England Next

To cap a memorable first season, Roger could be named by England manager Steve McClaren in the England B squad to face Albania at Burnley’s Turf Moor on Friday, 25th May 2007. He has already been capped at England at under-18, U20 and U21 levels. (10/05/07)

It's Up To Us

Goal machine Joleon Lescott is telling his team mates that our destiny is in our own hands. With the boys now in fifth place, and a visit to relegation threatened West Ham on the horizon, the Blues can ill afford any slip ups with a UEFA Cup on the horizon.

Roger says: "There are four games left now and the main thing is that it is in our hands. If we win next week, we will be in an even stronger position with three games to go. We’ve just got to keep doing what we have been doing.

To finish fourth you need one of the big teams to have an off season but, no disrespect, Arsenal haven’t had the greatest of years and they are still fourth, so it shows there is still a long way to go for us. But we are improving and we just want to keep getting closer every year." (17/04/07)

At Last A Goal

Moyesy has been asking for a goal from his defender and it duly came against Villa. Lets hope there are more to come.

Roger says: “The gaffer has been on at me for a while. To be fair, though, I would have been disappointed if I hadn’t got one. I had had a few chances before last night and really I should have done better with them. It would have been the first season that I had played without scoring.

It’s always nice to do well in your position. Defensively we are quite strong, but it‘s not just down to us at the back. Against Arsenal, James Vaughan and AJ worked hard for us and it was the same last night. It is a team effort. If anyone gets behind us, we have got Tim Howard making saves for us.”

Moyesy says: “It was a great goal for Joleon. I’ve told him that scoring the odd goal is something he needs to add to his game and I was pleased for him. He has been playing out of position at left-back but has been doing it stoutly and has been a very good player for us this season.” (03/04/07)

Not For Me To Say

Roger is playing down his Managers views that the defender is playing well enough for an England call up. The centre half has ironically been earning rave reviews as a stand in left back, whist Nace, Nuno and Sandro have all been out injured. England have there own crisis at left back, and although Moyesy believes that his Summer signing from Wolves would make the ideal stand in, Roger is just happy to concentrate on his Everton fortunes.

Roger says: "That's not for me to say, but it is nice that people are recognising (how I am playing), and the gaffer has recognised that I am playing out of position, and I am doing well enough to play for England but that is not for me to say. You have got to concentrate more than anything else. Premiership sides have got more than willing runners going forward but the gaffer explained to me that I was doing a job for the team, which I am more than happy to do." (25/03/07)

England Chance

Roger has been again been championed by Moyesy, but this time as a left back.

Moyesy says: “Joleon could probably be the left-back for England. His form for Everton at left-back has been outstanding – and he isn’t a left-back. I should emphasise that. He’s a left central defender. But I don’t think there’s anybody who’s gone against him this season and given him a tough time. He might not be the most comfortable on the ball going forward, but no-one will go past him. I don’t think Joleon Lescott’s far from stepping up to the mark in international football – whether as a left sided centre-back or a left back. I don’t think he’d let anybody down and everybody at Everton would say that.” (19/03/06)

Roger's Double Delight

Everton's man of the moment Roger the Dodger is looking forward to this weekends Derby at Analfield, and if successful it will be the Blues first double over the shite since 1984/85 season (I remember it well), after the shite's three nil mauling at Goodison back in September. Roger however is more concerned about keeping the boys run going, after a good win at Wigan over a week ago.

Roger says: "Just doing the double is the least of our worries, We are coming off a good win at Wigan and if we can continue that then who knows. We know it is going to be intense all this week but we just need to concentrate on the job in hand. I think the gaffer's plan from the start was that we needed a game going into the derby. We needed to get something out of it in terms of the performance. Getting no injuries is the main thing. Now we are focussing on the big game. We will need to get the boys fit and concentrate on the game." (29/01/07)

Flattered But Going Nowhere

Roger is obviously flattered to be linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid, but he has no intention of leaving English giants Everton. The Blues best player by a street this season, laughs of the transfer claims by saying the nearest he has ever been to Madrid is on his computer game. Try Easyjet Roger, I have been there for £50 return, but your better with a midweek return, as come the weekend the crafty sods prices go through the roof.

Roger says: "I have had a few questions from friends who have seen it in the papers. It is nice to be linked with them kind of teams but I am more than happy here. The closest I have come to Real Madrid is on Pro Evolution. It is flattering to be linked but I am happy here." (19/01/07)

Your Country Needs You

Roger is to put it mildly quite pleased with his progress since he joined the Blues in the Summer. So much so that the experts in the game are talking of him in England terms. Malcolm McLaren will no doubt have a dossier compiled on Roger, and if he ever gets is arse over to Goodison to watch him in action he will find out what all the fuss is about. Sheer quality.

Roger says: "I can only put that talk down to my teammates and my club form. If I keep doing the right things for the club and the boys keep helping me out, who knows. I am quite pleased with the way things are going but I am just going to keep my feet on the ground. Things have probably gone better than I expected, I have played more games than I thought I would and I am grateful for that." (28/12/06)

England Class

Moyesy has acknowledged what a lot of Everton fans have been thinking since they first seen Roger play for the Blues this season, that the boy is not far away from an England call up. The ex Wolves centre half has been outstanding for Everton this season, and Moyesy reckons that if he can add a goal or two to his game Malcolm McLaren won't to far away with that phone call. Rio who !!

Moyesy says: "Joleon would be closer to the England side if it was not for the fact Steve McClaren is so strong in that area. Nobody's given him the runaround, he's not been done for pace or strength. The only thing missing is goals. There's not a lot of defenders capable of scoring. John Terry can and that's why he's where he is. Defenders have to be consistent and reliable, Joleon is both. I've been really impressed with him." (02/12/06)

Like a Fine Wine

Moyesy is adamant that Roger is like a fine wine, he will get better with age. The Summer signing from Wolves has been one of the highlights of the season, with his composed mature performances, and if Rio can get in Malcolm's England set up, it won't be long before Roger gets the call for his country.

Moyesy says: "Joleon has been someone that has stood up and been counted in every game. We are delighted with him. I was really impressed with his performance against Villa and I thought he was trying to win the game for us from left-back. He kept going forward, kept driving on and had a really good game. I know that he is a central defender and that is where his future lies but when he has been asked to play left-back, he has been terrific.

You can see his pace, strength and I hope that he can continue in the form he has been in. There is always an amount of uncertainty when you come to a new club. But he settled in quickly when he arrived here for pre-season and basically got himself up and running straight away. The good thing about having Davie Weir and Alan Stubbs here is that we are not in a hurry to push him. That is the ideal situation but we hope he will maintain his progression and go on to become a very good central defender." (15/11/06)

Love You Too

The Everton Appreciation Society is in full swing at the minute, with Alan Stubbs now claiming that Jolly Roger is turning out to be one of Everton's players of the Season. Ironically it is Roger who is keeping Stubbsey out of his favoured centre half position for the Blues, but the Kirkby hard man who played alongside Roger at the weekend, saw first hand saw how much quality the ex Wolves man has.

Stubbsey says: " Joleon has been great. have been really impressed by him since he has been here. I hadn't seen an awful lot of him, and it was a case of having to make my own mind up. But I've been really impressed by his performances. As a defender you maybe don't get the plaudits that AJ has got, even if his are rightly so. Joleon has been one of our players of the season for me." (01/11/06)

Timmy Two

To do it once could be construed as a fluke, to do it twice, well maybe Moyesy could have a canny knack of spotting players from the lower Leagues who can hack it in the top flight. Moyesy came up trumps with Tiny Tim a few seasons ago, and has history repeated itself with Roger's signing from Wolves in the Summer. The defender has fitted in swimmingly at Goodison, playing in his favoured centre half position, and of late deputising at full back for the injuries to Nace, Pisto and Nuno.

Moyesy says: "I think he has made a similar impact as Tim Cahill made when he came from Millwall. We didn't start with him. Probably in a strange way he got a taste of things by coming off the bench in his first few games. That got him ready and I have to say since he came in he's been exceptional. He's not looked out of place at the level which is really the biggest compliment I can give him." (30/10/06)

Super Roger

Roger filled in at left back against Sheffield United with Naysmith, Valente and Pistone all injured and Moyesy was well pleased.

Moyesy says: "Joleon did terrifically at left-back. As everybody knows, we are a little bit stretched just now and maybe more stretched than we knew because we had a few with viruses who played today so I have to say well done to all those boys who did that." (23/10/06)

Good Stuff

Roger has continued the mutual admiration society started at the beginning of the season by Joey.

Roger says: "I can understand why Joseph is so highly thought of here. He is a tremendous player, a great athlete and great lad, too. I'm just enjoying playing alongside him but I'm sure that would be the same if it was David or Alan. I'm not taking for anything for granted. I have got to keep my feet on the ground and if I'm playing, I'm playing with whoever the manager decides. The team is flying at the minute and we are confident.

But we know we have got to keep working hard and that's what we will be doing. But we are not overachieving. We have got good players and in Andy Johnson we have got goals as well. We are just playing good stuff." (14/10/06)

Get Down To Goodison

Roger is definitely jolly and upbeat about Everton's great start to the season. Although disappointed by the weekends result up at the skunks, Roger is looking forward to Goodison this weekend and the visit of Man Shittttttehhhh, and hopefully for all back to winning ways after two score draws.

Roger says: "We are still unbeaten and hopefully we can build on that and get the right result at the weekend. The boys are still confident. We are still unbeaten so hopefully we can go back to Goodison and get the win." (27/09/06)

Take Nothing For Granted

Roger played out of his skin for the 4th game in a row when he helped debutante Yozzer Hughes settle in at Peterboro during the week, but he knows he has to keep it going as there are experienced players ready to step in at a moments notice.

Roger says: "I'm doing well but I know the slightest mistake and someone will take over from me. I do not think I am doing anything outstanding, I'm just doing my best. I have just got to keep doing my job for the team and keep my feet on the ground.

I don't want to have people saying I'm doing really well one week and making lots of mistakes the next. Things are going well for the team but we have got to keep our feet on the ground and I, first and foremost, have got to make sure I keep my place in that team before anything else," (23/09/06)

Praise From The Boss

Roger has had two outstanding games in the heart of the Everton defence and has looked at home in his first season in the Premiership.

Moyesy says: "Joleon has played very well in his last two games, particularly when you consider the level of opponents he was up against." (14/09/06)

Six Stitches

Moyesy was full of praise for Roger, when he put his head were it hurts and picked up 6 stitches in the process at Spurs.

Moyesy says: "Joleon picked up six stitches, but that is what centre halves have to do. I know, I was one myself. It's things like that which win games. He was brave to stick his head into a situation that ended with it being kicked. He put in a great performance and should be proud of himself." (29/08/06)

Established In First Team

After making his Premiership debut as a second half substitute at left back for the injured Nuno Valente, Roger wants to establish himself as an Everton regular.

Roger says: "My name was mentioned a few seasons back as a potential England prospect, but injuries put paid to that. It is something I put to the back of my mind, and my aim is to first establish myself in the Everton team before looking any further ahead. But to be considered again as someone who could step up to international level would very nice." (21/08/06)

Premiership Player

Moyesy is happy that Roger has adjusted to playing for a Premiership club.

Moyesy says: "I though Joleon played well today. I thought he got better as the game went on. It is a big move up for him being a defender, because if you do make mistakes they are scrutinised. But I thought he played well and he is going to get better as well." (13/08/06)

Strong

Roger felt much better after the Club America game. It was nice to see Roger and Joey play the full 90 against Club America. It will hopefully be the partnership that serves Everton well over many seasons to come.

Joleon says:"I felt strong today, to be fair. I was a bit disappointed after the last game but hopefully I can get sharp and try to cement a place in the team." (30/07/06)

Fans Have Took To Me

Roger is happy that the Everton fans have taken to him already. Maybe it was his blue boots he wore against Celtic. Roger was given a great welcome when he was warming up before he came on as a substitute.

Roger says: "The fans have took to me straight away. If I can repay them then I will be grateful." (25/07/06)

Looking Forward to a Bit of Bondage

Roger played his first match, albeit for forty five minutes in an Everton shirt, and he was delighted with his outing. He looked assured, and confident as he slipped into his favoured centre half position alongside Stubbsey, in yesterdays defeat at Celtic.

Roger is looking forward to the Blues trip to the States so he can get some bondage in, sorry bonding with his new team mates.

Roger says: "The boys made me feel welcome and big Alan Stubbs gave me a touch early on, which I was grateful for because I was a bit nervous early on. To be honest the boys have made me feel welcome since I arrived so it won’t be hard to bond in America" (24/07/06)

Roger & Out

Roger is out of the Preston game. It looks like Moyesy will not risk him as he's still not fully recovered. With the weather reaching record highs it would be folly to take a chance. So he may make his debut at Celtic on Saturday.

Basil says: "Joleon was ill over the weekend but he has been in today and there has been an improvement. We were thinking it might have been the same chicken pox virus as Mikel Arteta but there have been no spots so far and hopefully he will be ok in a day or two." (18/07/06)

Out With A Virus

Roger is out of the game against Port Vale with a virus. A decision on if he takes part in the game at Preston on Wednesday will be taken nearer the game. (15/07/06)

Can't Wait

Roger can't wait to get going this season. He's looking forward to learning from our elder statesmen.

Roger says:"I just want to play. I know the gaffer has got high expectations for the team but on a personal level I just want to play in the majority if not all of the games. Hopefully I can learn a lot from Alan and David. They have played in the Premiership for most of their careers and I am sure I can learn from them all the time." (08/07/06)

AJ Great Signing

Everton's new centre half believes Andy Johnson is a great signing having played against him in the past.

Roger says: "Andy Johnson is a great signing. I have played against him a few times, both at youth level when he was at Birmingham and in the Championship. He is quick, his movement is good but most importantly he scores goals on a regular basis which is what every club needs.

If I am playing I can bring youth to the team because I haven't got as much experience as Weir, Stubbs and Yobo. But hopefully the youth element will be a plus point for Everton. The manager and the chairman have been great. They have kept telling me how much they wanted me and it was good to know they wanted me as much as I wanted to sign. Now I want to show what I can do in the Premiership." (22/06/06)

Bring On Shevchenko

Roger can't wait to get going against all the big named forwards and is looking to pick up some things from Everton's elder statesman. Maybe an arl pair of boots.

Roger says: "I tend to be pretty confident in my own ability and playing against the big name stars like Shevchenko is something I'm really looking forward to. I'm just looking forward playing in the Premiership and a club like Everton is a great platform to start from, so hopefully if I play regularly in the team I can achieve big things.

I read the game pretty well and I'm strong, but I can get stronger. With the likes of Weir and Stubbs, hopefully I can gain some experience off them because they are well established at this level." (15/06/06)

I'm Ecstatic About Joining Everton

Joleon says: "I am more than pleased to be here. I have been up since five this morning and I was just so excited to get up here and sign the papers and thankfully it is done now. I am more than happy to sign because it was one of my favourite clubs as a boy and I am grateful I have the chance to play here. It didn't take me any time at all to make the decision. As soon as my agent said Everton were interested I said that was where I wanted to go and I made it clear to Wolves as well. They didn't stand in my way and I am thankful to them as well, especially Jez Moxey.

I am looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Premiership immensely. I felt I missed out with Wolves when I was unfortunately injured but now that is behind me and I am looking forward to playing for Everton. That was one of the worst points of my life, not playing football in general, never mind not playing in the Premiership. But in that season I also had a little boy which was a pick me up and I am grateful now to be back able to play in the Premiership. I have wanted to play in the top flight since I made my debut for Wolves. Before maybe I wasn't ready but now I feel I am ready and I want to take this chance with both hands. I am disappointed to be leaving but I am also ecstatic to be joining Everton.

There was a point a couple of weeks ago where I was a bit frustrated it didn't happen as quickly as I would have liked but it has happened now and that is the main thing. The manager told me how passionate the fans are but I knew that already to be honest. You can see it on the television, around the city and there is not a better group of supporters than Everton's." (14/06/06)

Best Centre Half In Championship

Moyesy is chuffed with his new signing. He reckons his new 23 year old is another cog to join his young guns.

Moyesy says: "He is someone who we have watched, and watched for quite a long time. He is a player we were interested in last year as well but we were unable to get him. Fortunately this time we have been able to get our man. He is another young, up-and-coming player, another British lad and from my point of view he is the best centre-half in the Championship that I have seen. Hopefully he will make the step up.

This year we have seen people like Daniel Albion and Curtis Davies both step up and look good players in the Premier League, so we are more than hopeful that Joleon will do the same here. We are trying to bring players to the club who we think are going to be here for the future and we can build a side that hopefully will be able to compete.

We have now got ourselves a group of players in their early to mid 20s and now the job is for that group to try and build together and grow together and hopefully produce a side that we can all be proud of." (14/06/06)

4 Year Deal

Roger signed a 4 year deal today for an undisclosed fee. The long drawn out transfer was finally put to bed today. The delay stemmed from a bad knee injury which caused him to miss the whole of season 2003-2004. Since then Roger played a full season last season without any problem with it. (14/06/06)

    Everton 1st Team Squad 2006/07