Season 2004-05
News Headlines & Features
If you know yer history... 31 Aug - In case you may have forgotten what has been said in the past about selling Rooney, here are a few stories archived at the Official Everton Website that may help you remember:
And the worst of it is we have been told Wayne Rooney wanted out SIX MONTHS ago. It has taken that long for the spin to be spun. We shall not forget. Rooney gone in £27m deal 31 Aug - Wayne Rooney is no longer an Everton player after it was confirmed that the 18 year-old star, on whose shoulders rested the Blues' hopes for a brighter future, has signed for Manchester United for £20m, rising to a potential £29.85m based on a complicated bonus structure that essentially means Everton need United to be successful in order to reap the maximum return. The transfer, which involves Rooney signing a six-year contract, had effectively been sealed earlier in the day with an announcement by United to the Stock Exchange that an "outline agreement" was in place between the two clubs. All that remained was for both parties to hammer out a final fee and the payment terms, which are believed to be £10m up front, £10m due in August 2005, and £8.5m dependent on appearances and the player's tenure with the club beyond August 2007. How on earth do we get used to seeing "Our Kid' in Manchester red? Determined point at Cold Trafford 30 Aug - With Weir replacing the injured Yobo, Everton started the game in great spirit, determined to atone for a miserable record against Manchester United in the Premiership. Tim Cahill finally made his Blues debut after finishing a 3-game suspension and was pivotal in an excellent first-half display from the Blues. Some great moves created wonderful chances for Cahill and Osman but no goals at the break. Everton were under a lot of pressure in the second half, and denied a clear-cut penalty when Sylvestre handled. But they played a superb shut-out game and really could have scored a winner to compliment this great performance. Reports by Lyndon Lloyd and Paul Traill Blues fans hit out 29 Aug - As the Rooney saga drags on with more mis-information, innuendo, press speculation and statements from those involved, the fans have their say. See also our MailBag special.
So what really is the Truth? 29 Aug - The 'Truth' has been bandied around by supporters, by the Club, and now by Wayne Rooney himself... But what really is the truth behind the impending loss of the greatest young Everton talent that long-suffering Evertonians have seen for many a long year? This contribution came to us from one of the many 'sources' close to the action who seem to be only too willing to give their take on what is rally happening inside our Club. We cannot vouch for it's veracity. Reader responses Osman provides the perfect distraction 28 Aug - Everton dispelled the Wayne Rooney controversy from their minds — albeit briefly; news broke at the final whistle that Manchester United have lodged a new offer — with a determined performance and a second successive victory. Leon Osman gave them a tremendous start inside three minutes when Kevin Kilbane flicked on a Thomas Gravesen throw and the diminutive midfielder popped up to head home to make it 1-0. But the Baggies were level within four minutes when Scott Dobie headed past Nigel Martyn from Jonathan Greening's corner kick. Osman notched his second through midway through the second half when he got his head on a Lee Carsley free kick to restore the Blues' lead. Report from Jonathan Martin Rooney requests transfer from Goodison 27 Aug - As expected, Wayne Rooney has handed Everton a written transfer request, partially confirming strong rumours that he will sign for Manchester United for £24m, with perhaps David Bellion thrown as well, before Tuesday's transfer deadline. In an accompanying statement, Rooney parrots the pundits who cite the "need" to be playing regularly in Europe, and he hopes Everton fans will understand his decision. His decision to quit Goodison comes a day after a blazing training-ground row with David Moyes and arrives against the backdrop of furious allegations by supporters that the malicious influence of his agent, Paul Stretford, has the 18 year-old believing, incorrectly, that his manager and chairman want to sell him. Divide and Conquer 26 Aug - As Evertonians brace themselves for the imminent departure of Wayne Rooney, there is growing anger among the fans at the machinations that have been in place since the lad turned 17 and signed on with Paul Stretford's ProActive agency. While Rooney has been silent on anything to do with Everton this summer and has refusal to respond publicly to the contract offer, forces have been at work driving a wedge between him and his family, his fiancée, and the fans who took him to their hearts. Also, fans' Despair and Disillusionment. United offer sparks potential bidding war 25 Aug - Manchester United have, as expected, joined the race to sign Wayne Rooney by lodging a bid of £20M for the 18 year-old just hours after Newcastle United, who never negotiate transfer fees, upped their bid to £22M. Both are still well short of Everton's asking price for the club's best ever prospect and Moyes is still insisting on full price, but while a bidding war will help, a final deal somewhat below his £30M price-tag seems increasingly likely. Everton are resigned to selling Rooney before Tuesday's transfer deadline after he declined to sign the £50k/wk contract that has been on the table for weeks, citing the tabloid rubbish as one reason why he thinks his future lies elsewhere. Meanwhile, amongst the fans, rationalization... Russian denial has investors back-pedalling 23 Aug - A spokesman for Boris Zingarevich has issued a statement denying that either the Russian paper and pulp tycoon or his son, Anton, have any intention of investing in Everton FC. The spokesman for IPE speaking on behalf of Zingarevich Sr said that Anton had no capital invested in Fortress Sports Fund which had fund chairman Chris Samuelson appearing to back-track: "The fund has every intention of continuing with the investment," he is quoted in the Moscow Times. "We have a number of substantial investors. We would hope that Anton Zingarevich can remain assisting the fund as a manager. He is very knowledgeable." Board meeting postponed at Gregg's request 23 Aug - The Everton Board have delayed the announcement of their decision on the proposed £20M investment after Paul Gregg requested to scrutinise the details and meet with the potential new directors. Increasingly solid speculation is rife that the mystery backer is Anton Zingarevich, the English-educated son of Boris, a paper and pulp tycoon who was revealed as the primary investor in the Sunday Times, later to be refuted by the club. The Moscow Times reports that Fortress Sports Fund, of which Anton was founder, will provide £5M up front for players this week, then £15M next month to total a 40% stake in the club. Early fan reaction Blues win away at the first attempt 21 Aug - Thomas Gravesen was the architect of Everton's first away win since December last year — and their first victory since April — as they ran out 3-1 winners at newly-promoted Palace. The home side went ahead as early as the 9th minute when Hudson headed home from 6 yards out. Stubbs cleared off the line from Freedman before the Blues drew level: Campbell was felled in the area and Gravesen fired home from the spot. Just after the hour mark, the Dane bent a brilliantly-executed shot past Speroni to give Everton the lead and although Naysmith received his marching orders with 20 minutes left, Bent raced clear and beat the 'keeper to score his first goal with less than 10 mins to go. Match Report by Julian Cashen. David Moyes and the art of... 19 Aug - An in-depth analysis of what it takes to be a football manager in the modern game, and how well David Moyes fulfils those requirements. That's the premise of this extensive three-part discussion prepared for us by Rob Fox. Part Two deals with the manager's skills as revealed during the 2002-03 season, when his team is widely believed to have "over-performed'. Part Three analyzes the debacle of last season, from which the manager seems to escape scot-free, with his reputation intact as he fights to drag Everton up by the bootstraps. Everton revert to type? 15 Aug - The problems hampering David Moyes were laid bare at Goodison Park today as they were ripped apart by the Champions. Offering little in attack, the Blues put up some scrappy defence against the flowing Gunners until 23 mins when Henry and Reyes broke superbly to set up Bergkamp who picked his spot for the opener. A totally unmarked Reyes then stooped to head home number two before half-time. Hibbert and Bent came on at half-time but they couldn't prevent Arsenal from going three up through Ljungberg as the defence was embarrassed again. Carlsey grabbed a consolation following a truly stunning interchange with Gravesen but Pires came on to underline the Champions' classy superiority with a fourth before the oh-so-predictable end. Kenwright turns the tables 14 Aug - Just when it looked as though his stock with the Everton fanbase had reached its nadir, Bill Kenwright appears to have come up with an investment package that will pump £20m into the club's coffers. Is it just more smoke and mirrors designed to buy more time for the much-criticized Chairman or was his protracted media silence covering a diligent search for a consortium of his own that will preserve True Blue Holdings, albeit much diluted, and ease the club's most pressing debt? Only time will tell. Kenwright realises £20m investment 13 Aug - Bill Kenwright has announced via the official site that he can provide £20m of investment in Everton Football Club via a new share issue. The statement on the eve of the new season claims that the club's bankers have seen evidence of the availability of the funds and that due diligence will be begin on Monday, August 16th, to be completed within a week. Paul Gregg has welcomed the new constitution of True Blue shares but whether or not his investors (specifically Lord Grantchester) will still come on board remains to be seen. Surely that would be too good to be true!? Join the ToffeeWeb Super League 12 Aug - The 2004/05 Season kicks off in just a few days and what better way to make things a little more interesting than by entering the Telegraph Fantasy Football Challenge where ToffeeWeb is the exclusive representative for Everton fans? Join the ToffeeWeb Super League and compete with fellow Blues, 19 other Premiership fan sites in the Fanzine Challenge, and, of course, in the main competition for top prizes. It costs just £6 to enter and all the details can be found here. Moyes to secure Colin deal? 12 Aug - Following reports that he was spotted in Belgrade last night watching PSV Eindhoven take on Crvena Zvezda, David Moyes looks set to capture 23 year-old Jurgen Colin on a 12-month loan. The Dutch full back who has made over 100 appearances for PSV (although he was omitted from last night's squad) is due to fly in for talks this evening and the club are hopeful of registering him before the deadline of noon tomorrow to make him eligible for Sunday's season opener against Arsenal. The Real Thing 11 Aug - As we approach the new season with a gnawing sense of dread, ToffeeWeb columnist Nick Armitage takes aim at the feuding Board for its gross incompetence and its culpability in the thread-bare state of David Moyes's squad. However, he also offers some crumbs of comfort: "Not all squads have the future captain of Nigeria... the best 'keeper in England... the best young player in England... and Scotland." Most of all, Everton have Moyes himself, and that could make all the difference. 21 Days to Save Your Investment 10 Aug - Fans Comment: While most of our rivals in the Premiership continue to strengthen their squads ahead of this weekend's big kick off, the deadlock at Goodison Park drags on with no apparent resolution on the horizon. Phil Roberts addresses an open letter to Paul Gregg and Bill Kenwright warning that if the current situation isn't resolved quickly and doesn't result in immediate funds for David Moyes, they could lose their investment completely with Everton's relegation from the Premiership. [Should True Blue Holdings be dissolved?] Time to defy the odds 9 Aug - With an encouraging pre-season programme behind us the new Premiership season looms ahead with Everton still rocked by the boardroom civil war and hindered by an empty war chest. If the air of new-found unity in the squad is true, however, and Moyes is able to rediscover his motivational magic, the Blues should be fully equipped to beat the drop and, if a certain 18 year-old stays at Goodison, surprise the pundits with a comfortable mid-table finish. Final friendly ends all square 7 Aug - Everton recovered from a 2-0 deficit to end on level terms at 2-2 with Real Sociedad in their final fixture of the pre-season programme. David Moyes went with a line-up that will likely be close to the one he selects against Arsenal next week but the Blues, playing in all black, were 2-0 down after half an hour to goals by Kovacevic and Nihat. However, when Campbell was tripped in the area, Gravesen fired home the resulting spot kick to halve the Spaniards' lead. In the second half, after Real had changed their entire team at the interval, good work by McFadden fed Watson who crossed to Kilbane and he prodded in the equaliser in front of a crowd of 11,000+. Matchday Report from Colm Kavanagh . Role Reversal 6 Aug - As time ticks on towards the start of the season and the transfer window beyond that, the deafening silence from "soundbyte" Bill Kenwright compared to the media posturing of the hitherto silent Paul Gregg represents a role reversal, but also an impasse that isn't getting Everton anywhere. Lyndon Lloyd asks whether we as fans are too busy looking for a saviour and allowing our understandable distrust of Gregg cloud what might be a very real chance to right the ship and finally see the club run as a business. [Reader responses] Gregg hopeful of progress 6 Aug - Paul Gregg held meetings with a number of supporters groups yesterday to hear their concerns and answer questions regarding his proposals for taking Everton forward. Insisting that the deadlock at Goodison must be resolved as quickly as possible and restating once more his commitment to the club, Gregg said he was hopeful that progress would be made before the end of the week. He also confirmed that a bid for Michael Carrick had been tabled, although the £2.5m a year it might take to keep him is a little alarming. We're providing links to summaries of the various meetings: Evertonians for Change | Blue Kipper | People's Forum Pt I, Pt II | SFTH | EISA Squad Numbers announced 5 Aug - Most players retain their previous shirt numbers except McFadden (11), Chadwick (19), Osman (21), and Hibbert (22). New players joining the Club are: Bent (7), Cahill (17), and Bosnar (23). In addition, Daniel Fox (32) and Anthony Gerrard (33) are elevated to the first-team squad from Everton's Youth Academy after they were give their first professional contracts in June 2004. Peter Clarke (27) was reportedly released at the end of last season but is apparently playing on a week-to-week basis; Patrizio Pascucci (23 — on trial with Oostende?) and Alan Moogan (33 — released in May but still playing for the Reserves) are no longer named in the squad. Halle Berry is not an Everton fan 4 Aug - In a stunning revelation on prime-time radio, Halle Berry, the gorgeous star of blockbuster smash-hit movie Catwoman, has once and for all definitively scotched our most fondly held belief. [Transcript] "I am not an Everton fan", the svelte long-limbed beauty and one-time Oscar recipient told drooling Everton fans across the nation who had assumed that her Liverpool-born mother may have imbued her with just a drop or two of Royal Blue blood. We shall, of course, be modifying ToffeeWeb's Celebrity Fans list... We're not Sheffield Wednesday... yet! 3 Aug - Everton went on a scoring frenzy at Hillsborough in their penultimate pre-season friendly, this despite having only played Club America two days ago and no doubt suffering jetlag after the trip back from Texas. Leon Osman opened the scoring after just 90 seconds but Wednesday equalised. The Blues then roared to a 4-1 lead with goals from Campbell, McFadden and Watson before Nsungu scored another consolation for the hosts. Kilbane and Watson added two more before Nsungu hit the mark once more to finish the scoring. The confusion deepens again 3 Aug - Lord Grantchester has issued a second statement which appears to clarify his position after it seems the first one he made yesterday may have been misinterpreted. He is quoted as saying, "I welcome the continuation of discussions regarding how I could help with providing long-term stability for EFC. Success is more likely to be achieved through a wider investment group that I understand Paul Gregg is seeking to develop to provide EFC with a sustainable future. However, until such time that the current issues surrounding True Blue Holdings are resolved, it is difficult to see how I could be involved at this stage." Sounds like he is not in bed with either side at this stage as everyone waits for Bill Kenwright to dissolve TBH... Grantchester denies backing Gregg 2 Aug - Sky Sports report that Lord Grantchester has denied Paul Gregg's claim that he is under-writing the director's bid to plough £15m of investment into the club. If true, it would deal a massive blow to Gregg's plans. The Labour Peer is quoted as saying, "It's not the case that I am behind Mr Gregg's proposal to underwrite the club - and I have not seen the proposal." On local radio later today, Gregg admitted that Grantchester is not funding his bid but does agree, as everyone now surely does, that True Blue Holdings must be dissolved before the club can move forward. Everton 1 - 3 Club America 1 Aug - Everton and Club America faced off in the second and final match of the Copa de Tejas and it was the Mexicans who emerged 3-1 victors, winning the tournament in the process. No one's entirely sure why Everton played twice while the Mexican teams didn't play each other at all or why after the Pachuca game we were told the Blues would take the trophy if they avoided defeat by three or more goals, only to be told today's game was suddenly worth six points, but there you go! America went into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals by Torres and Pardo before Marcus Bent got his first pre-season goal to make it 2-1. Valenzuela, however, grabbed a third in the last minute to deny Everton a chance to grab a share of the spoils.
Snippets & Rumours
Woodward, Everton & England? 31 Aug - Reuters is reporting that Sir Clive Woodward, a celebrity Evertonian who wanted to play for Everton when he was a kid, wants to switch from managing England at rugger to managing England at soccer! Clock runs down on transfer hopes 31 Aug - Already reeling from the loss of Wayne Rooney, Everton's fans had to deal with the additional blow of no new faces arriving at Goodison before the transfer deadline. An 11th-hour bid for Porto's Benni McCarthy failed and the Djimi Traoré deal died as well as both their clubs elected to veto the moves. Sunderland's Sean Thornton, Milan Dudic, Dario Simic and Darren Bent all cropped up as rumoured options but as midnight came and went, the silence from Everton was deafening. McFadden not going anywhere 31 Aug - James McFadden is, thankfully, not on his way to Rangers in a loan-cum-permanent move. The Scot confirmed that reports linking him with Ibrox were pure speculation. Paul Gregg, Businessman 31 Aug - In other news, this interesting article from the Financial Times relates much of Gregg's business history and contrasts it with the travails of buying into Everton FC (via TBH). Gravesen going nowhere... yet 31 Aug - Thomas Gravesen's agent, John Sivabaek, has dismissed rumours that he will sign for Aston Villa before today's transfer deadline, insisting his client will stay at Goodison until January at least. Transfers come down to the wire 31 Aug - Just as they did a year ago, Everton's hopes of bringing in new faces will come down to the very last minute as the transfer deadline expires today at 5 p.m. The short-term fate of Wayne Rooney will also be decided, with most speculation pointing to a £26m to Manchester United. Moyes still targeting Traoré 31 Aug - David Moyes reiterated his desire to sign defender Djimi Traoré from Liverpool yesterday but admitted that he didn't know if the move was going to happen because of Rafael Benitez's late intervention and Sammi Hyppia's injury against Bolton yesterday. Rise and Fall of a Blue Hero 30 Aug - As Wayne Rooney's transfer to Manchester United approaches, Oliver Kay in The Times comes close to reflecting some of the sordid history that underlies this very wrong move for the lad who was once such a hero to all Evertonians, but who is now widely reviled by many fans as the spin takes effect. Talking with the Devils 30 Aug - Far from turning down the latest Rooney bid, Everton are, according to The Daily Telegraph, negotiating with Manchester United to set terms for a paltry £25M deal (just half of his original valuation by Moyes and Kenwright) that could see Everton get as little as a paltry £10M in cash up front for the world's best footballing prospect! If this goes through, it will be a massive sellout by Everton, confirming our place as a third-rate nursery club for the big boys now. What a sad, sad day for Everton. The People thicken the plot 29 Aug - In today's edition of The People, Alan Nixon (whom it shouldn't be forgotten is a ProActive shareholder) adds myriad more elements to the already convoluted and confusing Rooney saga, including how Everton apparently broke their contract with the 18 year-old by defaulting on an image rights contract and alleging that Paul Gregg phoned Newcastle on Wednesday to tell them he would help push a £23.5m sale through the Goodison boardroom. Wayne: I know the truth 29 Aug - Wayne Rooney says that he is "disappointed at some of the things Everton have said, especially considering that I know the truth," but so much has been said by the likes of Moyes, Kenwright and Gregg that it's hard to know what specifically he means. Exclusive: Michael Ball to return 28 Aug - ToffeeWeb has learned that Michael Ball will re-sign for Everton tomorrow on a pay-as-you-play contract. The defender left Goodison to join Rangers four years ago but is now surplus to requirements at Ibrox. Kenwright feeling the pressure 28 Aug - As he seeks to bolster the Everton squad with "a number" of new players before the transfer deadline, Chairman Bill Kenwright admits that the pressure at the moment is immense. With Wayne Rooney having handed in a transfer request, he is working to secure the best price possible from interested clubs. United lodge improved bid 28 Aug - As Everton recorded their second win of the season, Manchester United put the focus back on Wayne Rooney with a new offer for the 18 year-old. No details are available except that the bid is more than the £23.5m offered by Newcastle on Thursday. David Moyes has said he is unaware of the new bid. Fans' 'Truth' leaflet hopes 28 Aug - Blues fans from the People's Forum have mobilised behind a poster that they will distribute to the crowd at Goodison today in the hope of staging a half-time protest at the proposed sale of Wayne Rooney. Traoré deal likely to be called off 27 Aug - Everton and Liverpool had agreed a £1.5M fee for Djimi Traoré but a late plea by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez for the defender to stay seems to have stalled the move and it looks as though he will be staying at Anfield for the time being, although this has yet to be officially confirmed. Gregg urges Rooney to stay 27 Aug - Paul Gregg has issued a statement that joins David Moyes in urging Wayne Rooney to ignore outside forces like his agent, honour his contract and remain within the "Everton family." Moyes: Support the boys 27 Aug - No doubt anticipating supporter unrest aimed at the Board during tomorrow's home game with West Bromwich Albion, David Moyes has issued a rallying cry to the fans, asking them to throw 100% of their support behind the players as they aim for a second successive victory. Moyes prepared to veto move 27 Aug - David Moyes will insist on getting the right price for Wayne Rooney or he will block any transfer of the 18 year-old to Manchester United or Newcastle (although that opens up a whole new can of worms whereby he goes head-to-head with the Board). He also insists he hasn't been offered any players in part-exchange and chastised the interested clubs for touting potential players in the media as possible make-weights. Shareholders Association Release 27 Aug - The Everton Shareholders Association have issued a statement prior to next month's EGM and in response to the imminent sale of Wayne Rooney. [Link fixed] Tell The S*n where to stick it 27 Aug - They want your opinion, so give it to them. Cahill raring to go 27 Aug - Tim Cahill is back from the Olympics and can't wait to get started. The small matter of the final game of a three-match suspension keeps him out of contention against West Brom but the chance of making his Blues debut at Old Trafford awaits. TV date for N. America Blues 27 Aug - Everton's trip to Manchester United on Monday, where they haven't won for 12 years, will be shown live in Canada and on 6-hour tape delay in the US. The Blues' clash at Portsmouth on September 26th will be available on PPV in both countries. Other overseas markets will no doubt also be carrying both games; check your local listings. Board secures 'alternative funding' 26 Aug - Everton have announced that David Moyes will have cash to spend ahead of the transfer deadline after the Board secured an interim source of funding, separate from the on-going discussions with Fortress Sports Fund. Everton reject Rooney offers 26 Aug - As expected, Everton have officially rejected the low-ball offers from Newcastle and Manchester United for Wayne Rooney. Newcastle's improved offer is widely reported as being £23.5M — Everton want £30m. Kenwright washes his hands 26 Aug - The latest barrage of soap opera soundbyte bullshit from the Chairman of Everton FC attempts to place the responsibility of Wayne Rooney's impending sale firmly on David Moyes. Well, it won't wash, Billy: he's leaving because you, the man in charge of Everton's shocking decline for the last 4½ years, have personally screwed up this club through your incompetence. We shall not forget... Not everyone agrees: MailBag special Harvey: You don't need to leave 26 Aug - Everton legend and former mentor to Wayne Rooney, Colin Harvey, has urged the 18 year-old not to rush into a decision regarding his future and assures him he doesn't have to leave Goodison so soon to further his career. Blues draw Bristol City trip 25 Aug - Everton will travel to Bristol City, the ground where their last cup-winning campaign began 10 years ago, in the Carling Cup second round. This evening's draw pairs David Moyes's side with one of his former clubs and represents the third meeting between the two teams in the last decade. Unanswered Questions 25 Aug - Frustration is the order of the day for Nick Armitage, who shares with many fans the extremes of depair and angst at the latest twists and turns in the sagas that are tearing Everton apart... Eire call-up for Kilbane 24 Aug - Kevin Kilbane has been called up by Brian Kerr for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus and Switzerland next month. Paving the way for Rooney sale 24 Aug - The latest stage of Paul Stretford's strategy appears to be working — even the Echo are talking up how Rooney now sees his future away from Goodison and that Moyes will accept £30m for the player. We can only hope that the reality is quite different but the rumours are piling up that Wayne's head has been turned and that he wants to leave Merseyside. Gutter press plumbs new depths 24 Aug - You have to admire the incredible hypocrisy of that execrable rag The Sun... er... NOT!!! After crowing about getting Wayne's exclusive "story" of luvy-dovy bliss with Coleen, they build on Rooney's recent belated confession following revelations in the Sunday Mirror by calling him a liar, and revelling in new accusations of sexual exploits with some rather dubious ladies of the night. Nice one, Mr Stretford. D'Urso suspended by League 24 Aug - Controversial referee Andy D'Urso will not be taking charge of Everton's clash with Manchester United next week after he was suspended by the Premier League for failing to send off Blackburn's Barry Ferguson at the weekend despite having shown him two yellow cards during the game. Dermot Gallagher will replace him at Old Trafford next Monday. Rooney bid a Stretford ploy? 24 Aug - Oliver Kay in The Times floats the idea that the £20M offer by Newcastle, who are riddled with Formation Group players and shareholders, was part of a convoluted plot by Paul Stretford, Rooney's... ahem... "advisor," aimed at getting Manchester United's dirty mitts closer to the Everton striker. Newcastle have angrily denied the allegation, but they would either way. Everton reject Rooney bid 23 Aug - Everton have flatly rejected a paltry £20M bid for Wayne Rooney from Newcastle United who are looking to use the cash from the sale of Jonathan Woodgate to buy a long-term replacement for Alan Shearer. Gravesen cites revived spirit 23 Aug - Thomas Gravesen hopes that this weekend's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace will signal the return of the determination and spirit that drove the Blues to 7th place two seasons ago. The enigmatic Dane called on his team-mates to retain that level of performance against West Brom on Saturday. Moyes dismisses Yobo link 23 Aug - David Moyes has quashed speculation linking perennial Premiership nearly-men Newcastle United and their new-found cash with Joseph Yobo. He also reiterated his desire to keep Thomas Gravesen following his display in the 3-1 at Palace. Pulp Fiction? 22 Aug - Everton have issued a statement refuting the reports that Russian pulp and paper magnate Boris Zingarevich is the principal backer behind the proposed £20M investment in the club. But the BBC are now reporting that it's his son, Anton Zingarevich, with the Moscow Times adding a lot more meat on the bones... Board Meeting on Monday 22 Aug - Everton have announced a Board Meeting for Monday, at which it is expected that a decison will be made on the £20M investment promised by Bill Kenwright. But reports that this will be incoming from Russian Boris Zingarevich are labelled 'incorrect' by the Club. Gregg to bury the hatchet? 22 Aug - Paul Gregg is, according the The Independent, ready to call a truce with Bill Kenwright if his £20M investment package comes together. The article doesn't carry any quotes to that effect, however. Russian emerges as investor 22 Aug - If a report in The Sunday Times is true, Bill Kenwright's mystery £20M backer is Boris Zingarevich, a Russian paper and pulp tycoon who, together with his brother Mikhail, is worth over £360M. Best striker never to be capped 22 Aug - The Premiership player to have scored the most goals without earning a full international call-up is Kevin Campbell whose 76 goals put him top of the list of uncapped players. Iraq defeat Australia 21 Aug - Iraq defeated Australia by a solitary goal in the Quarterfinals of the men's Olympic Football in Athens. Everton's Tim Cahill sat out the match on the bench and will now join his new team-mates at Bellefield, although he has one more game of a three-match domestic ban to serve from last season's efforts for Millwall that means he will miss Everton's game against West Brom. Young guns beat Cardiff City 21 Aug - Everton's new Under-18s Youth Academy side won their first league game of the season, away to newcomers Cardiff City, with a goal from Paul Hopkins sealing the points. When skies are grey... 21 Aug - David Moyes is standing up to the challenge, the biggest of his career, while all the pundits are relishing the "told-you-so" certainty of Everton's imminent demise... Running on empty 20 Aug - David Prentice, who is persona non-grata amongst the Everton players after slamming their end-of-season capitulation, takes a pop at the seriously limited resources Andy Holden can call upon for Everton Reserves this season. Van der Meyde says 'no' 20 Aug - Inter Milan's Andy van der Meyde has indicated (through his agent) that he intends to stay in Italy rather than come to Everton. The Blues have not made a formal bid for the player but David Moyes told Sky Sports the Dutchman is one of 50-odd players in whom he has expressed interest. Farrelly gets management job 19 Aug - Gareth Farrelly has been appointed as the new player-manager of eircom League Premier Division side, Bohemians. Yobo injury worry 19 Aug - Joseph Yobo is a doubt for Everton's trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday as fluid on the knee is causing him pain. Moyes expecting new faces 18 Aug - David Moyes says that he hopes to add one or two more new faces to the squad before the August 31st transfer deadline but, just like last year, it might come down to the wire. Due diligence may take longer 18 Aug - Bill Kenwright's new £20M investors are depending on the process of due diligence which is being conducted at Goodison Park prior to the dissolution of True Blue Holdings. However, it is taking longer than expected... Reserves draw again 17 Aug - With Wright, Clarke, Chadwick and Bosmar in the side, Everton Reserves drew their second league match 0-0 against West Brom. Report from Steve Milne. Moyes staying put 17 Aug - It's sad that he has to dignify the fabrication by the "red tops" with a response but David Moyes has once again stated his commitment to Everton in the face of "reports" that he is ready to quit because of the lack of transfer funds available to him. Reds gain with Blue youngster 17 Aug - By way of illustration how difficult it is to make the right decisions about the future potential of youth players, here we have those loveable Reds gloating about Darren Potter, a potential future gem released from the Everton Youth Academy four years ago. Fourth from bottom will do, eh, Kev? 17 Aug - 'Super Kev' (!) reckons fourth from bottom will do?! He must have been smoking something surely. We expect more than that. If that's where you expect us to be 'SuperKev' then leave now and let someone else come in and do a far superior job than you will ever do for us. EFC may stay at Bellefield 17 Aug - More bad news for Everton as it looks like the plan to sell Bellefield as prime housing land may be scuppered by new changes in planning policy. This could prevent Everton going ahead with their plans for a new Youth Academy. Stubbs waits on groin injury 16 Aug - Everton Physio Mick Rathbone has revealed that Alan Stubbs was subbed against Arsenal because he injured his groin stretching for a ball on Sunday. The club will wait for the injury to settle down before evaluating it further. Also, James McFadden took a kick to the calf and Kevin Kilbane required stitches in a small cut on the top of his foot after the game. More to it than the scoreline 16 Aug - ToffeeWeb Editor Michael Kenrick takes a disarmingly positive view of the way Everton played against Arsenal, even though they were ultimately outclassed by some elegantly simple exhibition pieces of goal-scoring football. Southall speaks out 15 Aug - It's unclear how the sensationally overblown title of this story in The People relates to the largely sensible comments Neville Southall has to say about the current state of Everton FC. Moyes will hold on to Wayne 15 Aug - David Moyes states in this BBC piece that he is the decision-maker when it comes to Wayne Rooney's future — and that future is with Everton as he expects Rooney to sign the 5-year deal. Moyes also says that, if Rooney does not sign, he will be required to see out the last two years of this current contract! Hopeful of survival 15 Aug - WSAG Author Mark O'Brien and Everton manager David Moyes talk to The Observer about Everton's limited prospects for the new season. Cahilll on the mark in Athens 14 Aug - Everton new-boy Tim Cahill scored Australia's first goal as they hammered Serbia and Montenegro 5-1 in a Preliminary Group C match at the 2004 Olympics. Fans: TBH should be canned 14 Aug - The voting took place before Kenwright's announcement on 13th August but the overwhelming majority of those who responded feel that True Blue Holdings, the apparent obstacle to Paul Gregg's money men investing in the club, should be dissolved immediately to resolve the boardroom impasse. Colin move off 13 Aug - Jurgen Colin's proposed 12-month loan to Everton has collapsed due to an "unspecified" last minute hitch. Call-ups for Scottish Blues 13 Aug - James McFadden and Gary Naysmith have been called up to the Scottish senior squad for the friendly against Hungary next week, while Iain Turner has been included in the U-21s squad. Frustration and determination 13 Aug - David Moyes has set the tone for the new season with a message of defiance, saying that he will not allow Everton's name to be dragged through the mud anymore. Re-stating his People's Club mantra, the Scot said: "the one thing we can rely on is the supporters." Moyes still interested in Carrick 13 Aug - David Moyes has admitted that he still wants to sign Michael Carrick but only if West Ham lower their asking price. While West Brom have reportedly already agreed a fee with the Hammers and the midfielder has been given permission to discuss terms at the Hawthorns, the Echo suggest that Carrick would prefer to come to Goodison. EGM set for September 9 13 Aug - The Shareholders Association has successfully petitioned an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Everton Board aimed at trying to bring about resolution of the current off-the-field crisis. It'll be a busy night at Goodison Park as the EGM coincides with the Alan Ball Dinner and the evening with Bob Latchford. An Evening with Bob Latchford 12 Aug - The Everton Former Players Foundation present An Evening with Bob Latchford, Thursday 9th September 2004 at the Liverpool Holiday Inn. Tickets are available on 0151 520 2362, priced £50. Who asked you, Judas? 11 Aug - Francis Jeffers is urging Wayne Rooney to follow his example and leave Everton. Right, because it's worked out so well for you, Francis. Remember how desperate you were to return a year ago saying you shouldn't have left in the first place? Li Tie recovery continues 11 Aug - The Chinese midfielder hopes to resume full training in a month as his rehabilitation from a broken shin continues. Bosnar features in Reserves draw 10 Aug - Eddy Bosnar played the full 90 minutes for a young Reserves side in tonight's 0-0 draw at Blackburn Rovers. Previously billed as a full-back, the 6' 3" Australian was employed in central defence alongside Peter Clarke. Report from Steve Milne . Charlton snap up Jeffers 10 Aug - Charlton Athletic, the little club that could, continued their spending spree today with the £2.6m acquisition of former Blue, Francis Jeffers and rumoured Everton target Danny Murphy for £2.5m. Moyes rejects Gravesen bid 10 Aug - David Moyes has rejected out of hand an undisclosed offer from SV Hamburg for Thomas Gravesen. Given the Dane's importance to the Everton midfield, the manager isn't expected to listen to bids lower than £3m. Blues say goodbye to Moore 10 Aug - Eric Moore, who played for the Blues in the 1950s, including the season that ended a brief spell in the Second Division in 1954, was laid to rest in Sutton today. The defender went on to play for Chesterfield and Tranmere after leaving Goodison in 1956. Former Everton player "snapped up" 9 Aug - Scott Brown, one of the 16 players Everton have lost in the last 3 months (funny how the media suddenly dropped that little nugget...) has been snapped up by Bristol City on a three-month contract. Kilbane named in Irish squad 9 Aug - Kevin Kilbane will be in action for the Republic of Ireland three days after Everton's season opener against Arsenal after being named in the squad to play Bulgaria at Lansdowne Road on 18th August. Time, Gentleman... Please! 8 Aug - Andy McNabb considers this analysis of Everton's current resources (and missed players?) to err on the positive side, and thus no doubt counterbalance the cynical realism we are oft accused of (Guilty!) Everton confirm Wyness interest 7 Aug - Bill Kenwright has announced that ex-Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness is likely to be the club's choice to replace Trevor Birch. He said that Wyness had held talks with all three directors and "he is a candidate." It is not known whether Wyness is one of the candidates Paul Gregg alluded to in a fans' group meeting this week. Rooney recovery "on track"? 7 Aug - So, Wayne Rooney sustained his metatarsal injury just over six weeks ago... and, according to Everton's Mike Rathbone, his six-week recovery is bang on track...[Uh?] Yet it will still be another two weeks before he even starts jogging... and the media have suddenly twigged that he probably won't be fit for the first of England's World Cup qualifiers in early September. As they say, Go Figure! Where's the money gone? 6 Aug - It's become a mantra for Everton fans who cannot come to terms with Everton's parlous financial state. For a detailed answer, read Bill Gleeson's analysis in the Daily Post. Enough's Enough 6 Aug - Ian Macdonald has been holding back from entering the fray between his good friend Bill Kenwright, and PR magician Paul Gregg. In this piece, Ian goes over a lot of the ground that lies between the vying factions and is damaging our Club. Gemmill in dream move? 5 Aug - Scot Gemmill has been given a three-month contract at Leicester City — there's confidence for you! Unsworth slams Everton Board 5 Aug - David Unsworth, who left Everton because they could not offer him a 3-year extension to his contract, has some strong words of condemnation for the Everton Board of Directors. Bank getting nervous 5 Aug - Barclays, who provide Everton's overdraft facility, are reportedly concerned about the financial status of the Club as the agreed line is close to being maxed out. Farewell to the Footie Echo 4 Aug - Whatever wonderfully positive spin they are putting on it, the real Football Echo is no more. Since 1888, its primary purpose has been to convey the football results and match reports to Merseyside and beyond almost instantly every Saturday night. But with the continuing demise of the traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off, The Echo has finally pulled the plug. Moyes interested in Carrick 4 Aug - David Moyes has expressed an interest in West Ham's 23-year-old midfielder Michael Carrick but regrets that Everton don't have the money to better a £2.5M bid from Portsmouth that the Hammers rejected. Carter calls for unity 3 Aug - Everton's Life President, Sir Philip Carter has called on the fans to ignore the boardroom shenanigans and focus on events on the pitch. Mr Whippy obviously fails to acknowledge that it's pressure from the supporters that is forcing much-needed change at boardroom level — without it there might not be anything to watch on the pitch next season. Blues complete Bosnar signing 3 Aug - Eddie Bosnar officially becomes Everton's third acquisition of the summer today, putting pen to paper on a one-year deal. Thanks to a Commonwealth Working Holiday Visa, he joins fellow Aussie and childhood friend Tim Cahill at Goodison Park. Campbell's Rooney gaffe 3 Aug - The Everton players truly are in the dark if you read this non-story from the BBC: Kevin Campbell thinks Wayne Rooney could line up for Everton against Arsenal despite the broken bone in his foot... unless Moyes has a surprise for the Gunners! North-West Masters Champions 2 Aug - Everton Masters beat current Masters Cup holders Man City to become North-West Masters Football Champions. Neville Southall, Brett Angell, Joe McBride and Peter Beagrie all return this September for the Masters Cup Grand Final at Sheffield Hallam FM Arena where they face Liverpool Masters in their opening game. For more information and discounted tickets for Everton fans, visit www.mastersfootball.com, call Will Rogers on 0208 952 9525 or e-mail will@mastersfootball.com. Moyes's swipe at feuding directors 2 Aug - With the transfer deadline four weeks away and no sign of the boardroom standoff coming to an end, David Moyes has called on Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg to sort out the club's future as soon as possible. Dixie Dean Memorial Ground threat 2 Aug - Plans remain in place to build an academy on the Dixie Dean Memorial Ground on Heyworth St. It is the only flat green piece of land left in the area available to kids and amateur players while numerous brown-field sites apparently exist nearby. Voice your protests to Mr John Woodwood, Planning Dept., Millennium House, Victoria St, Liverpool L2, Ref no dc/ad/slt/pn572
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