Whats Going On Boss

Jimmy Mac who is preparing to face Moldova and Belarus in the next week, has felt unhappy enough at the Blues to ask Moyesy of his plans for him. Faddy as a consequence of his lack of first team action with the Blues, has now fallen out of favour with new Scots boss, Walter Smith. Faddy was left out of Smiths first match in charge, out in Italy, but is training hard to prove to the ex Everton boss, that he is up to the task of playing for the Scots this weekend.

Faddy says: "I think I have improved as a player but the only way to tell is if I get a decent run in the side and am playing week in, week out. I am not frustrated as in restless but I would rather be playing and I don’t think anybody else in my position would be different. It is frustrating, but with Everton doing so well it has been a bit easier to take because of the great season we have had. I have spoken to the manager a few times and he knows how I feel. And I know what he wants me to do to get in the team. I am going to try to do that." (02/06/05)

Steady Progress

Although he's making progress, it may be still too early for Jimmy to return to the first team squad.

Baz says: "Faddy is making progress, he is almost sprinting flat out. It is 28 days since he did it and is doing most of the stuff with the medical team. But he is probably not quite there yet and we will have to see how he is over the next few days." (07/04/05)

Down But Not Out

Faddy who is definitely out of Scotland's big game in the San Siro, is not letting the situation get him down. After missing out on the shite match last weekend, and now this, Faddy is accepting the situation, but admits it is frustrating.

Faddy says: "There's never a good time to be injured, but when you think I missed the Liverpool (shite) game and the Italy game, I don't think I could have missed bigger games this season. It's disappointing, but if you let it frustrate you, it's harder to bounce back. I've accepted my situation. It could be worse." (25/03/05)

We Can Do It

Jimmy Mac is starting to think the unthinkable, that Everton can secure Champions League football for Goodison next season. Jimmy whose only other European adventure was a fortnight with the boys in Benidorm five years ago, is as they say though taking every game as it comes.

Faddy of late has been getting a starting place, since Moyesy has shuffled his pack in Grav's absence, and at the moment he is not disappointing.

Faddy says: "You wouldn’t have thought that come February we would be closing in on Arsenal, so it’s good to take heart in the knowledge that we’ve bounced back from the first game, we’re high up in the league and challenging for the Champions League place.

I think once you’re in our position, you’d be lying if you said that you weren’t thinking about the prospect of Champions League football next season. But it’s the old cliché; we’ve just got to take every game as it comes. We’re in fourth place on merit. Not many teams have got the better of us when we’ve met them this season and we deserve to be where we are."(07/02/05)

Centre Firecracker

Faddy was delighted to get his first goal at Goodison since joining the Blues in 2003. Moyesy pushed Faddy in from the wing, and the Scots youngster thrived in his new found position.

Faddy says: "The role I played today gives me a lot more flexibility than when I play on the wing. There is you against the full-back, sometimes against the right midfielder as well. It’s a bit easier to lose your man when you’re behind the striker or up with the striker; you get more space and more time and obviously, you see a lot more of the ball.

It was a special goal for me, my first at Goodison. Some people said to me beforehand that they fancied me for the first goal! I felt confident going into the game, I felt as if I could get a goal and I am just pleased to get my first goal at Goodison Park.

I am a player that thrives on confidence, but then again, I think everybody does. The best thing any player can have is confidence. It’s hard to be confident all the time if you’re not involved. But I am starting to be involved a lot more and I’m feeling a lot more confident and calm and I feel as if I’m able to do it. I was generally pleased with my own display against Sunderland, but I know there were bits were I could have done better. But the important thing was that I worked hard and tried to change the mistakes into good things." (31/01/05)

Faddy Staying Put

Faddy has dismissed rumours that he is about to jump ship, and move back to Scotland. Rumours were doing the rounds that both the Glasgow giants Rangers, and Celtic were about to make a move for the Everton player. Faddy of late has hit of rich vein of form, with goals coming at Spurs, and Plymouth in the Cup. Moyesy seems to be utilising the youngster more at present, so Faddy has got a smile on his barnet at last.

Faddy says: "It's nice to be linked and to know people are still interested in you but I've not got a desire to move. If the club come to me and say they no longer want me and have accepted an offer then that's a different story but I'm more than happy at Everton. I came down here to play in the Premiership and make a name for myself and I hope I can do that. It's the top level in the game and I want to stay here as long as I can." (14/01/05)

Good Run

Jimmy is hoping his recent goal scoring efforts will be enough to keep him in the team for Sunday's game against Boro.

Faddy says: "I am just grateful to be in the team at the minute. I am absolutely delighted with how things have gone in the last three games. It did feel like a weight off my shoulders scoring at Tottenham. It didn't mean much to the team because the game was lost, but it was good for me.It was my first start in a while and I was just focused on trying not to do anything wrong. I didn't have my best game, but I stayed in the team. It was a confidence boost that the manager was prepared to keep me in. He did the same on Saturday so I just hope I have done enough to stay there for the trip to Middlesbrough on Sunday.(10/01/05)

The Eliminator

Jimmy Mac is hoping to stay in the team after playing in the last two games, scoring a goal along the way.

Moyesy says: "I think the last couple of games have given Faddy a lift and we need him because he is the kind of player who can make things happen and who can eliminate people. To be that type of player you have to play well all the time and it is a different job to most other positions. But he is a young player who is improving, and scoring at Tottenham and then doing well against Portsmouth will do him the world of good. We have a lot of confidence in him."

Benty says: "In training, Faddy has been working really hard. He has been down but he has still been working his socks off and waiting for his chance. Hopefully, now he has taken it." (07/01/04)

Another Chance

Faddy is hoping for another game on Tuesday to show the boss what he can do.

James says:" I've been waiting to get another start but I wasn't too happy with my own performance. Hopefully, I'll get another chance on Tuesady to prove that I am woth a place in the team."(02/01/05)

Staying Put

Jimmy Mac is refuting claims that he will be farmed out on loan come the January transfer window. Jimmy who has found it hard to break into the first team, mostly due to the form of Zinedine Kilbane, is prepared to stay on and fight for his place. A little thank you to all the fans from Jimmy aswell, and we are sure when his chance comes for a decent run in the side, he won't disappoint.

Faddy says: "Going out on loan might be an option a lot of players would consider and they couldn't be blamed for doing so. However, I want to stay and fight for my place. I'm determined to do that.

It's nice that the Everton fans believe in me and there is a bit of a buzz from them when I come on. I don't see it as pressure. I just wish I was playing in front of them more often and I'll do everything I can to make it happen." (22/11/04)

Gis a Game

Faddy is hoping for a game tonight and is looking to remind Moyesy what he can do. If Jimmy does not start, he will at some point get on to remind the Goodison faithful, that he is still about.

Faddy says: "This period has been hard for me. I am delighted when the team wins, but it is not too nice not being involved. I want to be winning on the pitch as well. I'm really looking to score, I've been without a goal in the first team for too long." (27/10/04)

Mixed Fortunes

Last night had mixed fortunes for Faddy. He scored, but had to be subbed later on with a dead leg. Again David Moyes is keen to point out the importance of him playing whenever he can and his chance will come.

Moyesy says: "He picked up a dead leg but we hope it won't be too serious. We wanted to give him a run out and we always planned to play him for one hour anyway. There is nothing wrong with his match fitness but we felt he needed to keep his eye in.

He is mentally very strong. You can be as strong as you like, though, but if you are lacking confidence it doesn't make a difference. But the natural ability James has will make it easier for him to come through it. I am sure it is only a matter of time before he is helping us with his performances in the first team. When he gets his opportunity, he must be able to grab it." (20/10/04)

Love It

Sent off for his country last week, missed penalty for Everton a few weeks previous. Enough to get most people down, but Jimmy Mac is loving every minute of his time at Goodison. Faddy who came on to play his part in the Blues victory on Saturday is happy to be part of a squad that is lying third in the Prem. Still love writing that, third in the Prem. Again, third in the Prem.

Faddy says: "Things are going alright. I’m still enjoying the training, enjoying being part of it. Obviously I want to get more games and more minutes but I’ve got to be happy with the way it’s going for me just now. The fans always give me a rapturous applause when I come on. It’s nice to know that they’re behind me.

As far as the sending off for Scotland is concerned - these things happen. But it was nice to get back and concentrate on the game on Saturday. We’re starting to get a knack of 1-0 wins. I hear that’s what happened the season before I joined the club but we’re just happy to get the points. It’s a nice feeling to be third in the Premiership. That’s down to the boys’ hard work and the club as a whole deserves it." (19/10/04)

Adamant

Moyesy once again has jumped to the defence for one of his under fire stars. Jimmy Mac's sending off for the Scots on Saturday put the icing on the cake, on the young Scots season so far. Moyesy however is adamant that the youngster will come good, and so are we. Keep smilin' Jimmy !!

Moyesy says: "Hopefully, everything that can have gone wrong for James has now gone wrong and he'll get the slice of luck he deserves. He's been very unfortunate this season, but there's no doubt we will need him later in the season. He had a tremendous impact when he first arrived here, when he was performing without any pressure or expectation. Because he hasn't figured much this season he has probably been putting extra pressure on himself, but he's a very talented footballer and I know he'll come good again for us." (11/10/04)

Sent Off

Jamie's season hasn't got off to the best of starts with him unable to secure a place in Everton's starting line up. So he was hoping to show what he could do in a Scotland shirt. He got sent off. He handled a goalbound header and was shown a straight maroon card. He now misses Scotland's game against Moldova on Wednesday.

Scotland skipper, Barry Ferguson says: "McFadden getting sent off didn't help us but I'd have done the same thing in his position." (09/10/04)

Have Faith

Jimmy Mac's former manager at Motherwell Terry Butcher, has given the young Scot a huge vote of confidence. The ex England skipper, let Faddy join the Blues on deadline day last season, and he is adamant that Faddy's confidence crisis will soon pass.

Motherwell Manager Terry Butcher says: "It's only a question of time. He's a homegrown boy, and it is a culture shock for him. He will come through this because he has undoubted ability. He's a terrific player who just needs confidence. It's a difficult time for a young man like Faddy, who is close to his family and is very much a Scottish boy. But he will definitely do well. He thrives on confidence and maybe he just needs bit of luck to turn things around for him.

I've caught up with him once or twice since he left and I think he is a different person now. He has a much more mature outlook on life. He has also got the perfect manager to help him in David Moyes. David is Scottish and will be able to relate to Faddy and help him along the way. He will know what he will be going through. When he was up here James would go through periods when he would struggle, but that's only understandable because he's a young boy." (06/10/04)

Support For Jimmy

Moyesy has been trying to lift the spirits of Jimmy Mac, who performances have not set the world alight this season. Faddy also missed a penalty in last weeks League Cup win against Bristol City, and has not had much of a look in with the form of Killa, since they both signed on deadline day last season.

Faddy you don't lose it overnight, keep going and you will come good.

Moyesy says: "James was low after missing that spot-kick, but his opportunity will come again. He is Scotland's top player and will get better. He has bags of ability." (30/09/04)

Spot On

Jimmy Mac will be chomping at the bit to take the next spot kick if one comes his way. A year after signing for the club, Jimmy is still yet to open his Goodison account, and he could not have asked for a better chance when handed the ball in the last five minutes of the Blues cup tie at Bristol the other night. After missing the kick, then opting not to take one in the shoot out, Jimmy will still be putting himself forward for the duty if asked in the future.

Jimmy says: "I have been here a year now and it doesn't look like it is going to come after I missed a penalty and also a good chance but hopefully it won't be long. It was a poor attempt for me and all credit to the goalkeeper, he has guessed the right way and he's saved it but that happens. I have a good record with penalties. Up until that one there I had scored my last nine. Hopefully if I get another chance then I will take it. It was a tough night and while I am ready to take another penalty I was just glad I wasn't called upon to hit another one in the shoot-out." (24/09/04)

Pep Talk For Faddy

Scots manager Berti Mc Vogts has given a little confidence talk to Everton forward Jimmy Mac. Faddy who is not seen yet as a first team regular at Goodison, is being assured by Berti that his time will come in the Premiership. Faddy is expected to start tonight's friendly against Spain in Valencia.

Berti McVogts says: "Everton have played three matches and he has played in one of them, so a drop in confidence is normal. I spoke to James in the morning about his situation and, maybe, he has lost a little confidence. He has to live with his situation. Now he is playing for a big club in Everton. He played in every match for Motherwell but, at Everton, it is different where there are a lot of other strong boys

He is one of the most talented players in Scotland and now he needs experience. But David Moyes spoke to Rainer Bonhof when they met at a match and he told him he was fine with James." (03/09/04)

Staying Put

After losing one top striker, Scottish International, James McFadden has moved quickly to quash rumours that he nearly moved to Rangers on deadline day. Faddy who has only had one start this season, is currently away in Spain with the Scotland squad, or on the piss in Benidorm, maybe.

Faddy says: "I don't think it is possible. Nothing has happened apart from an article in a newspaper. There was no approach to me, I don't think there was one to anyone at Everton. The manager certainly hasn't told me anything and I have not been in contact with anybody.

I have not played and I don't think anybody is going to be happy with not playing but we have a good squad and I am enjoying it at the moment. I am not interested in anything else at the moment. I have got games for Scotland coming up and I am looking forward to them." (01/09/04)

Unbelieveable

Even though Faddy was taken off injured on Sunday, he is expected to play for Scotland for the friendly against Hungary on Wednesday night. Kenny Miller has heaped praise on Faddy and even though there is plenty of competition for place he expects Faddy to be number one choice.

Miller says: "McFadden has been unbelievable in the last couple of games and he's made a lot of goals at this level so he'll be in automatically so I'll just work away at training and hopefully I'll get the nod to play alongside him.(17/08/04)

Win

Like Lard, Faddy thinks we can beat Arsenal on Sunday.

Faddy says: " We know that Arsenal are going to be a step above Real Sociedad. That's no disrespect to them, because we know how good Arsenal are and how good thet're going to be. But we need to just get at them. We believe that we can win the game, we just need to work as hard as we can."(09/08/04)

Do It All

Faddy looks most comfortable up front but David Moyes will be expecting him to play different roles during the season.

Moyesy says:"James still has a lot to learn, but we want him to be able to play wide and up front for us. He is getting a few goals and has a bit about him, but we also want him to play on the right and left when necessary." (04/08/04)

Born Winner

Jimmy Mac has said of his delight at opening his account for the season, in Thursday match against Mexican Champions Pacachu. For Jimmy whether he is scoring in a Premier League game, or in a friendly, he just wants to win. Bluekipper.com tried to speak to Faddy out in Houston, but he told us to piss off, as Stubbsy had just beaten him in a game of Subbuteo, and he needed time to get his head together.

Faddy says: "It was quite surprising to get a goal so early and it gave everybody a lift. It was good for me and it’s always nice to score a goal whether it’s in a public park or in a stadium like this and it is one to remember as it's only the second I've scored for Everton since coming here.

Obviously our priority is to get the fitness levels up but like I said earlier in the week, even if the games are only friendlies you still want to win every one, especially if there’s a trophy for it." (31/07/04)

Piss Off You Pair

On his first day in the hot seat proper, Blue Bill has issued a hands off warning to anyone eyeing up, Scottish wonderkid, Jimmy Mac. The vultures that are Celtic and Rangers are believed to be circling around the precocious young talent, but I am sure Bill would be inviting World War Three with Moyesy, if he even considered selling one of out brightest prospects.

Blue Bill says: "It would not surprise me in the slightest if Rangers, or indeed Celtic, were still interested in McFadden. The fact is, we see James as one for the future. I have spoken to David Moyes over the weekend and I know he sees James as a first team pick next season." (02/06/04)

Jamie Last Season