Simply Versatile

Simple is enjoying his lease of life at right back, and is seen for the first time in his career as a Mr. Versatile. Simple should carry on his defensive duties even with the return of Phil Neville against the Skunks, and the likeable Welsh man is just happy to be pulling the Royal Blue of Everton on.

Simple says: "I had a couple of seasons at wing-back for Spurs and it's very similar if you're at the back with a licence to get forward. I've never really been known as a versatile player before but it's just one of those things and these days in football you need to be able to cover one or two positions. It helps you get more minutes on the pitch. Phil was suspended so I had to fill in but I've done it a few times now and it went okay." (30/12/06)

Simple Could Make Full Back Spot His Own

Simple Simon should be fit for Everton's game against Arse at the weekend, which may mean him starting again as right back. Since he joined Everton, most of the fans haven't been convinced about Simon as a player. Moyesy is not sure either, as he has left him out of more games than he's played. But in the last few games at right back, he looks half decent. With Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville out injured, he could make that spot his own.

Basil Rathbone says: "Simon did well to play because he had been feeling unwell all day and was not well at half-time either. He went over on his ankle in the second half and he probably would have been able to run that off but we decided to bring him off." (26/10/06)

Staying Put

Simple is playing down talk that he is on his way come January. The Welsh midfielder who started in Saturdays defeat at Boro, is determined to win over the manager and the fans and cement a place in the starting eleven. In a short and to the point statement, Simon has his say.

Simple says: "Someone asked me a question when I was away with Wales and the way they put it was like I was never going to play for Everton again. I told him there was no problem between me and the manager and that I only want to play for Everton. I also told him that I'm still hoping to break in the team and establish myself but that was the bit they left out of my answer. That made it sound one sided and it was very disappointing. But I'm confident if I can get back into the side, that I will do well. It's frustrating at times when you don't play, of course it is, but the lads have been playing well and you can't argue with that.

I have spoken to the manager and my relationship with him is fine. I was happy with the way I played for Wales and I'm just trying to bring that form to Everton. I had a chance against Middlesbrough and on another day I could have scored. That's the way it has been going and I just need something to turn for me. If I keep working hard, I'm sure it will change. This is a great club and I really want to establish myself here. The squad is full of great lads, young players with stacks of ability. Why would anyone want to leave? Hopefully we can stay together for the next few years and take this club to be regularly challenging for a place in Europe." (16/10/06)

Transfer Talk

There was no 'Simon's going nowhere!" from Moyesy after the midfielder said he may leave in January 2007.

Moyesy says: "I have spoken to Simon, he's fine, he felt what he said was taken a little out of context. He's fine, I consider him a really good player and I would be surprised if he wasn't disappointed he wasn't playing. I have no problems with him, he's a good lad. We have a good group of young players who are progressing.

That's the way it will be, we want everybody to be together and anyone who is not I'm sure will find their own way. As far as thinking about January and what happens then, all I will be thinking about in January is how many points we are off the top of the table."

Simple says: "The manager decided to go a different route and you can't really argue with that because we are undefeated and the lads have done great. But if the situation hasn't changed by January I may have to consider my position. Everton are using two or three holding players in midfield, but I'm not going to question the manager. It's been successful so far but we haven't got a big squad and injuries and suspensions are going to kick in at some stage. When my chance comes I have got to be ready to take it. We don't have a big squad, but they are all quality players, and that just makes me more determined to get back in the team." (14/10/06)

Prove Him Wrong

Simple's International gaffer Jim Toshwank is urging the midfielder to put a show on for the Welsh and prove to Moyesy that he is a Premiership standard footballer. Simple has found himself out in the cold of late in Moyesy's thinking, but Toshwank believes the player is better than his form of late shows

Toshwank says: "Sometimes when players are going through a barren spell at their clubs they come away and they are fresher and able to concentrate more. The change of scene gives them a chance go and show what they can do. So, occasionally, you can get an instance where it may work for you as an international manager because the player concerned makes the most of a week or 10 days away from their clubs and being involved in competitive football provides an opportunity to prove a point.

Simon has been troubled with injuries over the past 12-18 months with one thing and another and has not really been himself for some considerable time. And it's something we have to take into consideration when we look at the players in terms of fitness. If there are players who are playing regularly and look sharp and fitter than those you would expect to be automatic choices then we may have to go with the others." (27/09/06)

Your Time Will Come

Everton Coach Alan Irvine is insistent that Blues midfielder Simple Simon does have a future at the Blues. Simple has found himself out in the cold after the Blues fantastic start to the season. He started in the Carling Cup win at Posh this week, and with a long season ahead, Irvine is assuring Simon his time will come.

Alan Irvine says: "Simon is a very good professional and was possibly our best player through pre-season. He is going to try and take whatever opportunity he gets. I'm sure it will come soon. He's a top lad." (21/09/06)

Game At Posh

The Welsh international is chomping at the bit to get a game against Posh, his first professional club.

Simple says: "I am disappointed not to have been involved but it is all about how the club is doing. We have had a great start to the season and the lads are performing really well. Everyone in he squad is ready to play and the manager has the chance to rotate the squad and keep everybody fresh. It seems a long time ago now but I went there when I was 16 - I joined as a YTS. I have very fond memories, it is a nice club and I owe them a lot. They gave me my chance in football.

It is a good little stadium. It is good we are going there now because the pitch can get pretty bad in the later stages of the season. I am sure there will be a decent crowd there because we always used to like the occasion when we got a team from higher up in the cup. They will pack up the London Road end and it will be an interesting game for us but hopefully we can go there, assert ourselves and get a good result." (19/09/06)

Best Is Yet To Come

Tim Cahill has given his midfield partner Simon Davies a ringing endorsement ahead of this season's campaign. Davies by his own admittance has not set the Goodison world alight since his signing from Spurs twelve months ago, but Tiny reckons with a run of games under his belt, Simple will be a huge asset this season.

Tiny says: "Simon has always been a fantastic player and if he can get some games under his belt and get some 90 minutes in then he is going to be a massive player for us this season. I think we're going to see the best of him. If he gets a run of games and gets some goals that would be great for him. It happened for Faddy last season. You can see how strong Simon is looking and how powerful he is. If we keep him fit he will be a huge asset to us." (02/08/06)

Clean Slate

After a couple of decent performance in pre-season Simon will be hoping for a permanent place in the team. He needs to put in some good consistent efforts to convince the doubters that he can become a fixture in the team.

Simon says: "I have been pleased with the way things have gone for me but there are a lot of players in the team who can say the same thing. Everyone's aim is always to have as good a pre-season as possible so that you are at least in consideration when the season starts for real.

"I want to be in the starting eleven when we play Watford on August 19th but so do all the lads. We've still got two good games left of our pre-season, Aberdeen and Athletic Bilbao, and we'll all be giving everything we've got to impress the manager and the coaching staff.

"I think everyone starts the summer with a clean slate and it's up to the individual to stake his claim."(30/07/06)

Simon Last Season        Full Squad 2006/2007