Gregg Out, Vaughan In ?

Paul Gregg may be considering selling his entire shareholding,of 23.2 %, to Chester City Chairman Stephen Vaughan. Vaughan a life long Evertonian, has made some of his till in the boxing world, and he is said to be keen to get on board at Goodison. That means Gregg will be on his way, but as rich as Mr. Vaughan is, he is no Roman Abromavich, so lets not be getting carried away.

Blue Bill would still be Everton's major shareholder, but Vaughan if he was to buy Gregg's stake, would not be far behind. Lets for Christ sake boys, not have another Summer like last years, as I want to enjoy my hols.

Vaughan's Spokesman, Lee Maloney, says: "I am not at liberty to discuss any specific discussions with existing shareholders. However, it has long been Stephen's dream to play a part in the club he has supported all his life.

The Ride's Just Beginning

Everyone seems to have an opinion on Blue Bill, but one thing is for sure he is an Evertonian as good as the rest of us, and he is in dream land too. It was Bill who brought Moyesy to the club, over three years ago, and Bill who fought off concerted efforts last Summer to oust Moyesy from the club, instigated by a fellow director. So lets allow him to bask in our achievements for a while, as he in our opinion deserves it.

Blue Bill says: "Evertonians like myself can be forgiven for finding themselves in something of a quandary right now. We use words like “unbelievable” and “miraculous” about our past season – but then have to admit to ourselves that nothing is ever quite unbelievable when you have a Manager with the talent, dedication, and determination of David Moyes. A real miracle man if ever there was one. He has consistently throughout the season turned negatives into positives. A small squad has become one of the closest units that Evertonians have ever seen pull on the beloved blue shirts.

They have responded to David’s inspirational leadership and to a man have all ensured themselves a place in Everton’s folklore. There’s little I can say about David Moyes that I haven’t said before. He has been one of our greatest ever signings, and will, I believe, become one of the game’s greatest managers.

He is already that to Evertonians, but his own quest for perfection will only drive him on to greater achievements. He and his players have given us the opportunity not only to challenge for European football’s biggest honour but also once more to walk with a spring in our step and a smile on our faces." (11/05/05)

One Moment in Time

Keith 'Bully Wyness', is describing Everton's European qualification as a pivotal moment in the Club's history. Everton however must qualify first for the Champions League Group Stages, before they carry on with their path to riches and greatness.

Bully says: "If you look at the past 126 years there have been pivotal moments that have allowed the club to go forward into a new era - this is one of those moments. It’s up to us now to grab the opportunity with both hands and to really take the club forward. It’s nothing more than an opportunity at the moment; we have an opportunity to get through the qualifying round and get into the first group stages. We have to focus on getting through the qualifying round. They will be huge games for us. It gives us a chance to build momentum in every aspect of the business. Hopefully some financial windfall will come out of this, but we will have to achieve it consistently if it is going to make any difference to the club’s financial situation. We shouldn’t be getting carried away with thoughts that this is the solution to everything, but it gives us a platform to build on.

Without doubt, everybody is smiling from ear to ear because the turnaround in fortunes has been of fairytale proportions. Every part of the club has been stretched to its limit this year and now we have a great reward for those efforts. But we have to redouble our efforts next year - there is going to be an even bigger workload with European football, but everyone is going to be very happy to do that." (10/05/05)

Pre-Season In Bangkok Anyone?

Everton will play two games in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday 20th July & Saturday 23rd July 2005, as part of their pre-season build up. Man City and two other as yet un-named sides will also take part in the tournie

Chief Executive Keith 'Bully' Wyness says: "It is a reminder of our ever-broadening appeal and our ever-rising profile that we have been invited to participate in such a prestigious tournament as the highest-ranked team. Because of our links with our main sponsors, Chang, we do already enjoy a very healthy level of support in Thailand and I am certain that our visit will serve to increase our fan-base in the Far East." (10/05/05)

UEFA Back Blues

It looks likely that UEFA will not change their ruling for the team who finish fourth in the Premiership this season. With the shite making the final of the Tournament, they are lobbying for a place next season's Competition, and that may be at the expense of Everton. UEFA have firmly said that will not be the case. So UEFA have kept their side of the bargain, lets hope the Blues keep their's on Saturday.

UEFA Spokesman William Galliard says: "For future seasons, say from 2006-2007, the executive committee may look to change the rule. But for next season the rule stays at it is. The English Premiership has four places and it would be unfair to tell another national association that they have lost one of theirs. You cannot change the rule at this late stage of the season." (05/05/05)

Gregg Statement

Paul Gregg has issued another statement, using a PR company. He still can't find the password for the PC.

Everton Director, Paul Gregg says: “I would like to congratulate David Moyes, his staff and all the players after qualifying for European football for the first time in 25 years as a result of the team’s league position. The next four games are incredibly important as they may result in an even bigger prize of Champions League qualification. Every Evertonian will be anxious to see how the Club will move forward following this success.” Issued by Richard Clein, Head of Campaigns, October Communications on behalf of Paul Gregg (26/04/05)

Europe, It's Official

Everton are back in Europe after ten years and that is now official. By virtue of Arsenal turning London neighbours Spurs over tonight, it means Everton have qualified at least for the UEFA Cup. It is also the first time the Blues have qualified via their League position since the late seventies, early eighties. They did qualify several times in the mid to late eighties through their League positions, but we won't go there on that one.

The FA however, who are led by a kopite (shit 'ed) no less, are doing what the FA do best. That is putting their heads in the sand, and hoping a problem will go away. If the Blues finish fourth, and the shite win the Champions League, England are still only allowed four representatives in Europe's Premier Competition. So either Everton or the shite will miss out next season. Forgive me if I'm am wrong, but it did state before the season started, that the club finishing fourth, would qualify for the qualifying stages of the Champions League, and no contingency was put in place for a team winning it, but not finishing in the first four. Follow.

Anyway, Everton were afforded a chink of light by UEFA, as they said it was the FA's problem, but the team finishing fourth should take precedent. Hear. hear.

Lars Christer Olsson (UEFA Official) says: "There is no way England can have more than four teams so in the first instance we would refer it to the English FA. But normally I would say that it’s more important if you are qualified through your national league position than if you have won the competition." (25/04/05)

Sold

Alan Ball's World Cup winners medal was sold yesterday for a record £164,800 beating the sale of Gordon Banks's medal for £124,750. The nice chap who bought the medal also purchased his cap for £43,200.

Well done Alan, you deserve it.(20/05/05)

Bally To Sell World Cup Medal

Ex Everton Legend, and I mean Legend, Alan Ball is to part with his World Cup Winners Medal. Bally who lost his wife, Lesley last year to Cancer is to auction the medal, and others won in his career off, as a promise to his wife. The medal is expected to raise anything in the region of £80,000 to £120,000. Bally who joined Everton shortly after that memorable day in July 1966, went on to win the Championship with the Blues four years later. The Auction is in London in late May. Big Keith are you going to be there, it is a major chunk of history from a true Everton great !!!

Bally says: "My priorities have changed. I have three children and three grandchildren and the most important thing for me is to make sure they are looked after as well as possible. Winning the World Cup will stay with me forever, but it is time to look to the future, not the past.

It is always going to be impossible to split a medal three ways, so I have decided that the most sensible thing to do is to offer these items at auction, and use the proceeds to secure the future of my family." (20/04/05)

Cash Waiting Game

The great debate over Everton’s proposed investment from Fortress Sports Funding is still puzzling some Evertonians. Bluekipper has learnt from a club insider that the money has been available to the Blues for many weeks now. The board are watching our European situation very closely, before deciding whether to accept the cash. You see if we qualify for the Champions League, the cash will flood in anyway through TV Rights, extra advertising revenue, sponsors and investors queuing up to throw their cash at the Blues.

Blue Bill and the board as a consequence don’t want to allow an outside investor in on the cheap. The proposed £12.8m pot of cash would allow Fortress to share a stake in Everton, and the board believe that will be far too cheap for a club in the Champions League. Watch this space as they say, but the Blues Board are playing a waiting game. Can you blame them. (14/04/05)