Cash Clarification, or Confusion

Blue Bill has come out yesterday, and added a bit of clarity to a radio interview regarding future Everton finance. Bill is claiming that his words have been taken out of context, which resulted in a fabrication of the truth. The £28m / £29m that was reported to be coming our way, it seems is only £15m tops, with a potential £15m, joining us sometime in the future.

Bill was that furious that he claimed the interviewer had serious brain, and hearing problems. We at bluekipper.com are annoyed that you conducted an interview with a kopite. C'mon Bill you should now better than that !!!!!

Blue Bill says: "You have to have serious hearing and brain problems to get that from yesterday's interview. I said exactly what I have been saying for the last couple of weeks. We are in negotiations with the Fortress Sports Fund, and the investment will come in two trenches somewhere between £12m and £15m for the first trench with an option, at a later date, for another £15m.

As I have repeatedly said, I am not going to divulge how much David Moyes will have to spend in the transfer window because we don't want to alert people. But David knows the amount and he is very happy with it." (29/09/04)

Money For Moyesy

Blue Bill is off again, keeping us guessing with the game of financial cat and mouse. On the plus side he is confirming that at least £28m from Christopher Samuelson Fortress Sport Fund, will be in the club by January. On the minus side, he is not disclosing how much Moyesy will have at his disposal for the transfer window in the same month. Moyesy however is said to be happy with the cash he has been promised. Watch out for all the players who fucked us off in the Summer, queuing up to join us, saying how great a club we are, now that we have hit a bit of form.

Blue Bill says: "Hopefully the money - possibly £28m, £29m will be available in January. Samuelson will join the board and the investment group will be part of the shareholding. I'll remain as chairman.

I'm not going to tell you the amount of money David has got. David knows the amount he has got and he is very happy with it. We have to look at fresh faces in January and in the summer." (28/09/04)

Hero Talks

Everton's former hero has been putting Everton's fantastic start into perspective. Andy believes that we will fall off the pace soon, but he is also delighted with his former clubs start, and thinks the confidence at Everton will help spur the club on. Over to you Andy.

Andy says: "After a difficult summer, it has been great to see Everton sitting third in the table after the first six matches. David Moyes will be putting things in perspective, though. He will realise that they haven't had the toughest of starts and that it is a bit of a false position.

They have also had some real tests, against Arsenal and Manchester United. Obviously they were found wanting in the opening day defeat by the champions but the draw at Old Trafford was without doubt their most impressive result of the season. Manchester United weren't at their best that day but you have to praise David Moyes' men for the way they stifled them.

What four wins out of six has done is build confidence that wasn't there before. It is difficult to explain how much of an impact confidence can have on a team but it is vital.

Ultimately, Everton will fall off the pace and I would be amazed if they stay in the top six. A true reflection is that they are a middle of the table side, but whether they can do better than that will depend a lot on what Moyes is able to do in January and whether any of the Wayne Rooney transfer money is available to him.

On a positive note, it is much easier to attract players if you are doing well, so if they can carry their current form through to the end of the year, it could make things much easier for Moyes.

I haven't had the chance to see much of Everton - or the boy Osman, who is taking all of the plaudits at the moment - but they are in front of the Sky cameras at Portsmouth and I am really looking forward to seeing what this new look Everton team - minus Rooney - are made of. (24/09/04)

Come On You Blues

Everyone of late has had an opinion of Blue Bill, but as a Blue's fan Bill could not hide his delight at his team's climb to third place. After a Summer, well to put it mildly of shite, Kenwright, is made up to be third in the Premiership, and he believes with a bit of hard work, especially come the transfer window in January, Everton can find the form of two season's ago.

Blue Bill says: "At the start of the season we were tipped by everyone for relegation and I think that's what's spurred David and the boys on. A manager like David Moyes gets the right kind of spirit in the dressing room and I think that there's no limits to what he can do. He's such a driving force as we all saw on the touchline against Middlesbrough. He's such a driven and committed man and the players pick up on that.

The great thing that you could see against Middlesbrough was the togetherness of the squad. There was no way that they were going to give up that lead - every ball was fought for. I think that you find strength in adversity and we have got a small squad who know exactly where they are with each other. They're playing for each other and they've got the kind of spirit that they had two years ago under David, so it's very, very exciting times at the moment. But these results haven't surprised me. I'm thrilled that we're in third place, that's just fantastic.

We have exceeded expectations and it's great that we've got 13 points at this stage of the season. We're starting to think with the same confidence as we had 18 months ago, which is great. But we do have a small squad and we have a lot of work to do in January and elsewhere in the club. David and I talked non-stop during the summer and the feeling between us was never one of relegation and of despair, it was one of: 'How do we get to where we were the season before last?" (21/09/04)

Cash on The Way

Hopefully this week, Everton are going to make an announcement regarding the Fortress Sports Fund group of investors, investing an initial 29.9pc stake in the club.The Geneva-based financier Christopher Samuelson is said to be finalising the paper work, to release funds in the region of £12.8m.

The Fortress Group will have an option to enlarge its holding in the future to a controlling 50.1pc, with a further price tag of £17.2million. Added to Rooney's £10m, this season, we all hope that this will settle some of the outstanding debt, and give Moyesy some ammo for an assault on the transfer market, come January. Watch all those players who were not arsed about us in the Summer, come crawling out of the woodwork, sniffing around as we will have a bit of cash, coupled with our great start to the season. (20/09/04)

Mates Again

Blow It Out of Your Arse, Arse

Everton's Head of Communications Ian 'Rossy' Ross, has refuted Arsene Wengers claims that Everton would roll over if Man Ure were in with a shout of winning the title. Everton have no need to roll over, as Man Ure has no fuckin' chance of winning the title. Even Stevie Wonder can see that one.

Ian 'Rossy' Ross says: ''It is ridiculous to suggest any Everton team would go out and not try to win the game. How would that be in the players' interests? The money from the Rooney transfer would go to the club, not them." (13/09/04)

Magnificent Fans

A true Everton legend was in town the other night to help promote his new book. Alan Ball played for many clubs in his illustrious career, but as he will proudly tell anyone who will listen, it is at Goodison where he feels most at home.

Whilst Alan was speaking at his book launch, of which the Bluekipper gang were all present, over in the main building the EGM, or the School Dinner bun fight was taking place. Bally reckons though that as Evertonians we have had enough. He praised the fans and the manager, but told the powers that be to sort the problems out, and get the Blues back were they belong.

Bally says: "There's been a lot of turmoil here again and we're fed up of it. We've had it too long for too many seasons and hopefully what happened at the EGM will go a long way to sort it all out. We are desperate for stability here because we have the support, we know that. The supporters are magnificent, but I think that they have had enough. They need to know that something is definitely going to be done, because every Blue is concerned right now. We want things to be sorted out.

It still hurts me to see the club struggle, but in many ways, you get prouder because I can see that the fanbase is still here. The fans still come to watch the club in their thousands and they will not go away. That's proper support. It's easy to cheer a team on when things are going well. But Evertonians are proper supporters and they are fantastic supporters and they deserves everybody pulling together for them.

I am a David Moyes fan. I think he is a cracking young manager. His heart is in the right place. He is a winner. He expects the team to play in the manner he feels, which is from the heart - I have no doubts that he will go on to be a terrific manager. But like everyone else, he has to be given the tools to do the job." (12/09/04)

EGM In Brief

Blue Bill chaired what was described as a very heated, but positive EGM, last night at Goodison. Topics like the sale of Rooney,the club's precarious financial position, and a possible ground move were put under the microscope. Also present on the evening were Moyesy, Paul Gregg and Jon Woods.

Everton also unveiled their new Chief Exec, who is Keith Wyness. Keith has left his post at Aberdeen to join the Blues. Mr. Wyness was given a round of applause as he was introduced to the gathered shareholders, and he has promised to make Everton a force in football again. He and his magic wand, left shortly afterwards.

Blue Bill admitted that mistakes have been made by the board, but he believes that Moyesy will have £15m of available transfer funds, come the January window. He also reiterated the fact that Rooney wanted to leave Goodison, and that he was not pushed out in Everton's search for cash. According to Bill, Moyesy is said to be delighted with his new found transfer kitty.

Keith says: "My ambition is to make Everton one of the best managed clubs in the Premiership. We need viability and stability. Changes need to be made and I want to instill a culture of innovation and be open to change. I will roll my sleeves up and get stuck in and I will do everything to support Bill and the board.

We will redouble our efforts to find a new stadium although it is a complicated area and it is not easy to find a quick fix."

Blue Bill says: "Our income is far, far under what it should be and we are currently unable to pay the salaries that the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal pay, but our aim is to get the financial stability to achieve this. We have made mistakes. I personally apologise that in the last four years we have not made this club great again.

It is painful to say that, but we will continue to try and make this club great again, and we will with your help."

Moyesy says: "The figures I've been given by Bill will hopefully make a big improvement. We nearly got into Europe a year ago without any money but I hope with some investment in January and next summer we can make improvements and get there. The most important players at the moment are the ones at the club but we are looking at what is available in January." (10/09/04)

Academy OK For Now

Ray Hall, the Blues Academy Manager, is assuring Blues everywhere, that they are not about to lose their Academy Status at the end of this season. Admittedly our Academy is not the best facility wise, but it has brought through a hatful of players who have made the first team, and one or two who have gone on to full England honours. Any guesses, one has big ears and has fucked his career up no end.

Everton are hopefully three years away from moving to a state of the art Academy in Halewood. They reckon their even might be showers at this one.

Bluekipper's Mate, and Academy Manager Ray Hall says: "In view of the recent reports, I would like to assure our players, staff and their families, as well as all Evertonians, that our Academy status is under no immediate threat.

Having contacted the FA and the FA Premier League, I have had their assurance that our Academy meets with the minimum criteria needed for the continuation of Academy status.

We have a system and staff here at Everton, which is not only envied nationally, but also throughout Europe and the rest of the world. Our results in developing footballers are as good as any other club in the Premiership.

At the present time, facilities provided by our competitors are more advanced than those that we have to offer. We must be able to compete with other clubs in order to attract youngsters and also develop them to their full potential.

The FA, the Premier League and Everton Football Club are committed to providing the best possible facilities for our youngsters - and to this end we are eagerly anticipating the opening of our new training facility in Halewood in three years time." (06/09/04)

Everton Legends in Masters Defeat

Everton were defeated 5-4, in the Quarter Finals of the British Masters, last night in Sheffield. Everton who had giants such as Stuart Barlow, and Brett 'were's my glasses gone' Angel in the line up, were turned over by the shite, in a competeive match. The shite got their winner in the last fifteen seconds of the titanic match. Everton's skipper on the evening was Ratters, and also turning out for the lads were Big Nev, Kev Langley, Joe McBride and Paul Lodge.

Everton however won the ale contest hands down in the bar afterwards, and now go on to compete against The British darts team in Frimley Green early next year. (06/09/04)

No Bull, Deal in Full

Below is the stitch up of a deal that the Everton board sanctioned in selling The Crown Jewels, (Bill's words not mine). A lot of jargon to siphon through, but, I love the line that says Total potential acquisition cost £29.85m. £30m my arse, we will be lucky to get £25m. From our point of view that is the end of the saga now, lets get behind Moyesy and the boys, and worry about the players in the Royal Blue.

MANCHESTER UNITED SIGNS WAYNE ROONEY

Sad, Bad Day

Firstly before I start my rant, many, many thanks for the hundreds and I mean hundreds of mails we have received in the last twenty four hours. We have only put some of them up, so apologies if yours did not make it, but it has been a busy old twenty four hours.

In a nutshell, we have been stitched up, £10m now, £10m next year, £1m, over the next three years after that. Correct me if I am wrong, but is this the same player who in the Summer, Blue Bill was asking £40m/ £50m for. What struck me aswell, and summed the whole deal up was the fact that Sid The Snake pocketed £1m, from this whole contrived protracted saga.

Sir Alex of Man Ure, has been quoted as saying that Rooney is the best English player of the last thirty years, so why, oh why, have we just received £10m now for him. I feel kicked in the teeth that we have lost Rooney, but after watching MUTV, sorry Sky Sport News for most of yesterday, I feel physically sick about how we have been stitched up.

Anyway some of the quotes from the major players, from a bad bad day for Evertonians worldwide.

Sir Alex says: "I am very excited, I think we have got the best young player this country has seen in the past 30 years. Everyone is delighted by this signing."

Rooney says: "It was a tough decision to leave Everton, the club I've supported and played for all my life, but I'm excited to be joining a club as big as Manchester United," he said in a prepared statement. "I feel this can only improve my career, playing with top players in top competitions like the Champions League, and I can't wait to meet up with the team."

Sid The Snake says: " Hisssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss" (01/09/04)

No Signings Before Deadline

As if the fans are hurting enough by the departure of Wayne Rooney, in a deal Bill Kenwright has appeared to bend over backwards to get done before transfer deadline for £10m and the rest next season or on the never never. We now find out that NO NEW SIGNINGS HAVE BEEN MADE.

Bill Kenwright, explain yourself! You have constantly promised things and not delivered. Some of the things Blue Bill has said over the last few weeks.

Bill Kenwright says: "I hope to have 3 or 4 new players here before the deadline." (30/08/04)

Bill Kenwright says: "It was a long drive coming up here. There were three phones on the go and I have to say they were not all about Wayne Rooney. I am determined to help David Moyes bring in more new players by the transfer deadline.” (30/08/04)

Bill Kenwright says: “I am pleased that we have been able to arrange the relevant finances in order for myself and the board to work alongside David Moyes in strengthening our squad prior to the transfer deadline.” (26/08/04)

Bill Kenwright says: "I repeat that Jon Woods and I have a huge responsibility to Evertonians. Talk is cheap." (03/08/04)

If A Picture Paints A Thousand Words................

After a day of quotes, rumours and counter rumours, this photo says it all. True Blue Wayne Rooney, born and bred in the city has definitely left the Blues for what he considers to be a greater prize. At eighteen years of age, lets be fair time is running out on his football career, so he had to move quick. After leaving it till last Friday to submit his request, at last the Evertonian has got his wish to leave the club. Oh, how you could have been one of our greats, for all blues, a sad, sad day. (31/08/04)

The Clock Is Ticking

On a busy day of transfer fact and fiction, a few things are becoming clearer. Rooney has left the Blues, but the size of the transfer fee, has not yet been announced. Rooney had his medical at a Manchester hospital early on this morning. United have announced to the Stock Exchange that an agreement has been agreed, but as yet we wait for an official announcement. Rooney is now currently at Old Trafford awaiting the press.

We have been linked with Benni Mc Carthy of Porto on a loan deal. We are also being linked with Sunderland's Sean Thornton. One signing we look likely to miss out on is the shite's Djimi Traore, as new boss Benitez seems reluctant to let him go.

It's going to be a long day, and the clock is ticking. (31/08/04)

Newcastle United’s £23.5million bid has been rejected although there is speculation that Manchester United are going to increase their offer to outbid Newcastle. My message is clear we don’t want to see Wayne Rooney go and David Moyes does not want to sell him. It’s just plain wrong and everyone who cares about him understands that. The fans are desperate for him to stay at Everton – it’s where he belongs.

At a difficult time in his life it is only the Everton family who can look after him which we all know he needs now more than ever. We also know that David Moyes has been a huge influence on his career and his backroom team will do everything possible to support and encourage him in the future.

Wayne is only 18 and he has his whole football career ahead of him. Time is on his side – and if his advisers cannot see that then so be it.

Wayne Rooney is contracted to Everton and we should insist he honours his contract. Now more than ever the Everton family should be together and not give in to pressure from outside. Every single Evertonian should encourage him to stay. After the incredible start to his career under the guidance of David Moyes, Wayne then lit up the Euro 2004 tournament. He is a hero to Everton fans young and old. Hero’s need loyalty and to understand where they come from. Wayne is one of us and may be having a difficult time personally but we know that Everton is the only place for him if he is to receive the necessary comfort and support. The Everton Board should request he remains here not because we want to slow down his career development but because his education was at Everton and he should understand that more than ever at this time in his life.

Bill Kenwright and David Moyes with only the best interests of Everton at heart have done everything in their power to try and persuade Wayne to accept a record breaking contract from our Club.

The Everton Board should turn and say to his agents that Wayne has a contract and he should honour it in spirit and in heart”.

Round Up

I feel like a fuckin' newscaster, but here is a round up of yesterday's coming and goings. Blue Bill has secured alternative funding, rumoured to be in the region of £6m, so Moyesy can at least buy a few players before deadline day.

Newcastle as we know have upped their bid for Rooney to £23.5m, which nicely leaves the door open for Man ure to go to £25m. Conspiracy theories are gathering pace. David Gill, Man Ure's Chief Exec, has said a lot can happen in five days, so no doubt they will be digging deep for a few extra groats.

David Gill says: "Five days?. A lot can happen in five days or whatever but we've got to do what is right for Manchester United, what is right for Wayne Rooney and what is right for Everton. It takes three to effect a transfer and we'll see what happens." (27/08/04)

Cash for Moyesy - But is it too Late

Moyesy has finally been given some cash for transfers. How much? No idea! We hope Moyesy does. So now The Manager of the People's club has got to run around like a demented housewife on Christmas Eve, and secure some players before the transfer window closes next Tuesday. This is an absolute disgrace. So Moyesy has to prepare his Everton team on Friday, big match Saturday, big match Monday, leaving 2 days to find some players. What a joke! Lets hope he doesn't end up with unwanted players, like those tins of pilchards in yer wives Christmas hamper that stay in the cupboard till the next school garden fete.

Billy Spokesman says: “Everton Football Club is pleased to announce that it has agreed and arranged funding with an alternative party. This will not lead to a new share issue at this time but one that may follow in the future.”

Blue Bill says: “I am pleased that we have been able to arrange the relevant finances in order for myself and the board to work alongside David Moyes in strengthening our squad prior to the transfer deadline.” (26/08/04)

Part-Time Directors

My Side Of The Story

After scuppering yesterday's meeting at the eleventh hour, Paul Gregg today is welcoming new investment into the club, via Blue Bill. As long as it is in the interest's of Everton is the song Greggo is whistling today. I am sure as long as he gets his cash and scarper's aswell, is also his interest.

Greggo Whines: "I welcome any new investment and want what's best for Everton Football Club. In order to ensure that this proposed investment is in the best interests of the club, it is only right that I should examine the proposal and have an opportunity to meet those proposed as directors so I understand fully their ambitions for the club. The paperwork only arrived yesterday and as soon as I have had a chance to look at the detail I will be in touch with Bill to reschedule the board meeting.

The fans, shareholders and everybody associated with the club recognise that change is necessary and that our manager requires urgent funds. That is why I supported the process of due diligence last week and will continue to support any initiative that means Everton can compete at the highest level." (24/08/04)

Claim and Counter Claim

Yesterday was a day of claim and counter claim, regarding the proposed investment by Russian millionaire Boris Zingarevich, or his son Anton. A spokesman for Ilim Paper Products has categorically denied that any investment would not be forthcoming from the two named Russians. It seems that the key lies with Christopher Samuelson who is the chairmen of the Fortress Sports Fund, of which Anton is a manager, but has no financial links to the Zingarevich Empire. Mr. Samuelson though is still confident of continuing with the investment, claiming that it still has a number of substantial investors to hand.

Whatever the outcome of this saga, all in all, it was another bleak day in the battle for Everton.

Svyatoslav Bytchkov says: "The current president (Blue Bill) wanted to show the board that he is the good guy. He wanted to show that he could bring in a crazy Russian who will invest as much money as the club needs. This was a PR campaign by people within the club who wanted to present something beautiful as fact."

An Ilim Pulp Spokesman says: "As far as we know he is not planning to buy Everton. He does not have the means. Normally, we would not comment on the situation around individual shareholders, but this is not normal. I can say that Boris Zingarevich is not planning to buy directly or indirectly assets abroad, I mean sports clubs. And this applies to his son and any investment funds as well." (24/08/04)

Cash Plans Unveiled

Blue Bill will unveil his plans for the future of Everton, at tomorrows Board Meeting. We have been informed, by a source close to the club, that it will definitely involve the son of the Russian paper magnate Boris Zingarevich, whose was named earlier today. The Pheonix is rising from the flames, well we can dream, can't we, after the shitty time we have had of late.

Ian 'Rossy' Ross says: "With regard to press speculation about proposed investment, Everton Football Club wished to announce, it will hold a board meeting on Monday August 23rd 2004, after which further details will be given." (22/08/04)

Shit 'Ed

Some Scrooge type figure could potentially be depriving two local charities from some much needed cash. The recent on line auction of Wayne Rooney's very famous plaster cast, raised £1,600 for Claire House, and a Downs Syndrome Charity. Some Scrooge like figure though, who bought the plaster cast, has decided to throw it on another on line auction site to hopefully make a few bob. I hopefully though could be doing this punter a huge disservice, as wouldn't it be fantastic if with the extra money he makes was given to the said charities. Oh how my faith in mankind would be restored.

Everton's Mark Rowan says: "We are very disappointed. It is not in the spirit of what we are doing with e-auction. It would be a lovely gesture to see any extra cash made donated to the two charities in question." (18/08/04)

Gregg Welcomes Investment

Official Everton statement: "Bill Kenwright, chairman of Everton FC, confirms that he has received formal confirmation of an offer for £20million of new investment into the club vie a new share issue. The club bankers have received evidence of the availability of funds. Due diligence begins on Monday, August 16 and will be completed within a week."

We understand that although the technicalities won't be sorted until 23rd August 2004, the bank will release funds for Everton to buy players now. Which is great, but is it too late to get the players Moyesy wanted? Or is he just going to make do with what's left?

Paul Gregg says: "I have been saying for the past 12 months that True Blue Holdings needs to be disbanded and the club constitution changed to attract new investment. This move to turn TBH shares into Everton shares is welcome, and I welcome new investment into the club."

So are Bill & Paul going to make up and work together? Is Gregg still going to get Grantchester and the other mystery backers to cough up their £15m? Or will he disappear for another season? These questions and lots more need to be answered. The roller coaster ride that is Everton keeps on going. Don't you just love being an Evertonian? (14/08/04)

Squad Numbers

The squad numbers are as follows:1. Richard Wright 2. Steve Watson 3. Alessandro Pistone 4. Alan Stubbs 5. David Weir 6. 7. Marcus Bent 8. 9. Kevin Campbell 10. Duncan Ferguson 11. James McFadden 12. Li Tie 13. 14. Kevin Kilbane 15. Gary Naysmith 16. Thomas Gravesen 17. Tim Cahill 18. Wayne Rooney 19. Nick Chadwick 20. Joseph Yobo 21. Leon Osman 22. Tony Hibbert 23. Eddy Bosnar 24. 25. Nigel Martyn 26. Lee Carsley
27. Peter Clarke 32. Daniel Fox 33. Anthony Gerrard 37. Iain Turner.

A Place In The Sun

Power battles, potential Court actions and no new players, but apparently Everton have just bought a place in the sun. According to our sources Everton have laid out an undisclosed sum to buy Spanish minnows UD San Pedro, who are Marbella based, and play in the Spanish Third Division.

If the rumours are true, they have also installed ex Blue, and also ex shite player Steve Mc Mahon as the Director of Football there. The Spanish side will play in the same Royal Blue, and also carry Chang beer as their sponsors.

As part of the deal, Everton also inherit an olive grove, and an orange plantation. To investigate the claims and after much pleading Lavington has been dispatched to Marbella, after knocking out Jogger and Sausage, to claim the flight tickets. (01/08/04)

Fight Continues

After the supposed deadline came and went with a whimper the two main players, used the media outlets to continue the argument, instead of talking to each other. In an amazing live interview outside Goodison, at tea time, Paul Gregg revealed his annoyance, at yet another day passing with no outcome. Returning the salvo later on in the evening Bill Kenwright said the deadline was a figment of Greggo's imagination.

Paul Gregg says: "I think Everton is number one simple as that. There's a question mark over the future of the club.

One of our partners has already been announced and it's quite obvious we can supply the funds. It's as simple as that, it's a genuine proposal but we've had no confirmation from Bill Kenwright about the offer. Lord Granchester is the partner, that's correct. We've agreed he'd help form a new board. It's a considerable involvement. He's a true Blue, you can't have any better Blue than Lord Granchester.

We've confirmed to Bill our plan was, as far as we're concerned, to put £15 million of new money into the club, to deal with the shortfall in the cash flow at that time and take the club forward.

I'm disappointed with Bill Kenwright. Bill is a passionate Evertonian but this is a big problem at the moment. The club hasn't got any sense of direction and the club is more important and people must do the honorable thing.

Mr Kenwright hasn't got any money at the moment. I made it very clear to Bill on Monday that the proposal was made for £15 million of new money injected into the club on the basis that the existing board stepped down. It's a matter of urgency that the board makes some decisions on how the club is run immediately.

I suppose legal action is a consideration. I don't want to walk away from the club. I want to try and make sure it has a long-term future."

Paul Gregg on Moyesy: "It's in the papers that we've been thinking about other managers but I don't know where that has come from. It's not come from me."

Blue Bill Bites Back: "Both myself and Jon feel we have a huge responsibility to Evertonians all over the world.

If trying to behave and act in a responsible and honourable manner is not part of that responsibility then maybe the simplest solution is for both of us to sign Paul's resignation letters.

On a personal note, I am disappointed that a totally fictitious deadline resulted in today's media event, one which only served to further tarnish the club's image and damage our preparations for the new season.

For my part, since Monday's board meeting I have spent all my time continuing to work closely with the team manager on team-rebuilding, progressing and hopefully concluding the search for a new chief executive and, as was agreed at that meeting, trying to conclude my pursuit of potential investment into the club.

I am prepared to stand down should Paul keep his promise to provide the club with the required evidence of a cash injection which I cannot match. All we have received since Monday's board meeting is a faxed, one-page letter from a lawyer something which, self-evidently, does not provide either proof of finance or identity.

At Monday's meeting, Paul said he had secured a guaranteed investment of some £15 million, a sum which he said would be made available to the club in October.

Paul told the board he would deliver within 24 hours a formal proposal, one which would provide the necessary evidence of finance. Neither myself nor my fellow director, Jon Woods, received any such proposal. However, what we did receive, repeatedly, were e-mails from Paul which continued to demand our resignations and which, astonishingly, even contained the required letters for us to sign.

On Friday at 3.20pm, Jon and I received a fax from a lawyer acting on Paul's behalf stating he had seen a letter from a third-party who wished to remain anonymous, but who, he claimed, was in principle prepared to support an investment of up to £15 million if, and only if changes were made amongst the club's board. The financial status of this nameless third-party was confirmed not by a bank or by a leading financial institution but by a lawyer. On that basis, and seemingly that basis alone, Paul continues to demand that both myself and Jon stand down.

Despite repeated requests the board are no closer to ascertaining who Paul's proposed investors are and we still await delivery of the financial guarantees and formal proposals which were promised earlier in the week." (31/07/04)

Stalemate

Paul Gregg is disappointed that nothing today has come from his ultimatum to Blue Bill. No communication has taken place today between the two feuding directors, and Paul Gregg's patience is wearing thin. Speaking live on Sky Sports he confirmed that Lord Granchester is one of the mystery backers, and he reiterated that fifteen million big ones would be available to the club by the end of September.

Moyesy's job is safe according to Greggo, dispelling rumours that other managers were being lined up to take over the gaffers position.

He also confirmed that he will be reviewing his position at the weekend, and may still take legal action to change the way TBH is set up. (30/07/04)

Academy Boys Seek Sponsors

Everton's Academy Sides have been hit with an unusual problem. Since the big boys sponsorship deal has changed to Chang Beer, this has meant that the youngsters have lost their sponsor. Due to FA rules no Academy sides can be endorsed with tobacco, or alcohol related firms. So seen as Chang beer is the old rocket fuel, the Academy lads need a bit of financial help. Anyone interested in contacting Everton over a link up, are being invited to do so.

Ray Hall says: "The situation regarding sponsorship is unique in my time as a Head of Youth Development. It will seem strange that our boys won’t be wearing training and match kit that mirrors the first team, but I fully understand the reasons why this can’t happen.

I think everybody is aware of the financial problems that exist within our football club and the involvement of a company and the income that it would generate, would help alleviate some of the burdens that currently exist. So, therefore, the Academy is looking for a sponsor, which will not only benefit the Wayne Rooneys of tomorrow, but also the company itself.

The current situation provides a potential sponsor with an outstanding opportunity for promoting their company. Our exposure as an Academy worldwide has never been greater due to the emergence of one of the most talented young players in the world, Wayne Rooney.(30/07/04)