New Signings

Cahill, Pistone and Hibbert are all nearing full fitness now and Tony thinks when they are back it will be like having new signings.

Tony says: "It will be a good boost for the squad if the three of us come back at the same time. I have started training and I have been going on and off for about a week now. Just getting back in with the lads instead of sitting in the changing room is brilliant. The lads have been brilliant. From the position we are in now, I don’t see why we can't keep pushing and it’s still early days in the season – there are still plenty more games where I think we can get a good few more results.

It is so close in the league table that you could fly up there. If you get a few wins you can be up there in the top six. I hope we are going into our best period. When the lads are back the squad will be better, there will be more players available and the lads will get a buzz from that. There will be more competition and we won’t be down to the bare bones, but I think the lads will get together and push on.

I hope to be playing soon – I can’t wait to. But I do think it will be a couple of weeks. I am doing full training now and there are still certain things I am not happy about but I don’t see why I wont be ready in a couple of weeks. Having all the banter and being out with the lads is good but I have got to keep on with my fitness and carry on my strength work." (05/01/07)

On The Mend

Tony Hibbert is working hard through the Summer months to get himself fit for the new season after his hernia operation. Bellefield seems a lonely place for the right back, but his aim is to be fighting fit for the new season.

Tony says: "The physio has assured me that things are going according to plan. It's a bit frustrating being in at the training ground while the rest of the lads are on holiday but there's not much I can do about that. It's a case of getting on with it and getting the work done. The main thing is that I am fully fit and ready for the pre-season training." (24/05/06)

See You Next Season

Like Tiny Tim, Big Nige, and Harry Hill before him, Tony Hibbert is another face we will not be seeing in a Blue shirt till next season. Hibbo is going under the knife for a hernia operation, and the right back is targeting pre season for his comeback.

Hibbo says: "It is frustrating that the season has ended this way for me. But the operation is something that is necessary and if we can get it done now I will be able to come back for pre-season fit and raring to go." (27/04/06)

On the Up

Moyesy still thinks we can get back to where we belong in the European places and in a further boost, he will have Phil Neville and the rejuvenated Tony Hibbert back from suspension when they tackle West Ham United at Upton Park tomorrow.

Moyesy says:"Hibbo's form has been quite consistent all season but he came back into a real vein of form after Christmas. We missed his consistency and his reliability at Newcastle." (03/03/06)

Whoever replaces the suspended Tony Hibbert at Newcastle won't effect the team. Who says so? The Hibbert himself. Joey Yobo and Matteo Ferrari are standing by for the call.

Hibbo says: "Of course it is frustrating. Things have been going really well in the last few weeks and it has been great being involved in the games we have played. It is always an honour to play for the club and I will be gutted when the lads run out at Newcastle and I am not involved.

The spirit in the squad has always been fantastic and in the last few weeks that has really come through. The whole team is playing well and I am confident the lads will continue that, regardless of who is unavailable at Newcastle. We are a very strong group and in the last month we have had to deal with a lot of injuries and suspensions but we have just stuck together and continued to give our all. I know every player who pulls on the shirt gives 110 per cent and I know whoever plays in my place at Newcastle will do that.

It has been a tough schedule over the last couple of months but we have shown we can cope with the demands. This week has given us a chance to recharge our batteries a little bit and I am sure it will stand us in good stead. The frustration for me is that I will have to wait another week before getting a chance to play again." (18/02/06)

National Service

Everton Skipper Davey Weir is backing his defensive mucker Tony Hibbert to break into the England squad before too long. Davey rates Hibbo an unsung hero for the Blues, and most Evertonians will know Hibbo would run through a brick wall for the club. Really though that would be stupid, as he would get injured, and be out for a considerable amount of time.

Davey says: "He is one of our unsung heroes and in my eyes he's an England player. He never lets you down, he's strong in the tackle and works non-stop. He's a great defender and I'm not sure there's too many better than him in his position in the country. He has played a vital role and is doing really well." (07/02/06)

You Are Different Class

Tony Hibbert is asking the fans to do their bit on Saturday, as Everton take on Chelski in the Cup at Goodison. He praises the fans for being different class, and he believes if the fans show the same passion as they did last week against Arsenal, this in turn will get through to the players.

Hibbo I can assure you we shall be feeling a little hoarse come 4:45pm tomorrow evening, and no I don't mean a Shetland Pony, as that would be wrong, and a little disturbing.

Hibbo says: "We always have great backing from the fans. But the atmosphere against Arsenal was different class and it makes a big difference when the fans are behind us like that. It was the same when we played Chelsea in the league earlier in the season and I am sure it will be the same on Saturday.

The Evertonians love the FA Cup and, at the moment, they don't come bigger than Chelsea. I am sure they will all be up for it. We have already shown we can live with Chelsea this year and although nobody can doubt their quality we have got to take that self-belief into the cup match.

The win against Arsenal has given us all a lift and we were confident enough anyway before that game because we've been on a great run.

It would be unbelievable. I know how much winning any competition means to the fans and to be a part of an Everton team that played in an FA Cup final would be just fantastic but there is a long way to go before we can think along those lines." (27/01/06)

Give The Goodison Faithful A Win

Tony is made up with the 3 points against the Black Cats and wants to continue the winning streak into 2006, starting at Goodison.

Hibbo says: "Obviously, we want to start the year in the best possible manner. And that would be to get a win in our home against Charlton. We all know what a good side Charlton can be on their day and we are not going to be taking anything for granted.

But after the run of results we have had at home in the last few weeks it is time we produced a good result for the fans. They certainly deserve it - their support for us has been great and that is so important right now. We have been very frustrated with our recent home performances, especially in the derby. The derby is so important for everybody associated with the club and as a local lad I know exactly what it means to the fans. We were all gutted by the result. Now we want to get the New Year off to the best possible start." (01/01/06)

I'll Be Back

Weeks after Moyesy was reassuring Tony Hibbert of his potential England abilities, Tony is coming to terms with being made one of the scape goats for the Blues terrible start to the season. Dropped for the defeat against Wigan, Tony is now kicking his heels on the training pitch, working hard to make things better. If it is any consolation Tony, believe me your not the only one Moyesy should have picked on.

Tony says: "You know that you can always try to improve and do better. But every player obviously enjoys playing more games, which is what we will start doing if we just keep together and keep trying to play our football.

The fans know how it is and they have seen what's been going on. The ones I speak to say the same as we do - keep at it and keep working hard. Every game is tough in the Premier-ship. In all honesty we were expected to beat Portsmouth but we didn't. This run of fixtures we've got looks tough but we will be taking them one at a time. The determination has been there all the time. People suggested that we wouldn't stay the distance last season but we did. Now they are saying it was a one off and we are determined to prove that it's not." (28/09/05)

Your Time Will Come

Moyesy has reassured Everton right back Tony Hibbert that his International day will come. With Gary Chuckle out of the England set up with an injury, Hibbo should have been in line as defensive cover down the right. Sven however will probably use Everton midfielder Phil Neville in the role. Moyesy thinks it won't be long though till the dependable Everton defender gets his chance.

Moyesy says: "I know the games are important now, it is not as if there are friendlies for a player to bed in, but I don't think Tony Hibbert would have been out of place if he had been given an opportunity. And maybe stepping up to that level will help him as well. I think Phil Neville can fill that role at right-back for England. Phil would do it well because he is reliable, he has been there and he has worn the t-shirt. But I am more concerned with picking my own team than somebody else’s." (29/08/05)

True Blue

Unbelievable, there are actually a few players in existence today, who are happy to stay with the club they love. All of us out there would love to pull on the Royal Blue, and run out to play at Goodison, and Tony Hibbert has lived the dream. A day after signing a new four year contract, Hibbo tells us he had no hesitation putting pen to paper, as he loves the club and the boys in it. I am sure Tony one day will be rewarded for his loyalty, and not with a Rio Ferdinand type pay packet, but lifting a trophy with the club you love. Now that is priceless.

Hibbo says: "I want to stay here because I am an Evertonian and because there is a great bunch of lads at the club. I have grown up here, I have been here all my life. I have grown up watching Everton and playing for Everton. Another big factor was the fact the lads here are unbelievable. Everybody gets on and there is a great team spirit amongst the players. We give everything every game and when you are playing you realise there are people playing for you, not just playing as individuals. The players will do anything for you on and off the pitch and that is something special." (27/07/05)

Four More Years, Four More Years....

At last someone wants to commit their long term future to the Blues. Well played Tony Hibbert, who put pen to paper on a four year deal, that keeps him at Goodison till 2009. The 23yr old right back, will no doubt if he carries on his impressive development, soon be taking a call from Sexy Sven. Lets hope so as he deserves it.

Hibbo says: "I had one year left on my contract and I wasn't expecting anything to happen until maybe the end of next year, so I was very pleased when the club came to me." (26/07/05)

Tony Hibbert Last Season / Squad 2005/06