Turf Luck

Everton will not be able to lay new turf on their Goodison Park ground, because believe it or not, we have a shortage of grass. In our green and pleasant land we apparently do not have enough top class turf to go round. We are behind Manure, as they have first option on laying the new turf at a cost of £120k, and they have already claimed the only grass currently available to restore their own pitch. So with the visit of Chelski and the Mancs in coming weeks, the games will have to be played on the current mud patch, until a date can be set in late February to relay the turf.

Keith Bullseye Wyness says: "The properly matured turf we use is in short supply at this stage of the season and Manchester United have first option on the next available batch.

Face The Music

Everton officials are admitting defeat, and are accepting the charge of being unable to control their players in last months draw at Boro'. The incident happened late on in the game after Big Dunc was set upon by Bolo Zenden. A fine and a slap on the wrists is what the Blues should now expect from our over zealous friends at FA Headquarters. The question though, the FA should really be asking themselves, is what kind of name is fuckin' Bolo. (01/02/05)

Delia Snubs Blue Bill

Norwich Chairwoman Delia Smith has snubbed the comforts of the Everton boardroom in favour of sitting in the Upper Bullens with the Norwich fans next week. Delia was upset by accusations that alleged that Norwich fans racially abused Joey Yobo in last seasons FA Cup game. She made a promise to sit with the fans next time they came to Goodison.

It looks like it will be a few years before she gets a chance to sit in our Directors Box again, as next season she better get used to trips to Millwall, Sheffield and alike. By the way your food is shite aswell.

Delia says: "I have great respect for Everton stalwarts Bill Kenwright and Phillip Carter, but I made a promise to the Norwich fans that I would sit with them when we return to Goodison and that's what I will do." (27/01/05)

Come Fly High With Us

Representatives working on behalf of Everton are close to finalising a deal with Air Asia, which is one of the regions fasting growing budget airlines. Chang our current sponsors, have a one year deal at present with an option for an extra year. It seems Everton's top four placing for most of the season has had potential sponsors sitting up and taking notice. Keep up the good work boys.

An Air Asia Spokesman says: "We are in the final stage of negotiations with parties representing Everton FC." (25/01/05)

Everton Charged

Everton and Boro are set to be charged by the FA, for the 21 man handbags incident, that was no more than a storm in a tea cup. Both managers have publicly backed their players, and have dismissed claims of any wrong doing in Sundays hard fought draw.

The incident happened after Bolo Zenden over reacted when Big Dunc went for a loose ball, and caught the Boro keeper in the six yard box. This sparked a tit for tat reaction by all the outfield players.

Really I have seen more serious harm done on Big Brother. C'mon the FA, haven't you got anything serious to worry about, or do you fancy just lining your pockets with a nice hefty fine on both clubs. Even Stevie Wonder can see through you lot. Anyway both clubs have until the 2nd Feruary to respond to the charges.(18/01/05)

FA Wait on Match Report

The FA are waiting to see referee Jimmy Sommervilles match report from the Boro game to see if he includes the 21 man brawl, that happened late on in Sunday's drawn match. No action was sensibly took at the time by the match official, after Dunc went for a loose ball, and Boro's Zenden totally over reacted sparking the melee.

FA Spokesamn says: "It is a bit early to be making a decision on the incident. When we get the referee's report we will look at that to see if there is any further action needed."

Boro Boss Malcolm Mc Laren says: "The melee showed why the two sides are in the top six because of the spirit, attitude and togetherness of both squads. I have said to my players that was a great show of togetherness. They were sticking up for each other because that is what you do when your mate is in trouble. I have seen the replay and there was nothing in it. Both teams reacted how teams react in that situation - looking after their mates." (17/01/05)

Where's The Loot

It's the middle of January and still no hard news on our £12.8m investment pot. The Fortress Sports Fund's money which was promised by the middle of December is still no further reaching us, and all parties are being very cagey on the matter.

Financier Chris Samuleson is still insisting it's green for go, but Big Keith is apparently exploring other options for some hard earned.

Big Keith says: "Obviously the delay is concerning. We're relying on assurances given by Chris Samuelson who brokered the deal. We've talked to other people. We must start to explore other options."

Chris Samuelson says: "We hope to have things in place by the middle of the week. It is just regulatory issues which are stalling the procedure. The problem is that this is the first fund of this kind to be launched in this part of the world and there is not a huge amount of previous experience." (14/01/05)

Still No Fortress Sports Fund Cash

Fortress Sports Fund promised Everton £12.8m before Christmas. It's still not here.

Respect

Everton are to fly the flag of their main sponsors Chang at half mast in respect of the dead of the in the Tsunami Disaster, which currently stands at 120,000, and will no doubt rise over the coming days.

After Everton's call to other Premier League Clubs to donate some much needed cash to the disaster fund, Everton and the other 19 top flight clubs have donated £1m between them, through our own FA. (30/12/04)

Tsunami Disaster

Everton have opened a disaster relief fund to help the victims of the tsunami disaster.
The club's main sponsor, Chang Beer is one of Thailand's biggest companies. Chang are already helping in Thailand already. The club has appealed for other football teams to join them in raising money to help the devastated Asian region. A collection will be held before next Tuesday's home game with Portsmouth.

The club has opened a designated bank account at Barclays. Money can be donated, quoting sort code 20-10-84 and account number 90344907.

Cheques, made payable to The Asian Disaster Fund, will also be accepted by post to Asian Disaster Fund, Goodison Park, Liverpool, L4 4EL.

Get off Bill's Back and Get on Mine

Geneva based financier Chris Samuelson from the Fortress Sports Fund has said that the £12.8m investment is still on track - Must be like one one of those Scalectric ones that goes around and round and round.

Chris says: "To accuse Bill of failing to deliver is wrong. If anybody has failed to deliver, it has been me. Bill has done everything in his power to complete this investment. We are completing the transaction. Everything is going forward as planned. The fact it is a day or so late is due to circumstances beyond our actual control. I don't run the banking system."

But Chris you did ask for a 14 day extension, which passed yesterday. The money is not in Everton's bank account. Therefore the fans are right to ask questions. Chris went on to explain the procedure, by which Everton will get the money.

Chris says: “We created a specialist fund called and it is a cell fund where one of the cells is investing in a Premier Club, which happens to be Everton. We formed the Fortress Sports Fund in Brunei, which is a financial centre that allows the formation of protected cell funds. We are now awaiting on the final approval from the regulator on that fund and therefore we have to have that as one of the conditions to go forward.

However, we have created an escrow account to receive the money from the investors and that money, we have had confirmed to us, has been transferred and should be received momentarily, so it is in the banking system. Once the fund receive the money from investors, Everton will invite its shareholders to a second extraordinary general meeting in the space of four months where they will be asked to approve to the transaction.

There are other formalities that have to be completed and in view of the fact that Everton have raised money in the past from the general public it requires takeover panel approval, though this is not a takeover. But when a quasi-public company such as Everton is raising money is still requires takeover panel approval. That has to be done and shouldn’t take long, a matter of a few days I’m assured by our lawyers and Everton agree with that.

Everton then have to call an EGM and have the shareholders approve the transaction. The fund will be sitting on the money almost immediately, the club will get the money as soon as they have called their EGM, approved it, which I believe takes 28 days."

So there you are. Clear as mud. By our reckoning you are talking the end of Jan 2005 by the earliest. None of the money gets to Moyesy for the January sales.

Cell fund - escrow account - received momentarily - takeover panel approval - not a takeover - quasi-public company -

Another pint of your best, barmaid. (22/12/04)

Where's The Loot Boys

Where's the loot that we were all waiting for, as last night deadline passed without any information coming out of the hallowed walls of Goodison, over the proposed cash investment. The club was staying shctum on the issue, though apparently the board remains in talks with Chris Samuelson, who heads the fund, and the board is still optimistic, that the £12.8 will be on the table soon.

It appears that the cash has been transferred into the fund, but Everton still await documentary evidence before proceeding with a statement.

This however has not appeased some at the Shareholders Association, and Nick Williams has been the first to vent his frustration.

Secretary of the Shareholders' Association, Nick Williams, says: "Bill Kenwright promised at the club EGM that everything would be cleared up by the time of the AGM.

Top Man Keith

Everton Chairman Blue Bill has been singing the praises of our new CEO, Big Keith Wyness. Kenwright is impressed with the Big Man's enthusiasm for his new role, and he was even more impressed with his nine dart check out, while the two of them were having a quick game of arrows in the Board Room.

Blue Bill says: "He is determined to get £20 million more income into this football club in the next three years on a yearly basis. That’s what we need to continually provide income for the manager, as I always say to you - that’s what it’s all about. He has got such enthusiasm. You ring him in the morning and say: ‘How are you?’ and he replies: ‘Great! I’ve got a great day ahead of me.’ If you ring him at nine o’clock at night and ask him, he’ll still say: ‘Great!’

He’s got ability, a huge ability - particularly for marketing because that’s his background. He’s come in here and found areas, which he thinks he can improve and that’s what he’s excited about. I like that about him, I love enthusiasm. I don’t think Keith was shocked with what he found when he arrived. Keith and I had been talking for a good two months before he arrived so he was primed. He was negative about some of the stuff that he found at Everton but it didn’t hurt me in the slightest. He said that certain sections were underachieving. But I don’t run the club and I don’t want to run the club. I want to be the figurehead of the club." (16/12/04)

50/50 Split, Or No Deal

Part of Blue Bill's rallying call at the AGM, this week was the contentious issue of the ground share, with our neighbours the shite. Blue Bill rightly said that it was 50/50, or no deal. Big Keith, Greggo and Blue Bill himself, all took part in negotiations with shit 'ed representative's and Sports Minister Richard Caborn over the proposed deal. Whilst Everton are still not ruling out a ground share, they have also not ruled out improving Goodison for the long term. This one may run and run, watch this space.

Blue Bill says: "I’d rather resign than become a tenant of Liverpool Football Club. We won’t share if we don’t get half of everything. David Moyes won’t envisage it and neither will I. We agreed to make one last effort for Everton Football Club to see if we could make it work. It must work financially, if you’ve got two clubs sharing a 60,000 seater stadium costs will be cut for both parties.

It’s not dead. Keith has got a meeting next week with the council. If it doesn’t work out then there is a plan B, C, D and E. At the moment we are looking at midterm improvements to Goodison. We have to do things there anyway. I think you’ll be impressed when we can make an announcement.

Big Keith says: "We are working with the city to improve the footprint of Goodison. We are more in control of our footprint around Goodison. We are looking at new sites and there is possibly one new site which looks good. I’m also trying to unlock Bellefield. We are working on plans to unlock Bellefield so we can set up an Academy much quicker without selling Bellefield. There are ways and I’m working on it." (09/12/04)

Ground Share Latest

Everton and some shite officials met today with Sports Minister Richard Caborn in London to explore avenues regarding a proposed ground share. The shite are adamant that they will go it alone in Stanley Park, but even Stevie Wonder can see that the cash pot is not as full as it once was, for the club that lies beneath us in the League. Anyway by the year end, we hopefully according to Big Keith will all be wiser as to the future course of events.

Big Keith says: "All parties have agreed we will have one last look at the option of a ground share with a view to finalising our thoughts by the end of the year. It was an exploratory meeting and the ground share option is one of several under review by the club." (01/12/04)

Ground Share

Everton officials, believed to include Blue Bill will meet with Sports Minister Richard Caborn and representatives from the redshite to discuss the possibility of a ground share next Wednesday.

A spokesman says: "Mr Caborn has had a request to convene a meeting and he is more than willing to talk through the issues. He is generally behind the concept of ground-sharing and has supported the recent agreement between Leicester City and Leicester Tigers." (26/11/04)

Chang Trip

bluekipper.com can exclusively reveal that CEO, Big Keith 'Bully' Wyness is off to Thailand this weekend, with new Commercial Manager Alastair Saverimutto. They are trying to convince our friends at Chang Beer to strengthen their interests within Everton, with maybe an extension to their current deal. Chang who currently only have a one year deal with the Blues, must be delighted with the teams performances this season, and so with their own Company's exposure.

This Christmas then throw a crate of Chang in your Ale hamper, and in doing so you may be helping the Blues secure an even more lucrative contract with our Thai partners, as they look at sales growing in England.

Everton have had to deny rumours that the 747 that our two ambassadors will be flying on, will have three seats booked instead of two. When bluekipper.com approached the club over the extra seat, we were told politely to crawl back under our stones. The extra seat is believed to be for Keith himself, although we are definitely no casting any aspersions on Keith's frame. Good luck boys, and come back with the goods. (25/11/04)

Welcome To Paradise

Let us introduce Everton's new Commercial Manager Alastair Saverimutto. Savi as he likes to be known, is the brains behind offering the Everton brand around the North West, in the shape of new retail outlets in Birkenhead and Ellesmere Port. Also it must be mentioned that our Mega Store at the ground has never been so well stocked up with a variety of Everton merchandise ahead of Christmas, so get down and have a look.

bluekipper.com met up with Savi, and we liked what we heard from the new man at the helm. bluekipper.com send Savi and his team our best wishes in their new roles in bringing some hard earned cash into the club, so we can compete on a higher financial level with the big players in the Premiership.

The only sour point around Savi's appointment is the fact that 'Sandro Pistone had to be talked out of a one man strike by his agent. The reason being, is a clause in his contract stating that the signing of anyone new into the club, cannot be better looking than him. When it was pointed out to him that the clause was only open to the playing staff, Savi's appointment was rubber stamped by Big Keith, who was called away from his local, where he was having a game of darts with Jim Bowen for old times sake. (25/11/04)

'Half - Time Prowy' - 200th Derby

If you want to get your name in Everton's award winning programme for the Derby match, write about your favourite match, goal, save, incident from the last 199 derbies? Send your views to: programme@evertonfc.com (24/11/04)

New Deals For Backroom Boys

After Moyesy new improved deal was signed and sealed a week or two ago, Everton's hierarchy are keen to tie up new deals for the backroom boys. Alan Irvine, Chris Woods, Jimmy Lumsden and Andy Holden are all to be offered new deals, as Moyesy and Big Keith Wyness act quickly to keep the team together.

Big Keith says: "The manager was keen to ensure his staff were kept in place." (23/11/04)

Debts Rise

Blue Bill has sent letters out to all shareholders ahead of next months AGM. In a turbulent twelve months, Everton have seen their debt rise to £42m, from £38m a year ago. This figure does not include any of Rooney's transfer fee, and any of the potential cash injection from the Fortress Sports Fund. The figure reflects our poor performance in the League last season, and poor showings in the Cup aswell.

I know the feeling Bill. I've just thrown £10k on my mortgage, to finish the bathroom, and get the damp course re done. It never fuckin' ends, I tell you.

Blue Bill is hopeful of having the new investment in place from Fortress, before the December AGM, which hopefully on the back of Everton's fantastic start, will be more united than in season's gone by.

Blue Bill says: " I am in daily contact with the Fortress people and we remain confident a deal will be in place by then." (15/11/04)

Keith's Delight

New CEO, Keith Wyness is delighted that he has helped in securing Moyesy's services for another five years. Keith who had previously worked with Jim Bowen on Bullseye for over a decade, is hoping for a great future for Everton. In convincing Moyesy that this is were his future lies, we all at last seem to be heading in the right direction.

Bullseye's Keith Wyness says: "I’m really thrilled and it shows that we have got a great foundation to build on now and go forward. Every Evertonian will be pleased that David has committed himself to a long-term contract.

I said that there were two things I had as priorities. The first, obviously, was long-term stability for the club and very closely behind that was to support David in any way I can. We’ve now got a chance to move forward together.

David knows what our plans are and what I’m planning to do off the pitch. We’re hopeful for a great future together." (13/11/04)

Blue Bill Does A Deal The Fans Love

The People's Club Chairman Bill Kenwright has been through the grinder over the last few seasons. Fighting to keep control of the club, selling the club's best player, and loosing faith with some of the fans. He has done himself no harm in signing Moyesy until 2009.

Blue Bill says: “I am thrilled that David has decided to pledge his future to Everton and am absolutely certain that Evertonians all over the world will be similarly excited. Since his arrival at Goodison Park, David has proved himself to be one of the most gifted young managers of his generation. When we first met it took me less than sixty seconds to realise that the next Everton manager was standing right in front of me. It took even less time for him to win an instant place in the hearts for Evertonians when soon afterwards at his inaugural press conference he described us as the People’s Club. David has only enhanced his extraordinary relationship with Evertonians since that auspicious beginning. I feel certain that the People’s Club is in very safe hands.” (12/11/04)

Everton's new Chief Exec Keith Wyness, is promising to do everything he can to support Blues Boss Davey Moyes in his plans to strengthen the squad.

There will be no public details of the cash available at Moyesy's disposal, which seems a bit strange, but I'm sure they have their reasons why. I can't think of any, but I'm sure they have some.

More disturbingly than the money issue, is the fact that Keith is not adhering to the terms of his new contract. Blue Bill must have put a clause in it, stating that the wearing of any shite coloured piece's of clothing is totally forbidden. Keith it seems has a fetish for wearing shite coloured ties, and this must come to a stop right away. Anything of the said colour, that Keith has in his possession must be binned straight away. Ties, shirts, socks, toothbrushes, all must be packed off to the local tip, but under crackers of the said colour, are allowed to be kept for obvious reasons.

Keith says: "All I can do is ensure that I work closely with David to provide him with the maximum resources available and ensure that everything we do off the pitch is aimed at supporting him in some way - either through the youth academy or in the transfer market.

There is a lot of work to do and only consistency over a period of seasons both on and off the pitch will allow us to say we have turned the corner and even then football has a funny way of putting you down when you think you have found the right solution. All I can try to do is to make sure we do everything possible to point the club in the right direction. It is then up to the magical chemistry of 11 men on the pitch to bring us what we deserve." (18/10/04)

Never Asked

Andy Gray is admitting that he would have jumped at the chance of managing Everton, back in the Peter Johnson era. The simple fact is, that he was never asked. Andy who met Johnson, probably on the biscuit line knowing that cunt, to discuss the job, was never formally offered the role.

The Sky pundit who is promoting his autobiography, lifts the lid on the time back in 1997, when he was approached after Big Joe's resignation. He was painted at the time as the villain of the piece, but history will show that there was only villain and thankfully Blue Bill ousted him. Gray who will be at Goodison soon to promote his new book looks back fondly at his time with the Blues. He has had to change his mantle piece several times, as it can't take the weight of all the trophies he won with the Blues. Get in there !!!!

Andy says: "Peter Johnson invited me up to Merseyside to meet him and some of the other directors and have an informal chat about the position. As I travelled up the motorway my head was whirring. At that moment I was absolutely clear in my mind - if I was offered the job then, I'd leave Sky and take it. But Peter Johnson didn't come up with anything. He never mentioned a contract, terms or wages. Nothing."

Looking Good

Two League titles, and Euro honours. When Sheeds speaks we listen. Everton most cultured left footer has been made up with Everton's superb start to the season. With games coming up against Southampton, Norwich and Villa in October, Sheeds reckons we can consolidate our position, before we embark on world domination.

Sheeds says: "Its been a great start Everybody was predicting doom and gloom with everything that was going on off the field. But it seems to have brought the players together. They had a good pre-season and, apart from Arsenal, an excellent start to the season. It was disappointing to lose against Tottenham but to be third in the table with some really winnable games coming up is great. I just hope we can get some more points and consolidate the position.

When there are things said and written about certain players it can bring the squad together. You need strong characters in the dressing room who will be saying to the younger players: ‘Come on let’s prove people wrong' - and that’s what happened. The players have made a few people eat their words but there is still a long way to go yet. Everyone was waiting to see what would happen when Wayne left. But that happens in football - you can lose great players and the rest have just got to stick together. The players have rolled their sleeves up and battled really hard, for which they deserve a lot of credit. We’ve scored goals at the right time and defended well when we’ve needed to. If you’re well organised, prepared to work hard and are ready to take chances when you get them, you have a chance of winning games." (11/10/04)

Bangkok Bound

Everton are trying to tap into the Asian market, after linking up with The Thai Beer firm Chang. Aswell as setting up new websites, aimed directly at the Asian market, Everton are hopeful of setting up in partnership with Chang an Academy to try and tap up the footballing talent out there. The Academy will hopefully be based in Bangkok, and I have already asked the missus if I could go out and done some extensive research in the region. She told me to finish the dishes and put the kettle on.

Andy says: "We are trying to increase our profile in the Far East and build on our fan base. Although we are well behind Manchester United and Liverpool, we are not far behind the likes of Arsenal and are ahead of other Premiership clubs who haven't done anything in that market. We are still talking to Chang about a football academy to be built on land they own in and around Bangkok.

It would be branded Everton, but funded by Chang for Thai people and would be known as the Everton-Chang Academy." (07/10/04)

Our Saviour Has Come

It sounds like our Saviour is real and he has come at last. Geneva based financier Chris Samuelson, or Chrissy to his mates, is real and not as many people have thought a creation of Blue Bill's creative imagination. The boy seems to know his onions aswell when it comes to the Blues, commenting on the passion of the fans. He makes a case aswell for attracting some of the best talent around, when he talks of United being spent up this season, and Roman at Chelski, being down to his last 100 billion roubles. He believes there are bargains to be had in the transfer market, but ultimately it is Moyesy's decision who he brings in.

Aswell as saving the Blues financially, Chrissy is best known for his party tricks. Some of them include turning water into wine, and at his last bash, over ten thousand loaves appeared from thin air.

Chrissy says: "We will start with £12.8m of new money in the first phase, with an option for another £17.2m. That all depends on the needs of the club. If the club needs the money we will bring the money in.

The Annual General Meeting will have to approve the investment in December - but after that the money will be available. It's taken some time, but we are nearly there now.

Everton is a jewel. You feel this place when you come here. It has such a spirit here and this is what is so special about this club. The Evertonians are totally passionate and I think we can teach others to have the same feelings giving us to create a vast following around the world. Everton is a wonderful brand and needs to be seen. There is a real true, core supporter base here - but there are more around the world because the Premiership is watched by 139 countries and we need to tap into that to be competitive and have the resources we need to get Everton's revenues up. Okay, we're not going to become Manchester United, but today we are £42m-£43m versus their £175m. So if we can get to £100m it will have a big impact on what the club can do. The secret now is to take the club forward.

Obviously we can't compete with Roman Abramovich, who can write cheques for £100m without blinking. However, there's only one of him and how many players can he have in his side? We hear of unrest in their squad. People like Scott Parker can't get a game, and it's players like these that we should be looking at and no doubt will look at to try and see if we can get them to come here.

When you look at other players who want to come to the Premiership - Arsenal have a full repertoire, Chelsea don't look like they will be buying many more new players in the near future and Manchester United, according to what they tell us, don't have any money left because they've spent it all on somebody else! That opens up opportunities for Everton. We will be in a good position to compete for these type of players and will not have to pay crazy prices for them. Who we go for is ultimately David Moyes' decision, but he will have our complete support." (05/10/04)

Disabled Academy Launch

Everton have revealed plans to launch the country's first Disabled Academy. The scheme comes with a lot more ideas, that will come under the umbrella of Everton's Football in the Community project. Organisers hope that their new status will allow them to deliver a wider range of projects than ever before, with continuing support from the Premiership club.

Everton have already pioneered a disabled football section. While the program will now be financially independent of the club, it will still be based at Goodison Park and intends to build on the work already carried out by the club while also forging new partnerships.

Community business manager Dave Connor says: "Different disabilities require different facilities and different playing conditions and if we can find the right kind of site to develop and the funding and resources to make it happen it is just one of the things we would like to achieve," he said. "It would be an opportunity to run more teams across the full spectrum of disabilities, for children and women as well.

But it is not all about football and our new charity status should allow us to grow while delivering a range of activities across Merseyside for the people of Merseyside." (30/09/04)

Rad's Fine Upheld

Moyesy's and Everton's decision to fine Polish windbag, and top marksman Tomasz Radzinski in the Summer has been upheld by a Premier League Tribunal. Radzinski who was trying to manipulate his own exit from Everton, was urging Wayne Rooney to do the same. Moyesy then slapped a fine of a week's wages on the short sighted striker, at which he took exception to.

Radzinski left The Blues to further his career at Fulham, and really that says it all. Roll on November 20th.

Everton Secretary Dave Harrison says: "The club is pleased that the tribunal has endorsed the decision taken on this matter and it is hoped that this concludes the issue.

In these circumstances, we do not think it is appropriate to make any further comment." (30/09/04)

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)