears to have been caught offside when the Nigerian FA allowed other African Nations Cup players to play on for their Premiershiop clubs 10 days after Yobo had joined up for training in Morocco. No to Bulykins 24 Jan - As usual, the latest transfer rumour is denied by Everton as being "completely untrue"... although Dimitry Bulykin has been training at Bellefield this week (go figure!). Joey Barton — Evertonian 24 Jan - Manchester City's Joey Barton tells how he grew up as an young Evertonian youth player but had to look elsewhere when the age-group he was developing in was disbanded by Everton. Everton Football up for auction 24 Jan - Are you interested in helping a good cause, and getting a signed Everton football as your reward? Click the link and scroll down to near the bottom of the page... bids are up to £60 already! Boa Morte could face FA charge 24 Jan - Luis Boa Morte could face FA action concerning the infamous 'lighter that missed by a mile' incident at Loftus Road earlier this month. A police spokesman has suggested that Boa Morte could have incited the Blues fans with obscene gestures. Weir out for TWO MONTHS! 23 Jan - It was confirmed on Friday that David Weir has reinjured the medial knee ligament the damaged against Chelsea earlier in th season, and will now be out until at least April. Jeffers option open to Wenger 23 Jan - Contrary to prior belief, Arsenal can recall Francis Jeffers from his season-long loan if Arsene Wenger needs him — which, with three strikers unavailable, is not out of the question. How did he stay 4 years? 23 Jan - 'I am not bringing Jay-Jay Okocha to Everton. He's turned 30, is on XX pounds a week and is past it. Think again.' So said Walter Smith to David Prentice 2 hours before he signed David Ginola. Incredible. O' Hanlon set for Swindon spell 22 Jan - Youth prospect Sean O' Hanlon, a defender, looks likely to join former Blue Andy King on loan at Swindon Town according to Sky Sports. The loan move was later confirmed by various sources. Gray's advice for Moyes 21 Jan - Sky pundit Andy Gray joins the murmurs among the Everton faithful with his assessment that David Moyes needs to stick with one striking partnership if he wants the goals to start coming. Simonsen considering his options 21 Jan - Prescient of his position in the lengthy line behind Nigel Martyn for the Everton goalkeeper's jersey, Steve Simonsen expects to remain at Goodison for the remainder of the season as cover but he is out of contract in June and likely to move on. Pitch Problems 21 Jan - Everton may need to relay the hallowed Goodison turf again this year, as David Moyes believes problems with the pitch have affected the way Everton play. Protecting Hibbo from burnout 20 Jan - Tony Hibbert was rested by David Moyes last Sauturday to protect him against burnout. An Evening with Dave Watson 20 Jan - On Friday 6 Feb 2004, Everton Former Players' Foundation presents at the Guild Hall Formby: "An Evening with Dave Watson & Friends" Tickets: £35.00 — call 0151 520 2362 Watson back in training 19 Jan - Steve Watson is overcoming a thigh injury sustained when he pushed himself too hard to regain fitness following earlier hernia surgery. Lowered expectations 18 Jan - David Moyes sounds remarkably accepting of Saturday's defeat, claiming that he got effort and commitment out of the players.... well, Davey, we need something more — a lot more, and that should be obvious to you. Gerrard will require surgery 16 Jan - Paul Gerrard will undergo surgery on his knee to clear up a cartilege problem he likely picked up in training. The 30 year-old returned from a loan spell at Sheffield United towards the end of last year. Parker unsettled by speculation 15 Jan - Scott Parker will not play for Charlton against Everton this weekend after he was 'unsettled' by an unsolicited approach from Chelsea. China Tour in the works 14 Jan - Everton are planning a tour of China at the end of the season. No details will be available for a few weeks. T G Jones – Obituary 14 Jan - An obituary for T G Jones, who died earlier this month, appears in today's Independent. Reserves fold in cold wind 13 Jan - Everton Reserves lost out to their local rivals Liverpool by a 2-0 scoreline at Haig Avenue this evening. Read our Report from Steve Milne. TV Times? 13 Jan - There are indications that both the upcoming Charlton (H) and Liverpool (A) games will be televised to overseas audiences. Not as good as it sounds... unless we can break the current TV hoodoo! Yobo off for up to 5 weeks 12 Jan - Joseph Yobo has flown off to join the Nigerian squad for the African Nations Cup in Tunisia. He will return some time in February. Contracts due to expire 11 Jan - Brian Shackley has assembled a list of dates on which the contracts of current Everton players are due to expire, and draws some interesting conclusions. No business in January Sales 10 Jan - David Moyes has confirmed that the club has no money for new transfers in this month's mid-season window, and that no-one will be leaving Everton either! Under-17s thrash Liverpool 10 Jan - Everton's Under-17s returned from their winter break to thrash Liverpool 4-1. The Under-19s did not fare as well, losing 2-1 at Blackburn. Player of the Month: December 10 Jan - How some howled in derision when David Moyes spent £1.1m right on the transfer deadline for Killer Kilbane and how he has proved the doubters wrong. He is your PotM for December. Injury worries won't dim the gloss 8 Jan - David Moyes has some injury problems in midfield (Kilbane joins Gravesen & Nyarko in the treatment room), but it was worth it in the physical contest against Arsenal that Everton could and should have won. We deserved to win this one 8 Jan - A battling and well-structured performance by Everton deserved more than just a point against the Gunners last night, insists David Moyes. Wenger expects Jeffers back in May 7 Jan - Arsene Wenger has revealed that it is "certain" that Francis Jeffers (who David Moyes believes left Everton too soon) will return to Arsenal and the end of his season-long loan at Goodison. He's not sure what will happen then, though. Fixtures Switched 6 Jan - Everton will play Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday 25 Jan; kick-off 3pm. Also, the home Premiership game with Spurs has been moved forward to Good Friday (9 April) and will be televised on Sky Premiership Plus PPV: kick-off 8pm. Fulham at home in 4th Round 5 Jan - Everton have been drawn at home to play Fulham in the 4th Round of the FA Cup, one of four all-Premiership ties. T G Jones dies 3 Jan - Tommy G Jones, Everton stalwart from the 1930s and 40s, passed away today at the age of 86. The Official Everton Website carries this glowing tribute to 'The Prince of Centre-Halves'. Obituary. Player of the Month: December 3 Jan - A much-improved month in December gives us plenty of choices for Player of the Month, so get voting y'all! We need a Mid-Season Boost 3 Jan - Everton fan Shaun Cox gives his opinion of the statement by David Moyes that there are unlikely to be any new Players bought by Everton in the January Sales because the club is skint. Nyarko has chipped bone 1 Jan - Alex Nyarko has chipped a bone in his foot that will keep him sidelined for a couple of weeks.
Rooney does it again 28 Dec - Wayne Rooney came off the bench to score the decisive goal once again as Everton ground out a narrow victory against a stubborn Birmingham side at Goodison Park. The 18 year-old replaced Lee Carsley at the interval following an uninspiring first half by the Blues and 24 minutes later he belted home from close range after a Gary Naysmith corner had caused confusion in the visiting defence. The result lifts the Blues to 11th in the table (pending the result between Middlesbrough and Manchester United) and sends them into 2004 on a high note. Nothing ventured, nothing gained 26 Dec - The result at Old Trafford was the same as always but David Moyes hopefully learned that putting 10 men behind the ball and hoping that United won't score is doomed from the start. It took United 7 minutes to score through Nicky Butt. Although a Gary Neville own goal restored parity, Kleberson nodded the home side in front again just before half time. Moyes decided to change tack and push forward around the hour mark but the Red Devils merely increased their lead through Bellion and withstood a late surge by the Blues which culminated in Duncan Ferguson diving to head home a consolation goal with a minute left. Radzinski wins Christmas Cracker 20 Dec - Everton lost and then reclaimed the lead in this pulsating encounter with Leicester, Tomasz Radzinski's 79th-minute goal from Duncan Ferguson's knock-down finally sealing three precious points. The Blues dominated the first half and Lee Carsley bundled the ball in to make it 1-0. Right on half time, though, Les Ferdinand (who else?) rapped home the equaliser and the visitors took a surprise lead when James Scowcroft headed home just before the hour mark. Then, substitute Wayne Rooney was teed up 16 yards out and he belted home the equaliser to set up a grandstand finish for Radzinski to fire home the winner that was preserved by a vital injury-time save by Nigel Martyn. We have some excellent match reports from Paul Waring and Paul Traill. Signs of Life 18 Dec - The hugely uplifting win at Fratton Park last weekend, coupled with the steady improvement in the games against Man City and Middlesbrough in the Cup, suggest that David Moyes is slowly getting to grips with his first managerial crisis. The Blues have provided a platform on which to despatch of Leicester on Saturday and gear up for the mother of all tests at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. Updating the Complete Record 18 Dec - Unabashed Everton stattos will be familiar with Everton — A Complete Record, the definitive reference work on Everton's playing history, by Ian Ross & Gordon Smailes. But the book was last published in 1993. So our contribution to celebrating Everton's 125th anniversary is to introduce a series of new pages that bring it up to date — thanks to the diligent work of Steve Flanagan. Everton's poor shoot-out record 16 Dec - Out of seven penalty shoot-outs in senior games, Everton have won just two of them. This unique compilation details every facet of that dismal record, and even includes shoot-outs in pre-season matches. It's all the work of Steve Flanagan, who has found that Everton took part in the very first penalty shoot-out of any European competition. Name that game! Rooney Scores as Everton win away! 13 Dec - David Moyes rings the changes at Fratton Park, with Pistone and Watson back in the team. Rooney, Jeffers, McFadden and Li Tie on the bench. But it was business as usual when Pompey went ahead after 20 mins with an offside goal from Jason Roberts. Then Watson was forced off with an injury, replaced by Rooney, and Everton were soon level following great work from Kilbane to set up Carsley. Rooney then got Everton ahead with a left-footed shot deflected into the Pompey net. Everton played a solid second half to secure their first away victory of the season! EXCELLENT! If... 11 Dec - If only we could keep our heads... but fear and trepidation are more in keeping for Evertonians facing a tough Christmas season knowing that we very well could find it hard to escape the clutches of the bottom three. Yet, amidst all the doom and gloom, Colm Kavanagh has found inspiration in an unusual quarter, reaping new insight from an old poetic standard. Moyes: signs of fallibility 10 Dec - Among many Evertonians, it's a hanging offence to dare to question the decisions of Manager of the Year, David Moyes, who is variously burdened with titles such as Messiah and Magician. Yes, he was last season, but in the here and now it is a very different story and the last few games have unfortunately magnified a side of him we hoped didn't exist: his fallibility. Peter Fearon cites chapter and verse... Blues still lack the cutting edge 5 Dec - Two teams struggling for goals ground out an entertaining but frustrating goalless draw which was enough to lift Everton out of the relegation zone on goal difference. The Blues controlled the first half, although City had by far the better chances, but after David Moyes surprisingly removed Rooney at the interval, they lost their direction until a barnstorming last 10 minutes when Thomas Gravesen rolled a measured effort off the post and David Unsworth headed too close to the keeper from close range in the dying moments. Match Report from Julian Cashen. Heartbreak for Osman 3 Dec - Leon Osman suffered agony from the spot as Everton tumbled out of their bogey competition on penalties to Middlesbrough. Although the plucky young midfielder didn't get his full debut, he came on for the second half of extra time and bravely stepped up to take the Blues' third penalty which Mark Schwarzer saved with his legs. The spirit shown by Moyes's side was the most important thing, however, and although both sides created a hatful of chances (Jeffers the busiest for Everton, Maccarone guilty of worst miss), it was goalless after 120 minutes. 'Boro were faultless from the spot; Gravesen, Unsworth, McFadden and Stubbs' successful spotkicks weren't enough. Get behind the manager 2 Dec - As Everton slip into the bottom three for the first time in five years, contributors to ToffeeWeb are coming out with full support for manager David Moyes while laying the blame for the current slump squarely at the feet of the players. Chris Cornell is stunned at the criticism aimed Moyes's way, Ken Stewart and Mick Quirke call for respect and loyalty for the boss, while Andy Rowlands offers his rebuttal to Nick Armitage's Losing the Faith piece. It's Crunch Time... Again 1 Dec - With rumours that he has lost the respect of his spoiled players apparently confirmed by the apathetic display at Bolton, the media circling around his perceived problems with Wayne Rooney, and his team thrown into the relegation zone by the weekend's events, David Moyes is under pressure once again. It's high time he weeded out the dissenting voices, got imaginative with his team selections and focused his energies on a consistent line-up centred around his most creative players. Losing the faith 1 Dec - As Everton's performances on the field seem to be plumbing new depths, we are turning the spotlight on the critical bond that must be relied upon to hold it all together: the bond between manager and players. There is now too much disturbing evidence, however, that this is the point where Everton are falling apart. Something has to change but it appears to be a battle of wills:the players' arrogance or Moyes's managerial dominance?
Unsworth may get his new deal 31 Dec - Everton look likely to relent on their obstinate stance regarding a new deal for David Unsworth, who has been performing well since returning to his 'natural' position of centre-back. Alexandersson looking at early exit 31 Dec - Initially content to sit out his contract and move for free in the summer, Niclas Alexandersson is now keen on securing a move back to Sweden in the upcoming transfer window. Chadwick will need surgery 29 Dec - A groin problem will see Nick Chadwick come under the surgeon's knife — possibly before his extended loan at Milwall ends in January. Gravesen: mutual exclusivity 28 Dec - Tommy Gravesen, who oddly believes that Everton have never been relegated, seems to be pledging his next few years to Everton rather than fatherhood. Couldn't he do both? Mick Rathbon interview 24 Dec - Uefa.com are carrying a Christmas Eve interview with Mick Rathbone, the Everton physio. Chadwick extends New Den loan 23 Dec - Nick Chadwick will spend another month on loan at Millwall having impressed Dennis Wise at the New Den. Contract talks put off until summer 23 Dec - Everton have announced that there will be no contract negotiations with current players until the end of the season. That means that the likes of Rooney, Radzinski and Pistone will have to wait until then to discuss extensions to their existing deals. Pistone struck down again 22 Dec - Alessandro Pistone will be sidelined well into January after badly spraining his shoulder half an hour into the 3-2 win over Leicester. It was only the second game back for the Italian after recovering from double hernia surgery. Onopko goes elsewhere 22 Dec - Viktor Onopko has rejected both Everton and Bolton and opted for the chance to stay in Russia by signing a one-year deal with Saturn instead. If you know your history 20 Dec - 125th anniversary (1878 - 2003), but Everton's first game was played on 20th December 1879.... or should that be 23rd December 1879? An update by David Prentice of the Echo adds clarity to the confusion. Rooney buys luxury Goodison box 19 Dec - Wayne Rooney has slapped sown £29k for one of the few air-conditioned luxury boxes at Goodison Park, so his family and friends can watch him in style. Watson won't be fit 19 Dec - The thigh strain that Steve Watson picked up early in the game at Portsmouth will keep him out of the squad against Leicester. Jeffers may miss the game through illness, but Rooney should make another appearance in midfield. Player of the Month: November 17 Dec - It was a largely unhappy month for the Blues but a couple of players still managed to emerge with some credit, most notably Nigel Martyn who wins our PotM vote for the second successive month. Gemmill goal clinches trophy 17 Dec - A stunning Scot Gemmill strike against Tranmere was enough to clinch the 2002/03 Liverpool Senior Cup and advance the Blues to this season's semi-finals. The bizarre double came about because last season's competition was delayed by fixture congestion. Report from Steve Milne. Moyes admits interest in midfielder 17 Dec - David Moyes has confirmed his interest in Strasbourg's Christian Basilla, saying he is one of a number of players he's looking at, although there was no confirmation that Everton are looking to offer Alex Nyarko as a straight swap. Weir back in training 16 Dec - David Weir is set to return to training this week after being sidelined since September with a knee ligament injury. Pompey goal clearly offside 16 Dec - David Moyes is rightly upset that the only goal scored against Everton in the last four games was clearly two yards offside. Another seven weeks for Wright 16 Dec - Richard Wright will be sidelined until February after having a third operation on his troubling knee. Dunc can still lead the line 15 Dec - Duncan Ferguson is still capable of leading the Everton Squad... in partying around the night-spots of Glasgow. Yobo's stint shortened 15 Dec - Joseph Yobo will not be joining Nigeria's pre-tournament training camp this week, giving Everton a couple more chances to play him before he leaves for the African Nations Cup in January. Rooney pushes his luck 14 Dec - As expected, the headline writers have another Rooney incident to focus on. Ironically, one could look at this as an example of good judgement by Uriah Rennie, who may be showing signs of improvement as a referee. Martyn inspired for the fight 13 Dec - Nigel Martyn talks to The Guardian and admits "If we implemented everything that the gaffer works us on, we wouldn't be where we are." Onopko may still come 12 Dec - Although the rumour was that Onopko wanted a lot longer contract than the one on offer, he may still accept a deal that would bring him to Goodison until the end of the season, so says the Echo. Watson ready for action 11 Dec - Steve Watson is keen to get back into the Everton team, where he can hopefully recreate his goalscoring exploits. It's an Everton team where spirit is not a problem and they train hard... Funny how the players now seem to be making a point of repeating this mantra at every opportunity... Explaining Everton 11 Dec - Stephen Orford is one of many who thought Everton would do much better this season. He was bold enough to predict this to his editor at SquareFootball.net. Now he's not so sure... Attend a Legends phone-in 10 Dec - Century FM on 105.4 MHz will have a Legends Football Phone In LIVE from Goodison Park, at 6pm on Thursday 11 December 2003. For FREE tickets call 0870 442 1054 — spaces available — bring the lads for an early Xmas night out and meet Everton Legend, Graeme Sharp! No Radzinski talks until the summer 10 Dec - Everton have confirmed that no talks with Tomasz Radzinski concerning a contract extension will take place until the end of the season. The 30 year-old's current deal expires in 2005 but there is rumoured interest from Blackburn and Aston Villa in his services. No go for Onopko 10 Dec - Viktor Onopko has returned to his native Russia after just a day's trial at Bellefield, ending David Moyes's hopes of signing him as cover for Joseph Yobo. Reserves go down to City 9 Dec - Goals by Duncan Ferguson and Scot Gemmill weren't enough to prevent the second string, boasting an experienced line-up, from losing 3-2 away to Manchester City. Sean O'Hanklon and Steve Watson were both playing again after recovering from hernia problems. Steve Milne was there reporting for us. Ratcliffe evokes fond memories 9 Dec - Kevin Ratcliffe harks back to Everton's glory days in the 1980s admitting that he often forgot the score after the Blues had scored three or more and that there some games he knew they'd win before a ball was kicked. Aaaah, what we'd give for a return to those days... Kenwright's support for Rooney 9 Dec - Bill Kenwright expresses his concern in The Echo that Wayne Rooney is the only one being hurt by the national media's obsession with his loss of club form and need to leave Goodison for the sake of his career. Player of the Month: November 9 Dec - Most of the players are doing their best to count themselves out for the title of Player of the Month so November will be another difficult choice. Take up the challenge and vote now. 'Always listen to Scottish managers' 9 Dec - After The Times joined the pathetic harping at Wayne Rooney and his relationship with David Moyes, Henry Winter offers a wonderful piece in The Telegraph brimming with common sense and a few home truths for the players. More stirring from Capeling 8 Dec - Len Capeling in The Echo makes yesterday's game sound like torture as he does his best to convince us that the team couldn't pass straight all afternoon. Do you actually watch the game, Len? Stubbs' side-swipe at fans 7 Dec - Alan Stubbs says that the players aren't feeling the tension of being at the bottom of the league but complains that "it doesn't help if there's tension [among the fans]." Perhaps the players need to feel a little tension, Alan. Familiar FA Cup foes 7 Dec - Everton have been handed a home tie — and possibly a good omen — against Norwich City in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. They overcame the Canaries at Goodison on their two most recent trips to the Final, 1-0 in the semi final of 1989 and 5-0 in the 5th Round in 1995. More thoughts on The Boy's needs 7 Dec - More discussion in today's Observer about the need to guide Wayne Rooney's development in the game. Ian Ridley brings together a number of themes that have been doing the rounds recently. Wright in recovery until January 6 Dec - Richard Wright will be sidelined until the New Year as he recovers from the surgery he had this week in the United States on his injured knee. Moyes runs rule over Onopko 4 Dec - Highly experienced Russian defender Viktor Onopko will train with the Blues at Bellefield this week with a view to signing on loan until the end of the season. Russia's captain, 34, will be brought in to cover Joseph Yobo's African Nations Cup duty. Good spirit and no blame 4 Dec - Francis Jeffers talks earnestly about the positive spirit in the Everton camp, and the reaction after losing the penalty shoot-out after playng so well as a team last night — despite Franny missing at least 3 golden chances. David Moyes confirms it was he who chose the penalty takers and absolved young Leon Osman of any blame for what is ultimately a lottery. FA Youth Cup Blues 3 Dec - Everton's youngsters dropped out of the FA Youth Cup at the first hurdle in a difficult encounter with Coventry City in the Third Round. Italian hot-shot Patrizio Pascucci made his Youth Cup bow but was subbed after an hour, Everton eventually succumbing to a goal in the 84th minute. Final: Coventry City 1 - 0 Everton. Details from Steve Milne. Osman to get his chance? 2 Dec - There are indications that Leon Osman could finally be rewarded for all his great work in the Reserves; he appears likely to get his full debut at Middlesbrough on Wednesday night. Yobo is also doubtful (ricked neck), Kilbane is cup-tied, and Campbell, Ferguson, Pistone, Watson, Gemmill and Weir are all out injured. Rooney needs time and support 2 Dec - The media may be dwelling on the apparent detente between Moyes and Rooney, including Dominic Fifield's latest piece in The Guardian, but what The Boy really needs is fewer outside distractions and less pressure to perform. Moyes reassessing Rooney's role? 1 Dec - With plenty of column inches devoted to Wayne Rooney's recent form and his reaction to being substituted on Saturday, David Moyes has hinted The Boy may be rested a bit in the coming weeks. Pistone suffers another setback 1 Dec - Just when we need him the most, Alessandro Pistone will return to Milan tomorrow facing the possibility of further surgery on his troublesome groin. Duo return from loan spells 1 Dec - Paul Gerrard resumes his place in the line of 5 goalkeepers at Goodison after his loan spell at Sheffield United expired. Meanwhile, youth prospect Steven Schumacher is also back from his month-long loan at Carlisle United.
Pure unmitigated shite 29 Nov - The false optimism that came from 45 minutes of positive football against Wolves last week was blown away at The Reebok as Everton were embarrassed by an unremarkable but charismatic Bolton who beat the Blues for the first time in the Premiership. An easy Frandsen header from a poor Martyn punch in the first half and a deflected Djorkaeff shot gave the home side a 2-0 lead inside 46 minutes while Moyes's pathetic outfit were restricted to a wayward Rooney lob, a 30 yard bullet from Alan Stubbs that flew wide and a long-range Nyarko shot as their only attempts to score. Osman on target again 27 Nov - Pistone, Carsley and Gemmill all played for Everton Reserves last night, along with Clarke, Li Tie and Alexandersson. But it was Leon Osman who showed his mettle yet again with another match-winning performance, grabbing both goals for the Blues as witnessed for us by Steve Milne . And it was a performance that won glowing praise from manager David Moyes, with more than a few hints that he sees great potential for the 22-year-old, despite his injury setbacks and lack of height. Hidden Agenda? 26 Nov - One Everton fan who is also a journalist has been concerned about a piece he read recently in the latest issue of The Evertonian. It seemed innocuous enough: Michael Dunford confirming that talks had taken place on the touchy subject of a sharing a ground with Liverpool FC. We reported last week that Everton had probably missed the boat and LFC weren't interested. But Martin Fricker is not so sure: he sees reasons to suspect a different ending to this particular saga... Moyes's boys ease the pressure 22 Nov - Everton's players responded magnificently to the deserved criticism they have received in recent weeks by exploding into a 2-0 lead in the first 20 minutes against Wolves. Tobias Linderoth slid the ball through for Tomasz Radzinski after a quarter of an hour and the Canadian swept the ball in to make it 1-0. Three minutes later, Wayne Rooney's cross was met by Kevin Kilbane who looped a header for his first Everton goal. Wolves posed almost no threat beyond a close-range effort that Nigel Martyn saved well and the Blues strolled through the second half to earn three precious points. The David France Collection 20 Nov - It has taken author David France many, many years to accumulate the amazing array of Everton items that now comprise this exceptional collection. Ill health means he can no longer maintain it and must sell. But it has been valued at around £500,000. Everton FC are due to make a decision this week — or miss out forever on this singular opportunity to secure a unique assemblage of their own heritage. If you know your history... Introduction by Ian MacDonald Examine the full catalog First Impressions 19 Nov - Time out from the frantic crossfire of modern football... Do you remember your first impression of Goodison Park? Your first experience of the Goodison Roar? Lol Scragg does. Vividly. And he captures it well for us in this little piece. One of the great things I recall was the spontaneous outburst of foot-stamping in those old wooden stands that would uniquely capture the mood of anticipation in the rising momentum of the game... Rooney a different class 16 Nov - Wayne Rooney threw off any lingering cobwebs from his bout of the flu last week and notched up his game (and the hype) yet again among his peers, striking a great opening goal after just 5 minutes. He then set up Joe Cole with a sublime pass for England's second before 10 mins were up, after Denmark had equalized following good work from Tommy Gravesen. Rooney was withdrawn after 67 mins as England Man of the Match. So that's four Everton Internationals scoring and/or playing brilliantly for their countries over the weekend... What price Everton? Why can't they perform like this in a Royal Blue shirt? Over to you, Mr Moyes... McFadden gives Scotland the edge 15 Nov - James McFadden scored the only goal as Scotland beat a profligate Holland 1-0 at Hampden Park in the first leg of their Euro 2004 playoff. Berti Vogts' side will take their slender advantage to Amsterdam on Wednesday hoping to secure their passage to the show-piece tournament in Portgual next summer. The Honeymoon is Over 13 Nov - We didn't think it would happen under David Moyes — well, not yet at least — but Everton are back in the bottom three of the Premiership after a dreadful run of results and another worrying goal drought. Lyndon Lloyd ponders how the squad that were hailed as heroes for a seventh-placed finish in May has lost its way so quickly while wondering, based on the Blues' record in 2003, if it was all smoke and mirrors anyway. Is hard work really enough? 12 Nov - While admiting that he is unable to account for the poor display by his players on Monday night, David Moyes has made it clear that he believes the solution to their problems lies in "extremely hard work." This is worrying. Amidst unspoken rumours about backroom unrest that no-one will admit to, surely the team needs inspiration, tactical structure, and improved organization to build on the basic skills we know these players possess. Everton reach new low under Moyes 10 Nov - Could it get much worse? A first-half performance that was indescribably bad — on a par with the worst we ever suffered under Smith. You can only weep in sympathay for the vociferous 6,000 Blues fans there who were stunned into silence by Everton's incomprehensible ineptitude. Yes, they improved in the second half, but couldn't find the cohesion to rescue the game beyond a tantalizing consolation goal from Radz at the start of the second half. That kept Evertonians cruelly on tenterhooks, believing against all hope they could at least draw level. Such seems our destiny in this lousy Premiership. Report by Lyndon Lloyd Davis does a U-turn 7 Nov - Sean Davis has plunged the furtive hopes of an Everton revival in the New Year into turmoil by committing himself to Fulham, thereby probably ending any likelihood of reviving his much-touted transfer to Everton in January. This will surely come as a huge blow to the efforts of David Moyes to improve Everton's midfield. And it is hard not to wonder how much Davis's decision is reflective of the current gap between the teams in the Premiership? Osman on target again 4 Nov - It was Leon Osman who was again the hero for Everton Reserves on Tuesday night, scoring a late winner for the second string as they stole three points from Middlesbrough. Unsworth, Alexandersson, Chadwick and Jeffers were in the team, with Chadwick scoring the opening goal for the Blues. Unsie faces contract dilemma 4 Nov - A sign of the times, indeed. David Unsworth, a loyal servant of the club, who has six months left on his existing contract, has been offered only a one-year deal and a cut in pay. Unsworth has made it clear that the pay-cut is not the issue: it's only getting a one-year offer that hurts as the Club hedges its bets after learning the lesson of giving silly long-term deals to ageing stars. W R Dean — Classic Print 3 Nov - The LegendsFC.com website is making a final offering of their limited edition high-quality wide-angle photo-print of a classic Dixie Dean image: the Everton legend, ball in hand, leading out the Toffees at Highbury for the game against Arsenal in the first game of the 1936-37 season. The print run is limited to 500, and they are being offered first through Everton websites for £15 each. Plucky Blues left to rue missed chances 1 Nov - David Moyes could have no complaints in the first half at Goodison Park as his side took a breakneck game to high-flying Chelsea and could have gone ahead twice inside the first couple of minutes as Radzinski and Kilbane narrowly missed. Alex Nyarko, a surprise starter, thundered 30-yard drive off the crossbar midway through the half after Jeff Winter had turned down appeals for a penalty when David Weir appeared to be hauled down in the area. Wayne Rooney had a couple of efforts before being presented with a gilt-edged chance but his attempted chip of the 'keeper drifted over. Minutes into the second half, Adrian Mutu undid all the Blues' good work by knocking the ball home to break the deadlock. Everton pressed to level the game and with 8 minutes left Jeffers missed with a header from barely 4 yards out.
Moyes admits to sorry display 30 Nov - A lack of heart and desire; the inability to win the individual batles on the field... those are the reasons Moyes gives for yesterday's abysmal display. But Evertonians remain concerned about the unspoken indications of deep unrest behind the scenes. Has Moyes lost the players? His methods are clearly not working any more. Can there be any hope of him motivating these work-shy millionaires to perform for their club? ESA Discussion Forum 29 Nov - Everton Shareholders Association are holding a Discussion Forum for Association members who wish to participate in recent inititatives with the Club. Guest Speaker: Andrew Hosie, EFC Commercial Manager. Monday night at 7pm in the Joe Mercer Suite. Rooney talks to The Mirror 28 Nov - The Mirror carries what it claims to be the first in-depth interview Wayne Rooney has given, with the focus more on his England career than his faltering efforts in a blue shirt. But Wayne does say this: "I have got to keep learning and listening every time I join up so I come back to Everton a better player." Chadwick still has Goodison Future 28 Nov - David Moyes insists that the loan move for Nick Chadwick to Milwall is for his own development given competition for places in the Everton squad, and reaffirmed that the lad should have a bright future at Goodison. Everton may delay Gerrard move 27 Nov - Paul Gerrard's wishes to convert his loan spell at Sheffield United into a permanent deal may be thwarted by Everton's desire to hawk him in the January Sales. Paying for Match Commentary 26 Nov - This weekend sees the introduction of charges for a service that has been provided free of charge by Everton FC for a number of years: from Saturday, fans will have to pay to listen to live match commentary over the Internet. ToffeeWeb Viewpoint . Chadwick joins Millwall on loan 26 Nov - With first-team opportunities for the young striker limited, Nick Chadwick has been loaned to Millwall for a month. Three players back from injury 26 Nov - As they recover from long injury lay-offs, Alessandro Pistone, Lee Carsley and Scott Gemmill are expected to play in tonight's reserves game against Wolves in Telford. Big Dunc returns 26 Nov - Duncan Ferguson returned to Bellefield today and trained on his own as the rest of the players had the day off. Exile ended, apparently... New payment due for Ball 25 Nov - When Michael Ball turns out for Rangers against Stuttgart tomorrow evening it will trigger another £500,000 payment to Everton as part of his £6.5m transfer from Goodison. Of course, the cash will by-pass David Moyes and go straight into debt payments. Simonsen vows to battle on 25 Nov - Despite the message sent by the club by the failure to offer him a new contract, Steve Simonsen says he is determined to prove to David Moyes that he is worthy of a new deal at Everton. Moyes and Ferguson cease fire? 25 Nov - David Moyes has reached an "uneasy truce", as The Echo describe it,with Duncan Ferguson. However, the striker only made a brief appearance at Bellefield yesterday and didn't attend training today — but wasn't expected to... Eh? Blue in Zimbabwe 24 Nov - Taka Nyahunzvi has followed Everton for over 20 years from his native Zimbabwe, and while he has never been to Goodison Park, he feels the highs and the lows as keenly as any of us. Capeling pulls no punches 24 Nov - Len Capeling is in his unsual uncompromising mood in his assessment of the performance against Wolves. He even manages a tasty side-swipe at director Paul Gregg's tight purse strings. Wright facing permanent pain 24 Nov - According to today's Echo, the operation Richard Wright will undergo in the US this week may not cure the problem in his knee completely and he could face playing the rest of his career in pain when he kicks the ball. Moyes admits it needed a rethink 23 Nov - David Moyes acknowledges that the depths plunged against Blackburn two weeks ago caused him to reconsider things he was doing with the team. Nice to see him not shirking responsibility for what they do (or don't do) on the field. Hall of Fame adds 3 Blues 22 Nov - Tommy Lawton, Alan Ball and Gary Lineker, three ex-Blues of unquestionable greatness — although the latter spent just one season at Goodison and barely seems to remember it — were honoured today with induction into English football's Hall of Fame. Preki still a star 22 Nov - Preki is still doing the job — at 40! The Kansas City player is the first to earn the Most Valuable Player award in Major League Soccer for a second time. And he edged out... John Spencer! Surely the MLS can't be that bad? Fans want Osman to get his chance 22 Nov - 94% of ToffeeWeb readers who voted in our recent poll said that it is high time Leon Osman was given a crack at the first team to show whether or not he is better than the under-performing shower ahead of him. Player of the Month: October 22 Nov - The voting was close... very close! In fact, just 0.7% separated the winner — the first of Moyes's summer signings to pick up the ToffeeWeb PotM accolade — from the unlucky runner up for the month of October. PFA getting involved 21 Nov - Gordon Taylor is hoping to help resolve the dispute between Duncan Ferguson and David Moyes, with the player currently barred from training. Gazza admits mistake 21 Nov - Paul Gascoigne now reckons he was a tad hasty when he left Everton in protest at the sacking of "a fantastic manager" Walter Smith (stop laughing at the back!). Bolton clash on TV abroad 21 Nov - Everton's battle of the bottom feeders with Bolton Wanderers next weekend will be screened on tape delay in the US on Fox Sports World at 2pm ET / 11am PT and on Canal Plus in Europe. Player of the Month: October 20 Nov - Last call for votes for October's PotM. Voting closes Friday. Ferguson no-show 20 Nov - Duncan Ferguson's Everton career seemingly hangs in the balance after he was not present at Bellefield for training today. Squad Status updated 20 Nov - Our watching brief on the status of each first-team player has been updated ahead of this weekend's vital game against Wolves. Holland 6 - 0 Scotland 19 Nov - Heartbreak for Scotland at the Amsterdam Arena. James McFadden's first-leg winner was wiped out as early as the 13th minute when Sneijder netted for Holland before Oijer put the home side ahead on aggregate after 32 minutes. Ruud van Nistelrooy rubbed salt into the wounds with a third and went on to score a hat-trick. Ferguson bust-up 19 Nov - Rumours of a major bust-up between David Moyes and 'club captain' Duncan Ferguson on Monday are finally confirmed (why does it take two days?). Ireland 3 - 0 Canada 18 Nov - Radzinski missed a sitter for Canada at Landsdowne Road, with Ireland running out 3-0 winners, and Kevin Kilbane coming on for just the last two minutes. Everton Res 2-2 Aston Villa Res 18 Nov - A Francis Jeffers goal, his first for an Everton team since his return from Arsenal, and an own goal earned the Reserves a draw with Villa who scored with 53 seconds on the clock and levelled the game with 20 mins to go. Rooney Party Pooper 18 Nov - Fan Paul Jones thinks the Rooney mystery lies in the lack of quality on the field around him at Everton, and says McFadden should start with him. Meanwhile, another fan (Len Capeling in disguise?) says "Never Again." Andy's not right in the head 18 Nov - Andy van der Meyde, the winger whose wasteful shooting contributed to Holland's defeat against Scotland has branded his marker on Saturday, Gary Naysmith, a "Scottish fool" who played "like a blind man." These comments came moments after the Dutchman had fainted and hit his head against a speaker! Blues rank 43rd in the world 17 Nov - Marcelo Leme de Arruda, a Brazilian scholar, has come up with a formula that takes into account the honours won by every club side in the world against the quality of the competition. He ranks Everton at number 43. Spoils shared in Academy derby 17 Nov - Liverpool U-17s and Everton U-17s battled out a goalless draw in FA Premier Academy League at the weekend. Groundshare now doomed 17 Nov - After pushing hard for the idea that most knew was a non-starter, the Liverpool Echo is now predicting imminent failure for any prospect of a joint stadium. Everton Comets win big 17 Nov - Desparate for any Everton success we can find, our Aussie friends are celebrating the achievements of some 14-year-old cricketers... One game at a time 17 Nov - Ant McKeown thinks things are not quite as bad as they seem with the Everton team, and sagely advizes us to just look ahead one game at a time — after he gives us 13 points from the next 5 games! Life after McFadden's big move 17 Nov - The Scotsman examines life at Motherwell in the post-McFadden era and checks in with the Scottish international in his new surroundings at Goodison Park. I wouldn't have it any other way 16 Nov - Everton fan Gary Keey reckons he is perfectly happy with the team's stuttering performance so far — he loves the uncertainty of it all. Keep taking those tablets, lad! Radz scores again 15 Nov - Tomasz Radzinski proved once again that he can still score goals, albeit a consolation at the end of a 5-1 mauling for Canada by the Czech Republic. Carsley back in training 14 Nov - Lee Carsley is on the mend after sustaining a knee injury last month. Board bashing 14 Nov - The team plumbs the depths of the Premiership and the knives come out... Chris Peers thinks the Everton Board are responsible for bad communication, demotivation, and fostering uncertainty... What to do about Rhino 13 Nov - There has been much hooplah surrounding the contract offer made to David Unsworth, but how do you think the club should have handled Rhino's future? Vote in the latest ToffeeWeb Poll. Pistone back in training 13 Nov - Alessandro Pistone is on the road back from yet another injury, having returned to full training this week. He will hopefully provide Moyes with the option of some much-needed class at full back. Smith ready to jump back in? 13 Nov - Walter Smith has applied for his first managerial post since being sacked by Everton 18 months ago. He has put himself in the running for the vacant post at Bradford City. Fantasy Football 12 Nov - Everton should sell Wayne Rooney now for £30m, he can spend 5 years on big money and then return to Goodison on a free transfer and play for his boyhood club at the peak of his career. Antony Melvin of Squarefootball.com has his head in the clouds, but we like the way he dreams. Rooney will join England squad 12 Nov - So say the FA, who will raise young Wayne from his sick-bed if they have to in order to get him into the game against Denmark on Sunday. A nervy path forward [Link fixed] 12 Nov - Some thoughts from Peter Fearon about changes that could be made to improve the situation for Everton on the field. When the fire fades... 11 Nov - No longer the David Moyes we loved and idolized, reading between the lines he seems depressed and at a loss as to how he can change things, now that the "extrememly hard work" ethic has palably failed. It's as if there's no fire behind those blue eyes any more... Rooney in England squad 11 Nov - No surprise really that Wayne Rooney is included in the England squad for the friendly against Denmark, where he can shine as Gravesen does alongside better-quality players.... if he recovers from that bout of flu. The New 'Poisoned Chalice' 10 Nov - Former Blue Peter Reid has been sacked as manager of crumbling Leeds United following a dreadful run of results that culminated in their 6-1 humiliation at Portsmouth on Saturday. Flu hits Everton build-up 10 Nov - A bout of flu is going around the Everton training ground, with Li Tie and Alan Stubbs the latest players to be rated doubtful for tonight's game. Moyes to Spurs 9 Nov - It must be true — it's in The People! With no transfer kitty and a paltry salary of just £400,000 a year, Everton face "a grim battle to hold on to manager David Moyes". Ah... Sunday tabloid journalism. You've gotta love it, eh? Youth Cup date set 6 Nov - An Everton Youth Academy team will travel to Coventry in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup. The match will be played on Wednesday 3 December at Highfield Road; kick-off 7pm. Big Dunc's respiratory problems 6 Nov - Duncan Ferguson was taken to hospital for overnight observation after he was coughing up blood on Monday. He was later discharged but is unlikely to be fit for Monday's game at Blackburn. Time to give up the smokes yet, Dunc? An Interview with Howard Kendall 5 Nov - Relive the glorious 1980s through the eyes of the man who made it happen for Everton, manager Howard Kendall. Howie includes his early days at Preston North End. Wright needs special attention 4 Nov - In a worrying development over his persistent knee problem, Richard Wright is set to meet the American knee specialist, Dr Richard Steadman on Wednesday. A Week in Blue 3 Nov - Olly Wilkins reviews the damage and draws on the positives from our narrow loss to Chelsea last Saturday. Tony Thomas jons Runcorn 3 Nov - Not a player who springs to mind when talking of past Everton greats, but Tony Thomas was a true Evertonian who got the biggest personal break when Howrad Kendall gave him the chance to play for the club he worshipped. Thomas now moves on to Runcorn. Kenwright will find Davis money 3 Nov - Bill Kenwright has reiterated that Everton will do all they can, by way of creative financing to find enough money to secure the transfer of Sean Davis in January. Gregg in favour of sharing? 2 Nov - Media hacks have grabbed on to a hint that Paul Gregg thinks a joint council-owned shared stadium would be a good idea for both clubs and the City of Liverpool. Belated AGM Report 1 Nov - ToffeeWeb columnist Colm Kavanagh was at this year's Annual General Meeting for the shareholders of Everton Football Club Co Ltd, and has furnished this report on the evening's proceedings. Now Weir is crocked! 1 Nov - After putting in a superb first half against Chelsea, Davey Weir had to retire from the fray with knee ligament damage that is expeceted to keep him out for four to six weeks. Peter Clarke? Sean O'Hanlon?? — he may still be recovering from hernia surgery.
18th Birthday Bash 30 Oct - Colm Kavanagh comes out with full backing for David Moyes's stance over the razzmatazz surrounding Wayne Rooney's 18th birthday party at Aintree this weekend. The glitz and glamour provided by Paul Stretford's Pro-Active Sports Management agency — a suspect force in the game that Colm has no time for — is viewed as the main threat and pontentially fatal distraction from the bright future we all wish for our Wayne. Linderoth heads Everton into Round 4 29 Oct - Everton are through to the 4th round thanks to a goal by Tobias Linderoth, his first for the Blues and the team's first for four matches, on 42 minutes. Wayne Rooney's left foot volley from a Tony Hibbert cross cannoned off the bar and the Swedish midfielder was on hand to stoop and head home from close range. It was no more than the Blues deserved after having the better attacking moments in the first 45 minutes during which Alex Nyarko received a great reception from the home faithful. The second half saw plenty of attacking by Charlton as they searched for an equaliser with Euell and Hreidarsson guilty of missing good chances. At the other end, Wayne Rooney fired a shot against the post and unfortunately put the rebound into the side-netting as Moyes's side threatened to pad their lead. Ten Games, Ten Points 27 Oct - Saturday was Everton's third game in a row in which they failed to score — but Martyn did keep a clean sheet again, so that's a positive, eh? But Nick Armitage suggests that there really is little to be encouraged about: this is relegation form. It has been all season. At least Moyes finally gave Rooney a full game, but the persistent failures in midfield effectively nullified that move. Just what can Moyes do to pull the team out of this stultifying torpor? Moyes's Boys draw another blank 25 Oct - Birthday Boy Wayne Rooney was restored to the starting line-up alongside Kevin Campbell but while the 18 year-old had another poor game matched by the majority of his teammates, it was his strike partner who came closest to scoring in a dour game. Campbell planted a header against the crossbar midway through the first half and that was the Blues' best effort all afternoon. Villa also rattled the woodwork in the first half through Pete Whittingham. Moyes, as blinded by the Duncan Ferguson myth as his predecessor, threw the Big Yin on with 20-odd minutes to go but there was no further excitement despite a late flurry by both sides. The Untinkable? No thanks! 24 Oct - Even in this era, it still takes a while for the news to get Downunder. Although it is the Boy Wonder's birthday today, Andy McNabb adds his voice to those who believe that £35M would somehow benefit Everton for the loss of this fantastic young prodigy. And all this comes despite repeated assurances again today from both Kenwright and Moyes that it ain't gonna happen. Wright gets Reserves outing 22 Oct - Richard Wright played 90 minutes for Everton Reserves tonight as they earned a 1-1 draw in Solihul against Birmingham City. Moyes's first-choice keeper has spent six weeks on the sidelines recovering from a knee injury sustained against Charlton. A 35-yard thunderbolt by Alex Nyarko in front of the watching David Moyes earned a point after the home side had take a second half lead. Dismal Everton are going nowhere 19 Oct - Everton returned to action after the International break but little has changed over the interval on the evidence of a poor goalless draw with Southampton who could easily have stolen all three points with better finishing. With Rooney, Ferguson and Radzinski all out, Campbell and Jeffers were reunited up front, and it was that pairing along with James McFadden that provided the few bright spots for the Blues. Campbell fired wide in the first half after a trademark turn-and-shot and he, McFadden and Watson all had the ball in the net at different stages but all three "goals" were ruled out for infringments. McFadden had Everton's best chance of the second half, scewing a shot across goal before his manager had another bout of the Walter Smiths and withdrew him again for Kevin Kilbane. Match report by Lyndon Lloyd Rhino 16 Oct - Picking up on the news that Everton are looking to give David Unsworth a contract extension, Nick Armitage takes a look at the characteristics of the rhinoceros family and concludes, sadly, that this one should probably be put out to forage for grass-shoots on the windy sandhills of Formby. Second string battling West Brom 15 Oct - Leon Osman returned to the Reserve team line-up in Southport tonight, as Alan Irvine stands in as manager of the squad facing West Bromwich Albion. Francis Jeffers and Li Tie started the game, making a shout for inclusion in Sunday's televised game against Southampton. The Reserves started in style, when the Moogan cousins, Brian and Alan, combined well to give Everton the lead after just 6 mins. The Baggies reponded strongly, and eventually equalized in the 53rd minute, after Chadwick had limped off with a hamstring injury. Report from Steve Milne Rooney to negotiate a new contract 14 Oct - Everton will start negotiations with Wayne Rooney (and his agent!) on a new five-year contract before Christmas. Wayne truns 18 next week and the apparent restriction on long-term contracts goes away, so Bill Kenwright is looking to secure the services of his special Blue Boy for as long as he can. And Kenwright added: "You never really hear of Wayne Rooney actually being sold to any club, because I think the world knows that he's a blue, he's an Evertonian and he's going nowhere." The words have been well marked.... CD Everton win promotion 13 Oct - Los Ruleteros, our Chilean Evertonian counterparts, are justifiably celebrating: CD Everton of Viña del Mar, have won promotion to Chile's Primera A Division, after 5 years in the B Division. Despite going down 3-0 at home to the bottom club Lota Schwager in the first half, CD Everton ralied to win the game 5-3 and clinch promotion. Naysmith on the Scots Blues 12 Oct - Gary Naysmith provides the Sunday Herald with some interesting perspectives on the burgeoning Scottish contingent at Goodison Park, and the Bellefield training ground, where youngsters like Rooney and McFadden currently use the second or juniors changing room. Rooney starts for England 11 Oct - Wayne Rooney was named in the starting England XI for the critical pot-boiler in Istanbul. He had and created a couple of good oppportunities in the first half, which featured an incredible penalty miss by Beckham. The second half was more nerve-jangling for England but Rooney played well overall, coming off after 73 mins, as England held on for the draw they needed to qualify automatically for Portugal in 2004. Rooney can handle it 10 Oct - Wayne Rooney is fully expected to start the crucial England game in Turkey on Saturday. He can be assured that David Unsworth, a big fan, will be cheering him on. Meanwhile, a rare print of Wayne Rooney in action (pictured), and signed by the Boy Wonder, is being put up for sale by its current owner, Gary Thomas. Send him an e.mail if you are interested. Scapegoat In The Making 9 Oct - He may have been a little quiet for the last few weeks, but Colm Kavanagh has also been thinking about the recent and likely upcoming treatment of Wayne Rooney by our loveable media hacks, and needless to say, he is not without some apposite words on the subject. [Link is now fixed — Sorry!] The mendacious media muppets 8 Oct - In today's ToffeeWeb feature, Everton fan John Coyne draws attention to the fact that the anticipated media backlash against Wayne Rooney has already started to take shape, following the Boy's silly outburst of frustration at White Hart Lane after he was thrown on late by David Moyes to chase a lost cause. Chadwick: hit & miss 7 Oct - Nick Chadwick will be kicking himself after failing to score from two penalty decisions awarded Everton's way in an eventful reserves match against Manchester United at Haig Avenue tonight. But on the flipside, Chadwick opened the scoring and then grabbed Everton's third on the hour mark, with Kevin Campbell slotting home in between against the high-profile opponents who lost their 'keeper to a red card for the second penalty. But United ralied in the final quarter, scoring from the third penalty of the game, and then adding a second to give the Blues a nervous final run-in. Francis Jeffers did not play, presumably because of continuing injury problems. Sorry Everton lose all momentum 4 Oct - Proving that the 4-0 demolition of Leeds was just a flash in the pan, a two-minute spell of appalling defending allowed Tottenham to pad their lead out to 3-0 after Freddie Kanoute had sent the revived home side into the break a goal up with a 35-yard wonder strike on 43 minutes. The second half wasn't even a minute old when Gus Poyet was given all the space he needed to glance home Spurs' second and then when David Unsworth (why was he playing, again?) dallied in front of goal, Robbie Keane robbed him before firing easily past Nigel Martyn. Everton showed nothing up front — between a pondorous Ferguson, an ineffective Radzinski and an unfortunate Rooney they rarely looked capable of scoring. Reports by Lyndon Lloyd and Julian Cashen.
Cancelled China tour on for 2004 31 Oct - Buried at the bottom of this report on the AGM is a note that Everton hope to re-organise the tour of China that was cancelled after the SARS outbreak for next year. Don't hold your breath...! [ouch! — Ed] No cheque-writing for Gregg 31 Oct - Newly re-elected Everton Director and business magnate Paul Gregg confirmed to Everton Shareholders that he won't be underwriting any new transfer deals for the Blues. Schumacher gets Carlisle opportunity 31 Oct - Highly-rated 19 year-old midfielder Stephen Schumacher has been loaned out to Carlisle United in order to gain league experience as David Moyes grooms him for the Everton first team. Official report on Everton AGM 30 Oct - Over 300 Everton Shareholders attended the AGM at Goodison on Thursday evening. Sir Philip Carter responded to questions prepared by the Shareholders Association, before Keith Tamlin and Paul Gregg were re-elected to the Board of Directors. Osman penalty earns Reserves draw 30 Oct - Leon Osman, who still can't get a game in the first team despite our pathetic midfield (let's hope now that he's fit he'll get a look-in), scored from the spot as a young Reserves team held Blackburn to a 1-1 draw. Read Steve Milne's report. Wright to go under the knife again 30 Oct - Richard Wright will be sidelined again by further exploratory surgery on his injured knee. A previous operation revealed no visible damage but after resuming training the goalkeeper suffered a relapse and faces at least another 3 weeks out. EFC — Annual General Meeting 30 Oct - The AGM for shareholders in Everton FC Co Ltd will be held at Goodison Park tonight. A positive spin is already evident in the media, despite significant concerns over the Kings Dock fiasco, the transfer deadline-day dash, the lack of action on the new academy, and the perennial question: Where is the money going to come from? Nyarko plays his part 30 Oct - The overall reaction to Alex Nyarko's reappearance in an Everton shirt was positive following the good perfromance he put in as part of a much improved Everton display against Charlton. Cup Draw: Back to The Riverside 29 Oct - Everton have been drawn an away tie against Middlesbrough in the Carling League Cup 4th Round. The Blues lost 1-0 in the Premiership at The Riverside earlier this season. Irvine sleights the fans 29 Oct - Commenting on Alex Nyarko's chances of playing tonight against Charlton, Alan Irvine made the unfortunate statement that "We have no grudge to bear with Alex anyway because we weren't here when it all happened." No Alan... but we, the long-suffering fans, were here. And we are still here, in case you hadn't noticed. Radzinski on the mend 28 Oct - David Moyes is hopeful that Tomasz Radzinski will be fit to play a leading role in the Carling League Cup tie with Charlton on Wednesday. Yobo will be missed 28 Oct - Joseph Yobo has been named in Nigeria's squad for the African Nations Cup, confirming the unwanted prospect of losing his services for up to six weeks in January and February of next year. Pistone returns to Bellefield 27 Oct - Alessandro Pistone returned from having hernia surgery in Italy and expects to be playing for the Reserves within a couple of weeks. Special away shirt up for grabs 27 Oct - The Everton Former Players Foundation (BlueBlood) have for auction a unique white away shirt as worn by a former player in the pre-match Old Boys game before the Colin Harvey Testomonial game against Bologna. The shirt was specially produced for the game. Proceeds go to charity number 1080101. Bid now. Farewell to an lifeflong Evertonian 27 Oct - An Evertonian who played for the club during the Second World War and later served as a groundsman at Goodison Park, Sidney Simmons passed away on Saturday evening. RIP. Li Tie a boost for Kejian 27 Oct - This article from the BBC tells a lot about the business of Kejian's Everton sponsorship that revolves around Li Tie. Nostalgia from Brian Viner 27 Oct - Brian Viner indulges in a touch of nostalgia, remembering the atmosphere surrounding Andy King's great derby-winning goal of 1978. Heroes or Villains? 27 Oct - Our new columnist, Olly Wilkins ruminates over another less than inspiring game and wonders how David Moyes might go about changing things... Watson knocked for six! 26 Oct - As if things weren't bad enough for the lacklustre Everton squad, Steve Watson will now be out of action for at least six weeks following a double hernia operation. Osman? Nyarko?? SOMEBODY!!! Pascucci on the mark again 25 Oct - Young Italian hot-shot Patrizio Pascucci scored his third goal in as many games as the Everton U-19s beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0. Rooney's birthday pictorial 24 Oct - A nice assembly of Rooney pictures (with the exception of a nasty red kopite's naked arse) from Sky Sports to celebrate the lad's coming of age. Rooney's feet on the ground 24 Oct - The Official Everton website features some comments from birthday boy Wayne Rooney, showing that despite all the hype and nonsense written about him, the young man is a realist with his feet firmly on the ground. "I just get on with playing football. I'm not interested in anything else." Happy Birthday, Wayne! 24 Oct - The Boy Wonder reaches the magic age of 18 and suddenly turns into a man! Queue a right gushing from our show-biz Vice-Chairman, Mr Bill Kenwright! Steve Watson interview 23 Oct - It is rather Geordie-centric, but Steve Watson has earned the title of honourary Evertonian and so this interview is of interest. Moyes still protecting Rooney 23 Oct - David Moyes talks again about the growing pressures facing Wayne Rooney on the eve of his young prodigy's 18th birthday, and describes some of the frustrations that may be affecting the lad's game so far this season. Not that we should question Moyes's judgement, but having to watch crap football from the bench, and getting just half-an-hour on the field when we are 3 down can't be the most calming experience for him, surely? Will Roondog start the game on Saturday at Villa Park... or will he be suffering a hangover??? Everton unveil Cblue 23 Oct - Everton announced the launch of Cblue, a unique new Corporate supporters' club, at the home game against Southampton at the weekend. Back to full strength up front 23 Oct - David Moyes will have his full complement of strikers to choose from against Aston Villa following the return to fitness of Tomasz Radzinski and Duncan Ferguson, but James McFadden faces a race to overcome a foot injury in time. Moyes on Rooney, drugs and Goodison 22 Oct - In an interview by phone with Big Soccer Radio in the US, David Moyes gave his thoughts on a variety of topics, including Wayne Rooney. He suggested that there is an amount that would tempt the club to sell the Wunderkind but that only Chelsea have that kind of money! Player of the Month: September 22 Oct - A little belatedly, we invite you to cast your vote for September's Player of the Month. Click here to take part. Moyes wants clubs to do tests 21 Oct - David Moyes maintains that clubs should have the power to perform random drug and alcohol tests on their own players. Pascucci scores again 21 Oct - Patrice Pascucci was on the scoresheet again at the weekend, this time for Everton's Under-19s in the FA Academy Youth League. Click the link to read Steve Milne's report. Carsley joins the injury list 20 Oct - Lee Carsley suffered knee ligament damage in the clash that caused his substitution against Southampton; he could be out for a month. Niclas Alexandersson returns 20 Oct - Niclas Alexandersson chose not to extend his one-month loan deal at West Ham for personal reasons, and has returned to Everton. The Honeymoon is long over 20 Oct - In his second weekly column, Olly Wilkins expresses some well-founded concerns after witnessing Everton's dire performance against Southampton, but direct criticism of David Moyes remains muted. The Ferguson moneygoround 19 Oct - This article from today's Sunday Times focuses heavily on Duncan Ferguson's money, as wel as the usual litany of old stories the Big Yin. Moyes defends Rooney against all comers 18 Oct - This article in The Independent summarizes the tensions and dilemmas that David Moyes must deal with as he strives to manage all the conflicting forces tugging at his young prodigy: Wayne Rooney. SFA drop McFadden nonsense 17 Oct - The Scottish FA have shown some belated wisdom (maybe they've finally twigged?) and said they will not be doing anything about the Shirty McFadden Affair. This Bud's for us 16 Oct - Everton have agreed a sponsorship deal with American brewing conglomerate Anheuser-Busch that makes Budweiser (a name they stole from the Czech original ) the Club's "Official" beer. Stubbs's injury not that bad 16 Oct - Alan Stubbs may force himself into contention for Sunday's game against Southampton after recovering rapidly from a groin strain. Gazza in training with Wolves 16 Oct - No doubt petrified of what he will do with his life after football is no longer a viable proposition, Paul Gascoigne strives to stay in the game... The Sun starts the Chelski bidding 16 Oct - Chelsea have been talking to Rooney's people preparing for a £35M bid in January, so says The Sun, in a story denied by ProActive Sports Management as pure fabrication. No surprise there, then, but no doubt a foretaste of what we can expect over the next three months, though we can rest assured of Bill Kenwright's pledge: He will never sell Rooney. Unsworth next for contract talks 15 Oct - It's all go for the Everton legal team as another contract negotiation gets under way, this time with David Unsworth. Strange, when many fans believe we have seen the best of Dave, and he is starting to look more like a liability than an asset... Maybe he's being given a pay-cut! Poor old Len — out of touch again 15 Oct - Len Capeling blathers on about the role Wayne Rooney will play in Sunday's upcoming game against Southampton. I wonder if anyone will get around to telling him that Wayne won't be playing any part in this one — he's suspended! Osman gets a new contract 15 Oct - Everton have given Leon Osman a new 12-month contract, extending to the end of next season. Hopefully this is an expression of faith in the lad's Everton future, and not just a mechanism for securing a larger fee when he eventually leaves... The Evertonian - out now 14 Oct - Vastly improved since it changed format from tabloid tat to a glossy high-quality magazine, this month's Evertonian looks ahead to Wayne Rooney's 18th birthday, and features a look bak to the heyday of Bernie Wright. A lesson in officious stupidity 14 Oct - Don't you just love how the powers that be seem to revel in their own officious stupidity? James McFadden is now the target of police and security firm criticism for having the gall to question establishment wisdom and risk onrushing crowds through the reckless and provocative act of trying to give his Scotland shirt to wheelchair-bound Motherwell fan, Stephen Reside, aged 9, who suffers from cerebral palsy. Ferguson hit by virus 14 Oct - David Moyes could be without Duncan Ferguson as well as suspended Wayne Rooney for Sunday's match-up with Southampton as the big Scot is not training this week because of a chest infection. Turner earns improved contract 14 Oct - Everton's promising young goalkeeper, Iain Turner, has had his progress rewarded with an improved contract. Boss David Moyes explained that the club felt his existing deal "wasn't good enough". Rumble in the Tunnel 13 Oct - Hopefully we won't be hearing too much more (from Uefa!) about Wayne Rooney's involvement in the half-time rumpus outside the changing rooms in Turkey after Alpay had been goading Beckham following his penalty miss. Sad memories for Billy Kenny 12 Oct - In a reminder of how easily great football talent can go to waste, Billy Kenny recounts in the Sunday Times his fall to temptations of drink and cocaine that ruined his promising Everton career. More accolades for McFadden 12 Oct - Another determined performance for Scotland by Jamie McFadden has been applauded by one of this teammates, Stevie Crawford. Other International Evertonians 11 Oct - In the Euro 2004 Qualifiers, Gary Naysmith and Jamie McFadden are in Scotland's starting line-up facing Lithuania; Kevin Kilbane starts for Ireland in Switzerland, with Carsley on the bench; Thomas Gravesen will play for Denmark in Sarajevo; and Tobias Linderoth is on the bench for Sweden who are a goal down at home to Latvia. Tomasz Radzinski is in Finland playing in a friendly for Canada. EFC Finances in better shape 10 Oct - Everton's Annual Report to shareholders will show an operating profit of £5.6M against an £11M loss the previous year. More TV and gate money are given is the main reasons for the improvement. Injuries hit the defence 9 Oct - Allesandro Pistone and Alan Stubbs are both being ruled out of action for the next month with hernia / groin strain problems, respectively. School of Science 9 Oct - A new book detailing the 125-year history of Everton, and written by one-time fanzine editor James Corbett is due to be published on 20 October, copying the somewhat unoriginal title of Mark Platt's 1996 book, School of Science. New Anfield not for sharing 8 Oct - Plans submitted for the Reds' new Anfield stadium would appear to shut the door on any further nonsense about stadium sharing . Reserves play Man Utd 7 Oct - Everton Reserves play Manchester United at Southport tonight, with the Liverpool Echo claiming that Kevin Campbell and Francis Jeffers will be reunited in attack. Groin strain for Ferguson 6 Oct - Duncan Ferguson and Alan Stubbs are both suffering groin strains after Saturday's game at Spurs. A Week in Blue 6 Oct - In what we hope will become a regular column on ToffeeWeb, Olly Wilkins looks back over the dismal events of the weekend. Worst performance of the season 5 Oct - At least David Moyes was watching and pulls no punches in a cutting assessment of his players' performance yesterday. Let's hope he has some way of turning this into motivation for the Southampton game... 5th Yellow gets Rooney Suspended 4 Oct - Another stupid yellow card for talking back at the ref after some over-exuberant tackling by the young star now means Wayne Rooney will miss the Southampton game. Marine 0 - 2 Everton XI 3 Oct - An Everton XI comprised of reserves and Academy players advanced to the final of last season's (!) Liverpool Senior Cup following a 2-0 win at Rossett Park last night, with goals from Paul Hopkins and Michael Symes. Click the link for the team line-up and a brief report from Steve Milne. Spurs game on telly overseas 2 Oct - Displaced Evertonians in foriegn parts will have another opportunity to watch Everton on TV this weekend, with the visit to Spurs being carried on Canal+ Zap in Europe, SuperSport 5 in South Africa, and on Fox Sports World in the USA, where it will be tape-delayed until 4pm EDT/1pmPDT. Not playing to his heed 1 Oct - David Moyes has made it clear he does not want Everton playing the long-ball game whenever Duncan Ferguson is in the team. Media stoke Rooney fires 1 Oct - The media are intruding once again into decisions over when Rooney should play for his Club. Let's leave it to Mr Moyes, please; he knows best.
Duo reunited in mini-derby defeat 29 Sep - Everton's most successful striking partnership of recent years was reunited this evening at Chester City's Deva Stadium in the mini-derby which Liverpool won by a single second-half goal. Francis Jeffers and Kevin Campbell led the line for Everton for the first time since the Prodigal Ears left for Arsenal but their reunion was disrupted by Peter Clarke's 24th-minute dismissal for a second bookable offence. Campbell dropped into midfield to cover Alex Nyarko who moved into defence and it was Nyarko who was adjudged to have fouled Florent Sinama-Pongolle in the area, allowing the Frenchman to score from the spot on the hour mark. Diao was then sent off for punching Jeffers but the Blues couldn't find an equaliser. Watson hat-trick fuels Blues rout 28 Sep - David Moyes appears to be working his motivational magic again as Everton stormed to a 3-0 lead at half time on the back of a commanding performance in the first 45 minutes. James McFadden was offering plenty of creativity but it was Thomas Gravesen and Duncan Ferguson who combined to set Steve Watson up for the first. The Geordie then fired in from 40 yards out before Ferguson met a Tony Hibbert cross to head home the third. 7 mins into the second half, Watson nonchalently flicked past Paul Robinson to complete his hat-trick, allowing the Blues to stroll through the remainder of the second half. In recognition of Duncan Ferguson 27 Sep - Duncan Ferguson is finally fully fit again, and his contribution to the Everton cause should be recognized and acknowledged, says Nick Armitage. Nick feels that a lot of the bile vented against the Big Man as he languished in the treatment room has been unfair to say the least. Campbell returns for Reserves 25 Sep - Kevin Campbell's return to match fitness took a big step forward when he played for Everton Reserves at Sunderland on Thursday and headed home an equalizer for the Blues after Sunderland went ahead inside 2 minutes. In goal for the home side was Thomas Myhre, while the Everton side featured Li Tie, Alex Nyarko, and a number of youngsters, with defender Laurence Wilson getting a rare chance outside of the Academy. Alan Moogan grabbed a second for Everton before half-time and the Blues held on for an impressive victory. Blues stroll to Cup victory 24 Sep - Everton neatly side-stepped the Carling Cup banana skin posed by Stockport County with a convincing 3-0 victory on the back of a scintillating debut by James McFadden. Duncan Ferguson opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 24 minutes after Tony Hibbert had been felled by Rob Jones. Then Nick Chadwick atoned for an earlier miss by slotting home on the stroke of half time. 10 minues into the second half, a wonderful McFadden run from inside his own half ended with a toe-poke to Ferguson who tapped in from close range to seal the Blues' passage the to the 3rd Round. Team Changes Urgently Needed 23 Sep - Is David Moyes fielding the right team? Well, every Evertonian has opinions on that issue, of course. Matthew Barry has written in with his take on who should play where and how his preferred XI should line up. Playing Kilbane and McFadden as wide men? If Walter Smith was dead, he'd be spinning in his grave at the prospect! But I do like the thought that McFadden could bring us back fond memories of Andrei Kanchelskis banging them in from midfield. He scored 16 goals in 1995-96 — better than any season with Man Utd. What wouldn't we give for that kind of midfield contribution today? Europe looking a very distant prospect 21 Sep - On the back of an appalling first half display, Everton succumbed to their third defeat of the season and allowed struggling Middlesbrough to earn their first win of the campaign. Joseph-Desire Job knocked in a Malcolm Christie cross in the sixth minute to score the only goal of the game before both sides had goals chalked off by referee Wiley; first when Queudrue headed off the bar and over the line and then when Wayne Rooney's goal was disallowed for a non-existent foul. Late on, Duncan Ferguson had a trademark set-piece header cleared off the line but despite a much improved second half, the Blues couldn't find the equaliser. One positive was 12 terrific minutes by James McFadden who made a strong case for starting in place of Kevin Kilbane next week. Groundshare push from on high 18 Sep - Liverpool City Council are now wading in to the groundsharing issue, urging both Everton and Liverpool to attend preliminary talks to discuss the issue. And the carrot offered by the Council is the liklihood of substantial public funds (ring-fenced, no doubt) being available for such a development. Meanwhile, ToffeeWeb takes a look at the pros and cons of this emotive issue. Could the two clubs ever enter such a project as equal partners, either financially or politically? Could you stomach ground-sharing with the dark side? Let us know in our latest poll! Groundshare: Head vs Heart 17 Sep - At the icLiverpool Website, David Prentice gives a further ariring to the subject many Evertonians find it hard to come to terms with: the prospect of sharing a ground with Liverpool. He quotes the thoughts of Prof Alan Harding, who first gave us his views on groundsharing back in 2001. Intellectually, it may make sense for a host of reasons; but the emotional reaction to the idea represents the biggest barrier to be overcome. And if Liverpool get planning permission for their proposals submitted next month, it may be a dead duck for next 100 years. Nyarko Piledriver 16 Sep - Alex Nyarko rounded out the scoring at Haig Avenue with a piledriver of a shot as a strong Everton Reserves side defeated an equally strong Manchester City side tonight. There were runouts for Unsworth, Weir, Carsley, McFadden, and Nick Chadwick — who scored the first two goals, one from the penalty spot. Wright out of action 15 Sep - Richard Wright will be out of action for "several weeks" as medics and physios ponder over the possible root cause of sporadic pain in his knee which comes only when he kicks the ball wrong. Sounds like nothing a good injection of steroids and painkillers wouldn't solve, surely? Exploratory surgery is being planned, but his recovery from that "will not affect the length of time he has already been instructed to rest the knee"(!). Unless, that is, they actually find something that is causing the problem? Ferguson rescues Blues from refereeing madness 13 Sep - Referee Rob Styles took centre stage at Goodison, sending off players from both sides, flashing the yellow card with abandon, and awarding two penalties to Newcastle United (the second seeming to be a blatant dive by Olivier Bernard) and, finally, one to Everton with 3 mins left, which Duncan Ferguson scored with aplomb to earn a deserved point. Laurent Robert was sent off for two bookable offences in the first half and Gary Naysmith received his marching orders for bringing Keiron Dyer down as the last man 13 minutes into the second. Alan Shearer scored the resulting penalty. Tomasz Radzinski equalised a few minutes later before Alan Shearer converted his second spot kick of the day with 9 mins left. Rooney Scores Again! 10 Sep - Wayne Rooney scored the second goal for England tonight after a nice set-up from his other Liverpool mate, Stephen Gerrard. Playing a deeper role obviously suits the lad far better; Rooney had an excellent game and was well involved both as striker and provider — Why, he even made chances for Michael Owen, before leaving the field on 70 mins to a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd. England U21 1 - 2 Portugal U21 9 Sep - Francis Jeffers and Peter Clarke started this must-win Euro U21 2004 Qualifier at Goodison Park, with Tony Hibbert on the bench. England fell behind after just 3 mins to a direct free-kick coverted by Quersma. Joey Barton equalized before half-time but Tottenham's Helder Postiga won it for the Portuguese with a suspected handball to eliminate England from the U21s Euro 2004. Jeffers eyes scoring record 8 Sep - It will be a big moment for Francis Jeffers tonight when he runs out at Goodison Park an Everton player once more. But he will be wearing an England shirt, and hoping to beat Alan Shearer's goal-scoring record for the national Under-21 side if he can help steer them to a victory over Portugal. Peter Clarke and Tony Hibbert are also in the squad. ROOOOOONEY!!! 6 Sep - Wayne Rooney rewrote another page in the record-books when he struck a Hesky knock-down into the back of the Macedonia net to become the youngest ever goalscorer for England. Rooney had had a difficult first half against the East-Europeans, man-marked and unable to do more than the odd lay-off as England went behind to a Hristov gift off James's big feet. Beckham eventually saved England blushes from the spot to seal the 2-1 win. McFadden scores for Scotland 6 Sep - Jamie McFadden scored his first goal for Scotland in a 3-1 win over the Faroes after coming on as a second-half sub. "There were one or two touches out there no-one else can do." — Radio Scotland. In other games, Lee Carsley is playing for Ireland against Russia, and Wayne Rooney will start up-front for England in Macedonia. The Wayne Rooney Story 5 Sep - Rooneymania seems to be resurging in anticipation of another imminent England appearance for the Wonder Kid, so this new book hardly comes as a surprise, so early in the lad's still embryonic career. Authors Harry Harris and Danny Fullbrock have put together 260 pages on our Wayne and his meteoric rise to fame; you can order it from Amazon, but there is no sign of it yet at the online Everton Megastore... The Scottish Rooney? 2 Sep - According to former Motherwell player Greg Strong, the arrival of prodigious talent James McFadden at Goodison will make Everton one of the most watched sides in the Premiership in years to come. According to Strong and other commentators north of the Border, the 20 year-old is Scotland's answer to Wayne Rooney and David Moyes has effected a major coup by bringing to two together in such dramatic fashion — apparently the £1.25m deal was concluded just 15 minutes before the transfer deadline and the player himself waived £50,000 to smooth the passage of the transfer. Busy Moyes adds 4 new faces 1 Sep - Francis Jeffers is an Everton player again three years after his controversial departure for Highbury in a £10m move. Although the process began two weeks ago when the two clubs met on the opening day, it took until the last minute for David Moyes's desperation for a striker and Jeffers' aching desire to return to his boyhood club for the transfer to be sorted out. Jeffers joins initially for the remainder of the season at which point Everton can decide to sign him permanently. Also, exciting Scottish attacking midfielder James McFadden joins subject to a medical tomorrow, Kevin Kilbane has been picked up for £1m from Sunderland and Nigel Martyn arrives, as expected, for a nominal fee, believed to be £500,000.
Howard not looking to be boss 30 Sep - In this article in Sunday's Observer, Howard Kendall laments the impatience that surrounds Premiership football these days and explains that he has no interest in being a manager anymore... but he would consider an assistant manager role. Moyes in bouyant mood 29 Sep - David Moyes was obviously very pleased with the Everton team performance on Sunday, and especially the response of Steve Watson. Hattrick Hero 28 Sep - It's been an astonishing 3½ years since we could celebrate an Everton hattrick, and who deserves it more than Steve Watson, whose transition from accomplished defender to lethal striker would appear to be complete. Charlton at Home 27 Sep - Everton will play Charlton Athletic at Goodison Park in the Third Round of the Carling League Cup. The match will be played on or around Wednesday 29 October. Moyes needs a win 26 Sep - The visit of Peter Reid's Leeds side presents another important opportunity for David Moyes to turn the season around, but it seems he won't be relying on Jamie McFadden to do it on Sunday. McFadden: Superb debut 25 Sep - Alan Irvine talks highly of the young Scot's first full match for the Everton first team. I wonder if David Moyes was equally impressed? It's Official: The Peter Clarke Webpage 25 Sep - Peter Clarke is the first Everton player to get his own page on this newish website. But don't click on the Everton Squad link as you won't be too impressed... And if you know your history.. 25 Sep - It's a good quiz question: What was the role of Earlestown in the early history of Everton FC? Money is the lever 23 Sep - Liverpool City Council are using a £30M carrot to persuade both city football clubs to consider sharing Liverpool's planned new stadium. Hope on the horizon 23 Sep - Everton's increasingly dismal start to the season could be reversed soon, following news that Scot Gemmill is finally back in training after tearing a hamstring in pre-season training, Ground-share talks underway 23 Sep - The Official Site reports that representatives of Everton, Liverpool, the city council and the North West Development Agency are holding talks to discuss the possibility of the two clubs building a shared stadium. Moyes: I'm getting sick of it 22 Sep - David Moyes says he is sick of having to give his team a kick in the pants at half time after another dismal first half showing paved the way for defeat at The Riverside yesterday. He has vowed to do something about it. Frustration for Osman 22 Sep - Leon Osman, who has been waiting for his first-team opportunity for months, was set to be handed a starting role against Stockport on Wednesday but will now sit the Cup game out over fears he has a cracked rib. Liverpool will rebuff groundsharing 19 Sep - With Liverpool's plans for a new stadium in an advanced stage, it is claimed that they will be saying no to any consideration of groundsharing with Everton. Wright: Miracle Cure! 19 Sep - Exploratory surgery has shown there appears to be nothing wrong with Richard Wright's knee anyway, so he'll now be resting it for a month. McFadden pleases Moyes 17 Sep - Jamie McFadden's first appearance in an Everton shirt made a good impression on David Moyes, and may have persuaded the manager to consider the young Scot for first-team action sooner rather than later. Simonsen thigh injury 17 Sep - Steve Simonsen is now sidelined with a thigh injury picked up in training, which explains why Iain Turner played for the Reserves last night. Under-17s on a roll 16 Sep - Everton's Under-17 side maintained their excellent winning streak with a fifth successive victory, this time 3-1 at Derby, with goals from Michael Johnson, Andrew Fowler, and Paul Hopkins. Steve Milne was there... McFadden expected to start 16 Sep - Everton Reserves entertain Manchester City at Haig Avenue, Southport, tonight, and Jamie McFadden, the young Scotland star who is "one for the future", is expected to play. The New Duncan Ferguson 16 Sep - David Moyes believes there is a new swagger and determination about the Big Yin, inspired by the arrival of a bit of competition for places upfront. Rooney OK to train 15 Sep - Wayne Rooney will not require a scan on the ankle injury that forced him out of Saturday's game. Boss David Moyes says it is just a sprain and he will monitored during training this week. Niclas still doesn't get it 14 Sep - Niclas Alexandersson registers his unhappiness at not being played by David Moyes, putting it down to the style of play. Yeah: perhaps Moyes prefers good versus bad, Nic. Welcome back, Franny lad 13 Sep - Hopefully, only a few Evertonians still harbour resentment towards a True Blue who suffered more than most under the misguided rule of Smith & Knox. Today, he's back where he belongs. Wise words from the Old Man 12 Sep - Bobby Robson waxes lyrical about our Wayne, giving fullsome praise and a wonderfully accurate rundown of his abilities ahead of Saturday's Goodison clash. The Moyes Revolution 12 Sep - That's the title of a unique personal diary covering every day of the first Moyes season at Everton, compiled painstakingly by Dutch Evertonian, Rob van Dijk. If you are at Goodison tomorrow, pick up a copy for £5 at the When Skies Are Grey stand at St Luke's Church. Alexandersson joins West Ham 11 Sep - Sadly the Swedish midfielder has not been shipped off the wage bill because the move to Upton Park is only on loan initially for just one month but, hopefully, this will be the first step. McFadden joins "cheat" row 11 Sep - New Blue recruit James McFadden has joined international team-mate Christian Dailly in branding the Germans as cheats for diving during yesterday's Euro 2004 Qualifier which Rudi Voeller's team won 2-1. Rooney needs a media persona 11 Sep - Okay, so we may have been guilty of provocation regarding yesterday's Telegraph article about Wayne Rooney. Richard Ewart responds with a the viewpoint of an eminently sensible journalist. Ferguson staying put 11 Sep - Joe Royle's attempt to get Duncan Ferguson in on loan at Ipswich Town has failed after his request was turned down by Everton. Non-speaking role 10 Sep - Only in the Telegraph would they make such a fuss about the protection Wayne Rooney is getting from the media... Irish honours even 9 Sep - Kevin Kilbane again played well for his country in a 2-2 draw with Turkey. Ireland's last-minute equalizer was scored by someone called Richard Dunne. Aston Villa Res 6 - 2 Everton Res 9 Sep - Without Duncan Ferguson, Everton Reserves fell apart in the second half at Aston Villa tonight. Steve Simonsen started in goal — suggesting that Nigel Martyn could play against Newcastle on Saturday if Richard Wright is still not fit. Chadwick got both consolation goals for Everton. Report form Steve Milne. Big Dunc scores again! 8 Sep - But the opposition is 'only' Rotherham United, who gave some of the Everton squad a run-out in a rearranged practice match behind closed doors at Bellefield today. Dunc got two in a 3-0 win, the other being an own-goal by Branston. Carsley misses Turkey game 7 Sep - Lee Carsely has returned to Everton for more match practice after Ireland's draw with Russia on Saturday. He will now miss the friendly against Turkey on Tuesday, but could be playing for Everton Reserves. Yobo in Power Play 7 Sep - Joseph Yobo is the subject of an interview by Jamie Jackson in The Observer which tracks his origins as a striker in Nigeria, his move to France and his feelings on settling on Merseyside. Other International action 6 Sep - Tobias Linderoth came on for Sweden after 65 mins and soon won a penalty for their 4th goal in a 5-0 romp over San Marino. Carsely and Kilbane played in Ireland's 1-1 draw with Russia at Lansdowne Road. Groundshare? 6 Sep - The previously untenable idea of Everton and Liverpool sharing a ground has been highlighted by accountants PKF and the NWDA. Rotherham game postponed 5 Sep - The behind-closed-doors friendly was put off until Monday after the Rotherham team coach was stuck in heavy traffic on the M62 yesterday due to a massive lorry fire. Alan Harper 5 Sep - We still have no idea why Alan Harper left Everton abruptly last Friday "by mutual consent", having only recently taken up coaching the Under-19s. Neil Dewsnip took his place in charge of the team for a game at Leeds today, that ended one apiece. Steve Milne reports. England Under-21s held 5 Sep - Francis Jeffers and Peter Clarke played in England U-21's disappointing 1-1 draw in Macedonia. Tony Hibbert was on the bench. Man charged in blackmail scandal 4 Sep - John Hyland of Woolton has been charged with attempting to blackmail the agent of Wayne Rooney, Paul Stretford. The Sports Interactive supremo received death threats but none were made against Rooney or his family. Player of the Month 3 Sep - The first ToffeeWeb PotM vote of the season is now open. Who, in your opinion, was the pick of the bunch over the first four games? Vote now! Inspiration or Desparation? 3 Sep - So much has been written and discussed about Everton's stunning burst of activity in the transfer market... well, here are some more thoughts from fan and match-reporter, Julian Cashen. Moyes lines Davis up for the New Year 2 Sep - David Moyes has confirmed that he wants to sign Sean Davis at the 'earliest opportunity', which will be January when the transfer window opens again. A knee ligament injury scuppered his move a fortnight ago but the midfielder remains Moyes's top transfer target. Everton Res 5-0 Wolves Res 2 Sep - Duncan Ferguson scored a brace for the Everton second string who steamrollered Wolves 5-0 at Haig Avenue. Patrizio Pascucci also found the net on his reserve team debut, while Sean O'Hanlon and Nick Chadwick grabbed the other two. Report from Steve Milne 'Closed doors' friendly arranged 2 Sep - With the international break forcing the Blues to be out of action for two weeks, a friendly has been arranged with Rotherham to be played at Bellefield on Thursday. Pembridge joins Fulham 1 Sep - Mark Pembridge has signed for Fulham in a £500,000 deal that could rise to £750,000 depending on appearances. The 33 year-old's contract was up next June so this is good business for Everton. Looking on the bright side 1 Sep - In the Independent, Brian Viner has some twisted logic that actually makes it a good thing we didn't win on Saturday!
'Standing still means going backwards' 31 Aug - In an interview in The People this weekend, David Moyes talks about his surprise at the overwhleming attention directed at Wayne Rooney, his acceptance that his second full season in charge is going to be difficult for both him and The Boy, and his expectations for the season ahead. Acknowledging that he might have to do it all again with the same squad, he nevertheless anticipates improving on 7th place. It serves as another reminder that Moyes is Everton's most precious asset and he should be backed to the hilt. Sheer misery 30 Aug - In the battle of the haves and the have-nots, Everton's recent derby struggles continued as they were torn apart by the horrible red hordes. Michael Owen scored twice either side of half time after a series of chances for Tomasz Radzinski went begging, and Harry Kewell capitalised on more defensive calamities with ten minutes to go to make it 3-0. Everton, suffering badly from a lack of quality on the day, had never lost four consecutive home derbies; in their 125th anniversary season, they have now. Report from Julian Cashen Moyes lodges Ferguson bid 27 Aug - Everton have announced that they have made a formal bid for Rangers' midfielder Barry Ferguson after Blackburn Rovers apparently ended their interest in the player. Contrary to reports that David Moyes's interest in him had been scuppered by Bill Kenwright, it looks as though the club will make a last-ditch attempt to bring in a dynamic midfielder before Sunday's transfer deadline with a £6m offer. Is he worth it? Vote now. Rooney cracker earns a point 26 Aug - Another wonderful goal by Wayne Rooney salvaged a draw for Everton after indiscipline at the back resulted in two goals by Jason Euell from the spot and threatened to condemn the Blues to a second defeat in the Capital. After Unsworth had brought Parker down in the area, Watson chipped Dean Kiely to make it 1-1 almost immediately. The second half was barely underway when Yobo caught Hreidersson for Charlton's second penalty. Midway through the half, though, it was wonderful control by Rooney and a blistering shot that levelled the scores once more. Moyes won't take a risk on Davis 25 Aug - Sean Davis's much-publicised move to Everton is off after the midfielder failed the second part of a stringent medical today. The 23 year-old was set for a £5.2m transfer from Fulham before the transfer deadline but Everton's medical team were not convinced the player would be fit enough to justify signing him before 31st August, when the domestic transfer window closes until January. The anticipated termination of the move comes amid furious speculation that Moyes has turned his attention to Rangers' Barry Ferguson. The Space Jam Effect 25 Aug - It is strange to consider that so few players who leave Everton ever go on to achieve much for thier new clubs, and often seem to enter a downward spiral to footbnall oblivion after, in some cases, being Players of the Year at Goodison. Andy McNabb thinks there may be something in this Space Jam thing; Smith & Knox clearly had a way of sucking the talent out of their players... Moyes's Boys off to a flyer at Goodison 23 Aug - Everton stormed to a magnificent 3-0 lead in the first home game of the season and although they took their foot off the pedal in the second half it was an impressive first win. After David Unsworth almost scored an own goal, Gary Naysmith latched onto a loose ball 20 yards out and lashed it into the net to score the Blues' first home goal of the campaign. Then, after 20 minutes a great move ended with Unsworth... goal, in the same corner of the net as Naysmith. Alan Stubbs rattled the post with a typical piledriver from a free kick before Steve Watson slotted home number three. The sizeable lead wasn't enough for Moyes to give Osman a run out and Barry Hayles pulled one back for visitors. No Plan 'B' 20 Aug - Everton have announced that they have shelved plans for a new stadium following the failure of the Kings Dock bid. Head of Communications, Ian Ross, said that while the club will continue to assess potential sites for a future move, efforts to find a new home for the club have been called off indefinitely. The news comes in spite of Bill Kenwright's assurances that a back-up plan was in place and that the cash for the construction of the new ground was 'ring-fenced' — the latter begs the question why, if those those monies exist, can't they be given to David Moyes's transfer kitty instead! Observatory Suite at The Valley 20 Aug - We have tickets available for an Everton FC hospitality event at the Observatory Suite during next week's game at The Valley. Club executives see this as an opportunity to network with ESCLA members, London-based fans, and potential club sponsors. The package includes:
The price is £125 — including drinks! If you are interested, please complete our feedback form with your name and e.mail address by clicking on the above link. Michael Ball — Boy Blue 18 Aug - This interview with Michael Ball from yesterday's Sunday Times makes for compulsive if distressing reading. Confirming some of the worst practices that went on at Everton under the Smith & Knox regime, it shows how close Michael Ball came to having his career ended by pain-killing injections administered directly into the troublesome knee tendon that caused him problems in training. What a Waste of Money 17 Aug - No, for once, its's not another rant from Colm Kavanagh: this litany of Big Dunc's failures comes courtesy of Jamie Jackson at The Observer. He has picked up on the resentment many now feel towards the Big Mistake, as a mysterious "Everton insider" spills the beans on how the giant swaggering pigeon-fancier is viewed inside the hallowed hallways of Goodison Park... Size of Moyes's task starkly illustrated 15 Aug - The size of the task that David Moyes faces as he bids to elevate his side to European contenders was cruelly illustrated as 10-man Arsenal easily overcame a lacklustre Everton. Sol Campbell's 24th minute red card signalled the end of Everton's slender superiority and stung Arsene Wenger's side into action. They were ahead within 10 minutes thanks to Thierry Henri's penalty for an Alan Stubbs handball, and Robert Pires tucked home the Gunners' second in the 57th minute after Richard Wright had made a double-save. Tomasz Radzinski smashed home with 7 minutes to go to set up a grandstand finish but it never came. Instead, Li Tie was sent off for an innocuous second yellow card as the Blues struggled to match their expensive opponents. Fulham accept Davis bids 14 Aug - Fulham have announced that they have had two offers for midfielder Sean Davis that are acceptable, one from Everton and one from Middlesbrough. The London club stated that they would give Davis permission to speak to David Moyes and Steve McClaren only after they have completed the signing of his replacement, Claudio Reyna, from Sunderland. Davis, who it is believed would favour a move to Goodison over The Riverside, is carrying an injury picked up in pre-season training so the delay will not unduly affect Everton's preparations for the match-up with Arsenal on Saturday. Gearing up for the big kick off 12 Aug - With the 2003/04 season just days away, we at ToffeeWeb have a few things to get you in the mood for the big kick off. In association with 4thegame.com, we're now offering Everton text alerts for your mobile phone so you can keep up with the latest scores on matchday no matter where you are. It's also a great time to have a flutter on Blues' title chances at BlueSq — sign up and you get a free £10 bet. Just click on the ad on the right of the page to get started. Finally, as well as regular Viewpoint articles, there is now a ToffeeWebLog that is updated every day or so with the inane ramblings of the Webmaster. Can you hear me now? 11 Aug - Leon Osman continues to knock loudly at the first team door after grabbing a hat-trick in the Reserves' season opener at Bolton. The 21 year-old picked up where he left off last season and guided the Blues to a handsome 4-1 win. Andy Holden fielded a strong line-up that included Kevin McLeod, Niclas Alexandersson and Lee Carsley; reported new Youth Academy signing Patrizio Pascucci didn't end up playing. Alan Moogan was the other Everton scorer while Derek Niven was on target for Wanderers. Report by Steve Milne. Campbell out for a month 11 Aug - Kevin Campbell's hamstring injury will put him out of action for a month, just as the season is about to kick off. The blow plunges Everton into an injury crisis for the beleaguered strikeforce, with Wayne Rooney only on the verge of being match fit, and Duncan Ferguson suspended for three matches after his stupid elbowing against Villa. But David Moyes is at least expected to make his first new signing of the season: Patrizio Pascucci, the 17-year-old Italian trialist from Lazio who was deemed to be not good enough a month ago, will be given a two-year deal. Everton 3 - 0 Bologna 10 Aug - After Bologna's arrival from Italy was delayed by technical difficulities with their plane, and the kick-off was put back to 5pm, Everton got off to a good start with Radzinski netting after 19 mins. But Campbell was withdrawn after just 11 mins, giving Chadwick a chance to impress, which he did with a well-created second goal. Pembridge added a third five minutes into the second half, in front of a rather poor crowd of just 13,624. Treading Water 9 Aug - With virtually no money to spend and a domestic transfer market that remains over-priced, David Moyes has been unable to bring in any new faces this summer to build on last season's success. That surely means that consolidation in the top half of the Premiership will remain the primary focus in the club's 125th Anniversary season while we all secretly hope that the young guns for whom we've been clamouring for the past year can light a fire under a pedestrian midfield and inspire us to another unlikely challenge for European qualification. Lyndon Lloyd takes a look at the prospects for the new season in his annual preview. Young guns stake their claim 8 Aug - Nick Chadwick and Leon Osman found the form that pushed them to the brink of the first team at the end of last season as they scored the goals in an Everton XI's 3-1 win over League of Wales side TNS. Chadwick grabbed the first two goals and Osman made the game safe with the Blues' third, while Richard Wright came through his first 90 minutes unscathed after recovering from a shoulder injury. All three should be in contention for a place in the squad to face Arsenal next weekend. Show me the Money! 7 Aug - No, this is (thankfully) not another knee-jerk plea for action from the Everton Board on behalf of David Moyes... Peter Fearon instead is responding to the idea floated earlier this week that fans should cough up £1,000 each into a new transfer fund for the Club. Peter asks a lot of good questions and puts up four ideas for sustained improvement in the Club's revenue streams. The White Pele 6 Aug - Forget the doom and gloom of some meaningless pre-season losses... Instead, spend five minutes reading this superb piece prepared by Jon Gard as a record of some brief moments he spent talking to Colin Harvey. This man is Everton to the core. It's his testimonial on Sunday, against Bologna at Goodison Park. What better way to salute a humble king amongst Everton legends than getting yourself there and saying your thanks in person to the White Pele. Roda JC 2 - 0 Everton 5 Aug - A number of players were missing from the Everton squad playing Roda JC tonight in Holland but, nevertheless, many players who you would expect to be first choice on August 16th turned out in a 2-0 defeat. Radzinski and Campbell drew another blank up front while Moyes made good use of his substitutes, but couldn't prevent a third successive friendly loss. First-half goals by Soetaers and Cristiano were enough for the Dutch hosts. FERGUSON SCORES! 4 Aug - Defying speculation that such events were extinct by virtue of their extreme rarity, Duncan Ferguson has scored the opening goal for an Everton XI that beat Southport in a Liverpool Senior Cup tie at Haig Avenue tonight. The other goal was scored by Nick Chadwick, who was later substituted by Italian man of mystery (as in "Why is he still playing for us?"), Patrizio Pascucci. Everton now progress to the semi-final stage. Click headline for a report by Steve Milne. Does Moyes need some extra backing? 3 Aug - Patrick Hart summarizes the thinking that is backing up an increasing feeling of frustration amongst Evertonians as each week passes without significant progress on team strengthening. Yet it was David Moyes himself who said this just two short months ago: “We don’t have many players out of contract, which means they’ll be staying at the club. We’ll work with them as much as we did do last year and hopefully get the best out of them. "A lot of them showed what they were capable of last season. "It's going to be difficult to match our finish next season. Most people would think it is going to be tough but that is our objective. No squad has improved as much as we have in one season and our next job is to get even higher. But there is no reason why we can't do that.” Preston NE 1 - 0 Everton 2 Aug - Will David Moyes be worrying about another disappointing friendly defeat (evidently, yes), close on the heels of the poor display at Dundee United midweek, despite the manager selecting a fairly strong line-up to face his old club Preston North End today? Kevin Campbell partnered Tomasz Radzinski up front, Li Tie got another run-out in midfield despite being no closer to becoming a permanent signing, and Steve Simonsen was between the posts but they could not stop the home side getting the plaudits thanks to a scrambled goal by Richard Cresswell just after half-time. Moyes threatens to gets tough 1 Aug - David Moyes was none too pleased with the performance of some of his players in the lacklustre loss to Dundee United at Tannadice on Wednesday. He says that some players "ruled themselves out" of tomorrow's game at his old club, Preston. Pre-season games — results don't matter? But the way you play obviously does!
Martyn on board 31 Aug - Bill Kenwright promised money would be spent before tomorrow's deadline so you can't accuse him of lying now that an astounding £500,000 will be spent on 37-year-old goalkeeper, Nigel Martyn (subject to a medical). Questions will be asked whether spending the cash outweighs the usefulness of Steve Simonsen... Moyes confirms Carew interest 29 Aug - Everton have confirmed that they are interested in Valencia's towering striker, John Carew, who is also a target of Rangers. David Moyes has until 5pm on Monday to bring in the new faces he is searching for. Gerrard heads to Bramall Lane 29 Aug - Paul Gerrard has joined Sheffield United on a three-month loan after falling to third in the pecking order at Goodison Park. Rooney targeted by refs? 27 Aug - David Moyes plans to complain to the FA's chief ref, Philip Don, about the way referees are picking on The Boy — booked in two out of three games so far... Trialist heads to Goodison 27 Aug - It seems as though Rennes midfielder Philippe Delaye has been on trial at Blackburn this week and he's now on his way to Bellefield after Graeme Sounness decided not to persue his interest. Youth teams start with wins 23 Aug - Everton's youth teams started with wins against their respectieve opponents from Aston Villa, 3-1 to the Under-17s, and 1-0 for the Under-19s. Bellefield replacement by 2006 21 Aug - Knowlsey planning officers have recommended that plans for Everton's new soccer academy in Halewood be approved next week, subject to Everton adopting an emergency plan in the event of leaks from a chemical plant next door. Everton hope to start in 2004 and finish by the summer of 2006 "at the very latest." Gravesen has 'outside chance' 20 Aug - Thomas Gravesen has an outside chance of being fit for Saturday despite picking up a knee injury in Denmark's 1-1 draw with Finland. (Will we see Leon Osman against Fulham if he doesn't make it then?). Elsewhere, Tobias Linderoth was sent off as Sweden crashed 2-1 at home to Greece. Pembridge and Naysmith were in action for Wales and Scotland, respectively. Everton Res 2 - 4 Newcastle Res 20 Aug - Wayne Rooney scored his first ever goals for Everton Reserves (yes, hard to believe, but true nonetheless) but could not prevent an adverse scoreline against the Barcodes in the first reserves game at Haig Avenue. Manchester City game on PPV 20 Aug - The home game against Kevin Keegan's Manchester City originally scheduled for 6th December has been put back to Sunday the 7th at 2pm for live screening on Premiership Plus. Davis talks delayed again 20 Aug - Claudio Reyna's demands for a pay-off from Sunderland are delaying his move to Fulham, with obvious consequences for the Sean Davis deal. It actually suits Everton who want to spin things out as late as possible so that the injured midfielder can pass his medical. Boomerang is back 19 Aug - Alex Nyarko is on his way back from China after failing to agree terms for a loan deal before their transfer deadline tomorrow. And Moyes is not happy that he took 2 weeks out there, wasting time that could have been used to hawk him around to other potential suitors. Davis situation close to resolution 19 Aug - According to the Echo, Everton's Head of Communications, Ian Ross, says that the Sean Davis deal will be "cut and dried one way or the other within the next 36 hours" after Claudio Reyna's tax issues were apparently resolved and his move to Fulham all but tied up. Rooney set for Reserves run-out 19 Aug - Wayne Rooney will be named in the team for Everton Reserves' home game against Newcastle United on Wednesday as he bids to build up his match fitness after an injury layoff. McLeod signs for QPR 18 Aug - In a definite "Moyes knows best" move, Kevin McLeod has been allowed to join QPR for £250,000. Let's hope the money is used for someone who will improve the midfield. 24-hours to decide 17 Aug - Alex Nyarko is close to a decison on a loan spell with a club in the Far East... but only until December. Blues draw Stockport at home 16 Aug - Everton will play Stockport County at Goodison Park in the second round of the Carling League Cup. The tie will be played the week commencing 23rd September. McLeod set for QPR 15 Aug - Fans hoping that Kevin McLeod could provide some much-needed width to the Everton team this season will have to pin their hopes on McManaman after the club accepted a £300,000 offer for the 22 year-old from QPR. McLeod is in London today discussing personal terms. Li Tie for free? 15 Aug - This story from China Daily sheds some more interesting light on the make-up of the complex deal that enabled Li Tie's career to continue at Everton. Moyes admits Jeffers interest 15 Aug - David Moyes admits on the Official Site that Francis Jeffers is a player he would consider bringing back to Goodison Park to address the current striker shortage and speculation is rife that he will approach Arsenal with a proposal of a one-year loan with a view to a permanent deal next summer. Moyes aims high 14 Aug - "My aim is to win the championship with Everton, there is no point in going into a new season saying you would be happy with 10th place or something like that." Read the full interview at TheFA.com. Chapuis turns up, sods off 14 Aug - According to Everton, Marseille striker Cyril Chapuis arrived at Goodison Park this morning but immediately informed the club that he didn't want to go through with his trial after all. Pre-Season in Samoa? 14 Aug - David Brand, the English-born head of the Samoa Football Federation, has said that Everton are negotiating a partnership with the Pacific island nation with the aim of developing the game there. Another Davis bid rejected 13 Aug - Everton have had another bid for Sean Davis — it looks a lot like the first — rejected as Fulham want to play chicken with the transfer deadline... Arsenal game on beam-back to GP 12 Aug - Everton's season-opener against Arsenal is going to be beamed back to the Jumbotron at Goodison Park on Saturday. Entrance is £5 for kids, £10 for adults — apologies for the erroneous prices we posted yesterday. Gemmill out for Six Weeks! 12 Aug - Scot Gemmill has torn a thigh muscle in training and is set to miss the first six weeks of the season. Li Tie finally signs 12 Aug - A complex deal for the signature of Li Tie on a three-year contract has finally been concluded by Everton, after months of negotiations that included a Chinese real estate company loaning money to the Club! Rooney passes his driving test 11 Aug - As if David Moyes needed more worries for The Boy's safety, Wayne Rooney has just passed his driving test and got his first set of wheels, a Ford Sportka, presumably through some partnership with the car-makers — his manager would no doubt prefer him to drive something a little more solid. Campbell a doubt for season opener 10 Aug - Kevin Campbell will have a scan on the hamstring he damaged just 11 minutes into the friendly against Bologna to determine the extent of the injury. He will surely be doubtful for next weekend's trip to Arsenal. Jeffers sees Red 10 Aug - Changing the name from Charity Shield seems to have had an impact on Franny Jeffers, who saw red when he kicked out at Philip Neville in today's Community Shield game that Manchester United eventually won on penalties. Nigeria insist on Yobo 8 Aug - Nigeria are expected to insist on the presence of Joseph Yobo in their squad to play a friendly against Japan just four days into the new season. David Moyes is not happy... Injured duo continue their recovery 8 Aug - Wayne Rooney has been given the go-ahead to resume full training as he bids to be fit in time for next Saturday's season opener at Highbury. Meanwhile, Richard Wright has been named in the reserves squad for tonight's friendly against Welsh league side TNS. Marquee de stade 7 Aug - Everton have been given permission to erect a marquee outside Goodison Park near the Dixie Dean statue where they will offer VIP packages on matchdays in an effort to raise further revenue. Carney with the Latics 7 Aug - After being released by Everton at the end of last season, Australian youngster David Carney is training with Oldham Athletic. Moyes expresses goalie frustration 6 Aug - David Moyes is unhappy that both Paul Gerrard and Steve Simonsen have failed to impress him so far... Borrows a bit bitter 5 Aug - David Burrows, once of Everton, belies his Liverpool origins with a right old moan at the state of football as retires from the game. Fox Sports schedule Arsenal game 1 Aug - US-based Blues will get the chance to see the thus-far unchanged Everton take on the similarly transfer-shy Arsenal at Highbury on 16th August. The match will be screened "as live" at 12pm ET / 9am PT on Fox Sports World; coverage in Canada for 12:30pm is yet to be confirmed. Don't Panic... DON'T PANIC 1 Aug - Steve Watson does a fine job of convincing everyone at the Daily Post that there is no need to panic over Everton's lacklustre pre-season form and the absence of any new faces. All very reassuring...
Get rid of these ads and support ToffeeWeb
Bet on Everton and get a deposit bonus with bet365 at TheFreeBetGuide.com
View full table
We use cookies to enhance your experience on ToffeeWeb and to enable certain features. By using the website you are consenting to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.