Blues Come First

It is every players dream to star in the World Cup, and Tiny Tim is no different. Tiny is confident of making the Aussy's first game on June 12th, but he will not put his Everton career at risk if he feels he is not 100%.

Tim says: "You never know given the nature of my injury, a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament. I feel really positive about everything. I'm keeping myself fit, running on it every day, but I'm not pushing it too hard.

I'm very positive. At this stage all I will say is that I'm ahead of schedule. As a (professional) footballer on my first World Cup campaign, I remain very positive. Anyone who has had any sort of knee injury knows it is hard to judge, but in my own mind I'll know when I think I'll be ready to play again. Whether that will happen in a couple of weeks or three, only I will know and when that day happens I'll be honest enough to tell my team-mates." (21/05/06)

World Cup Update

As the days go by Tiny Tim is more confident that he will be taking part in this years World Cup in Germany. Tim is now running, albeit in straight lines, and physio Everton Basil Rathbone is happy with the progress the Everton Socceroo is making.

Tim was also honoured to receive Everton's OPTA Player of the Season for this term. He won a few monthly awards, but he pipped his Everton team mates to the award, and took the first prize of a years supply of Dorito's, the new salsa flavoured ones. Well played Tim, and happy munching.

Tiny says: "I can run in straight lines and it's very strong. I'm doing loads of cardio work and muscle strengthening.

I won't play in Melbourne against Greece and maybe not against Holland (warm up matches). But I need match practice, so it would be a good idea to get some game time against Liechtenstein."

Basil Rathbone says: "Tim went for his three-to-four week scan last weekend and is making progress as initially expected. He is now jogging comfortably in a straight line and is ready to start gentle training. We will obviously have much more of an idea when he is twisting and turning as that is the most important indicator in this type of injury." (18/05/06)

I'll Be There

Tiny Tim is confident of making this Years World Cup, and he is working overtime to realise his dream. He is well on the way to making the Aussy's opening match against Japan on June 12th, and he is working every day at Bellefield to overcome his knee ligament trouble he picked up against Brum in mid April.

Tiny says: "The injury is looking good. I have another scan later this week and I will see how I get on but I am optimistic and I am giving myself every chance of going.

I am running now and I am very positive so I will have to wait and see. I have spoken to everybody at Australia and they are going to take me all the way regardless, which is great to hear. I am just trying to give myself every chance and that is looking really good at the minute. I am just going to keep my fingers crossed and keep working really hard. I have obviously sacrificed my holiday and I am doing three sessions a day, with one at Bellefield in the morning, another in the afternoon and a third in the evening with my Australian physio. The relationship is going really well between the Australian guys and Baz at the club. Things are looking good." (15/05/06)

Confident Aussies

Australia are confident that Tiny will recover from his knee injury in time to play at the World Cup finals.

Australia's assistant-manager Graham Arnold says: "I expect Tim Cahill to be fully fit by the time the first game against Japan comes around. He is much happier now than he was this time last week. The big thing is the swelling has gone completely and he now has full movement in the knee. He'll only miss a couple of weeks of training. Importantly, he is getting the best of treatment from the Australian team head physiotherapist Les Gelis." (01/05/06)

World Cup Doubt

Tim Cahill's Everton season is effectively over, after he has been ruled out for a minimum of six weeks with a cruciate ligament injury. With Everton only pride to play for, it means Tiny will have to wait till next season till we see him in a Blue shirt again. More worrying for the Aussie midfielder is his World Cup hopes, which according to Blues Physio Basil Rathbone, hang in the balance.

Basil says: "Tim saw the consultant yesterday and he confirmed our diagnosis that he has suffered a partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament. That is not the anterior cruciate ligament which is the big one. A lot of people tear this ligament and may not even know about it. However, he will definitely miss Everton's last two games of the season. As regards the World Cup he will obviously be a big doubt and will be receiving intensive physiotherapy. Even now I have looked at the video 50 times and we know for certain he got a bang right in the back of the knee by the guy's hip when he was in mid-air. He seems to land normally so there is a bit of a mystery surrounding the injury but undoubtedly he sustained the injury there and then.

The timescale for recovery of this injury can range from people suffering damage and never even knowing about it because it can be very minor to the complete ruptures that require a complex operation. A partial tear, you would expect the consultant to be talking about a six week period. At this stage and over the next couple of weeks it is a need for intensive physiotherapy." (26/04/06)

Tiny, Top Dog For March

Tiny Tim has won the Everton OPTA Player of the Month for March. The Aussie beat off stiff competition from Biffa, Ossie and Mikky who have all played out of their skin in March. With Tiny scoring three goals in four games, he has definitely found his form again after a quiet pre Christmas spell by his standards. He is now entered into the Player of the Season competition with the winner off to see the Brotherhood of Man in Whitby. His monthly prize is a years free supply of Polo Mints, and Tiny is said to be delighted with the news. (03/04/06)

Top Six

Everton have a top six place in their sights after thrashing Villa 4-1. Tiny thinks it's a realistic target.

Tiny says: "Our aim now is the top six. That is very realistic now. Beats was outstanding today and all the lads are buzzing now. We knew Villa would start well and we would have to match them. I think we did that and we had some good moves and scored some good goals. At 3-0 up we may have taken our foot off the pedal, but the main thing is that we have won the game 4-1. The gaffer has been keen for us to kill off games and in the end I think we deserved the win. (19/03/06)

Tiny Does It Again

Tiny has followed up his November OPTA Player of the Month, with the same award for January. Tiny netted twice for the Blues in the month, as Everton's fortunes took a turn for the better as the New Year came. With three wins and a draw in the Prem, it is no coincidence that Tiny's return to form, has coincided with Everton's, as the midfielder has looked back to his best.

Tiny is said to be overjoyed with the award of a miniature matchstick version of the Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. The design has over eight thousand matches glued together and was painstakinglyassembled by Ned Dundee the famous Australian match maker. Tim is also entered into the seasonal award which he currently leads. The prize is a weekend arts and craft course hosted by Rolf Harris. (07/02/06)

Frustrating Watching From The Stands

Tim Cahill says: "It was quite frustrating not playing on Saturday but I think the boys did really well. It was just a pity we couldn't get the result they really deserved. But at least we got a replay with a full squad back. And now we can look forward to the Wigan game. It has always been a team effort here and me and Beats being out means somebody else had an opportunity to come in to try and make the difference and keep us out. The lads did really well and I was really pleased because the squad is not the biggest at the minute but we are doing everything we can to keep things rolling.

Biffa & Tim - Snug As A Bug on Satdee

We have had a great start to the New Year. These are big results. We had a lot of criticism at the start of the season that was just but we are turning it around and we want to keep it going. Phil Neville mentioned last week that it takes time for a side to settle down when so many new faces arrive. You can't just walk into a team and expect it to be easy, everybody has to gel. We have had so many new faces but we are coming together now, Phil is right.

Wigan is a massive game. They have a squad like ours with a lot of hard-working players and good pros who really look forward to each game. It shows with the results they have had and I think it will be a close game but hopefully we will shade it. I am definitely looking forward to getting back in the action." (31/01/06)

I See What I Want To See

Arsenal's living Legend Thierry Henry is slightly miffed that our Tim only got a yellow last Saturday, when Henry's team mate Cesc Fabregas seen red, and left the Goodison pitch before everyone else. Henry it seems does not agree with a rule that if you strike someone in the kipper, you can get away with it. Tiny put the challenge in on Henry that led to the fracas, and it seems that the French whiner wanted Tiny off the pitch aswell. Admittedly Tiny's challenge was not the best, but still it only deserved a yellow.

The French forward conveniently forgot to comment on Lauren's challenge on Mikky Arteta in the first half, in which the defender never even got booked, but hey that's footy, you see what you want to see. Now piss off and slag your piss poor defence off, and not other opponents you French tosser.

Henry says: "Cahill went straight for my knee from behind and Cesc reacted. It's the same story in football, the person who tries to hurt you gets a yellow, and the one who reacts gets a red. They say the rules protect players, but I don't know if they do." (26/01/05)

Muted Celebrations

There was no shadow boxing celebrations as Tiny scored the winner to knock his former club out of the FA Cup.

Cahill says: "You can get carried away with celebrations, for a moment I had a thought and decided not to go mad and just pay my respects to the club that gave me my start in the game. To celebrate would have been a kick in the teeth, it is all about respect.

Whoever scored was going to win the game, they were in our faces and made life difficult but we had to get on top of them and when we did it all paid off. I'm scoring yes, but goals are goals and as long as we are winning and I am in the first-team shirt, that's all that matters."

Alan Irvine says: "The script was written for Tim, even though he didn't celebrate too much. The initial reaction is to celebrate when you score, but because he has respect for Millwall he was very restrained. He certainly wasn't running to the corner flag to practice his new routine! That clearly said to Millwall that he appreciates what the club have done for him. As far as we are concerned it was his goal, certainly Tim thinks so. I have watched a few re-runs and I think it was his goal, he certainly looked to get the last touch." (19/01/06)

Great To Be Back

Tiny really enjoyed going back to his old club, Millwall. He thinks Everton have it in them to go all the way.

Tim says: "I thought Millwall were excellent. They applied themselves well, they did what they had to do and they cleared their lines. We had to try to break them down. I had about eight chances and I couldn't hit a barn door on the day but that happens and hopefully I will get the goal in the next game. I thought it was brilliant coming back. We were under no illusions that they were a good team and they were going to put up a great battle. Going behind as we did was a bit disheartening but it is all about character and we showed good character, played good football, got our goal and now we will see them back at our place.

When you play teams like Millwall it is difficult. When I was here and we played Premiership teams we lifted our standards because it was such a big thing to win games like this. That makes it very difficult and we have got to pay respect to Tutt and his boys. Our fans and their fans were brilliant. At one point David Weir was screaming at me and I couldn't hear a thing. It brought back some great memories and I really enjoyed it.

I think we deserve something. It has been an up and down season and when you see the situations we have been in this season we need to really do as well as we can, pay back the fans and do it for ourselves. It has been hard but this is a great competition and we certainly didn't take Saturday lightly." (08/01/06)

Back To His Best

Tim showed us yesterday he was backed to his best and he couldn't time his 3 goals in 2 games any better. David Moyes is happy with his performance, Tim is delighted, while Lard is ecstatic.

Moyesy says:I sent him away for a week and he had a rest. I felt he shouldn't have been suspended in the first place, but I hope the break does help. There's been a couple of games when he's just started to show a little bit more. I'm looking for him because he's an influence when he plays and if he can get on the end of things he's a terrific finisher. Hopefully if he can go on a run of goals that would certainly help us, as did his goals today.

Tim says:" "I'm delighted but the biggest thing now is to try and get some results. Whoever scores, it doesn't really matter. There was a lot of style to our performance whereas at Sunderland, we didn't go to play football. We had to battle.

"We had a chance to play football against Charlton and that's what we did. It's a bit of mixed emotions at the moment about how we got the results, but it doesn't really matter. The gaffer asked us to stand up and be counted and we've done that. The biggest thing for us was not conceding many and confidence is starting to come back. When you concede so many goals as we had in recent games, that's when the wheels can fall off. It's all about working together."

Lard says: " I love you Tim, but what's the corner flag ever done to you."(03/01/06)

Embarrassed

Embarrassed was how the players felt after the 4-0 defeat against Bolton on Saturday.

Tim says: “It is very disappointing because we embarrassed ourselves. And we worked so hard early doors but obviously we made three big mistakes and they scored three goals. You look and see how hard we have worked and to come away 4-0 was unbelievable. They are a good team but we were never 4-0 losers. We just got punished for being sloppy and making mistakes. When you make mistakes in this league you are going to lose games. And the biggest thing is the disappointment. I’m feeling alright physically. I feel a bit battered and with a few knocks but I have got a week to get over it and we will see what happens. I think if Faddy’s goal had been allowed it would have been a different story but that’s just ifs and buts.” (19/12/05)

Recharged & Raring To Go

When Moyesy told Tim, go and take a holiday and have a rest while Tiny was suspended for 3 games. We think Moyesy meant more Dublin than Dubai. But Tiny has more air miles for his collection and is back refreshed and hoping for a recall.

Tiny says: "I feel recharged but it is disappointing being suspended and not being a part of it. I have just had to deal with it and get on with it. And the time off has given me a bit of a rest and hopefully now I can come back and be available for Saturday. The results against Manchester United and Blackburn have shown what a good squad we have. It would still be good to add to the squad, but if people are suspended or injured we still need to produce and the lads who have been in have done that.

Now we need to kick on a bit. We want it to be a good time for us. I went to the Man Utd game and I was sitting in the stand but I was kicking every ball and always moving. I was ready to jump up when we were in positions to score and it was hard to watch. But it was excellent to see the lads get a result and it was a great moment because it is a hard place to go and we managed to contain them well. Manchester United has good memories for me from making my debut there and playing in the FA Cup. It was really disappointing not to play there. You want to play in every game.

We have a hectic festive period ahead but if you look at our last eight games we have had a bit of a run. If you look at teams like Charlton and other sides that were up there at the start of the season and who were talking about comparisons with us from last year - now they can see it is not that easy to stay up there. It is hard to be challenging week in, week out. Some teams are starting to feel the brunt of it and realise how hard it is to stay up with the big boys. Now if we can win on Saturday and build from that we can start to think about pushing further up the table. We were playing really bad in the first few months of the season. The reality of being that low in the league hit home, but it also opened up the opportunity for us to play much better and improve. We have tried to do that in the last month or so and we want to keep doing that. The only people who can get us up there are ourselves." (16/12/05)

November's Player of the Month

It shows how much of a loss Tiny will be for three games, as he swept everyone before him to become Everton's OPTA Player of the Month for November. In a month when the Blues beat Prem outfits, Boro and Newcastle, Tim's contribution was priceless. November also meant he travelled to Australia, and Uruguay to help his country qualify for next Summers World Cup.

Whilst Tim has his feet up during his three game ban, he will be able to enjoy his prize, which is a Special Three Disk DVD Box Set of Scott and Charlene's classic Wedding Episode from the late 80's. The extra DVD is a look behind the scenes of that memorable day, and talks to the full Neighbours cast, and fantastically an interview with Angry Anderson, who sang the Wedding song. Tim is said to be ecstatic at his prize. (02/12/05)

3 Match Ban

Everton failed in their bid to get Tim off from the ban. The FA has banned him for 3 matches. He misses Saturday's game against Blackburn as well as next week's away game at Manchester United and the wednesday night game at Goodison with West Ham. (01/12/05)

Everton To Fight 3 Match Ban

Everton will fight to clear Tim's name and make sure he plays on Saturday against Blackburn as well as next week's away game at Manchester United and the wednesday night game at Goodison with West Ham. Everton will submit a report and video evidence after analysing footage of the incident. It looks a bit of a gamble as ref Howard has watched the incident and agreed to the charge. The hearing will be tomorrow.

Tim could be banned for 3 matches after being charged by the FA with violent conduct after clashing with Newcastle's Babayaro on saturday. Babayaro has admitted the charge and is now banned for 3 matches.

Earlier Everton's PR Guru Ian Ross says: "We have been informed of the charge by the Football Association and we are now considering our options."

Alan Shearer escaped any action for his elbow on Davie Weir in the same game, because the ref saw the incident and dealt with it. (30/11/05)

Blue is My Colour

Tiny Tim is reassuring fans that in his plans Everton come first, even though his country Australia have qualified for next years World Cup in Germany. Tiny who is an integral pert of both Everton's and the Aussy's plans, rightly says, that if he does not perform for the Blues, he won't get considered for his country. Welcome back tomorrow anyway Tim, you are desperately needed.

Tiny says: It always has been Everton. If I don’t play well for Everton then I won't get picked for Australia so the biggest thing for me is to do well here and keep in the selection books of the Australian coach. People might think your head is in the clouds about the World Cup but this is where I get paid and this is where the football is. Not for one minute did I think that I would look any further than Everton football club." (26/11/05)

Well Played My Son

Along with England's Phil Neville, Tiny Tim has booked his sunbed for Germany next year, and the Boss is delighted for him. Tim played all 120 minutes of the thriller against Uruguay in Sydney, and after sealing their World Cup berth, Moyesy believes it is the result of the hard work the Aussie has put in since joining the Blues.

Moyesy says: "Tim has had a tremendous start to his Everton career and he is now achieving great things, such as going to the World Cup with Australia. Hopefully it will all help Everton in the future. We are delighted with Tim and the way he has responded since he has come here. We will try and manage him right and make sure we get the best from him and hopefully Australia will do also.

If we are being fair, I think he has found this one a bit tougher because the second one usually is. But there have been signs in recent weeks that he is beginning to come back, even though he has played an awful lot of football. We have to be careful that we don't wear him out. But he is a good boy and a great lad. The World Cup is another big step for him. He has had a dramatic rise in the last couple of years coming from the first division and doing so well. Hopefully we will get the benefit of his experiences here at Everton. We always thought the second season would be tougher for him but the confidence lift of qualifying for the World Cup with Australia should help him." (18/11/05)

Awesome Fans

Tiny Tim says that the crowd at Goodison, and the fantastic away support that follows the Blues around is vital to the team in helping them move up the table. Tim and his team mates threw their shirts into the crowd last week, as a big thank you for the fantastic support the team had received, and not because of some sexual fantasy the players had been keeping under wraps.

Tiny says: "The moment that I and a lot of the lads will not forget was when we played away to Tottenham and we had lost again but the fans stood up and clapped. They could see that we were putting everything in but we made a few mistakes, and things went sideways so when we got the win throwing the shirts into the crowd was just a sign of respect. We are not going to throw them in every week because the kit man will go mental, but I think If you saw the reaction of the players when the final whistle blew, it’s not a sign of relief, it’s a sign to say we really respect what the fans are doing. They have beared with us and things are starting to turn and the gaffer has found a new system that can open teams up and hopefully we can live up to it and carry things on.

That’s what makes it so much easier to play for Everton. If you have a bad game but put everything in and they can see that then they help you. And if you play well and set the world alight then they help you as well. Its all about effort and what you put in for the shirt and for the club because we don’t deserve to be down there but they understand its not for the want of trying and trying to make things right, so now we are making it right and hopefully we can push on and make it even better." (04/11/05)

You Are The Best

Forget Rolf, Kylie, Skippy and Madge from Neighbours. According to 1966 Cup Final hero Mike Trebilcock, Tiny is the Aussie every good convict looks up to. Mike who is over from Australia for a reunion Dinner of the Great 1966 FA Cup Winning Side tonight, now works as a sports correspondent for Aussy Radio.

You can see exclusive photo's from the reunion Dinner later this week on bluekipper. Mike will be presented to the crowd before this weekends match against Boro. No doubt Tiny will do the biz for the visiting hero.

Mike says: "The word over there now is forget Mark Viduka and forget Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill is the guy whose name is on everybody’s lips. He is the star.

He comes from deep in the midfield like all the old English midfielders used to so he’s had good coaching there. You have got to get into the box and the more often you get in there, the more confident you become, that’s the important thing. Unfortunately for him when he makes his runs the Australian players don’t see him, but the English players, they can put their head down and just see a pair of socks and just drop the ball in there." (02/11/05)

Committed Aussie

The battle of words has continued over Tim's none stop football over the last 18 months. He is due to play for the Socceroos in the World Cup playoffs against Uruguay on 12th and 16th November 2005.

Australian assistant coach Graham Arnold said Moyes told him during a recent telephone conversation that Cahill's Socceroos commitments were ruining his career. But Tim has since reaffirmed his commitment to playing for Australia.

Tiny says: "You can understand both sides, but for myself there was no way I'd miss a game for Australia, and there was no way I'd let it happen anyway regardless." (01/11/05)

Moyesy Bites Back

Moyesy has exchanged more verbal's with the Australian management team over the availability of Tim Cahill. Tim who has now joined up with his International team mates in London, was told by Moyesy to have a week off prior to the Aussie's match against Jamaica in the Capital tomorrow.

This was not good enough for the Aussie's who were out in Holland at a training camp. Moyesy thought it best that Tiny put his weary feet up for a few days, after some exhaustive trips, and constant footy over the last two years. Tiny still has ahead of him, a trip to South America, then back to Australia for the World Cup Play Off Matches in mid November. Give him a break, or is this payback time for your Ashes debacle.

Moyesy says: "I find it quite incredible that someone would have the audacity to suggest that they are suffering because of Everton’s current position. I believe the comments were inappropriate and for someone who is also a club manager they should have known better. For the last two years Tim has had non-stop football and it looks as though Everton are the only ones interested in looking after him and ensuring he doesn’t burn himself out.

Only a few weeks ago Tim was involved in games in the Soloman Islands and Australia and soon he could be off to play in the play-off in South America and then back to Australia. This was the best chance to give him the break he deserves and has nothing whatsoever to do with our league position. Tim was given the week-off to recover and this was done purely to benefit him and subsequently Everton and Australia. We would never refuse Tim permission to play for Australia nor would we refuse permission to any of our international players. We have good relations with all international managers and their respective FA’s but my main concern is Everton Football Club and the well being of my players.

I am absolutely staggered they would come out and say the things they did regarding Everton." (07/10/05)

War of Words

The Socceroos are not happy with Moyesy over his refusal to let Tim go to the Aussie get together.

Graham Arnold, the Socceroos' assistant coach, says: "Guus Hiddink, the coach expressed his disappointment to David Moyes that he wouldn't release Tim because every other club has been fantastic and let their players come in on time. In effect, we are copping the brunt of Everton's poor form this year." (05/10/05)

Stay or Go

A battle for the services of Tim Cahill has broken out between Moyesy and Aussy team coach Rolf Harris, sorry Gus Hiddink. Hiddink wants Tiny to attend a International get together in Holland, but Moyesy is adamant that Tiny stays at home to put his feet up and get some rest. It looks like Moyesy will get his way, but Tiny will still under FIFA rules have to join up with his International team mates on Thursday in London, ahead of their weekend friendly against Jamaica in the capital. Jamaica, no she did it herself, boom, boom !!

Moyesy says: "I've spoken to Guus Hiddink and I think we've made our feelings known. Everton will benefit from Tim having a break at this stage of the season and the Australian national team will benefit in the long run, too. We hope they respect our wishes."

Gus Hiddink says: "This is our last chance to get together ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in November so the time together and the match will be crucial to us." (04/10/05)

Relish The Pressure

Tim wants to continue playing in the first team and help Everton move off the bottom of the league by trying to add to his first goal of the season, scored against Dinamo last Thursday.

Tim says: "This is the bad times now. I have enjoyed the good times but we can learn from the bad times. I want to be involved and I want to try and make the difference. I always want to lead by example. Last season was brilliant and a great start to my footballing career in the Premiership. Now you have the skeptics trying to pick faults but as long as I am in the starting XI trying to do all I can to help the side win the game that is all that matters. I put pressure on myself. We are professionals and that is what we are paid to do.

You have to relish the pressure. It is easy to hide but when the fans see the leaders out there playing every week regardless of what is being said it says a lot for the character in the team. We are under no illusions as to the problems we have had scoring goals but we are working as a team to put it right and we will. Once the first one comes you never know what could happen. Just look at last season. I think at the moment we are so close and yet so far away. We are trying ever so hard to get the goals and the results but they are just not coming and it is as if our goals have run dry. But the workrate is there and I hope people can see that.

If you score first you can lock up shop and a lot of teams seem to be doing that at the minute. But the way it has been going with us is that we haven't been able to score first and then it has worked against us, with us starting to lump the long ball forward. We have looked at it, assessed it and when the goals come they will flow and we will keep coming. We won't be looking to shut up shop because I think we need to keep pushing forward to produce something. We are all very confident of doing that. All we can do is just keeping working at it and when we do get that win in the league that can be the platform for us to build from and establish ourselves back up near the mid-table." (02/10/05)

Moyesy Puts His Foot Down

Moyesy has ruled Tim Cahill out of Australia's friendly with Jamaica at Craven Cottage next week. The Everton midfielder has not had a break from football for two years due to the Olympic Games and Confederations Cup, and Moyesy thinks enough is enough.

Moyesy says: "I'll be telling the Australian FA that I am keeping him here. It is my decision, and one that will benefit both us and Australia in the long-term." (01/10/05)

All Around The World

Bluekipper.com's starman has been named in Australia's 25-man squad for a training camp in Holland ahead of the friendly against Jamaica on 9th October 2005. Tim will then be flying off to South America for the first leg of the World Cup play offs on 12th November 2005 and then fly to Sydney for the second leg of their play-off which will take place 16th November 2005. When is the lad going to get his much needed rest? (27/09/05)

Dynamo Run Down

Moyesy is thinking about resting Tim. He has played all through the Summer with Australia and only last week was the other side of the world playing in 2 world cup games. He is so important to Everton now that as he hasn't scored a goal, you think there is something wrong. Only thinking about it!

Moyesy says: "Yes, I am beginning to worry about Tim. He is maybe not as dynamic as he was last season, but we have seen that for a wee while. But because we know he can score you a goal you don't want him not in your team. Maybe we will have to look at giving him a rest somewhere along the line so we can get the benefits later on in the season.

Let's be fair. It's difficult when you have flown back from Australia and have to play again today. But we can't make excuses. We employ him. He is paid by us and we expect his performances to be for us. It's something I might need to look at if I don't see much improvement, but it would be wrong to single him out.

"If you think about it he could have scored a couple against Manchester United, he had a chance against Villar-real early on and maybe if he'd have got those goals we'd have been looking at it differently and saying he was back on song. But because his goals are such a big part of his game, if he doesn't score then you look at his performances slightly differently." (12/09/05)

Battle Cry

Tim is confident that the players can do it tonight in Spain.

Tiny says: "We had to battle against Bolton but full credit to us because we got the points. At the end of the day that is all that matters. We were under no illusions about what we were going to face. We needed to win a lot of second balls but we did it very well and we got the three points which gets us off to a great start.

"Now we can worry about Villarreal. It's a massive game, a really big tie. We have got a massive chance but if we are going to get through, we are going to have to mix it with them early on. If we get an early goal, we will be able to crack on from there. I'm not bothered about what other people think about us. I think Villarreal will be wary of us because we are a very physical side."If that's good enough, then so be it. If it's not, we are just going to have to accept it and move on. The main priority was to get three points against Bolton and now we can cope with Villar-real. We are full of confidence.

"It's easy when you play with good players. Phil and Mikel are great players and the strikers have been playing well, too. Benty gives us a different element running in the channels, Fergie won every header against Bolton and it will be good to get Beats back doing what he does best, which is scoring goals. There are plenty of options for the manager and hopefully we will be able to produce the goods for him. We definitely needed the three points against Bolton. The table makes much better reading than it did beforehand. Now it's onwards and upwards." (24/08/05)

Goals, Goals, Goals

Move over Rolf Harris, Kylie, Prisoner Cell Block H and Skippy, Tiny Tim is the best export from Australia ever. The Everton midfielder is angry with himself for not taking his chances against Man ure last weekend, and is targeting notloB today to make amends to open his scoring account, and more importantly Everton's points account. Lets hope so Tiny, as I have had some off my hard earned mullah on you today. Come on you Blue Boys.

Tiny says: "We need a win against Bolton. Villarreal was a very difficult game and they scored two great goals against the run of play. As for Man United, if we had knocked in a few chances - me included - during the first half it could have been a different game. We had them rattled during the first half but when you play against big teams like that they seem to punish you if you miss your opportunities. Against Bolton it will be even harder because we are away but we are looking forward to it and we want to put points on the board.

It is very important to get that first win under the belt because it breeds confidence. The sooner you pick up points the sooner you can get on with things and start concentrating on other targets. We are definitely not taking Bolton lightly because Sam Allardyce has brought a few good signings in and he is a manager who knows his stuff so we will go there, give them a lot of respect and then produce on the pitch.

It was great to finish with that many goals but my game is about being a midfielder. Obviously, I like to get forward and so I know goals will come but as long as I do my main job first by working hard for the team that is the main thing. Expectation will be massive for me to do the same thing again this year but we have got some brilliant strikers here who are going to get their goals so as long as I am making them as well as scoring them that is what matters. All through my career I have been involved in getting goals. The biggest thing for me is that I go quite a lot into the box. I try and give myself every chance, whether I am doing a striker's run or I am arriving late. There is definitely a knack to it but if you go so many times you are going to score and I believe that is one of my strengths. I think you look at many footballers and pick up different attributes. Mainly I learned from my old man and coaches I worked with as a kid but you do look at players like Paul Scholes who arrive in the box and are always scoring goals. People make jokes about me being a kangaroo because I get lots of headers but I am not that tall. I just work hard on all aspects of my game and that is one of those aspects. I want to be as complete as I can as a footballer. I have had to adapt my game a lot since being at Millwall because of the speed and the tempo. And there is always the pressure of having to produce in the Premiership. There is always a microscope on what you do as a footballer. You are nervous at the start but when you start to build confidence it helps. It has been a massive step but one I have enjoyed taking." (21/08/05)

5 More Years

On the eve of our biggest game in yonks, the bluekipper.com star man for 2004/2005 has agreed a new 5 year deal. Everton's best player last season by a mile, has signed a contract until 2010.

Moyesy says: “We are pleased because it became a little bit more messy than we expected it to be. Tim was going to be here for the long term anyway but we wanted to make sure he was secured. He showed throughout last season his value to us and we are just happy that we have now got him on a longer term deal.”

Tim says: “All the talk that has been going on hasn’t helped but we knew we would come to a resolution.  It was just a matter of sitting down with the gaffer and club properly. It is done now and I am happy and all I can say it is another dream come true, another five years at the club I love and at the one that gave me my chance.” (08/08/05)

New 5 Yeal Deal

Tiny has agreed to sign a new 5 year deal worth an estimated £27,000 a week. The Australian has reached a compromise deal after rejecting an improved offer from Goodison officials last month. After rejecting a first offer which would have increased his wage by 60%, Tim has denied he was trying to manufacturing a move away from the club.

Tim says: "The club put a gesture forward and it didn't seem right to be adding on years to a contract where I wasn't absolutely comfortable. If I was greedy then I would put in a transfer request and ask for a move, but it is not the case at all. Different people are saying things against me but it is just small-minded people who don't understand football."

Everton chief executive Keith Wyness says: "Further negotiations have taken place between the club and Tim's representatives. We remain very optimistic about the possible outcome." (06/08/05)

Negotiations Stall

As well as not attracting many players to Goodison this Summer, it seems we are having a slight problem hanging on to the ones who are already here. Everton have opened negotiations with Tiny Tim on an improved contract for last season's Player of the Season. By Tim's response it seems that Everton and Tiny are poles apart in their contract views. Don't worry though, Tim still has three years left on his existing deal, so time is on both sides.

Tiny says: "I was keen to commit my future but it seems that won't be possible. I'm very disappointed we have not been able to agree terms."

Big Keith says: "We have been in discussions with Tim Cahill and he's still got three years left to run on his current contract. Talks will continue and we will continue to view all options open to us. Tim did exceptionally well for us last season. He does have three years left to run but we want him to be with us for a long time." (25/07/05)

Flying Visit

Tim was at Bellefield to have some treatment on a minor injury while playing for Australia in the Confederations Cup. He intends to get some rest before he returns to pre-season training.

Tim says: "I got a slight knock so I popped into Bellefield for a bit of treatment. It's good to be back but it's also important to have a rest. I feel a bit tired but these things have got to be done." (03/07/05)

Only 3 Week Rest

While most of the squad are are into their 5th week of their Jollies, Tim plays his last game of the season tonight, when he plays for Australia against Tunisia in the confederations cup. Tim played in both games against Germany and Argentina. Tim will be back at Bellefield 0n 10th July 2005.

Alan says: "Tim has had to play for a ridiculous amount of time since the season ended because of the Confederations Cup. But because we will be playing a Champions League game on either August 9 or 10 we need to have him back a good four weeks before that. So unfortunately for Tim, while we would like to be able to give him more time off, we will not be able to do that.

Tim is a player who loves training and loves playing but the body can only take so much. And even a small deterioration physically or psychologically can make a massive difference when you have to be at your very best to play in the Premiership week in, week out. You hear plenty of stories of people who have played too much football. It is important we have Tim in the right condition when it comes to the start of the season.

He was a very important player for us last season and we want him to be a very important player for us again in the new season. There is no doubt you can over train and you can over play. If you take the edge off people then, when the margins are so small, it can make a huge difference. You are only talking about half yards, but if you knock that out of somebody then they may not be the same player they were before. It is important we monitor the progress of all the lads but we have got to be particularly aware of the players who have continued to play while the others have been resting. Being selfish, the fact Australia haven't qualified for the next stage is good news for us." (21/06/05)

Quality Targets

Tiny is delighted at Everton's statement of intent in the players it has signed, and seeking to sign. Tiny who made a huge impact on the Premiership in his first season at the Blues is over the moon with the addition of Simon Davies to the Blues's ranks. Also with the club targeting Forssell and Parker, it shows Everton's commitment to thrash it out with the big boys next season.

Tiny says: "First of all we’ve signed Simon Davies. He’s a brilliant signing and that’s going to help for our push to maintain what we’ve done this year. I think Scott Parker and Mikael Forssell speak for themselves. They’re fantastic players with a lot of ability and if we get them I’d be absolutely over the moon because Everton are looking to buy big and make the club even bigger than it is now." (08/06/05)

Top Temperament

Sir David Moyes believes that Tiny has the temperament and attitude to carry on were he left off last season. With Tiny away on a tour of duty with the Aussie's this Summer, expect his bowling and batting figures to be as good as his man of the match performances for the Blues.

Moyesy says: "His goals have been invaluable to us this season. It has been a really good first season in the Premiership for him and these awards reflect that. It means that all eyes will be on him next season. But he is a good boy with a good temperament. He is tough physically and mentally." (25/05/05)

Tim's Goals Got Us In Europe

Moyesy has pointed out that Tiny's goals are the main reason we are in Europe.

Moyesy says: “Tim was probably one of the better players in the First Division. I don’t know how many years I had watched him. I’d been the manager at Preston against him and when I got the job at Everton I kept my eye on Millwall regularly to see how he was doing. It was a terrific acquisition for Everton but that’s down to Tim. His performances have been excellent and in the second half of the season his goals have probably been the single-handed thing that got us into the position we’re in.

But the team performances have given him that opportunity and the way we’ve played at times this season have given him an opportunity to score the goals. I said when we got Tim that he’d have the opportunity to see if he could step up to the mark in the Premiership. It was just a case of seeing if he could make that transition and let’s be fair, he’s been like a duck to water.” (22/05/05)

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