Jamie Loves The Cup

Having made a his debut with a scitilating performance in the Carling Cup, Jamie made his FA Cup debut in the win against Norwich on Saturday. He clearly likes cup football, & wants to go all the way.

Jimmy Mac says: "Everybody wants to have the chance of winning a cup in their career and the longer we stay in the competition the better chance we have got. We will just see who we get in the next round and see where we go from there. On Saturday the manager kept going on about last year and getting beat at Shrewsbury. But you don't need any more incentive. We knew it was not going to be easy because Norwich are top of the first division. But we are on a good run at the moment. We just wanted to play our own game, which we did in the first half. The second half was poor for us but we held on and got the result. They came out and had a go and were probably the better team in the second half but they didn't take their chances and we took ours. (05/01/04)

Living The Dream

Jamie Mac can't wait to sample the atmosphere of the FA Cup, after growing up watching it on the TV, when he was a youngster in Scotland. He realises aswell the danger that a resurgent Norwich pose to the Blues, and he and his team mates will be taking nothing for granted.

Faddy says: "We used to get the games on the TV and it looks good. There’s a lot of chances for upsets and I’m looking forward to playing in it. Last year Motherwell got to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup so hopefully we can go on a similar run here. I would say that the Scottish Cup isn’t as important to the Scottish people as the FA Cup is to the English. The Scottish Cup is a nice cup to play in but if you’re watching the FA Cup in England it’s certainly traditional and the public down here are right into it. It’s good to get a home tie but it doesn’t mean you’re through just because you’ve got a home tie. Norwich are flying at the moment. They’re top of the First Division and it’s not an easy division to be top of but we’re on a bit of a good run and hopefully that will carry us through on Saturday." (02/01/04)

No Hangover (Not Till Sunday Anyway)

Faddy is assuring Evertonians that there is certainly no hangover from the drubbing he and his Scottish team mates endured on Wednesday evening in Amsterdam.

Faddy says: "As soon as you get back to your club, regardless of whether you have won or lost, you need to forget about the international games and focus on what is coming up on Saturday.It won't be any problem for me. I have got a bigger role here with Everton than I have with Scotland and I am looking forward to the game.I am expecting a bit of banter, not just from the English lads but from everybody, but I have got to take it. It helps having a few other Scottish lads around to take the burden as well. Losing 6-0 in Amsterdam has proved we’re a long way away, but we have to keep going to improve our standards. Scoring on Saturday was one of the highlights of my career. It was certainly the most important goal I have ever scored, even though it wasn't the best finish. It was just such a shame we couldn't build on it." (21/11/03)

No Portugal Trip

Jamie tasted the sour side of International football when he was part of the Scottish side, which was thrashed 6-0 by the Dutch. This means Jimmy Mac will join Gary Nace in Rhyl this Summer. (20/11/03)

Scottish Goalscorer

Faddy got Scotland off to a great start in their Euro 2004 play-off against the Dutch, when he cut in from the right & hit a great shot past Van Der Sar, to make it 1-0.

Faddy says: "They are a great side but we showed our qualities to get the win. We battled all over the park and worked really hard to close them down. We defended brilliantly and we'll have to do it again over there. If it's 0-0 we're through and there's no reason why we can't get a victory. It was a great build-up for the goal. It wasn't the best of finishes but it hit the back of the net. It's the most important goal of my life." (15/11/03)

High Spirits

Jamie McFadden has given his insight on the closeness and the team spirit that Moyesy has instilled at the Blues, and hopefully he thinks that it will be enough to push up the table from our bottom three berth at present.

Faddy says: "The guys you play against are the same. They are not unbeatable. But everyone at Everton has made it easy, there are definitely no egos at this club.It is actually a similar dressing room to Motherwell. It is the same spirit, and everyone is quite close, works hard and is up for a laugh. I'm just quite surprised and happy that I've not been the victim of any pranks since arriving."(14/11/03)

Dutch Hold No Fear For Faddy

With the Euro 2004 play offs this weekend, it gives some of the players a welcome break to the pressures at Goodison at the minute.The Dutch stand in Faddy's way of a trip to Portugal next year, and he for one certainly does not fear them.

Faddy says: "They have not had the best of times in the last few years so I think they are there for the taking.If we are going to beat them, then it has got to be now and I don't see why we should fear them.If we fear them, then we will not win. It is as simple as that, we will not take anything from the games.''(12/11/03)

In Scotland Squad

Jimmy Mc joins Gary Naysmith in Scotland's squad to face the Netherlands in Saturday's first leg of their Euro 2004 play-off. (10/11/03)

Major Doubt

Jamie McFadden has emerged as a major doubt for Everton's crucial away game at Villa on Saturday. Faddy took a slight knock on his foot against The Saints, and that has stopped him training all week. Moyesy has been concerned about the injury, but is hopeful that he make shake it off in time before their trip to the Midlands.

Moyesy says: "At the moment Faddy is struggling with his foot. He has not trained this week but he has a chance for Saturday." (23/10/03)

High Expectations

Jamie Mc Fadden who is a sure starter for the Sky Live Game against The Saints, has spoken about the expectancy that surrounds his every match. Being likened to the Scottish version of Wayne Rooney would lie heavy with most players his age, but as most Blues have come to except from this down to earth young man, he takes it all in his stride.

Faddy says: "I am not here to carry the hopes of anyone other than myself. I am not down here to prove I am a Scottish player who can play in the Premiership. I am here to prove I can do it myself. If people take encouragement from it then so be it, but I do not want to have that tag and the expectancy that would add pressure to me. There is a difference between the leagues, of course it is a big step up. The players here are technically better and are strong and quick.It is harder and I have probably worked as hard in the last three games here as I ever have. I need to maintain the performance level I have shown so far.That is why I came down to England, to get some consistency, as I was not Mr Consistency in Scotland. There is a bit of a fear factor of being dropped. But I am not trying to put pressure on myself, it is a new challenge for me and hopefully one I can rise to." (18/10/03)

That's Good Of Them !

Can you believe it, but the Old Bill up in Scotland were seriously contemplating having a word with Faddy over the shirt rumpus at Hampden Park on Saturday last.Strathclyde Police wrote to Scotlands Chief Executive David Taylor about Faddys actions in trying to get his shirt to a young fan after Scotlands victory.Un Fuckin' believable that's what I say.

Scottish FA spokesman says: "We will not be taking any action against James McFadden and as far as we're concerned the matter is closed." (17/10/03)

Shirt Rumpus

As reported before by Blue Kipper.com, Jamie struck up a friendship with a ten year who suffers with Cerebral Palsy, whilst at Motherwell.Stephen Raeside was at Hampden on Saturday, to see his hero guide his Country to the play off's next month.Jamie on spotting young Stephen in the crowd at the final whistle, went over to give him his shirt.On seeing Jamie going towards the spectators an extremely over zealous steward barred Faddy from going near them, and also Stephen.We have since found out that the steward's name is Bill Mc Twat, and he lives on his own with his cats, and is the founder member of the Bucks Fizz fan club.

Faddy says: "It does take the shine off it. The wee boy is in a wheelchair and he's trying to learn how to walk and it's just to give him a lift.The steward was just being an idiot. He was trying to do his job but it was stupid because I was only trying to see one guy and I wasn't trying to jump into the crowd.I do whatever I can for him and I just wanted to show my appreciation to him after the game.I threw the shirt and someone else caught it so I hope the wee man got it." (13/10/03)

Scottish Hero

Jamie Mc Fadden earned the plaudits yesterday as his M.O.M. performance earned the Scots a play off place in their victory against Lithuania. A full house at Hampden Park watched in awe as the Goodison favourite tore the bowels out of the hapless visitors.Most of the promising attacking moves were led by Faddy, and the scoreline should have been more as the Blues winger hit the woodwork in the second half. The goal when it came was made at Goodison as Faddy jinked his way past a few defenders, and laid a precision pass onto Gary Naysmith, who pulled the ball back from the by line to Fletcher who struck a low drive in the back of the net. Vogts the Scottish manager was delighted at the end of the game, especially with the input of Faddy.

Berti Vogts says: "We had the best player on the pitch in James Mc Fadden, and another excellent prospect in Fletcher. They are the future, and it can be a great one for them." (12/10/03)

Home From Home

Everton Legend, and now Sky pundit Andy Gray added his voice to the growing band of admirers who are praising the talents of Jamie McFadden. Jamie has moved his parents down to Merseyside from North of the Border, to help him settle in more quickly. With the current bad press surrounding Premiership footballers at present, this is great news for the Blues, and shows the maturity that the young Scot is obviously blessed with.

Andy Gray says: "I got my brother and my best mate to leave Glasgow and live with me in the Midlands. It had an immediate, stabilising effect on me.Your family know you better than anyone and they could detect the first signs of fame going to your head. Life will only be as hard for James in England as he chooses to make it. If you have a good attitude towards the game, which he obviously has, then you have nothing to fear.When I was playing, I could go out for a pint or visit a nightclub without dreading the Sunday papers coming out with some revelation about me. Today the ground rules are that a player has to be whiter than white. It is a small price to pay for the riches that come the way of the modern day professional. James has been raved about but has a Scottish manager Davie Moyes, to help him settle. He has also signed for a fabulous club in a great city that will remind him of Glasgow because of the warmth he will get back from the Evertonians in Liverpool. I like his style. I didn't think he'd play for Everton's first team as quickly as he has but he looks as if he would be comfortable anywhere. I'm not suggesting he should make a career out of his versatility. But James looks as if he's doing more than enough to satisfy his manager at the moment and that's all that should concern him for the time being. I was at Everton for two years but the ovation I get when I go back is unbelievable. The supporters really love you. And the time is long overdue for a Scot to be a sensation in the city of Liverpool." (07/10/03)

Nevin Convinced Jamie

Former Everton star Pat Nevin has revealed how he convinced Jamie McFadden to join Everton this season.

Pat says: "David (Moyes) and I go back a long way, to when we were 14. I kept him informed about how James was playing for at least a year. I told him he would not regret it, though I did not need to sell James to him, James sold himself. Having played at Everton myself for four years, I knew the Goodison crowd would love him - and already he's made a great impression. The good thing for James is that he moved to Everton without any expectations. Wayne Rooney has taken all the pressure off him. I moved to Chelsea the same month as Charlie Nicholas was bought by Arsenal from Celtic. He had a huge fee and pressure, I sneaked in the back door." (06/10/03)

"Better Than Rooney"

Berti Vogts says: "I regard James as a bigger talent than Rooney. Rooney is a good player but he can only play in one position. James can play through the middle, he has also played wide right in the past and Everton have been using him on the left, he is very adaptable. When he went to Everton I know David Moyes said he was one for the future but I had a feeling he would be in the team very quickly. James has something special and I hope he can be involved with them every week." (05/10/03)

Scotland Call

Jimmy has been included in the Scotland squad for next week's Euro 2004 qualifier at Hampden Park against Lithuania. He'll be joined in the squad by Nace. (02/10/03)

The Praise Continues

Ex Everton winger Pat Nevin today came out and praised Moyesy's business acumen,as well as the raw talent of Our Jamie.The television pundit saw Faddy at close hand, with his time at Motherwell, and the ex Scottish International feels we have another potential world beater on our hands.

Jinkin' Pat Nevin says :"Davey has signed a gem. For him to spot him and sign him so early in his career is a brilliant piece of business. Faddy is much more than a winger. He can deliver crosses and beat defenders but he is also a natural goalscorer.In that respect he is very similar to Alan Smith but with more raw talent. He can score all types of goals. He will definitely become a star at Goodison." (01/10/03)

Fantastic Faddy

James McFadden walked off Goodison Park to thunderous applause & a standing ovation. Not bad for a lad making his full premiership debut. He had the leeds players in knots, especially Gary Kelly. Kelly though is no mug. Irish international & hard as nails. But Jamie looked as though he had the ball tied to his laces, as he twisted & turned leaving the full back on his arse. In the second half they had Kelly, Smith & Morris trying to catch him, but Faddy left them in his wake. A constant threat. Moyesy though, ever the protector, will be using the young lad sparingly.

Moyesy says: "James has had over 100 games for Motherwell, he had his first cap when we signed him and he is further down the line than Wayne. They are not similar off the pitch, but they are on it. McFadden was terrific, there was so much good coming from him. He reminds me of the late David Cooper from Rangers, there was so many similar things about him. Hopefully in the future he will become a very good player. He plays without fear and people do not know too much about him, he was a constant menace."

Patience Is A Virtue

Moyesy told the fans not to expect too much too quick, from the Blues new signing Jamie McFadden.The lessons he has learnt trying to calm us all down about Wayne , will no doubt be put to good use on our new rising star.Hard not to get excited though Davey !!!!

Moyesy says: "James is one of those boys who has got a near arrogance about him and I think the fans like that .He did well on Wednesday, but he is still young and still learning. It will take time with him. There is a difference between the opposition in the Carling Cup and the Premiership." (26/09/03)

Mc Fadd All Over

Alan Irvine today spoke of young Jamie's match winning performance in last nights Carling Cup victory over lowly Stockport.Fadd was started out on the left and gave a polished performance in true winger tradition, skipping past players and bringing the crowd to their feet, none more than when he set up Big Dunc's second goal,with a run from deep inside his own half. A standing ovation was afforded the young Scot as he left the pitch,and isn't it mouth watering that undoubtedly we have the best young English player in our squad, and certainly now the best young Scot. I for one cannot wait to see the pair of them unleashed on Premiership defence's, maybe starting with Leeds on Sunday?

Irvine says: "James was very good. He started a bit nervously but got more and more into the game as it went on and the terrific run for the goal was the highlight of a fabulous debut. He gives us something extra in midfield. We all love people who can go past players and he is the type of player who will excite people. We said when he joined that he is the type of player that Everton fans will love and they will go home tonight hopefully thinking that. It was important that he was positive and if he failed then he could go and try it again another time.We did not sign him to just pass the ball. We signed him to get the ball and beat people. He does not know where his best position is. He is happy to play wide on the left, up front, behind the front two or even on the right. We asked him and he just said he'd just be happy to be on the pitch." (25/09/03)

Full Debut

Faddy will start his first full game tomorrow against Stockport in the 2nd rd of The Carling Cup @ Goodison Park.

Moyesy says: "James will start tomorrow. We are pleased with him. I felt we needed to bring him in and get him involved on Sunday and when he came on he did some good things." (23/09/03)

The Future's Bright

Everton Legend Alex Young spoke today in glowing terms about Jamie McFadden and believes the youngster has what it takes to become an Everton great.

Alex says :"He’s a quality player and I’m sure he’ll improve,we’re going to have a great player on our hands. I’ve seen him play a few times and out of all the young players in Scotland, he was the one you’d pick out. He’s a reasonable size, he’s got good pace and he’s got superb control. He goes past people as if they’re not there. I’m delighted they’ve signed him.If he enjoys his time at Everton as much as I did, then he’s got some very happy times ahead of him. A few people in Scotland have questioned his temperament in the big games, but you’ve got to have a bit of an edge about you nowadays. He played well for Scotland last week against Germany and I can’t believe he was substituted. For me, he was the only guy who was going to score. I’ve seen him play against Rangers and Celtic and he’s absolutely taken them apart. I’m sure he’ll do well at Everton and the fans will love him. He’s got some terrific touches of skill. He can really play."(18/09/03)

Jamie's A Gem

Young Jamie last night did himself no harm at all in his quest to break into the Everton First Team. After his last outing in front of 70,000 sausage eating Krauts, Jamie found himself playing in front of a expectant Haig Avenue crowd in the region of 1100. Although he did not get himself on the score sheet, his first game in the Royal Blue delighted his new manager.

Moyesy says : "Jamie did very well. He took a little time to settle but after that was fine. We started him wide on the left, but that's not necessarily where we will continue to play him. We will look at two or three different roles for him, but we played him on the left last night and he didn't disappoint. We also moved him across to the right for 20 minutes and he did well there too. He will probably tell you himself that he is not sure what his best position is. It's maybe a bit too soon to talk about him in the first team squad, but after last night's display we will be looking at him with that in mind. (17/09/03)

Faddy says : "It was a good night for me. It was hard work, but I’m glad to get my first game out of the way. It’s a big challenge for me here at Everton. It doesn’t matter what position the manager wants me to play in, I know it’s going to be tough to break into the side, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully, I’ll become a better player during my time here, which I’m sure I will do, because there are some very good players and I’m under a good manager and coaching staff. There’s some good players here like Big Duncan, Wayne, Franny Jeffers, and it’s only going to benefit me by playing alongside them because I can learn from them. Scotland have got a big game coming up next month and hopefully, I’ll be involved, but I’m looking to be involved in the first team here before anything else. That’s up to the manager. I haven’t come here expecting I’ll get straight into the team. I know I’ve got a lot of work to do and as long as I work hard then I’ll get my rewards." (17/09/03)

Nice Touch

Stephen Raeside, a youngster with Cerebral Palsy went to Hampden Park for the Scotland game to say his goodbyes to his hero James McFadden. Faddy has this reputation as a good player, who can get himself in trouble with the authorities, but he has a nice side.

James has helped raise over £800 to buy Stephen a purpose built bike which would make his muscles stronger to enable him eventually to walk.

The day ended on a high because Faddy had scored his first goal for Scotland and wee Stephen was there to see it. Stephen thanked him for everything and said he was really going to miss him, but Faddy kept the wee man smiling by inviting him down to see him when he plays for the Everton first team. It won't be long if he continues to play like he did for the reserves last night. (16/09/03)

Feisty Jamie

We've got an insight to Jamie's character after he came out with a mouthful about the Germans.
Faddy says: "They were cheating. I didn't want say it but everybody could see it and they knew they were doing it. They weren't slow at putting the boot in but, as soon as it went against them, they went down as if they'd broken their leg."
Apparently he plays the way he talks. Hold on we've in for a roller coaster ride. (12/09/03)

His 1st

James scored his 1st goal in Scotland colour's last night in the 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands. He came on as sub on the hour and scored 15 minutes later. He is now expected to start the game against Germany on Wednesday. He may find it easier to get into Scotland's team than Everton's

Faddy said:"It was a great ball from Neil McCann, he really couldn’t have made it much easier for me,If I had missed that, then I would have chucked it. But seriously, scoring your first goal at Hampden is something you always dream about when you’re young so when it actually happens you savour it.”

I am confident but not overly confident. We drew with them here and I don’t see why we can’t get something over there. To play against Germany would cap a perfect week.

“There is no guarantee of me playing regularly at Everton, but at least that is up to me.”(07/09/03)

Scotland Squad

Faddy is hoping for the nod to partner Stevie Crawford upfront for Scotland against the Faroe Islands tomorrow. Scottish manager, Berti Vogts is glad Jamie is playing in the premiership.

Berti says: "It's a good move for all of them - for Motherwell, Everton and James. There will be a lot of matches and training for Everton and I think it will be a big challenge for him. He has done well for Motherwell and it's another great challenge that he must be relishing. He has to learn and I am obviously hoping that he does play a lot of matches. I saw him at the weekend and he scored some nice goals, but there is a big difference when you watch Manchester United and Arsenal and Motherwell play Partick." (05/09/03)

A Cheap Dream

Berti Vogts reckons the Toffeemen have got a bargin with the purchase of Faddy.

Berti said:"I recommended him to Leverkusen but Motherwell asked for £3m. That was a year ago and now the coach is gone. I think playing for Scotland helped James get a move."

Meanwhile Motherwell boss Terry Butcher has heaped bundles of praise onto James describing him a dream to watch..

Terry said:" I'm delighted for him because he is joining a great club, with a great manager in David Moyes, and a very good reputation for producing good youngsters and looking after them as they progress. James has had people criticise his temperament but Wayne Rooney is no angel is he? Neither is James, but he can be a dream to watch. He's got great ability. got a great left foot and scores goals with his right. He scores goal inside and outside the box and scores penalties and free-kicks. He's so exciting. He loves to entertain but most of all he loves to win. James runs at people with pace and he's strong. He might look frail and a bit timid, but let me tell you he's not." (03/09/03)

I'm A Good Boy, Honest!

Jamie has already had some ups & downs in Scotland, including missing his flight home when in Hong Kong with Scotland, & being sent off when a certain David Moyes was watching.

Faddy says: "I'm hoping I can surprise people in English football. I said my goodbyes to the backroom staff and I was choking back the tears. I was close to crying but I held it off. The place has been my life for so long. But it's the right time for me to goand the boss, Terry Butcher, was full of encouragement. He knows I really wanted this move. Everyone wants to be playing in the Premiership and as soon as you get the chance you just don't knock it back. Everyone needs a little bit of scandal in their life and I had mine early. It won't happen again. I was so low and people stuck the knife in. I won't forget it. Others stuck by me and I found out who my friends are. I want to win so much and I think that's what gets me into trouble. But I know I must learn to watch myself, particularly if I'm going to make it in the Premiership. That day against Thistle was the worst and I was absolutely raging. First, I'd been sent off when I didn't deserve it and, second, I had done it in front of Davie Moyes. For a time there, my agent, John Lonergan, was tearing his hair out. He'd bring a manager to see me and I'd have a nightmare. But I've got my move and I have to look and think what I need to do to be a success. The boss is Scottish and he knows what it will be like for someone like me to come down and try to settle. Inside the game he has a fantastic reputation for handling young players. There will be comparisons with me and Wayne and what he goes through but they don't tally up. My main battle here is to try and get in the team.'' (02/09/03)

£1.25m Swoop

Everton beat off a challange from Celtic to get the signature of Jamie.

Moyesy says: “We see James as a lad with good ability and with the potential to go on and be a top player. We are bringing him here on the proviso that he will have to work hard to get into the Everton first team, but he’s only 20-years-old, already a full Scottish international and we’re looking forward to working with him. His ability is excellent. But it’s up to him to see whether he can handle the step-up in quality. He’s not one for just now, he’s one for the future. He’s not one I would be expecting for Evertonians to see too regularly at present, but if he does well enough and shows us enough early doors, there’s no reason why he won’t be.” (01/09/03)