Lets Do It This Weekend

Marcus Bent is adamant that Everton can clinch the last Champions League spot at home this weekend against Newcastle. If Everton win, and the shite fail to win at Arsenal, that means it ours, and what a party Goodison will have. Come on you Blue Boys.

Benty says: "We are giving it all but it didn't go the way we wanted at Fulham. Now we have got Newcastle this weekend. The confidence is still there and it is still in our hands. The pressure has been on all season and we have proved we can deal with it. It might still go down to the last game and if it does we will keep fighting all the way. But we want to get it tied up as quickly as possible. We are not worried. We know what we have to do. The Newcastle game is a big chance to box it off in our last home game." (02/05/05)

Keep Your Peckers Up

Playing virtually the entire match with only ten men, Benty reckons the lads have nothing to be ashamed about after Saturdays defeat to Chelski, and Mike Riley. Benty who was outstanding in the match, was delighted with his team mates attitude when faced with Biffa's sending off.

Benty says: "The boys worked really hard. We did well to come in at half-time 0-0. They kept possession for a long period but I don’t think they made too much of it. We’ve got nothing to be embarrassed about because we worked really hard with 10-men and if we’d had 11 men it would have probably been a bit more interesting. We took some consolation from doing so well against the League leaders. If we’d had 11 men it would have been hard but with 10 it was very hard.

Maybe with 11 players on the pitch we might have had more chances. We did create a few chances but nothing to really hurt them. It was disappointing when Beatts went off. We didn’t feel that he’d done too much wrong, after we’ve seen it on the screen maybe it will tell a different story, but Beatts insists that he didn’t do anything wrong. A couple of seconds before the defender was holding him off and stopping him from getting to the ball. Football is football, things happen." (14/02/05)

The Goals Will Come

Benty believes we should have taken all three points on Sunday, and he wasn't best pleased with the chances he missed. He was however delighted at the chances that were created, and sooner or later he reckons a bag full of goals is going to go in.

The never say die attitude is stronger than ever, and after proving the 'experts' wrong over relegation, Marcus's aim is now to prove them wrong over Europe.

Benty says: "We should have taken three points. I had a chance when we were 1-0 down in the first half. I had to get my body round it, I hit it quite well but right at the keeper. The more chances you get the more you’re going to score. The more goals you score I suppose the more games you’re going to win and that’s what we’re looking for.

At the moment we’re ‘never say die’ and it’s good. The gaffer came in at full time and said that we were strong all the way to the end. It didn’t feel like that but if it looked like that then good. We need to keep doing what we’re doing, keep working hard in training and hopefully we’ll get stronger and better towards the end of the season. We’ve done the ‘we’re trying to stay up’. We don’t need to talk about the critics any more because they’re wrong, we’re right and we’ve worked hard enough to keep ourselves up there now so let’s push on and maybe not win the League but we’d love to achieve Europe. But let’s not put even more pressure on ourselves than we need to, let’s do what we did in the first part of the season and I’m sure it will come." (17/01/05)

Bring Them On

Hard working front man Marcus Bent is relishing the prospect of new faces at Goodison challenging for positions. With James Beattie constantly linked to Everton, Marcus is pointing out, that he has kept at least four other strikers ont he bench this season. Well played Marcus, keep it going.

Benty says: "We've got a small squad and a few injuries means we haven't got enough players to go to certain games so a few players in January might be a good thing. Another striker. You've got Campbell, Big Dunc, Chadwick and 'Faddy'. They are all good strikers who have played at the top level. Another one wouldn't go amiss, another one who is going to help us achieve what we're looking for." (22/12/04)

Benty Says Its Big

Marcus Bent is relishing the prospect of stepping out at Goodison this weekend for the 200th Merseyside Derby. By far this is the biggest Derby game of Benty's career, and he is quickly getting to know how pumped up we all are for it.

Benty says: "It's a big game, we're excited about it, and we are quietly confident we can get a result. I know what it means already. We've bonded together from the start of this season and so we want to work hard for each other. Derbies mean a lot to the fans but they mean a lot to the players as well. I am not a Scouser but I play for Everton and I know how much it means to the fans and as a professional I will be working as hard as ever on Saturday.

We want to win it, as we do every game, but there is more emphasis on this game because of the intense rivalry between the teams. Form doesn't mean anything in a derby. Liverpool are a good outfit, a big side, so it will be 50-50 going into it but, as I say, we are quietly confident of getting three points." (09/12/04)

Spoilt For Choice

Marcus Bent believes at last Moyesy will have a selection headache ahead of this weekends 200th Merseyside Derby. With the Big Man starting and scoring against Bolton, and Leon coming off the bench to help snatch the winner, Benty believes at last Moyesy has a poser up front.

Benty says: "Duncan has done well in the last few games and started against Bolton and scored, so he is showing what he can do on the pitch. There is no question he can still do it at this level. Duncan isn't going to chase everything like I do, his game is different, but he gives me a little bit more freedom to get on the end of his flicks. Duncan's game helps mine and hopefully it will continue next week but the gaffer has been changing things around and it has been getting us results all season.

Leon has been doing really well and helped us get the winner when he came on, Duncan has scored a few after coming on as a substitute and Faddy has been desperate to get a chance and did really well when he came on. We were winning before Duncan came in and with him in. That's all that matters so I am not going to tell the gaffer what to do." (07/12/04)

Harder, Boss, Harder

Marcus Bent who is on a mini scoring spree at the minute, is putting it all down to Moyesy keeping him on his toes. Benty is not complaining, but he says Moyesy is always pushing him hard, keen to improve his Summer buy. A goal tomorrow Marcus, and no one will be complaining. Keep up the great work.

Benty says: "I know the manager has been on to me to keep my tempo up, keep doing what I am doing and to keep trying to improve every week. It is all about working hard. The manager has said he is being hard on me, but I prefer it that way because it keeps me on my toes. That helps me maintain my consistency and that is why I came to Everton.

I have been lacking a bit of consistency and that is what I am aiming for and hopefully my game will keep improving as the season goes on. I would say I have had more chances in the last few games. They have not been tap-ins, but I feel I have been getting more chances and that is a good position to be in. The more chances you get the more confident you become. I just hope it carries on." (05/11/04)

Your Bent, And You Know You Are

Marcus Bent is on a scoring run at present, and long may it continue. Benty's third in three games, rounded off a magnificent week for the hard working striker. One man who is delighted with the Summer capture from Ipswich, is the man who paid £450k, for him.

Moyesy says: "It was an excellent finish. It was good to see him score another goal and maybe he could have nicked another one. But as long as he keeps scoring we’ll be happy. We’re getting out of him just what we expect. He’s playing very well and he’s doing great for us. When you’re at the top end of the Premiership you need to take your opportunities, and you need to make sure you work hard to defend and Marcus is doing that." (01/11/04)

The Lone Ranger

Marcus Bent one of Everton goal scorers on Saturday, is saying he felt a bit strange in having a striking partner in Big Dunc, when the Big Man entered the fray against Norwich. Benty who was later substituted himself, as Moyesy sought to sure up the defence, is used to playing the lone striker role this season.

Benty says: "It seemed weird, a bit alien to be honest. Obviously I prefer it with another striker up there with me but because I haven’t played with somebody next to me it was strange. I’m normally the one who flicks the balls on and holds them up but Duncan has come on and played that role. It has been tough playing up there on my own. There is a lot of responsibility, you have to score goals, you have to shut people down. You have basically got to give your all, though I am not saying you don’t do that if you’re playing alongside someone, but it is very hard for 90 minutes, though I’m trying and it seems to be working well.

I haven’t scored in a few games and it is great when you are winning games and up near the top of the table. Also from a personal point of view, having played at Ipswich, it was good to get one against Norwich because of the rivalry, though to be honest I thought they did really well." (25/10/04)

Chomping at The Bit

Marcus Bent is chomping at the bit for Southampton a week on Saturday. With the players having a blow for a week or so, whilst the really good one's go and represent their countries, Benty's thoughts are with the Saints game.

Benty says: "Perhaps this result will give us a kick up the backside. Maybe it will stop us getting too complacent, and be just as hungry for wins throughout the season, especially in the next game. It gives us a sense of reality, keeps a good sense of pressure on us, we’re still third after all. We’ve worked so hard to get here and we don’t want to give it up.

I think the break will be a good thing for us. I don’t think the result has disheartened us. It’s nice to have a break because we do work very hard in the week and in the games. The players who are not on international duty will have a chance to rest and get their fitness up for the Southampton game. When you lose a game, it’s true, you want to put things right immediately, but we’re at the top of the table, not the bottom. We’ll be firing on all cylinders next time and hopefully this time we’ll get the win." (04/10/04)

Good Work Lad, Keep It Up

New boy Marcus Bent, seems to be the apple of the managers eye at the moment. Marcus has been given some well earned praise from his boss Davey Moyes, with the hard working performances he has put in of late. Moyesy was also delighted with the three pound's of Granny Smiths', that a secret admirer had left on his desk.

Moyesy says: "The effort and commitment Marcus has shown has been very important to us, and that is the key element in his game. We have emphasised what is required from him at this club and he has responded very well. He has done well, we are pleased with the start to his Everton career and I can tell the fans are too." (24/09/04)

My Goal

Marcus Bent is claiming Sunday's winner against Boro', even though it found the net after thirty six rebounds off Boro' defenders, the steward and six ball boys. I for one could not give a toss after my £10 at 6/1, has already been paid out by Ladbrokes on it being Benty's goal. Keep it up Marcus, of course it was your goal, honest !!!!

Benty says: "Of course, I'm claiming it. People have been saying to me that it came off a few players and that my shot was going off target, but I feel that it was my goal. I got a clean strike on it and as far as myself and the fans are concerned, it's my goal. I struck the ball, it went in." (21/09/04)

Buzzing Man

Marcus Bent scored his first Goodison goal, and in the process pushed the Toffee's into third place in the Premiership. I don't know about you, but I've had about three nose bleeds today, because we are that high.

Benty says: "It was great to score. But I was quietly confident that I was going to score. I had a few chances in the first half. Tommy played a great ball over the top, which the 'keeper did well to save and then I had a header when I slipped just at the crucial moment. So, I thought that I was a bit unfortunate not to score, so it was nice to get underway, scoring at home and another goal for me.

The systems and tactics are working really well. We're third in the table - the best start we've had in years and we're buzzing at the moment. The boys who played are confident, the boys who haven't played are desperate to get into the team - so it makes things exciting and enjoyable. We don't have a big squad, but we have a lot of options up front. People can come in and do a job, especially with the strikers we have." (20/09/04)

Centre Fire Cracker

Marcus Bent or Benty to his mates, is still hoping that Moyesy will give him a crack up front, instead of out wide, as he did in yesterday's defeat. Benty who came on as a second half sub, was pushed out wide to accommodate Big Dunc's arrival in the 71st minute. Benty however, will play anywhere if it means getting in the starting line up. He also was in awe of the Champions destruction of his new Blues' team, but feels against another side, the result would have gone in our favour. Palace away this weekend. Welcome to Goodison Marcus.

Marcus says: "I am a centre forward and that's where I want to make my mark at Everton. I haven't come here as anything else, but don't get me wrong, I will play where I have to, including out wide.

I can play on the wing because of my pace and because of that the gaffer tends to put me out on the right. But, first and foremost I am a striker and that's the position I am fighting for.

I think if you look at our grit, our determination and our individual performances, we did okay. Against any other team in the Premiership we might have got a result, but they were something special and fully deserved the win. With the few chances that we had, if we'd have scored them, then we might have taken something from the game, but Arsenal are exceptional. We were always the underdogs, but at least we showed a bit of character." (16/08/04)

Off The Mark

Macus Bent opened his account in an Everton shirt and is hoping for more this season.

Marcus says:"It's still pre-season, it's about fitness and getting your touch right and your confidence up. I felt really good in the first half, I felt my movement was good and I felt quite sharp, but not as sharp as I should be. The goals will come and I'm looking forward to the season starting.(03/08/04)

Battle Ahead

Marcus is aware of the battle ahead just to get into the team on a regular basis, due to the quality of the front men at Everton.

Marcus says: "They're all great player. Kev's an experienced pro, Faddy is a great talent and he will be a great player, Chaddy is a young boy who's got a lot of qualities and the older he gets the better. Then there's Dunc and Wayne back home so there will be a battle for positions." (01/08/04)

Up To You Marcus

Moyesy has thrown down the challenge to new boy Marcus Bent, to prove to him that he is worth his place in the starting line up. The Boss has been impressed with what he has seen of the new boy, and that is only in the showers.

Moyesy says: "He has got to try and force his way into our side and hopefully that will happen. He is doing fine. He has settled down well. He is very quick and he will give us pace in the team. But he will have to earn his place like everyone else." (29/07/04)

The Stats Have It

Marcus will yesterday have met up with his new team mate, The Rad, who gave him a bit of a slating in the press lately. How long he remains his team mate, only Moyesy knows, but the criticism labeled at Marcus, was that he was not the type of player Everton needed to pull them out of the shite. Maybe not, but we at bluekipper, endeavor to give you the facts.

Last season both players appeared in 33 games each, with Marcus starting 28, and Tommy starting 27. Now here is the interesting bit, Marcus scored nine goals for a relegated side in Leicester, and our Tommy scored eight goals for the Blues. So the stats tell us similar players, with Marcus costing £450,000, and potentially we are told Fulham want to pay £1 million plus for The Rad. Good business!

So lets take it that The Rad is correct in his assumption that Marcus will not get us goals, well neither will you. Conclusion, piss off you little Canadian turd bag, welcome once again Marcus. (13/07/04)

Home From Home

Everton's only Summer signing is hoping to set his roots down in Merseyside after playing for eight clubs in his career. Marcus is looking for somewhere to stay after travelling to the likes of Sheffield United, Blackburn, Ipswich and Leicester to name but a few clubs. Marcus my friend, I have a spare room, and it can be yours for, lets say £500@ week, and I will throw in brekkie, a carry out, and the mother in law, at least once a month. OK should not have said that, you can sort your own carry out, out.

Marcus says: I have always said I want to stick about in one place. It might seem nice moving around from one club to another meeting new people. But it feels like starting at a new school.
This is the biggest club I have played for. Before now, Blackburn and Ipswich were big clubs to play for, but this one is massive. It is nice to be here now. I stayed up in town on Sunday night ahead of my first day in training and I was a little bit nervous and anxious. Obviously I know a lot of the faces, but I don't know too many of the lads personally. There is nobody here I have played with before. That is a new experience for me, because at the other clubs I have been to I have either played with players before or I have known them from outside of football. This is a new chapter for me." (06/07/04)

Everton Supporters

Moyesy has obviously been telling the new boy about the supporters on Merseyside and Marcus can't wait to show the fans how good he is.

Marcus says: “Everyone goes on about Liverpool, but there’s a bigger fanbase in the city which are Everton supporters. There are some great youngsters at the club, Wayne is a prime example and I think the club is going places.

There’s a good squad in place and although last season was disappointing, I’m sure that everyone has learnt from that and the team are going to do a lot better." (27/06/04)

Looking Forward To A Bent Rooney Partnership

Everton's new signing is hoping The Duke will still be around for a while so he can link up with teenage wonder kid.

Marcus says: "The boy’s younger than me and I’m quite excited to come here and be playing with him week in, week out. I have heard rumours about him going, but hopefully he can stay here and help Everton move up the table and achieve what a club like Everton should be achieving." (25/06/04)

Marcus Signs in

Marcus Bent signed a three year deal yesterday, after completing his medical at Goodison. Marcus who turned down the overtures of Harry Redknapp, at Pompey for the Blues, is aware of the struggle that lies ahead in getting the Blues back were they belong. Marcus is 26 years old and scored 10 goals for Leicester last season. Bent officially becomes a Blues player on 1st July 2004.

Marcus says: "I first caught his eye when he was at Preston. He did say to me that he tried to sign me before I went to Blackburn, while he was at Deepdale, so that boosted my confidence a little bit. He’s wanted me for a long time. He knows what I can do and I think that when a manger puts his confidence in you, it makes you a better player. From his point of view, he’s very focused, he’s very determined, he knows what he wants and I think the players are going to give it to him.

The club has a lot of ambition; it’s a big club, although it hasn’t done as well as it could have done last year, but hopefully I can come here, make a difference and do my utmost to be as good as I can be and score goals. I’ve seen what they’re determined to do here and what they’re focused on. They have under-achieved, but it’s a new season, a new start and I’m sure there will be a few more players coming in. But whoever does come in, I’m sure they will be 100% for the cause and I’m sure we’ll do a lot better. As a forward I hope I bring goals! I scored 10 goals last season with Leicester and I didn’t play in every game. But I played in the majority of the games and I scored some good goals, so hopefully the fans will see pace, a bit of aerial power and most importantly goals." (24/06/04)

Full Squad 2004/2005