Everton Football Club will today confirm the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in its history.
The Blues are set to finalise a new three-year extension to their current deal with Chang and will put pen to paper in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon (8am UK time).The agreement will take Chang’s sponsorship of the Blues through to 2014 and could be worth in excess of £12m to the Club.
To help mark the deal, star midfielder Marouane Fellaini has flown to Thailand as part of a senior delegation from Goodison, and will spend the day meeting Chang officials and members of the Club’s burgeoning army of Thai supporters.
The Chang logo has been emblazoned upon Everton Blue since 2004 and the partnership is now the longest-running shirt sponsorship deal in the Premier League.
Everton Chief Executive Robert Elstone, also in Bangkok, said: “We are delighted to be signing a new three-year extension with Chang. We consider Chang to be very much a part of the extended Everton family.
“We are proud of what we have achieved in our time together and to have contributed to the development of young Thai footballers and the coaching infrastructure. Thai Bev has harnessed the years of accumulated expertise in our Academy and used it to deliver their own agenda on the ground in Thailand.”
He added: “Chang have always been very supportive of Everton since we first signed with them in 2004 and have been extremely proactive in driving the partnership forward, helping Everton grow internationally, whilst we have assisted in supporting Chang in key markets around the world.
“We understand that in the modern sports sponsorship market it is vital to generate as much value as possible and together we believe that the Everton/Chang relationship will continue to provide a significant payback on the investment.
“We are extremely excited about the new contract and look forward to working with our Thai colleagues to further develop the relationship.”
Charlie Jitcharoongphorn, Deputy Managing Director of Thai Beverage Marketing Co Ltd, said: “Chang has been a major sponsor of Everton for seven consecutive seasons. Over the course of these seven years, our partnership has been nothing short of truly fulfilling and rewarding.
“The Chang logo on the shirts of Everton players has successfully launched the brand into international fame and the partnership enables us to contribute to the development of Thai footballers in many ways.
“So, we have decided to extend our sponsorship contract with them for the fourth time, which will run well into 2014.”
As part of the trip the Everton delegation will visit the Thai Bev Academy and meet with a group of Thai Everton supporters to celebrate the Blues’ ever-growing fan base in Thailand.
Thursday 25 November 2010
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Arteta grabs a point to deny Sunderland
Nothing ventured in this massive crunch game, a fixture Everton have won in four out of the last five, Moyes going tried and trusted, 4-5-1, despite its abject failure to provide the goals so far this season. Louis Saha up-front all on his lonesome, the vastly improved Yakubu overlooked for the third match on a row. Everything else pretty much as expected: the dreadful Arteta and the questionable Heitinga picked to start, with Rodwell and Bily on the bench.
No Gyan for Sunderland after their stunning 3-0 win at Champions Chelsea, but Darren Bent is back alongside Welbeck in a two-pronged attack. The visitors kicked off but an early Sunderland corner came to nothing. The game seemed to be going nowhere down the right when Jagielka switched play crossfield and suddenly Pienaar sets Baines free on the left, a fantastic cross, Cahill nails it... GOAL!
A series of Sunderland free-kicks were cleared with good defensive headers, the third driven low, Howard saving low to his left. It din't take long, though for Everton to descend into safety-first football, with passes back instead of forward runs players chosing to play the ball defensively or just hoof it forward aimlessly. Of course, they rare time they didn't, Arteta ruined a promising move with a dreadful pass that set up a Sunderland attack.
Richardson and Coleman tussled boisterously down the right, which got the crowd wound up even more when the ref failed to give the home side a free-kick. But most of the game was being played in the Everton half, the ball up in the air for puerile sessions of head-tennis. 23 mins and Zendon skipped past Pienaar and galloped in, sliding a great ball past Baines and Welbeck couldn't miss at the near post... and he didn't. 1-1.
Baines took Everton's first corner and it looked that Cahill had scored again but it was cleared by three players on the line. The clearance came back and a high ball was won off the keeper by Cahill, played back to Distin but his shot was horribly high
A Neville clip forward was brilliantly anticipated by Cahill and clipped over the advancing Gordon but Turner stopped it on the line, colliding heavily with the post in the process. Arteta than had a shot after a sequence of headers set him up but it was hopelessly high and wide.
The hour-mark came with each side looking to stretch the game after a period of Everton dominance, Sunderland winning a corner that was headed away well by Distin. A period of sustained pressure for Everton followed but in looking for the perfect set-up, it never happened. Jack Rodwell entered the five-minute pre-sub pre-brief instructional session from Moyes on the sidelines before he came on to replace Coleman of all people?!?
A nice move — almost a breakaway — followed but Arteta, well positioned to shoot, chose a clever sideways clip to Pienaar who was pushed too wide and the glorious chance had gone. Malbranque came on for Zendon as Sunderland broke after Arteta went to sleep, Bent' s shot out for the corner, from which a cross eventually came in off Richardson, who had picked the ball up wide when offside after taking the corner, that Welbeck headed well beyond Howard and into the far top corner.
Everton had paid the price twice-fold for not putting them to the sword after that nice early goal... so, so predictable. Now wait 5 mins and go 4-3-3...???
Rodwell and Bardsley squared off, Jack earning himself a silly yellow card. Everton pushed and probed, but looked as ever to overplay it, with Saha, Pienaar and Rodwell doing the "After you, Claude" walk it into the net routine. Sure enough, 82 mins and Moyes plays his masterstroke, Yakubu for Saha and Beckford for Heitinga. And incredibly, this time it worked! (Although neither of the new subs were involved.)
Arteta looked to have missed his opportunity to shoot, but fired in a weak shot that the keeper had well covered miraculous clipped off Bardsley's foot and into the opposite side of the net!
Both sides could have gone for the win after that, and Malbranque released Bent who fired into the side netting. But as 4 mins went up on the fourth official's board, Everton's ponderous multi-pronged attack only succeeded in getting in each other's way in the Sunderland area. At the other end, Welbeck came so close to securing the win for Sunderland and his hat-trick.
10 seconds left and an incredible piece of Route One/hoofball [delete as appropriate] lands perfectly for Beckford with just the keeper to beat... and he leathers it just over!!! Moyes collapses in despair on the sidelines. He was not alone. Once again, extremely frustrating stuff.
No Gyan for Sunderland after their stunning 3-0 win at Champions Chelsea, but Darren Bent is back alongside Welbeck in a two-pronged attack. The visitors kicked off but an early Sunderland corner came to nothing. The game seemed to be going nowhere down the right when Jagielka switched play crossfield and suddenly Pienaar sets Baines free on the left, a fantastic cross, Cahill nails it... GOAL!
A series of Sunderland free-kicks were cleared with good defensive headers, the third driven low, Howard saving low to his left. It din't take long, though for Everton to descend into safety-first football, with passes back instead of forward runs players chosing to play the ball defensively or just hoof it forward aimlessly. Of course, they rare time they didn't, Arteta ruined a promising move with a dreadful pass that set up a Sunderland attack.
Richardson and Coleman tussled boisterously down the right, which got the crowd wound up even more when the ref failed to give the home side a free-kick. But most of the game was being played in the Everton half, the ball up in the air for puerile sessions of head-tennis. 23 mins and Zendon skipped past Pienaar and galloped in, sliding a great ball past Baines and Welbeck couldn't miss at the near post... and he didn't. 1-1.
Baines took Everton's first corner and it looked that Cahill had scored again but it was cleared by three players on the line. The clearance came back and a high ball was won off the keeper by Cahill, played back to Distin but his shot was horribly high
A Neville clip forward was brilliantly anticipated by Cahill and clipped over the advancing Gordon but Turner stopped it on the line, colliding heavily with the post in the process. Arteta than had a shot after a sequence of headers set him up but it was hopelessly high and wide.
The hour-mark came with each side looking to stretch the game after a period of Everton dominance, Sunderland winning a corner that was headed away well by Distin. A period of sustained pressure for Everton followed but in looking for the perfect set-up, it never happened. Jack Rodwell entered the five-minute pre-sub pre-brief instructional session from Moyes on the sidelines before he came on to replace Coleman of all people?!?
A nice move — almost a breakaway — followed but Arteta, well positioned to shoot, chose a clever sideways clip to Pienaar who was pushed too wide and the glorious chance had gone. Malbranque came on for Zendon as Sunderland broke after Arteta went to sleep, Bent' s shot out for the corner, from which a cross eventually came in off Richardson, who had picked the ball up wide when offside after taking the corner, that Welbeck headed well beyond Howard and into the far top corner.
Everton had paid the price twice-fold for not putting them to the sword after that nice early goal... so, so predictable. Now wait 5 mins and go 4-3-3...???
Rodwell and Bardsley squared off, Jack earning himself a silly yellow card. Everton pushed and probed, but looked as ever to overplay it, with Saha, Pienaar and Rodwell doing the "After you, Claude" walk it into the net routine. Sure enough, 82 mins and Moyes plays his masterstroke, Yakubu for Saha and Beckford for Heitinga. And incredibly, this time it worked! (Although neither of the new subs were involved.)
Arteta looked to have missed his opportunity to shoot, but fired in a weak shot that the keeper had well covered miraculous clipped off Bardsley's foot and into the opposite side of the net!
Both sides could have gone for the win after that, and Malbranque released Bent who fired into the side netting. But as 4 mins went up on the fourth official's board, Everton's ponderous multi-pronged attack only succeeded in getting in each other's way in the Sunderland area. At the other end, Welbeck came so close to securing the win for Sunderland and his hat-trick.
10 seconds left and an incredible piece of Route One/hoofball [delete as appropriate] lands perfectly for Beckford with just the keeper to beat... and he leathers it just over!!! Moyes collapses in despair on the sidelines. He was not alone. Once again, extremely frustrating stuff.
Monday 22 November 2010
Sunderland v Everton
Everton travel to the Stadium of Light for the televised Monday night game, knowing that a win would take them back up into the top half of the table. But they face a Sunderland side that could be quite buoyant after they stole a rather impressive 3-0 win off the Champions at Stamford Bridge last weekend by daring to play attacking football with more than one striker up-front. Fellaini is still suspended and Osman is still injured. Kick-Off: 8pm GMT
Friday 19 November 2010
Yakubu says he's fit to score
Yakubu believes he can recapture the form which saw him become an Everton record breaker. The Nigerian international has found the back of the net just once this season, but is confident his return to peak form is not far off... “I always believe I can score and I believe I can score goals like I did here before,” said Yakubu. “Even when I don't score I feel I am not under pressure because I honestly believe I will score no matter what. As a striker you need goals, they give you that confidence. When you start scoring you start to look fresher in games. For me to score means a lot and I think there is more to come."
Thursday 18 November 2010
Rodwell's injury was 'worst ever'
Everton and England star Jack Rodwell has spoken of his ordeal in recovering from the ankle ligament tear which he said was his worst injury ever. The 19-year-old made his return to first-team football after being sidelined with the knock for two months. Now looking to continue his recovery by appearing for England U-21's against Germany, Rodwell paid tribute to Everton's medical staff who helped him through the painful lay-off.
He said: "The medical team at Everton has done really well getting me back. It’s taken its time but it’s getting stronger and stronger.
"It’s the worst injury that I’ve had, I was on crutches, I was in the boot, and you don’t see the light.
"It can be very boring when you’re injured, I couldn’t do anything but lay there with my foot up icing it every hour, so I watched a lot of DVDs.
"I’ve been out injured for eight or nine weeks, but it’s good that I’m back now as it was meant to be Christmas time, so I’m a few weeks ahead of schedule.
"I’m buzzing to be back playing again."
Rodwell's injury came at a time when he was in good form for Everton. Having just dazzled in a Carling Cup tie against Huddersfield, the youngster was hotly tipped for his England senior call-up.
Frustrated by the bad timing of the injury, Rodwell was philosophical about making that step up to Fabio Capello's squad.
He said: "I was gutted I got this injury as I was doing well for Everton and knew there was a couple of friendlies coming up.
"But there’s nothing I can do about it now, all I am concentrating on is being here with the Under-21s and doing well in the next game.
"I'm happy to play any age for England and I'm confident that I'll make the step up to the Seniors, but I have to work hard for club and country."
He said: "The medical team at Everton has done really well getting me back. It’s taken its time but it’s getting stronger and stronger.
"It’s the worst injury that I’ve had, I was on crutches, I was in the boot, and you don’t see the light.
"It can be very boring when you’re injured, I couldn’t do anything but lay there with my foot up icing it every hour, so I watched a lot of DVDs.
"I’ve been out injured for eight or nine weeks, but it’s good that I’m back now as it was meant to be Christmas time, so I’m a few weeks ahead of schedule.
"I’m buzzing to be back playing again."
Rodwell's injury came at a time when he was in good form for Everton. Having just dazzled in a Carling Cup tie against Huddersfield, the youngster was hotly tipped for his England senior call-up.
Frustrated by the bad timing of the injury, Rodwell was philosophical about making that step up to Fabio Capello's squad.
He said: "I was gutted I got this injury as I was doing well for Everton and knew there was a couple of friendlies coming up.
"But there’s nothing I can do about it now, all I am concentrating on is being here with the Under-21s and doing well in the next game.
"I'm happy to play any age for England and I'm confident that I'll make the step up to the Seniors, but I have to work hard for club and country."
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Everton FC granted planning permission to build £9m retail and administration development at Goodison Park
Everton FC granted planning permission to build £9m retail and administration development at Goodison Park
Goodison Park retail and administration plans 460
Everton Football Club have been granted planning permission to build a £9million state-of-the-art retail and administration development on the existing Goodison Park footprint.
The new facility will be built on the site of the Club Everton lounge at the Park End of the stadium and will house a 900 square metre retail store, museum, cafe, a fan-focused hospitality lounge and office space.
The four-floor, self-funded development will also free up space within the corporate areas of Goodison, meaning capacity for corporate hospitality inside the stadium itself can be expanded.
Chief Executive, Robert Elstone, said: “The new building is an exciting phase in the development of Goodison Park.
“It will help us grow our business by giving fans a new, purpose-built Club shop more than twice the size of Everton One, a new hospitality lounge targeted towards Evertonians wanting to socialise before and after games at Goodison and, at last, a proper home for the Everton Collection and other exciting attractions for our fans.
“It will also get the entire Everton team under one roof, something that is long overdue and an opportunity to further improve how we work as a team for the benefit of the fans.”
Work will start before the end of the year and is expected to be completed in Autumn 2011. The project will be paid for entirely through the assistance of existing Club retail partner Kitbag and Stadium catering partner Sodexo.
Mr Elstone added: "This new scheme is totally self-funded by partners so there is no net cost to the Club. In fact, it is cash-positive from the start.”
Commenting on the decision, Tim Groom, Managing Director of Formroom, the architects behind the design of the new development, said: “It has been fantastic to work on a project that allowed us not only to be so creative, but also to work with a client who is so passionate about high quality design and achieving an end result that everyone associated with Everton Football Club can be proud of.
“The new development will be a gateway to the stadium and stands against a backdrop of one of England’s most historic grounds, therefore it was crucial that whatever we designed was complementary to the existing area, while also reflecting the Club’s ambition.”
Goodison Park retail and administration plans 460
Everton Football Club have been granted planning permission to build a £9million state-of-the-art retail and administration development on the existing Goodison Park footprint.
The new facility will be built on the site of the Club Everton lounge at the Park End of the stadium and will house a 900 square metre retail store, museum, cafe, a fan-focused hospitality lounge and office space.
The four-floor, self-funded development will also free up space within the corporate areas of Goodison, meaning capacity for corporate hospitality inside the stadium itself can be expanded.
Chief Executive, Robert Elstone, said: “The new building is an exciting phase in the development of Goodison Park.
“It will help us grow our business by giving fans a new, purpose-built Club shop more than twice the size of Everton One, a new hospitality lounge targeted towards Evertonians wanting to socialise before and after games at Goodison and, at last, a proper home for the Everton Collection and other exciting attractions for our fans.
“It will also get the entire Everton team under one roof, something that is long overdue and an opportunity to further improve how we work as a team for the benefit of the fans.”
Work will start before the end of the year and is expected to be completed in Autumn 2011. The project will be paid for entirely through the assistance of existing Club retail partner Kitbag and Stadium catering partner Sodexo.
Mr Elstone added: "This new scheme is totally self-funded by partners so there is no net cost to the Club. In fact, it is cash-positive from the start.”
Commenting on the decision, Tim Groom, Managing Director of Formroom, the architects behind the design of the new development, said: “It has been fantastic to work on a project that allowed us not only to be so creative, but also to work with a client who is so passionate about high quality design and achieving an end result that everyone associated with Everton Football Club can be proud of.
“The new development will be a gateway to the stadium and stands against a backdrop of one of England’s most historic grounds, therefore it was crucial that whatever we designed was complementary to the existing area, while also reflecting the Club’s ambition.”
Monday 15 November 2010
Limp fightback not good enough
Heitnga and Coleman were back in the starting line-up, with Loius Saha leading the attack, for the visit of the Londoners.
Pienaar was in strongly in the first minute, reflecting the ongoing debate about Arsenal's duplicity over fears of hard tackling. Cahill won an early corner that was delivered far better by Arteta, but Saha and Cahill both went for it and got in eachother's way. Coleman won a good free-kick off Clichy that Arteta drove poorly straight at the wall.
Distin did superbly to block Nasri's shot after he was given too much time and from the corner, a wonderful run by Coleman half the length of the field teed up Cahill with a cross for the perfect header but the Aussie fluffed it too high and wide. A silly knees-up challenge by Cahill on Wilshere did not draw yellow from Howard Webb, which was likely to go Heitinga, the way he was acting, Arshavin getting in a shot that curled aaway from goal. An even game for the first 15 mins... but Arsneal looking to take more effective control, Arshavin driving in and firuing over.
An incisve move from Arsenal required another last-ditch block, this time from Jagielka. Heitinga finally got his fully deserved yellow card on 26 mins. Saha got a half-chance that he spooned wide of the angle. Some great work from Pienaar in defence and midfield but the rest of the Blues were losing the midfield advantage with poor passing and lack of ideas when in possession, Distin resorting to the good old hoof over the top.
Asenal weren't really that much better, as the standard of football from both sides was getting a bit scrappy. But Arsenal suddlenly brightened, Nasri firing on Howard, who parried, and Arshavin fed the rebound to the poorly marked Sanga who had time to step forward and leather an unstoppable shot from a very tight angle just inside Howard's post and into the roof of the net. So much for getting the first goal... Everton got a chance to reply early, Baines winning a free kick that he swung in well but it was defended away and the all-to-familiar failings to create from open play set in once again.
Before the break, Pienaar went down far too easily for Howard Webb on the edge of the Arsenal area, but the Goodison crowd bayed incessantly for a free-kick. Webb did call another foul on Pieenaar that led to a corner that Arteta delivered better to the far post where Saha came close but Fabianski swatted the danger away. Not a great half of football from Everton, rueing that miss by Cahill that would have set them on their way.
A change at half-time — anything to relieve the tedium of the moribund fare on show, Pienaar the only one playing out of his skin. Heitinga was wisely removed, letting Jack Rodwell finally get some football, his ankle finally deemd strong enough for action. But the half had hardly got going when a simple one-two bambooxzled the Everton defence and Fabregas smashed one across Howard into teh far corner. A mountain to climb.
An opportunity came in the shape of a dangerous free-kick given away by Squillaci's challemge on Saha but Fabianski read Baines's curly and gathered it easily — at least it beat the Arsenal wall!
Things got feisty when Fabregas went in late as Distin cleared the ball, although he actually put his foot in undeer Distin's then claimed a stamp and got a well-deserved yellow card for his tomfoolery. Finally a nice move from Everton, Pienaar laying it back perfectly for Rodwell who scooped it horribbly over the bar. At the other end, Nasri ran free but could not beat Howard, then Chamak missed a gapping open goal that would have made it three.
A great run by Pienaar and Baines looked to have set up Saha but his shot was blocked away by Song, off his shoulder but it looked like his arm; only a corner given. Moyes waited until the 70th minute to make his final play for a point, Beckford and Yakubu on for Neville and the dreadfull Arteta. Brave move from the boss-man! 4-3-3??? Nice idea... But they just couldn't get the ball off Arsenal.
When Pienaar did finally get it. he played into space for Beckford to run onto... only Beckford was, er, in another League altogether. Finally, they got the ball to Coleman who ran at Arsenal and won a corner that Baines played short, with three strikers. Very odd. Needless to say, it failed miserably.
It was desparatly poor stuff from Everton really. An overtly attacking formation they had probbaly never prepared for... and it just invited Arsenal to play possession football. Some Route One stuff did get ball up to Beckford, whose turn and shot was impressive but his shot was not good enough this time to beat Fabianski.
Yakubu did well to set up Pienaar, who really should have scored but his shot was straight at Fabianski. A free-kick opportunity from the left by Pienaar was poorly overhit. Finally, with just 5 mins left, Everton looked to attack more effectively, winning a couple of corners, Baines adopting the Arteta method of hitting it in too low. Saha got a shot on goal but Fabianski was across to save it well. From the corner, Cahill finally bundled one in off a good header back from Saha at the far post.
Four minutes of added time, Everton probbing a litlle more like they should have been doing all game, but all they got from it was a yellow card for Coleman, and the ultimate end to the unbeaten run. At least it was only 2 this time, and not 6.
Pienaar was in strongly in the first minute, reflecting the ongoing debate about Arsenal's duplicity over fears of hard tackling. Cahill won an early corner that was delivered far better by Arteta, but Saha and Cahill both went for it and got in eachother's way. Coleman won a good free-kick off Clichy that Arteta drove poorly straight at the wall.
Distin did superbly to block Nasri's shot after he was given too much time and from the corner, a wonderful run by Coleman half the length of the field teed up Cahill with a cross for the perfect header but the Aussie fluffed it too high and wide. A silly knees-up challenge by Cahill on Wilshere did not draw yellow from Howard Webb, which was likely to go Heitinga, the way he was acting, Arshavin getting in a shot that curled aaway from goal. An even game for the first 15 mins... but Arsneal looking to take more effective control, Arshavin driving in and firuing over.
An incisve move from Arsenal required another last-ditch block, this time from Jagielka. Heitinga finally got his fully deserved yellow card on 26 mins. Saha got a half-chance that he spooned wide of the angle. Some great work from Pienaar in defence and midfield but the rest of the Blues were losing the midfield advantage with poor passing and lack of ideas when in possession, Distin resorting to the good old hoof over the top.
Asenal weren't really that much better, as the standard of football from both sides was getting a bit scrappy. But Arsenal suddlenly brightened, Nasri firing on Howard, who parried, and Arshavin fed the rebound to the poorly marked Sanga who had time to step forward and leather an unstoppable shot from a very tight angle just inside Howard's post and into the roof of the net. So much for getting the first goal... Everton got a chance to reply early, Baines winning a free kick that he swung in well but it was defended away and the all-to-familiar failings to create from open play set in once again.
Before the break, Pienaar went down far too easily for Howard Webb on the edge of the Arsenal area, but the Goodison crowd bayed incessantly for a free-kick. Webb did call another foul on Pieenaar that led to a corner that Arteta delivered better to the far post where Saha came close but Fabianski swatted the danger away. Not a great half of football from Everton, rueing that miss by Cahill that would have set them on their way.
A change at half-time — anything to relieve the tedium of the moribund fare on show, Pienaar the only one playing out of his skin. Heitinga was wisely removed, letting Jack Rodwell finally get some football, his ankle finally deemd strong enough for action. But the half had hardly got going when a simple one-two bambooxzled the Everton defence and Fabregas smashed one across Howard into teh far corner. A mountain to climb.
An opportunity came in the shape of a dangerous free-kick given away by Squillaci's challemge on Saha but Fabianski read Baines's curly and gathered it easily — at least it beat the Arsenal wall!
Things got feisty when Fabregas went in late as Distin cleared the ball, although he actually put his foot in undeer Distin's then claimed a stamp and got a well-deserved yellow card for his tomfoolery. Finally a nice move from Everton, Pienaar laying it back perfectly for Rodwell who scooped it horribbly over the bar. At the other end, Nasri ran free but could not beat Howard, then Chamak missed a gapping open goal that would have made it three.
A great run by Pienaar and Baines looked to have set up Saha but his shot was blocked away by Song, off his shoulder but it looked like his arm; only a corner given. Moyes waited until the 70th minute to make his final play for a point, Beckford and Yakubu on for Neville and the dreadfull Arteta. Brave move from the boss-man! 4-3-3??? Nice idea... But they just couldn't get the ball off Arsenal.
When Pienaar did finally get it. he played into space for Beckford to run onto... only Beckford was, er, in another League altogether. Finally, they got the ball to Coleman who ran at Arsenal and won a corner that Baines played short, with three strikers. Very odd. Needless to say, it failed miserably.
It was desparatly poor stuff from Everton really. An overtly attacking formation they had probbaly never prepared for... and it just invited Arsenal to play possession football. Some Route One stuff did get ball up to Beckford, whose turn and shot was impressive but his shot was not good enough this time to beat Fabianski.
Yakubu did well to set up Pienaar, who really should have scored but his shot was straight at Fabianski. A free-kick opportunity from the left by Pienaar was poorly overhit. Finally, with just 5 mins left, Everton looked to attack more effectively, winning a couple of corners, Baines adopting the Arteta method of hitting it in too low. Saha got a shot on goal but Fabianski was across to save it well. From the corner, Cahill finally bundled one in off a good header back from Saha at the far post.
Four minutes of added time, Everton probbing a litlle more like they should have been doing all game, but all they got from it was a yellow card for Coleman, and the ultimate end to the unbeaten run. At least it was only 2 this time, and not 6.
Saturday 13 November 2010
Everton v Arsenal
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Goodison Park Date: Sunday, 14 November Kick-off: 1400 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and highlights on Match of the Day 2; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles
Venue: Goodison Park Date: Sunday, 14 November Kick-off: 1400 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and highlights on Match of the Day 2; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles
TEAM NEWS
Everton are without Marouane Fellaini for three matches after he was sent off against Bolton on Wednesday.
John Heitinga could return from the knee problem that kept him out in midweek, while the fit-again Jack Rodwell is in contention to start.
Arsenal are hopeful Kieran Gibbs could be involved at Goodison Park following his recent knee injury.
Laurent Koscielny serves the last match of his ban so Johan Djourou will again deputise.
Everton
Suspended: Fellaini (three matches)
Doubtful: Heitinga (knee)
Injured: Anichebe (knee/fitness), Barkley (leg), Osman (ankle)
Arsenal
Suspended: Koscielny (one match)
Doubtful: Gibbs (knee)
Doubtful: Gibbs (knee)
Injured: Almunia (elbow), Diaby (ankle), Frimpong (knee), Ramsey (broken leg), Vermaelen (Achilles)
MATCH PREVIEW
Arsene Wenger complained that his Arsenal side never "found second gear" during their hugely disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle last Sunday. But he could have had no complaints on Wednesday against Wolves as his side hit top gear from the off, with Marouane Chamakh scoring the fastest-ever goal by an Arsenal player in the Premier League after just 37 seconds.
 | I thought we would get punished for not taking chances [against Bolton]. It's probably been the long playing record everyone has heard from me since the start of the season Everton boss David Moyes |
The eventual 2-0 scoreline was possibly a little flattering as Arsenal found Wolves a tough nut to crack, but the three points were much needed as they bid to keep pace with Chelsea at the top of the league.
Everton have proved to be profitable opponents in recent times for the north London club and Wenger's side enjoyed a 6-1 victory at Goodison Park on the opening day of last season. Their total of 22 Premier League wins against David Moyes' side is more than the Gunners have managed against any other club.
But the Toffees have found their groove in recent weeks and are steadily climbing the table thanks to an unbeaten seven match run that has moved them towards the European places.
In fact, they have only lost three of their last 23 matches in the league and look rock solid at the back.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Everton and won last season's encounter at Goodison Park 6-1.
• Arsenal have scored four or more goals in a game against Everton in eight of their 36 Premier League encounters.
• This is the 194th meeting between these sides. Arsenal have won 94 matches, Everton 58 and there have been 41 draws.
| 606: DEBATE |
Everton
• Everton have lost only three of their last 23 Premier League matches.
• Only Chelsea (five) and Manchester City (10) have let in fewer goals in the league than the 11 Everton have so far conceded.
• In their match with Bolton on Wednesday, Jermaine Beckford became the first Everton substitute to score this season and Marouane Fellaini the first player to be sent off.
Arsenal
• Marouane Chamakh scored the fastest top-flight goal of the season after 37 seconds against Wolves; it was also Arsenal's fastest ever in the Premier League, beating Thierry Henry's goal after 58 seconds against Reading on 22 October 2006.
• They have scored in the last three minutes in three of their last four league matches.
• The Gunners are unbeaten on their last seven trips to Merseyside to play either Everton or Liverpool. Their last defeat in the city of Liverpool came back in March 2007 when they lost 4-1 to the Reds.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
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Everton
Cahill: 5 goals (5 league)
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Arsenal
Chamakh 8 goals (5 league); Nasri & Walcott: 7 goals (4 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Howard Webb
Assistant referees: Andy Madley & David Richardson
Fourth official: Anthony Taylor
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Everton (D1-1 v Bolton, h): Howard, Neville (Yakubu 81), Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Bilyaletdinov (Coleman 66), Fellaini, Cahill, Arteta, Pienaar, Saha (Beckford 81). Subs not used: Mucha, Hibbert, Rodwell, Baxter.
Arsenal (W2-0 v Wolves, a): Fabianski, Sagna, Squillaci, Djourou, Clichy, Song, Wilshere (Denilson 67), Rosicky, Fabregas, Arshavin (Nasri 90), Chamakh (Bendtner 90). Subs not used: Szczesny, Eboue, Walcott, van Persie.
Thursday 11 November 2010
Beckford stunner rescues Everton
David Moyes rang the changes, perhaps in anticipation of another even bigger Goodison game coming up on Sunday. Coleman, Heitinga and Yakubu rested, allowing Marouane Fellaini, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Louis Saha to start.
Bolton started the more brightly. Distin did well to intercept Ellmander in full flight on Howard's goal.
Bolton were pushing Everton back repeatedly from set pieces but after 20 mins it was Everton's turn to apply the pressure. Pienaar finally got a break, Saha's shoot straight at Jaskelinen but Tim Cahill in quickly could do nothing with the rebound.
Saha with a nice galancing header off a corner, say it cleared off the line after the half-hour.
Everton looked to attack with more purpose, Arteta firing in a good deep cross that won a corner. Good pressure from Everton led to another corner, with Cahill and Cahill getting a serious lecture for stupidly pushing each other. The corner dropped to Fellaini at the back post but his ferocios volley flew high over the bar.
Steinsson then took out Pienaar and won the first yellow card. Pienaar came back on after treatment and ran at Bolton, feeding a great ball into Arteta but his touch was too heavy and the chance was gone. Baines won a free-kick with a good run inside, but Arteta's free-kick drive was hopeless, the ball curling well away from goal.
A speell of good possession but the attack was nmodeled again around walking the ball through the Bolton defence and that was not going to work.
Another yellow card for Bolton on the break, Zac Knight cutting down Saha, the free-kick from Arteta totally wasted as his chip bounced through harmlessly to Jaskelinien.
So Everton under the cosh for 20 minutes, survived the aerial onslaught. Then the Blues dominated the rest of the half but could not deliver.
Everton looked to continue the attacking play into the second half,. Bily coming very close on an acute run-in fro the left, his shot deflecting over off Baines. Neville gave away a corner that looked dangerous.
The hour mark and subs in order for both sides,A great chance for Saha but he smashes it into a defender, lots of pressure but the Blues unable to really get close enough. Coleman coming on for Bilyaletdinov but another hopeless corner from Arteta. But Coleman joined the fun, keeping the balls coming into the Bolton area.
Coleman did a trademark cut-in but again the effort was blocked. On his next attempt, Coleman wins a corner but yet again, it was utterly attrocious from Arteta, straight to the feet of the first defender. But Boilton cannot clear and Saha wins yet aonther corner, this time from Baines. More height, but insufficient speed...
Fellaini caught Holden, lashing at the ball in the centre circle, and from the restart, Bolton won a rare corner, from which Taylor headed into the Everton bar! Yakubu readied himslelf as Coleman dsahed forward yet again,winning another corner, but it was lobbed in, far too high and deep.
But Jagielka gets caught horribly in possession in the middle, and Bolton are off to the races, Taylor crossing well for Klasnic at the far post as Distin and Howard both fatally miss the ball, allowing him to bundle it inside the post. Game Over, surely with 10 mins left..
Yakubu and Beckford came on in place of Saha and Neville, as David Moyes throws caution to the wind. Fellainai than got tanglked with Robinson kicking out at him while on the ground, Dowd immediatly pulled out his red card for an idiotic response from the Big Fella. Could it possibly get any worse?
No, into the fiinal minute of added time, an unbelievable goal from Jermaine Beckford. Baines did superbly to pull the ball back into play off Lee and scoop it in to Beckford, who turned on the left side of the area and clipped the most beautiful unstoppable shot into the top far corner of Jaskelienen's goal, with the keepr utterly beaten. A fantastice debut league goal and an incredible finish to the game.
Bolton started the more brightly. Distin did well to intercept Ellmander in full flight on Howard's goal.
Bolton were pushing Everton back repeatedly from set pieces but after 20 mins it was Everton's turn to apply the pressure. Pienaar finally got a break, Saha's shoot straight at Jaskelinen but Tim Cahill in quickly could do nothing with the rebound.
Saha with a nice galancing header off a corner, say it cleared off the line after the half-hour.
Everton looked to attack with more purpose, Arteta firing in a good deep cross that won a corner. Good pressure from Everton led to another corner, with Cahill and Cahill getting a serious lecture for stupidly pushing each other. The corner dropped to Fellaini at the back post but his ferocios volley flew high over the bar.
Steinsson then took out Pienaar and won the first yellow card. Pienaar came back on after treatment and ran at Bolton, feeding a great ball into Arteta but his touch was too heavy and the chance was gone. Baines won a free-kick with a good run inside, but Arteta's free-kick drive was hopeless, the ball curling well away from goal.
A speell of good possession but the attack was nmodeled again around walking the ball through the Bolton defence and that was not going to work.
Another yellow card for Bolton on the break, Zac Knight cutting down Saha, the free-kick from Arteta totally wasted as his chip bounced through harmlessly to Jaskelinien.
So Everton under the cosh for 20 minutes, survived the aerial onslaught. Then the Blues dominated the rest of the half but could not deliver.
Everton looked to continue the attacking play into the second half,. Bily coming very close on an acute run-in fro the left, his shot deflecting over off Baines. Neville gave away a corner that looked dangerous.
The hour mark and subs in order for both sides,A great chance for Saha but he smashes it into a defender, lots of pressure but the Blues unable to really get close enough. Coleman coming on for Bilyaletdinov but another hopeless corner from Arteta. But Coleman joined the fun, keeping the balls coming into the Bolton area.
Coleman did a trademark cut-in but again the effort was blocked. On his next attempt, Coleman wins a corner but yet again, it was utterly attrocious from Arteta, straight to the feet of the first defender. But Boilton cannot clear and Saha wins yet aonther corner, this time from Baines. More height, but insufficient speed...
Fellaini caught Holden, lashing at the ball in the centre circle, and from the restart, Bolton won a rare corner, from which Taylor headed into the Everton bar! Yakubu readied himslelf as Coleman dsahed forward yet again,winning another corner, but it was lobbed in, far too high and deep.
But Jagielka gets caught horribly in possession in the middle, and Bolton are off to the races, Taylor crossing well for Klasnic at the far post as Distin and Howard both fatally miss the ball, allowing him to bundle it inside the post. Game Over, surely with 10 mins left..
Yakubu and Beckford came on in place of Saha and Neville, as David Moyes throws caution to the wind. Fellainai than got tanglked with Robinson kicking out at him while on the ground, Dowd immediatly pulled out his red card for an idiotic response from the Big Fella. Could it possibly get any worse?
No, into the fiinal minute of added time, an unbelievable goal from Jermaine Beckford. Baines did superbly to pull the ball back into play off Lee and scoop it in to Beckford, who turned on the left side of the area and clipped the most beautiful unstoppable shot into the top far corner of Jaskelienen's goal, with the keepr utterly beaten. A fantastice debut league goal and an incredible finish to the game.
Wednesday 10 November 2010
Everton FC boss Moyes wins Manager of the Month award
DAVID MOYES was yesterday recognised for guiding Everton away from the foot of the Premier League by picking up yet another Manager of the Month award.
Moyes was presented with the gong for the third time this calendar year after his team remained unbeaten in the Premier League throughout October.
It is the eighth time the Scot has been named Barclays Manager of the Month since taking over at Goodison in March 2002, with only Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger having won more.
Having gone into October in last place with three points from six games, Everton recorded their first Premier League win of the season with a 2-0 victory at Birmingham City.
They followed that with a memorable triumph by the same scoreline in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Goodison, with Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta finding the target.
A Leighton Baines free-kick ensured a battling 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur the following week before Everton ended the month with Yakubu’s goal earning a 1-0 home win over Stoke City.
Their march up the table was checked on Saturday with a 2-2 draw at Blackpool, and they will look to return to winning ways when they entertain Bolton Wanderers tomorrow.
And Trotters manager Owen Coyle believes it is no surprise Scottish compatriot Moyes continues to glean individual honours.
“David Moyes is an unbelievable manager, who has established Everton a top-eight club year in, year out,” said Coyle. “To say that he has done a fantastic job doesn’t do him justice.
“I know Moyesy from when I was a player at Bolton Wanderers.
“John McGinlay, who I obviously played with, was pally with David when he was at Preston because they had played together at Shrewsbury.
“We used to meet up regularly and you could see how much David loved the game. Even at that time he was looking at the game from a coaching perspective, so it doesn’t surprise me that he has gone on to become an outstanding manager.
“David in many ways is very similar to Sir Alex (Ferguson) in the qualities he has.
“Everton have had real success with David because he is fantastic at what he does and he gets the best out of that group of players.”
Coyle admits Bolton can expect a difficult evening against a rejuvenated Everton tomorrow, particularly in front of their passionate home support.
“The atmosphere at Goodison Park is incredible and the home fans are screaming and cheering every time the ball goes into the opposition’s box,” he added.
“They really get behind their team and that’s something that we will have to account for, as well as the quality that Everton have.
“Everton had a slow start last season but picked themselves up and in the second half of the campaign they were the outstanding team in the league, and they have been playing well again in recent weeks.
“So we know we are in for a tough game but it’s one we are looking forward to.”
Moyes was presented with the gong for the third time this calendar year after his team remained unbeaten in the Premier League throughout October.
It is the eighth time the Scot has been named Barclays Manager of the Month since taking over at Goodison in March 2002, with only Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger having won more.
Having gone into October in last place with three points from six games, Everton recorded their first Premier League win of the season with a 2-0 victory at Birmingham City.
They followed that with a memorable triumph by the same scoreline in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Goodison, with Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta finding the target.
A Leighton Baines free-kick ensured a battling 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur the following week before Everton ended the month with Yakubu’s goal earning a 1-0 home win over Stoke City.
Their march up the table was checked on Saturday with a 2-2 draw at Blackpool, and they will look to return to winning ways when they entertain Bolton Wanderers tomorrow.
And Trotters manager Owen Coyle believes it is no surprise Scottish compatriot Moyes continues to glean individual honours.
“David Moyes is an unbelievable manager, who has established Everton a top-eight club year in, year out,” said Coyle. “To say that he has done a fantastic job doesn’t do him justice.
“I know Moyesy from when I was a player at Bolton Wanderers.
“John McGinlay, who I obviously played with, was pally with David when he was at Preston because they had played together at Shrewsbury.
“We used to meet up regularly and you could see how much David loved the game. Even at that time he was looking at the game from a coaching perspective, so it doesn’t surprise me that he has gone on to become an outstanding manager.
“David in many ways is very similar to Sir Alex (Ferguson) in the qualities he has.
“Everton have had real success with David because he is fantastic at what he does and he gets the best out of that group of players.”
Coyle admits Bolton can expect a difficult evening against a rejuvenated Everton tomorrow, particularly in front of their passionate home support.
“The atmosphere at Goodison Park is incredible and the home fans are screaming and cheering every time the ball goes into the opposition’s box,” he added.
“They really get behind their team and that’s something that we will have to account for, as well as the quality that Everton have.
“Everton had a slow start last season but picked themselves up and in the second half of the campaign they were the outstanding team in the league, and they have been playing well again in recent weeks.
“So we know we are in for a tough game but it’s one we are looking forward to.”
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Van der Vaart and Moyes scoop gongs
Rafael van der Vaart has been named as Barclays Premier League player of the month for October, with David Moyes taking the manager award.
Tottenham's Van der Vaart, a deadline-day signing from Real Madrid, scored three goals during the month as well as laying on another for Roman Pavlyuchenko against Fulham.
Everton took 10 points from their four league games this month to earn Moyes his award, beating Birmingham, Liverpool and Stoke and drawing with Spurs - whose equaliser came from Van der Vaart.
It is the eighth time Moyes has won the award - and the third in 2010 - while he has also been named as the LMA manager of the year on three occasions since joining the Toffees in 2002.
Tottenham's Van der Vaart, a deadline-day signing from Real Madrid, scored three goals during the month as well as laying on another for Roman Pavlyuchenko against Fulham.
Everton took 10 points from their four league games this month to earn Moyes his award, beating Birmingham, Liverpool and Stoke and drawing with Spurs - whose equaliser came from Van der Vaart.
It is the eighth time Moyes has won the award - and the third in 2010 - while he has also been named as the LMA manager of the year on three occasions since joining the Toffees in 2002.
Mustafi opener not enough.
Shkodran Mustafi scored after just 5 mins with a nice header off a Jose Baxter free-kick, but after that it was pretty much one-way traffic for the home side, who went on to win this FA Reserves Premier League fixture rather too easily follwing Everton's 5-0 route of Blackpool Reserves last week. No regular senior players were involved for Everton, with two big home games in the Premier League this week, although David Moyes's "secret weapon", Magaye Gueye, continues his aclimatization to the English game within the safe confines of the Reserves
Monday 8 November 2010
Fellaini could be back soon
Everton FC's Marouane Fellaini could return from injury two weeks earlier than expected, manager David Moyes has revealed.
Belgium midfielder Fellaini was ruled out for six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty last month.
But the the 22-year-old’s recovery is ahead of schedule and Moyes believes he could even return for the Barclays Premier League game with Arsenal on Sunday week.
"The situation has improved," Moyes said.
"He’s training well and will have an outside chance of being fit for next Sunday."
Moyes has praised Fellaini for doing everything possible to limit his time on the sidelines, saying: "The lad is probably the hardest working player when he’s injured, and probably the most dedicated to getting back.
"The medical staff will say he’s a pleasure to work with, he wants to put his time in and get back quickly.
"He was in Belgium doing a solid week’s work and he really puts himself out."
Belgium midfielder Fellaini was ruled out for six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty last month.
But the the 22-year-old’s recovery is ahead of schedule and Moyes believes he could even return for the Barclays Premier League game with Arsenal on Sunday week.
"The situation has improved," Moyes said.
"He’s training well and will have an outside chance of being fit for next Sunday."
Moyes has praised Fellaini for doing everything possible to limit his time on the sidelines, saying: "The lad is probably the hardest working player when he’s injured, and probably the most dedicated to getting back.
"The medical staff will say he’s a pleasure to work with, he wants to put his time in and get back quickly.
"He was in Belgium doing a solid week’s work and he really puts himself out."
Thursday 4 November 2010
super phil
Blues Cap e Tan Phil Neville today became an unwitting worldwide super star on the website Twitter.
Now if I am being honest I don't know how it works, but I know Stephen Fry goes on it a lot, as I saw it in a documentary once.
The tale goes; that as Gareth Bale was tearing Inter Milan defender Maicon to shreds last night, Evertonians around the world were saying that Phil Neville was better than Maicon, due to the fact that Phil had the said young lad Bale in his arse pocket when the Blues drew with Spurs last week.
The posts then poured in, then the piss taking started, likening Phil to Superman, Wonder Woman you name it. Even our very own Landon Donovan joined in saying was Phil Neville trending?!? What has this world come to?!?!?!?'
Phil went to the top ten of tweets (their phrase not mine so stop it) around the world today.
As they say all publicity is good publicity, but just get us three points at Blackpool on Saturday as that will be a tweet enough, as Woy Hodgson may say.
Now if I am being honest I don't know how it works, but I know Stephen Fry goes on it a lot, as I saw it in a documentary once.
The tale goes; that as Gareth Bale was tearing Inter Milan defender Maicon to shreds last night, Evertonians around the world were saying that Phil Neville was better than Maicon, due to the fact that Phil had the said young lad Bale in his arse pocket when the Blues drew with Spurs last week.
The posts then poured in, then the piss taking started, likening Phil to Superman, Wonder Woman you name it. Even our very own Landon Donovan joined in saying was Phil Neville trending?!? What has this world come to?!?!?!?'
Phil went to the top ten of tweets (their phrase not mine so stop it) around the world today.
As they say all publicity is good publicity, but just get us three points at Blackpool on Saturday as that will be a tweet enough, as Woy Hodgson may say.
Jermaine Beckford scores for Everton FC reserves as Victor Anichebe and Jack Rodwell
Everton FC striker Jermaine Beckford scored in the reserves’ 5-0 victory over Blackpool and there was more good news as fellow forward Victor Anichebe and midfielder Jack Rodwell both made their comebacks from injury.
Rodwell, who has not played since sustaining an ankle injury in the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on August 29, played 54 minutes at the club’s Finch Farm training ground before being substituted.
Watching manager David Moyes now has to decide whether the 19-year-old is ready to face the Seasiders again for the first team on Saturday.
Anichebe, who has not played since the final day of last season after being sidelined by a knee injury, replaced Beckford for the last 20 minutes and set up the second of Jose Baxter’s two goals.
Baxter initially opened the scoring, with Magaye Gueye and Beckford making it 3-0.
Baxter’s second was followed by a late strike by substitute Hope Akpan.
Rodwell, who has not played since sustaining an ankle injury in the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on August 29, played 54 minutes at the club’s Finch Farm training ground before being substituted.
Watching manager David Moyes now has to decide whether the 19-year-old is ready to face the Seasiders again for the first team on Saturday.
Anichebe, who has not played since the final day of last season after being sidelined by a knee injury, replaced Beckford for the last 20 minutes and set up the second of Jose Baxter’s two goals.
Baxter initially opened the scoring, with Magaye Gueye and Beckford making it 3-0.
Baxter’s second was followed by a late strike by substitute Hope Akpan.
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Pienaar agent quells Inter talk
Steven Pienaar's agent has dismissed rumours linking the Everton midfielder with a move to Serie A champions Inter Milan.
The South Africa international's current contract at Goodison Park is due to expire at the end of the season.
Pienaar has subsequently been linked with an exit from the Toffees, with interest in his services allegedly high.
Inter are the most recent side said to be keen on Pienaar, but the 28-year-old's representative, Ivan Modia, has quelled the claims.
Modia told calciomercatoweb.it: "Nothing is true. Steven's contract is expiring and the press continue to report rumours about his future.
"But I've never met anyone of Inter. I know of the interest of several teams only through the newspapers, because really we have not received any concrete offer.
"Would he like to play in Italy? At this time, Steven doesn't want to hear about his future, he's recovering from his injury and thinking only about playing football.
"We are still in November, we are calm and waiting to see how it goes this season."
.
The South Africa international's current contract at Goodison Park is due to expire at the end of the season.
Pienaar has subsequently been linked with an exit from the Toffees, with interest in his services allegedly high.
Inter are the most recent side said to be keen on Pienaar, but the 28-year-old's representative, Ivan Modia, has quelled the claims.
Modia told calciomercatoweb.it: "Nothing is true. Steven's contract is expiring and the press continue to report rumours about his future.
"But I've never met anyone of Inter. I know of the interest of several teams only through the newspapers, because really we have not received any concrete offer.
"Would he like to play in Italy? At this time, Steven doesn't want to hear about his future, he's recovering from his injury and thinking only about playing football.
"We are still in November, we are calm and waiting to see how it goes this season."
.
Nothing confirmed regarding Abdullayev
Azerbaijan hotshot Araz Abdullayev has spoken of his pride at joining Everton and a spokesman for his current club says that, "officials from the English club will visit Baku soon and the contract will be signed here in our capital.” An Everton spokesman says, however, that while the Blues have first option on the 18 year-old, they have yet to take up that option. Abdullayev would require a work permit if he is to join in January, a hurdle that has, of course, been problematic for the Blues in the past.
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