3 Stitches won't Keep Tony Out

Tony has 3 stitches in his ankle, courtesy of a late tackle from Desially at Chelsea, but he says he should be fit for the Villa game on Saturday.

Moyesy says: “We only put him on the bench at Chelsea because Alan Stubbs was feeling his hamstring. He hadn’t played for four months but we had to bring him on. I don’t know how Tony is at the moment, but it’s typical of the way the season has gone for him. For the first time we were a little bit stretched and we didn’t have as full a squad to pick from as we would have liked.”

We believe he will take his place at right back on Saturday. (23/04/03)

Easter Bunny

Great news to hear Tony will be available for the busy easter period. We will need him.

Alan Irvine said:"Tony Hibbert is just about ready to start training again. He had more of a problem with his ankle than we initially anticipated" (11/04/03)

Ankle Problem

Tony is a doubt for the game against Arsenal.
Moyesy says: "We were a little concerned by Tony's ankle because it looked very swollen and he was in some pain. We are a little happier after the scans did not reveal anything major. We believe it might be a ligament strain. He twisted the ankle awkwardly after he landed from a leap and he will be touch and go for Sunday." This may open the way for Joey Yobo to step in. (19/03/03)

73 Minutes

Tony played for 73mins last night. He came through ok. He put in a couple of good blocks, one of his great sliding tackles, & got forward on a number of occasions to put in some crosses. Some good. Some shite, but all in all a great run out. He should be available for the first team against Arsenal, & Terry Henry.(12/03/03)

Reserve Game

Tony did well in training yesterday, that Moyesy wants him to play for the reserves tonight, providing there is no reaction to the injury.

Moyesy says: "Tony had a setback and had to see a specialist because he was a bit stiff but he's trained today and, everything being well, he'll play for the reserves against West Brom. We'll have a look at him there. He hasn't recovered as quickly as Nick Chadwick has from a similar operation but we don't think he'll need any more surgery. The specialist has assured us this stiffness often happens.He's a game boy who wants to come back quickly. We'll just have to make sure that he's right to come back." (11/023/03)

Back in Full Training

Tony has joined in full training with the first team squad again. Hopefully it won't be long until he gets back into the starting 11.

Moyesy says: “It’s been a very frustrating time for Tony.He had a setback after surgery and he’s still feeling some stiffness.We’re told that often happens with hernia problems and we were pleased to see him join in training today.” (10/03/03)

Injury Setback

Just as well last week's reserve game was postponed as Tony is still injured and will miss this week's reserve game with Newcastle on Thursday night. There are further problems with his hernia after he underwent an operation last month to solve the problem. He is expected to be out until April which is very unfortunate after a great first half of the season.
Reputedly Tony asked the specialist to take away the pain but leave the swelling! Get well soon we play the shite at Easter Tony!! (25/02/03)

Tony Plays For The Reserves

The Hibbert is back. He plays at Hyde Utd against Man City tomorrow, for the reserves.

Moyesy says: "Tony will play in the reserves tomorrow provided the game is not affected by the weather. I want to see him get a reserve game under his belt before I even consider a first team return." (17/02/03)

On Come Back Trail

The Hibbert, who joined in The Duke's press conference last Friday even though Tony signed his contract in November last year, is on target for his comeback in the middle of February. He is currently doing some swimming & should start some light running next week.

Hibbo says: "Hopefully, I’ll be back within three weeks. I’m not being pushed and we’re just taking it one step at a time. I know it will be tough to get back in and I expected competition even when I was in the starting eleven. Steve Watson’s obviously played there a lot and so has Alessandro, plus Joseph Yobo can play there and we’ve just signed Ibrahim Said.

“The most important thing for me at the moment is just to keep concentrating on my club football. I was selected for an England Under 21s get-together but I look upon that type of thing as a bonus. Everton is my priority.” (23/01/03)

5 Year Deal

While the media were commenting on the way Rooney was signing a £10 million contract, Tony also signed a 5 year contract. The most improved player deserves his contract, & according to the fans he is certainly not a second class player, despite the media frenzy surronding The Duke.

Hibbo says: “I'm really happy to have signed a four-year contract and it's surprised me how much of an impact I've made this season. I'm very, grateful for David Moyes for giving me the chance. It’s my aim now to carry on playing consistently for Everton and hopefully that could lead to gaining international honours with England. I also think we as a team can achieve a lot and I don’t see any reason why not. We have improved an awful lot this season and I hope we can carry that on.”

Op for Hibbo

Hibbo is set to have a hernia operation in the new year, but may still be available to play for the 1st team, as the doctors have said they can't operate while he still has the stiches in his thigh wound.
Moyesy says: “Tony Hibbert is requiring a hernia operation. We’ll get that done as soon as possible. He can’t have the operation done at present because of the cut on his thigh – they won’t allow surgery. But before the operation takes place there’s a chance that he’ll be able to play a couple more games if we can get him through. It’s a blow for us because he’s been outstanding this season and we’ll be looking to get him back as soon as we can." (25/11/02)

Brave Hibbo

Tony played a significant part in the derby game for 62 minutes, until a groin problem made him leave the cauldron. This injury may put him out of the Christmas games. Tony was his usual reliable self in the game, getting stuck in with some great tackles, & joining in the attack with some inteligent passing - a feature of his game, which has improved no end since last season.
Moyesy says: "I had ruled Tony out in my mind, as he hadn't done any training all week, but he was determined to play. He asked the doctor to put more stitches in the gash." (24/12/02)

Hibbo To Miss Derby?

After picking up an injury during another impressive display against Blackburn it looks like Hibbo will probably miss the game against the shite.

Moyesy said:"Hibbo has a big hole in his thigh which needed plenty of stitches. He is a major doubt already. It would be a blow if he does miss out because he has been outstanding all season and has shown a consistency which is often the hardest quality for young players to find. He has got to the stage now where fans expect to see him in the starting line-up which is the biggest tribute you can pay to him." (16/12/02)

He Will Get Better

David Moyes knows he has got a gem on his hands and he is convinced he will get better and play at the top level.

Moyesy said:"Tony is developing into a really accomplished full-back. He's still got lots of work to do and I'm looking forward to having time with him to work more on his game and make him better.
"His use of the ball still needs to improve but he's a tenacious little defender. For the role I want him to play, getting up and down more and putting over crosses as often as he can, he's got to have bags of energy as well.
"But he's got a great attitude and he's a tremendous player to work with." (21/11/02)

International Class

Tony has been getting rave reports lately and he deserves them. He put in another top draw performance against West Ham and the Boss is made up for him.

Moyesy said: "Tony is developing into a very good player. It was unfortunate he couldn't play for the England Under-21s because of injury because he deserved that. If you give people an opportunity it is up to them to take it and stay in the team and that's exactly what he has done." (28/10/02)

Touch & Go

Tony Hibbert pulled out of the England squad with a hamstring injury picked up late in the game against Man U, this must be a big disappointment as it would have been Tony's first U21 cap and just reward for a great start to this season. He is an ever-present but is also struggling with something like premature ejaculation as Mick Rathbone the physio says it will be 'touch and go' as to wether or not he makes the Arsenal game next Saturday (12/10/02)

International Call-Up

Tony Hibbert got a phone call from David Platt yesterday to tell he was in the under 21 squad for Friday's game against Slovakia and then next Tuesday’s game against Macedonia.

David Moyes said: “I am delighted for him to get his call-up. He has played well since he has come into the team and he deserves the recognition.” Well Done Tony (07/10/02)

Ever Present

Hibbo, 21, has been one of only 4 ever presents in Moyesy's side since the beginning of the season (who are the others?) and is determined to keep his place. He was Blue Kipper's Star Man in the game away at Man City, as well as just missing out on a number of other nominations. He has been chosen as man of the match in both local & National papers in varios games this season.

Hibbo says: "There's a great understanding between the defenders at the club and I don't think there will ever be a problem settling in whoever's in the back four.” (07/10/02)

Hibbo says: "There's a lot of good defenders here who play in my position. Joseph (Yobo) and Steve (Watson) are both coming back from injury and are doing really well, so I'll have to get my head down and work hard to keep them out!" (20/08/02)