Two Out of Three

Blue Bill is ready to splash the cash once more this Summer, and in the process will agree to Manager's Davey Moyes wishes that he wanted a keeper, striker, and a defender in by August. With two of his targets now achieved, Moyesy will be scouring the country for a central defender. True to his word, love him or hate him, Blue Bill has cobbled together the cash, and by the sounds of it will continue to do so.

Bill also gives us an insight into dealing with one of the most controversial Chairman of recent times, Palace's Simon Jordan. Bill can't say a bad word against him, tell that to Iain Dowie though.

Blue Bill says: "At the end of last season, David confirmed he would like to strengthen the squad with a new goalkeeper, a defender and a striker. We have completed the first two parts of the triangle and I'm hopeful we can complete the third.

There is no such thing as a simple transfer these days and this one probably took a while longer than most. It's no secret that David wanted Andrew Johnson a year ago but we adhered to Crystal Palace's request not to push with our enquiries. They were understandably keen to keep Andrew to help them regain their Premiership status. Simon Jordan, though, was as good as his word and when it became obvious that Andrew was for sale this summer,he was as straightforward as any chairman I have ever dealt with.

Simon is a canny negotiator but from what I have perceived over the last two weeks, he deals with the truth, which always makes things easier. We kept our powder dry until relatively late as other clubs made their approaches. But the actual transfer itself was reasonably simple once both clubs had agreed the fee. It's my impression that Andy became an Everton player from the moment he met our manager. He was honourable enough to say he wanted think about the situation for 24 hours before letting anyone know his decision. But I was pretty convinced he was going to be in a Blue jersey long before the end of that period." (31/05/06)

Cash Rich ?

Everton CEO Keith Wyness is delighted with the new Premier League TV deal that has recently been signed. The deal which comes into play for the start of the 2007/08 season, is the biggest ever signed, with Sky getting the bulk of the matches, and new boys Setanta picking up the offal, in a complicated game rating system.

What this means for the Premiership clubs, and Everton in particular is that we will receive £28m guaranteed every season for three years, more depending on were you finish in the League. For example the club that finishes bottom will still pocket a cool £30m.

Now here's the good bit, and one we should all remember. Big Keith has said the increased revenue will go to securing better talent to Goodison, yes that was right better talent. It will give us more clout to attract top players, I said more clout to attract top players, to compete with Europe's big boys, the CEO's words not ours. Watch this space as they say, but after years of empty promises, I will believe it when I see it.

Big Keith says: "The increased investment means clubs will have more money to spend on transfer fees, wages and facilities. Of course, it is relative as every club will be in a similarly improved position. But in contrast to the other top leagues in Europe the increased revenue will be truly significant.

It will mean that a greater number of Premiership clubs will be in a position to compete financially with Europe's elite. And that, in turn, will mean a greater number of English clubs will have the opportunity to acquire the services of the world's top players. The deal is a further example of the televisual draw of the Premiership. It continues to maintain and extend its position as the richest league in the world. Under the new deal, even the club that finishes bottom of the table will receive £30m. The club that finishes 10th will receive more in winnings than the side that wins the Champions League.

But the clubs that finish outside the top four, as we have done this season, will have greater spending power and more chance of bringing in the players of the very finest quality. Compared to the other top leagues, the Premiership clubs should be in a stronger, more attractive position." (24/05/06)

Happy 60th Howard

Everton's greatest ever manager has turned sixty today. Howard Kendall who played for and managed Everton started his love affair with the Blues in March 1967. Howie went on to win a League Championship medal, and scored 29 goals in 274 matches. He formed part of the legendary trio that also included Alan Ball, and his great mate Colin Harvey.

It was as manager with the Blues that Howard enjoyed his most fruitful period, winning two League Titles, an FA Cup, European Honours, but most of all he made Everton one of the most feared names in English and European football.

All at bluekipper wish Howard an enjoyable day, and many more to come. (22/05/06)

Borneo or Bust

Big Nev has played in a lot of countries in the World, on his travels with the Blues and Wales, but for charity the Big Man is off to Borneo to take part in a match. The PFA Borneo Cup hopes to raise over £100k for children's charities, and the outspoken Everton legend is only to happy to do his bit.

Anyone who was at bluekipper's recent End of Year doo, will know if Nev wants to say something, he will go ahead and say it, quality keeper, quality fella'.

Big Nev says: "It's the opportunity of a lifetime. Because of what man is doing to the planet, the jungle and its wildlife may not be around for much longer. So on that level alone, it will be a tremendous experience.

But the bottom line is about raising a lot of money for Children Today. I happen to believe that if a kid needs a wheelchair, public funds should be there to provide it. Isn't that why we pay our taxes? Unfortunately, governments don't seem to see it that way. So it falls to ordinary men and women to dig deep and find the money. The least I can do is help.

To take part in this competition, each of the volunteers has to raise £3,500 for the charity. I've nothing but admiration for the way they have set about it. So we'll make sure they have the time of their lives while we're out there. Who's going to win? No idea! But with six ex-pros around, it will be pretty competitive...and we'll all have a lot of fun." (20/05/06)

Mikky Scoops The Lot

Mikael Arteta walked away with two awards last night as Everton hosted their Inaugural Official Everton Awards. Mikky won Player of the Year, and Players Player of the Year, and I am sure by the the time the week is out, he will win a even bigger award. Jimmy Mac won Young Player of the Year, and the late great Brian Labone won the Peoples Club Award. Below is a full list of all the winners.

Mikky says: "This is a great honour and I am very proud and thankful. I am very happy at Everton because the people have been so welcoming."

Player of the Season: Mikel Arteta
Young Player of the Season: James McFadden
Goal of the Season: James Beattie's chip against Fulham at Goodison
Players' Player of the Season: Mikel Arteta
Reserve Player of the Season: Victor Anichebe
Academy Player of the Season: Scott Phelan
Disability Player of the Season: Michael Barker
Fan of the Year: Cathy Keig
Ladies Player of the Season: Jodie Handley
The Howard Kendall Award: The 1966 FA Cup winning side
Everton Giant: Peter Reid
The People's Club Award: Brian Labone

Take Your Seat's Early Please

Good news and bad news if you are a current Season Ticket Holder at Goodison. The good news is that if you renew before the 7th May, you can pay this season's prices for your ticket for next season. Current Season Ticket Holders have till the 10th June to renew for their own seat, then the club has said it is open house. Obviously we have been warned, some stranger could be in your seat that you have sat in for twenty odd years, if you don't cough up, earlier this year.

Big Keith says: "Through those discussions it became clear that while no-one welcomes price rises, they are inevitable in the modern game and accepted as such. As a club we remain committed to providing our fans with guaranteed access to the Premier League at an affordable price and in contrast to many other top-flight clubs we are still one of the most competitive. But this year we wanted something different, we wanted to repay the loyalty of our fanbase and that has led to the introduction of the two-week price freeze.

We have also been mindful of the important and crucial part youth plays at Everton and feel our freeze on junior tickets is testament to our ongoing commitment and strategy to mould the Evertonians of the future. Everton value the support of all Evertonians and have continually stressed that the single biggest way of helping the club is with the purchase of a season ticket. This year we are also accepting new season ticket applications during the renewal period and the message to all current season ticket holders is to renew early to avoid the possibility of losing your seat." (31/03/06)

Show Me The Money

Keith 'Bully' Wyness is convinced now that the club are on an even footing financially, it will make the job easier in acquiring new investment to Goodison. Bully is still targeting a new Stadium as his number one priority, as this will increase turnover and profit, to the scale of the skunks up in the North East.

The CEO however is under no illusions on how hard the task is, but it is one he is relishing. Can I just have three points Saturday please !!!!

Bully says: "If we are to compete at the very top level, with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, to grow organically is very, very hard.

A new stadium - be it at Goodison or elsewhere - would certainly help us, and could possibly take us from a £60million turnover to an £80m turnover, similar to the situation at Newcastle. But to get beyond that, we need an investment of some type from outside. To attract that type of investment, we've had to do what we are doing now, to show that we are running the business properly. The investors we have spoken to have been impressed by the increase in turnover, our reductions in cost in some areas and our plans for the future. They see the shoots of recovery there.

We are pleased to have achieved a top 20 place but we're under no illusions. Profitability is the most important measure. In the end, size does matter, because most clubs would budget to give a certain percentage over to the manager. The turnover is only one indicator. It's something that looks good to the outside world and is important from a PR angle. The key now is sustaining that and growing it, and doing that in a profitable way. I think the off-field income can be sustainable, and whether we push on forward will be down to a new stadium, success in Europe and new investment." (30/03/06)

FA Pay Day

With Everton collecting seven yellow cards from fussy match official Phil Dowd in yesterdays defeat at Analfield, it seems it automatically kicks in a fine of £25,000 from the FA.

Any team that has more than six players booked in one match is automatically punished by the Football Association, and Everton are it's latest victims. The fines are in place to keep kopite fan and head of the FA Brian Barwick in cigars, and ex TV Reporter David Davies in his £500,000 a year post. Sexy Sven will also continue to milk, sorry collect his £4m a year salary from the FA. Any rumours that match official Phil Dowd is on a bonus of 20% are wide of the mark. Jobs for the boys, you bet it is. (26/03/06)

What About The Other 39

Ex Everton striker and now Walkers Crisp Spokesman Gary Lineker, is miffed that his time at Everton is remembered for his goal against Luton in the Quarter Final FA Cup Replay in 1986. Links as he was affectionately known had one wonderful season with the Blues, which he tends to forget from time to time, and he wants everyone to know that he actually scored 40 that season, his best was against the shite at Analfield.

Gary we remember you, and we loved you, why don't you ever remember us on when you are gassing with Handball Hansen on the box.

Gary says: "There was no television deal in the first half of that season and so none of the pre-Christmas games were recorded. Nowadays every game is seen on tv and people see all your goals but that wasn't the case in those days.

It's a good goal and I'm quite happy with it - it was one of the better goals I scored actually - but it's always that one they show. I just think 'Well I scored a few more than that and a few decent ones!' I scored in all three matches I played against Liverpool (the shite) and if I was to pick a highlight out of that season it would have been winning and scoring at Analfield…beating them 2-0 in a game in which Rats scored as well! His was a bit of a Grobbelaar howler if my memory serves me well, it didn't beat him with sheer power! I had a one-on-one and finished by just nicking it past Grobbelaar. That was a tasty day, no doubt - definitely the highlight of that season." (13/03/06)

Woods Will Be OK

With Everton goalkeeping coach and former England International, Chris Woods on stand by for the first team, big Nige thinks Everton will be in safe hands.

Big Nige says: "Well the last time he played in front of a big crowd he saved a penalty in the legends match against the celebrities, which he keeps reminding us of, so I'm sure we'd be in safe hands!" (17/02/06)

Everton Football Club - 18th Richest Club in the World

Everton have appeared in the Deloitte Football Money League Top 20 for the first time in our history. So why can't we fix the TV's in the Upper Bullens. The figures show that Everton's turnover rose from £44.7 million to £60 million.

Bully says: "This is something we have been actively working towards and is, self-evidently, tremendous news. Over the past 12 months or so we have been working diligently on improving and increasing revenue streams. Although we are delighted with the news, the key thing now is to consolidate as we attempt to ensure that the name of Everton Football Club becomes a regular feature in such listings." (16/02/06)

Intertoto Cup

If the Blues don't qualify for the UEFA Cup through conventional means this season, they will enter for the first time the Intertoto Cup in the Summer. Moyesy has obviously got the taste for Europe after guiding the club to the Champions League last season.

So if the players ever needed any motivation to get one of the coveted UEFA Cup spots, surely this is it, or they will all be coming home from their hols sooner than expected. (14/02/06)

Yet Another New Stadium Project

Everton CEO, Keith Wyness has come out and said Everton will have an answer on the new stadium by the end of the year. Nothing new there then.

Bully says: "By the end of this year we will have a big move forward on something. Redeveloping Goodison will be difficult financially, not being able to generate naming rights. Our own stadium is probably the furthest advanced. Switch Island is one of these options, but developers come to us all the time. I am listening to everyone, but the key thing is realistic delivery. If you make the decision, you are stuck with it for 50 or 60 years. Leaseback is one possible formula. Another is forming a stadium company to build it and we pay a management fee and would never own it, just lease it. We are a different club compared with a year or so ago. We think the bank would probably lend money to us rather than the team across the park." (17/02/06)

It is reported that Peel Holdings who own a big chunk of Merseyside, want to build Everton a new stadium near Switch Island on the border of Aintree and Maghull. Very nice, but after the saga of the Kings Dock, when Everton failed to raise £30m for what would have been the best stadium in Europe, Evertonians should wait until the you take your seat in the stadium before we get excited about it. (14/02/06)

The Full Story Of The Kings Dock

Green Light For a Keeper

Everton have been given the green light by the FA to sign another keeper on loan, on condition that they submit medical reports on the fitness or lack of it of Nige and Dickie. With Iain Turner out for three games after his sending off, Moyesy is only left with rookie keeper John Ruddy to keep goal with. Names in the frame for the job our Big Nev, and Fulchester United's keeper Billy the Fish.

If Moyesy is having trouble getting a doctors note for Nige and Dickie, I can put him onto a few quacks, who would gladly write out a sick note, nod, nod, wink, wink.

Ian Ross, Everton's Communications Guru says: "The Premier League has considered our request and has now given us permission to sign on loan a goalkeeper. This will be subject to us submitting medical reports in relation to the current condition of both Nigel Martyn and Richard Wright." (13/02/06)

Transfer Truth

David Moyes has taken the unusual step of writing an open letter explaining his reasons for not bringing anyone new in during the January Transfer Window. In fact instead of strengthening the squad, players were sold, and the Gaffer explains his reasons for that as well.

Maybe the statement is more to do with the rumours of no cash again at the club. Disturbing as it sounds, one of the more talked about rumours of late was that Benty was sold just to pay the wage bill at Goodison. Read the statement, and have your say by mailing us at bluekipper.

Moyesy says: "Since the January transfer window closed on Tuesday night there have been many questions asked as to why as a club we decided not to act on bringing in any new faces. These questions from Everton fans are completely understandable and I felt it was only right for me to explain why we took the decisions we did. As I have always said ever since I arrived here, I will always be upfront with our supporters.

It was due to a variety of circumstances. Even prior to the opening of the window at the turn of the year, myself and the backroom staff had already pinpointed the players we would like to have here. But as time went on it became clear that some of these players were simply no longer available and the values of those who were had, in some cases, doubled from when we first started looking at the possibility of a transfer.

The failure to bring anybody in was certainly not for the lack of trying nor was it due to a lack of funds, as has been suggested in recent days. Bill Kenwright and the Board of Directors at Everton ensured money was available to spend plus there was the added funds from the sales of Marcus Bent and Per Kroldrup. So the money was available but the players were not and I can confirm all the players you have been reading about have, in the majority of cases, been contacted through their respective clubs.

There have been many stories that have been false but the players Evertonians would expect us to be targeting have been throughout January and even before then. Even up until the last minute on Tuesday night we were trying to add to the squad but as I have previously indicated I do not want to bring in anyone that would make our supporters feel good for the short-term and not the long-term. I understand that sometimes decisions of this nature may not be popular.

As the manager of Everton I have a responsibility to the future of this club and I don’t want to go down the road of making signings that do not fit in with our future plans. I also don’t want to follow similar transfer policies that have led to Everton being a side that have rarely troubled the top of half of the Premier League. We want to make progress and I think that has been demonstrated in two out of the last three years.

We were not alone in our transfer activity and other clubs in the Premiership have also chosen not to make any transfers during the window and continue to work with what they have for the rest of the season. That situation has benefited us in the past and last season we worked well with a very small squad.

I would also like to explain the reasoning behind my decision to let players leave the club in January when it was a priority for us to bring new ones in. In the cases of both Marcus Bent and Per Kroldrup it was in the best interests of Everton that they left us. Marcus was keen to move back to London and the price we eventually got for him we felt was a fair price. In the case of Per I felt it was the right decision for him to return to Italy to continue his career. I hope the above explains why January turned out the way it did.

The job for us all now is to continue the good progress we have been making on the pitch in recent games and I am delighted with the way the players are performing at the present time. Off it we are already starting work on future transfer targets and as everyone is aware we have to use what money we have at Everton wisely though rest assured the money available I will be using to its full potential in the coming summer. Many Thanks for your continued support." David Moyes.

We believe this unprecedented statement direct to the fans has only happened, because the club has taken notice of the fans, who have a voice on bluekipper.com and other sites.

Contact info@bluekipper.com with your views. (03/02/06)

Cards On The Table Time

Everton season ticket holder and now new City Council leader, Warren Bradley wants to get to the bottom of Everton's stadium plans. Cllr Bradley wants to see chief executive Keith 'Bully' Wyness as soon as possible to see if the council can help.

If Liverpool or Everton only had to pay half the cost of a £110m stadium, potentially they could spend a lot more on players. I am also concerned about the effect on communities like Anfield, Breckfield and Walton if one or both clubs left the area. There are a lot of small businesses like pubs and chippies that depend on revenue from football fans." (14/01/06)

Tickets For FA Cup Replay - Everton v Millwall - Wed 18th Jan 2006 - 8.00pm kick-off

EVERTON'S FA Cup third round replay against Millwall next Wednesday is all ticket. No tickets will be available after 6pm on the night of the game.

Tickets will be on sale to Season Ticket holders at the Park End Box Office from Wednesday, January 11 from 9.30am as follows: Season Ticket holders may claim their own seat (subject to availability) on production of Cup Priority voucher no.22 (this must be fully completed with their seat details) at the Park End Box Office until close of business (6pm) on Friday, January 13.

Postal applications may be made enclosing the correct remittance, relevant fully completed voucher and a stamped addressed envelope to the Box Office, Goodison Park, Liverpool L4 4EL. Supporters should be aware when posting applications of the short time span.

For this game only, season ticket holders may claim their own seat by phone on 08707 3837866 up until close of business on Friday, January 13. There will be a charge of £1.60 per ticket and a transaction fee of £1.60 for this service.

Tickets will be available on GENERAL SALE from Monday, January 16 at 9.30am from the Park End Box Office, online at evertonfc.com and also to postal applicants. Supporters however, should be aware when posting applications of the short time span before the game.

Dial-A-Seat (General Sale): Holders of Access and Visa cards may book seats subject to availability on GENERAL SALE using our 24 hour Dial-A-Seat service 08707 3837866 from Monday, January 16. There is a £1.60 charge per ticket plus a £1.60 booking charge for this service.

Lounge Members will need to present Cup Priority voucher no 22 or FA Cup third round voucher from their Season Ticket books to gain entry to their usual seats.

Supporters registered on the Home Cup Scheme will automatically receive their tickets for this fixture through the post, those supporters whose seats will be affected by the visitors will be allocated a best available alternative seat in their own stand and their tickets posted out to them. (11/01/06)

All Ticket - Everton v Millwall - Replay

Everton have announced that tickets for Everton's FA Cup 3rd round replay with Millwall will cost £20 for adults and £10 for concessions and will be an all-ticket match. The game at Goodison Park on Wednesday 18th January 2006 will be a 8.00pm kick-off. (09/01/06)

Cup Draw

If The Blues dispose of Millwall on Wednesday week, they will face Chelsea at Goodison. Fuckin' marvellous. Other notable ties include Stoke or Tamworth v Barnsley or Walsall and Leicester v Southampton. Ties will all be played starting the weekend of January 28th. No doubt the TV men will get their claws into our tie, so watch this space, as you can bet it won't be a Saturday 3pm kick off.

Full Draw:

Kings Dock - Mark 2

Everton C.E.O. Keith Wyness has apparently had talks with 'financial experts' about a 50,000-capacity stadium costing around £125m. So what? Everton have had talks with so called 'financial experts' on building the Kings Dock. It failed. Everton have had with Christopher Samuelson from Fortress Sport Fund expecting £28m. It never appeared. So although Bully thinks that a new stadium is best of the 3 options.
1. Moving to a new stadium.
2. Sharing a stadium
3. Redeveloping Goodison.

The only thing Everton would confirm was that the location was about 2 miles from Goodison. The so-called shared stadium is about 2 miles away.

The Kings Dock failed for many reasons. One being we could not raise £30m for what would have been the best stadium in Europe. Don't put your mortgage on it. Wait until brick is laid, before you get yourself excited.

Keith 'Bully' Wyness says: "Pretty soon we're going to have to make our own decision, probably early in the New Year. A new build on another site looks as if it could be the most deliverable option. We're now in a much better financial position to take on more long-term debt. There are other commercial operators who have been in touch with us and are prepared to work on funding it." (21/12/05)

Click Here For The Full Story On The Kings Dock

Kiss Goodbye To Our Cash

With Manchester United out of the Champions League for another season, and their chances of winning the Premiership slim to say the least, Everton's chances of gaining extra money out of the Wayne Rooney transfer are quickly going down the pan.

The media are quick to jump on the bandwagon and say the England Star was sold for £30m to United in the Summer of 2004. This fee was on condition that United during the course of Rooney's six year contract, winning the Title or the Champions League. Obviously there is as much chance of this as Osama Bin Laden has of sharing his turkey with George Bush this Christmas.

Smaller payments of around 500k, will be paid to the Blues, when Rooney gains more England caps, but Bluekipper thought they would put the record straight about the amount of money Everton will actually receive out of the deal that Blue Bill thrashed out last year.

For a full breakdown of the transfer, click on this link, and hopefully the press will aswell. Lets not forget, if Everton get £23 or £24m, we will be doing well. (09/12/05)

...An If Yer Know Yer History...

Everton will play their 4,000 game in the top flight when they play against Blackburn today. The nearest club to them are Villa who have played 3667. (03/12/05)

Played:  3,999 - Won: 1,627 - Drawn: 978 - Lost: 1,394 - For:  6,292 - Against: 5,650

Take A Breath Bill

Blue Bill addressed last nights AGM, and covered everything from his support for Moyesy, the lack of luck in Europe this season, investment or lack of it in the club, Fortress Funding, Christopher Samuelson, a prudent budget to take the club forward, life on Mars, and who killed JFK.

Blue Bill says: "I actually had the feeling that this would be a supportive one because when Evertonians have their backs to the wall there is a support mechanism. You read in the papers day after day after day David Moyes is under threat and that is total nonsense and I feel that you could certainly feel the thrust of support for David Moyes in the room. As I said during the meeting, what a club like Everton can do is just chip away at that journey to the top and what we need is to be part of European football because that is the only way of making the big money. Because we have invested so heavily this year, and we have invested a huge amount of money in new players, we have got to try and make sure that all the other parts of the business are running as smoothly as they can.

So while I worry about being third from bottom, while I worry about the 4-0 thrashing at West Brom, like any Evertonian does, I have got the other worries of: ‘But we have got to make sure that ‘A’ we don’t do a Leeds and ‘B’ we are prepared for most eventualities'. You can't be prepared for all eventualities - the eventuality we weren’t prepared for was the goal Collina disallowed (against Villarreal). It could have been a very different conversation we were having here today.

There’s probably not a closer relationship in football between myself and David Moyes and of course you can understand that but David’s job is to enthuse, to lift, to use his considerable skill with the team. If I’ve got any skill, it is in being passionate about my football club, and my job is to keep the enthusiasm at the football club and with David Moyes so it is a mutual role that we have to play. He is the master, I’m just there to make sure that he is as up as he possibly can be, and everyone around the football club, that’s my role.

When you do a budget you don’t do a budget with those kinds of expectations (Champions League). As is a matter of history now, Leeds budgeted for the Champions League and we all saw what went wrong there. So our budget is quite prudent and our budget shows for this year - providing things don’t go very awry - a small operating profit. Obviously we are not going to have massive income like we had last year but I am worried about bigger things than that if you know what I mean. The good news is that, according to the meeting we had prior to the meeting, Keith (Wyness) will be pretty close to the £60m income this year.

It was very close with Fortress. Two deadlines were met and I personally haven’t spoken to Christopher Samuelson since but even now I know Christopher Samuelson is speaking to Keith about an ongoing desire for an investment in the football club. In the last seven days there are five big investment opportunities I have been talking to, major investment opportunities, so we may have an easier journey towards chipping away to the top. It is constant, and it is necessary. I don’t really sit with people unless I check everything I possibly can and you might say Christopher Samuelson. Well I did my checks and he has raised money and he is still out there raising money for other companies and not for Everton but trying for Everton. But it is how long you have the energy, the patience to do the spiel, to take it out there. The deal for this football club is not hard to do.

You haven’t got a Chairman who is saying ‘hey listen, I want X, Y, Z.’ All I am saying is we need money for the football club, that’s what we need. I am willing to dilute, I am willing to sell shares, I don’t want to leave this football club because the thought of Bill Kenwright without Everton is just horrific to me, but if it meant someone coming along and saying ‘here’s money for your shares and here’s money for the football club’, and they were the right person, I have got to amplify that. There’s not going to be a headline on the Echo tomorrow saying Bill wants to sell up. You have got to, if you are any kind of straightforward guy, you have got to say ‘how long can I go on knocking those doors down,’ I would be mad if I didn’t." (25/11/05)

Absolute Nonsense

Pierluigi Collina, the Italian referee whose decision dumped Everton out of the Champions League, has come out of the closet, and explained why he disallowed Big Dunc's 'goal', in our eventual defeat against Villarreal.

The Italian is saying he seen an altercation between Marcus Bent, and a Spanish defender which the fifteen or so camera's at the ground failed to pick up, very likely. Now piss off, go and sell you your cars, and crawl back under the stone you came out of. Cheat, cheat, cheat.

The Italian Cheat says: "It was because I've seen a foul made by another player - Bent. Away from the ball, during a free kick or corner kick, in the penalty box, there are several couples of players. The referee cannot follow all of them but your attention is on some of the players. Sometimes you can see things happen as well as you cannot see at other times. If you're looking at another couple of players, you're not able to see the other part of the box.

At that time, I was looking at those players - Bent and his Spanish opponent, and I've seen something that probably television didn't show. Clearly, Duncan Ferguson didn't make any foul but I didn't punish him for a foul. I punished Bent's foul." (12/11/05)

Deal Done

Villa Chairman Deadly Doug Ellis, has confirmed in his autobiography, that Blue Bill and himself made a pact not to go over a certain price and salary when Biffa Beattie was on offer to both clubs. Both parties kept to the deal, and Biffa chose the Blues over Villa. He thought coming to Merseyside was better than settling in the Midlands. I can see his point, the accent is awful.

Deadly says: "The truth of the Beattie talks was that his father rang Villa and let it be known he was interested in joining us. Of course his dad did the same with Everton!

Money, Money, Money

Everton has released their best ever financial results in their 127 year history today. It looks like things off the pitch, have taken a turn for the better, with the Blues turnover up an incredible 34%.

Broken down they make easy and nice reading for Blues fans. Turnover has increased to £60m from last season's £44.7m. The increase is down to Everton's high placing in last season's Premiership, increased merchandise sales, Corporate Hospitality, and increased TV revenue.

Profits before player trading this year stand at £0.1m, which may not seem a great amount but it is only when a comparison with 12 months ago, when there was a loss of £17m - that it shows how much progress has been made. From being technically insolvent, we are now operating in the black.

Transfer dealings have left Everton in a healthy state aswell. With Rooney and The Grav departing the Blues, Blue Bill has still handed Moyesy money to spend, and also slashed Everton's debt mountain to £28m from 47m.

Shareholders will be told officially at the club's AGM on Thursday, November 24th, of the new figures for the year, and as always it should be an interesting evening.

Hopefully come January, there will be no problem handing Moyesy the till to lure Robbie Keane or alike to Goodison. By the way, dare I mention Fortress Trust Fund, oooh sorry, have I hit a raw nerve there. (03/11/05)

Financial Results 2005 – An Independent Assessment

Best Ever

Love him or hate him, there is no mistaking Wayne Rooney is a part of Everton's history. The man who played a big part in his development Colin Harvey, tells us all in his new book that he would have been the greatest player in Everton's history if he would have stayed.

Harvey himself a true legend, having played, coached, and managed the club in his 40 years at Goodison, donates a full chapter in his autobiography to the mercurial talent that is Wayne Rooney.

Colin says: "Wayne's the best young player I've ever seen, the best Everton have produced and he can become one of the greatest English players of all time.

Until Wayne came along, the best youngster I'd ever seen was Alan Ball. I felt that if Wayne had stayed at Everton he had all the qualities to become the greatest Everton player in living memory. He has fantastic ability. I rate him so highly and, like all Evertonians, I was desperately disappointed when he moved to Manchester United (manure) in August 2004.

Any thoughts that what I'd seen was merely a freak were soon dispelled. Wayne did remarkable things on a regular basis.

Wayne very kindly and publicly said that I'd helped make him a better player. Well I take no credit for that. It's an inborn talent. All coaching can do is bring out skills and help their natural expression." (28/10/05)

One Knows

Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright was gushing after stopping Chelsea's winning run and was full of praise for his manager.

A Host of Golden Daffodils

While the best teams in Europe are playing each other in the Champions League, Moyesy has taken his rock bottom squad to the Lake District. As a change to the normal routine, the Everton players will be based at an outward bound centre near Windermere. Swaning through the daffodils on the edge of the lake is just one of the activities the lads will be up to.

Wordsworth's Daffodils

Tarnhows

Moyesy hopes this break will help with team bonding as well as getting the players ready to take on the Premiership's unbeaten team, Chelski.

Nigel Martyn gets Stuck in the Mud

Killa & Weir Come A Cropper (Both A Doubt For Sunday)

The papers will have a field day with this. Here they will go abseiling (they can't go any lower) mountain climbing (reach for the top) bike riding (can yer ride tandem), and canoeing (In a canoe without a paddle).

Wrighty Shits Himself

Relaxing In Langdale Hotel

Record Breakers

For those who believe in omens and fairies and the like this is not good news. Yesterday Everton equalled their longest run without a league goal, matching the six goalless games they managed in 1950-51. That season we were relegated finishing bottom. Let's hope we end that run next Sunday. I have got pains in my chest. (16/10/05)

Bewilderment

It has been over eight years since he left Goodison by mutual consent, but Everton legend Joe Royle is still bewildered by the turn of events that led to his departure from his boyhood hero's. Big Joe was the last man to bring silverware to the Trophy Room within Goodison, and in his autobiography out now in all good book shops, and some bad ones aswell, Joe re-tells his version of events.

I will answer that one for you Joe, his name was Peter Johnson.

Joe says: "To this day I am not sure whether or not the sale of (Andrei) Kanchelskis and the failure to sign (Mark) Schwarzer and (Tore Andre) Flo were indications of the serious cash problems that have so bedevilled the club ever since. Certainly Peter Johnson never indicated anything of the sort to me, though I am left to ponder the possibility. So, on deadline day, knowing it was to be a fruitless one and much on my mind, I made an appointment to see the chairman at his Park Food HQ.

In spite of all my concerns at the recent setbacks, the injuries, the poor results and my problems with the Press, I swear that I only felt a sense of disappointment, not despair, as I drove through the Birkenhead tunnel, unaware that I was making my last official visit to the chairman of Everton Football Club." (14/10/05)

Discount Tickets For Mickey Mouse Cup Game v Boro

Tickets for Everton’s Carling Cup clash with Middlesbrough, Wed 26th October 2005 (8.00pm) are now on sale.

Home Truths

Love him or loathe him, and after a year or so the jury is still out on him, CEO Keith Wyness, has told Evertonian's a few home truths. For example, why Robbie Keane is not wearing the Royal Blue, the missing Fortress money, Moyesy's future, and the European debacle over the flights to Bucharest.

Keith went on line to answer some of the questions from his critics. In fairness he knew that Derek Temple scored the winner in the 1966 Cup Final, although it is believed Blue Bill was sat next to him at the time of the question.

On Robbie Keane: "As with a number of targets during the summer window, our valuation of a player and another club's valuation did not match up and in some cases they were radically different."

Fortress Cash: We have at no point lied to our supporters regarding the Fortress deal. We have always been honest and above board. It was a complex negotiation that I inherited and was just one of many potential investors that I have had to speak to over the last year. Many different variables affect these potential deals and our success last year meant that some of the offers put to us were not as attractive as they initially may have seemed. In essence, the deal as it was initially set-up did, after the successes of last season, undervalued the club."

Moyesy's Future: We are all aware of the disappointing start. David, like all managers, accepts that pressure is part and parcel of the job as we all do."

Flight Debacle To Bucharest: "We initially ensured a full refund was made available and that was due to ATP (our travel partner) being fully bonded and insured. We have also been able to offer further compensation in the form of a £50 voucher (redeemable at our Megastores and Box Office). We have spoken to the group leader and individuals concerned who were on the flight to ensure that they have had their refund and to let them know they will receive their voucher. I met with one fan group last night and we will involve them in the continuing inquiry. One area of concern is the events that took place at the airport and we will continue with our enquiries until we get to the bottom of this. The vast majority of fans have been happy that we have made contact with them and whilst unhappy at what happened that day, appreciate that the club did all they could in the circumstances." (06/10/05)

Stupid Says Keith

CEO Keith Wyness has hit out at fans who are calling for Moyesy's head. Sections of the Goodison faithful are now asking questions of Moyesy's leadership, after a disastrous start to what promised to be as a fantastic campaign. The CEO also has us out of Europe before Thursday's return leg at Goodison. We know we have a mountain to climb against Bucharest, but to be talking in the terms that the tie is done and dusted, is not a clever step.

Where we agree with the CEO on backing Moyesy, we disagree on a lot more. Keith one it is not a blip, but a crisis, we are Evertonians and we know what our club should produce. Fans who support our club, pay their money have the right to voice their opinion, whether you agree with them or not, so don't call them stupid, as they pay you well. Don't forget that.

Keith says: "This sort of talk is stupid and makes me very angry. There's no doubt in my mind that David is the man to lead Everton. We have enjoyed our greatest period of success for over 15 years with David Moyes and we are trying to achieve that on a consistent basis.

David has shown he can deliver and this is nothing more than a blip. In terms of the bigger picture we are very focused and David is doing a great job. The fact is we finished fourth last season which, if you look at it in terms of points per pounds or any measure like that, was more of an achievement than Chelsea winning the title.

David has got all the desire we need to bring Everton forward on a consistent basis. I'm angered by the short-term approach - it seems to be the new disease in football. Fans are calling for managers to be sacked after only a few games and it's not just at Everton that this is happening.

Going out of the UEFA Cup would also be an emotional blow but I'm sure that we can make up ground in the Premier League. Our bread and butter is always going to be the Premiership and it's not as though we are out of the UEFA Cup yet, although being 5-1 down from the first leg means it's going to be a difficult to stay in the competition. But a lot of fans have short memories and just because we've had a few bad results it doesn't mean that David is suddenly a liability. Far from it. We are lucky to have such a focused and committed coach in charge of the club." (26/09/05)

Record Breakers ?

If the Blues turn Wigan over tomorrow, they will become the first club in the 12 year history of the Premiership to beat every club who have played in the Premiership over the years. Only Everton, Arsenal, the shite, and man ure can achieve the amazing feat this season, but with the virtue of the Blues facing Wigan first, we can create the record. Chelsea beat Wigan back on the opening day, but remarkably failed to beat Oldham, in four attempts when the Latics were in the top flight.

Premiership Spokesman says: "Everton even in their recent run of bad form, are still top bollocks !! ". Honest he did (23/09/05)

Oooooh Dedication

Bouncebackability

Moyesy has had the full backing of Chairman Bill Kenwright, so you know what that means. Bill