8. Andy Johnson - 06/07
8. Andy Johnson - 06/07 |
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Andy Johnson is recovering well from his operation on his gammy ankle according to Everton Physio Basil Rathbone. The Everton strikers recovery will be over six to eight weeks, and that means he should be coming back to full fitness in time for Everton's pre season matches. Super Sleuth Basil Rathbone says: "We brought the operation forward just to buy us some more time ahead of next season. He injured his other ankle at West Ham and that was doing quite well but he was by no means sure to play at Chelsea. It was going to be touch and go so we though we could gain half a week in a rehabilitation period of six to eight weeks. The operation went very well. Andy has had discomfort at the front of his ankle for the last six months but intermittently for a number of years. He had an excess piece of bone there so the consultant just opened up the front of the joint and took away the offending piece of bone. We have him with us now and he is in a walking boot now. He will have the stitches out next week and then we will think about getting back to running." (18/05/07) Andy has had an operation today on his left ankle. It was brought forward, as Everton have already qualified for Europe and it will give our leading goalscorer more time to recover for the start of the season. Moyesy says: "Andy had an operation today, we brought it forward a few days." (11/05/07) European Football, that is why AJ joined the Blues, and with qualification for the UEFA Cup in the strikers first season, Andy is over the proverbial moon. AJ adds with the blood, sweat and tears the players have shed this year it would have been a travesty if the boys had not qualified, a travesty, your right, £66 soddin' pounds for a passport renewal, now that's a travesty. Andy says: "It's where everyone wants to play. It means so much to all the boys in the dressing room. We would have been devastated not to qualify. They want to play in Europe. That's the main reason I signed for Everton. You've only got to see the Champions League matches on the telly - those are the kind of games you want to play in. We feel we have had a great season and to have come this far and not finished off the job would have been a travesty.The boys have shed blood, sweat and tears." (10/05/07) Andy Johnson was gutted at missing Saturday's comprehensive victory against Pompey, but he was delighted to be sat amongst the crowd to sample a unique Goodison atmosphere that Saturday was. With European qualification all but guaranteed, the fans answered Moyesy's call for some noise, and the players responded accordingly with a superb second half performance of the highest quality. AJ imagine the noise if we were parading a trophy round, lets hope so next come May. Andy says: "I was obviously gutted at missing out but the atmosphere was awesome. The noise, particularly in the second half, was incredible and I firmly believe it made a difference. We were far more dominant in the second half and it's no coincidence that our fans were terrific too. It was an interesting experience sitting in the Main Stand watching the lads in such an important game. I knew full well that our supporters were great but to actually be amongst them in such a cracking atmosphere was a pleasure and a privilege for me. All the lads commented on it afterwards and I know the gaffer told the press how delighted he was with our fans performance. They deserve great credit because they really helped us over the finishing line. It was as much about us thanking the fans as it was about them acknowledging us. To see the looks on the faces at the end was brilliant. We've all worked so hard to qualify for Europe and you could see just what it meant to the fans. I just soaked it all up as I walked around the pitch and I remember looking at all the Evertonians and thinking to myself ‘What a club this is!', it was a wonderful experience." (07/05/07) Moyesy had no option but to put Everton and England striker under the knife during the Summer break for bone growth in his left foot. It will mean that Andy will miss England's prestigious Wembley opener against Brazil, and their important Euro qualifier against Estonia. Don't worry Andy you will soon be on the Euro plane with the Blues next season, I've already ordered me sun cream, and got me passport renewal underway, £60 odd quid are they taking the piss. Moyesy says: "He's having surgery at the end of the season but it's not on the ankle that he has got the injury with just now. It will be on his other ankle where he has got a little bit of bone growth. It will rule him out," declared the boss. "But it is really important that Everton do have people in the England squad and it's great that Andy and Phil have been around that this season. But I have also got to think about Everton and Andy does need an operation, there's no other way about it. We are pleased that Andy plays for England but on this occasion there's no way round it." (06/05/07) Although AJ could play on Saturday, he will have surgery on his left ankle in the Summer to correct a problem Andy has had for months, but played on through the pain. His right ankle he sprained is still sore but he may still be fit for the last hurrah against Pompey. Baz says: "After injuring his right ankle, we were hopeful that the subsequent period of rest would help his left ankle. However, that has not been the case and the player will have an operation as soon after the final match of the season as possible. Andy has had the problem for a number of months now and it is getting no better." Moyesy says: "There are a few bumps and bruises knocking around the squad but there is no change regarding Andy from before the Manchester United game. We will give him every chance to prove that he can face Portsmouth and we will just have to see how the week goes." (01/05/07) The scan has revealled no breaks or ligament damage to Andy's ankle. But he is still in pain from the sprained ankle. Hopefully he will be fit for the manure game. Baz says: "AJ has had a scan and that seems to confirm our clinical diagnosis that he sprained his ankle. It's too soon to estimate recovery time but the good thing is that the player normally heals quite quickly so it's fingers crossed as far as we are concerned." (21/04/07) Andy is struggling with a swollen ankle. This may keep him out of the manure game next Saturday. He will have a scan tomorrow to see how serious it is. Baz Rathbone says: "He went over on his ankle and it is swollen and sore. We will assess the situation further on Sunday and he will undergo a scan." (21/04/07) Everton CEO Bully Beef has warned off any potential suitors for Andy Johnson, with news that the England striker is happy at Goodison and going nowhere. Bully is getting a bit annoyed that a story that was in some daily rag a few weeks ago is still getting some mileage in that North Londoners Arse and Spurs are determined to sign AJ. Bully Beef says: "I can only imagine this (speculation) comes from an erroneous story in one national newspaper a couple of weeks ago. There is absolutely nothing in it. AJ has made it quite clear that he is happy here and we are absolutely delighted with him." (26/03/07) Crocked England and Skunks striker Michael Owen is tipping AJ to come up with the goods in Israel for England tomorrow evening. Andy looks a certain starter up front with ex Blue Wayne Rooney, as Malcolm McClaren's men try and get their stuttering Euro 2008 campaign back on track. Michael Owen says: " Scoring goals in the Premiership is difficult to do and he's obviously done that. As much as international football is very different, I'm sure he has got the attributes to take it to that level. I know Andy quite well from the England squad and I'm sure he'll handle the pressure. He is quite similar to me in many respects," said Owen. "He likes to play on the last defender and he's a goalscorer. That type of player probably brings out the best of Wayne Rooney as he gives him more spaces to do what he does best behind him." (23/03/07) After his 'Man of The Match' performance against Arsenal on Sunday, Andy has moved onto 12 goals for the season and Alan Stubbs has praised the England striker for helping Everton's challenge for Europe. Stubbsey says: “I don’t want this to sound bad but he is a player that we have lacked for a number of years now. That’s me talking as a fan, rather than as a player, as I don’t think it would be just for me to do that. As a fan, we have missed that special someone. We have missed a prolific striker, who has scored 15-plus goals a season. Andrei Kanchelskis was the last person to break through that barrier and it’s been too long. All being well, AJ is going to beat that this season and it’s something we've badly needed. Every team that is challenging at the top needs a striker that is going to score a lot of goals and all credit to AJ. He and Vaughany were a constant threat and I’m glad I don’t have to mark them.” (20/03/07) It looks highly likely that Andy Johnson will partner ex Everton hero Wayne Rooney in next weeks Internationals against Israel and Andorra. Moyesy reckons that his star striker is up to the job especially after yesterdays winning strike against Arsenal. Malcolm McClaren feels the same as well, so its over to you Andy, go and do your country proud, ask Freddie Flintoff how to do it. Moyesy says: Andy is definitely up to the task of playing for England. If England have got the players who can put him into the box, he will get through and score. He is always a threat, always on the shoulder of the last defender and he is always likely to get in behind a defence with his pace. He'll not let the team down because his effort is wonderful," concluded the manager. Malcolm says: I am not going to go over what has happened in the past with Andy Johnson, but we are looking for someone to play alongside Rooney and he could be the answer. Next to Michael Owen, Andy is the most natural goalscorer we've got - his record proves that. I certainly think he is capable of handling the game in Israel. Andy is a real team player and is always a threat. His big strength is his exceptional pace and I am excited by the prospect of what he can do in perhaps a more central attacking role than the one we used him in against Holland. Andy showed at Crystal Palace that he can play on his own up front and he has got even better in that role with Everton. He can stretch teams because he is fast enough to get behind players and, as we are away from home, we think we can be successful on the counter-attack." (19/03/07) Andy Johnson has moved quick to rubbish reports in some rags this morning, that he is missing the bright lights of London, and West Ham are apparently leading the charge for his signature. A few points to ponder over, Andy is back in the England reckoning with his Everton performances this season, and won't the Hammers be in the Championship next season. Jesus Andy Syd the Snake isn't your new agent is he. Anyway the Everton striker would sign tomorrow for for life if it was on offer. Andy says: "If I could sign here for the rest of my career I would do it tomorrow. I am more than happy here, I love the club, the fans and the lads in the dressing room. I am sure the fans can see how much I love it here in my football but I want to make it clear there is no truth in this report - I am loving being an Everton player and I regard it as a great honour to put that blue shirt on every week. I would love to think I will still be here in seven years." (15/03/07) No greater compliment can be paid when a footballer earns rave reviews off a World Cup Winner and an Everton Legend. Alan Ball has been impressed with what he has seen of AJ this season, and he thinks he is the man to fire us back into Europe. The terrier like ex Everton midfielder reminds AJ that some special players have worn the number 8 for the Blues over the years, and he is doing the shirt proud. Who are these players I hear you ask, well one was a ginger haired kid we signed from Blackpool in 1966, called you guessed it, Alan Ball. Everton Legend Alan Ball says: "I have been very impressed with him. You always worry when someone comes up a division for a lot of money - and he inherited a shirt that is a bit special, the number eight shirt. I am pleased for him. He has got goals and I think he is as pleased with the Everton support he has got. They saw what he has got; he has got pace, he gets in the right areas, he is always dangerous around the goal and he scores goals. For a striker
at Everton that is important that the fans take to them after the history
of great strikers. He will be delighted with his season, I'm sure his
manager is, and I am sure the crowd are and together they can go even
further. He will continue to get that little bit better because his confidence
will be lifted, I'm sure. I have been impressed with him, and I was speaking
to David Moyes at a function and David was delighted with him, saying
he was just a fabulous lad on the training pitch. With the recent injury to Tiny, Moyesy thinks AJ is the man to step up to the plate and fire Everton into Europe next season. Andy himself is putting an injury set back behind him, and the Manager can see the sharpness of early season returning to the England's strikers game. Moyesy says: "I think Andy has been on form but missed training at spells in recent weeks. We want him as sharp as he was at the start of the season and I can see signs he is getting back to that kind of form. If he keeps the goals going in the final games of the season it will really help our cause." (07/03/07) Moyesy is talking up AJ's claims for an England start in the forthcoming crucial Euro qualifier against Israel in late March. AJ would no doubt be partnering Everton old boy Wayne Rooney if he was to start, and Moyesy thinks AJ should be given a run in the England set up, after his superb performances of late. Moyesy says: "Wayne’s got an undoubted talent with a football; he can do just about anything with the ball. Andy is a different type; he’s more of a predator and looking to play on the last line of defence, looking to threaten the back of defenders. You only need to see why we feel as if we’ve been hard done by with penalty-kick decisions, that gives you an idea of how often he’s actually getting into the box and putting defenders and goalkeepers under pressure. It’s a hard thing to come by now. Everybody is looking for forwards who are willing to go in where it hurts and get in behind. He’s also such a good team player that even if it’s not going for him you know that you are always going to get 100% from him. But I’ve said many times that it’s a hard enough job picking the Everton team, never mind the England team. It’s not my position to do so. But it would be great (for Everton) if we could have Andy Johnson playing for England up front. I think Andy can do that, hopefully getting the opportunity, getting some chances and with the players around him hopefully they’ll see his runs, play him in and give him those opportunities to score. I think nobody will be disappointed with what he offers the team and from that point of view he’ll always be a strong member of whatever side he plays for." (27/02/07) Andy Johnson was fouled in the area at Watford. A penalty was awarded and he slotted. That should be the end of it, but because Andy hasn't been given about half a dozen penalties this season, and some people have called him a diver, other people get asked questions about it. For a change Watford's manager, backed Johnson. Andy says: "I went through and cut inside and got tangled up and I went down. It was a penalty and I was pleased to put it away. It was a great performance from the team. It was important to get three points after a disappointing game on Wednesday. The main thing is we got three points and hopefully we can get three more next Saturday against Sheffield United and kick on." Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd says: "My initial view is, yes, it was a penalty. It was one of those that sometimes are given, sometimes not. And any player that gets booed should pat themselves on the back because it shows what a good player they are. Ronaldo gets it and Andy Johnson gets it. He is a very good player and £8.5million has proved to be a snip for them. If you are a good player you are a threat to the opposition and you are going to get stick. But I don't think he is a cheat, not at all. That's not fair." (25/02/07) Moyesy is delighted with his signing of Andy Johnson, and he believes the £8m he spent on him is cheap in today's market. He is convinced as we all are that the England hit man is worth a lot more than that now. The gaffer likens Andy to a house, increasing in value all the time, that's ironic as my missus calls me a bungalow, not a lot upstairs, but downstairs, think about it...... Moyesy says: "Andy was a big investment but he actually looks cheap now. When you see what is going on now it looks like a good investment. It's a bit like buying a house - sometimes you buy dear and you only realise how well you have done when it goes up in value in a couple of years time. And Andy has done that already. Signings such as Andy can help take us to another level. But I think what we are always going to have to do is buy carefully and I don't think we will ever overspend." (12/02/07) Andy has pulled out of the England squad to face Spain on Wednesday. We expect him to be fit for Saturday's game at home to Blackburn. Baz Rathbone says: "Andy did really to play against Liverpool. We then reviewed him on Sunday morning at Bellefield and his ankle was understandably a little bit sore. We contacted the England medical team and they assessed him on Sunday night in Manchester and agreed with us that it would be better for the player to rest it." (05/02/07) England Boss Malcolm McLaren has joined in the debate and backed Andy Johnson 100% in the diving row that has overshadowed the striker in the last few months. AJ who is struggling with his fitness, some think as a consequence of not going to ground too easily, is not likely to be risked by Everton in England's forthcoming friendly against Spain at Old Trafford next week. Malcolm says: "Andrew Johnson is one of the most honest players I have come across. He has got a lot pace which gets him into certain situations. It is not a case of him diving, but riding the tackles that causes things to happen. But some of the things that have been said about him are ridiculous; he is a very honest player." (01/02/07) Everton have been amazed at the fast recovery Andy has made from his Ankle injury. He now has an outside chance to play in the derby. (31/01/07) Good news and bad news on the AJ injury front. The good news is that the strikers injury is not as bad as first feared, but on a sour note it will keep him out of action for some weeks to come, and that will include the shite match a week on Saturday. Basil Rathbone is confident that AJ's injury will be weeks rather than months. Basil says: "Andy had further scans this morning and after an appointment with a consultant we were able to update our diagnosis. All the evidence suggests that there is no bone injury and that the damage is confined to the soft tissues. Although this can be interpreted as good news, it is still a significant ankle injury. I would estimate a recovery period for Andy of a matter of weeks rather than months." (22/01/07) Andy was stretched off in the Wigan game and went straight to hospital to have x-rays on his left ankle. Fingers crossed. (21/01/07) Everton's leading goal scorer is hoping his goals will set up a grandstand finish and a place in Europe. Andy says: "If we can get three points on Sunday and then get three points from the Wigan game then we will be close to the top six. Everyone is down in the dumps but the quicker we get over that the better. We have still got a great season ahead of us. We can still turn it around and get into the top six and Europe. It was a strange game and a hard game against Blackburn. We had a lot of boys suffering with illness before the game. We had six or seven affected - Ossie was bad. It was a tough game and we got beat. It was a bad day at the office and we are gutted for the fans because they don't deserve to turn up and watch that sort of performance. But we have got to put it behind us and as I say it is not all doom and gloom. If we win on Sunday, with Wigan the week after, we can aim for the top six." (11/01/07) Andy Johnson is putting his goal scoring return at Reading down to the fans. The striker who scored his first goal in two months, thanks the Goodison faithful for their unflinching support of him, and he would love to repay them with more goals. I can live with that, lets carry it on against Boro on Boxing Day AJ. Andy says: "The fans have been brilliant, week-in, week-out, they haven't murmured or moaned so I'd like to say thanks to the fans. They keep believing in me and if they keep believing, I'll keep scoring goals. I was buzzing to score the goal. There's been a lot of talk of me not scoring and the diving as well, so now I can just put it all behind me and focus on the football. It's a big period for us and we have got to stay 100% focused. It is always an important time, the Christmas time, and getting three points stands us in good stead. It's back to Goodison now for our home game, and our form there has been good. If we can get three points there then it will put us right amongst it again." (25/12/06) Andy Johnson wants to draw a line under Jose Mourinho's remarks from the weekend. The Chelsea Boss retracted his comments about AJ and issued a humbling apology yesterday. Fair shout, lets get back to the footy now eh !! Andy says: "I'm pleased that Mr Mourinho has apologised for the comments he made. I have the utmost respect for both Chelsea Football Club and Mr Mourinho as a manager. Everton Football Club and myself can now concentrate on the games ahead. I would like to thank Everton Football Club, my manager David Moyes, my team-mates and my agent for all their support. This is now the end of the matter." (21/12/06) AJ has come out and defended himself against accusations by Mourinho, that he dives. Andy Johnson says: "I was very disappointed with the comments made by Jose Mourinho after Sunday's match with Chelsea. I believe the incident which was highlighted by Mr Mourinho was badly misinterpreted by him. I did not dive. I merely jumped out of the way of Chelsea's goalkeeper as he came out at my feet. I was not trying to get a penalty. I do not consider myself to be a diver. And I have to say that I feel greatly disappointed that my integrity as a footballer has been unfairly questioned in this way. I hope that the Chelsea manager will retract his statement." (18/12/06) Everton Football Club and Anthony McFarlane (AJ'S Agent) has made the following statement In the wake of Sunday's Premiership game against Chelsea at Goodison Park we wish to jointly condemn the post-match comments of Jose Mourinho relating to Andrew Johnson. To publicly question the integrity of a player of Andrew's professionalism and honesty is not only wholly unacceptable and quite possibly defamatory but also, in our opinion, highly damaging for both Club and player. We would urge the footballing authorities to look closely at Mr Mourinho's comments and then, perhaps, seek a formal explanation. Both Everton Football Club and Andrew Johnson have always believed in the virtues of fair play and we would ask Mr Mourinho to immediately retract his allegations.(18/12/06) It's rich when a manager, who has the worst divers in the premiership in Drogba and Robben has a go at someone else. Moyesy wasn't having any of it. Moyesy says: "In my eyes the referee gave what he saw. It shows that even such a good coach as Jose Mourinho gets it wrong and doesn't choose the right words at the right moment. It was only a few weeks ago that their goalkeeper Petr Cech got stood on at Reading. In this instance our player jumps over the goalkeeper to avoid injuring him and he gets criticised for that. You have to decide who you think is making the rules up." (17/12/06) AJ who is thankfully fit for today's visit to Pompey, can still remember the moment when he thought to himself, that's were I want to play my football. His then Crystal Palace side visited Goodison back in April 2005, and were on the end of a 4-0 spanking. With the crowd going ballistic, and Everton rampant, Andy thought what an awesome place this is. AJ says: "If we can win at Portsmouth, which we are capable of, we can climb higher again. There is more than enough in this dressing room to stay up near the top and that's our aim. This team was in the Champions League two years ago and there was a massive buzz around the city. That is what the boys want to create again. I remember coming to Goodison and the fans scaring the life out of me. I remember 40,000 fans screaming their heads off when they were going for the Champions League and it was awesome." (09/12/06) Champions League, Were Deadly Serious We did it two seasons ago with a considerably weaker squad, so why can't Everton finish in the top four to qualify again for the Champions League. Andy Johnson believes we can, and with only one point separating the third place team from the ninth placed team, Everton among others can think of glory come next May. Andy says: "We're talking about the Champions League. We want to stay in there. We've got more than enough (talent) in the dressing room to be there. This is a massive club and we've got massive ambitions. We want to be in the top six - the team was there two years ago and there was a massive buzz around the city." (05/12/06) After missing the last two games with a slight hamstring injury, Andy is still doubtful for the West Ham game on Sunday. Moyesy says: "Andy won't be out for a long time. It's nothing serious, just a slight strain. He suffered it early against Bolton and managed to play on for the rest of the game. We're taking it day by day and seeing how he feels with it. He definitely couldn't play against United, and I'm not convinced about whether he'll be ready for the weekend." (29/11/06) Andy is not worried that he hasn't scored for 8 games, but thinks the goals will start coming again soon. Andy
says: "I haven't scored in eight games but hopefully if
I can keep getting the chances it will pop in on Saturday. I am not worried.
I went through the same thing in pre-season. Every striker goes through
it but i think because I got off to such a flyer with six goals in seven
I think the expectation from myself and everybody else was there.
But if we keep getting the chances I will be okay. Beats alongside me
on Saturday was a big help as well, he was great. He holds the ball up
and brings people into play. He is a great team player and great to play
alongside. Moyesy thinks that Andy has been affected by some of the adverse publicity he's received of late. Moyesy says: "I think he has been. A lot has been said but the lad has just done things honestly but he has been criticised in some quarters. When that happens you are always wary of it and I think that you could see that in his play." (12/11/06) Andy's old boss at Palace, Ian Dowie has backed his former player. Dowie says: "I have never seen Andy dive. He is as honest a pro as there is and I think there is this witch-hunt that goes around about it. If you weigh 10 stone and you are running at the pace he runs then if someone bumps you, trust me, you are going to go down. There is a difference between avoiding the challenge and diving. I think it is now hurting Andy because he is not getting what he deserves. Andy is a terrific player - one of the top strikers in the country, but for some reason we want to pick holes in him. He gets a witch-hunt while other players in foreign climes do not even get mentioned. Andy is an English player, who tackles hard and competes hard. It is ridiculous - rather than pick up on what he does great, we highlight that. But like anything, that is the nature of where we are." (10/11/06) It seems everyone wants to have a say about Andrew over the last couple of weeks on his ability to beat easily beat defenders. They are saying he goes down too easily when he gets fouled. Well I couldn't give a flying. I love him and so does everyone else connected with the Toffeemen. It would be nice if we get a penalty tomorrow due to foul on AJ. Oh how we'd laugh. We think a bit of jealously is creeping in and he just needs to carry on as usual. Alan Irvine agrees:"Andy was disappointed he didn't manage to score at the weekend and actually apologised to everybody in the dressing room afterwards. I don't think he had a case to answer as far as that was concerned, but it shows the type of lad he is and how much it means to him to play well and score. There was nobody criticising him after the game, they realise what he has done this season so far and everyone realises he will score plenty more goals this season - and it has not been that long since he last scored." "First of all, he is a striker who wants to score a goal and I don't know too many that will pass up going through to score a goal in favour of falling over. When you are Andy's size and you are running at pace it is not that difficult to knock him over but the second incident on Saturday shows that he wants to get a shot on goal, he doesn't choose to do that. I am sure that if Andy had not been pulled down by Claude Davis against Sheffield United he would have preferred to have a chance of scoring himself. His primary focus is trying to get a shot on goal and unfortunately sometimes he is going to get knocked over on the way to doing that. There has been quite a lot said about Andy but I don't think he has a case to answer."(07/11/06) Arse Head Wenger may have limited sight, but you can't knock his judgment when it comes to quality players. The Arsenal manager who had a right go at the Blues last weekend for daring to use tactics to take points of his beloved Arsenal, claims he once tried to sign him AJ for the Gooners. Now Arse knows a good player or three when he see's one, like Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas, Patrick Viera, and Franny Jeffers (satirical humour), so on this point we will bow to his greater knowledge. Arse Head says: "For me, Andrew Johnson did very well. He was first to the ball many times and I'm still a fan of his. I was right about him. "He made a mistake to stay one more year in the Championship. Now he is showing how good he is. I like his work-rate, the timing of his runs and the fact he wants to go behind defenders and the fact he scores goals. He is England class if you compare him with the other players. He's suited to playing up front on his own because he has the physical potential to repeat the runs. I thought about signing him but he was not really available and this year I have enough strikers." (01/11/06) Andy Johnson has become the first Everton player since Super Kevin Campbell in 1999, to win the Premiership Player of the Month Award. His accolade follows his performances in September, when above all things he scored two against the shite. He still remains top of the Premiership pile with six goals in seven Premiership starts, and how England could have done with him in their last two games. Wayne who...........!! Andy says: "I was delighted when I found out that I had won this award. It's always nice to win things but I see this as a reward for the whole team. We've made a terrific start to the season and although the award will have my name on it, I wouldn't have scored six goals so far if the rest of the lads weren't playing so well. Any player joining a new club wants to get off to a good start and all the boys here have certainly helped me to do that. They've made it so easy for me to settle and I just hope that we can continue to play well and get good results." (13/10/06) Even Andy himself is surprised how he's hit the goal trail so soon after joining Everton. Andy says: "Maybe the start has surprised even myself. I was confident I would score goals and I got the first against Watford and they've continued since then. Maybe the start has surprised even myself. I was confident I would score goals and I got the first against Watford and they've continued since then. I've just got the boys to thank because they've been fantastic and put the chances on a plate and I've been happy to put them in the back of the net." (07/10/06) Last time Andy Johnson had a hamstring injury he was out for 10 weeks. This will send shivers down many Evertonians spine. He's gutted ( a great footy saying) at missing the chance of an England cap, but not as gutted as the fans if he's out of the Boro game. Johno says: "I am gutted about that, but the main thing is that I get it right for the next game which is a week on Saturday. It's alright. It was a bit sore in Saturday's game and that is why I came off for the last couple of minutes. I have been getting intense treatment on it every day with Baz (Head Physio Mick Rathbone) and it is coming along. But I can still feel it and that is why I had to pull out of the England set up. I had a problem with the same hamstring three or four years ago and I was out for ten weeks and that is the last thing I want at the moment." (06/10/06) Johno could be ok for the Boro game if his hamstring heals ok. Moyesy says: "It should take about ten days to heal. He couldn't play this weekend but he may be able to resume training before the trip to Middlesbrough. It's disappointing for Andrew, but it's just a case of wait and see at the moment." (04/10/06) Andy Johnson has had to pull out of the England squad for this weekends Euro qualifier after picking up a hamstring injury in the closing stages of Saturdays draw against Man City. Bad news for England, but hopefully AJ should be fit for the Blues when the Premiership resumes a week on Saturday. New England Boss Malcolm McLaren says: "Andy's out of the games against Macedonia and Croatia with a hamstring injury which he picked up in the last minute against Manchester City on Saturday. It's a real blow because he's made a massive impact already with Everton this season and I've been hugely impressed by him. He's got such a great attitude and is a constant threat to any defence. He was certainly knocking very hard on the door for a place in the team, so it's a disappointment to lose him." (02/10/06) After 2 goals in his first Merseyside Derby, Johno was thrilled. Andy says: "It is amazing. It is probably the best day of my life. We have got off to a great start and to continue it against our rivals is amazing." It's hard work up front but that is what I get paid for. You work hard for your teammates and if you get a couple of chances then it is a bonus. I thought Joleon (Lescott) and Joseph (Yobo) were absolutely fantastic at the back, as were the rest of the boys." (11/09/06) Andy Johnson has thanked Moyesy for re establishing him in the England set up after his Summer move from Crystal Palace. Andy who is in the hunt for a starting place in tomorrows International clash, realises in the few short weeks of the Premiership season just how big a club the Blues are. If you know your history, Johnno seems to, as he calls us one of the biggest clubs in the country, with the best fans. Welcome to the world of Everton Andy, once its in your blood there's no escaping. Johnno says: "It is nice to know the gaffer has confidence in you and to read those things he is saying. But you have to put that to the back of your mind and keep doing what you do week in, week out. The gaffer has paid a lot of money for me and I just want to start paying him back as soon as possible. You always have to work hard, that is a gimme. The main thing is scoring, linking up and creating things. I have been pleased with my workrate at the start of the season but it is good to start well and get a few goals. The bread and butter is working hard in training and you can only get better by doing extra work and playing with better players. The manager has seen me over the last three or four seasons so he has just asked me to carry on the form I showed at Palace with Everton. "Everton is a massive club and to be able to play in front of 40,000 fans week in, week out is great. But the fans are so passionate as well, it is a great club and historically it is one of the biggest clubs in English football." (01/09/06) After 2 goals in his first 3 games for Everton, the spotlight has been on our new signing, but he believes the team spirit in the camp is the main reason for the great start. Johno says: "The team spirit is tremendous. In the dressing room afterwards, the lads were made up and everyone is happy and buzzing. Team spirit is a massive factor in football and if you have that togetherness it can take you a long way. It has been a good week. We have had some great results. The way we played after going down to 10 men shows the character we have got in the squad. Phil Neville has put a good ball in from the right, and I knew he would put one in so I gambled on it. It's good to follow in the footsteps of a legend (Gary Lineker) but I seem to have a bit of luck when I come here, I scored at that end the other year (with Crystal Palace)." (29/08/06) Andy's mate Biffa has gone over the top about his buddy's goal. If Biffa hadn't have gotten married over the summer, some people may have talked. Biffa says: "I am absolutely ecstatic for Andy. He's a great lad, he's settled in really well and that's what his game is all about - getting goals. He's proved again that he can finish from anywhere and it was a great strike with his left foot." (23/08/06) Andy got off the mark for Everton with his first goal of which we hope to be many against Watford at Goodison Park yesterday. Johno says: "I was delighted. Obviously the most important thing was getting three points for the team but I had been carrying a thing on my shoulders about getting the first goal and I got it today so I am delighted." (20/08/06) AJ wants to get off to a good start for more than one reason tomorrow against newly promoted Watford. As well as sticking one or two in the onion bag for the Blues he also wants to repay Watford for knocking his old club out at the semi final stage off the play off's last season, when the Hornets dumped Palace comprehensively on their way to securing their top flight return. AJ says: "Obviously it's a personal thing for me wanting to beat them. Everyone knows Watford beat Crystal Palace in the play-off semi-final, but the most important thing is just getting three points for Everton. But it won't be easy. There's no reason why Watford should struggle this season if that's what people think. They are a very good, young, talented team. They are organised, they are hard-working and they are hard to play against. I don't think anyone should take them for granted." (18/08/06) AJ is still to score for Everton in pre-season game, but Moyesy is pleased with his new striker and predicts plenty of goals from him in the Premiership. Moyesy says: "It doesn't concern me one bit. I'm not even interested. On another day, he might have had three. I am delighted with his form and with his play. He will give us goals and there will be no better time than next week." (13/08/06) Andy has praised Faddy and he thinks he could be the ideal partner for him in the future. Andy says :"It was good playing alongside Faddy.He was sharp, and playing short passes like myself and I thought we linked up well and created a few chances. Apart from a couple of offsides and a few bounces of the ball that went against us, I thought we could have scored some goals. I think his was probably the best performance of any of the strikers in pre-season so far."(07/08/06) AJ says: “I knew Everton was a big club before I signed but having been here for a few weeks now, I am beginning to realise it’s not just big – it’s top, top quality too. There are several quality strikers and I know competition is going to be stiff. I have to work hard to impress the manager and make sure he picks me for the opening day. I can’t speak highly enough about the team spirit here. As soon as I walked through the door I was given a friendly welcome by everyone.” (25/07/06) AJ has a slight groin strain and was brought off as a precaution at Celtic, but is fit enough to leave with the squad on their mini tour of USA. Moyesy says: "I thought Andy played very well. We'd have probably kept him on a bit longer but he had a wee bit of a groin strain. Andy will give us a threat going forward, the keeper made a couple of good saves from him. But if he continues to play like that it will be difficult for defences to play against him." (24/07/06) AJ missed 5 good chances to open his account with Everton on Saturday with Bury keeper, Ferris in outstanding form. But the fans loved his performance. That much so that they stripped him of his boots, socks, and shirt. Alan Irvine says: His movement was terrific and on another day, he could have scored 4 or 5 goals. We would have loved him to have scored, but it's not that important at this stage. His goal record speaks for itself. Anyone will tell you that you that strikers have to miss chances as well as score them." Andy says: "The fans were brilliant. It was the main reason I joined the club, but they will have to put up with me for a little while longer, as I missed a lot of chances. I was happy with my movement and whatnot, but I have got to get my timing now and we will do a bit more finishing in training but I am confident the goals will come anyway. It's only the first game of pre-season and I'm delighted to get 90 minutes under my belt. We have only been working with the football for two or three days so I am confident the goals will come. "It was a good performance, we passed the ball well. Hughesy, Paddy and Scotty all played well. It was hot out there with difficult conditions but the fans were brilliant. " (17/07/06) Andy had his first training session as an Everton player yesterday and was welcomed with open arms. AJ says: "It has been brilliant. It was a bit hot on the first day but the boys have been brilliant and have welcomed me with open arms. The gaffer and the coaching staff have also been excellent and it was a good first day of training. Pre-season is the toughest period for the players but it is also the most important part of the season in a lot of ways. If you miss pre-season you are always chasing your fitness for the rest of the year. It is important not to get any injuries during this period because it puts you in good stead for the rest of the season. This is something I have been looking forward to all summer. Once you sign you want to get in straight away. I have had a few weeks since I signed but I am here now and I can't wait for the season to start. The banter has been great. You can see already they are a great bunch of lads and I am sure it will only be a couple of days before we are fitting right in. (04/07/06) Expect goals like you've never seen for over 20 years at Goodison, but our main strike threat won't be predicting how many. AJ says: "I always set personal scoring targets for myself but I always keep them to myself because if you fall short of those targets that is when you start getting stick. But having scored those 21 last time in the Premiership, my target now would be somewhere close to that. I don't even tell my team-mates my target, though. I keep it to myself but you have always got to set targets otherwise you have nothing to aim for. In the season in the Premiership I have to admit my total was a fair bit above my target." (21/06/06) ....And If You Know Your History Everton new boy Andy Johnson can't wait for the new season to start, and he is just not looking forward to the duration of his new contract, but also to a lifetime of wearing the Royal Blue. One thing for sure the Striker is certainly saying the right things, and he certainly knows his history of our great football club. Andy says: "To be able to turn around when I have finished my career, and say that I spent five years or hopefully longer at a club as big as Everton, with a fan base as big as this club has would be amazing for me." (20/06/06) Pace, Goals, Then World Domination Moyesy is hoping that the signing of Andy Johnson will fill the goal scoring void that has haunted Goodison for many a year now. Since the departure of Radzinski, the Blues have been lacking pace up front, and Moyesy believes Andy Johnson is the man to fill the gap. Lets hope so, watch out Chelski, your time is up, OK I'll get me coat. Moyesy says: "His goals and his pace are something which we missed this season, and we didn't have enough competition up front. It was openly known that we didn't score enough goals so hopefully Andy will help that problem. If you can get players with pace it is really important. It is something which we have lacked, pace up front, since Tomas Radzinski left the club. We have been watching him for about two years. When we realised Crystal Palace wouldn't be promoted this season we knew there was a chance of getting him." (05/06/06) Andy Johnson was paraded in front of the media today at Goodison Park after signing a contract which will keep him at Everton until 2011. Andy reckons it will be easier scoring goals for Everton in the Premiership than it was for Palace and in turn playing in front of 40,000 Evertonians will help his England chances. Andy says: "I am absolutely delighted as Everton is one of the biggest clubs in British football and to play in front of 40,000 every week is a big decision. We (AJ & MoyesY) had a good chat and he told me about how the club was going forward. David Moyes had a massive part in my decision. He impressed me a lot. I can't wait to get the jersey on, obviously it will help my England chances and hopefully I can start scoring week in, week out. It is not going to be as difficult. I am playing with better players and that will help. My ambition is to keep on scoring as I have done over the last three or four years and I want to win things, I have come to a massive club. I want to get back into the England team and hopefully I can score week in, week out." Moyesy says: "It is a big signing for us and shows the ambition here. It is great that the board of directors went and got the money, all I heard was that Andy wanted to come and when I heard that I pushed the board to bring him here. He is a terrific worker and fitted all the criteria in a player to come to Everton. His goals will be the big thing. His record over the last two or three years is nearly one in two which is fantastic - he has got pace and ability to hurt people and get in behind them. He fitted all the criteria for a player we wanted, he is young and dare I say he is British. £8.5 or £8.6 million - Wigan and Bolton offered that, so the fee might not be as big these days and the new TV deal the clubs have been given means you will see more big transfers and I hope you will see more at Everton. He had a hard choice, Bolton and Wigan have done very well - I am just very pleased he has chosen Everton. We have always tried to make progress, and hopefully there will be some more new players to talk about." (31/05/06) |
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