Pain Barrier

Andy van apparently played through the pain barrier in Saturday's bore draw with Brum. I actually paid money, and sat through he pain barrier, so me thinks we have something in common then. In fairness to the Dutch winger he was one of the more livelier players on the pitch, but that was not hard. Anyhow Andy is targeting next season, and wants to repay the fans for their magnificent support of him.

Andy van says: "I played with an injection. Before the Tottenham game on the Friday morning, I made a move and it felt like someone stabbing me in the back. But I said that I wanted to be considered and I wanted to play against Chelsea so I had an injection. It was the same against Birmingham but I felt much better. I feel good again.

I think after a long time out, I played a good game. I needed to show people that I can play football here. I think I did that. I'm already thinking about next season. I want to make it up to the gaffer and my teammates. I have not done much this season. I've had bad luck and some injuries. Next year, I hope that I can give them more than what I have done this time around.

The reception I got off the people here gives me confidence. Now I want to give them something back. I want to do nice things for them on the pitch. I need their support because I am a player who needs confidence. They give it to me. If I can do well when I play for the club, that will make me happy. I had some good crosses but some of my shots were not so good. I was desperate to score for the fans but it will come when I get my rhythm. This is the start of next season. I can't wait for things so I want to do well next Saturday." (24/04/06)

Roll On Next Season

Andy is really looking to playing for Everton again this season. But if he doesn't he will be flying next season. Lets hope he gets 3 full games before he goes on his hols.

Andy Pandy says: "I cannot wait to start the new season. I want the coach, my teammates and the fans to see I can be important for them. I really want to play again. After a long time of not playing I want to give something back to the people. I was only on the field five minutes at Liverpool after coming back after so long out injured. I think the referee was nervous because it was such a big match and it was difficult for him. But in my opinion I don't think I really touched the player, I just had my hand up. But that has gone now and I want to play in the games coming up.

Every game now is important. It will be hard for me to come back because if you have not played for a long time it is tough, but that is what I want. If you think too hard in a game then a lot of the time it goes wrong. I have nothing to do only train so I am doing extra work to keep me busy. It is not nice but afterwards you feel good. When you are not playing it is different in terms of being part of the group. If you don't play every game you don't totally feel a part of the squad and that is stressing me a little bit. That will change next season." (20/04/06)

Harsh On Andy

Moyesy has come out and defended Andy after his sending off in the derby game.

Moyesy says: "From one angle it looks like a player who is going to protect himself, and anybody who knows football would know that you need to use your arms for levitation, and from that angle it looks like a straight arm. But when you look at it from another angle it does look as though the arm was bent and maybe that was the referee's angle. But anybody who knows Andy van der Meyde would say that's not his game. He wants to get the ball and he doesn't want to be challenged or go for headers." (26/03/06)

Happy Days

Andy van is happy with his ten minutes or so against Fulham last Saturday, and is targeting making an impact on Everton's remaining nine game of the season. With the Blues outfield players performing so well of late, the Dutch winger may have to wait his turn to have a crack at the Premierships full backs.

Van The Man says: "I am happy to come back into the team. It was a little bit short for me but anyway, I was happy. Four months out was too long. I only have nine games now to play some football so I can't wait for the next season! I hope to do my best in the nine games because I have been out so long. I said to the gaffer on Thursday that I would like to be on the bench and he said he would think about that. He did choose me and I was very happy about that." (14/03/06)

Count Me In

He may not even be playing for the Blues at the moment due to injury, but Van The Man is not discounting turning out for his Country at this years World Cup. Good news for the Blues as his performances will for the Toffees will determine whether he makes the plane or not.

Andy says: "There are only 11 games before the World Cup but if I play 10 or 11 good games then the coach can still choose me.

I think there is a lot of quality on this team and with the players coming back like Carsley and myself, then there will be even more quality to come and we can move up the table. In Holland they show a lot of English games and there is a lot of interest in English football so if I play then they see me. It is difficult because I was injured before I came here as well and I have only played six games then I was injured again. It is difficult in your head and you have to concentrate but now I am getting back and I feel happy again and I just want to be important again for the supporters and for the rest of the team." (01/03/06)

Soon

Shandy, sorry I mean Andy could be back in full training next week. His old team mate from his early playing days Sander believes the Toffeemen have got someone special.

Sandy sorry I mean Sander says:"Andy did well for Everton in his first few games but supporters haven't seen anything like what he can do yet. He started his career at my old club Vitesse Arnhem then had a good spell with Ajax and deserved his move to Inter."

"Politics is a big thing in Italian football and he might not have got the chances he deserved but the guys I speak to in Italy rate him highly and he will prove to be a great signing for Everton. I know he is almost fit and he is itching to get going. Once he is fit, he will show what he is really capable of. He is definitely the kind of player you want on your team, rather than against you."

"The fact he was signed by Ajax speaks volumes. They look for players who are technically way ahead of the rest. He has pace and it doesn't really matter if he is playing on the left or right. He can cut in and when he was playing for Holland with me, there used to be him on one flank and Marc Overmars on the other. They would keep changing and causing lots of problems."

"Andy is definitely a player whose style will suit the English game. He is exciting and dangerous and it will be great for Everton once he is fully fit again."(28/02/06)

Van the Man To Return

Andy Pandy has given Moyesy a fitness boost ahead of next weeks game against the Skunks. With three outfield players suspended for the match, Andy's return to fitness could not have come at a better timer for the boss.

Moyesy says: " Andy is getting better and hopefully he is not too far away, he ruptured his thigh when we trained at Goodison and he is looking much more likely to come back shortly now." (15/02/06)

10 Day Target

Andy's injury woe is finally coming to an end. He has been out for over 8 weeks due to thigh injury in training. Now he is looking forward to playing.

Andy says: "It is good now. I think another 10 days and I will be back playing for Everton again. I am now eight weeks out and I am getting more and more crazy every day when I see the guys playing. I want to be playing as well but every day I am coming on. It is just frustrating. It is difficult when the boys are training and having fun and you are only training without a ball. It is very difficult. I had just come back from an injury, played five games and got injured again so it was very difficult. I like the fans very much and I want to do well for them." (29/01/06)

Still Out

Andy will be missing for another couple of weeks at least.

Bazza Rathbone says: 'Andy has got a nasty thigh injury. It will take him a while for him to be back. He is four weeks post injury and he went back to Italy for a few days with his family over Christmas. He is back in rehab now but he is still a way off.' (06/01/06)

Misses The Shite

It looks like Andy will miss the game against the shite. It is a blow to the Toffeemen. Andy gives us that bit of quality that has been lacking while he has been away.

Moyesy says: "I do not think Andy will be fit now. He looks to have a more serious injury. Initially we felt that it was quite bad when it happened, then we were given grounds for some optimism when he responded to treatment. But it does not look good now even though he has started running. He can still feel the injury and we feel he could be out for a few more weeks yet."
"He's running but at the minute he can still feel the injury. We think it might be a bit longer than we first thought. It looks like it is a thigh strain right up at the top of his leg. I don't think Andy will be fit, think he's got a serious injury and I think that it's going to keep him out a few weeks longer." (20/12/05)

Target The Shite

Andy Pandy is targeting the shite match three days after Christmas for his return to first team action. The Dutch winger pulled up in training last week, and if he is to return against our foe's from Analfield, Moyesy will be delighted at his quick return to action.

Andy says: "I hope I can come back quickly and I don't think it will be too long, maybe two weeks, then I will be back. I hope to be back in time for the Liverpool (shite) game. I am always thinking positive and I hope to be ready in time for this game.

In training around a week ago I shot the ball. I shot it hard and I strained a muscle in my thigh. For two days after it was painful but now it feels much better, so I don't think I will be out for long." (16/12/05)

Out For A Month

After a flying start taking men on and whipping crosses in for his team mates, Andy Pandy has been ruled out for a month. The Dutch International pulled a thigh muscle in training. (10/12/05)

All I Want For Xmas

All Andy wants for Christmas is to open his scoring account with the Blues. Andy who has started the last four matches, which has coincided with our upturn in fortunes, is desperate to turn his fantastic form into goals.

Andy says: "It was a good performance (last weekend) but maybe I should have scored two goals. It is unbelievable that I didn’t score, but we won and that is the important thing and we have the three points - we played a good game and now we go on to the next game. I am frustrated that I have not got on the scoresheet because I was out for a long time. It was the last minute of the first half so if I had scored it would have been good for us. But it was good to see us making chances, and now we are doing it all together. From there you can go on and attack good crosses and make good chances. Everything is positive now and I hope we can take that to the next game.

Yes I have played my part, but I just work hard. All the guys know that they can’t play jokes and we just need to get the points. I am happy now we have four games and three wins. I feel I am getting stronger and stronger, and I am training well, I am playing in the games for longer and I don’t get tired, my legs just stop. I get cramp and I have to go off, so I just have to listen to my body, but last time it was 77 minutes so I hope in every game to have five minutes more, and I hope to play a lot of games and be important." (02/12/05)

Fans Favourite

He hasn't finished either of the two games he's started, but already the fans love him.

Andy Pandy says: "I think the fans pick up on my personality. But I am a normal person who wants to work hard for the team, be important for the club and give something extra for the supporters. I am happy they treat me like this and in every game I want to give more for them. You could see after 65 minutes I was getting tired. That is normal when you have had three months out doing nothing. That is something I still have to work on but every game I play I get stronger.

My fitness is getting better but I am not yet at that point where I can play a full game. I have started two games now and that is good - I am very happy. We have six points from those games. I am a more attacking player than usual but I can also defend and I think that is a good balance. The Premiership is a lot faster and there is more contact than Italy or Holland. I am happy I can get in there now and as I get stronger I will be better and better.

I think the Premiership suits my game because of the pace of the matches. My style in terms of my technique and my crossing is good in England and I think England is good for me. I always thought it would be good to play in England and now I have played in two games and I have done okay. But I am not yet at my best.

When you play on the left and you cross with your right-foot it is difficult for defenders and for the goalkeeper. They don't know what to do or how to deal with it. When the defenders don't know what to do it is good for the strikers. It was a good cross and a good goal from Beattie so I am happy and I hope we will have more moments like that. As a winger that is what I have to do, put the crosses in for the strikers. So of course I want to put more in for people like Beattie and Ferguson and Bent. We have good strikers here who can make the most of them.

The team is more attacking now. As you know, I just think about getting forward towards the goal to put in important crosses and also get some goals myself." (07/11/05)

Fit Andy Fits The Bill

Andy whipped in the cross for Biffa to score against Boro and Moyesy was chuffed.

Moyesy says: "We’ve had injuries but we prefer to talk about the players who are fit. Andy van der Meyde is a huge boost, he gives us so many more variations." (07/11/05)

I'm Free At Everton

Andy feels 'free' at Everton. He is happy to be one of the lads again. Although he enjoyed the visit to the Lakes he didn't join in the karaoke.

Andy Pandy says: "I probably stopped myself because I didn't drink too much. And if I don't want to do it, then I don't do it. People always say I'm a joker but I'm just a happy guy, I get paid to play football. I was almost forgotten at Internazionale and I want to show the people again that I can play and become important for Everton. I want to enjoy the game again and feel tired after it, that satisfying tiredness. I haven't felt that for two years. I spoke to Middlesbrough and Bolton but I just felt Everton. I spoke to the trainer and his story was good. I like it here, it's like Ajax, the rhythm. It's not like Inter. I'm free now, you know, I feel free.

"The first year I came there, Cuper bought me. The first three months I played every game for Inter, then he left. Zaccheroni came and I didn't play any more. He kept saying to me 'you're important, you will play,' but by Christmas I wanted to leave. He said 'no' but then he bought Dejan Stankovic and I knew that was the end for me. There is always something at Inter - if you play well one game, the next you can be in the stand. It's strange. And that affects you because you never know any more. If you're good, you can be out,; if you play badly, then they can keep you in. So I was confused. And no one speaks to you. So in my head I was leaving Inter."

"I don't know what to think now of it. I thought my mentality was getting stronger there. It's a difficult place - they tell you 1½ hours before kick-off if you are in the team and, if you're not, they say you can go home if you want. You don't have to watch the game. At Ajax even if you were injured you had to go to the game. Inter turned out to be like a vacation. I don't think it is like that everywhere in Italy but it is at Inter. Also, the trainer is not the only person who decides who plays. There are bigger men. I don't say more."

"Materazzi said he didn't like it in England because he didn't like the weather. I am from Holland so I am used to this, the rain, the pitches. He told me: 'Don't go there, you don't have to go there.' But I know I've made a good decision. It's perfect for me, it feels like home already."

"When I was young I was a ballboy at Ajax, I was always watching Marc Overmars. He was more right than left but he could play on the left. He was unbelievable, always going for goal. My last goal was so long ago I can't remember. Valencia away, I think, in the Champions League. I got the ball from Adriano, played it through one guy's legs and I was one on one with [José Santiago] Canizares. I slipped it under him. It was a good goal."

"I've never been in this position before. I am used to being in the top three. None of us wants to go into the second league. I don't even want to think about relegation, it is not possible that we will go down. I know everybody will give 100 per cent." (05/11/05)

Thanks For The Welcome

Another home game, another defeat, but at least Blues fans had a chance to see new boy Andy Van Der Meyde come on as a second half substitute. Question is, did Andy liked he he saw. He was quick to praise the Goodison faithful though for a fantastic reception on his first team debut.

Andy says: It's very good for me that the fans trust me already. For me as a player it's very important that the people are behind the players. I am very happy that they have taken me in like this. I have been around a few years already in the highest leagues so I have experience and I am a player who wants to make crosses and do things and I think people like those things here. They expect those things from me so I have to give those things to them. I like making crosses and it is good when you have strikers like Beats, Duncan and Benty to provide for. I feel good, although it is also difficult to come on because the game is so fast. But after two or three minutes my legs felt good.

If you start a game it's easier than coming on after an hour, but I don't know if I'm ready for that yet. I don't want to push it too hard. I don't want to be injured again. It's the groin and you have to be careful with it. I am just happy to have played 30 minutes and I hope on Saturday maybe I can play the second half, but it's up to the gaffer. if he wants me to play from the first minute I will do it no problem."

I like Merseyside very much. I am here with the family and I feel at home here. It's just like Holland - because it's raining in Holland as well. I feel good here. I don't understand the accent sometimes but if I ask people to repeat things slower it's okay." (27/10/05)

Let Me At 'Em

Andy Pandy should at least make the bench against Boro this evening in the Carling Cup. The Dutch Winger has had a frustrating time since his arrival at Goodison in the Summer, and he is ready to go, telling the Goodison faithful that he is always looking to score a goal. That's good as we need a few of them.

Andy says: "When I am playing I am always looking for the goal. I am always looking to go forward and towards the goal, not back. That is how I am used to playing and so I hope I can score some goals and give some assists to the strikers. I hope I can excite the fans. I think I can do that and it would be nice to do that on Wednesday.

I cannot wait to play for Everton. I want to play good games for Everton and leave this all behind and start now with the team. They are nice guys, it's a good team, the spirit is good and I think everything will start to get better now. I have been to watch a lot of games this season but I want to be on the pitch now. I hope to make a good impression for the supporters and I hope for a good result and that we play a good game." (26/10/05)

Rub a Dub

Andy is targeting Sunday's home fixture against Champions Chelski, after playing an hour plus of last nights reserve game against Sunderland. The Dutch winger is hoping Moyesy gives him a spot on the bench, and maybe a bit part in hopefully Everton's first home win. Stop laughing, I bet in the fifties they laughed when the Yanks said they would put a man on the moon. Believe.

Andy says: "Maybe I can go on the bench on Sunday and maybe get a few minutes and then we have Midlesbrough on the Wednesday when perhaps I can play a little bit more. I spoke with the physio and he told me that I would just be playing for about one hour tonight and then we’ll take another step.

After two months of being injured it was nice to start a game again. It was a little bit difficult at times but I think that is normal after being out for so long. I’ve come a long way and I’ve done a lot of work but I still have to be careful with it. I just need to get some rhythm back into my game but I am happy that I have at least taken the first step. " (20/10/05)

At Last, Ready For A Game

Andy Pandy is poised to make his first appearance in an Everton shirt. Everton play Sunderland in the North East on wednesday night in a reserve game. Expect Andy to join Biffa Beattie and PK in the team in a bid to get match fit.

Moyesy says: "He had a good week's training and I'll try and get him a reserve game now, but that'll be his first game for some time." (17/10/05)

Training Hard

After a few false alarms, Andy Pandy has resumed full training this week, but Moyesy is being cautious with his return to first team action. The Dutch winger has not played since June, and Moyesy is keen to see him in the rezzies before he steps up to the first team. An added incentive for Andy this season, is Holland's qualification for next years World Cup.Do it for the Blues Andy, and hopefully book your plane ticket to Germany.

Moyesy says: "He has got a long way to go before he will be ready to play but he has trained and we will increase his training in the coming weeks, giving him quite a few double sessions.

We will also try to get some reserve games in him, but Tuesday was his first day training with a group of players since June. He has been out for a long time so we need to make sure we bring him back right. We have got a program to get him back as quickly as we can but a lot will be decided on how Andy goes along as well. He seems okay right now and hopefully we will start to get some real football work in him in the weeks ahead.

I am sure it has been frustrating for him but he is a bright lad who has a high spirit about him and hopefully that will keep him going and he will get ready quickly. He is still some way from playing. We can't put a time scale on it at the moment. He is back training now but is not ready to make a first team appearance yet." (13/10/05)

Fit and Ready

The Dutch International has been working hard with Physio Baz Rathbone for 3 weeks and is looking to be in the squad to face Wigan. Moyesy may have other ideas, as he wants his star player fully fit.

Andy Pandy says: "I was hoping to be able to play against Arsenal but it is too soon for me. Maybe I can have a chance for the game at Wigan though. I want to play soon and be important for the team. I cannot wait to start because I have been out a long time and I was having to train on my own to recover with Inter. That was frustrating. I have got patience but now I just want to play. I am here and all I want to think about is scoring for Everton. My first priority is to play for Everton, be important for Everton. I will do everything to make the fans happy. (21/09/05)

Debut Delayed

Although we thought Andy Pandy would be available in a couple of weeks and so did he, Moyesy wants to make sure he is fully fit, so it looks like he won't be ready until the Spurs game on 15th Oct 2005.

Moyesy says: "Andy is probably about a month away. I know he is hoping to be back in two weeks but he needs a lot of practice."

Andy Pandy says: "The injury has left me frustrated as it is a dream to be involved in the Premiership. This is a good chance to prove myself." (13/09/05)

See You Soon

Moyesy has admitted that Andy Van Der Meyde's groin injury will keep him from first team action for about four weeks. Still the boss is delighted with his new acquisition, and can't wait for the Dutch International to start for the Blues.

Andy is targeting the World Cup in Germany, which is great news for the Blues, but Andy's first priority is to turn it on at Goodison, then no doubt the Dutch will come calling.

Moyesy says: "Andy won't be available for something like four weeks so we have got to be patient. It took a while for us to get him but I am delighted that he is here."

Andy says: "Of course I want to make an impression because it is a World Cup year, but my first priority is to do well with Everton. I want to be important for Everton and then we will see if the Dutch team want me back. But yes, I hope I can play in the World Cup." (03/09/05)

I Love You All

New boy, Andy Van Der Meyde is targeting the Champions League qualification again for the Blues this season. Andy loves everything about England, the football, the grounds, the fans, the women, and he just can't wait to get started, footy I mean, not the birds.

Andy Pandy says: "I have spoken a couple of times with the trainer now and for me it is not a problem, he can put me on the left, on the right or behind the strikers. He can use me where he wants. When I play on the left I can come in onto my right foot and score goals. When I play on the right I can provide good crosses for the strikers. A lot of players want to play in England. It is very hard, the best league in the world, and here you can show who you really are if you can show you can cope with the standard of the football.

Last year the side finished fourth which is very good for Everton after the big three teams. I want to do that again and maybe we can do a little bit more so we can also play in the Champions League next year. For myself, I want to fight for the team. I want to show the type of football I am used to, give some crosses for the strikers so they can score goals and just work hard with the team so we can also be a team that is very difficult to beat.

I was always a fan of the English football. I watched the games on television. I loved the football, I loved the stadiums, I loved the crowds. I always dreamed of playing in England and now is my chance, which is why I am so happy. Hopefully, I can make a good year here and be important for Everton.

I know some players, I know the trainer and I have had a look around the stadium, which is unbelievable, terrific. I am just so happy I can play for Everton and do good things for them. I hope we just play good football, have good games, give the fans a lot of fun and maybe make a big story here next year." (02/09/05)

Andy Pandy Passes Medical & Signs 4 Year Contract

Everton have completed the signing of Dutch international Andy Van der Meyde from Internazionale. The 25 year old signed a four year deal at Goodison today after completing his medical. He has signed for an undisclosed fee.

Although Andy passed his stringent medical, he won't be fit until the end of September, as he is recovering from a groin strain.

Andy says: "I am very happy today. I am happy I can play for Everton because it is such a nice club and I hope I can show my football again because it has been a long time for me. I really want to do some nice things here. I believe in the team and the club and the trainer and I believe it will be a good year for us. In the last few years the club has been getting better every year and I am happy I can play for Everton." (31/08/05)

Full First Team Squad