During the close season, & now the season itself, we will be monitoring rumours about players who are leaving or signing for Everton. We will be giving kippers out of 5. The more kippers the more likely we think the transfer will happen. If there are rumours you have heard let Blue Kipper know. info@bluekipper.com

13. Duncan Ferguson

There was alot of talk in the papers about Dunacn this week-end. In some papers on Saturday Walter is said to have had enough of Duncan's lack of first team appearances because of injuries. Duncan replyed with best performance for some time against Spurs.

Then in some Sundays he has been linked with a £2m move to Birmingham. If Walter is going to make a move for Bobby Zamora he may need the money to clinch the deal. (21/01/02)

13. Niclas Alexandersson

A rumour doing the rounds is that Crystal Palace are to offer Everton £3million for winger Niclas Alexandersson. This has been denied by Palace boss, Trevor Francis, who said
"There's absolutely no truth in them at all. I've made signings and I want to improve the strength of the squad. You do need as many options as possible, but there has been no bid for him."
Evertonian in the street said " Bite the hand off them" So he's no Trevor Steven, then? (09/01/02)

Blue Kipper says:

12.Idan Tal

Idan is still got a cob 0n, because Walter is not giving him a chance. Tal says: "I asked the manager why others get a chance and I don't, and he promised that I would play but nothing has happened since. I don't feel good about it and I am a million percent certain that it has nothing to do with football. It is totally different to that. It would have been a better time to move at Christmas but today I don't want to abandon my fellow team-mates as I am still sure I can help.

"And it is not even certain that I will leave in the summer as things can change, even at Everton. I have a contract for another season and I don't know what will happen. Let's wait until the end of the season, then I'll speak to whomever needs speaking to at Everton and then I'll think ten times what to do." (23/02/02)

Idan is not a happy bunny. With him not starting a league game this season and now with Jesper arriving, it sounds as though he's had enough. This is what he had to say on the matter.

"I may ask Everton if I can go, but I don't know if they will let me, I played for 120 minutes in the cup against Crystal Palace, but otherwise it has just been a few substitute appearances.
"I am the best in my position at Everton and I thought I would be playing more this season after settling in here but, in fact the opposite has happened.
"The fans are asking me all the time if I am going to be playing, but the manager picks Gary Naysmith who is really a defender.
"I don't get any chances. I have not had any fights or arguments with Walter Smith and the atmosphere is fine, but I need to be playing." (21/11/01)

Blue Kipper says:

11. Paul Gasciogne

Gazza is not happy with somebody at Goodison. I wonder who it is?

Gazza had this to say:"Someone at Everton has been stabbing me in the back. I have a suspicion about who it was, and it's best if I keep it to myself.

"But if the Everton chairman wants to ring me up I'll tell him the truth. Things were being said about me going back to see Sheryl, and it hurt me."

"If you could give me two wishes now, it would be for Burnley to win promotion and for Everton to stay up.

"Although I was not happy at the end I wish Everton all the best. I don't want anyone to think I have deserted a sinking ship. I have made a lot of friends at Everton and still love the place.

"They gave me another chance in the Premiership and in return I gave my all for them. They have too many good players to be relegated. I met the new manager Dave Moyes briefly and he seems a very keen bloke. I don't see any reason why he can't turn things around." (17/03/02)

It has now been confirmed that Gazza has signed for Burnley. Good Luck Gazza. Thanx for the laughes and those moments of genius.(16/03/02)

Now that Walter has gone, Gazza won't be having a chat about his future at the end of the season. So it looks certain he will go early next week. The destination will be Burnley.

Burnley Chairman Barry Kilby said: "We will be renewing our interest in the light of the developments at Goodison, and I think the manager's departure probably increases our chances."

Gazzas agent Ian Elliott said"He had a good relationship with the manager so his sacking has obviously not helped the situation. But like everyone else, we are waiting to see what happens now."

And new boss David Moyes said:“I was made aware of the situation before I arrived having spoken to Bill Kenwright and Walter Smith and they had give me some indication about Paul.

“Obviously I want to keep every good player I have got and Paul falls into that category, but by speaking to Paul he maybe feels that he has to now move.

“I have had a wonderful conversation with him this morning and as soon as I know for definite I will bring you up to date." (16/03/02)

Burnley have made an enquiry for Gazza. They want him before the March transfer deadline.

Burnley Chairman Barry Kilby revealed: "We have made enquiries about him and it is part of our plan to strengthen the squad."

"It is one of the many avenues we are looking to try and make sure we go forward. Our manager Stan Ternent has had a conversation with Walter Smith about his availability.But it has to be sorted out financially and the move has to be right for both parties. "The decision will ultimately be down to Paul Gascoigne."

Walter obviously getting pissed off with answering questions about Gazza's future said the usual:"We have had a few enquiries about his position recently, but it has been agreed between Paul and myself that he will remain at Everton until the end of the season.We will talk about his future then." (05/03/02)

DC United have dismissed claims that Gazza is on the way to them soon.

Their technical director Dave Kasper said: "It's purely rumour. We have not talked to him, his agent or his club.
"I don't know where these things start. If I did I could make a lot of money. We have had no contact." (22/01/02)

The USA thing has popped again. A Geordie chap Ray Hudson, who Gazza has never met, has said that Gazza would love to come to the States.

Ray Hudson, Coach of DC United in the MSL league , had this to say:“Gazza is made for American soccer because of his style.

“He' d love to come to America, and America would love him. He’s just the sort of player we need over here.

“I’ve never met Paul although we come from just a few miles apart, but we have mutual friends and we’ve made contact with Everton in the past about him.” (18/01/02)

The most talked about footballer of his generation, is being talked about yet again. This time it is rumoured he will be heading to the States after Christmas.Gazza has tried hard to regain his fitness, & has surprised alot of people with his determination. Apparently, he was the only senior player to volunteer to play for the reserves this week. He loves to play. Rumour has it if he doesn't get the place in the team he craves, he will give it a go in USA. (15/11/01)

Blue Kipper says:

Gazza signed for Burnley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.Danny Cadamarteri

Danny has finally gone. He's signed for Bradford. Good Luck. Danny just didn't have what it takes. But we will always love him for scoring that goal against the shite. It was in the days when he had the dreadlocks. He got the ball off some dick called, Kervarvoo, or something. Put his head down & & made for goal, cutting inside some big dope called Rizzler Buttock, & smashed the ball into the back of the net. Thanks Danny. We had a great weeknd. (23/02/02)

Danny is having talks with hometown club, Bradford. He hopes to tie up a deal to stay until the end of the season. He is due to appear at court on 20th March, 2002, charged with charge of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.(21/02/02)

Happy New Year Danny. You are playing for the first team again. When the club said you will never play for them again. They were only joking.

Danny has gone to Barnsley for a trial. He hopes to impress & get a contract for the Yorkshire club. Danny has only played once this season for Everton. Danny will always be remembered for ripping the back out of the redshite & scoring that goal. (17/12/01)

After Benito Carbone's loan move to Derby County, Bradford could now make a quick move for Danny Boy.

Bradford again watched Danny at Wednesday's reserve team game against Middlesbrough and seems to high on the list of Jim Jefferies targets. (18/10/01)

Bradford Danny's hometown club have said that they are interested in getting a wide man, & Cada could foot the bill. Jim Jefferies, the Bradford manager said "We've noted him down as being a player who is available but we haven't made any move. A wide player is still our priority." (05/10/01)

Danny could be on his way to Stoke after he was watched playing for the reserves last night by John Rudge, Stoke's director of football.
It is rumoured that Rudge has watched Danny a few times and Stoke could be ready to make their move.(02/10/01)

Danny Cadamateri has played his last game for Everton. He will leave when his contract runs out at the end of the season, or sooner if he can be fixed up with another club. (18/09/01)

At the ripe old age of 23, it would appear that Danny no longer fits into Walter's plans. Having been rejected by Anderlecht as make-weight in the Radzinski deal a £600, 000 bid from Pompey is being considered. Leeds offered £4m when he was 18 so in another year, at this rate, he should be available on a free! Considering we struggled to score last season when Danny got 4 goals in 9 games (and he has a strike rate of a goal every 3 games) we can hardly afford to let him go just yet. Blue Kipper says hang on to him Walter. (15/07/01)

Blue Kipper says:

7. Abel Xavier

Walter explained the reasons why Abel has gone to the shite

"It's an awkward situation, the worst about it is that it's a player leaving in the middle of the season but we have to face this.
"We had failed to reach an agreement with the player over a contract so therefore he was going to leave us at the end of the season, so for us it made financial sense that he left at the present moment.
"For ourselves it's a good deal, and obviously Liverpool think that they've got one too."
The surprising issue for many Blues fans is the players choice of transfer destination, but Smith feels that it made sense to cash-in on Xavier.
"These things happen.It happened before with Nick Barmby, if they feel that they can get value from the player then that's fine.
"As for ourselves, we were faced with the situation where he would leave us for nothing at the end of the season, so therefore financially with the money we're going to get, and the wages we're saving, means it's been a good deal for us."

"We've been looking to bring in other players prior to this news for the end of the season, and that search will continue over the next few weeks."
"Obviously, his career here was affected a little bit by injury, but I don't know what Liverpool's thoughts are on that.
"Abel didn't play as many games for us as we would have liked, and he would have liked as well, but he's moved now so we'll just have to get on with it."

With him being paid over £6m over 4 years, we reckon that the shite will pay at least £100,000 for every game he plays, thats if he plays 60 games during that period. The fuckin' dickheads.(29/01/02)

EXCLUSIVE RUMOUR. Blue Kipper believe that Abel Xavier will sign for the SHITE this week for £500k. After the disgraceful scenes at Highbury yesterday where a certain shite player could and should be banned for life for throwing coins at OAP'S and children. The shite, we believe, have stepped in to sign Papa as a replacement.The deal depends on how far The Judder Man can throw a 50p. (28/01/02)

Abel is on his way out of Goodison, after failing to agree a new contract. He has been put on the transfer list.
Walter says: “The club and Abel have failed to reach agreement on a new contract - the club having offered a new three-year contract and Abel turning down the offer that was made. Negotiations have broken down recently, so what the club have decided to do, with the agreement of the player, is to place him on the transfer list immediately. That will mean he will be available to move at any time if a club comes in for him. His freedom of contract does not come into effect until the end of June, so therefore there would have to be compensation paid. With the size of the pool of players we have it will be a blow to us, but that is football at the moment. The Bosman ruling allows players to leave clubs at the end of their contracts. If they can’t re-negotiate a contract, as has happened in this situation, then all clubs face the problem of players leaving. Our own situation at the present moment means that is going to happen to Abel and we will just have to wait and see whether he leaves sooner rather than later.”

Abel says: “I have clubs interested in me and I am going to try and conclude with the clubs that are interested and to see what is the best for me. There are a few possibilities and I cannot stop playing. I am now going to analyse the situation and solutions. There is a deadline for clubs playing in Europe and I am going to see now if I can find a club. I would like to have stayed at the club but unfortunately we couldn’t reach agreement. I will not go into details about the conditions of the agreement. I have had a meeting with the club’s chairman and chief executive and I can leave the club straightaway and try to find a new club and at the same time try to find some economic compensation for Everton. These last few days have not been easy for me because some times you must take decisions and they are hard decisions. It is sad but they must be made and I must look to continue my career at another club. By the fact I had said I wanted to stay – yes I am disappointed, but I am going to have to find a solution for myself.”

Reading between the lines, he wants more than Everton are offering.(23/01/02)
What do you think? e-mail Blue Kipper with your views.

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Abel gave the biggest hint so far that his future is not at Goodison.

He had this to say:Legally I can sign a contract with any club I want, I have to consider all my options, and I am also waiting for a concrete offer from Everton, as they have expressed a desire to keep me.

I will analyse all the possibilities, but I would like to taste a higher level than what I am at now - to play in Europe if possible.

Being a 'Bosman' player, the other teams don't have to pay any money for me, who knows I may yet join a team in the Champions League.(07/01/02)

Abel has suggested that he would not be interested in staying on at Goodison if Walter gets the boot. Abel says: "Walter Smith brought me here and I remember a conversation I had with him at the time when he explained that Everton are a great club and he wanted to build a team to match. He told me the money problems would pass and that he would have time to realise his ambitions. It was that sort of talk that persuaded me to sign for Everton. If something happened to him, I would have to reconsider my position of staying at the club." (05/01/02)

Everton are hopeful that King Neptune will sign a new contract soon. We don't think so. Chief executive Michael Dunford said:We are still in negotiations with the player and his agents. We hope an agreement can be concluded in the near future - the ball is very much in his court.
Obviously we want an indication as soon as possible from Abel but there is no deadline on the decision.(01/01/02)

Abel could be on his way to Germany. This is the only major European League he has not played in. He has played in the Dutch, English, Italian, Portuguese, & Spanish. Today Abel said: "My agent Peter Wolfram is talking with Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and Hertha Berlin they are great clubs, with great fans. Even before moving to England they were interested in me, but I preferred to join Premier League at that time." Either Abel is trying to move himself into a good negotiating position or he's off. (06/12/01)

Abel has had his first talks with Walter about staying at Everton and it looks like the talks went well. This is what he had to say:"I made the first moves. I spoke to Mr Smith last week and told him I wanted to stay at the club and would give Everton first priority.
"My contract is almost ended here and I can start to think about a pre-contract deal elsewhere soon, but I have a good relationship with the fans here and I know they would like me to stay.
"That is a good feeling for a foreign player and perhaps for the first time in my career I have found nice people and maybe even a Latin country inside England.
"I am ready to stay at Everton but I'll think about any other offers on the table and decide my future in the next couple of weeks." (29/11/01)

After all the rumours in recent months that Abel will leave at the end of the season , it came as a pleasant surprise that the Toffees are in discussions with Papa to extend his stay at Goodison.

Michael Dunford had this to say:"Abel's contract expires at the end of the current campaign and we have opened talks with the player over the possibility of a new contract." (27/11/01)

Abel Xavier has today given a very big indication he will to play in Portugal next season.With the Judder Man's contract coming to a close at the end of the current season, it looks likely he could return to his former side Benfica.
Abel had this to say:"I'm not interested in giving any clarification regarding the rumours about a possible link with Benfica or other teams.
"But I am allowed to say that I don't know a single player that wouldn't love to return to his own country."
"Benfica is a special team for me. I had a great time whilst I was there."
"The Portuguese championship is getting stronger and more appealing each year." (18/10/01)

Reports in the papers today are suggesting the Hammers are ready to make a £2M bid for Papa Smurf (22/07/01)

Reidy says: "Xavier is a good player and experienced international but I've made no contact with Everton about him." (09/07/01)

Abel Xavier is rumoured to be on the way to a £2.5 million switch to Sunderland. Reidy is said to be keen on strengthening his defence for the Black Cats. Abel, the footballing gypsy could go, as Everton need some more cash. He has also lost his soul mate Goughie, who has done one to the States. Blue Kipper will be more than disappointed if he goes, as we still have a couple of fantastic Look-A-Likes to add to his already extensive collection. (06/07/01)

Blue Kipper says:

6. The Invisible Man

MONACO are keen to make Alex Nyarko's loan move permanent. Didier Deschamps, manager at Monaco has liked what the Invisible man has to offer. He may not get all his own way, as Paris St Germain and Serie A side Parma have monitored his form, & this may help bump up his price. No pun intended, Pricey!. Everton have said they want to recoup as much of the £4.5m they spent to bring him to Goodison from Lens.Where ever he goes it will mean we will finally see the back of him, & more cash for Walter to strengthen the team. (20/01/02)

Click here for the FULL Nyarko story, & what the fans think.

Everton are hoping they never see this man again. It looks as though the proposed loan move to Monaco is back on.This will be for an agreed period of time with a view to a permanent £3.5m transfer. Lets hope so.(15/08/01)

The invisible man is set to to return to Goodison Park within days to resume training after a proposed loan move to Monaco collapsed.

Walter Smith wants to get rid of him permanently, but there have been few enquiries since he was placed on the transfer list .

Everton Chief Executive Michael Dunford had this to say "The proposed loan move to Monaco has not materialised and Alex Nyarko will return to training at Everton this weekend." (26/07/01)

5. Thomas Myhre

Everton finally accepted £375,000 from Besikas. Good luck Tommy.

Tommy Myhre has agreed terms with Besikas. It is just the fee to discuss. Everton want about £500,000. This is about the amout of wages he has been paid, whilest sitting on his arse not playing for any Everton team.

Walter says: "I think the personal terms have been agreed between the player and the club. Obviously the fee that we would require has not been agreed and that is the sticking point." Walter's a beaut! He says "I think". He deffinately has no time for poor old Tommy. So looks like you will still be here at Christmas, Tommy. (06/11/01)

Tommy has now been linked with Turkish side Besiktas.

Tommy had this to say:"It is news to me, but I am not in a position to say that I would not be interested either.
"However, in two months time I can sign for anyone on a free transfer, so whether someone would be interested to pay for me is another matter."

He can go and get stuffed as far as we're concerned. Do you get it Turkey and stuffing. It's up to yer self.(30/10/01)

Tommy has been speaking at the Norwegian training camp prior to their World Cup match with Armenia. He was very dissappointed with Everton, who have refused to let him play any competitive match since he refused to go to Spurs on loan.

Tommy said: "I asked to play a match not so long ago, but got no as an answer. Everton want to sell me, to have money for me, and I have no problems with that decision. Now I have three months left before I can write a pre-contract."

He is now concerned that he may loose his place. "Espen Baardsen has played well for Watford, and there is tough competition. But it's important for me to play. If I'm in the same situation in March, I will not hunt down national boss Nils Johan Semb with a fire axe if he does not pick me in his squad," (05/10/01)

Tommy has spat the dummy out. He has recently turned down a move to Tottenham and now thinks he will never play again for Toffeemen.

This is what he had to say: "Even if all our goalkeepers were injured at the same time, I probably wouldn't get a game. They would rather get in another goalkeeper on loan than using me. At the moment I believe I'm sixth or seventh choice in the Everton goal."

"The club didn't like that I turned down the offer from Spurs, and I believe my stay at Goodison Park will be very unpleasant in the months to come," he said.

"They refuse to loan me out to another club, since I'm in the last year of my contract, and will probably just let me train with the U-16's or U-17's unless they get an offer for me very soon.

"It's tough to be at a club where they don't want your services any more, but I hope to find a new club soon."(15/08/01)

Thomas Myhre has turned down a double your money offer from Spurs because he wants to play 1st team football.This is not good news for the Hedman transfer. Everton can't afford to have 4 keepers on the books.Walter needs to get rid of one of the goalies before he can make his move for Magnus. Again another transfer thats all over the place like Wild Womans shite.

Myhre said "My decision is based completely on football,I need to go to a club where I am assured of first-team football. I had a long and positive talk with Glenn Hoddle, who told me I would compete with Neil Sullivan on fair terms, but I can't take the chance and become their second-choice keeper."

"Anything is better than at Everton, where I am in complete deadlock," he added.

"I would love a move to London if I had a good chance of becoming first choice. I have one year left on my contract with Everton," he concluded. "By the start of next year, I am free to sign a pre-contract with another club."(07/08/01)

It has been confirmed today that Everton and Spurs have agreed a transfer fee of £750,000.

"The clubs have now agreed a deal and it has been left to Thomas and his advisers to go and speak to Tottenham and I think we would know today whether that transfer can be completed or not," Walter said (03/08/01)

We have heard today that Spurs have made an enquiry Tommy. Walter is desperate to get hold of any cash at the moment and could accept any reasonable offer.

Walter had this to say:"Spurs have made an enquiry,It is very much at the enquiry stage and has gone no further, at the moment." (02/08/01)

They have now made a permanent move bid and an Everton spokesman confirmed: "We have received a bid from FC Copenhagen for Thomas Myhre but it fell well short of our valuation of the player." (09/07/01)

Sam Allardyce is keen to sign Tommy and has been given permission to make an approach, just watch this one go ahead - Bolton have got it in for us anyway, blaming the Blues for their relegation in 1998 following 'the ball DID cross the line' incident. Tommy will have November 3rd pencilled in his diary already. Rock on Tommy Trotter. (03/07/01)

Due to Roy Hodgson doing one on Danish Champions FC Copenhagen, Tommy's move is all at sea. Everton have rejected a request to extend Thomas Myhre's loan spell at the club.
The Danes wanted Myhre to be available for the Champions League qualifying stage in July, but Everton would prefer a club to come in and bid to take the player on a permanent basis. (02/07/01)

Everton could get a couple of million for Tommy. This will help Walter in his quest for new players. Tommy was always a favorite with the fans, & we at Blue Kipper think he was the best of a bad bunch of goalies. Although Myhre has finished his loan period with FC Copenhagen, helping them into next season's Champions League, there has been no dialogue between them-yet.
Tommy said: "I hope that I will be able to find a new club before too long. I am currently just waiting for Everton to put a price on me, and then I can see what happens.I have been talking to Copenhagen, but nothing is decided yet. I have one year left of my contract with Everton and I'm optimistic we'll find a solution soon." (18/06/01)

 Blue Kipper says:

4. Stephen Hughes

Once Happy Harry had gone off to ring the Pompey chimes, the not so young Stephen was scuppered, he had set his sights on a return to the Smoke, today he lowered them a bit and went on a free transfer to Watford. Blue Kipper are disappointed that Hughesy did not cut it at Goodison, it is clear he has skill and ability, we thought he'd turned the corner and won over the crowd after his equalising free-kick, ironically at Watford, but it was not to be, 2 goals in 33 games is on a par with the Invisible Man. At 26 he must be hoping for a quick return to the top level but don't be surprised if the dummy is out the pram again soon. Good riddance Stephen. (03/07/01)

These rumours never stop. Apparently, young Stephen is getting a bit panicky, due to 'ARRY 'AMMER not getting the Saints job. So he is having to look elsewhere for a club. West Brom could be the answer. A bit of a comedown though, Hughesy. (28/06/01)

We were hearing all sort of stories about Hughes near the end of the season. We are sure that he had a bust up with Walter and Archie. He just seemed to disappear. There were no official comments from the club .We believe he is off back to London and Everton should get £3m for him. (05/06/01)
Everton will get naff all, as they will not be renewing his contract, which runs out on 1 July 2001. (17/06/01)

 Blue Kipper says:

Hughes has signed for Watford

3. David Unsworth

Today, Unsey picked his dummy up & put it back in his mouth. He met Walter & they had a chat over a pot of tea, & everything is rosy.

Unsey said: "I was devastated at not being involved at West Ham. The gaffer has explained his reasons to me, I've accepted them and and it's up to me now to work hard and try to win a place back. We had a very friendly meeting and I just want to get on with things now." (04/10/01)

Rhino is not a happy bunny. He is believed to have thrown his dummy out of the pram after being dropped from the 16 for the West Ham game. He wants to talk to Walter. But he will have to wait till the week-end because Walter is away in Scotland at the moment. (03/10/01)

After Rhino signed his 3 year deal, there was talk of a Testimonial for him, as he will have been here for 12 years. An achievement indeed, in this day & age when it seems most players stay at a club for a year or two & move on. Somehow, we don't think it will be a sell out crowd.

Unsey says: "I have always wanted to stay, there has never been any question of that. There was a point last season where I had sort of half written off my chances of renewing my contract because I wasn't in the team all that regularly. I can only speak personally, but it means more to me to be in the team than the financial side of things. That has to be right and in place but as everyone knows first and foremost I want to play for Everton." (21/09/01)

Rhino will this week sign a three year deal to stay a toffeeman.
Club spokesman Ian Ross said: "Negotiations have been ongoing for some time but both parties have now reached a satisfactory conclusion. We expect David to commit his immediate future to the Club within the next 72 hours." (18/09/01)

Everton have already opened up discussions with his representatives regarding an extension to the current deal, but Unsey wanted to speak with Walter about his plans before making any firm decision. Those talks took place at Bellefield on Friday and the Chorley born star was delighted at the outcome of the meeting.

Unsey said "Money was never an issue. I just wanted certain assurances about my role in the squad. I was pleased with what the manager had to say and it's up to my agent and Everton to sort out the rest. Everyone knows I want to play for Everton and hopefully a new deal can be put in place very quickly." (10/07/01)

Today we hear that 'Rhino' is close to signing a new contact, he says he would 'like to sgn quickly' well just move your hand faster then. We know he is a diehard Blue and he would be a good addition to the squad although with Stubbsy arriving it is hard to see him in the first eleven. (08/07/01)

Everton in talks with Rhino. (12/06/01)

The rumours have been rife most of the season with Rhino. Will Everton give him a contract or not. There were suggestions during the season that we were offered £2m for him from Newcastle. He put in some gutsy performances during the end of the season and maybe Walter will grant his wish with a new contract. (05/06/01)

 Blue Kipper says:

2. Michael Ball

Michael Ball has completed his move to Rangers.The fee £7m.

Rangers boss Dick Advocaat told the Scottish club's official website: "All medical and contractual matters regarding Michael have been resolved and we are pleased with the acquisition of the player.
"I would also like to thank Everton Football Club for their co-operation, particularly the chairman and Walter Smith, and both clubs showed the way business can be done.
"The player, however, won't play for six to eight weeks because we don't want to take a gamble but on the longer term there is NO risk at all.

We can only prey now that we can use the money to stregthen our squad.(17/08/01)

Michael Ball has been training at Ibrox today and will be for the rest of the week. Rangers have insisted he takes part in all of the training sessions until Friday before they make a final decision on his fitness.

His agent had this to say: "He was training today and will be for the rest of the week. Then the tests will be made. It's quite unusual but that's the kind of relationship the clubs have. Obviously it's not an ideal situation for Michael but Rangers must be keen on him to go to these lengths"

"Michael is still hoping for a positive conclusion to it all come Friday." I don't think we have the last of this somehow. (14/08/01)

Well what do you know, Ball's Transfer is put on hold, because of his dodgy knee, a la Daniel Prodan. He has 10 days to get fit, or the deal is off. The bad thing about it is we haven't got the cash for the Hedman deal. We think Blue Bill, should get his hand in his pocket to give the club a loan, until the Ball deal goes through. (10/08/01)

Michael Ball couldn't hold back the tears when he left Bellefield for the last time.He knew something bad was going to happen when he was given the number 12 again.

Ball said: 'I went to the training ground to say my goodbyes but I had to leave because I was getting too emotional. It was a sad moment for me as I'd been at the club since I was 14 and never expected to leave. 'The tears were on their way and I didn't want my friends to see me like that so I cut my goodbyes short and got in my car.'

'I have always said I would stay for as long as Everton wanted me and when they accepted the bid from Rangers I realised I was no longer wanted. I was hurt that they wanted to let me go and surprised I didn't get a call from manager Walter Smith or the owner Bill Kenwright about it.

'I was being linked with a lot of clubs but was keen to see the squad numbers for this season to see what plans they had for me. When I was handed the number 12 again that gave me an idea, but I don't blame the club for selling me.

'They've got a decent fee and can now buy players they need to reinforce other areas.' (07/08/01)

Ball has made his mind up, without talking to Sven the Swede. He saw the size of his contract, & told TheScottish Daily Record: "Everything has been agreed and now it's just a matter of getting the medical done. Hopefully, I'll have signed by the end of next week. I haven't spoken to Sven about it and it doesn't really matter because my mind is made up." So it's not just about money, eh Bally? (05/08/01) What do you think? E-mail Blue Kipper.

Michael Ball is spending the weekend in Glasgow to finalise his transfer to Rangers. But before he puts pen to paper he would like to have a chat with the England Manager to ask him if Ashley Cole is better than him.He will move Rangers after accepting a pay-off of £100,000 owed to him by Everton under the terms of his current contract.

"First of all, I want to speak to Eriksson. I'd like to pick his brains and see how he feels about the transfer," said Ball."Sometimes these things make a difference to the final decision and sometimes they don't. I want the deal done and dusted long before the European deadline later this month.It's about 90 per cent to 95 per cent certain at the moment but you can't relax until everything has been signed and sealed."

"The money thing was never going to be the big issue people made out. It has been blown out of all proportion."

Maybe he will spend some of £100k taking down the Everton creast on the side of his house and replacing it with a Rangers one. (03/08/01)

It looks as though Ball will not sign for Rangers before the Champions League deadline because of a delay over loyalty payments.He is waiting on a £750,000 golden handshake from Everton, which means he will be ineligible for the Third Qualifying Round clash with Fenerbahce.

The Toffees have offered £100,000 so far and Rangers chairman David Murray admits the delay has scuppered hopes of bringing the 21-year-old straight into European campaign.

Murray said: "There are some loose ends Michael needs to tie up with Everton before anything else happen. As a result of that we won't be signing him in time for Fenerbahce but hopefully the deal will be finalised at some point over the next couple of days."

Ball himself is refusing to back down over the payment - even though he cannot wait to make the move to Ibrox.

He had this to say "I am waiting for a call from Everton at the moment to travel up to Glasgow for talks with Rangers. I was due to come up on Wednesday morning but I am waiting for my contractual position to be clarified with Everton."

"The thought of playing in front of 50,000 fans every week and possibly in the Champions League is an exciting prospect."

If the thought of playing in the Champions League was so exciting ,why the delay ? The only answer is GREED . We at got it wrong at Blue Kipper. We believed Ball when he told us and 200 other Evertonians that he was STAYING. We are so gullible , but we believed someone who we considered to be an EVERTONIAN. Not anymore Michael. (02/08/01)

Everton have agreed a fee of £6.5million with Glasgow Rangers. Walter says: "The clubs are in discussions, and we will just have to wait and see what happens."
What do you think? E-mail Blue Kipper (01/08/01)

We have been hearing so much with regard to the Bally situation.First it was shitty Ince and some cash ,then it was just cash, then its Paul Okon (Australian Captain) and some cash. Now we have heard Man U. will offer a straight £6m when they return from the club's Far-East tour.

Well Walter wanted to have his say: "We have had no agreements with any club with regard to Michael Ball and he remains an Everton player,I think it is natural that there is speculation surrounding him at the present moment after turning down a contract, but as far as we are concerned he stays, trains and plays with Everton."

Has Walter had the final say on this matter? Keep on looking (26/07/01)

As told on Blue Kipper yesterday the Riverside club have made a £5 million bid for Michael Ball - offering £3 million in cash plus £2 million rated former shite midfielder Paul Ince.

We do NOT want Ince and thankfully Everton have rejected the offer. The Governor-MY ARSE.
But it does now seem possilble that Boro could come in with an improved straight cash offer later this week in attempt to test Everton's resolve in retaining the 21-year-old's services. (23/07/01)

Steve McClaren is reported to have had a £5million bid snubbed for Bally. It seems that Boro have made the bid on Thursday .It is going to take more that to get Walter interested .But with Prodan probably signing this week ,an offer near £8m could be accepted. (22/07/01)

Following the breakdown in negotiations, Walter Smith was quick to say that Bally has not asked for a transfer, & Everton won't be putting him on the transfer list. Walter says: "Negotiations have broken down without either party reaching agreement,. "People have to remember that the contractual negotiations took place at the instigation of the player and his representatives. So when you fail to reach agreement, as we have done, then things just revert to as they were and that means that Michael Ball has two years left of his contract and that is how the situation has ended." Bally took part in the 1st day of training at Bellfield today, together with the rest of the squad. So that is the end of all the worry over the Summer. (11/07/01)

Bally has rejected Everton's final offer. Blue Kipper has learned that Tricky Trev, Bally's rep, is to meet with Blue Bill later on today in an effort to sort out a deal. Bally does not want to leave Everton. A story, which some web sites & newspapers have made up. He wants to be on the top money at the club. As a new England International he's got a point. But Everton are skint. Blue Kipper believe that a deal will be struck. But if not Bally still has 2 years on his contract. Don't panic. (09/07/01)

Ex- Everton hero Tricky Trevor Steven is the man trying to squeeze every penny out of Blue Bill, to make sure Bally stays at Goodison. They have just had a 2nd round of talks, & with Michael home from holiday at the weekend, expect an answer then. (26/06/01)

The Blue Kipper Player of the Season saw the Echo tonight. He wasn't happy. Walter had said "If the player feels he has to leave then so be it, he can leave". Walter knows full well that Bally doesn't want to leave. He was reacting to a statement made by Ball's spokesman who had tried to move things forward so that Bally could get the dosh he wants & go away on holiday to relax. This has backfired. Much to the glee of the Echo, who have stirred it up even more, with the comments that he may join the redshite. What utter dross. Anyone who knows Bally, or was at our Presentation Night, knows he is one of us. Blue through & through. The Echo should know better. They have just lost another 'exclusive' due to their gutter press antics.
The facts are that Ball, still has 2 years of his contract to run, & his advisors thought he's had a great season, let's cash in on it. Fair enough. But they have overstepped the mark by dictating to the club the time they want an answer. Everton want to wait until a board meeting in a couple of weeks before they give their answer to the first round of talks. Player power is here to stay, but the club is right to wait.
What we hope the club is not doing, is playing on Bally's love for the club, & giving less than the going rate, which one player has given 2 fingers to, & on old slow one has snapped up.
Both sides should step back, take a deep breath & sort it out. (31/05/01)
                                                                           Blue Kipper says: NO KIPPERS

Michael Ball Signed for Rangers. (17/08/01)

1. Franny Jeffers

The worst kept secret on Merseyside. Everton have offered him £8 million over 5 years. Anyone with an agent with the name 'Jerome ' has got to be badly advised. If Jeffers was to go to Utd or Arsenal, he would be getting splinters every week on the bench. But maybe that's all he wants. Play a few games every month & count the cash. Maybe get a medal at the end of an easy season. He'll end up like George Best.
Walter say: "He hasn't signed the contract so it looks like a matter of when rather than if he goes. He still has a year to go but obviously that is not in our hands." (28/05/01)
                                                                     Blue Kipper says:

The FA Cup signs for The Gooners. (15/06/01)

Franny Jeffears