The Manager Of The People's Club - David Moyes - 04/05
The Manager Of The People's Club - David Moyes - 04/05 |
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David Moyes is happy to have a nice long break before the next game. Moyesy explains: "When we knew we were going to have a free weekend we had things planned so the players would do some training to keep them ticking over. But we have also made sure they get some time off. We have had a hectic schedule in the last few months. This break gives them a chance to recharge, mentally as much as physically. It will do them no harm to take their heads away from it for a few days. And then we can come in next week ready to focus fully on our next match."(10/03/05) Down but not out. That seems to be the rallying call echoing out of Goodison today. Moyesy as ever has been playing down talk of Champions League football, but lets all remember we are still in the driving seat. Moyesy says: "We have not been talking about fourth. We think we have had a good season and anything else is a bonus. The players are down because they know they did not perform, although I haven’t had to say that about them many times this season. Ideally we would like to get this result right out of our system straight away but we have picked ourselves up from bad results in the past and we will do so again. This, however, was right down in the bottom echelons when it comes to our performances this season, though a lot of credit must go to Blackburn and Mark Hughes." (07/03/05) Moyesy is doing what he does best, and that is keeping everyone's feet on the ground. Talk is rife that Everton have done enough to secure the lucrative fourth spot, but Moyesy is not as yet setting any targets. Moyesy says: "We’re not talking about the Champions League just now. It would be far too premature and certainly it would only add more pressure to us. Obviously, we know that we’re in such a good position that it is possible to qualify and we’ll try and make that happen. But we haven’t set ourselves a points tally. We just want to win as many games as we can between now and the end of the season. We’re just going about our job and wanting to do the best that we can." (28/02/05) Moyesy was delighted at the players response after Saturdays Cup defeat to Man ure. More than ever the boys want to finish the job off, of gaining Champions League qualification. Moyesy also said that he would rather turn United over in the League than the Cup, so one half of his wish has come true. Beatts back, Tiny back Big Dunc fit, roll on April. Moyesy says: "Straight afterwards, the boys were talking about sticking together and saying they want to finish off the job this season. It was great encouragement for me to hear them saying these things after the game, and it made things easy for me. I didn't have to pick them back up. I think if you'd have asked me before the game whether I wanted to beat United in the league or the Cup, then I'd have taken a league win. We were running out of options by the end of the game with so many players out. But if you'd asked me whether I wanted the players to miss a Cup game or a league game, I'd have said a Cup game. It's difficult to be critical of a bunch of players who I think are giving their best in every game. I can't ask for anything more of them. We are not running out of steam. But when it comes to big games, we have to try and bridge that gap somehow to the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea and on the main we have done that well this season. We played some good football on Saturday, but we did not create enough opportunities." (21/02/05) Moyesy as ever is speaking a lot of sense ahead of tomorrows clash against Cup holders Man Utd. With the return of Wayne Rooney on most peoples minds, Moyesy is telling every Blue in the ground tomorrow, to forget him, and get behind the boys. Wise words from a wise man. Moyesy says: "I want Everton supporters to be as strong as they can be, but I don’t want there to be any silliness. I don’t want them to be focusing on Wayne Rooney; I want them to be right behind our team - the way they have been all season. Our supporters have been brilliant all season. If our players give their best on Saturday, I’m sure our supporters will be right behind them again. We don’t like good players coming back because it’s hard to deal with them and Wayne is a very good player. Wayne will be improving all the time, his age will make him better, he will improve with experience, he will get more confident as he goes along. He was an excellent player here, but I am sure he’s improving. We won’t be giving him any special treatment. We will give Manchester United and all their players a tremendous amount of respect. They have three other strikers to worry about as well. As we know, they have such a selection of good players there and Sir Alex can pick whoever he wants. But overall they are a fabulous team with really good players and their history has shown that they win trophies. I would have thought that most people saw us as underdogs. “From our point of view that’s a good way to go into the game because we have a decent home record. However, we are playing one of the best sides in the country who have probably been the best team in the country over the past decade. So, we know how hard it’s going to be. But we want to beat them. They’ve also got a game against AC Milan. Maybe that will be on their mind, but we have to try and do what we have to do and I hope that next year, we’re the team who have got other things on their mind." (18/02/05) Strong Eleven, If Nothing Else Moyesy is not far short in naming a strong eleven to face Man ure on Saturday, but he will not chance anyone who is doubtful with an eye on the League run in. The bench might be a bit sparse, as injuries and suspensions are beginning to kick in. It seems now that the Champions League is taking priority, and the financial riches it will bring. It would be nice though to have a shiny bit of silverware to look at come May time though. Whoever plays I'm sure won't let the shirt down. Come on you Blue Boys. Moyesy says: "We are not short as far as getting a strong 11 for the game. But we might be short of options on the bench. But our priority is making sure everybody is ready for the run-in. That is the most important thing and I would rather have 16 or 17 senior players available for the league games we have coming up rather than the FA Cup." (17/02/05) First day back from the boys jolly to Portugal, and Moyesy reckons the break has done them the world of good. A few games of golf, some light training, and a bit of rest and relaxation has brought the squad, if possible even closer together. Lets hope them tired legs have freshened themselves up for Saturdays crucial cup tie. Moyesy says: " The training was fine, we had some good weather and it gave us a chance to change the scenery for a few days so it was ideal. We will probably do it again before the end of the season. It is something I have felt we have needed; the weather is fairly poor at home just now. It gave the players a chance to get freshened up. They’ve been working really hard all season and we will continue to do so and it gave us a chance for something different. Going away means they are able to relax, play a game of golf. They have a very good spirit amongst themselves and it enhances it when they are living with each other and makes it tighter again. We are going to need that spirit right until the end of the season and it was important not just for the break but also to get the players together again." (17/02/05) Beattie - Right To Be Sent Off Having had another look at the video of Beattie's sending off against Chelsea, Moyesy has changed his mind about it. But he still thinks Gallas went down too easily. Moyesy says: "Having had some time to reflect and, perhaps more significantly, having now had time to carefully study video recordings of Saturday's game, I believe that I should set the record straight by conceding that the dismissal of James Beattie was right and correct. My comments on Saturday came immediately after the final whistle and at a point when I had only had the opportunity to see one, very quick re-run of the incident. Although the incident was totally out of character - James has never even been suspended before in his career - his actions were unacceptable and, self-evidently, had a detrimental effect on his team-mates. James did issue a formal apology to myself, his team-mates and to the Everton supporters immediately after the game and that was the right thing to have done. He will now be subjected to the normal club discipline. He is a competitive, but a fair player and I know how upset he is by what has happened. However, I must say that I do still believe the Chelsea player in question did go down too easily.” (14/02/05) David Moyes is missing Tommy more than ever. He is trying a few different line-ups to get the right blend. Moyesy says: "We are still seeking the right blend since we lost Thomas. That is what we are looking for at the moment. We have not been at our best but these things happen in a season. Teams change all the time and you have to adapt. We are still looking for the right bodies and the right blend."(10/02/05) With Moyesy's third anniversary looming as Everton boss, he has took time out to reflect on his achievements since joining the Blues. Now that Everton are back in the upper echelons of the Premiership, Moyesy believes that the team are heading in the right direction, but as we all know there is still a long way to go. Keep up the good work Moyesy, hopefully in twenty years times when you are retiring as Blues boss, you can reflect a little more, when polishing your medal haul. Moyesy says: "I think it’s taking a while to change round. I’ve been here for almost three years now and I think it has taken time for me to adjust things. When I first came here I said: 'I can’t ask for time', because I don’t think managers get given that, but I will try and make things work. You can get results that keep you in the job a little bit longer and in time you change things around." (08/02/05) Everton Boss Davey Moyes, is laughing all the way to the bank. Whilst all the other teams around us have spent an absolute fortune to try and gain Champions League qualification, Everton have got where they are by spending virtually jack shit. Also with the cash recouped from sales from the season, Everton are by far in a healthier position than all the competition for the lucrative fourth spot. Moyesy reckons in turn this has took the pressure of him and the playing staff, as they know we are not dependant on securing the fourth spot so we can pay the wages next season. Saying that though Davey, we want it. Somehow I feel the shite will struggle to pay their wage bill next season, if we pip them to it. Now wouldn't that be nice. Moyesy says: "I don’t believe there is any pressure on us now. Anything we achieve now is a bonus because we have already avoided the relegation everybody thought we would suffer and we are not expected to be in the position that other clubs have spent millions to get. The players have been great and if they don’t do anything else from now until the end of the season they have certainly done plenty for me. We are very, very calm and trying to enjoy the games, we are not going to be talking about anything else. We spent around £2.5 million last summer and recouped the Wayne Rooney, Tobias Linderoth and Tomasz Radzinski money plus we made massive savings on the wages of all those players we released. At the start of the season the target for most clubs is to secure their Premiership status and we have done that. It is not for Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool but then their squads and the money they spend reflects that. We cannot be put in the same bracket as them without the money they spend being taken into consideration. We are enjoying it and there is no pressure on me or the players. We will just see now what happens. We are certainly not under any pressure to get into the Champions League." (06/02/05) Still with a seven point gap over the shite, Boro, and Charlton, Everton lie comfortably in fourth. Moyesy is starting to believe that Champions League is within our grasp, and with fourteen games Everton find themselves in the driving seat. After the disappointment of Saturdays defeat, Moyesy knows he has the players to deliver the ultimate prize. Moyesy says: "We have played a lot of the top teams competing against us recently and we know what we have to do now in order to stay out in front. Based on what we have seen we have as good a chance as any of those teams we have faced. We know we are there to be shot at because of the position we are in but we are determined to stay where we are. We didn't play as well as we know we can against Charlton and we were not at the level we have been setting ourselves. But we still weren't far away from getting something out of the game. We had been on a very good run at home and it is very important we get back on track. Everybody was very down on Saturday because of the outcome. That was the first time this season when we have felt really sore after a game. But the job now is to kick on. We have achieved our first goal for the season by reaching a points total which guarantees our Premiership status. Our second goal was to get a points total worthy of giving us a finish in the top half of the table. When we have got enough points to make certain that is secure then we will focus on our third target, which is qualifying for Europe." (25/01/05) It looks like after all the transfer speculation, Moyesy will not be adding any new faces to his squad till the Summer. With the departure of Tommy, and after Saturday's defeat, Moyesy is happy to play out the last fifteen odd games with his current squad. Moyesy says: "I won’t be bringing anybody in now. The players we have here have done a great job all season and I am happy with the players we have got. We did miss Thomas Gravesen more at home than we did at Middlesbrough but we will keep playing well and we’ll try to bounce straight back after this defeat. We have done so on every other occasion we have been beaten but I am sure, we can carry on." (24/01/05) Moyesy has pointed out what a lot of fans were thinking at yesterdays match, that the Goodison Park pitch is in its worse condition for years. The wet weather has taken its toll on the normal lush green grass, and it is concerning Moyesy that much that he has been spotted at the B+Q Superstore in Aintree piling his trolley up with Fisons Evergreen. There I got it in, now do I get my years free supply. Moyesy says: "It is not an excuse but it is a reason. We are not ones for making excuses here but the pitch at the moment is diabolical. We are going to have to do something because it is not anywhere like it should be. It suits away teams because you don’t need to play much football and it makes it much harder to pass and control the ball." (23/01/05) Moyesy has expressed his surprise at the FA's decision to charge Everton and Boro' for the handbags incident on Sunday. Moyesy is questioning the individual who has called the charge up, saying they have no understanding of football. Bluekipper.com have been researching the FA's website, and have come up with the name of Stanley Grimsdale, who is a FA employee, in charge of seeing the charge through. He lists his hobbies as train spotting, collecting bottle tops and playing with matches. Nuff said. Moyesy says: "I’m surprised. I’d like to know the actual individual who called the charge because if there is one they have no understanding of football. It was just a challenge. Someone went for the ball, the ball was dropped and that was it." (19/01/05) Big Neville Southall who is now manager at Non League Hastings, is describing Moyesy's achievements this season as ridiculous. Big Nev like the rest of the footballing world expected Everton to really struggle this season, but the Big Welshman is delighted at the teams work ethic, and togetherness. Big Nev says: "It's ridiculous, really! He's dragged blood out of a stone. Everybody at the beginning of the season expected them to be relegated but he's turned them in to a really good outfit. The nice thing about it is that they all look after each other. They've got a good work ethic with a bit of skill. He's added a couple of players and if he can add a couple more during the January transfer window I can see them being a good force." (18/01/05) Birmingham back in November was Everton's last win on the road, and Moyesy is not unduly worried about the fact. With draws at Boro, Newcastle and Blackburn, and defeats at Spurs, and Charlton, it has been two months since the team bus enjoyed the winning feeling on the trip home from a Premiership clash. Moyesy says: ""How many wins have we had this season away from home? We had one last year, while we have had five this season. We went to a Middlesbrough side who were desperate to win to catch us up, so at the end of the day a draw was a good result even if we felt we could have won. Yes, we would like to win more, but at the end of the day doesn't everybody?" (18/01/05) With the loss of Tommy Grav, and Super in the last week, no one more than Moyesy knows the urgency on bringing new faces into the club this January. Moyesy who is currently linked to anyone who farts at the moment is scouring the markets trying to strengthen before the window shuts in a fortnight. Moyesy says: "We know that we could do with being strengthened and take it from me we have tried plenty. I can tell every Evertonian that we are trying and I’m sure they trust what I’m trying to do. If we can get the right ones we will, but if we can’t we’ll go with what we’ve got. In time we’d like to strengthen our team if we can. I don’t know if the players we’d like to bring in will be available. We are trying to bring players in but if not then we know that the team is more important than any individual. We’ve got the likes of Joseph Yobo, Kevin Kilbane and James McFadden who can play in one or two positions." (17/01/05) More Players At The Right Price Moyesy would like to bring in 3 more players in the January sales, but not at silly prices. Two are available now, but hard negotiations will be needed to get them at the right price. Moyesy says: “We would like to bring in more players and we have our targets but we don't know whether they are at the right price for us now. We will only pay what we think is the right price and will not go over the odds. People may think we have money available after the sales to pay more than a player is worth." (11/01/05) Moyesy played James Beattie as a lone striker against Plymouth, but he will use 442 in some games. He will not be afraid to be a tinkerman. Moyesy left Thomas Gravesen, Tim Cahill and David Weir all on the bench. Moyesy says: "We took a chance by leaving two or three players out today. We are trying to recharge their batteries for what we know will be a long, hard run-in. We rested some but the ones who came in did a good job again. We want to be able to play in several ways. We want to have more than one string to our bow. We’ve got a good system and it’s helped us to win games. We will need different ways as we go on.” (09/01/05) Moyesy has added his voice to the growing debate about TV cameras in the nets for goal line decisions. The argument has come to a head after Spurs Pedro Mendes had a perfectly good goal disallowed at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. Thank fuck they were not in for that Bolton game seven odd years ago. Moyesy says: "I've had a referee training at Bellefield this morning and I've been talking to him about it. It was quite interesting to hear his views. My view is that I think we could have some form of technology used for goalline decisions, but I don't think I'd want to see technology used all over the pitch. I don't think we're ready for that. I don't think there'd be any harm if there were a camera on the goal-line, with that being assessed in some way. At least that would be a start. I don't think we should go too further than that." FA Spokesman says: "The FA is willing to consider any goal-line technology that would improve decision-making while not disrupting the game. The key factor is whether a message can be transmitted immediately to the referee allowing him to take an immediate decision without interrupting play." (06/01/05) With Beatts now at Bellefield, Moyesy is virtually there, on signing the forward he tried to grab on transfer deadline day back in August. Everton are set to break their transfer record to bring the Saints hit man to Goodison for £6m. It is now just a case of finalising the small print before Beatts is paraded to the crowd before the home game against his old clubs deadliest rivals Pompey. Moyesy says: We had made a previous offer for James on deadline day after we lost Wayne Rooney and the price was much higher than it is now. If we get him then hopefully he can give us goals as we believe of what is currently available he is the best around and has as good a goalscoring record as anyone in the Premiership. We are quite down the road with a medical at the present time and I am sure everyone understands that with a deal this size it takes a while to sort out." (03/01/05) Moyesy is looking forward to kicking the Goodison New Year off at home to Pompey tomorrow evening. The Scottish manager believes the atmosphere generated at evening matches is something special. Remember half bat tickets are on sale if your mate lends you his season ticket. On production of voucher 61, you can get a ticket half price for anywhere in the ground. Moyesy
says: "I always enjoy the games at Goodison under the floodlights.
I’ve always thought that it adds to the atmosphere. We’ve got a terrific
home crowd and I think that the evening kick-off sometimes helps. We’ll
see and hopefully it works to our advantage against Portsmouth. Everton may have to wait until the summer before the arrival of any new players. Moyesy says:"We'd like to add one or two if we can but I don't think it will happen because a lot of targets will not be available until the summer. But if there's something out there we'll do our best to get them. We're looking and trying to be active."(02/01/05) As 2004 draws to a close, manager of the Peoples Club, Davey Moyes reflects on the highs and lows of being the boss of the greatest club on the planet. Moyesy says: "As a manger I’ve probably had it all this year. I’ve not had many bad periods in my managerial career but I’ve got to say that the first half of this year wasn't good, culminating in the last five games of the season, which was probably the big down side. Then on top of that was all the goings on during the summer which wasn’t just on the field, it was off the field. But this season to see the attitude of the players, the way they’ve come back and handled themselves, the way they’ve stuck together has shown me another side. Sometimes when maybe you don’t think that you’ve got enough, with a bit of love and attention and a bit of work and the players working hard together you can sometimes make something out of it and the players have certainly made something out of what we’ve got here just now." (30/12/04) With the January Sales only days away, Moyesy may be tempted to buy a couple of players. With Ferguson out for 3 games following his sending off against Charlton, a striker looks a possibility.James Beattie and Yakubu Aiyegbeni seem the most likely. Moyesy says: "There is fantastic unity and team spirit at Everton right now, and I wouldn't want to disrupt that," he said. "I have a picture in my mind of what an Everton player is. We do not want players who will be short-term; we want people who will be here for three or four years. But if you are short of players to do it for you then you have have to buy. But we are not in that situation; we are comfortable in the League and we do not have to do anything in a panic. We will not waste money." (29/12/04) Moyesy is playing down all speculation of new faces in January. The canny Scot who believe us will have ear marked his targets, is not however about to play Everton's business out in the press. With clubs aware that Everton have a few bob of the Rooney money to spend, will no doubt be adding a few shekels on here and there. Moyesy has warned that if it means waiting till the Summer before buying he will. Moyesy says: "It's become the buzz question now to me or anyone connected with Everton. We'll just handle it the same way as we've said before. We're always interested in bringing good players to Everton. If we can do, we will do but, if nothing is available in January, we'll wait until the summertime." (22/12/04) Looking back over the first half of the season, Moyesy is delighted with the points haul Everton have now, but wants to wait until well into the new year before he targets anything. Moyesy says: “It would be nice to get to 40 points before the New Year but it's not the biggest goal for us. We are close to last year's points total with only half the season gone and I am sure we will get some more to keep us in the Premier League. Whether I want to set my sights higher - I think we need to wait another month or so. Once we get over Christmas I may look at things differently. I listen to managers who have been in this position regularly, season in season out, and most of them say they'll wait until the end of February and the beginning of March to see what they can do. I will probably follow their example. We are playing with a lot of freedom, there is very little pressure on us and I am going to try to keep the players as relaxed as I can. People who are closest to me know exactly the way I think and what I do. We're enjoying being near the top of the league and we're going to try to stay there. We've been enjoying that winning feeling and that winning mentality. We want to have more of it and it is my job as manager to make sure that we don't get complacent.” (19/12/04) Everton's greatest manager, Howard Kendall believes Moyesy can guide Everton into Europe this season. Kendall who famously won the Cup Winners Cup back in 1985, says with the way Everton are performing this season, that Europe is a certainty. Howe says: "David Moyes has an opportunity now to establish Everton as a genuinely top club, the foundations are there, it's a case of keeping the momentum going. People have said they can't sustain their position, and that's lovely for them really because there's no pressure on them. Everyone at the club is just delighted to be where they are in the table. All the talk is about Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal for the championship yet Everton are sitting second, with no pressure on them. You
never know, there are other distractions for the other clubs with the
Champions League. I can certainly see Everton finishing in a Champions
League place, it's whether or not they can keep it going, and carry on
with that work-rate and that will to win. I don't want to tempt fate, but we now believe here at bluekipper.com that we might avoid the drop this season. It's a week away from Christmas, the Blues are second in the title hunt, twelve points ahead of the shite, and one ahead of Champions Arsenal. Whilst the Local and National media don't even bother mentioning Everton in Champions League dispatches, Moyesy is at last talking our chances up of maintaining our great form, and staying around the upper echelons of the Premiership for some time to come. Moyesy says: "I don't believe any other club second in the table at this stage of the season would not be considered serious challengers. It will be marvelous if it continues, and if it was anyone else everybody would consider it right to say we were in the mix. People have said it can't happen, that we haven't got the resources. But why can't we prove it can be done with a small, committed squad? That is a big thing for us to say, they are a fantastic bunch of lads that I am proud to manage. It is a massive jump to the big boys, but by hook or by crook we are doing all we can to bridge it without having the finances." (13/12/04) Ahead of the 200th Derby, Moyesy is more concerned in Everton's point tally, than turning the shite over. To Moyesy it is just three points to be won, and getting to 36 points by the close of the day. A bit of kidology we thinks from our canny Scottish manager again. Moyesy says: "Having 33 points on the board at this time of the season gives us more pleasure than anything and we aim to get a few from the Liverpool game. It's easy to say that 60 points gets you into Europe, and it does not look too far away. But talking abut achieving those results and doing it is something different. Experienced managers say 'wait until the end of February and then we will see who can handle it.' I just hope I am in that position to find out. We are just happy we have 33 points from 16 games and I would rather have that than any one derby victory. We are more concerned with getting to 36, it doesn't matter who we are playing. We can also get to our last season's final points tally before the turn of the year and that would be something really pleasing." (11/12/04) Blue Bill has backed Moyesy in joining the Goodison greats when it comes to managers of our illustrious club. On the eve of the 200th Derby, Blue Bill firmly believes, as we do, that David Moyes will join the like of Howie, and Harry and bring some silverware to our club. Blue Bill has had to deny rumours that Moyesy is appearing in his forthcoming production of Jesus and His Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Empire, saying he is to busy performing miracles elsewhere, Like that one, we do. Come on you Blues. Blue Bill says: "The club owes an awful lot to Harry Catterick and to Howard Kendall. But it also owes an awful lot to David Moyes and he will certainly be up there with them soon. He is the man who has brought the glory days back to Everton. When David arrived here it was not unlike the situation when Howard Kendall took over in 1981. We were in trouble then and we were certainly in trouble when David became manager." (10/12/04) Moyesy last night gave his honest appraisal of the happenings in the Summer, at the clubs AGM. He addressed the gathered masses of great and good, oh yes, and the shareholders aswell, and thanked most of all his playing staff for their efforts this season. Moyesy says: "For me, after losing 5-1 at Manchester City I thought that it couldn’t get any worse, but it did. There was speculation all summer about our best players. I looked at myself to see if the things I’d done were correct. I asked for honest opinions from my staff and players. They were marvellous in their replies. After
having such a poor season the players were sore and it pleased me. The
players I’ve got are as good a group of players as I have ever worked
with. They are all very committed and every one, every week, wants to
play. They think they can win. They think it’s going to continue and I
hope it does. Moyesy is playing down all talk of Europe, and realistically would be content with a top ten finish. Our canny Scots manager talks a good game aswell, and is determined to keep everyone's feet on the ground. Moyesy says: "The talk of Europe wasn’t from me, or if it was, it was people forcing me to say things. It was simply a case of me saying the things that I’ve been saying all season. We’re going to try and do well, we’ll try and win every game. But we’re not going to set ourselves up, we’re not that daft enough to say something stupid. Realistically, we would like to finish in the top ten if we can." (06/12/04) Moyesy is telling his players to fear no one, as they carry on holding third place, from some of the country's big spenders. Whilst Man Ure, the skunks and the shite, still sit in Everton's shadow, Moyesy has revealed that his players are comfortable in their lofty position because they have proved themselves against their rivals. Moyesy says: "We have still got three or four teams to play before we have faced everybody, but up to now we have been a match for virtually every side we have faced and that is giving us confidence to go out and get results. We are not looking too deeply into why things have turned out like this. Maybe other people are looking too deeply into it, but we are just enjoying training and playing at a weekend. There is a desire to keep it going as long as we can." (02/12/04) With the players doing their bit on the park, Moyesy is wanting the crowd to carry on with the noise and their tremendous support, that the team has received this season. With a tough December ahead, Moyesy wants the volume turning to maximum over the next few games, starting with Bolton this Saturday. Moyesy
says: We’ve had a great backing all season and we could certainly
hear our supporters, albeit they’re up near the gods at St. James’ Park.
At Newcastle they helped a lot so we need the same at Goodison. The backing
we get at Goodison is great and let’s hope that they can turn the volume
up again even more. With an average of two points a game for the Blues this season, Moyesy knows that the form is good enough for a European slot. After convincing ourselves at last that we might not get relegated, Moyesy is setting his sights higher, after coming through a difficult November with seven out of a possible twelve points won. Moyesy says: "Now we have taken 30 points from 15 games, which is an average of two points a match. I don't have to say what that kind of form means. But we are not kidding ourselves. We are just a hard working group and just because we have come to Newcastle and got a point doesn't mean we are at the same level of Newcastle yet. But we are making a good go of it. I don't want to set myself and the players targets, but the players should be getting praised for what they are doing. Why should we not be a team that can challenge for a place in Europe? We have to think that we can. We should try and aim for Europe. "I thought this was the hardest month we had because we only had one home game in November. But we have come through it with seven points from 12 available and having only lost once - 1--0 at Chelsea." (29/11/04) Davey Moyes is not to concerned about his sides modest return in the goals department. With just sixteen goals scored in fourteen Premier League games, Moyesy is not losing any sleep as his team sits in third place for the tenth week running. Everton however have the third best record in the defensive department behind Chelski, and Man Ure, so the song '1-0 to the Everton', might be a bit more common place this season. Moyesy says: We have not scored as many goals as we would have liked, but we have certainly had the opportunities. After all, nobody can say we didn't deserve to get our result on Saturday or at Birmingham, or that we didn't deserve one at Chelsea. The Tottenham game in particular stands out as a match where we created more than enough chances to take something from the game. But despite that, we have still been getting the results and have reached a position based on what the players have achieved on the pitch. Obviously, we would have liked to score more goals, but we have still done enough in the games to get the results we have anyway. The players are gaining a growing understanding of what is required to win particular games. Saturday was the first time this season where I have played with just one striker up-front at Goodison. But it was something I felt was right for the opposition." (24/11/04) Rather than having few options with his thread bare squad, Moyesy believes he has several ways to mix up his band of merry men. Everton without doubt have the smallest squad in the Premiership, and with a regular formation of 4-5-1, Moyesy seems to have hit on a winning formula, that has pushed the Blues into European contention. Moyesy says: "We have several ways in which we can play. We can use players in different positions, we can use Leon Osman a bit further up, we can move Marcus out to the right, we can let Tommy roam a bit further on and so on. We’ve got different ways of playing and we have to change it as we see fit. We have to see how the game is going, because we’re desperate to keep winning. We know we have people who can come off the bench to give us different options, such as Duncan and James McFadden. I think we’ve got a squad, not a big squad, which is capable of playing different ways, which is really important." (23/11/04) Moyesy is applauding the contribution of his International stars, who are regularly turning out for their country, than keeping up a high level of performance for the Blues come the weekend. Moyesy says: "I think Tommy’s got a bit of a sore knee, but I think he just wanted a clap! I think if you look at Thomas, he played in Georgia this week and he’s turned out again and played the best part of another 90 minutes for us. Also Kevin Kilbane and Tim Cahill have played international matches regularly including ones this week, yet they keep on pulling off wonderful performances. It’s tough for those boys, as it is for all the international players, but our boys, with such a small squad have been asked to play in every game. I think it’s a credit to them that they’re doing well every week for Everton." (22/11/04) The cash must be on the table for new buys or Moyesy would not have signed the new extension to his contract. That seems to be the message that is coming out of Goodison today, as Moyesy confirms he got the assurances from the board he craved, before signing his new deal. Moyesy says: I have spoken to Bill at length about the investment and I know the situation now, so yes, it is there. It was an easy decision once I got the reassurances that money was coming into the club. The signs are that we are moving in the right direction and I want to be part of that, I want to make a good club great again. I knew I could have taken other jobs if I wanted to do so but Everton is the right club for me. Everton is the right club for me because of what it is. It is one of the top six or seven clubs in the country with a proud history and that shows what can be achieved. These jobs are very hard to come by and to be the manager at Everton is a terrific opportunity for me to fulfil my ambitions. I've only managed two clubs, Preston and Everton, and I want to be someone who leaves a club in a better state then when I took over. I did that at Preston and hopefully I will have done the same with Everton when my time comes to leave here. The club has only been in the top 10 twice in 10 years and we need to redress that before we start talking about Europe. But we want to start competing if we can. There are signs that we are moving in the right direction. With the support of the board and the money that is coming in behind them, there is a real chance that we can turn things around." (15/11/04) Time is running out on the Blues Premiership status. They now have only six more months to reach the magical forty points that will ensure Everton's survival for another season. Moyesy is trying to remain calm throughout it all, as his team won their fifth game on the road this season. With Everton needing another fourteen points or so to get to the forty mark, Moyesy is claiming we are better on the road than Bon Jovi, Elton John, and Pilot that great seventies group. 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd. Moyesy
says: "It’s beginning to sound great isn’t it. We’ve won
five times on the road now and it’s not a fluke. This was another disciplined
and professional performance. Last season we only won one away from home.
It was important that we did something about that and we have. With the ink still wet on his new contract, Moyesy mapped out the future for the club. Europe was his top target. Not just for this season, but for years to come. Yet again he says the right things. Don't you just love him. Moyesy says: “We have got new funds coming in and with that I feel that there is a chance that we can move the club to the next level. It won't be easy, but a goal of mine is to try and get Everton into Europe and hopefully become a side that can compete in the top half of the league, instead of a side who, in the last ten years, has only finished in the top ten twice. Of course the job is not any bigger than the first day I came in but I think we're beginning to get clear guidelines and with the help of Bill Kenwright and Keith Wyness. We're trying to formulate a proper business plan for behind the scenes and I am going to continue working on the plan, which I felt I had when I came in nearly three years ago. That was to try and get a side capable of competing at the highest level we can. It's taken a little while to get that going, but this year we're back up there, so who's to say that last year was a blip and this year and the year before is the way we want it to be. My aim is to make sure that we have seven or eight years out of ten in the top half of the table. I think we're beginning to get into a situation where we're getting a bit of continuity at the club. People now want to come and play for Everton. I can say that, I can tell you by the phone calls and the people who are trying to push the players in there. Players know that if they want to stay at Everton and want to be at Everton, they are going to have to work really hard and do what we want and they way we want it done. If they do that, then they'll have an opportunity to be a part of, what I am sure will be a very successful and fruitful future for Everton. The fans have played a big part in my decision because one of the things you want is to feel wanted. I've certainly felt that from day one since I came here. I think the supporters from Everton have been through so much turmoil in the past and I think that now they are enjoying a period of peace and stability, in as much as the club isn't up in the air all the time. But what they have got, hopefully, is a future which I think looks much brighter for Everton.” (12/11/04) Moyesy has signed a new contract today, which will mean he has increased his salary in line with some of the top managers in the country, but more importantly he will remain manager of the People's Club until 2009, at least. This is great news for the fans, who have took to Moyesy ever since his immortal words "Everton are the people's club in Liverpool. The people on the street support Everton." were spoken at his initial press conference. Since then he has been Everton's talisman. He says the right thing all the time. Most importantly the fans trust him. Here's to the future, Davie.Moyesy says: "I am ever so pleased. The opportunity to sign a second contract at Everton doesn't come around very often, whoever you are. I am delighted and extremely humbled to receive it because I realise that a big part in me getting this is because the players have performed well. I also feel that we have made progress in the past two and a half, three years and I now see a much better future for Everton. That is making me think that it's certainly the right place for me to put my name to.” (12/11/04) Moyesy is still confident Everton can stay at the top, despite not having the riches Chelski have. Moyesy
says: "If we had £12m then we would buy someone like
Robben. But we don't have £12m. You buy what you can afford. If
you can't buy in Armani you go and buy in Marks and Spencers. We will
do the best we can. We
never said we would be up at the top, but we are going to do everything
we can to try and stay here." (08/11/04) Moyesy believes, like the rest of us I might add, that Everton are we they belong to be, and that is in the upper echelons on the Premiership table. With the Blues sitting just three points behind the joint leaders in third place, Moyesy is enjoying the situation, and relishing the challenge in keeping the Blues up there. Moyesy says: "It is where I hope and where I expect to be taking this team. I am very hard on myself in that respect and always want to be at the top, whichever club I have been at. We are feeling good about ourselves and enjoying everything that is happening right now. It is great to be in the situation we are in and we are looking forward to it. We are going there (Chelsea) to try and compete with them and give them as good as we get. We have a lot more self-belief. Being in the position we are in is liberating and it is helping us to maintain our good form." (06/11/04) Moyesy wants to put talk of new signings in January off the agenda for the time being. As we all hope, signings will be coming in to strengthen the Blues, but Moyesy reckons it is unfair to the players who are performing so well now, to be talking of new faces. He also says that if the right faces are not brought in, it could disrupt the form the team are in at the moment. Moyesy says: "It would be wrong to talk about other people coming in because the players we have here are performing. So there's no need to talk about anyone else while they keep performing as well as they are doing. I think it can happen if we don't bring the right personnel in. At this moment in time the players here are doing great, but we were a little bit short on Saturday." (01/11/04) Moyesy is officially the top manager in the Premiership according to a daily rag, who constructed a league table according to numerous factors. Forget Fergie, Arsene, Jose, and that fella' with the twat of an accent at Analfield, Moyesy is top dog. Unbelievably he is the lowest paid boss in the top flight, though I am sure Blue Bill will rectify that shortly. The table took in to account the managers salary, transfer budget, and finishing positions in the league over the past three seasons. A calculation is then done, which if I am honest I have not got a clue what they are going on about, as I only got a grade three CSE in Maths, and my sums are shite. After the maths has been done, Moyesy pisses the table, to come out on top in the managerial stakes. Now we all know Moyesy is a miracle worker, and this proves conclusively what every Evertonian has known since we signed him from Preston. Give him the cash Bill, and HE WILL make us great again. (30/10/04) Moyesy is targeting the Carling Cup as one of the entries into Europe this season. With only a small squad at his disposal, and no whole sale changes in his line ups, this could work in Everton's favour. Hopefully they can carry on their great League form into a productive Cup run. Moyesy says: "It would be great to qualify for Europe. I actually think that this season some teams are thinking the competition is more important than it has been in recent years. The word I am hearing from the other clubs is that maybe Everton should have a decent crack at the Carling Cup. But I still see most Premiership sides using the competition to rest players because they know the ultimate goal is to do well in the league." (27/10/04) Moyesy believes with the grit and determination his side is showing, that there is no reason why his boys can't stay in the upper reaches of the title battle. November will see a tough test for Moyesy's men, with away trips to Chelski, and the Skunks. Top six by Christmas, and I think we will all be happy. Moyesy says: "I actually think we can stay there up at the top now. I think we are doing well, we are playing well enough with lots of confidence and we will continue to be a hard team to beat, be it away or at home. I can only speak for myself but I believe everyone agrees in the squad that we are going to try to stay up at the top for as long as we can. We have never said that we would be in this position in the first place but now that we are there we are going to try to stay there. We are enjoying it and it is a great position for us to be in because most people thought we would be down around the bottom three, never mind the top three." (26/10/04) Moyesy thinks that his skills from the bench were put to their severest test in the weekend's win at Norwich. Everton who led comfortably, in the first half, then looked like throwing the match away in the second, did not give their gaffer an easy afternoon. Moyesy substitutions worked handsomely, as Stevey Watto laid on a perfect cross for the Big Man to head home the winner. 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, if you did not already know. Moyesy says: "I felt like I was having to work harder from the bench compared with what I've had to do in several other games this season. I think it ended up a good change. You make it at the time and hope that it works, and the way we play means we always have to make changes whether the game's going our way or whether it's not. We also made a subtle change just before half-time that got us the second goal when we swapped Tommy Gravesen and Leon Osman over for five minutes. If you look at the goal, the position both players are in creates the goal for Marcus. The substitutions in the second half helped us stem the tide, and in the end it was a lovely ball from Steve Watson and a great finish from Duncan." (25/10/04) The ride continues, hold on it's getting fun now. Moyesy has described his time at Everton as a roller coaster ride, and while we are on a high lets enjoy it. Moyesy is delighted most of all for us the fans. We are now at the top of the roller coaster and Moyesy wants to stay there as long as possible. The Everton gaffer was the headline guest for Sky, at Old Trafford to watch the Mancs turn over OUR title rivals Arsenal. Moyesy reckons OUR main threat for the League will come from Man Ure, Arsenal and Chelski. Moyesy says: "I’m so pleased for them because it is a roller coaster ride at Everton. People told me that before I came and I am now trying to get us to the top of the roller coaster and stay there as long as we can. It is not an easy thing to do but the punters understand that. I think they know exactly what we are trying to do. They can see that, in the main, things are going in the right direction and it’s good for them that they get to see their team up near the top of the league again. If I said it surprised me it would be not right for the players to hear that but I can’t say that this is where we thought we would be. Now we have got here it is not really surprising me because they are playing that well and it is probably one of the best dressing rooms I have been involved in. There is a willingness to win, we’ve talked about the team spirit but I suppose the best way to sum it up is that every single one of them is giving it their best." (24/10/04) Moyesy is secretly pissing himself laughing, as his team carry on confounding the critics, in their pursuit of world domination. With the smallest squad in the Premiership, Moyesy has not many secret cards up his sleeve, but if the Blues carry on their hard graft a brighter season is most definitely on the cards. Moyesy says: "I don't know if the critics are waiting for the bubble to burst, but we have won six out of nine so far and that is a decent return. We are not like Arsenal, they can put out a completely different team if they want. We can't, we have 19 professionals and we just have to get on with it. However, we can play in different ways and that is what has helped us get to this position. There is great flexibility in the way we can change the system with what Leon Osman, Kevin Kilbane and Tim Cahill can do for us from midfield. They can get forward and score goals. That
is why it has been nice to hear people say good things about us and deep
down we have been sniggering to ourselves that everyone seems to have
been getting it wrong about us. Moyesy is telling his players to enjoy the moment, as they are, were they are on merit. Lets get a little high urges Moyesy, but after the Adrian Mutu allegations, maybe we will stick to fruit juice, just in case. Maybe on the end of season tour to Jamaica, we will see what we can do. Moyesy says: "It's great that we have expectations here now, because nobody expected anything so let's get a bit giddy, a bit high. Everybody should enjoy it. We are up there on merit and moving forward. I do not expect this to stop, we do what we do and we are good at it. I cannot think of a game this season that we have not deserved to win. It's another clean sheet, another 1-0 victory and another week we are third in the league." (19/10/04) As
predicted Moyes has won The Barclays Premiership Manager of the Month
for September. Moyesy says: “It’s important because it means that the team’s been doing well. It’s been terrific and hopefully we’ll get many more to come. It’s not just myself, it’s a team effort behind the scenes at Everton. Every day I talk with Jimmy Lumsden and Chris Woods and Andy Holden and we discuss the players, the training, the performances, we go through the information we’ve got so it’s a real team effort and I’d never think I could do the job on my own, it’s too big a job. The people behind it are the ones who deserve a lot of credit as well because that’s part of the decision making process.” (15/10/04) Moyesy who has 18 months or so left on his current deal, is said to be close to finalising his new one that is currently on the table. Moyesy has been waiting on assurances off the board over the till that will be available to him when the transfer window re opens in January. Currently Moyesy is one of the lowest paid top flight managers, but somehow me feels when he signs his new deal, he won't be. Moyesy says: "I have always said I wanted the club to show the ambition which will try to take us forward. Everything I am hearing at the moment is moving towards that, which is very pleasing. Bill Kenwright has worked really hard to secure the finances and help me to get that money together. We have been talking together about the contract for a few weeks now and it is going very well." (14/10/04) Moyesy has praised his soon to be out of contract defenders Alan Stubbs, and Davey Weir. Joey Yobo also gets a mention for his patience in sitting it out, whilst his defensive duo, shut out Premiership attackers. Moyesy says: "Up until the injury which ruled him out for the Manchester United game our best player had been Joseph Yobo. But Davie took his chance when he came in and has deserved his place in the side. That is the way it is at the moment and Joseph appreciates that. If players are producing then there is no reason to change things around. The defenders are playing very well, are full of confidence and are benefiting from their experience and know-how." (14/10/04) Everton's greatest ever Manager Howard Kendall, has given Moyesy a thumbs up in the direction in which he is taking the club. Howard who also endured a few lows in his time at Everton, has admired Moyesy in the way he dealt with his problems in the Summer. Howie says: "David has done very well. I think that with all the speculation in the summer, as well as the murmurings about Wayne Rooney and the club’s financial situation, people weren’t positive and there was a lot of doom and gloom around. But it has changed now and a lot of that is down to David. The lads are playing as a team again, they are working hard for each other, the coaches have organised them well and David fully deserves the position we’re in at the moment. The team have made a tremendous start. No-one expected it and I think that’s the most pleasing aspect of taking sixteen points from the first eight games. Although it was a disappointing result last week with the Tottenham result, at the start of the season with the games played, points won and the position in the table, you’d have to be very happy indeed." (13/10/04) Moyesy thinks it's a case of too little too late, over the Jamie redshite saga. Moyesy believes that redshite should have been penalised on the spot with a red card, and it serves no purpose to ban him after the event. It strikes me the other person who is getting away with this scot free is the other prick, Graham Poll. Two obvious penalty decisions waved away (one for us, one for them), and a red card so blatant. A few weeks in the First Division would not go a miss, to bring the twat back down to earth. Mutant Moyesy says: "I wouldn’t like to see Jamie Redknapp receive any further punishment. If Everton were to take any benefit from what happened then a red card should have been issued on Saturday afternoon and that would have allowed us to try and get the goal back for the last 30 minutes against 10 men. Jamie apologised after the game. I told him that I thought it was a bad tackle but from my point of view the matter is now over. We were all really concerned with Tim’s condition but thankfully there has been no major damage but we aware of the severity of the blow he took. We were concerned with his ligaments and his knee after the game and now hopefully it may not take too long to heal." (05/10/04) Moyesy laughed off claims of a training ground bust up prior to the Tottingham defeat yesterday. The reports in a down market tabloid, and not on an upmarket website, claimed that Tommy Grav and Marcus Bent came to blows, and were separated by the Big Man, and Super. Oh if true what a sight that must have been. Moyesy was said to be a tad pissed off when he read the story before the Spurs game. The fight apparently was over who had the least hair on their head. Moyesy says: "The story is absolute rubbish and is hardly worth commenting on. It is complete nonsense, completely untrue and we are actually laughing at it because it is so bad. I can only think the reporter must be a Tottenham fan and he is trying to disrupt us. Isn’t that bad journalism when they don’t really know their story." (03/10/04) Moyesy is refuting claims that he is to negative in his team selection. Moyesy's boys who have won five out of their seven games this season, have not conceded a goal in the last four Premiership games. Moyesy felt the need to answer some critics on his style of play. He broke off from his game of chess, which is entering it's fourth week, to answer the allegations. Fuck 'em off Davey, three points Saturday will do nicely thank you. Moyesy says: "That's the thing which makes me laugh the most because we have changed the formation for each of the last three games. We played differently at Manchester City, changed things against Middlesbrough, with Ossie behind Marcus Bent and the wide men pushing on, then played differently again yesterday. For 35 minutes we had two strikers yesterday, and we also played 4-4-2 against Crystal Palace and West Brom. Tim Cahill is a goalscoring midfielder. Thomas Gravesen is a terrific, attacking player, while Kevin Kilbane and Steve Watson can always pop up in the penalty box. The only player who sits in is Lee Carsley to offer the defence some protection." (28/09/04) 'We are near enough the same group of players', says Moyesy. The class of two years ago is who he is referring to, and the similarities don't stop there. We failed in our last game to qualify for the UEFA Cup, and a lot of that success hinged on our fabulous unbeaten run of October and November. That team was built on a solid defence, as five of those games, Everton kept clean sheet's. Nige in goal, is keeping more cleaner sheets than the Adelphi at the moment, so is history about to repeat itself, lets hope so. Hopefully though we shall go one better, and qualify this time !!!!!!!!! Moyesy says: "We need to keep that going now, like we did two years ago. You can sense that everyone knows what is required of them and they know what we need to do to get a good level of performance. We are near enough the same group of players, with the addition of one or two new faces here and there, so we see no reason why we can't carry on proving people wrong." (27/09/04) Moyesy is telling his players that a lot of hard work is still ahead. After a fantastic start, Moyesy is still not bothered at how nice the league table looks ( I fuckin' bet), but about how many points the boys are amassing. Bookies have slashed the odds on Everton going through the rest of the season unbeaten from 10,000/1, to 7/4. Honest !!!!!!!!!! Moyesy says: "We have got good honest players and winning breeds spirit. This is a great start to the season. Now we just want an equally good middle and end! At this stage it is all about getting the points on the board, not the league position, but this has been an exceptional performance by the boys so far. Football is not always predictable and we are just thankful to be doing so well just now. The players are showing a great deal of hard work, spirit, discipline and organisation and long may it continue." (27/09/04) Moyesy was unhappy with the decision by Bristol City's Security team, that if the game went to penalties, which it did, that they would be took in front of the home fans. The rule states that, it should be decided on the toss of a coin, in which end the pens are taken, unless a risk to security is determined. The same happened to Moyesy at Preston, when he was in charge there, and he feels clubs are abusing the rule to their own advantage. Moyesy says: "The rule was supposed to be brought in so the toss of the coin still took place but that security officers could step in if it was not safe at one end. This is not sour grapes because we won but I was not happy with the situation on Wednesday. The decision was made prior to the game for security reasons but if Bristol have security issues with 15,000 people in the ground, what chance have they got of getting in the Premier League? I was angry there was no toss of a coin because our fans paid the same money to go to the game. I was originally involved in the rule change, but I am not happy with the way it is now being used." (24/09/04) Moyesy although delighted with his charges start to the season, is reminding everyone that his immediate target is the magical forty point's barrier. After they are reached in December, he then will hopefully go on about winning the treble, followed by total world domination. Moyesy says: "We have new investment on the way and hopefully that will be tied up shortly. There will be finance available to strengthen the whole squad. We have only 19 outfield players. Hopefully we can then get close to the top clubs. You need to spend money if you hope to have some success and that is the word I am getting at the moment. If we get serious investment we have a real chance of competing at a high level again. The team is doing well but we have a small squad and I hope to add to it. Our first target is to get to 40 points as that keeps you in the Premier League. If we do better than that, it would be great. This has been a tough period for us but I am much more positive and optimistic about the way Everton are going than a few months ago. That is down to self-belief, which is partly due to the players and the new investment to come. I can see Everton coming out of the doldrums." (21/09/04) Second in command Alan Irvine has praised Moyesy after the team's great start to the season. With all the criticism on and off the field in the Summer, Irvine has been made up with the whole squads response. Alan made his comments just before he went in to ask for a 50% pay rise. Alan says: "It’s nice that after all the criticism that we got as a club both on and off the pitch during the summer that we’ve been able to have a good start, because there’s no doubt that had it been a poor start then a lot more would have been made of the things that have been said in the media. A
lot of credit must go to the manager and, of course, to the players for
the way that things have gone this season so far. They’ve really dug in
deep, especially in the away games. I certainly believe that the players
realised that there was a point to prove from last season. We all tried
to use the adverse publicity that we got during the summer to our advantage
and that’s made us very strong as a group. We’re feeling the benefits
of that at this particular time and it is up to us to make sure that continues.
There will be knocks and there will be disappointments, but we need to
remain strong and cope with them. The most pleasing result of the season so far, is how Moyesy viewed the Blues away win at City. After our mauling on the last day of last season, the lads certainly owed us one, and thankfully they did not disappoint. Roll on Sunday Moyesy says: "In a lot of ways it was because there was some psychological scars from our last visit. I think there was a lot of determination after the way the season finished and the players played very well and deserved the victory." (15/09/04) Moyesy may be ready to put pen to paper on an extension to his current contract. Blue Bill wanted to push the deal through at the end of last season, but wisely Moyesy wanted to wait to see the clubs ambition. Even though it was a Summer of turmoil, with the board killing each other, and Rooney also wanting away, Moyesy at last has been promised a wedge of cash to hopefully build a squad to challenge for honours. Moyesy says: "I was asked by Bill at the end of last season about my contract. I said that was not a problem but I wanted to see the club's ambition as well. Hopefully, in the next week or so, we will get around to seeing exactly what that is. I have some meetings with Bill and the new chief executive to see what the figures are and what we will be looking to do. I'm happy at Everton. I want to win something, a cup, get into Europe, be able to say there's been a bit of success. That has to be my ambition." (14/09/04) Everton have had their best Premiership start in their history, but Moyesy wants more. Big thinking Davey wants to build on our fantastic start, by cementing their place in the top half of the table. He then wants to win the league, FA Cup, qualify for the Champions League, piss that contest next season, then win the World Cup by 2010. The Eurovision Song Contest is also in his sights, and also he is running for election to head the United Nations, and sort out the worlds problems. Moyesy says: "I want to take the club higher. I want to get higher up the league. Our start to the season this time has been better than our start two years ago when we went on to have a very good season. We now need to try and maintain it - it is only a start - and we have to try and keep picking up points as we go along. We played in a way that was going to make it difficult for Manchester City. We played in a similar way as we did at Manchester United. We only won one game from home last year and I think it was important that we showed that we tried to learn from that. We only took nine points away from home last season, so if we can take more, that will obviously give our points total at the end of the season a boost." (13/09/04) Moyesy surprised a few on Saturday, by leaving out, Tommy Grav, and Joey Yobo, in what turned out to be a match winning decision. He kept faith with the eleven who gained a point at Man Ure, and then watched the same charges take all three at Shitteehh. One point worth mentioning, did you see our bench. Tommy Grav, Faddy, Big Dunc, Wrighty. Competition for places at last, that's what we want. Moyesy says: "We could have played Thomas and at an outside chance we could have played Joseph as well but the team played so well at Old Trafford last week. It is important that if you get in the team that you stay in. We know we have a small squad and the players will be used and I can’t just use what people perceive to be our best ones. So if people come in and do a good job then they have a real chance of staying the team. There is a lot of confidence amongst the players especially around those who people maybe don’t talk about too much – the likes of Lee Carsley and Tony Hibbert. David Weir has come in as well and done terrifically well and all those players have played a big part." (13/09/04) After the worst closed season in recent times, Moyesy is confident that after the installation of the new C.E.O. and with new transfer funds being made available, Everton can move forward. Moyesy says: “Hopefully it’s a fresh start. We all know we’ve had a difficult summer and hopefully now we can start moving on and start making plans. It’s been difficult to make any plans or forward preparation whether that be short term or long term, but hopefully in the coming weeks I’ll get a chance to speak with Bill and the new Chief Executive and we’ll be able to decide what the future is for Everton. It is a delight to have some funds because it gives us a chance to try and improve. Although it is sad to say we know you need money nowadays in football to make improvements in your side. If we get some fine, but if not we’ll continue to do the best, the players are certainly doing their best at this moment in time and we’ll work hard with them. I hope there’s a sense of optimism around Goodison Park at the moment. Maybe we’ve come through the rockiest waters and out through the other side. It has been tough for everybody but at this moment in time we’ve got big Premiership games to come, the players are mucking in really well and since they came back on the first day they’ve been very good." (11/09/04) Moyesy has come out and personally thanked everyone at Goodison from Blue Bill to the shit 'ouse cleaners, in what he describes as difficult times. He is still said to be very disappointed that what's his name left for pastures new at Man Ure, but he is happy with the new found togetherness that his squad are showing. Moyesy says: "Bill has been terrific in his support and is desperate to see Everton do well. A big thank you to him and everybody else because it’s been a difficult time for him as well. The players have been really strong and so have the people behind the scenes on and off the field, as have all the directors. In fact, I’d like to say ‘thank you’ to all the people around me. I think recently you can see it, we’re working hard together to make that happen because we know more than ever we’re in the spotlight. We now have to show that Everton Football Club is a terrific football club and we have to remember that it’s a privilege to play for them and manage them." (02/09/04) Davey Moyes is talking up Everton's chances, ahead of today's game in hand against Man Ure. He is confident of doing well, but still says Man Ure are a great side. Moyesy takes his Blues squad there today, with Everton sitting higher in the League than their East Lancs rivals. Well even after three games it sounds good anyway. Moyesy
says: "We'll be going there to win. I expect my teams to
go and beat anybody. I am going there wanting to win the game and I will
be disappointed if we don't do that. We've had a decent start, so if we
can get something at Old Trafford, we would say that it was a very good
start. I'm very positive. Everything's been going fine for us, so let's
hope we can go there and give them a good game. We've done okay whenever
we've gone there and given them a good game on the two occasions I've
been there, so going there now is about right for us. It's our game in
hand. Moyesy will be chuffed to know that if The Duke goes, it was all his fault. Chairman, Kenwright has given the manager that honour. Blue Bill says: "Whatever happens with the sale, if it happens, it will be down to the manager. It's the manager's final decision. I would love him to be at Everton when he's a granddad. I can't tell you if he will be at Everton next week. We don't need to sell Wayne Rooney, we do not need to sell him." (26/08/04) Still Trying To Bring In Players The Manager of the People's Club is working hard behind the scenes to get the players he wants to Everton before the deadline at the end of the month, just 6 days away. Lets hope the 3 man board can drag themselves away from their more important business interests, so they can meet and get the cash for Moyesy. Moyesy says: “Obviously the date is closing in on us and it would be nice if we could get something done. I can tell everybody that we’re trying really hard to get the right players in. The search does continue.” (25/08/04) Blue Bill has dispelled rumours that Moyesy is set to quit, because the board hasn't provided the cash for new players, Davie was promised last season. Blue
Bill says: "There is no more committed manager in the country
and there is no stronger manager-chairman relationship than David Moyes
and Bill Kenwright. We are a mutual support team and the question of David
Moyes walking away has never even been close to our thoughts. We talk
10 to 20 times a day and we have both got depressed by things but we support
each other. He has helped me through the difficult times. We are a team,
it is a 24/7 relationship and not for one second have we not supported
each other." Moyesy is hoping that Everton's first away win of 2004, will act as a springboard to better away form, and hopefully climb us up the table. On the whole over the past few seasons our home form is comparable to any other teams, but our away form has been abysmal to put it mildly. That's OK, only Man Ure away next. Moyesy says: "Today the boys came away from home and won. We had a great first season away from home but last season wasn’t so good so let’s hope we can pick up more wins this time. We are a good side at Goodison and when the supporters get behind us it helps us a lot. I have to say that the punters we had at Selhurst Park were magnificent and all credit to them." (23/08/04) Moyesy is asking all the team to chip in with goals from all over the park this season. Everton finished up with only 45 goals last season, one of the lowest in the Premiership, and with The Duke still sidelined, Moyesy is asking his defenders and midfielder's to help out in the scoring department. Moyesy says: " We’re going to have to get goals from every area. But most importantly we need our strikers to get well into double figures, that’s got to be the target for any of them. If we can get some midfielder's and defenders to pop up with goals, that would be nice - and ‘Cars’ got one last week." (21/08/04) |