| Bring
The New Faces In
With
40 starts
under his belt this season, Zinedine is relishing the sight of
new faces at Bellefield in the Summer.
Killa
says: "I'm sure there will be money made available
to the manager and I'm sure there will be new faces coming in.
When you're playing in European competitions you need a bigger
squad and you need players that are readily available on Saturday
and Wednesday every week. With the size of the squad right now,
that's not going to be achievable as well as we hope next season."
(14/05/05)
Thanks
Lads
Zinedine
Kilbane, currently away with the Republic in Israel, is thanking
his team mates, and especially Moyesy for making him a better
player. The downside to the Irishman's improvement is not good
news for Mrs Zinedine Kilbane, as they are feted as Irelands answer
to Posh and Becks. In fairness to Killa's missus though, at least
she can sing a bit, and she has not had a nose job. She also does
not look down on you, or parade her kids like circus animals.
Neither does she buy her way to number one in the charts, or treat
Killa's parents like shite. Ok, Ok I'll stop, I'm coming now mother.
Killa
says: "I know I have definitely improved since I
joined Everton, and that is due to the quality of the players
around me. David Moyes and his staff look at every player and
try to improve them as individuals, not just as a team, and I
think it has helped me a lot in terms of my all-round game. At
Everton I have played wide, as well as in a three-man midfield
and two-man midfield, while for Ireland I have moved into the
middle of the park and I have enjoyed that." (26/03/05)
We'll
Be Fittest For Run In
Killa
is still optimistic about Everton's European chances. He thinks
Everton's fitness will pay dividends.
Killa
says: "We have got to keep going forward because
we can't let this season blow up in our faces. Each game is massive
for us now but we have just got to maintain our focus and work
as hard as we have done all season and not let what has gone before
to sway o u r thoughts. We
don't want to be thinking of just protecting what we have got.
It is true that if we match everybody else result for result we
will get that fourth place.
But
there is a lot of football to be played. We have got some big
games to play against Manchester United, Arsenal and Bolton. Even
West Brom away, which is our next game, is a big game. We have
to keep our focus and concentration levels up and try to get the
maximum from each game.
The
derby performance certainly wasn't anything to do with a lack
of stamina because this is the fittest bunch of lads I have ever
worked with. But it might help me and some of the others to get
away and play on the international scene and then come back refreshed
- looking forward to the Albion game." (23/03/05)
Happy
St Patrick's Day
Killa
will be celebrating St Paddies Day today, knowing he is just 4
games away from equaling a Republic of Ireland record.
He
is in the squad to play Israel in the World Cup qualifier on 26th
March 2005, and in a friendly against China at Lansdowne Road
on Tuesday, 29th March 2005. If he stays fit he could equal Pat
Bonner’s record of 34 consecutive appearances in competitive matches.
He would do this against France in September 2005. (17/03/05)
Congratulations
Killa
It
seems Zinedine by name, and Zinedine by nature, as Kevin Kilbane
walked away with his country's top footballing accolade in Dublin
last night. Killa pipped fellow countrymen Shay Given, and Robbie
Keane to become the Republic of Ireland's International Player
of the Year.
Killa
says: "It's been a massive year for me personally,
but the other two on the short-list had great years as well. I'm
lost for words to be honest with you and I'm just delighted. We
need to maintain the standards we set ourselves and see where
it takes us. We believe we can be in the right form and show the
right spirit to take us to the World Cup." (07/02/05)
Outstanding
Killa is starting to put a few great
games together and produce the form hr showed last season.
Moyesy
says: “The performance of Kevin Kilbane was quite outstanding.
He put some great crosses in but we couldn’t get on the end of
them and in the end it was from Tony Hibbert on the other side
that Duncan knocked across for Tim to score.” (16/01/05)
Party
Time
Zinedine
Kilbane has told us the dressing room after the Derby win, was
as electric, as the atmosphere in the Stadium. The Irish superstar
has also heaped praise on veteran defenders Alan Stubbs, and Davey
Weir, who he believes gives Tommy and Tiny license to roam forward.
Happy fuckin' Xmas everyone. Get in there !!!!!!!!!!
Zinedine
says: "It was electric in the dressing room after
the game. It was as good as it was in the stadium! It was absolutely
wonderful to be part of it. It means so much to everybody connected
with the club: supporters, players and staff. We wanted to beat
Liverpool and it was good that we got the win.
It
was a tough game to play in. There wasn’t much pretty football
being played and I’m sure everyone who saw the game would agree,
but we managed to get the goal. Lee finished it well for us and
we went absolutely mad! I think David Weir, Alan Stubbs and Lee
Carsley have been the key to us doing so well this season, because
it gives Thomas Gravesen and Tim Cahill licence to get forward.
They are crucial to the way we play. We are extremely happy at
the moment and taking each game as it comes. We had a great win
over Liverpool and we’re second. It’s a great feeling to have
and we’re looking forward to Blackburn now." (13/12/04)
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Zinedine
Kilbane is saying teams are now showing Everton some respect as
the Blues continue to confound their critics, by staying in a
Champions League position form the last ten weeks.
Zinedine
says: "We probably wouldn’t have believed at the
start of the season that by this time we’d be only one point behind
Arsenal. But we’re all enjoying it. I think everyone’s saying
that we’re there on merit and we’re playing well so it’s there
for all to see really. We’re just enjoying the moment and seeing
how it goes. I think when teams come to Goodison now you can see
the respect they’re giving us." (03/12/04)
Lets
Target Europe
At
the end of a massive week for our Irish superstar, Killa believes
Europe is a possibility for his Blues team mates. Killa who helped
the Blues on Saturday to three more away points at Brum, then
captained his country for the first time on Wednesday against
Croatia, is convinced that Everton can qualify for one of The
European competitions come the season end. Get your sombrero out
of the attic Kev, you may have a point.
Zinedine
says: "Europe has to be the aim. We can't kid ourselves
and say it's not. We believe we have a good enough team and squad
to get into Europe. We have to believe that because I certainly
want to play there. Everybody wants it and I'm sure if we continue
the way we are going then we will be all right.
We've
25 games to go, big times are ahead of us and we just need to
maintain what we have done. We believe in ourselves to stay strong
and get the right results." (19/11/04)
Simply
The Best
Irish
International O'Zinedine Kilbane, has hailed his Everton team
mates Alan Stubbs, and Davey Weir has one of the main reasons
for our fantastic start this season. He believes their partnership
at the back is the mainstay of Everton's superb defensive record
this term. Not that we don't disagree with Killa, but I am sure
Joey will be made up to hear this.
Zinedine
says: "I thought Alan and Davie were magnificent
at the back as they have been all season. They have been the bedrock
of our success this season, without a doubt. Everyone can see
how well they are playing but it is the things you don’t see,
such as their organisational and communication skills that are
really outstanding. It is thanks to them that the whole team functions
the way it does.
They
are both in the last year of their contracts but I don’t think
they have anything to prove after what they have done. They give
their all for Everton every week and ever since I arrived here
they have been superb. Davie didn’t play as much as he would have
liked last season but he has been fantastic since he came into
the side and alongside Alan they are one of the finest partnerships
around." (16/11/04)
Revenge
Killa
Seen
this morning plunging a carving knife into a box of Cornflakes,
our wide man said he was a Cereal Killa! He is out for revenge
after last season's twatting at Brum.
The new Super Kev is up for it and reckons (along with Stevie
Watto) that things will be different this time. Let's hope so
because the last three results Killa have been 'so last season!'.
(11/11/04).
More
Than Just Hard Working
Zinedine
thinks the quality of the Everton side is not being recognised.
The press are concentrating on the hard working part of the team,
and forgetting that we have some fuckin good players. We agree.
Killa
says: "This is the best club side I have ever been
a part of without a shadow of a doubt. And it is not so much the
spirit. We have some very good players in this squad. I think
the quality of the squad is something that has been overlooked.
Everybody thinks we are just a hard working side that is hard
to beat. And that is what every side needs to be first and foremost,
but we have also got gifted players who can create things and
get goals for us.” (09/11/04)
Killa
My Club
Killa
hopes his old club has a great season starting after tonight’s
game of course. Killa along with Moyesy has big Preston links,
but apart from that, don't you just love the title, Killa my club,
get it. Oh alright then, I'll fuck off.
Killa
says: "I’ve got fond memories of Preston. It’s a
big club, the club I supported as a boy, I still look out for
their results now and I hope they’ll do really well this season
- after Wednesday night of course.
I
think it will be very difficult for them to come back to the top-flight,
but over the past few years they have established themselves as
a good First Division. They’re hovering around the play-offs and
if they can sneak their way into the top six, who knows what can
happen? " (27/10/04)
Over
Confident?
What
a difference a season makes. Last season an away win whatever
the margin, would have been greeted with the joy of three valuable
points, in our battle to avoid the drop. Now after our unbeaten
run on the road continues, as well as the three points, we can
start being critical about our performances. Killa reckons over
confidence was to blame for our poor second half showing against
Norwich. Me personally, all I have to say is 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd,
3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd.
Killa
says: " I think perhaps at times we didn’t play
as well as we have been playing. We went 2-0 up at half time and
went in feeling really confident that we might be able to get
three or four and we were probably a little bit over confident
I think. They came out firing straight away and got a goal back
within the first couple of minutes. Possibly a little bit of complacency
set in. We put in a really good shift in the first half, we were
playing well. Second half we were totally different." (25/10/04)
Were
Do I Sign
Zinedine
is chomping at the bit, to put pen to paper on an extended deal.
Killa who has surprised everybody since joining the Blues with
his quality displays, already has a long list of admirers that
include, Ronaldo, Figo, Carlos and ex Coventry front man Mickey
Quinn.
Discussions
have now opened with Moyesy, and if Killa has his way, he would
sign today. Then again an agent will be involved, so watch this
space.
Killa
says: " I have an option to extend my contract at
the end of the season and the manager has already spoken to me
about it. I am just looking to sign a new deal for as long as
possible. I love it at Everton and I’d like to think I could be
here for a good few years yet.
The
manager has said he wants me to stay and that’s what I want too.
There is an agreement in place whereby if both parties are happy
we just extend the contract. I’d just like to scrap it and just
sign a new two-year deal or whatever is there. I’m just looking
to sort something out with the club and get it done and dusted
as quickly as possible." (21/10/04)
Best
Form
Even
though Killa hasn’t got off the mark this season he still believes
that the last 12 months has produced his best togga.
Killa
says: "I am not off the mark yet this season and
I want to put that right. I have had a few a couple of chances
but I have been thwarted a few times.
I
would say the last 12 months has been the best form of my career.
I have enjoyed it here from day one. I just feel at home and I
have settled in very well. And when you start to play well you
gain momentum and you enjoy yourself more and more.
We
feel as though we can compete in every game we play in and get
good results in every game. I am sure every side we have come
up against this season has found it difficult against our style
of play and our physical presence. We want to stamp our authority
on every game we play in." (18/10/04)
Man
of The Match
Kevin
was voted Ireland's man-of-the-match in the 0-0 draw against France
in Paris. He won his dual with ex-Everton star Olivier Dacourt.
Irish
manager, Brian Kerr says: "Stephen Carr and Steve
Finnan did a great job on the right flank for us and Roy Keane
and Kevin Kilbane also dominated midfield."
Killa
says: "It's a great result for us. Tonight
we have proved what a good team we are. We believed in ourselves.
We believed that we could come here and get a positive result
- and we have." (10/10/04)
Oh
What An Atmosphere
Zinedine
rated the last home win against Boro' as one of the best atmosphere's
he has played in, as the fans raised their game to sing the Blues
onto three points.
Killa
wants the same reaction from the crowd against Spurs, as the Blues
go in search of a fifth straight win. Believe me it's great writing
that. I'll write it again, fifth straight win. Come on you Blue
Boys.
Killa
says: " The fans will be right behind us on Saturday
for the game against Tottenham Hotspur, it goes without saying.
From the first minute they’ll be right behind us, giving us the
support that we need and hopefully we can just get the right result
to give them something nice to go home with.
I’m
a big believer in the 12th man mentality. I think the Middlesbrough
game, although it wasn’t a full house; it was one of the best
atmospheres that I’ve played in the last 10 or 15 minutes of that
game. " (30/09/04)
Up
On The Roof
Self
belief in the Everton dressing room is through the roof, according
to footballing giant, Killa Kilbane. Kevin believes that since
the Arsenal defeat, things have been on the up, personally, and
at team level. Killa was making his comments after returning from
one of his Soccer Schools, at which Ronaldo, Figo, and Thierry
Henry all attended, to hone up their skills.
Zinedine
says: "Since we’ve got a few wins together, we’re
now going out believing that we can win the game and that’s the
most important thing. It’s nice to see the team so high up the
table. It’s the highest position I’ve ever been in as a player
and I’m just delighted with the way things are going. We’re playing
some good stuff and we’re enjoying ourselves at the moment.
That
seems to be coming through in terms of our performances and also
the results we’ve been getting recently. After the Arsenal game
many people wrote us off, but we went down to Palace, got a win
and things are going from strength to strength." (24/09/04)
Zinedine
in World Cup Squad
Republic
coach, Brian Kerr has named Killa in the Irish squad to play against
Cyprus and Switzerland in the World Cup Qualifying games in September.
(25/08/04)
Away
Day Success
Zinedine
Kilbane, Everton's very own superstar, is adamant even at this
early stage of the season, that tomorrow's game at Palace is a
must win affair. With Everton as useful as a Lada on the road
last season, Killa believes it is imperative that we start our
away day campaign off with three points. Hear, hear.
Zinedine
says: "It feels like it is a must win game. It’s
funny saying that so early in the season, but that’s the nature
of the game now. We’re going to Palace wanting to win and that’s
all we can do. If we play to our capabilities, then we will do.
Expectations are big at this club and you’ve got to be going away
to teams, believing in yourself and taking games to teams. We
do have the players capable of getting results.
It’s going to be very difficult, though. Palace are a strong side.
It’s their first home game back in the Premiership. They’ll be
looking to produce a good performance in front of their own supporters
and we’ve just got to try and stop that. All the pressure is going
to be on us, we know that. We know that they will be up for it.
They’re going to be coming out on a high. The first 10-15 minutes
is going to be crucial. We’ve just got to try and hold them off,
especially in that initial onslaught and hopefully, we’ll be able
to put a few passes together, create a few chances and we’ll win."
(20/08/04)
Too
Good
Killa
believes that Everton's small squad is too good to go down and
the players are determined to prove it.
Killa
says: "There are people who are writing that we
are relegation candidates and you do read these things. This club
is too good to go down. I know people will keep on saying that,
but we just have to stick together and make sure it is proven
true."
2We've
not got a big squad, and although the manager wants to bring new
players in, having the small squad has made us tighter. We've
had a really good time together in pre-season.
"As
players you just have to get on with it. We can't focus on it
anyway, we can only focus on our games and we have one coming
up against Arsenal on Sunday."(13/08/04)
Important
What
an important player Killa is for the blues. He scored another
on Saturday and the boss loves him to bits.
Moyesy
says: "Kevin Kilbane has done terrifically well
since he's been here. He's got a couple of goals this pre-season.
It's great to see him scoring."(09/08/04)
A
Whopper
Killa
hopes to prove the boss wrong after the whopper he scored against
Wednesday
Moyesy
says:" It was some goal from Kevin Kilbane. I said
to him afterwards that I just wish he'd kept it for a couple of
week's time, because that might be the only one with his right
foot this season"(04/08/04)
Jesus
Its Hot Here
With all the shite about boardroom dust ups, the
Rooney affair, it is easy to forget that we are a footy club,
about to embark on a new season. Killa Kilbane currently being
mobbed out in the States by lovers of total football, is gearing
up and ready for the forthcoming Copa De Tejas, but unfortunately
due to the climate, he does not rate our chances of turning over
the Mexicans.
Killa
says: "With the humidity it will favour the Mexican
sides but it will still be good for us to get out here and get
some games and I’m sure we’ll reap the benefit when we get back
home. It’s still humid though even though it was a little bit
cooler last night after the heavy rain in the afternoon."
(27/07/04)
Road
To Recovery
Killa
has had surgery on his ankle problem. He has recovered in time
for the trip to Austria.
Bazza
Rathbone says: "The consultants operated and removed
a small piece of bone from the back of the joint which obviously
we knew was there but we hoped it would settle down. He seems
to have had a good recovery"
Back
Soon
Zinedine
went under the surgeons knife yesterday in a bid to rid himself
of his niggling ankle problem. Head physio Basil Rathbone has
assured Moyesy that Killa will be fit for pre season training,
when the squad get back together in early July. The only disappointed
party in all this is Brazilian ace Ronaldo, who had urged Killa
to holiday with him, so he could pick up on some of his skills.
Killa has told the Brazilian nut job to do one, and if the stalking
continues, he would let loose midfield partner Tommy Grav on the
deranged South American.
Basil
says: Every time he struck the ball he was getting some
discomfort in his ankle. We’ve allowed him five weeks rest, but
it hasn’t really settled so he’s having an operation on Thursday
to take out a small piece of bone from the back of his ankle joint,
which is causing the problems.
We anticipate a rehabilitation time of four to six weeks so we
hope he will be able to join in pre-season training. We have had
to strike a balance between giving it enough time to settle on
its own, which it obviously hasn’t, and advising the need for
an operation." (04/06/04)
Killa
Last Season Everton
Squad Numbers 04/05
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