More Quotes

Redshite Diver says: "I don't think anyone would have any fears about starting with him. I mean, he played well against Turkey and, if anyone is going to wind you up, then I think they probably would," he stressed. He's not played too many games but his temperament is very good. He's a winner, you can see that when he plays." (05/09/03)

Unsey on the return of The Duke against Fulham says: "Wayne is a quality player and when quality players come into your team after a lay-off, you always welcome them back with open arms. It was great to see him back and I thought he played really well." (24/08/03)

David Unsworth says: "He will be even better than last year," said Unsworth. "Paul Merson said that Wayne has had his 'free season' now, but I don't agree. He should concentrate on himself and people in general should leave Wayne alone. I know he is already a big star, but when you've got the quality he has, and you see it day in and day out like I do, people should keep their opinions to themselves. Wayne will do his talking on the pitch. He will never have a quiet time or a quiet season. He will always be there, making headlines for his football. He's got amazing skill. He's dedicated and he wants it. All this 'free season' stuff is rubbish. It will be tough for him, but it will be tough for everyone." (14/08/03)

Paul Merson says: "Everyone gets one free season when they first arrive on the scene but it is going to be a new ball game for Rooney from now on. When teams play Everton the message will be the same - make sure the kid is marked out the game." (25/07/03)

Moyesy says: "Wayne hasn't played any football since the end of last season in the internationals, it was his first run out and he has a bit to go yet." (24/07/03)

Duncan McKenzie says: "Next season will be more difficult for him - people are looking out for you, that's always the case. But I don't think he will suffer as much as most young players do in their second season, largely because of his physique. This time last year he was still at school, his progress has been astonishing, and this time next year he will be at Euro 2004 with England." (10/07/03)

Sven says: "I am happy with Wayne Rooney but the danger is that I, the fans and the critics expect him to be the best player on the pitch every time he plays for England. It's absolutely not fair. He is only 17 and he has to learn. He is the biggest talent that I have ever had. I am very happy that Wayne Rooney is English and he will play for us for a very long time." (12/06/03)

Sven says: "Rooney is one of those great talents that you meet in football. We - and you - should be very happy to have Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney as English players. It's very good. For sure, I can understand the excitement about them playing together among the fans. The two young golden boys. Of course, it's good to watch history in the making when they play together and, yes, they can play together." (11/06/03)

Obviously at odds with Terry Butcher, Norman Whiteside says: "It helps if you've got that devilment. Roy Keane has also got a lot of devilment about him - you need that to be at the top level. Rooney is the type of player who's going to find himself in trouble with referees at times because he's got that nasty streak, which top players need. He's got that little bit of edge. I remember when I was 17, I was soon protecting myself." (10/06/03)

Gareth Southgate, on why he thinks The Duke has helped England says: "Wayne came into the game against Turkey and played particularly well. He offers a different style of play to Darius or Emile because of how he plays. He drops in deep and looks more of a Teddy Sheringham type of player, going deeper into midfield areas and linking the play very well. Darius and Emile are possibly more comfortable further forward and don't have the attributes which Wayne has. It's a case of which style the manager feels is spot-on for which game." (10/09/03)

Terry Butcher says: "Wayne's trying to stamp his mark on senior football, whether it's with Everton or England and sometimes you can get a bit too impetuous. You can maybe try to be too keen, too macho. Rooney can maybe look at Michael Owen. He doesn't have to stick his foot in here or his shoulder in there against these defenders. He did it with his pace or his intelligence and Rooney can do just the same. He doesn't leave his foot in or fight the physical battles against the big guys when there's no need to do it. That's just youthful naivety and exuberance and sometimes you can get carried away. It's not necessarily a bad fault and if he is aware of it he will stop it." (09/06/03)

Sven says: "When I think back to players I had at 17 who went into the first team, there was Baggio in 1980. I also had Rui Costa plus others and they all went on to to have very big careers. I can't see any reason why Wayne Rooney shouldn't have the same sort of career, certainly of someone like Baggio - and that would not be too bad at all!" (09/06/03)

Alan Ball says: "It is wonderful to see talent like that, especially when he has come through the ranks at Everton. Everton is a massive club and it needs massive players that the crowd can hang their hats on. They need their heroes. They have had them all the way through their history and let's hope this kid is another one coming through. It looks like he will be another Goodison great because he looks to have everything." (06/06/03)

Sir Geoff Hurst says: "Wayne Rooney is the most exciting young talent we've seen in years and his emergence is hugely exciting to both youngsters and people like myself who have been right through the game. Wayne has proved that one of the key factors is to have the desire. If you have the talent and you have that competitive nature to be the best in anything then that coupled with some expert coaching can take you to the top. The kids have something to aim at when they see a 17-year-old in an England shirt. When they're young they can't relate so easily to a 25 or 35-year-old - they see someone like Rooney coming through so quickly and they think 'I can do that too'. Wayne has matured and is physically strong but I genuinely feel he was ready. Ever since he scored that goal against Arsenal it has been madness but that is part and parcel of the game he is in. Each case is an individual one and there are many potential pitfalls, but I think we could see two years ago that Wayne was going to be ready." (05/06/03)

When asked is Rooney starting against Slovakia, Sven says: "We'll see! When you see young players like Wayne Rooney, Joe Cole and Jermaine Jenas, you can see that the future is very good for England." (04/06/03)

Brian Clough says: "Wayne is the talk of the town and he was terrific against the Turks. But there is a long way to go from the age of 17 to 25 when he should be close to the finished product. He should stop eating all those sausages, eggs and chip meals for a start. It is good, working-class food, as I know from personal experience, but no good when you are as solidly built as this lad." (28/05/03)

Brazilian legend, Pele says: "Some players are exceptional when they are very young, then they fade and do not make it as far as you think. It is too soon to start talking too much about Wayne Rooney. It is much better to wait a little bit. You must be patient even though it is difficult because he looks like a great player. He does look to have great ability. I have only watched highlights of him and the football is excellent but I do not know him and what his personality is like and personality is very important. You can have plenty of ability but you need to be strong and have a strong personality to succeed. It is not just about letting the boys play football. Be patient." (23/05/03)

Andy King says: “I can still sit on the floor and keep the ball up longer than Wayne Rooney can on his feet!” he laughed, “and if he ever wants to take the bet on let me know!” (11/05/03)

When asked who his Young Player of the Year is, without hesitation, Sven says: "That's Rooney He has been an explosion this season. He's doing very well at his club and has been fantastic for us. When you are playing for England at 17 years old of course it's a sensation all over the world. He's one of those players that whenever he gets the ball, something seems to happen. Whether it's finding a good pass or taking on a player, it's exciting and that's what makes him such an interesting player both now and for the future. He's young but I don't think he's nervous at all. He's very confident and knows what he can and can't do. He has no fear and not too much respect for the opponents. I don't know him as well as David Moyes does but I can see the qualities in him that allow him to drop deeper. He can turn on the ball and then drive forward. It's very dangerous because he can beat people and play his team-mates in as well. Also, although, he is not tall, he is strong, so you have the option of playing him right upfront. Because of his broad talents he could play with almost any kind of the partner - that makes him very useful." (08/05/03)

Alan Shearer says: "I can understand David Moyes' problem but he is still young and very fit and I don't think it would do him any harm to go out there and learn his trade a little bit more. Then, after 11 June he can have a good rest." (06/05/03)

PFA Footballer of the Year, Terry Henry says: "Rooney has no fear about who he is playing or where. He has that lovely arrogance and doesn't worry about the opposition. Rooney respects the opposition and the occasion but doesn't fear it. When he plays against great defenders like Marcel Desailly, it's like he's playing in the street. It's not a lack of respect, he just wants to go out and play. We still have games and I'm not a guy who likes to give up. I'm also at a club that doesn't give up. But we have put ourselves in a position where we have to look at other results to help us. We are hoping Everton can do us a favour," (29/04/03)

Moyesy says: "Sometimes he did things that inspired us out there, sometimes he did things that made you think he needed to put his feet up." (27/04/03)

Graham Taylor says: "We are all responsible for him, he's a kid. By that I mean us in football, the media, everyone. I know David Moyes will look after him well, but when talking about him you have to keep the level right. I have been asked about him so much, but he's a 17 year-old and we've all got a responsibility for looking after him." (26/04/03)

Jlloyd Samuel (Aston Villa) says: "There's much more to the Everton side than just Wayne Rooney. It would be a mistake to focus on him too much as they've got other players who can hurt you too. It'll be great to play against Rooney - it's good to pit yourself against any good player - but we won't be making any special plans for him.” (25/04/03)

Moyesy says: "In recent games Wayne's been a little bit below the standard he's set. But you can't expect him to do something wonderful every game. He was 16 at the start of season, is still only 17 now and we're pleased with his progress. I'm concerned about him playing too many games and if we'd had Tomasz Radzinski at Chelsea, I'd have given him a bit of breathing space." (23/04/03)

Brian Labone says: “People do forget that the boy is still only 17 years old. I’m guilty of it myself – I’m always telling people just how good he is, but we must give him space. We shouldn’t pin our derby hopes on a schoolboy – it’s not fair." (20/04/03)

Gehard Boggle Eye Hoolahoop says: "He is a great talent. He has got everything. Rooney has got all it takes to make a top player - the way he twists and turns, the control and movement. He is quick, strong and can beat people, but people should also remember the boy is still learning because he is only just 17. He is being very well managed by David Moyes at Everton, and if he keeps his feet on the ground his career is there for him." (17/04/03)

Ronaldo says: "I've been in Rooney's position so I'd like to help him The most important advice I can give him is to tell him to stay balanced mentally because he must not allow himself to become crazy at his own success. That is why so many talents have disappeared without achieving their capabilities. From what I've seen, the boy has a big presence and a big future, but everyone around him must do their best to take care of him when he is away from the pitch. If this happens, he won't have to lose his objective, which must be all about playing football." (16/04/03)

Alan Irvine says: “One thing is for sure, when he gets the ball, people do sit up and people do wonder what’s going to happen next. Wayne is capable of doing exceptional, individual work, but he’s 17-years-old and he’s still got a lot to learn about the whole of the game.” (14/04/03)

George Best says: “The number of stories already written about Rooney is ridiculous, but at least most of them have been about football. I know that some journalists are already sniffing around his private life, and following him and his girlfriend. That has to stop straight away.

“When I was Wayne’s age, the only press coverage I got was about my performance on the pitch. It was three or four years later that things got crazy. Young stars today don’t have the luxury of those years growing up and being able to make mistakes in private. They were so important to me – even if I didn’t learn from them. (13/04/03)

Super Kev says: "I'm the oldest member of the squad, he's the youngest and do try to give him advice here and there. The good thing about Wayne is that he listens and then puts it into practice and that shows just what a special talent he is. We know his qualities but you don't realise just what a big talent he is until he gets out on the pitch. To be honest it's an honour and a privilege to play alongside him. Defenders are going to have come up against him for years to come and I don't envy them one bit." (12/04/03)

Gary Megson says: "I don’t think he was taking the mickey out of Darren - he had a bit of space on the ball, put his hands on his hips and was probably showing off to all his mates in the Gwladys Street. It shows his confidence. I don’t think Darren took it in the wrong manner and we certainly didn’t.” (11/04/03)

Sven says: “At Fiorentina, I had a young Roberto Baggio…he was not bad at all. Baggio and Rooney…now they could play together! Wayne is an exceptional talent, there are now no doubts about that. He has shown it for Everton many times and now he has shown it for millions of people.It is not very often that you see a seventeen-year-old boy with such vision. He showed he is ready for big, big games.”

Big Dunc says: "Wayne has made a tremendous impact on Everton and now he’s in the national team and doing fantastically well. He’s improving steadily and I think it all looks very good for the future of Everton.” (06/04/03)

His Manager says: "We are all thrilled for him but I was not surprised, not one little bit. Nothing he did shocked me in any shape or form because he is a great talent, but we have to protect him from over-exposure. I would hope that England do not include him in any end of season trips.What's the point in us trying to look after him if he is travelling away all over the world? It's not so much the extra games which is the worry, but the length of time he is away. Sven has spoken to me a few times about him and I am sure he will understand the need to protect him as we have done." (03/04/03)

When asked about all the big clubs interest in Wayne. Blue Bill says: "Are you trying to tell me there's a bigger club than Everton? Do me a favour, he's going nowhere." (03/04/03)

Bill Kenwright says: "Wayne has something special that we have to cherish and look after, and that's what we have to do at Everton." (03/04/03)

His Dad says: " We're so very very proud of him. Really pleased and delighted.We're really tired this morning after all the celebrating - but it's all worth it.He played a fantastic match last night. It was great to watch. The whole family went to see him and he has done us proud. We are starting to get used to it a bit now but it's still brilliant." (03/04/03)

England Manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson says: "I think Wayne Rooney is ready but only part-time. I don't think we should expect him to come in and resolve a game against Turkey. It could happen - who knows - if he comes on, as he's physically strong, good on the ball, quick and he scores goals. He might be good enough to start but we'll see. Let me think about it but maybe starting him isn't fair on him." (31/03/03)

Ex England Boss Bobby Robson says: “England need Rooney on the pitch from the very start of the vital European Championship qualifier with Turkey on Wednesday night. He is a phenomenal talent that must not be restricted or denied. OK, so Rooney is just 17. But age is a merely a number – whether it’s 17 or, as in my case, 70. I have watched the boy on several occasions. He takes my breath away. He is sensational. He can do things which are out of the reach of other players. And already he has the confidence to do them.

Since Japan last summer when England made a disappointing exit against 10-man Brazil, our international performances have been lacklustre. Sven Urgently needs to inject a spark, to discover fresh impetus, to lift the mood and raise the optimism.

He needs a great player and Rooney, even if he is only 17, is already a great player. I suspect Sven had such thoughts in seriously considering an England comeback for Alan Shearer, a leader, a personality, a tough resolute competitor even if only for the qualifying games in Liechtenstein and against Turkey. But the future has to be Rooney. The dawn of a new England great should be witnessed from the start on Wednesday.” (30/03/03)

England's worst goal-a-game striker with over 30 caps, Emiley Heskey says: “I’ve seen Wayne in training and he’s been brilliant. Yeah, he really is that special because he’s got so much confidence for a 17-year-old. I really can’t believe that he has that amount of confidence and ability at such a young age. He can only go forward and has a more talent than a lot of other players that I have seen.” (29/03/03)

Alan Shearer says: ."He's a fantastic talent, but I feel sorry for him thinking about the amount of pressure he'll undoubtedly face from now until the end of his career. That's something he'll have to learn to live with, but he looks to be a great star of the future, he really does." (25/03/03)

Sven-Goran Eriksson says: "If Wayne Rooney can play at Highbury and create a lot of problems for Arsenal, then I think he's a very good player. I think it's good for him to be involved at international level, it can't do him any harm. He might be ready to start against Liechtenstein, but I don't think he'll do so. He's one of five forwards and I don't think you should expect him to start the game and score three goals. He might come on as a substitute, or he might not, but just to be there will be a huge experience for him. He has very little experience of international football after all." (24/03/03)

Sven says: "It's a pity for me he plays very little - but every time he comes on, he makes headlines. I'd like to see Rooney play more - but his manager is doing very well not letting him play. He's only 17 so maybe that's good." (18/03/03)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says: "You can see that this boy is international class and he has got enough to be an international. Is he good enough to be in front of other players who are in the England squad? That's up to Sven. Wayne Rooney is a special talent. We said that after the first game he played against us and since then he's made a step forward. You can see he's more of a man now. He looks much more mature than when he came on against us in October." (24/03/03)

The Duke says: “I was delighted that so many Everton fans had gone to the game, it gave me a real buzz when the England supporters were chanting my name. I’ve really enjoyed this week, the players and the staff made me feel really welcome and obviously on a personal note it was fantastic to come on and get my first full cap." (13/02/03)

Alan Shearer after The Duke's debut says: "Whenever he got the ball, there was great excitement from the ground. They feel and expect that he is going to do something, which is great credit to the lad." (12/02/03)

Sven says: "He is a very good football player. His first touch is excellent and every time he gets the ball you have a feeling that something can happen." (12/02/03)

The Duke says: “To have the chance to be around senior internationals is going to be a great experience for me and I can`t wait. The whole family is delighted for me.”(09/02/03)

Sven says: “Rooney will play. It will be good for him and the public. I haven’t seen much of him but he has great quality. He makes things happen and physically he is very strong. I’ve discussed Rooney with Everton manager David Moyes and he is happy to go along with it. It will be one of the biggest things in his career. If I was him I would be delighted.” (09/02/03)

Lee Miller says: "Wayne came to training and we did crossing and finishing together. His strike rate was incredible — he missed only about one chance from 50 balls. I've been impressed by his performances on TV but he's even better in the flesh." (03/02/03)

David Platt says: "The message to everyone is that this is a difficult squad to get into. Wayne Rooney has played very well for Everton but what people choose to forget is that he came off the bench to score the winner against Arsenal and Leeds. It was two cameo appearances and then all of a sudden it's 'he should be in the full England squad'." (21/01/03)

Sower of The Seed says: "Unleash The Child" (20/01/03)

The Duke says: "This is a dream come true for me. I never wanted to go to another club and playing for Everton means a lot to me. Its difficult tp put into words, but running out to 'Z-Cars' is simply the best feeling in my life.
I was nine when I first came to the club - and there’s been a lot of people who’ve helped me along the way, especially Colin Harvey who has been brilliant for me. The fans have also been great ever since I started playing. It’s gone better than I thought it would have. It’s been brilliant.” (17/01/03)

The Duke says: "It was always going to be Everton; I never even thought about signing for another club, despite everything that has been written about me in the newspapers recently. I have been an Everton fan all my life and I am delighted now that everything with the contract has been sorted out. I always knew I was going to sign. I’ve always dreamed of signing for Everton and I always knew it would happen." (16/01/03)

Iain Turner says:"Plenty of people have obviously said that he is a bit special but it's only when you play with him or see him up close that you realise just how good a player he really is." (10/01/03)

Kevin Ratcliffe says: "If Wayne can wear wellies with six-inch studs, he might just get away with playing on our pitch." (03/01/03)

Chelsea coach Ranieri says: "Rooney has splendid ball control and supersonic pace." (31/12/02)

Brian Clough says: "If you'd told me that he was just 17, I wouldn't have believed you because his physique is so good for someone of those tender years. No danger of him getting sand kicked in his face on the beach." (30/12/02)

Ivan 'got the runnaround' Campo says:"Wayne Rooney is a great player. I told him that after the game but Idon't know if he understood me. He can play any team in the world." (30/12/02)

Moyesy says: “It was a top quality performance but he needed to score at the end of it – he had enough opportunities, but to be fair, he created them all for himself. Wayne was always in my mind to start the game. He hasn’t been bothered by all the publicity. He just gets on with it and takes it all in his stride.” (29/12/02)

Steve Bruce says: "He is an exceptional talent. I think we all realise that and I am just thrilled to bits that he is English. He reminds me in so many ways of Paul Gascoigne when he was coming through at the same age. He has got it all really." (26/12/02)

Jeff Kenna says: " I hope he's on the bench!" (24/12/02)

Moyesy says: "We’re very happy with his contribution. In fact, his contributions since he’s become a professional have been excellent." (23/12/02)

Howard Kendall says: "He is a massive talent. Eriksson should not hesitate in putting him in." (22/12/03)

Joe Royle says: "The main thing is he's a Blue. He'll love it and the days have gone where we would expect to take a battering." (21/12/02)

Stubbsey says: "You can see what he has done in training, what he has done in the games and it is inevitable." (21/12/02)

Sharpy says: "Wayne has got everything you look for in a top class player. It's not just his goals, it's his all-round awareness that catches the eye." (21/12/02)

Charlie Nicholas says: "The kid’s 17 and the only way he’s going to learn is by making mistakes, both on the field and off the field." (19/12/02)

Craig Short says:"When I first saw Rooney's name on the team-sheet I was relieved,because Radzinski had caused us so many problems at our place.I thought: 'he can't be as quick as him,' but he has other qualities too. He is agile, strong, quick and very, very confident. He just seemed to be totally at home out there and you didn't want to be one against one with him because he has so much skill." (16/12/02)

Moyesy says: "Between 17 and 20 is an age when you don't want to be in the spotlight. It is a period where we want to try to take his adolescence away from him. To deny him the opportunity to do the sort of things everyone else has done at that age.

"I don't think he's got a big ego. He's very down to earth and just wants to be left alone and we have to be careful how we continue to watch his development. He's more mature as a footballer than as a person. At the end of the day we want to do what is best for him. We have to be careful with him. He's played a good game but if at the end of the season he's played 20-25 games then it might be right for him to get a chance to be involved with England at that stage, not now. (16/12/02)

Moyesy says: "He’s more mature as a footballer than as a person." (15/12/02)

Wayne's Dad says: "This award is a massive achievement for my son and shows just how far he has come in such a short time." (10/12/02)

Gazza says: "He is a fantastic player and as long as he keeps his head right he will go on to be a great, an unbelievable player." (10/12/02)

Duncan McKenzie says: "I burst out laughing when I saw Wayne stand on the ball. If I was the kid, I'd just say 'ok kick me up the backside and you'll give away free-kicks and penalties and get into more trouble than I will.' Wayne's really trying to say ' I'm only 17 but I'm better than you lot put together.' That's great."(01/12/02)

Gareth Barry (Aston Villa) says: "The way David Moyes is looking after Wayne is brilliant. He is going about it exactly the right way. He just wants to make sure that all Wayne has to worry about is his football and the longer it can stay like that the better." (18/11/02)

George Best says: "If I were his coach, I’d have him as the first name on my teamsheet week after week." (11/11/02)

Sven says: “He is a brilliant talent, but it might be a little bit too early to call him into next week's senior get-together." (11/11/02)

James Beattie (Sotn) says: "Wayne's certainly got all the physical tools needed to be one of English football's top strikers." (11/11/02)

David Moyesy on The Duke's call up to U-21's says: "He still has a bit to do and it will be good for him to mix with players of that age group and see how he does." (11/11/02)

Kieron Dyer (Newcastle) says: “Look at Wayne Rooney as well. He plays with no fear. That sometimes works to a young player's benefit." (09/11/02)

Bobby Robson says: "He played like a 27-year-old rather than a 17-year-old. He was immense and gave a great performance." (06/11/02)

Alan Irvine says: "Wayne was fabulous tonight. He has fantastic ability and on top of that he's got incredible mental strength. He has no fear and was absolutely awesome. He missed two penalties in training this morning and yet walked up in front of all those Newcastle fans and all that noise and simply rolled it in. I was also amazed by his stamina. Wayne has been kept back in terms of reserve games so I am amazed he lasted so long, let alone perform at the level he did." (07/11/03)

Redshite diver says: "He is probably more mature physically than I am now and he has probably got more hair on his chest and I am 22!" (06/11/02)

Lucas Radebe (Leeds) says: "I am banging my head against a wall to explain how Wayne Rooney scored that goal." (04/11/02)

Terry Venables says: "Rooney's a terrific young player. He's not just a good prospect, he's a good player now." (01/11/02)

Colin Harvey says: "Obviously we don't want him falling by the wayside in any way. We've just got to make sure he gets to play in Everton's first team and we see the fruits of that." (23/10/02)

Unsey says: "I played against Ryan Giggs when I was with Chorley Schoolboys and I don't think it is overstating the fact to say Wayne can have the same impact — if he keeps his feet on the ground." (22/10/02)

Jogger says: " Fuckin 'ell. Did yer see dat" (19/10/02)

Arsene Wenger says: "We were beaten by a special goal from a special talent. You don't have to be a connoisseur to see that. He has everything you need for a top-class striker. I haven't seen a better striker under the age of 20 since I've been in England. He's a great prospect for English football." (19/10/02)

TV Commentator Clive Tyldesley says: "Remember the name, WAYNE ROONEY!" (19/10/02). Obviously Clive had been reading our headline below.

Colin Harvey after the 3rd FA Youth cup clash with Nottingham Forest says: "Either side could have won it and I thought when young Wayne came on he had three or for chances which could have won the game for us." (21/11/01)

Blue Kipper Headline a Year Ago Wayne Rooney - Remember his Name

Child

Wayne Rooney is a 15 year old forward. He is going to be a star. Remember you heard it on Blue Kipper first. He scored 8 goals for Everton's Under 17's side last season, even though he is a year younger than the rest of the squad. Along with Scott Brown, & Sean Doherty, Rooney has been selected for the England U17's for a tournement next month. He and is the youngest member of the squad. If you get a chance go & watch the games. (20/06/01)

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