Better and Better

Moyesy praised Jimmy Mac last night, as the youngster picked up Everton's Young Player of The Season. Moyesy who signed Jimmy from Motherwell in 2003, believes the youngster is at last showing the potential that made the club fork out over a million big ones for him three years ago.

Moyesy says: "I think Faddy has been quite bright over the last month or two. He has had dips in form here and there but he has always kept working hard to get himself a goal.

It wasn't an easy finish against Middlesbrough. It was a good finish and a really good goal. It was an excellent ball from Ossie to put him through and he took it well. It's important that he's progressed. When you get a run like he has, you can't argue that you have not been given the opportunity. When you get a chance, you have got to take it." (03/05/06)

Reaping The Rewards

Jimmy Mac extended run in the first team is reaping rewards for Jimmy and the team according to Aussy midfielder Tim Cahill. With Moyesy deciding not to buy a forward back in January, Jimmy was given the role of partnering Biffa, and has responded with some fantastic performances, and goals.

Tiny says: "When Faddy comes in he works hard. And if he gets a run of six to 10 games you will see the real James McFadden. It is all about confidence and getting football.

We don't have four or five strikers on the bench but what we do have is players who are hard working and will run their socks off for everyone. It is down to hard work but the quality is starting to show through as a result." (30/03/06)

Still Searching For Best Position

Jimmy Mac scored the first against Villa and it was his shot that hit the post for Cahill's first and a smart back heel set up Tim's second. So all in all a great day for Faddy, but Moyesy is still doesn't know his best position.

Moyesy says: "He was a boy who had an awful lot early in his career at Motherwell, got in the Scotland team and, if truth be known, he was probably Scotland's Wayne Rooney. I want him to develop, and try and find out: is he a better left winger? Is he better through the middle? I don't want him to become pigeon-holed because I think his versatility is important. Centre forward looks his best position, but I want him to be able, if need be, to drop back into wide left or right." (20/03/06)

New Deal

It is being reported that Faddy has been offered a new 3 and a half year. With the first team squad away in Miami for a training camp, nothing has been confirmed. We hope this is a hoax. How Everton can offer a player who is considered a striker, but has scored just 6 goals in 83 games is amazing. It's even more bizarre when you realise he still has 18 months to go on his current contract. He has had about half a dozen good games for Everton, but is just not up to Premiership standard. He needs to convince the Everton fans he's more than a circus juggler, who looses the ball half a dozen times in a match and misses sitters with the goalie is on his arse. Lets hope this offer of a new deal doesn't back fire like the Naysmith deal did. (18/02/06)

It's Only A Game

A goal, 10 stitches, and a broken nose. Who said it was just a game? Faddy was in the thick of things against Chelski and team mate Leon Osman is chuffed with Jimmy Mac's commitment.

Leon says: "Faddy has had a load of stitches in his leg and he has come off with a broken nose but I am sure he would have taken that in exchange for scoring the goal against Chelsea. That shows the level of commitment he has and it is the same for every one of us." (29/01/06)

Decision Time

Jimmy Mac scored his second goal of the season against manure yesterday. Moyesy thinks he will get better as a player when he gets his decision making spot on.

Moyesy says: "When he got into position, I hoped he would make the right decision. Thankfully he shot and got the goal. This run in the team will give him confidence. The thing about James is his decision making. He looks the player everyone expects him to be. His decision for the goal was right, but there were a few others he made the wrong decision. He just needs to tidy them up and he'll be alright." (12/12/05)

I've Earned My Place

After scoring his first goal of the season, Faddy thinks he's earned his place up front for Everton. Well James, we think that one good game against Leeds when you joined Everton all those games ago plus a goal against Blackburn this season doesn't earn you a place at all. Carry on scoring and stop loosing the ball in goal threatening places and we may reconsider.

Jimmy Mac says: "I would like to think I have earned my place in the team now. I have been banging a few goals past Nigel in training and I have been working hard in trying to get in and hopefully I have been doing well in the games. Now I want to push on and get that extra spark. Last season I got the goal at Spurs and went on a bit of a run but hopefully this time I won't get injured and I can stay in the team a bit longer. I am delighted to have scored. I have been moaning about not playing as a striker and the manager has given me a chance now. I have scored and hopefully I can continue to play as a striker and get more goals.

It was not one of the prettiest performances but it was a hard-working performance. Obviously we got two goals which is the most goals we have scored in a single game this season which is pleasing, particularly because it is away from home. It is two games and I have been a part of a winning side which is good. That is the way it goes. We enjoyed good fortune at times but maybe you need that. Earlier in the season we weren't getting those breaks and nicking the goal. But if that is the way we are going to win the game it is fine.

I think our poor start is behind us now and we are concentrating on keeping our form up and keeping the performances up to the level we have now set. We have tot to move on and continue to work hard. We will be going to Old Trafford looking to try and win the game. Last season we went there and the result set us up for the season with the way we played and the 0-0 draw we got." (05/12/05)

Jamie Fancies Himself

Faddy reckons he can save the manager money on a striker in January by playing up front with Biffa. The thing is James, when you play you have to take your chance and score a goal. Macca has started 8 games this season and came on as sub for 6 other games and scored nonce.

Jimmy Mac says: “I know the boss stated he is going to buy a striker in January but that is eight games away. There is still a long time for me to try and perform well and prove myself at this level. If the manager brings in a striker that’s good, because it is extra competition — if that’s what we need, then that’s what we need. Personally, I was pleased with how things went against Newcastle. I’ve said for a while I prefer to play as a main striker. I enjoy it and I thought Beatts and I did well. Hopefully, that can continue.”

Yobo says: "Faddy is a talent. He is one of those players I don’t like to play against, even in training. He has got quick feet and I am happy for him that on Sunday he showed character and fought very hard because it was a physical game and he stood up to it. I am happy for him because he showed what a player he is and hopefully he can build on that. Faddy can cause central defenders problems because of his quick feet and you don’t know what he is going to do with the ball. You can't predict what he will do and he has a good left foot as well. Only he can say what position he plays best but when he plays up front as the second striker he can upset defenders." (30/11/05)

No Problem

Walter Smith didn't think Faddy was critical in his comments.

Walter says: "Not at all. James knows my reasons for leaving him out as I wanted to give Neil McCann a chance to show what he can do. And James did very well when he came on. I don't know about him not being happy. We had only two call-offs in the squad for this game which shows just how much the players want to play.

We want to keep bringing the players along and I want the opportunity to have a look at all the boys. You've got to be fair to everybody coming into the squad. All the players are disappointed if they don't play but it doesn't mean they have got to prove anything. When he came on it wasn't a matter of proving something to me or anything like that.

I am well aware of what McFadden can do having seen him progress but I was pleased that he came on to stir the game up a bit." (13/11/05)

Faddy Not Happy With Smith

Former Everton boss, Walter Smith has left James McFadden on the bench of the Scotland friendly with USA. Jimmy Mac's not happy.

Jimmy Mac says: "I'm as fit as I'm going to be. I'm not really looking forward to playing because I know I'm not starting. I am disappointed but that's the way things go and I just need to get on with it. I am getting used to it now.

The manager's explained his decision and I am not happy with the decision but I have accepted it. I am pleased the manager has took the time out to explain his decision to me. I don't really want to say what was said because that is between me and the manager and if the manager wants to tell you then he'll tell you.

I have played a fair bit over the last couple of months but I wouldn't say that makes me sharper. Most of the time I have played with Scotland I have not been starting games for my first team but I have been sharp. I thought I would continue at the time (after the Slovenia game) but the manager has given his reason and I have accepted it.

He picks the team and I'm sure the players that go out to play will be good enough. It's just great that I have come on and been involved at Hampden. Playing for your country and being able to come on and make a difference is good for me. It is only a friendly match but you still want to play every game and the fact you are playing at Hampden is good enough for me.

I definitely have progressed as a person from going to Everton. I have grown up a bit. It is the manager's job to put me where he thinks we can win the match - I just want to play every time. Being able to play in a number of positions can be a hindrance but it can also help you. It doesn't bother me because you've a better chance of getting in the team if you can play in different positions." (12/11/05)

Faddy Will Come Good

Ex Everton winger and now Soccer pundit Pat Nevin, is backing Faddy to get it right now that Moyesy is starting the Scottish forward on a regular basis. Faddy who has found the net for the Jocks on a few occasions, has found it hard to find the net for the Blues, but in fairness, everyone has. Pat thinks a run of good form and goals is long overdue for Faddy.

Pat says: "It is already his longest run of starts. I believe playing up front is his strongest position, although ironically he started out at a left-back as a youngster. He is a player who can make things happen, although you have to accept he is a player who will make some mistakes because he is willing to try things - he is willing to take risks. When you are a forward that is not a bad thing. He is a very positive player.

He is not best suited to playing up front on his own because he is a player who needs to see plenty of the ball but I do think his best position is as a forward." (20/10/05)

Spitting Accusation

In between appearances as a circus entertainer at Billy Smart's, James McFadden has had a go at the Dinamo players for spitting.

Jimmy Mac says: “There was an incident in the first half when their No 4 (Tamas) had a spit at me and he did the same thing to Duncan. I had a word with the referee, but nothing was done about it.” (01/10/05)

Funny Old Game

Faddy who enjoyed a lively performance up front for the Blues against Wigan on Saturday, is convinced the Blues have a chance of continuing in this season's UEFA Cup. Faddy who may start up front tomorrow, has told the fans that there is a strong resolve in the dressing room to put right the wrongs of Bucharest a fortnight ago. As they say, 'its a funny old game.'

Faddy says: "Strange things can happen in cup football. It is going to be hard. I don't think we will be expected to progress further after the result in Bucharest but we believe we have got a chance and we are up for it. We are at home and we will make it difficult for them. I think we have got a good chance." (28/09/05)

Fight For The Fans

Faddy is telling the fans that the boys are up for the fight, starting at Wigan tomorrow. With four Premiership defeats in five, the boys have to start showing us that they are. Talking stops, action starts. C'mon lads give the fans something to smile about again.

Faddy says: "We showed last year we have the heart and the bottle for a fight. Maybe this season is kicking off a bit later for us but lets try and put things right on Saturday and go on another good run. There have been times when maybe we haven't had the breaks and things have gone against us when maybe they shouldn't have. But at times you need a bit of luck. There were occasions last year when maybe we didn't play to our best but we came away with the victory. This season we have been playing well enough in the main and yet have been getting beaten. A little bit of luck allied with hard work and commitment will hopefully be the formula that we need.

Last season we proved we are a team and we need to prove this season we are still a team capable of winning matches and getting up the league again.The spirit from last season has not disappeared. Ever since I have been at the club the spirit has been great. It has always been there and we will need to be calling on that spirit again because if you look at the results it is disappointing.

We need to try and put it right. Going into the Wigan game we are at home. At Arsenal we tried to avenge the Bucharest defeat but it would be ideal for us to do it in front of the home fans on Saturday. Obviously I am looking to come in and do well for the team and offer something for the team, but it is a collective thing. It is not something one player can do to make us win games. I am just getting on with things, working hard in training and hopefully showing the gaffer I can offer something to the team and fit into the kind of system we play here. It has been frustrating but hopefully I can get a run in the team now and that can coincide with the team getting a good run because if results pick up people forget about the bad start. We need to get a bit of momentum. It is a burden to get points but it is not an added pressure because every time you play there is a pressure to win the match, especially after last season." (23/09/05)

Save Yourself Faddy

Jimmy Mac's old boss at Motherwell, Terry Butcher, has urged the Everton winger to move on from Everton to help further his career. Butcher is alarmed at the lack of matches Jimmy has started in his two years at Goodison, and as a consequence Faddy has found himself demoted to the bench when on International duty. Butcher sold the Scottish youngster to the Blues in 2003 for £1.2m.

Terry Butcher says: "He is very frustrated and, for his own career, he will have to get away and start playing regular football. James has not played regularly for two years. That hinders your progress, no matter what club you are at, and no matter how good a player you are. He needs to get first team football so he can improve." (07/09/05)

Jimmy, When Are You Coming Back....

Moyesy was handed an boost to his squad selection, in what will be Everton's most crucial month of football for many a year. With a Prem opener against Man ure to contend with, sandwiched in between our make or break Champions League knockout match, Moyesy needs all hands to the pump. Physio Mick Rathbone has given the OK to Scots midfielder Jimmy Mac, who injured himself out in Thailand. Roll on August, Come on You Blue Boys.

Super Sleuth Baz Rathbone says: "James McFadden just went over on his ankle against City. The pitch wasn't in bad condition but he managed to find one of the bobbles. It is settling down quite well. It has been a wee bit sore but he will be there or thereabouts in the next week or so." (27/07/05)

Good Times Ahead For Faddy

With Faddy scoring his seventh goal in twenty Scottish appearances against Moldova last Saturday, ex Everton Boss Walter Smith, is saying Everton will soon reap their rewards with Faddy. According to Walter a bright future lies ahead for Faddy at Premiership and International level.

Walter says: "I think in terms of his progression it was a lot for him to go down to the Premiership and this was his first full season. He is obviously disappointed that he has not played as many games as he would have liked and I hope he will get over that. He has plenty to offer us. I will continue to pick the team I think is best - and I'm sure a lot of the time he will be in it." (06/06/05)

Jamie Will Come Good

Ex-Everton star and Motherwell CEO, Pat Nevin says Jamie is a special talent and will come good,when he gets a run in the first team. Pat, who is a close friend of Davey Moyes was full of praise for the ex-Motherwell player.

Pat says: "Jamie has tremendous talent and will come good. It will happen when he gets a run of games in the first team. He needs to be playing regular first team football for the fans to see the best of him." (03/06/05)

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)

Jamie Last Season