Monday 23 March 2009
No money - No problem
David Moyes has scoffed at the spending row between Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez.
The Manchester United and Liverpool bosses spent the build-up to this weekend sniping about the amount of money each has shelled out in pursuit of the Premier League title.
Benitez says Ferguson as the financial clout, while the Scot says he has had the figures checked and it is the Anfield club who have splashed out more on transfers.
But Moyes, who has guided Everton to sixth having spent far less than either, says he is he delighted with his shoestring achievements so far this season and that money should not be the be-all and end-all.
"I was laughing about it," he told Goals on Sunday.
"One was saying you've been spending a bit more than me but when we go to play Liverpool or Man United it very rarely gets talked about.
Educated
"When you cross that white line it's 11 v 11 and you just get on with the job. Over the years we have to take a few beatings and folk say 'why have you not won? Is that the best you can do?', it is obvious why.
"But I'll tell you what, this year we've had a right good go at stopping the teams above us and that is credit to the players and the attitude they have and the spirit they've got.
"I think the supporters are all pretty much educated but when it comes to two o'clock on a Saturday and they're walking to the ground, you're not worried about whether the opposition have spent more money than you, all you want is to get a result for your team - whether you've got the money or not.
"And in the main, we've done that with the budget we have."
Moyes also refuses to believe that the top four in the Premier League is beyond the reach of anyone but those two, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Tight
Everton are the only side to have broken that monopoly when they finished fourth in 2004-05 and made the qualifying stages of the Champions League.
This season Aston Villa have been as high as third and for Moyes, that proves that there is still hope for the so-called smaller clubs.
"I think my job is to get into the top four, without or without what we spend," he said.
"I think Villa have done a great job, I really do. I actually thought three or four weeks ago, Aston Villa were in poll position - and they still might actually make it.
"But we're pushing hard, we want to try and get in there and our games against the top four have been quite tight."
Moyes also had a dig at some his Premier Leagye counterparts for signing too many imported players.
Opportunity
He says he takes great pride in the young talent Everton have produced down the years and believes the likes of Jack Rodwell and James Vaughan are far better investments than expensive foreign singings.
"I want young players to see Everton as a place to go because they can actually get near the first team," jhe said.
"We don't block it up with players from abroad, we try to put our own boys in. What we're doing is giving them an opportunity and they think they've got a chance.
"What we are then saying is come on then, let's see if you can actually make it onto the pitch. In the end you have got to give the young boys an opportunity and see if they can take it."
The Manchester United and Liverpool bosses spent the build-up to this weekend sniping about the amount of money each has shelled out in pursuit of the Premier League title.
Benitez says Ferguson as the financial clout, while the Scot says he has had the figures checked and it is the Anfield club who have splashed out more on transfers.
But Moyes, who has guided Everton to sixth having spent far less than either, says he is he delighted with his shoestring achievements so far this season and that money should not be the be-all and end-all.
"I was laughing about it," he told Goals on Sunday.
"One was saying you've been spending a bit more than me but when we go to play Liverpool or Man United it very rarely gets talked about.
Educated
"When you cross that white line it's 11 v 11 and you just get on with the job. Over the years we have to take a few beatings and folk say 'why have you not won? Is that the best you can do?', it is obvious why.
"But I'll tell you what, this year we've had a right good go at stopping the teams above us and that is credit to the players and the attitude they have and the spirit they've got.
"I think the supporters are all pretty much educated but when it comes to two o'clock on a Saturday and they're walking to the ground, you're not worried about whether the opposition have spent more money than you, all you want is to get a result for your team - whether you've got the money or not.
"And in the main, we've done that with the budget we have."
Moyes also refuses to believe that the top four in the Premier League is beyond the reach of anyone but those two, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Tight
Everton are the only side to have broken that monopoly when they finished fourth in 2004-05 and made the qualifying stages of the Champions League.
This season Aston Villa have been as high as third and for Moyes, that proves that there is still hope for the so-called smaller clubs.
"I think my job is to get into the top four, without or without what we spend," he said.
"I think Villa have done a great job, I really do. I actually thought three or four weeks ago, Aston Villa were in poll position - and they still might actually make it.
"But we're pushing hard, we want to try and get in there and our games against the top four have been quite tight."
Moyes also had a dig at some his Premier Leagye counterparts for signing too many imported players.
Opportunity
He says he takes great pride in the young talent Everton have produced down the years and believes the likes of Jack Rodwell and James Vaughan are far better investments than expensive foreign singings.
"I want young players to see Everton as a place to go because they can actually get near the first team," jhe said.
"We don't block it up with players from abroad, we try to put our own boys in. What we're doing is giving them an opportunity and they think they've got a chance.
"What we are then saying is come on then, let's see if you can actually make it onto the pitch. In the end you have got to give the young boys an opportunity and see if they can take it."
Sunday 22 March 2009
BLUES LOSE AT POMPEY
Everton: Howard, Jacobsen, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Neville, Osman, Pienaar, Felliani, Jo, Saha
Bench: Gosling (Jacobsen), Rodwell (Jo), Nash, Castillo, Wallace, Baxter, Agard
Referee: Peter Walton aka Les Battersby
Having just about recovered from the euphoria of Thursday night’s Hall of Fame Dinner at the Adelphi, we had to embark on our longest trip of the season, 500 mile round trip to Pompey. What a night Thursday night was, Big Dunc along with most Toffeemen in the room shed a tear during his emotional speech, it was undoubtedly the best yet – well played Snaggy, Tommy Birch & Roger – PLEASE do not make this the last one! It gave us plenty to talk about on the long journey, Blue Bill, Tony Kay, Rhino, Diamond Geezer, Howard forgetting he was presenting Dunc, Ernie Hunt bladdered and wearing a red wig but most of BIG Dunc, unbelievable!
So the luverly SKY had decided that for our longest journey they would give us a 12.45 kick off, where do they get their ideas from? Probably the FA!
This on the face of it was a tricky fixture. Whilst we owed them one for the 3-0 defeat at Goodison, which was one bizarre result given the balance of play that day, but Pompey are just above the relegation zone and playing for their Premiership future. The Toffee’s on the other hand had not won away since Boxing Day and we needed the 3 points to put pressure on Villa and The Arse so plenty to play for. We had heard that Timmy was not in the frame and knew Joey was out so what would Moyesy do? It was a debut for ‘alright ‘der’ Lars Jacobson at right back, The Jag and Roger in the middle, in midfield it was Fella & Nev in the middle and Jo plus King Louis up front, so 4-4-2, Moyesy was going for it.
In the middle was Les Battersby look-a-like Peter Walton. The sun was shining on the south coast, it was like a summers day and the Toffeemen were there in force, in fact we were bladdered when we got there – still from the Hall of Fame! We had the perfect start. After a good period of early possession Distin fould King Louis on the edge of the box and Bainsey stepped u to the plate having taken over the mantle in the absence of the best little Spaniard we know. Now Bainsey hit the bar from a similar positon last week so expectations were high and Hayley did not let us down. He left wavy Davy routed to the spot as he bent it round the wall and inside the right hand post. Just 3 minutes gone and the Toffeemen were dancing, long journey, sun, Stella, mental celebration – my head hurts!
With the Blues on top and playing well, Les Battersby came up with his first howler. Peanuts was clattered from behind by one of Pompey’s big bruiser’s, Jeez they are a big side, this time it was the right back, the result was just a ticking off. His next howler proved more costly. Johnson had a shot from way out, it nearly killed a seagull on the beach and Walton claimed that it had come off Bainsey. From the resultant corner the ball was knocked back into the box, Lars was easily outjumped by Johnson and the Freak outjumped Roger to nod in the equaliser.
Walton continued his howlers booking Ossy for a foul on Nugent when it looked like he got the ball. Next we saw the ugly side of Jo, from a neat move down the right the ball fell to him unmarked on the edge of the box with only Wavy to beat. He looked up, saw Coco between the sticks and pulled his shot well wide of the post, it was a shocker. Jo had so many options it was embarrassing to see the final result, not even forcing a save, he needs to do far more to get us looking for his signature.
King Louis tried the spectacular just before half time trying a scissor kick from a Lars cross, it looked good but went wide. Two minutes added time went without incident and we went in all square when really we should have been in front and the worrying thing was that Pompey were upping their game. Moyesy needed to work some half time magic.
HALF TIME 1-1
We have a phrase, ‘The Toffeemen never let you down’, sure enough, the second half was to epitomise the phrase. Must win game for Champion’s League challenge, must outfight Pompey as they are fighting relegation, must not lose, Toffeemen have been up since 6am for a 500 mile round journey so they must perform. Guess what? Second half, remember the half-time concerns? We never heeded them, we were poor, in fact poor is possibly too good for the description, FOR FUCK’s SAKE POMPEY WERE UP FOR THIS! Why weren’t we? We were shite in the second half, King Louis did not look fit, Jo tried hard after realising his 1st half howler could dent his future wage packet, Ossy was Ossy (Moyesy’s face after one free kick was a picture), Lars got subbed because after 8 months up to his debut he still looks like he enjoys Chinese Takeaways and more to the point he did not excel on his debut. But who did?
Toffeeman Nugent was subbed for Kanu after just over an hour, at the time it looked like a strange decision, 5 mins later, we were behind. Unbelievely we left the Freak unmarked from a corner, he ran from the edge of the box and outjumped Saha to head the winner. I say the winner because despite 15 mins to go we had been so poor it was difficult to see a way back, guess what? There wasn’t. Herman could have been sent off for elbowing Fella but we were clutching at straws.
How fuckin’ disappointing? If you look at the run in’s for Villa, The Arse and ourselves, ours is by far the easiest, starting today but with the Pompey crowd behind them they saw out what was in the end an easy victory, they even hit the post with 10 mins to go, we just caved in. Bitter disappointment. Super Dan came on for Lars or Lard but to no avail.
Final whistle from Les and we’d lost, a few shockers today, in no particular order really, unless you want to read into this, Ossy, Lars, Fella, Louis, Peanuts, Jo and Roger. Blue Kipper Star Man was Phil Neville, never gave in and kept on trying despite this very bad day at the races. Ah well, two weeks rest, get Timmy back and get back on to winning ways against the Pie Eaters but it now looks like UEFA Cup again next year. COYB FTRS
Full Time 2-1
Bench: Gosling (Jacobsen), Rodwell (Jo), Nash, Castillo, Wallace, Baxter, Agard
Referee: Peter Walton aka Les Battersby
Having just about recovered from the euphoria of Thursday night’s Hall of Fame Dinner at the Adelphi, we had to embark on our longest trip of the season, 500 mile round trip to Pompey. What a night Thursday night was, Big Dunc along with most Toffeemen in the room shed a tear during his emotional speech, it was undoubtedly the best yet – well played Snaggy, Tommy Birch & Roger – PLEASE do not make this the last one! It gave us plenty to talk about on the long journey, Blue Bill, Tony Kay, Rhino, Diamond Geezer, Howard forgetting he was presenting Dunc, Ernie Hunt bladdered and wearing a red wig but most of BIG Dunc, unbelievable!
So the luverly SKY had decided that for our longest journey they would give us a 12.45 kick off, where do they get their ideas from? Probably the FA!
This on the face of it was a tricky fixture. Whilst we owed them one for the 3-0 defeat at Goodison, which was one bizarre result given the balance of play that day, but Pompey are just above the relegation zone and playing for their Premiership future. The Toffee’s on the other hand had not won away since Boxing Day and we needed the 3 points to put pressure on Villa and The Arse so plenty to play for. We had heard that Timmy was not in the frame and knew Joey was out so what would Moyesy do? It was a debut for ‘alright ‘der’ Lars Jacobson at right back, The Jag and Roger in the middle, in midfield it was Fella & Nev in the middle and Jo plus King Louis up front, so 4-4-2, Moyesy was going for it.
In the middle was Les Battersby look-a-like Peter Walton. The sun was shining on the south coast, it was like a summers day and the Toffeemen were there in force, in fact we were bladdered when we got there – still from the Hall of Fame! We had the perfect start. After a good period of early possession Distin fould King Louis on the edge of the box and Bainsey stepped u to the plate having taken over the mantle in the absence of the best little Spaniard we know. Now Bainsey hit the bar from a similar positon last week so expectations were high and Hayley did not let us down. He left wavy Davy routed to the spot as he bent it round the wall and inside the right hand post. Just 3 minutes gone and the Toffeemen were dancing, long journey, sun, Stella, mental celebration – my head hurts!
With the Blues on top and playing well, Les Battersby came up with his first howler. Peanuts was clattered from behind by one of Pompey’s big bruiser’s, Jeez they are a big side, this time it was the right back, the result was just a ticking off. His next howler proved more costly. Johnson had a shot from way out, it nearly killed a seagull on the beach and Walton claimed that it had come off Bainsey. From the resultant corner the ball was knocked back into the box, Lars was easily outjumped by Johnson and the Freak outjumped Roger to nod in the equaliser.
Walton continued his howlers booking Ossy for a foul on Nugent when it looked like he got the ball. Next we saw the ugly side of Jo, from a neat move down the right the ball fell to him unmarked on the edge of the box with only Wavy to beat. He looked up, saw Coco between the sticks and pulled his shot well wide of the post, it was a shocker. Jo had so many options it was embarrassing to see the final result, not even forcing a save, he needs to do far more to get us looking for his signature.
King Louis tried the spectacular just before half time trying a scissor kick from a Lars cross, it looked good but went wide. Two minutes added time went without incident and we went in all square when really we should have been in front and the worrying thing was that Pompey were upping their game. Moyesy needed to work some half time magic.
HALF TIME 1-1
We have a phrase, ‘The Toffeemen never let you down’, sure enough, the second half was to epitomise the phrase. Must win game for Champion’s League challenge, must outfight Pompey as they are fighting relegation, must not lose, Toffeemen have been up since 6am for a 500 mile round journey so they must perform. Guess what? Second half, remember the half-time concerns? We never heeded them, we were poor, in fact poor is possibly too good for the description, FOR FUCK’s SAKE POMPEY WERE UP FOR THIS! Why weren’t we? We were shite in the second half, King Louis did not look fit, Jo tried hard after realising his 1st half howler could dent his future wage packet, Ossy was Ossy (Moyesy’s face after one free kick was a picture), Lars got subbed because after 8 months up to his debut he still looks like he enjoys Chinese Takeaways and more to the point he did not excel on his debut. But who did?
Toffeeman Nugent was subbed for Kanu after just over an hour, at the time it looked like a strange decision, 5 mins later, we were behind. Unbelievely we left the Freak unmarked from a corner, he ran from the edge of the box and outjumped Saha to head the winner. I say the winner because despite 15 mins to go we had been so poor it was difficult to see a way back, guess what? There wasn’t. Herman could have been sent off for elbowing Fella but we were clutching at straws.
How fuckin’ disappointing? If you look at the run in’s for Villa, The Arse and ourselves, ours is by far the easiest, starting today but with the Pompey crowd behind them they saw out what was in the end an easy victory, they even hit the post with 10 mins to go, we just caved in. Bitter disappointment. Super Dan came on for Lars or Lard but to no avail.
Final whistle from Les and we’d lost, a few shockers today, in no particular order really, unless you want to read into this, Ossy, Lars, Fella, Louis, Peanuts, Jo and Roger. Blue Kipper Star Man was Phil Neville, never gave in and kept on trying despite this very bad day at the races. Ah well, two weeks rest, get Timmy back and get back on to winning ways against the Pie Eaters but it now looks like UEFA Cup again next year. COYB FTRS
Full Time 2-1
Friday 20 March 2009
EVERTON V POMPEY TEAM NEWS
The Blues make their longest domestic journey of the season to Pompey, so what do the TV execs do, give it a dinner time kick off to really piss the fans off. Joey Yobo as we heard earlier today will be out for a good few weeks with a hamstring problem, so that may mean a first start of the season for Lars Jacobsen who had his own injury worries last year. We hear on the grape vine that Moyesy may be resting Tiny Tim, but I reckon the Aussie will fight tooth and nail to start, but if he does start, it will be the usual suspects in the line up, as that's all we have.
The players are most definitely focused as at the Hall of Fame Dinner last night, I got chatting with Phil Jagielka (name dropping, you bet I am), and I said get us to the Cup Final Jag. He told us he did not want to talk about it, as we had loads of important League games to play, and it was on Moyesy's orders, get in there, now that being focused.
The Blues are still in hot form, losing only one match in eighteen, and conceding only once in the last five games. In saying that though we have to go back to Christmas since our last Premiership win on the road, also our last two away games ended up in nil all draws, so were due one on the road. We owe Pompey after our thumping 3-0 defeat back in August, and our form at Fratton Park is good losing only once there since 1957. COYB FTRS
Moyesy says: There has been a momentum going for a few months. The players have kept going and shown great attitudes, wherever they have been asked to play. We have ground out results in the last few weeks and prior to that we were playing some fantastic football in a great style. Aston Villa and Arsenal are in the pole positions to qualify for the Champions League and we want to hang on to their shirt-tails and keep close to them.
We have to win our games and they have to win theirs to stay away from us. We have closed the gap a bit but there is a bit to go and we won't be giving up. The points total we have now won't be enough to finish in sixth position because the teams below will gain more points than that. We have to keep picking up points for that reason too. We would like to be able to spend a bit more to give ourselves more of a go at getting closer to them. But with what they (the board) give me, we do everything we can. The players here have done a great job and I would like to give them added support. They deserve it, you can see the way they are playing and the spirit they have, so if I could add one or two to support them, it would be ideal." (21/03/09)
XI To Start: Howard, Jacobsen, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines, Osman, Pienaar, Felliaini, Neville, Jo, Cahill
Everton from: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Pienaar, Osman, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha, Jo, Rodwell, Baxter, Nash, Castillo, Jacobsen, Gosling, Wallace, Van der Meyde.
The players are most definitely focused as at the Hall of Fame Dinner last night, I got chatting with Phil Jagielka (name dropping, you bet I am), and I said get us to the Cup Final Jag. He told us he did not want to talk about it, as we had loads of important League games to play, and it was on Moyesy's orders, get in there, now that being focused.
The Blues are still in hot form, losing only one match in eighteen, and conceding only once in the last five games. In saying that though we have to go back to Christmas since our last Premiership win on the road, also our last two away games ended up in nil all draws, so were due one on the road. We owe Pompey after our thumping 3-0 defeat back in August, and our form at Fratton Park is good losing only once there since 1957. COYB FTRS
Moyesy says: There has been a momentum going for a few months. The players have kept going and shown great attitudes, wherever they have been asked to play. We have ground out results in the last few weeks and prior to that we were playing some fantastic football in a great style. Aston Villa and Arsenal are in the pole positions to qualify for the Champions League and we want to hang on to their shirt-tails and keep close to them.
We have to win our games and they have to win theirs to stay away from us. We have closed the gap a bit but there is a bit to go and we won't be giving up. The points total we have now won't be enough to finish in sixth position because the teams below will gain more points than that. We have to keep picking up points for that reason too. We would like to be able to spend a bit more to give ourselves more of a go at getting closer to them. But with what they (the board) give me, we do everything we can. The players here have done a great job and I would like to give them added support. They deserve it, you can see the way they are playing and the spirit they have, so if I could add one or two to support them, it would be ideal." (21/03/09)
XI To Start: Howard, Jacobsen, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines, Osman, Pienaar, Felliaini, Neville, Jo, Cahill
Everton from: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Pienaar, Osman, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha, Jo, Rodwell, Baxter, Nash, Castillo, Jacobsen, Gosling, Wallace, Van der Meyde.
Liverpool Club Shop
You don't have to take the piss out of the redshite. They do it themselves.
Fuck me. You can just see the 'Sons/daughters/knob 'eds Of Shankley' on their next jaunt with these on.
The redshite cape can be bought from the official redshite shop.
Turner out on loan
Nottingham Forest have swooped to sign Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner on loan until the end of the season.
The 24-year-old is set to make his debut for the struggling Championship side when they face Wolves on Saturday.
"I'm looking forward to it," Turner told BBC Radio Nottingham. "I've been hoping to go out on loan all season.
"I'm here for seven games to show what I can do, I've been dying for the chance. Forest are a good team but the Championship is a funny league."
Turner joined Everton from Stirling Albion in 2003 but has made only six appearances for David Moyes' side.
He has had spells on loan with Chester City, Doncaster Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday, but has not played a competitive match since May 2007.
Turner added: "I had an unbeaten spell at Palace and a good spell at Wednesday too, so I hope I can keep that run going.
"Most teams want an experienced keeper, someone who can talk to the rest of the team, so the more games you play I guess the bigger your influence is."
Forest boss Billy Davies was desperate to bolster his squad after Saturday's 5-0 humbling at Burnley, which left them in the relegation zone ahead of the visit of leaders Wolves.
"It's no secret that we've been looking for a goalkeeper to provide competition," said Davies, who publicly criticised Forest keeper Paul Smith at the weekend.
"Iain Turner fits the bill perfectly. He is a keeper with good pedigree and great potential and this situation helps us and Everton."
The 24-year-old is set to make his debut for the struggling Championship side when they face Wolves on Saturday.
"I'm looking forward to it," Turner told BBC Radio Nottingham. "I've been hoping to go out on loan all season.
"I'm here for seven games to show what I can do, I've been dying for the chance. Forest are a good team but the Championship is a funny league."
Turner joined Everton from Stirling Albion in 2003 but has made only six appearances for David Moyes' side.
He has had spells on loan with Chester City, Doncaster Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday, but has not played a competitive match since May 2007.
Turner added: "I had an unbeaten spell at Palace and a good spell at Wednesday too, so I hope I can keep that run going.
"Most teams want an experienced keeper, someone who can talk to the rest of the team, so the more games you play I guess the bigger your influence is."
Forest boss Billy Davies was desperate to bolster his squad after Saturday's 5-0 humbling at Burnley, which left them in the relegation zone ahead of the visit of leaders Wolves.
"It's no secret that we've been looking for a goalkeeper to provide competition," said Davies, who publicly criticised Forest keeper Paul Smith at the weekend.
"Iain Turner fits the bill perfectly. He is a keeper with good pedigree and great potential and this situation helps us and Everton."
Thursday 19 March 2009
Lescott wants Europe
Joleon Lescott is hopeful of Everton finishing high up in the European spots this season, and says he and his team-mates are taking each game as seriously as the next.
"Every game is vital now as every team is playing for something," Lescott told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"We're confident, playing well and creating chances. We've got to go into every game showing a lot of respect."
Speaking about Saturday's trip to Portsmouth, the defender said, "We don't want to talk about revenge but we owe them from early in the season when they beat us 3-0 here.
"So we're going there showing them a lot of respect but feeling confident.
"We don't talk about the record ourselves but we're confident going into every game and we believe we can create chances."
"Every game is vital now as every team is playing for something," Lescott told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"We're confident, playing well and creating chances. We've got to go into every game showing a lot of respect."
Speaking about Saturday's trip to Portsmouth, the defender said, "We don't want to talk about revenge but we owe them from early in the season when they beat us 3-0 here.
"So we're going there showing them a lot of respect but feeling confident.
"We don't talk about the record ourselves but we're confident going into every game and we believe we can create chances."
New delay to stadium plans
14
Mar
2009
at 07:05
Everton's new stadium could be delayed for a year even if it does get the green light . The results of a nine week public inquiry are now not expected to be known until late this year.
And this means Everton will stay at Goodison for another season even if the plans get approval .
Hazel Blears will now rule on destination kirkby on or before November 27, the new date has surprised many as inspector Wendy Burden thought this would be submitted by mid june .
A Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “This is a complex proposal in which strong views have been expressed and Ministers need to give it careful consideration.
“We recognise that there is a lot of interest in this case and we will look to issue the decision as quickly as possible.”
Parliment have indicated that the result will not be done by the recess of Parliment at the end of July and they don't return until October.
All parties involved have always stressed that a quick move is all important , Patrick Clarkson told the inquiry "“It is extremely urgent - if the club is to meet the 2011/12 season, a start on building is necessary this spring.“A delay will lose a year with all the accompanying issues as to delivery and cost of delay.”
Despite another delay in the process it does not mean the demise of Destination Kirkby, NSNO's favorite Evertonian club spokesman Ian Ross said “In an ideal world we would have welcomed an earlier decision but we understand that processes like these take a lot of time and effort.
“The wheels of Government don’t move as quickly as we would like. All through this we’ve let it be known there’s a sense of urgency and that it is time sensitive.
“We are impatient but equally happy that they’ve taken on board the urgent nature of the application.
“We remain totally focused and optimistic that it will go ahead.”
Tesco Spokesman Michael Kissman said the application was crucial not just for the future of the club but for the regeneration of Kirkby.
He said: “We hope that they are all working to their full capacity to get the final decision.
“Not knowing the decision is creating a great deal of uncertainty as an investor in Merseyside and for the residents.
“The sooner we can get a conclusion, preferably a positive one for us, the better.”
Knowsley council have also said they are committed to making this project go forward and are extremely keen to press for a resolution.“The council remains fully committed to this project which will transform Kirkby for the benefit of generations to come and bring vital investment into the local economy.
Mar
2009
at 07:05
Everton's new stadium could be delayed for a year even if it does get the green light . The results of a nine week public inquiry are now not expected to be known until late this year.
And this means Everton will stay at Goodison for another season even if the plans get approval .
Hazel Blears will now rule on destination kirkby on or before November 27, the new date has surprised many as inspector Wendy Burden thought this would be submitted by mid june .
A Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “This is a complex proposal in which strong views have been expressed and Ministers need to give it careful consideration.
“We recognise that there is a lot of interest in this case and we will look to issue the decision as quickly as possible.”
Parliment have indicated that the result will not be done by the recess of Parliment at the end of July and they don't return until October.
All parties involved have always stressed that a quick move is all important , Patrick Clarkson told the inquiry "“It is extremely urgent - if the club is to meet the 2011/12 season, a start on building is necessary this spring.“A delay will lose a year with all the accompanying issues as to delivery and cost of delay.”
Despite another delay in the process it does not mean the demise of Destination Kirkby, NSNO's favorite Evertonian club spokesman Ian Ross said “In an ideal world we would have welcomed an earlier decision but we understand that processes like these take a lot of time and effort.
“The wheels of Government don’t move as quickly as we would like. All through this we’ve let it be known there’s a sense of urgency and that it is time sensitive.
“We are impatient but equally happy that they’ve taken on board the urgent nature of the application.
“We remain totally focused and optimistic that it will go ahead.”
Tesco Spokesman Michael Kissman said the application was crucial not just for the future of the club but for the regeneration of Kirkby.
He said: “We hope that they are all working to their full capacity to get the final decision.
“Not knowing the decision is creating a great deal of uncertainty as an investor in Merseyside and for the residents.
“The sooner we can get a conclusion, preferably a positive one for us, the better.”
Knowsley council have also said they are committed to making this project go forward and are extremely keen to press for a resolution.“The council remains fully committed to this project which will transform Kirkby for the benefit of generations to come and bring vital investment into the local economy.
Wednesday 18 March 2009
Wembley Ticket Info
The Blues have received 31,825 tickets for this seasons FA Cup Semi Final at Wembley. The allocation of the tickets and days of purchase was announced by the Blues today. The club have used a sliding scale of season ticket coupled with away game credits to reward fans who attend most matches.
All season ticket holders though will be eligible for a ticket, then after that a big fight will ensue for the remaining few thousand tickets that are left in the pot. Details will again be announced on April 6th for those remaining tickets.
Full Ticket Details
Also today local councilors issued a plea to the FA over the wisdom in staging the Semi Final at Wembley, and more to the point the ludicrous time and day it is scheduled for. No doubt the FA will take everything into consideration, read the pleas, then do what the hell they also do, and think of no one but themselves and their need to pay their huge debts off. Ahhhhh, don't start me !!
Local Councilor says: "Why not Eastlands, or Analfield, or Villa Park? Unfortunately that's not going to happen because this is all about the FA filling their coffers and not thinking about the fans. But the least they can do is change the time." (17/03/09)
All season ticket holders though will be eligible for a ticket, then after that a big fight will ensue for the remaining few thousand tickets that are left in the pot. Details will again be announced on April 6th for those remaining tickets.
Full Ticket Details
Also today local councilors issued a plea to the FA over the wisdom in staging the Semi Final at Wembley, and more to the point the ludicrous time and day it is scheduled for. No doubt the FA will take everything into consideration, read the pleas, then do what the hell they also do, and think of no one but themselves and their need to pay their huge debts off. Ahhhhh, don't start me !!
Local Councilor says: "Why not Eastlands, or Analfield, or Villa Park? Unfortunately that's not going to happen because this is all about the FA filling their coffers and not thinking about the fans. But the least they can do is change the time." (17/03/09)
Tuesday 17 March 2009
Zidane could grace Goodison
Goodison Park is to welcome some of the world’s most famous footballers at the end of the season.
Zinedine Zidane, Oliver Kahn, Lothar Matthaus and Marcel Desailly are amongst those who it is hoped will take part in a match at Goodison on Saturday 23 May to raise money for charity.
Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer is helping to pull the event together and there will also be high profile games at both Anfield and Prenton Park as the three Merseyside clubs join forces to help Liverpool Unites, Save The Children and The Prince's Trust.
The three-match event has been labelled CAUSE — Children's Aid Using Soccer Events — and Everton’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Elstone, is looking forward to the Goodison leg.
"It’s a magnificent idea and we are delighted to be staging the opening game of the three," he said.
"From speaking to the organizers there will be some huge names from the worlds of football and show-business and I am sure supporters of all three clubs involved will fully embrace and support the games.
"As well as the three nominated charities, each club will also be able to secure funds for their own respective charitable causes."
McAteer is being helped by former team-mate Steve McManaman and also football agent, Dave Lockwood,
"It is dangerous to set numbers, but I think we would hope to raise £1m over three games," announced Lockwood.
"The events will be entertainment showpieces as well as a football matches."
McAteer explained a bit more about the whole concept.
"We have spoken to showbiz stars like Gordon Ramsay, Tim Lovejoy and Chris Evans, while Westlife stars Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan have already confirmed their participation in the first match (at Goodison)," he said.
"It’s all about getting the three Merseyside clubs uniting together in a common cause. Four legends from each of the three clubs will form a Merseyside team, against a European All Stars team."
The second match will be played at Tranmere Rovers later this year with Liverpool staging a third game at Anfield in 2010.
Zinedine Zidane, Oliver Kahn, Lothar Matthaus and Marcel Desailly are amongst those who it is hoped will take part in a match at Goodison on Saturday 23 May to raise money for charity.
Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer is helping to pull the event together and there will also be high profile games at both Anfield and Prenton Park as the three Merseyside clubs join forces to help Liverpool Unites, Save The Children and The Prince's Trust.
The three-match event has been labelled CAUSE — Children's Aid Using Soccer Events — and Everton’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Elstone, is looking forward to the Goodison leg.
"It’s a magnificent idea and we are delighted to be staging the opening game of the three," he said.
"From speaking to the organizers there will be some huge names from the worlds of football and show-business and I am sure supporters of all three clubs involved will fully embrace and support the games.
"As well as the three nominated charities, each club will also be able to secure funds for their own respective charitable causes."
McAteer is being helped by former team-mate Steve McManaman and also football agent, Dave Lockwood,
"It is dangerous to set numbers, but I think we would hope to raise £1m over three games," announced Lockwood.
"The events will be entertainment showpieces as well as a football matches."
McAteer explained a bit more about the whole concept.
"We have spoken to showbiz stars like Gordon Ramsay, Tim Lovejoy and Chris Evans, while Westlife stars Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan have already confirmed their participation in the first match (at Goodison)," he said.
"It’s all about getting the three Merseyside clubs uniting together in a common cause. Four legends from each of the three clubs will form a Merseyside team, against a European All Stars team."
The second match will be played at Tranmere Rovers later this year with Liverpool staging a third game at Anfield in 2010.
Sunday 15 March 2009
Everton 3 Stoke 1
Everton: Howard, Jagielka, Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Neville, Osman, Cahill, Pienaar, Jo, Felliani
Bench: Castillo, Jacobsen, Nash, Gosling, Rodwell (Jo), Wallace, Saha (Cahill)
Referee: Andre Marriner (He's All At Sea)
What a week?!
It is over a decade since we worried about FA Cup semi-final tickets, it's also while since the Missus didn't speak to you for nearly a week because of your over exuberant celebrations, it's been a good week.
OK, so it's not been so long since the Mrs didn't talk to you?! Anyway, I've enrolled my Mrs into a Bridge Club, she's got her first jump next Tuesday!
So after a hectic week, and seeing the shite beat the Manc's (it doesn't matter!), we headed for the ground. Awaiting us were Stoke City, as Robert Plant sang, 'It's been a long time, been a long time, been a long, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely.................... time. Yes, it was Peter Dobbin or was it Sir Stanley Matthews last time? But it as a must win game for both sides. Us, so we could march on to Europe and The Potter's for survival and don't forget, The Toffeemen never let you down!
Now,we had our usual selection problems, so we reckoned that Jo was defo getting a game. Getting a game with a Moyesy bollocking after two shite performances for the Man City man , both games saw him getting the curly finger. King Louis was being rested on a gold crusted sedan whilst Jo was taking his place and we were also welcoming Biffa Beattie back, who can ever forget the double head butt on Gallas? And the frustration of a player who should have made it at Goodison? Would he return to haunt us?
We started well and looked as if we were going to crush Stoke but they fought back with a couple of corners, it was after the second that we went ahead. Word was spreading that Fella had been to the barber's and he was distinctly lighter when he fed Jo who duly dispatched it home after just 15 mins to put The Toffeemen in front, it must have been that Moyesy rollocking, it certainly did the trick.
Not long later, about 5 mins, it was two. Timmy has been a star this season, coming back after injury to not only score goals but he should be sponsored by Martini - any time, any place, anywhere. Who else but Timmy nodded goalward, the Stoke goalie parried and Roger was there to pounce for his 5th of the season, don't you just love a defender scoring? If you ever played at the back y'self then you will know the feeling! Two up and cruising. Who were this team that had come up via the play off's? It looked like a breeze. But you know, the Toffeemen never let you down - despite a few chances to put the game to bed before the break, we went in just the two up at the break.
HALF TIME 2 - 0
It was to be expected because the Toffeemen never let you down! Just 5 mins into the second half, Stoke pulled one back from a corner, I think Lawrence sent it over and Shawcross nodded it in. Here we go, the sphincter was now going. Not as bad as the last 10 mins against Boro but nevertheless, we could do without it. Needless to say, their tails were up and they came a us but once we'd seen off the surge we then looked as if it meant more to us.
They had ex-shite Diao playing for them, as always he was a figure of fun and encouraged the St. End to give us 'Kopites are Gobshites'. Thankyou. We love it. A friend of Blue Kipper, Bill Cooper, used to time the chant coming out of the St. End - the earlier the better lads, you can never tire of hearing ' Kopites are Gobshites!'.
A few corners at both ends and some long range efforts were not going to change the score but the newly trimmed Screech had other ideas. Everyone has been talking about a Brazilian since he arrived at Goodison for various reasons, Marouane must have overheard the conversation but got it wrong - either way, there are now Toffee Wigmakers throwing themselves off the Pier Head! Screech left it until the last minute to put the game to bed, burying it from Bainsey's cross with a sweet left foot well after his candy floss has gone it was not going to be a header was it?!
So a good result against a team who had it all to play for. Europe beckons again but before that it is the new Wembley. The Toffee's look focused, driven on by Moyesy who celebrated his 7th Anniversary and his birthday with 3 points, he must be looking back at the horrendous start to the campaign we had and thinking, what if? Stoke came on strong for the last few minutes but it was over. The ref was the loveable Andre Marriner - nutcase, although today he behaved himself for once. So it's six on the bounce now at Goodison, that's the way it should be, and moving in to the last two months of the season, we still have plenty to play for.
Lavo's best bet maybe down the pan but it was another Stella Sunrise on the horizon after 3 more points in the bag. Plenty of contenders for the Blue Kipper Star Man today but my vote goes to Phil Neville, who of late has been immense, well played. COYB FTRS
Full Time 3-1
Bench: Castillo, Jacobsen, Nash, Gosling, Rodwell (Jo), Wallace, Saha (Cahill)
Referee: Andre Marriner (He's All At Sea)
What a week?!
It is over a decade since we worried about FA Cup semi-final tickets, it's also while since the Missus didn't speak to you for nearly a week because of your over exuberant celebrations, it's been a good week.
OK, so it's not been so long since the Mrs didn't talk to you?! Anyway, I've enrolled my Mrs into a Bridge Club, she's got her first jump next Tuesday!
So after a hectic week, and seeing the shite beat the Manc's (it doesn't matter!), we headed for the ground. Awaiting us were Stoke City, as Robert Plant sang, 'It's been a long time, been a long time, been a long, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely.................... time. Yes, it was Peter Dobbin or was it Sir Stanley Matthews last time? But it as a must win game for both sides. Us, so we could march on to Europe and The Potter's for survival and don't forget, The Toffeemen never let you down!
Now,we had our usual selection problems, so we reckoned that Jo was defo getting a game. Getting a game with a Moyesy bollocking after two shite performances for the Man City man , both games saw him getting the curly finger. King Louis was being rested on a gold crusted sedan whilst Jo was taking his place and we were also welcoming Biffa Beattie back, who can ever forget the double head butt on Gallas? And the frustration of a player who should have made it at Goodison? Would he return to haunt us?
We started well and looked as if we were going to crush Stoke but they fought back with a couple of corners, it was after the second that we went ahead. Word was spreading that Fella had been to the barber's and he was distinctly lighter when he fed Jo who duly dispatched it home after just 15 mins to put The Toffeemen in front, it must have been that Moyesy rollocking, it certainly did the trick.
Not long later, about 5 mins, it was two. Timmy has been a star this season, coming back after injury to not only score goals but he should be sponsored by Martini - any time, any place, anywhere. Who else but Timmy nodded goalward, the Stoke goalie parried and Roger was there to pounce for his 5th of the season, don't you just love a defender scoring? If you ever played at the back y'self then you will know the feeling! Two up and cruising. Who were this team that had come up via the play off's? It looked like a breeze. But you know, the Toffeemen never let you down - despite a few chances to put the game to bed before the break, we went in just the two up at the break.
HALF TIME 2 - 0
It was to be expected because the Toffeemen never let you down! Just 5 mins into the second half, Stoke pulled one back from a corner, I think Lawrence sent it over and Shawcross nodded it in. Here we go, the sphincter was now going. Not as bad as the last 10 mins against Boro but nevertheless, we could do without it. Needless to say, their tails were up and they came a us but once we'd seen off the surge we then looked as if it meant more to us.
They had ex-shite Diao playing for them, as always he was a figure of fun and encouraged the St. End to give us 'Kopites are Gobshites'. Thankyou. We love it. A friend of Blue Kipper, Bill Cooper, used to time the chant coming out of the St. End - the earlier the better lads, you can never tire of hearing ' Kopites are Gobshites!'.
A few corners at both ends and some long range efforts were not going to change the score but the newly trimmed Screech had other ideas. Everyone has been talking about a Brazilian since he arrived at Goodison for various reasons, Marouane must have overheard the conversation but got it wrong - either way, there are now Toffee Wigmakers throwing themselves off the Pier Head! Screech left it until the last minute to put the game to bed, burying it from Bainsey's cross with a sweet left foot well after his candy floss has gone it was not going to be a header was it?!
So a good result against a team who had it all to play for. Europe beckons again but before that it is the new Wembley. The Toffee's look focused, driven on by Moyesy who celebrated his 7th Anniversary and his birthday with 3 points, he must be looking back at the horrendous start to the campaign we had and thinking, what if? Stoke came on strong for the last few minutes but it was over. The ref was the loveable Andre Marriner - nutcase, although today he behaved himself for once. So it's six on the bounce now at Goodison, that's the way it should be, and moving in to the last two months of the season, we still have plenty to play for.
Lavo's best bet maybe down the pan but it was another Stella Sunrise on the horizon after 3 more points in the bag. Plenty of contenders for the Blue Kipper Star Man today but my vote goes to Phil Neville, who of late has been immense, well played. COYB FTRS
Full Time 3-1
Saturday 14 March 2009
Everton V Stoke Pre match
Moyesy only has the chosen few to call on again. Hibbo is still out for another week or two with his ropey thigh. The back four will remain the same, with The Jag carrying on at right back, but up front me thinks listening to Moyesy that Louis Saha has done enough of late to displace Jo in the race to partner Tiny. Shandy won't be on the bench after hurting himself in training, so its the barest of bare bones once again. In Moyes we trust.
The boys have not conceded in open play since Robin van Persie netted in the last minute against the Arse back in January. But I hear you scream what about manure's Ronaldo, who if you remember netted from the spot. So from open play we have not let one in for nearly 450 minutes, keep it up boys, that's great work. However we welcome Biffa back, and I for one hopes he gets a good round of applause on his return to the Shrine. Biffa fitted in at the time, but what Moyesy has done over time is bring more quality in, season in season out. At that point of our rise under Moyesy Biffa fitted the bill, however brief. Lets hope he does not carry on his decent run of scoring against one of the meanest defences in the Premiership. COYB FTRS
Moyesy says: "I think we have to keep an eye on his overall injuries and make sure we get the best out of him. I think he's doing a great job for us now. I think he's ready to start. I think he's come off the bench now in two or three games.
What I've got to decide is where and when I use him, so that I get the most benefit out of him. But he's definitely helped us, he's got fantastic ability as everybody knows." (13/03/09)
The boys have not conceded in open play since Robin van Persie netted in the last minute against the Arse back in January. But I hear you scream what about manure's Ronaldo, who if you remember netted from the spot. So from open play we have not let one in for nearly 450 minutes, keep it up boys, that's great work. However we welcome Biffa back, and I for one hopes he gets a good round of applause on his return to the Shrine. Biffa fitted in at the time, but what Moyesy has done over time is bring more quality in, season in season out. At that point of our rise under Moyesy Biffa fitted the bill, however brief. Lets hope he does not carry on his decent run of scoring against one of the meanest defences in the Premiership. COYB FTRS
Moyesy says: "I think we have to keep an eye on his overall injuries and make sure we get the best out of him. I think he's doing a great job for us now. I think he's ready to start. I think he's come off the bench now in two or three games.
What I've got to decide is where and when I use him, so that I get the most benefit out of him. But he's definitely helped us, he's got fantastic ability as everybody knows." (13/03/09)
Wednesday 11 March 2009
Semi final dates
FA confirms Cup semi-final dates
FA Cup
The Football Association has revealed Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley will be staged on Saturday 18 April, with a 1715 BST kick-off.
The Blues will take on either Arsenal or Hull, who play their quarter-final at the Emirates on Tuesday 17 March.
Manchester United's last-four tie with Everton at Wembley is scheduled for Sunday 19 April at 1600 BST.
If Arsenal beat Hull, the Cup's line-up may open up a European spot for the seventh-placed Premier League team.
UPDATE:
Everton's FA Cup Semi-Final against Manchester United will take place on Sunday 19 April at Wembley Stadium, kick off 4pm.
Everton and FA officials met to finalise arrangements for the match earlier this week, and Everton can now confirm the tie will take place on this date, and will be screened live on ITV1.
The clash will be the second of the two semi-finals, with the match between Chelsea and either Arsenal or Hull City taking place on Saturday, 18 April at 5.15pm, which will be screened live on Setanta.
Everton booked their place in the last four with wins over Macclesfield Town, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough respectively.
Ticket prices for the semi finals have also been confirmed, and will be available for £24.50, £34.30, £44 and £53.80.
Details of Everton's ticket allocation and on-sale dates will be revealed on evertonfc.com once arrangements have been confirmed.
FA Cup
The Football Association has revealed Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley will be staged on Saturday 18 April, with a 1715 BST kick-off.
The Blues will take on either Arsenal or Hull, who play their quarter-final at the Emirates on Tuesday 17 March.
Manchester United's last-four tie with Everton at Wembley is scheduled for Sunday 19 April at 1600 BST.
If Arsenal beat Hull, the Cup's line-up may open up a European spot for the seventh-placed Premier League team.
UPDATE:
Everton's FA Cup Semi-Final against Manchester United will take place on Sunday 19 April at Wembley Stadium, kick off 4pm.
Everton and FA officials met to finalise arrangements for the match earlier this week, and Everton can now confirm the tie will take place on this date, and will be screened live on ITV1.
The clash will be the second of the two semi-finals, with the match between Chelsea and either Arsenal or Hull City taking place on Saturday, 18 April at 5.15pm, which will be screened live on Setanta.
Everton booked their place in the last four with wins over Macclesfield Town, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough respectively.
Ticket prices for the semi finals have also been confirmed, and will be available for £24.50, £34.30, £44 and £53.80.
Details of Everton's ticket allocation and on-sale dates will be revealed on evertonfc.com once arrangements have been confirmed.
Tuesday 10 March 2009
Pround Kenwright
Blues Chairman and fan Bill Kenwright is rightly proud of Moyesy and the boys for taking the club to The New Wembley for this season's FA Cup Semi Final. It has been a long time coming for the Blues, fourteen years in fact to make the trip back to the Twin Towers, or the Arch thingy whatever it is now called. We certainly won't be going though just to enjoy the day as history shows us when manure have been the hot favourites against us, the Blues have done a job on them and gone on to win the cup, 1995 and 1966 ring any bells.
Blue Bill says: "There might be a happier man in the world, but I doubt it. A wonderful day. A day that came out of a first half that really, really left us wondering at half-time if this was going to be our year or not. And as ever, this season, they just pulled it out again. I've had congratulations messages from every other club in the Premier League other than the four still left in the Cup. I think this is a will towards Everton being successful this season because a), they know what we've come through, and b), they know what an extraordinary squad and manager we've got - and that's great for me.
There was a bit of tension in the Boardroom just before the draw, but we knew we were going to have to beat them (Manchester united) either in the final or the semi-final, they are an awesome team, as we saw on Saturday. But what a way to get there - if we actually get to the final, via Villa, Liverpool, Man United, Middlesbrough - and don’t forget Macclesfield, who put up a great performance against us. You can’t imagine how extraordinary it feels to be chairman at this Football Club. It always has done to me but, I find it unbelievable. It was certainly beyond my wildest dreams at the start of the season, but there won’t be a prouder chairman in the world that weekend.What he (Moyesy) has done is just remarkable. I have to say, it’s been an odd season of upheaval at this Football Club. I’m always a very proud chairman. I was a very proud chairman at Macclesfield and I will be the proudest chairman in the world at Wembley, so proud." (10/03/09)
Everton V Boro Post Match
Everton: Howard, Jagielka , Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Pienaar, Neville Rodwell, Osman, Fellaini, Cahill.
Bench: Van der Meyde, Nash, Gosling, Wallace, Jacobsen, Saha (Rodwell 45m), Castillo.
Referee:Mark Halsey
Sorry it's late lads but I'm sure you will understand.
The celebrations went on late and there's only so much Stella one can take before you arrive in that state of oblivion, anyway, it's probably the first valid excuse ever!
I burst through the front door at half past and there she was stood in the hallway wth the light on. She said, 'Look at you, you're staggering'. I said, 'You're not bad looking y,self, now get up them stairs because I've got a semi on!' What a game, we went through every emotion, what support, the second half was memorable, and what a night!
First Merseyside team at the new Wembley, just like we were the first Merseyside team at the old one. It also looks like it will be the Big Four in the semi's! There was a beauty being sung as the Park End spilled out,
'The City's all yours,The City's all yooooooours,We're off to Wembley,The City's all yours!'
But it wasn't all plain sailing that's for sure, you know the phrase 'The Toffeemen never let you down' well it was certainly true. Everton pulled on every emotional string we had in an amazing game. Y'know a few weeks ago, we had moved up to a new level, we were coming to games almost knowing we'd win, just like we did against Villa in the last round, however since then things have changed. We have lost the services of the best little Spaniard we know and we've seen dour performances against The Skunks, WBA and Rovers, the plus point being three clean sheets, so whilst some were over confident , others were less so.
Boro had been on a good run of late and just last week had resoundingly beaten Rafa'a Marvels - the shite (how I enjoyed watching that in the boozer surrounded by shite, well I was surrounded until the second went in - the pearl was when the sub came on and one of The Deliverance said, 'Fuckin ell, we've got no chance now, we're bringing No'Good on - belter!) but they were brought down to earth with a tonking at Spurs in midweek - how would it go?
Moyesy decided that Louis was not fit enough to start so Screech, my grandson, was back in to help Timmy up front, he also kept Jags at full back to counter the £15m man Downing, it worked because the buggered off to the right wing in the last half hour. We'd staked our claim, Moysey and Captain Nev had delivered the war cry and it ws time to deliver for the fans. The fans were up for it too, the old lady was rocking, te four o'clock kick off meant and extra couple of Stella plus the statutory FA Cup large snifter so the mood was good.
In the middle was the usually steady Mark Halsey, today he was to have an absolute nightmare. The whole ground was to become incensed with his ineptitude and Hackett would do well to send this bloke to the cooler along with young Attwell. Boro won the toss and made us kick the wrong way, so along with Halsey things were looking good for them. To be fair, they were by far the better team in the first half, O'Neill was everywhere and Arca was pulling the strings. They had beasts at the back in Pogatez and Wheater and the rest of the team worked their bollocks off closing us down, winning the ball and taking the game to us.
Even Tim Howard looked a bit shaky as he dealt with his first cleaance. Boro were camped in our half and looking the more likely to score, they were restricted fortunately to a few long range efforts and a few dangerous crosses. Our first decent chance was not until just before half time when Screech went close with a header from Jags cross, their keeper saving low down to his right and pushing it out for a corner. It was only a few minutes later and right on half time that Boro went ahead. From a cross wide on the right, Wheater rose to head past Tim, only Wheater will know what he was doing there but either way, Boro were in front.
Now Mr Halsey got a ironic cheer also just before half time. He awarded a foul against Boro for the defender putting both arms over Tim Cahill before fouling him to head the ball, if it wasn't over the shoulders it was around the waist, they had been at it all half and he'd missed two clear pentalties but that was not to take away from the fact that we were very poor. Moyesy needed to change something and dish out a bollocking.
HALF TIME 0-1
Bollocking duly dished out and Louis on for young Jack. Tim went into midfield and ran his bollocks off and Screech was pushed up front. There was an immediate improvement and an immediate impact. Just four minutes into the second half Timmy crossed and there he has all 7ft of Screech (hair included) to glace in the equaliser - that's my boy! The place erupted, we knew we could do this and we did.
Six minutes later the place went mental. A cross from the right was missed by Louis but picked up on the left by Peanuts, he crossed and King Louis earned his new nickname, again nodding in after he'd picked himself up. What a turnaround, the difference in play was remarkable, none more so than from Peanuts who ran himself to a stand still until his substitution.
But Everton being Everton never let you down and as the clock ran down Boro seemed to get closer and closer, Downing had moved ovr to the right to try out Bainsey and when he went close we thought it was all over but no, time for one last heart attack. Boro had made every substitution and thrown everything at us but one last long range effort was spilled by Tim and with their forward about to pounce Roger cleared - what a relief, nails were bitten, voices were lost, eyes were covered until we heard Halsey reluctantly blow that final whistle. We'd done it got to a semi for the second season, now for a final.
The place went bonkers, 'It's a grand old team' struck up and we sang our way to the boozer and beyond. Great stuff. Tell me Ma, me Ma..........
Blukipper Star Man could go to anyone in the second half but the choice is Timmy the Blue Kangaroo for none stop effort and defying all belief once again, not just up front where he battled non-stop but then in the middle. Wembley here we come, not once but twice. COYB FTRS
FULL TIME 2-1
Bench: Van der Meyde, Nash, Gosling, Wallace, Jacobsen, Saha (Rodwell 45m), Castillo.
Referee:Mark Halsey
Sorry it's late lads but I'm sure you will understand.
The celebrations went on late and there's only so much Stella one can take before you arrive in that state of oblivion, anyway, it's probably the first valid excuse ever!
I burst through the front door at half past and there she was stood in the hallway wth the light on. She said, 'Look at you, you're staggering'. I said, 'You're not bad looking y,self, now get up them stairs because I've got a semi on!' What a game, we went through every emotion, what support, the second half was memorable, and what a night!
First Merseyside team at the new Wembley, just like we were the first Merseyside team at the old one. It also looks like it will be the Big Four in the semi's! There was a beauty being sung as the Park End spilled out,
'The City's all yours,The City's all yooooooours,We're off to Wembley,The City's all yours!'
But it wasn't all plain sailing that's for sure, you know the phrase 'The Toffeemen never let you down' well it was certainly true. Everton pulled on every emotional string we had in an amazing game. Y'know a few weeks ago, we had moved up to a new level, we were coming to games almost knowing we'd win, just like we did against Villa in the last round, however since then things have changed. We have lost the services of the best little Spaniard we know and we've seen dour performances against The Skunks, WBA and Rovers, the plus point being three clean sheets, so whilst some were over confident , others were less so.
Boro had been on a good run of late and just last week had resoundingly beaten Rafa'a Marvels - the shite (how I enjoyed watching that in the boozer surrounded by shite, well I was surrounded until the second went in - the pearl was when the sub came on and one of The Deliverance said, 'Fuckin ell, we've got no chance now, we're bringing No'Good on - belter!) but they were brought down to earth with a tonking at Spurs in midweek - how would it go?
Moyesy decided that Louis was not fit enough to start so Screech, my grandson, was back in to help Timmy up front, he also kept Jags at full back to counter the £15m man Downing, it worked because the buggered off to the right wing in the last half hour. We'd staked our claim, Moysey and Captain Nev had delivered the war cry and it ws time to deliver for the fans. The fans were up for it too, the old lady was rocking, te four o'clock kick off meant and extra couple of Stella plus the statutory FA Cup large snifter so the mood was good.
In the middle was the usually steady Mark Halsey, today he was to have an absolute nightmare. The whole ground was to become incensed with his ineptitude and Hackett would do well to send this bloke to the cooler along with young Attwell. Boro won the toss and made us kick the wrong way, so along with Halsey things were looking good for them. To be fair, they were by far the better team in the first half, O'Neill was everywhere and Arca was pulling the strings. They had beasts at the back in Pogatez and Wheater and the rest of the team worked their bollocks off closing us down, winning the ball and taking the game to us.
Even Tim Howard looked a bit shaky as he dealt with his first cleaance. Boro were camped in our half and looking the more likely to score, they were restricted fortunately to a few long range efforts and a few dangerous crosses. Our first decent chance was not until just before half time when Screech went close with a header from Jags cross, their keeper saving low down to his right and pushing it out for a corner. It was only a few minutes later and right on half time that Boro went ahead. From a cross wide on the right, Wheater rose to head past Tim, only Wheater will know what he was doing there but either way, Boro were in front.
Now Mr Halsey got a ironic cheer also just before half time. He awarded a foul against Boro for the defender putting both arms over Tim Cahill before fouling him to head the ball, if it wasn't over the shoulders it was around the waist, they had been at it all half and he'd missed two clear pentalties but that was not to take away from the fact that we were very poor. Moyesy needed to change something and dish out a bollocking.
HALF TIME 0-1
Bollocking duly dished out and Louis on for young Jack. Tim went into midfield and ran his bollocks off and Screech was pushed up front. There was an immediate improvement and an immediate impact. Just four minutes into the second half Timmy crossed and there he has all 7ft of Screech (hair included) to glace in the equaliser - that's my boy! The place erupted, we knew we could do this and we did.
Six minutes later the place went mental. A cross from the right was missed by Louis but picked up on the left by Peanuts, he crossed and King Louis earned his new nickname, again nodding in after he'd picked himself up. What a turnaround, the difference in play was remarkable, none more so than from Peanuts who ran himself to a stand still until his substitution.
But Everton being Everton never let you down and as the clock ran down Boro seemed to get closer and closer, Downing had moved ovr to the right to try out Bainsey and when he went close we thought it was all over but no, time for one last heart attack. Boro had made every substitution and thrown everything at us but one last long range effort was spilled by Tim and with their forward about to pounce Roger cleared - what a relief, nails were bitten, voices were lost, eyes were covered until we heard Halsey reluctantly blow that final whistle. We'd done it got to a semi for the second season, now for a final.
The place went bonkers, 'It's a grand old team' struck up and we sang our way to the boozer and beyond. Great stuff. Tell me Ma, me Ma..........
Blukipper Star Man could go to anyone in the second half but the choice is Timmy the Blue Kangaroo for none stop effort and defying all belief once again, not just up front where he battled non-stop but then in the middle. Wembley here we come, not once but twice. COYB FTRS
FULL TIME 2-1
Everton V Boro Pre Match
Fingers crossed, toes crossed, everything crossed. I am happy that it is a Sunday, happy its on Sultana TV, like the Villa and shite games earlier in the competition. My grundies and socks will be the same, yes I have washed them, same top, same jeans, same trip to the match, superstitious, you bet I am.
Moyesy though is taking it all in his stride, and as always injury worries are top of his mind. Tiny, Leon and Peanuts all have had to put their feet up since Wednesdays bore draw against Blackburn as they are nursing slight knocks. Hibbo has joined the long term absentees looking for space on Basil's treatment table, but his diagnosis is slightly better than his team mates. Screech's back is playing up, and I suppose that is no surprise with the weight he is carrying on his head. Jo is cup tied, so Louis should partner Tiny up front, with the back four of The Jag, Bainsey, Roger and Joey hopefully carrying on in protecting Tim's goal.
So it seems the midfield is the problem area, and fingers crossed they all come through their fitness tests, but remember we now have Jack the Lad, and goal hero against the shite, Dan G Laaa to call on. If all fit, I am sure Moyesy will go with his most experienced line up, as we attempt to reach Wembley for the first time since 1995.
If the Blues reach the Semi's, it will be their twenty fifth appearance in the Worlds Premier Cup Competition (got to say that as we have a chance of winning it). If we do do it, it will be the hard way, Macclesfield apart, we have beaten Premiership opposition along the way. Form is good for us, still unbeaten at Goodison since early December 2008, and ironically our last visit to the last eight of the FA Cup was back in 2002, against Boro, losing 3-0 in Walter Smiths last match. COYB
Moyesy says: "Tim Cahill, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar haven't trained since the game on Wednesday night. But I'm hopeful they will all be back training tomorrow. When I saw Ossie getting hit in the head the other night, I was thinking it was just our luck that he would have a fractured skull or something. But what I will say it that the players have coped really well, whoever I've put in, they have bonded together. We're not quite at the level we want to be at because of that, but the players understand, I hope the supporters do as well and we want them to be patient on Sunday - hopefully we can all get through together. He (Screech) has had a back problem. He actually cracked a small bone in his back so I'm hoping that he's going to be okay. I think it should be basically what we had before. Jo is cup-tied, but I think everyone else is roughly back.
There have been a lot of disappointments here in the past - I'd like to put that right. I want to give them something that they can get excited by, so we're looking forward to getting through. But the draws in this competition have been really tough for us. There have been years when we've had difficult draws, and this year is one of those. Luckily enough for us we've got through those ties against Liverpool and Aston Villa and now we have another Premier League team - Middlesbrough.
We can't take anything for granted, but I think there are signs that we are improving in the cups. Last year we got to the semi-final in the League Cup, we had a decent run in the Uefa Cup, so there are one or two signs that we are improving. Middlesbrough will have the Premier League in mind. The Cup could take the pressure of them though because you don't feel that at the end of the game you have to check the league table to see where you lie, so I suppose that does make it easier." (07/03/09)
Everton from: Howard, Jagielka, Lescott, Yobo, Baines, Osman, Cahill, Fellaini, Rodwell, Neville, Pienaar, Gosling, Saha, Nash, Van der Meyde, Castillo, Jacobsen, Baxter, Wallace.
Moyesy though is taking it all in his stride, and as always injury worries are top of his mind. Tiny, Leon and Peanuts all have had to put their feet up since Wednesdays bore draw against Blackburn as they are nursing slight knocks. Hibbo has joined the long term absentees looking for space on Basil's treatment table, but his diagnosis is slightly better than his team mates. Screech's back is playing up, and I suppose that is no surprise with the weight he is carrying on his head. Jo is cup tied, so Louis should partner Tiny up front, with the back four of The Jag, Bainsey, Roger and Joey hopefully carrying on in protecting Tim's goal.
So it seems the midfield is the problem area, and fingers crossed they all come through their fitness tests, but remember we now have Jack the Lad, and goal hero against the shite, Dan G Laaa to call on. If all fit, I am sure Moyesy will go with his most experienced line up, as we attempt to reach Wembley for the first time since 1995.
If the Blues reach the Semi's, it will be their twenty fifth appearance in the Worlds Premier Cup Competition (got to say that as we have a chance of winning it). If we do do it, it will be the hard way, Macclesfield apart, we have beaten Premiership opposition along the way. Form is good for us, still unbeaten at Goodison since early December 2008, and ironically our last visit to the last eight of the FA Cup was back in 2002, against Boro, losing 3-0 in Walter Smiths last match. COYB
Moyesy says: "Tim Cahill, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar haven't trained since the game on Wednesday night. But I'm hopeful they will all be back training tomorrow. When I saw Ossie getting hit in the head the other night, I was thinking it was just our luck that he would have a fractured skull or something. But what I will say it that the players have coped really well, whoever I've put in, they have bonded together. We're not quite at the level we want to be at because of that, but the players understand, I hope the supporters do as well and we want them to be patient on Sunday - hopefully we can all get through together. He (Screech) has had a back problem. He actually cracked a small bone in his back so I'm hoping that he's going to be okay. I think it should be basically what we had before. Jo is cup-tied, but I think everyone else is roughly back.
There have been a lot of disappointments here in the past - I'd like to put that right. I want to give them something that they can get excited by, so we're looking forward to getting through. But the draws in this competition have been really tough for us. There have been years when we've had difficult draws, and this year is one of those. Luckily enough for us we've got through those ties against Liverpool and Aston Villa and now we have another Premier League team - Middlesbrough.
We can't take anything for granted, but I think there are signs that we are improving in the cups. Last year we got to the semi-final in the League Cup, we had a decent run in the Uefa Cup, so there are one or two signs that we are improving. Middlesbrough will have the Premier League in mind. The Cup could take the pressure of them though because you don't feel that at the end of the game you have to check the league table to see where you lie, so I suppose that does make it easier." (07/03/09)
Everton from: Howard, Jagielka, Lescott, Yobo, Baines, Osman, Cahill, Fellaini, Rodwell, Neville, Pienaar, Gosling, Saha, Nash, Van der Meyde, Castillo, Jacobsen, Baxter, Wallace.
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