Bluekipper.com Inundated With Pledges

Bluekipper.com send out a message to the warring parties fighting to gain control of the Everton boardroom. Whatever your priorities are, we as one Everton website of many, have had pledges of cash in worth over £21,000, in sums ranging from £1,000, down to £50. These pledges, are pledges, not wanting anything in return, but the good of Everton Football Club. For legal and Administration reasons, as requested by some of you, bluekipper.com will not be able to collect any of the money, but we felt it necessary for Blue Bill, and Greggo, to know the true depth of feeling within the rank and file supporters, who are the heartbeat of the Club. You two get it sorted, and lets put Everton back where they belong, in the elite of English Football. Once again to you the fans many thanks for the pledges. (29/07/04)

D Day Friday

On a day that Everton really could do without, as their dirty laundry is washed so publicly, it seems that Blue Bill has until Friday to make his mind up whether to stand down or fight on as Chairman of Everton Football Club.

After what is believed to be a fairly heated two and a half hour meeting, Paul Gregg's ultimatum to Bill, that if he did not go quietly, it could end up in the courts, seemed to have struck a chord with the boyhood blue. What is behind Mr Gregg's urgency being brought to a head, we may never know, but as long as Everton great name is no longer dragged through the shite, the quicker this situation is resolved, the better for all concerned.

Blue Bill says Before The Meeting: "If there is new investment out there and it is good investment I have always said contracts, power positions and control would not get in the way. People do not seem to realise that in three weeks' time the new season starts and as far as I am concerned I want to get David Moyes some new squad players, that is what it is all about as far as I am concerned. But I hear in the papers that if I step down big money will come into this club. If that is what it takes, I will step down."

Paul Gregg says Before The Meeting: "If our plans for the club are turned down then we would consider our legal position. But it is not about taking Bill on, it is about getting the best for the club. For the past 12 months I have been asking Bill to change the constitution of the club and it has not happened. I feel we should make Everton successful and increase the value of the club for everybody. We should have a five-year strategy.

A Club Statement After The Meeting says: "At today's meeting the club's Board discussed Mr Gregg's proposals positvely. Mr Kenwright also presented his proposal and it was agreed that a decision would be made on Friday as to the future control of the club." (27/07/04)

Meeting Over

The much awaited Rumble in the Board Room has broken up with no comment as yet been made by any of the three main players. Blue Bill, Paul Gregg, and John Woods all left Goodison in the last hour like Marcel Marceau, speechless. The people who matter in all this, us, will have to wait a tadge longer to see what is happening to our great club. (26/07/04)

Bill Bites Back

Blue Bill has fired back his first public salvo in Paul Greggs direction, ahead of this evenings Board Room dust up. Bill is beginning to lose patience with his partners very public battle for the club. All we, the supporters are concerned, it to just get it sorted for the sake of Everton FC, AND NOT PERSONAL PRIDE.

Blue Bill says: "As of this moment Paul Gregg has never presented to me or the Everton board any concrete proposal. While I regret that a fellow director of the club has chosen to conduct his business through the media, I welcome the fact that after four years he seems ready to help raise finance for the club.

I can promise every Evertonian that no agreement, contract or anything else will get in the way of acceptance of a firm financial proposal that we believe can take the club forward. Any mention otherwise is both irrelevant and mischievous." (26/07/04)

Apology Please

Blue Bill is said to be fuming over Big Phil Scolari's claim that someone at Everton approached him over managing the club. Bill is demanding an apology or explanation off Scolari over his comments. Mr Scolari is said to be unavailable for comment still, as the medication he is currently taking means he has to be within three foot of a toilet at all times.

Blue Bill says: "When I was first told of Mr Scolari's claim I assumed it was nothing more than a joke. However, as reports of our alleged interest in his services have now been published in several national newspapers I felt I must act. Nobody from Everton has made contact with Mr Scolari to offer him any form of role at the club.
The suggestion is ridiculous and I am surprised that a man of his reputation and elevated profile should make such a claim albeit one that did not specifically mention the club's name.
We would formally ask Mr Scolari for a full apology or ask for an explanation if a genuine mistake has been made.
In David Moyes, Everton has a manager who has my total support and a man who I have always said I believe can take the club back to a position of pre-eminence within British football.
Mischievous stories like this one, and others that have appeared over the past week, only serve to do the manager and the club a huge disservice." (25/07/04)

New Investors

Bluekipper.com can reveal one of the big hitters behind Paul Gregg's battle to take control at Goodison. Sources have told us that Tesco Chief Executive and life long Evertonian Terry Leahy is one of the mystery investors that Greggo has up his sleeve. Terry, who is called Sir Terry to his mates, when Queenie bestowed the honour on him for services to fruit, is a born and bred Scouser. He was brought up in the Belle Vale area of the City, and rose to the top of his tree, with the pinnacle being named as European Business Man of the Year, in 2002, so I am sure he knows a thing or two about cash.

Aswell as his knighthood, he also had the Freedom of his own City granted to him. This entitles him to herd his sheep across any area he likes, so lets direct them to Analfield, where they can have a shit or two, to freshen the place up a bit.

Another investor we are being told is a gentleman called Dave Curry who is a property developer in Britain and America. Rumour has it, that if TBH dissolve, this lovely chap is willing to put £15m straight into the coffers for new signings. As we have said before watch this space. (24/07/04)

Everton Scotch Rumours

Everton have denied ludicrous rumours that Portuguese manager Big Phil Scolari was lined up to join The Blues this season. The Brazilian known as Big Phil, for his abnormally sized ....................................feet, well kids read this aswell you know, is claiming that Everton approached him, and also promised him a £10m budget, for new signings. Now we know he is lying with figures of £10m being touted around. Anyway Phil also claimed that he seen Elvis riding Shergar on a beach by the Algarve. Phil is currently sedated, and receiving constant medication.

Phil says: "I had offers from Italy, England and Spain. I can even give an example. The team that finished 17th in the Premiership (Everton) contacted me, but what can I do when a club invites me and tells me that the transfer budget is £10m? "

Everton PR Guru Ian Ross says: "This is absolute nonsense." (23/07/04)

The Heat Is On

The war of words intensified today, between Blue Bill and Greggo, ahead of Mondays showdown in the ring. Paul Gregg in a letter to Bill has asked the Chairman to step down so hopefully future investment would be forthcoming into the club. Gregg in his letter to his TBH partners, is unwilling to release any names of the potential investors, which he claims he has lined up. Roll on Monday, and lets get it on, and get it sorted. That's our two penneth anyway.

Paul 'Greggo' Gregg says: "For my part the frustration in being unable to persuade you that we needed new investment which I believe would only be forthcoming if you were prepared to relinquish control of the club with the ultimate dissolution of True Blue and transferring True Blue shares into Everton shares.

The people concerned for very obvious reasons do not wish their names to be published at this point, but I can confirm to you that with your approval to the changes they will confirm their interest and support for my agenda for the club."

Blue Bill says: "Jon, Arthur and myself received an e-mail from Paul Gregg late yesterday afternoon which contained no real information.

Rumble In The Board Room

Blue Bill, and Paul Gregg are to get it on, after the weekend. The gauntlet was laid down by Blue Bill, who will have legendary trainer Emmanuel Steward in his corner. Gregg who has stuck with his British roots, has Frank Maloney putting him through his paces, before the big fight. Mills Lane who has refereed many top title bouts is overseeing the The Rumble in The Boardroom, as some boxing commentators are calling it, well I am anyway.

The scrap come meeting will take place next Monday evening, and we all eagerly await the outcome. Normal Queensberry rules apply, three counts and your out.

Blue Bill says: "There will be a Board meeting on Monday when Paul Gregg's proposals will be discussed. Jon Woods and I wanted it to be today but Paul couldn't make it.

In the meantime I have spent the week continuing the search for new investment, recruiting a new CEO, and hourly working alongside David Moyes to strengthen his squad for the forthcoming season. " (22/07/04)

D-Day

With Carter, Dunford, Birch and now Abercromby all gone, the board room table must seem very big with just the 3 musketeers, Kenwright, Gregg and Woods sitting around it. With Woods being a Kenwright yes man, the proposals by Gregg seem doomed with a result of 2-1 against. Didn't we get beat by that score last night against Crewe? The Rooney situation, the new investment, new board members, the team building. Something has got to give today.

In the meantime another director John Woods has his say:"I wish to clarify my position with regard to current events at Everton. Contrary to some press reports I do not support the proposals that Paul Gregg has brought to the public arena in the last few days. Whilst I accept that Mr Gregg is fully entitled as a director of this club to put forward his views I believe they are both impracticable and unachievable. First and foremost I am an Evertonian and always will be.

Mr Gregg is correct on one thing - this is a great club and the future of this club is the most important issue - to this end I will continue to support the chairman Mr Bill Kenwright towards bringing success to the club both on and off the field." (21/07/04)

Another Resignation

Everton director, Arthur Abercromby has resigned after 10 years on the board. If anyone knows what he done in those 10 years, please let us know.

Archie says: “For some time it had been my intention to leave the Board of Everton Football Club at the end of the 2003/04 season. Due to various circumstances and at the request of colleagues my resignation was postponed until last week. I would like to thank everyone connected with Everton Football Club and particularly the staff for the opportunity of working with them over the years.” (20/07/04)

How Victor saw the board

Bill To Step Aside ?

Bluekipper.com are being told that Everton Chairman and major shareholder Bill Kenwright is about to step down, as Chairman of the club, as the power struggle inside Goodison intensifies. After Paul Gregg's veiled attack on Bill last Friday, Bill believes this is his only option, as the pressure grows around him. Gregg who also see's it as the only way to bring serious investment in our ailing club, is confident of bringing that cash in, to take us forward. We are also being told that Trevor Birch will if Bill steps aside, come back on board at Goodison. Well Paul Gregg, if you get your way, over to you. You live by the sword, you die by the sword. (19/07/04)

New Signings, At Last

At last a bit of good news regarding new faces at the Blues. With all the shite we have had to endure this week with Birchy going, The Rad turning into a traitor, the ongoing Rooney saga, the Lily Savage debacle, Everton have announced a new signing into the club.

From Monday the tea ladies who walk the hallowed walls of Goodison will be getting a re vamp, and new Dinner Ladies are coming on board to give the place a new cheery outlook. It is believed the power struggle within Everton's board room was not down to selling The Duke or keeping him, it was all down to replacing the catering team, and the amount of steak in the pies.

A Source Close to the Club says: " You have to laugh don't you, we may be a laughing stock in the footballing world, but by fuck are tea and pies are magnificent." (17/07/04)

Birch Resigns

Everton Football Club continue to be the laughing stock of the Premiership, when they announced that Trevor Birch, C.E.O. for just 6 weeks has resigned. No reason was given.

A Club Statement says: “Everton Football Club is disappointed to announce that Trevor Birch has resigned his position as Chief Executive Officer. The Club is, however, continuing discussions with Trevor about the possibility of an advisory role going forwards.”

So as the club won't give a reason, so lets speculate on why the man resigned:
1. The club is in a worse state than Leeds were in and Birchy can't do anything about it.

2. He dropped a bollock by announcing that he wanted a shared stadium only for redshite parry to say it's a dead duck.

3. There is a big difference in opinions between board members on how to get investment in the club.

4. He didn't like the Paul Gregg idea. (see below).

5. He wanted Moyesy & Irvine out and Gordon Strachan & Mark Hughes in. (16/07/04)

Or have you got a better idea? e-mail bluekipper.com

What the fans think

Inward Change

Everton Director Paul Gregg has made an impassioned plea for Everton to change from within, so they can attract some serious outside investment. Gregg believes that the set up of True Blue holdings, of which Blue Bill and himself are the major shareholders, is not geared to to attracting much needed cash into the club. Forgive me for asking, but we know Bill's financial limitations, but Paul aren't you that much needed investment. Just thought I would ask!!!!

Paul Gregg says: "To live up to everybody's expectations we have got to change and I believe we will get support for the changes. The constitution of True Blue makes it very difficult for other investors to be part of Everton Football Club because the control of the club is within True Blue. At the moment, investors could put money into the club but still not have a voice in how it goes forward if they are not part of True Blue.

Laughable

After Everton's failed bid for Birmingham midfielder Robbie Savage, Brum owner David Sullivan has accused Everton of only bidding for players he knows they have no hope of landing. He cites, the Alan Smith saga, as a prime example of this. Behave yourself Mr. Sullivan. When we tried to contact Everton for comment, they laughed off the allegations, by saying ha, ha, ha, ha. We were then told that all the top brass were away on business. Birchy is visiting Ronaldo in Madrid, in the hope of signing him, and Blue Bill had jumped on a jet to visit Francesco Totti, for a quick chat, on the Italian Riveria.

Porn King Mr Sullivan says: "It seems Everton bid for people knowing they can´t get them. They bid for Alan Smith when they knew he was going to Manchester United. Their offer was ludicrous - totally unacceptable. Some of that was geared to them staying in the Premiership in three or four seasons´ time. I´ve never known an offer like it." (16/07/04)

Austria Bound

Two more of Everton's first team, have joined up with their team mates in Austria today. Joey Yobo, and little shite Radzinski, have flown out to Everton's pre season training camp. Both were granted extra time off, to play for their respective countries in World Cup qualifiers. One I am sure will be welcomed with open arms, whilst the other should be shitting himself, wondering how his team mates will welcome him.

Moyesy will be waiting to see Radzinski, to see if he was misquoted in his double spread newspaper interview. Cast your mind back four odd years, when he went on strike at Anderlecht, to engineer a move to the Blues. His little ploy to get to Fulham may back fire on him, as we say let him rot with the youth team. (12/07/04)

TV Fixtures Announced

Everton's match versus Man Ure at Old Trafford has been switched to Monday August 30th, from Wednesday 25th August. The change is down to Uniteds Champions League Programme, and it means I now have a reason to go on a Bank Holiday bender. (06/07/04)

Our friends at Sky, have been fiddling with the fixture list again. As expected Champions Arsenal visit to Goodison, has been put back 24 hours, to Sunday 15th August, to accommodate Pay Per View TV. Everton's visit to Pompey is the Sky live game on Sunday September 26th.

On October 23rd, we shall be visiting new boys Norwich, and Sky have afforded us a dinner time kick off, so that will be a 4am start, cheers you bastards. In November games away to Birmingham, and Newcastle, have been chosen for the cameras, with the Brum game being a Saturday tea time encounter, I can feel a bender coming on already.

The last game on the goggle box for 2004, is our encounter against the shite on Saturday 11th December. It is a Saturday lunch time kick off, for PPV. Two weeks before Crimbo, an afternoon on the ale, I am sure the police might have a thing or two to say about that one. (02/07/04)

Ticket Sales Down

Everton seem not to concerned that this season tickets sales are nearly 6,000 down on last season's record. With a price increase of 25-30% in some areas of the ground, compounded with Everton's shite season, some fans seem to be deserting the club. With no high profile signings, and the mounting speculation that The Duke wants away, all is not well.

Everton though are publicly putting on a brave face over it all, putting last seasons exceptional sales down to a one off. When I rang up last week, to purchase a spare ticket for bluekipper, I was still being told to put in writing my intentions for going on the waiting list. Six thousand down on last season, only one thousand or so on the waiting list, at last Summer, something does not add up. They don't seem to be bending over backwards to help me purchase a spare ticket.

Birchy says: "We have currently sold around 19,000 and we are hopeful that we will reach a final figure of 22,000." (02/07/04)

Everton's PR Man Ian Ross says: "Last year's figure was self-evidently a club record. It was exceptionally high and came off the back of a very successful season. But if you look at the figures for the last 10 years as a whole, it is clear last summer was unprecedented.

If you take the general average over the last decade, 22,000 would be a very satisfying total when you bear in mind our final league position last season and the fact we reluctantly had to increase season ticket prices.

It is testament to the level of dedication of our supporters. The doom-mongers said at the end of the season that our supporters would desert the club in their thousands and that we would see the season ticket sales drop to about 10 or 12,000 but we have some of the best fans in the country and the current sales reflect that." (02/07/04)

Easy Opener

Everton has a piss easy opening to their Premier League campaign, when they take on Champions Arsenal at Goodison, on Saturday August 15th. Everton follow up the week after by taking on Premier new boys Crystal Palace, down in the smoke. We first meet the shite on Saturday December 11th, which is going to be the best birthday present I could have asked for, when we spank them at home. The full list will be appearing shortly, just give me time to have some dinner. (24/06/04)

Marcus Signs In

Marcus Bent signed a three year deal yesterday, after completing his medical at Goodison. Marcus who turned down the overtures of Harry Redknapp, at Pompey for the Blues, is aware of the struggle that lies ahead in getting the Blues back were they belong.

Marcus says: "I first caught his eye when he was at Preston. He did say to me that he tried to sign me before I went to Blackburn, while he was at Deepdale, so that boosted my confidence a little bit. He’s wanted me for a long time. He knows what I can do and I think that when a manger puts his confidence in you, it makes you a better player. From his point of view, he’s very focused, he’s very determined, he knows what he wants and I think the players are going to give it to him.
The club has a lot of ambition; it’s a big club, although it hasn’t done as well as it could have done last year, but hopefully I can come here, make a difference and do my utmost to be as good as I can be and score goals. I’ve seen what they’re determined to do here and what they’re focused on. They have under-achieved, but it’s a new season, a new start and I’m sure there will be a few more players coming in. But whoever does come in, I’m sure they will be 100% for the cause and I’m sure we’ll do a lot better. As a forward I hope I bring goals! I scored 10 goals last season with Leicester and I didn’t play in every game. But I played in the majority of the games and I scored some good goals, so hopefully the fans will see pace, a bit of aerial power and most importantly goals." (24/06/04)

Everton Keen To Give Rooney A New 5 Year Contract

With so many rumours about Wayne Rooney moving to Man Utd after Euro 04 in a "Done Deal" for anything between £20m - £30m and we get Butt, Solskjar, Bellion, Forlan & some even say George Best, Everton's new Chief Exec and Chairman have come out fighting. The problem maybe Man Utd fan and Wayne's agent, Paul Stretford.

Trevor Birch says: “We have always made clear our desire to see Wayne Rooney commit his long-term future to this football club and, to that end, we would be happy to open talks with the player and his representatives about a new contract at any point - indeed, we are anxious to do just that.

Although Wayne is currently in Portugal with the England squad we would be perfectly happy to open these negotiations either during the course of the European Championships or immediately after they have concluded. The offer of a new, long-term contract will be made to Wayne. As soon as we are given the go-ahead, talks will open.

On the rumours in the papers, Chairman Blue Bill says: "It’s happening every day. It’s frustrating, but you have to understand the world that we live in just now. Football is huge, huge business. It’s peoples lives. Newspapers do have 20/30 pages a day to fill in terms of sport and that’s a lot of print. The madness is that today’s headline is tomorrow’s tiny piece in the bottom of the article.

You’ve got to live with that - and I don’t mind that. I don’t mind the speculation. What really disgusts me is when journalists produce stories that simply aren’t true to create a ripple. I don’t like that at all. I wish there was a little bit less speculation because we like to go about our business with the minimum amount of publicity, until we can celebrate it with the fans. Everyone knows that Wayne has got another two years to run on his contract. Paul Stretford and I talk a lot and I know we’ll be sitting down and talking about an extension to his contract.”

Thai's Bidding To Rule Merseyside

Even though the Thai Prime Minister seems to have bought a 30% stake in the shite, rumours are still rife, that more investment at other Premiership clubs is still being investigated by the football mad premier.

After Everton announced yesterday their tie up with a Thai brewery yesterday, it seems to some that Everton are that other club that are being looked at for investment.

Now this is only sheer speculation, but the Thai Prime Minister is about to invest heavily in the shite, and we have just signed up with a major Thai company for potentially three years. Who is to say that this is not all linked into the shared stadium issue, that has recently come to the fore again this week. Watch this space, as they say.

Thai Spokesman Jakrapob Penkair says : "We are still pursuing a deal to buy shares in a football club or two." (06/06/04)

Ground Share Back On The Agenda

Birchy is going to get in touch with the shite over a ground share.

Birchy says:In the next couple of weeks I will make this proposal to Liverpool. We need a new ground and we know it makes sense to share."(08/07/04)

It seem's a new push for a shared Stadium could be back on the agenda, with Everton's own Chief Exec Trevor 'Birchy' Birch, believing it is the only way to generate finance to take the club forward. It seems that all avenues will be opened again for the new man at the helm to investigate.

At the same time eminent University of Liverpool academic, Peter Stoney, is throwing his four penneth in, saying it would make economic sense for the two clubs to share a joint stadium in the dock's heart land, rather than on Stanley Park. He also believes that it will give the city it first world class stadium in the run up to The European Capital Of Culture in 2008.

Bluekipper.com are led to believe that no public funding will be given to a single team Stadium deal, but were a joint application to take place, that the necessary funding will be put in place, by the relevant authority's. I don't think this one is dead, so once again watch this space.

Birchy on The Ground Share Issue: "I have not seen the plans, I have not seen the reports and I have not seen the feasibility of it. All I am saying is you have to keep an open mind, if that is the only alternative for Everton to generate further revenue.

If you look at the clubs who have been successful in the recent past, it has been due to to the level of finance available to them. That tends to be generated by a very good stadium, for example Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea. If Everton do not find a ground, or share a ground which gives them access to that additional revenue, it is unlikely they will be a big club in the near future." (02/06/04)

Pre-Season Tour

The two Mexican teams have been confirmed for the Copa de Tejas tournament. Everton will play on Pachuca of the Mexican Premier League at 7:30 p.m. on July 29 and on Sunday, August 1,we play Club America 2:00 p.m.
Pachuca Club President Jesus Martinez Patino says: "It is an honor to play against a successful team like Everton, which has so much tradition. This is part of an internationalization process that our club has been carrying out. It is our responsibility to keep growing and represent Mexican soccer in the best possible way.”(09/06/04)

Everton are to play two Mexican sides in Copa de Tejas tournament at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The squad fly out on July 24 and the games will be played on July 29 and Aug 1. This is a welcomed change to the usual games Everton play in the pre-season schedule.

David Moyes says: "It will be extremely hot, but it's a chance to play two top Mexican sides, it'll be a bit of a change for us and perhaps it will add a bit of glamour to our pre-season for the supporters and the players."

"The Reliant Stadium is a fantastic arena. I've seen it, but never had the opportunity to go there myself." (01/06/04)

Musical Chairs Carter? Investor 1? Gregg? Kenwright? Birch? Investor 2? Dunford? There's plenty of gossip going around about a big shakeup on the board over the Summer. Will Sir Philip Carter step down? Will Kenwright be the new Chairman? Will the new Investors be found? Will they want a seat on the board? Will Paul Gregg ever attend another board meeting? Dunford out, Birch in? Our information is that NOTHING is definite at the moment. So our advice is wait and see. (26/05/04)

Here Comes The Summer There is no such thing as a summer holiday if your Everton's Physio. Mick 'Basil' Rathbone explains: “It’s busy all the time, but that’s the nature of the job and it’s no good me taking the summer off only to come back and find injured footballers,” I need to keep on top of things. If you want to be going away for six weeks then you shouldn’t be a physio at a Premiership club – or a physio at any club for that matter. I’ve been in every day since the season finished but I’m not complaining because I enjoy the job. The players at Everton deserve the best possible treatment.”

Baz Rathbone

Megastore Funds £7m Smith Bid The megastore was doing a roaring trade this morning. Within hours of the doors opening, Everton had made a £7m bid for Alan Smith. At this rate we'll be making bids for Ronaldo & Becks by the end of the week. The store was opened by Graeme Sharp. Full marks to Everton for finally getting the store open. Some 60 lucky customers got more than they bargained for when they were given a piece of the Goodison Park turf. The pitch is being relaid for the new season. (20/05/04) Sharpy Cuts The Blue Ribband (Right)

The Store is Open

New Megastore in Central Station Complex

Club Shop To Open In City Centre At 11.00 a.m. on Thursday, 20th May 2004, Everton will unveil the new City centre megastore. It is situated in the old Dixons store on Ranelagh Street near Central Station. The lease is only for a year, as the club hope to open a permanent shop in Williamson Square next year. The official press release goes on about 250,000 shoppers....revenue increase by 60%.....£5.5m income. What we want to know is why has it taken years to open it? will it have enough extra large shirts? And will it sell match tickets? Saving the thousands of Evertonians who work in the city centre time and money traveling to & from Goodison every week. By the way Sharpy and Sir Philip Carter will open the megastore. Please don't be throwing eggs at old men. (19/05/04)

Pre Season Friendly

Everton have released one of the opponents and dates, for their warm up campaign for the 2004/05 Season. It looks like some of us will be heading back from the Costa's early, as Everton are to meet Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday August 3rd, with a 7:45pm kick off. (21/04/04)

New Deal

Everton will start their 2004/05 campaign, with a link up to Sportswear giants JJB. The Wigan based firm will manufacture and distribute Everton merchandise until the contract expires in 2009. A new kit , made by Umbro is expected to be unveiled at the final home game of the season, against Bolton. The Wigan based sports giants were quick to dismiss rumours that a portion of pie and peas would be given with each new kit purchased. When approached by bluekipper.com, they told us to ' get off moi laaaand'.

Chief Exec Michael Dunford says: "This is a groundbreaking deal encompassing both manufacture and distribution of Everton merchandise. It will greatly improve the quality and profitability of the products, whilst also ensuring that we have distribution in JJB stores throughout the country." (14/04/04)