No Penalties

Everton have scored 52 Premier league goals this season. Not one has been a penalty. You have to go back to 1971/72 when Everton scored only 37 goals to find the only other season in their history were The Toffeemen have not had a penalty.

Moyesy says: “We’ve not had a penalty kick, and we’ve only scored one free-kick from direct play, which was Alan Stubbs in the second game of the season. It’s quite an incredible achievement – or non-achievement really! I don’t think I’ve been at any club before where I’ve not had a penalty kick all season. But I’ll always go back to the one we didn’t get against Liverpool. If that’s not a penalty then nothing’s a penalty.” (07/05/08)

Progress

With the Blues still in an excellent position to qualify for next seasons UEFA Cup, and after two excellent Cup runs out of three this term, Moyesy has looked on this as a season of progress. With three games to go though, and Aston Villa hot on our tail for fifth place, The Boss knows that we have to pick points up and fast or all our good work will count for nothing come mid May.

Moyesy says: "I think that we’ve played well – in periods we’ve played better than we have done in the past. It’s a definite progression. At the moment we’re suffering from a little bit of a lack of confidence, and injuries as well.

We have to pick ourselves back up and there’s some big games to come. And we have to win a couple of them." (20/04/08)

Wrapped Over The Knuckles

Moyesy has had a wrap over the knuckles from the FA after his comments directed at Mark Cluttenburg after his Derby Day debacle. Moyesy inferred that Cluttenburg was hopeless and in the shite's pockets all match. He sent off two Everton players, denied us a nailed on penalty, and refused to take any action when Dick Kuyt assaulted Phil Neville with a knee high challenge. It is hard to say who needs to look at themselves more, Mark Cluttenburg for being shite, or the FA for being spineless.

Some FA Knob 'ed says: "Having considered all of the evidence and submissions, the commission concluded that the comments would reasonably be interpreted as calling into question the referee's integrity and implying that he was motivated by bias. The commission recognised the charged atmosphere of the game and the frustration that Mr Moyes was feeling.

It also took into account his exemplary disciplinary record. However, the commission also stated that it is very important for managers to exercise great care in making comments about referees as they set an example for others." (14/04/08)

Winning Is Everything

With five games to go, Moyesy is not interested in sparkling displays and setting the world alight, but more in getting as many of the fifteen points that are available to the Blues between now and the end of the season. With an outside chance of a Champions League place still within our grasp, Moyesy will be hoping that his players will add to the eighteen Premiership wins starting at Brum this weekend.

Moyesy says: "We didn't play against Derby but we got the win, which was vital. Obviously we want to play as well as we can in every game but at this stage of the season, the only thing that matters is winning. Just look back at the game against Fiorentina. We played terrifically that night but didn't get through, so all we are really interested in now is getting three points.

We have not done awfully well against the teams down in the bottom half of the table recently and we want that to change against Birmingham but they will make it as difficult as they can for us. But the players have shown great leadership throughout the season and I'm sure they will continue to do that in the last five games. I have got no worries on that score. They have been terrific for us all season, so I see no reason why that will change now." (10/04/08)

Its All Shite

Moyesy has once again rubbished reports about the imminent departure from Goodison of Mikael Arteta. Mikky's knob head of an agent is doing his best to tout his star pupil around Europe, but Moyesy has had a word with our Spanish magician who immediately so it was a load of old codswalllop (haven't heard that word for years). Mikky either sack Senor Ibanez, or tell him once and for all to wrap up.

Moyesy says: "I only read them this morning and I thought they were a load of rubbish. I have spoken with Mikel and it's nonsense." (04/04/08)

I Want To Stay At Everton

With talks on a new contract put on hold until the end of the season, Moyesy has assured the fans that wants to stay at Everton and continue to get the team into Europe every year.

Moyesy says: “It’s up to the board when we come to any contract talks, but we have said we will wait until the end of the season and look at it. In an ideal scenario everything will be sorted and I will stay here. I am interested to find out what the next stage is for Everton. That will be part of the discussion I have with people. I still have a year to go, so it’s not as if it’s running out tomorrow. What happens at the end of the season could dictate what finances we have. There shouldn’t be any fear among supporters that I’ll be leaving. It is not in my mind and not anything I have ever considered." (24/03/08)

Its a Two Way Thing

This weeks hot topic has been Ashley Cole's outburst with 'Ol Mother Riley, and the respect or lack of it that players show referee's. Now admittedly Ashley is a gobshite mercenary money grabbing shit (that's right I don't like him) but Moyesy once again strikes a chord when asked on the topic. It is a two way thing according to the Blues Boss, and if the FA start showing some respect back to the clubs, the powers that be might get the respect they so desperately crave.

Moyesy says: "It is important we respect referees but I have seen a few incidents recently where the FA haven't shown respect to clubs when making decisions. For instance, using the word frivolous or rarely saying sorry. As a Club, we have asked for decisions to be reviewed where we believe the referee has made a mistake but very rarely do they apologise or admit an error." (21/03/08)

Injuries Concern Moyesy

With Tim Cahill, James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe out injured, the last thing Everton wanted was another striker injured, but AJ limped off against Fulham. Everton need to get at least one of them back for next weeks game at home to West Ham.

Moyesy says: “It is a concern at the moment - Andy has a groin strain but I looked at my bench and I didn’t have a lot of options." (17/03/08)

Happy Anniversary

Six years ago today, a young Manager breezed into Goodison to face the challenge of keeping the Blues in the Premiership. His opening game came against Fulham and the 3-1 score line endeared the new Manager to the Goodison faithful from the off. Now as we know there has been some downs, but thankfully a lot more ups, in the shape of a fourth place finish three seasons ago, and an extended run in Europe this season.

Everton are today looked upon as a benchmark team who have climbed the table through careful planning, astute signings, and a Manager who has been given time to see his ideas through. This weekend ironically the Blues meet Fulham again on Moyesy's sixth anniversary in charge of the Blues, and once again on the verge of Champions League Qualification for the second time in three seasons. A remarkable achievement indeed, but Moyesy believes it will take another five years of the same effort to pull level with the top three teams in the country. He has my vote. In Moyes we trust.

Moyesy says: "When I took over we had to change people's thinking around the club and how people looked at Everton from the outside. The first six years have gone quite well but it might be another five years before we can actually draw level with the teams at the top. 'I have had to come through a couple of rocky periods but this is the best I have felt about the team and the club. There is definite progress and I can bring people here and show them we are trying to build a young squad. I want us to be young and vibrant, not a home for old players at the end of their careers." (14/03/08)

Fans Can Help Us Win

With the game completely sold out, Moyesy expects the Everton fans to help the team get the goals against Fiorentina needed to take Everton into the next round of the UEFA Cup.

Moyesy says: "We know that our crowd can make a really big difference. I felt last week that the Fiorentina fans had an influence on the result, so if that’s the way it goes we would hope that our supporters can do the same for us now. The bigger games are coming around now and we can’t let our standards drop. They scored two goals in the last 20 minutes, we need to get two in 90 to get the tie in extra time at least.” (11/03/08)

Another Big Week Awaits

Oh the life of a Toffeeman at the moment. Another Monday and another big week awaits us. Fiorentina on Wednesday and Fulham in the Prem next Sunday will go a long way to decide Everton's season. Moyesy has injury worries though . Vaughany has been ruled out for the foreseeable future, Ossie, Nuno and Manny are all struggling to be fit for Wednesday. The Boss though is keeping it upbeat and why shouldn't he, a place in the Quarter Finals of The UEFA Cup is within our grasp, as is a Champions League place for next season. COYB FTRS.

Moyesy says: "We have got a lot of injuries, and a lot of boys are playing with injuries. It is testing us because maybe our squad isn't as big as we thought it was. We have got people out, Nuno is out injured, Fernandes is out injured, James Vaughan too, so we are beginning to feel the pinch a bit." (10/03/08)

Top Dog For February

Scant consolation for Moyesy after our two nil reverse at Fiorentina, but Barclays today named the Blues Boss Manager of the Month for February. With seven points out of a possible nine, and after spending all month hot on the tail of Chelski in third place, Moyesy picked up the monthly award for the fourth time in his tenure at the Blues.

Moyesy says: "I’d like to thank everyone at the club, especially the players, not only for the month of February but for the previous ones too. They are playing tremendously well and we are making progress. Looking forward, I hope that there are more of these to come and if the players continue to play as well as they have been then hopefully that will happen." (07/03/08)

A Load of Old Bollocks

Blue Bill has rubbished reports surrounding David Moyesy contract talks, and the mischief making of some obviously bored Sports Editors in the weekend rags. The Chairman stated months ago, that Moyesy and himself were in no immediate hurry to sign up on a new contract which expires in 2009, as the Mangers time was being took up hopefully bringing Champions League football back to Goodison and some silverware as well in the shape of the UEFA Cup.

Blue Bill says: "He and I simply have not had a moment to sit down and finalise his contract although we have both acknowledged to each other on several occasions that we must – and we will. Our many daily conversations right now are about the last game, the next game and the next few weeks. This is one of the most exciting periods in our club’s recent history and any mischievous reports that get in the way of that are not welcome." (03/03/08)

No Titty Lips

Everton's players have been warned not to get a sulk on if they are being left out of the starting eleven. With plenty of games coming up, Moyesy has assured them they will all be needed.

Moyesy says: “It is part and parcel I suppose of having a stronger squad. It means difficult choices for the manager but I think with seven games coming up in March that will be one of the big tests for us. All of them will have a serious level of importance. I will have no time for sulkers because they will all probably get their games over the coming weeks.

We have got a really good squad and a great spirit and this is the situation that we wanted to be in. To be fair, partly because of the Africa Cup of Nations and partly because of injuries and suspensions, everybody has played their part and everyone will continue to play their part.

It is an unusual situation for me. It is something that we haven’t had and maybe the reason why Everton are doing so well is that the times we have had injuries and suspensions we have had good players to put in the team which has helped get results when, in the past, maybe we wouldn’t have had that quality.

It is a balancing act. You need to, at times, give those players games. Players want to play and we are aware of that, we have tried in the main to keep everybody as involved as much as we can and use the squad.

We have lots of options in how we play at the moment and that is the big thing for me. We are going to need to be able to play in different ways and for the players to feel confident in every way we line up.” (25/02/08)

Moyesy Hits Back

David Moyes has hit back at the Nigerian FA, who in a thinly veiled attack accused the Blues Boss of racist remarks. Now forgive me a comment here, but when has a tongue in cheek remark about someone's age, bordered on racism. If that was the case, my missus would have had me arrested years ago. Memo to the Nigerian FA wake up and smell the roses, it was a light hearted joke, treat it as such.

Moyesy says: "What I said has been taken totally out of context. I have never before been accused of being a racist, that idea is totally abhorrent to me. He's only 25, albeit a Nigerian 25, and so if that is his age he's still got a good few years ahead of him.

What I said was a light-hearted quip after Yakubu had scored a memorable hat-trick against Bergen. It was certainly a comment which neither upset nor offended the player himself. Does anyone seriously believe that I would have made Yakubu the most expensive player in Everton's history if I had any concerns about his age. " (24/02/08)

Marching On

David Moyes emphasizes what a great time it is to be at Everton and recognizes that March is going to make or break the season

Moyesy says:"If you look at the programme we have in March, it's seven games in 28 days including both legs against Fiorentina and then the derby with Liverpool - you can see that we will need all the players we can find.The competition for places is very good. We are going to have suspensions and injuries along the way because of the amount of games we have.

It’s a great time to be Everton manager, but that has always been the case for me. It was a thrill when I took over nearly six years ago and that feeling hasn’t changed.” (23/02/08)

The Italian Job

Now we are at the business end of the UEFA Cup, Moyesy knows that we will have a game on our hands when we travel to Italy to take on Fiorentina in a fortnight. Moyesy watched the Italians in Norway last week, and with the likes of Mutu and Vieri in their line up, it will be some battle, but a battle Moyesy and the boys think is winnable.

Moyesy says: "It’ll be a real good game. I saw Fiorentina play last week. It’s a game we should all look forward to, but it will be tough as they are doing well in the Italian league right now. You only have to see how Inter and Milan have played over here to know that Italian teams are hard to break down. They also have one or two players who can hurt you, and (Adrian) Mutu is scoring goals at the moment." (22/02/08)

Rabbits Out Of Hats?

Blue Bill has backed Moyesy with cash, so much so that the Blues have smashed their transfer record three times in the last four years. If the Chairman gets his way and Champions League footy finds it way to Goodison next season, don't be surprised if the record is smashed once again this Summer.

Blue Bill says: "Of course, that is where we all want to be, playing the big club. If David gets us into the Champions League I will be crying tears of joy. And at the back of my head I'll be thinking money, money - millions. Why? To give it to David to spend. We haven't got the same resources. Spurs spent £16million in just one day last month. What we've always done, and David would be the first to say this, is try to give him what he wants each close season - by pulling at least one rabbit out of the hat." (17/02/08)

We Are Chosen

Moyesy stayed on in Norway to take in Fiorentina's 1-0 win at Rosenborg the night after our game. He was in confident mood.

Moyesy says: “We have the squad to win the UEFA Cup and qualify for the Champions League. I do not see it as a choice, nobody can pick the one they want. But our squad is good enough. We have coped recently with a lot of players missing and we are still in fourth spot in the league.” (16/02/08)

It Can Be Done

Moyesy believes that the Blues have the mental strength to go all the way in the UEFA Cup as well as holding on to that lucrative fourth spot in the Premiership. With a bit of luck with suspensions and injuries, there is know a belief in the squad and with the Manager that the this double of sorts can be achieved come the middle of May.

Moyesy says: "I’m told that six wins on the trot is a record in Europe for an Everton manager, and that makes me proud. But it is the next six games that are the most important, but even that will not be enough to get to the final of this competition, it goes on and on. There is still a lot of work to be done but we are getting near the juicy part of the tournament, even if the UEFA Cup seems to go on forever. You don’t want to take risks. But we are maturing as a team now, and we are showing that maturity and that we understand how you have to play at this level. We have a lot of belief now that we can win away games in Europe, and it is not going to get any easier. But the more games we have had this season the better we have played." (16/02/08)

Tight as a Virgin's Under Carriage

Moyesy is applauding his back four after yet another clean sheet on Wednesday night in the UEFA Cup. Since our 4-1 debacle against The Arse back in December, the Blues have kept six clean sheets, with four now being on the trot. He was even happier after the Norwegian Champions drew a blank against the Blues, but added cautiously that the tie is far from over.

Moyesy says: "The defence have been doing great and long may that continue. Brann are a threat at set pieces and a big, powerful side. That is what I have told the players. It is only half time in the game. We have never been great in the cups so we won't be taking them lightly. The players may get a couple days recovery then we will look forward to the next game." (15/02/08)

Clear as Mud

Moyesy has done some serious lip biting over the last few days after once again being on the end of some appalling refereeing decisions that have cost the Blu es points and maybe prizes. He admits everyone makes mistakes, but he does not want to see TV technology used, just linesman and referees to understand the rules and get the big decisions right.

Moyesy says: "I’m not one for technology, I’m happy with referees and linesmen. They will make mistakes, I just hope they’re not all in Everton games. Is the new offside rule unworkable? Not just because of the ‘goal’ today, but the general offside law has got to be changed. When I don’t know the rules and the players don’t know the rules and the journalists don’t know the rules, what will and what won’t be given, then we’re really unsure.

The governing body should do something about it to make it to make it more clear. There’s too many areas where goals might be given or might not be given, and because of that it makes it very difficult. I’ve spoken to the LMA (League Managers Association) and had the LMA in looking at tapes I’ve made. But let’s not get that mixed up with today’s goal, because today’s goal wasn’t one of the issues which is involved. There has to be two players behind the ball and the linesman has thought there has not been, that shouldn’t have been confusing, that was just the wrong decision." (04/02/08)

Seize The Moment

With his sixth anniversary as the Blues Manager on the horizon, Moyesy has given a fantastic interview about his beloved Everton. How he thanks the board for their support. In a thinly veiled attack on the shite, how spending vast amounts of cash does not buy you success. On how to make the Blues a Champions League club season in, season out, and how he see's himself still in charge in five years time. Well enough of me whittering on, read it for yourself, it will make you proud to be a Blue.

Moyesy says: "We cannot slip away now. I am not going to give up; I am going to keep challenging the clubs around us and above us. I think it would unforgivable. We are coming to a stage now at Everton where we need to decide whether we are going to go and challenge if we can. But spending loads of cash doesn’t guarantee anything. We have seen some clubs spending millions this season to try and be champions and it has not worked for them. For me to spend money to try and become a fourth-place team doesn’t guarantee it. Spending limited resources each season has proved quite a successful way of doing things for us. What we want to do, how are we going to do it? It is off-field as well, a scouting system that is as good as what Arsenal or Manchester United do.

The plan for me does not just include money for first-team players, it is how we make Everton bigger and better. A lot of things need to be in place to make it better. I think it is a crucial time but the most crucial thing is the first team keep playing and keep strong. That’s my job and the other parts are down to the board. I think you can see that the better players tend to cost more money. I think Yakubu has shown that. He has come up with the goals for us.

I have to keep forcing the issue and keep advising the club in what I think is the right way to go. When I came I had a plan for us to be better at Everton. I have now got a plan for the next five years that would see us become a Champions League club. Whether it is a new stadium or the redevelopment of Goodison, when that arrives the one thing Everton needs to fill it will be a team and hopefully a team in the Champions League.

The next stage is to make sure we are raising the level and standard of players, and that has cost implications as well. I think the club are well aware of that and they are aware that if we want to have a new stadium filled then the only thing that does that is having a team on the pitch.

I am confident that Bill has his heart in the right place and does the right things. You would have to compliment him really in how he has dealt with the club and how he has moved it on as well. He deserves a bit of credit for that as well. I do see myself here for another five years. Until they tell me they don’t want me anymore, I enjoy myself here. I still myself as young and I am quite excited by the team we have got. There are bits I know I want to add and make better and hopefully the players trust me and see a chance of being successful in the future. From where Everton has come in the last few years it is actually quite a good story that Everton have managed without great funds to get back nearer to the top. But Everton is a big club and it should be there anyway." (02/02/08)

Game On

Out of two Cups in January, but every Blue knows that Everton's season is far from over. Moyesy is pointing out that we are currently fourth on merit, but it will mean nothing if were not there in May, so its game on.

Moyesy says: "We are where we are in the league on merit, because we have been consistent for a long period of time. But there’s no point in being there in January, it’s in May that we want to be there. I think that it’s terrific that we’ve got into fourth. But I think you have to say that if you are at that point with just four games to go until the end of the season then you can start to think that it’s really on, but the competition to get there is tough. What it does show is the consistent run that we’ve been on to get ourselves in this position. Our form has been good." (25/01/08)

Status Quo

Moyesy will not be bringing in a new right hand man this season, as he is happy with his right hand men who are assisting him since Alan Irvine's departure to Preston. Jimmy Lumsden, Andy Holden and Chris Woods have all been taking up the slack since November, and with Stubbsey helping out at the rezzies, who knows if Moyesy will replace Irvine at all.

Moyesy says: "It’s highly unlikely that I will be making an appointment before the end of the season. I have been really pleased with work done by Jimmy Lumsden, Andy Holden and Chris Woods since Alan left and at this present time I am keen to maintain the consistency at the club. I don’t want to make a change at this stage of the season and anyway our own schedule has been too busy for me to make any enquiries regarding the post." (16/01/07)

You Are Having a Laugh

Blue Bill has dismissed claims that Moyesy is in the running for the vacant post at the Skunks after they sacked Sam Allardyce on Wednesday. In fairness they gave the ex Bolton Manager a good crack at the whip, all of five months, twenty odd games to turn round a team that have not won anything in fifty odd years. Whoever you appoint it won't be Moyesy. he is busy trying to win trophies and qualify for Europe again.

Blue Bill says: "How did David Moyes get linked with this job? I have started getting emails and texts and phone calls about this very thing and I wonder where it has all come from. I spoke to my good friend Philip Green earlier today and he was having dinner with Mike Ashley. Mike came on the phone and I said: 'Listen, do you know there's rumours sweeping round Newcastle and Liverpool that you are after David?

He said: 'Listen Bill even if David was the greatest manager in the world - and I know you think he is - there's no way on God's earth we would ever do that kind of thing to Everton'. He [Ashley] is my friend and we are close. There is no truth in it whatsoever, not even a word of truth so you can put that one to bed." (10/01/08)

Seize Your Chance

Moyesy reckons that most of the countries football fans will be hoping that Everton can beat Chelsea and get to Wembley.

Moyesy says: "I think a lot of people like to see other sides break into it and Tottenham have a chance against Arsenal as well. I think it’s been a while since Bolton and Middlesbrough got there and for a lot of people it would be good to see it altered. But it’s very hard to break in as the top sides need to look to win a trophy this season.

The draw is as tough as we could have got. Chelsea are always well focused on getting through and entering to win this competition. I’ve always valued the league, it’s really important, but we are looking to compete a bit more in the cup competitions.

That sounds a bit silly after Saturday but it’s a fact. I think the supporters would really enjoy a trophy but I can’t have that loose a tongue and speak like winning a cup final. I can’t do that at the moment, not with the level of competition which is ahead of us. But we need to now be challenging for trophies. This is a major test for us and we’ll have to see where we are.

We’ve been on top of it because we’ve played well for most of the season. We had a day on Saturday where it just wasn’t our day. We have to move on and put it aside as we’ve got other things to concentrate on. We’ve done well away from home in cup competitions this season so this will be the biggest test of that. We hope we can upset them. When we played at Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago they got too much, we got a good result from it but I would hope we can do better than we did in that game.” (08/01/08)

Puzzled With Sending Off

Moyesy is puzzled that Arteta was sent off in the Arsenal game with a straight red after Fabregas rolled around the pitch apparently dead and yet Bendtner’s horror tackle on Johnson got just a yellow.

Moyesy says: “You can come and have a look at Andy Johnson’s shin and see if that warranted a red card. See if that’s worse than Cesc Fabregas’s broken jaw – at least I assume he’s broken his jaw because he rolled about so much. If you’re telling me his (Bendtner’s) tackle is less than the red against Arteta...well, it’s not for me.” (31/12/07)

The Africans Will Be Missed

With Everton due to loose the services of 3 of their best players in Yobo, Pienaar and Yakubu for a month in January to the African nations Cup, Moyesy has come up with a tongue in cheek idea to keep them here. Don't pay them.

Moyesy says: "I think it will have some problems for a lot of teams - a few teams will lose a couple of players. The Premier League is a strong league and is enhanced by African players. I respect Africa because they will have to have their championship but I think they should respect the clubs that pay these players and try and draw a line which helps everybody. It will affect the Premier League but hopefully not Everton too much. Maybe we should put in their contracts we do not pay them over the African Cup of Nations and maybe the players would not go but who knows." (30/12/07)

The Mentals Saved Me

David Moyes has admitted that he was twenty minutes away from throwing the towel in on his Goodison career until Jimmy Mac and Big Vic scored to seal the win against the Mentals in Kharkiv back in October. Moyesy feared another European disappointment and the knock on effect it may have, but since that great night in the Ukraine, the Blues and Moyesy have not looked back. Long may it continue.

Moyesy says: "Metalist was a big game for me. I wanted to take Everton into Europe and I needed to show that I could do it. Maybe if it hadn't happened that night, who knows what would have happened?

I'm always testing myself and that's the type of person I am. I think that Metalist game was an important game. I felt for me and for my development I needed it. But if we hadn't gone through there might have been others who felt, 'well he's had a couple of goes now and it didn't work. Maybe he can't do it'. Every time I played a card, Metalist played another and topped me on the night I thought. It was a great learning experience.

Everything I did, they did something different to better it. Then I had to change again and they did it again. They made a move that nearly beat my card trick in the end, but we managed to win through. Looking back it was a pivotal win for this club. It gave us great belief and we went from a first half in which we looked like we were going out of the UEFA Cup to a position now where we fear nobody, no matter who we're taking on." (29/12/07)

Hail The Boss

Moyesy's star pupil has given the Boss his own thumbs up as he strives to bring some silverware to Goodison for the first time in thirteen seasons. Mikky Arteta says over the three seasons he has been at Paradise, that this is the best squad Moyesy has assembled both on and off the pitch.

Mikky says: "I think in terms of quality, it’s the best squad we’ve had since I’ve been here, and the run we’re having we’ve never had before, so that means a lot for us, but we haven’t done anything yet and there’s still a long season ahead. I haven’t seen a bad face around the changing room, even the likes of AJ, Faddy, Victor, Vaughany, Hibbo, who are players who haven’t been playing regularly, are trying to help their team mates. That is something you appreciate when you are playing, and I hope that if I am ever in a position where I’m not playing, that I would do the same for them."

The gaffer has been terrific since he’s come here. He’s moved the Club so far forward. It’s a completely different club the way it is now from when he got here - much better organised with better players. I think that he has achieved things over the past three years that we’ve never achieved before so I think he has to have a lot of credit. But he has to keep improving the team all the time." (26/12/07)

Getting Better All The Time

Moyesy sees a much improved Everton side going to Old Trafford today than the one that lost 1-0 to the Champions earlier in the season. With a run of eleven wins out of the last thirteen matches, Moyesy is not crass enough to say we will win, but we go to United today a team in form and full of confidence.

Moyesy says: "It was a close game at our place, then we lost a goal from a set-piece late on. There weren't many chances in the game. I think we have got better since then. We know what it is like going to Old Trafford. They are the Champions and they played really well last week against Liverpool (the shite) so it will be tough. But you can never go to Old Trafford and expect anything less. We will have to play very well to get anything from the game." (23/12/07)

Top 4 Target

It will be hard but it can be done, because it's been done before by us. People seem to forget that, but Moyesy keeps reminding people.

Moyesy says: "It was done two years ago. People say ’can we break into the top four’? The truth is that has already happened. There are a few teams making a fist of it. People said we couldn’t break in and when we did people said it was a blip. We have to do it again.

This is probably the best squad we have had and they are probably playing the best but they still have to beat the squad that finishes fourth two seasons ago and that will take some doing. I think it will be hard to finish in the top 10 with the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Blackburn.” (16/12/07)

The Loan Arranger

Not many new faces are expected in January's transfer window at Goodison, but if one or two do pop up they are more likely to be loan deals rather than permanent ones. Moyesy may be saving his cash with a bit of luck to secure Peanuts on a long term deal next Summer.

Moyesy says: "I am really happy with the players we have got. The way they have played and the way they have performed this season - they are getting better. We are a little but short in one area and if the right player was available then I am sure we would look to do so but it may be more liable to be a loan player rather than a buy." (14/12/07)

Want Some Of That

Moyesy who has undoubtedly the best squad at his disposal in his five and a half years in charge of the Blues is sensing some silverware might not be too far away. With West Ham tonight standing between the free scoring Blues and a Semi Final slot, Moyesy is keen to realise the club's and his own ambitions.

Moyesy says: "I am ambitious to be in as many cup finals as I can be. It has been too long for me and I think the players realise that as well. But if you look at the quality in the Premier League it means that if the draws go against you it can be a hard ask. West Ham is a tough draw but hopefully we can get through.

I am happy with the Chairman wanting to see me with a trophy at Wembley. A lot of managers have struggled to do it for a long time here and that is because of the quality of the teams we have to play." (12/12/07)

Keep Coming

David Moyes paid a big complement to me and you this week when he told us to keep going to the match. With pleasure Moyesy.

Moyesy says:“I think we are getting better, stronger and getting noticed as a club – and a big factor in that is the fanbase.

"We were in the hotel before the game in Nuremberg and I was trying to conduct my pre-match team-talk, but you could barely hear yourself speak because of the level of noise coming from the fans on the street. We went through the tactics and then I said ‘do you want to hear more from me, or do you want to listen to the people out there?’.

“That was a great moment and showed what a big club this is. You fans are so important and if you go away it is not as big a club.

“So keep coming in your droves and if you do that it makes my job easier and the players have no excuses if they are playing in front of a full house every week.”(07/12/07)

Just Give Me Ten Minutes With Him

Moyesy has requested a personal hearing with the FA over comments he is alleged to have made about Mark Cluttenburg after his shite Derby Day refereeing performance. Bluekipper have heard that Moyesy has requested a set of boxing gloves, a windowless room and ten minutes with the prick of a referee to sort it out man to man. Cluttenburg we hear is taking advice of his mates Stevie G Laaaaa, and Jamie Laaaaa over the proposal at lunch this weekend.

Moyesy will use the Alkmaar game to blood some of his younger players, and give the likes of Tommy Grav a run out. With The Blues winning the Group A by match day four, Moyesy will be looking at the Christmas period, and using his squad to the full.

Moyesy says: "In that period, it is the busy Christmas period so it will give me the opportunity to look at one or two different players. But we are new in Europe and we are enjoying it so it is important we go about the games correctly. You can't pick and choose when you win games so we have to try and win all the games." (07/12/07)

Tough at The Top

Moyesy is looking at this season's Premiership at one of the hardest since he has been at Goodison. With the resurgence of Man Shittteeeh, Martin O'Neill's Villains, and Hawwy Wedknapp's Pompey, Moyesy believe that the money men coming into the game are raising standards. Does that mean Moyesy is performing miracles then on a shoe string budget compared to other clubs. Money men, Everton, oh if I had one Christmas wish !!

Moyesy says: "I’ve been saying for a few weeks, I think it will be as hard to get into the top 10 of the Premier League this year as maybe it has been to get into the top four in the past. Blackburn, Villa, West Ham, Portsmouth, Everton, Manchester City are all doing well, so it will be really tough. I think a lot of it has to do with money. A lot of those clubs have big investors and backers which helps to raise standards. We’ve bought big by our standards, but in the main we’re one of the sides that doesn’t have that. We always try and compete and I think we have done in the last three or four seasons.

You can go and throw your money at it like some clubs have done, but we have done it differently. We have tried to build year by year, but as you can see by the sackings going about at the moment a lot of clubs don’t allow that to happen. We have had a plan in place for a long time now about how we want Everton to go forward. The board have backed me on that and we have gradually improved. The club are really good. They give everything they can and in return I try and get the best out of the players and get the best results.

We have made signings which haven’t been very good, but you show me a manager who hasn’t. You make signings and you do them for all the right reasons. I think we’ve made some good ones and the players are showing that." (04/12/07)

Yer Avin A Laf 2

When asked about the England vacancy, Moyesy wasn't interested. The one thing that's on his mind at the moment is how well his team are playing.

Moyesy says: “I am sure they wouldn’t want a Scotsman in charge of England anyway!" (26/11/07)

Yer Avin A Laf!

Apparently Moyes walks into the weekly Friday press conference yesterday at Finch Farm, with a big smile on his face and before any of the journo's asked a question.

Moyesy says: "As always I am focused on training and coaching my team."

Everyone pissed themselves. We wonder what he was referring to? (24/11/07)

Two To Replace Irvine

With Brian Kidd and Steve Round being named as favourites, Moyesy has suggested that he may make two appointments, but in a few weeks time.

Moyesy says: “I will wait a few weeks before appointing a successor to Alan. He will be missed and played a big part in our success, but it is right that he has the chance now to become a manager in his own right. Preston did ask for my views and I gave him a glowing recommendation, I hope he is a great success there. I will now wait a while, have a good look around, and then decide.

I have good people who can help me, Jimmy Lumsden and Andy Holden, but I will bring in a new man, maybe even two in the end. The process will not be as quick as everyone seems to think, I will have a good look around and take my time. I do have people here who can cope, but I will bring people in, maybe two. Some times you do need changes to freshen things up a little, and that is what I will do.” (24/11/07)

Thanks Mate

David Moyes has wished his now ex right hand man all the best as he takes the reins at Moyesy's old club Preston North End. The Everton Manager has had Alan Irvine at his side for five and a half years now, but he was never going to stand in his way of the Management position his Assistant craved.

Moyesy says: "I would like to thank Alan for all the hard work he has done here at Everton and for all the help he has given me during the last five years. I have enjoyed working with him very much and he goes with my blessing to Preston North End where I hope he will be successful. He did a very good job for us and the opportunity to go to Preston was one that I wouldn't want to deny him." (21/11/07)

Four Out of Four

Moyesy was surprised as anyone, well that anyone being me, that he equalled a sixteen year record on Saturday when we defeated Brum 3-1 at Goodison. It was the first time since 1991 that we have won four on the trot, but Moyesy does not care much for records, he just wants like us all to bring some silverware back to Goodison.

Moyesy says: "It does surprise me. But the club has only won one trophy in 20 years. There are a lot of things we need to correct and put right, but we are closer with us being in a quarter-final now and the chance of a semi-final. We are getting much closer to having an Everton who can be higher. It is a great club with a great history and we need to make some of our own now." (05/11/07)

To Matey For Me

Moyesy is still raging over Clattenburgs error prone display on Saturday, so much so that if the FA forced the ref to call Moyesy to apologise he would not take the call. Moyesy points out that the ref attended this Summers Asia Tournament with the shite, so maybe Stevie G Laaa's handshake went he left the pitch did mean something after all. You know all mates together, or did they secretly have something on him, you know while the cats away !!

Moyesy says: "Rob Styles phoned Liverpool to apologise over a penalty against Chelsea, but if Clattenburg did the same, I wouldn't take the call. You wonder whether they allow themselves to be influenced by the top four. Didn't Clattenburg go to Hong Kong with Liverpool for the Asia Cup this summer? Maybe he wants to be their friend. I've tried not to talk about referees, but the decisions he has made have cost us.

You could have said 'okay, he got a couple of things wrong', and I can, but the one in the final second is so blatant that to get that wrong on top of everything else was just incredible. I have to question whether you can referee if you don't see that foul on Joleon Lescott by Jamie Carragher." (22/10/07)

Lets Do It For The Fans

Moyesy wants to progress in Europe for the fans if nothing else tonight as the Blues take on the Mentalists at Goodison. Moyesy certainly knows his history, and he recounts watching Trevor Steven, Andy Gray and co., taking the mighty Bayern Munich to task back in the 1980's, and he wants more Goodison nights like that.

Moyesy says: "I think that it shows how important it was for us to get into Europe. If there are over 30,000 at a Uefa Cup game that will be fantastic because there are Champions League games with less supporters at the moment.

It's what the Everton supporters have been brought up on. It wasn’t long ago we watched the tape of Everton against Bayern in the semi final, and you can see the supporters and how many of them are longing for another night like that, so hopefully we will be able to give them as close to that as we can." (20/09/07)

These Mentalists Are Not Bad

Moyesy is warning his players to be on their guard when their UEFA Cup match against The Mentalists comes round in a few weeks. The Boss made the trip to the Ukraine to see Evertons opponents beat Chernomorets Odessa 2-0 at the weekend, and after the debacle of Bucharest two years ago, Moyesy is taking nothing for granted.

Moyesy says: " I was quite impressed by what I saw. They are probably the second or third best team in the Ukraine at this present time and we know that we are going to have to play very well to get through. Well we know that there’s no easy game in football nowadays no matter who you are playing. You see that whether it be in cup football or on the world stage.

So we won’t get an easy game at all when we go to the Ukraine, in fact we’ll get a very hard game. It was my first visit to the Ukraine and I’m looking forward to going back when we play them in the cup in a few weeks time." (05/09/07)

No Three Way Splits Please

Davey Moyes is better placed than most to know abut the pro's and con's of players who are owned by a third party, after Manny Fernandes and his owner done the dirty on The Blues, and swapped Merseyside for Spain. Moyesy is not a fan of the system and after the Carlos Tevez debacle of last season, can you blame him.

Moyesy says: "I do not think many people are very keen on third-party ownership. We want money to be in the game and go through the clubs, not outside the game. We are disappointed the Manuel Fernandes move did not work out. I do not think we are at a disadvantage because of the way third-party deals work in other countries. But I believe we have a very good system here and maybe we should make sure we abide by it very strongly.

There are very few people in football who would want other people to be owning players. It is very big in South America but something we do not do here. If that is the case, we should all stick to the rules." (04/09/07)

No Rotation

Moyesy is delighted with his bigger squad, but says he will change the team when he sees fit, but won't be rotating the squad.

Moyesy says: "We're delighted for Yak. When you sign any striker you want him to get that first goal quickly. But it would be difficult to praise Yakubu without praising Andy Johnson. The work Andy put in was terrific. He really laid it on a plate for Yak. If ever there was a strike partnership goal then that was it. For the first time I knew there were people behind me I could bring on and change the game from the bench. We haven't had that at Everton an awful lot, but today I was able to look around and see if we could alter the game slightly.

But I've said to the players that, despite a bigger squad, I won't rotate. I will make changes at the right time. I've James Vaughan, Victor Anichebe and James McFadden waiting in the wings, and I'm more than comfortable using any of them." (02/11/07)

More Competition For The Players

With Manny Fernandes supposed to be having a medical today to finalise his move to Everton and Yakubu still in Moyesy's sites, the manager has revealed that the players want more competition for places.

Moyesy says: “I need competition to keep those players on their toes. I’ve got to say that the players have asked for the competition and I’m hoping to make it even stronger again if I can.” (16/08/07)

200 Games Up

Moyesy was happy with winning the opening game against Wigan and his 200th league game as Everton manager.

Moyesy says: "I didn't realise it was my 200th league game until somebody told me just before kick off. It is good to think I have been in charge for 200 Premier League games. A lot of Premier League managers don't get that opportunity so I'm grateful I've had it. And to be manager here for five-and-a-half years is an achievement I believe. I thought we played well today and apart from the last five or 10 minutes we always looked like winning. We did miss a few chances and it could have cost us but thankfully it didn't." (12/08/07)

Here We Go

Moyesy thinks his small squad can make a big impact on the Premiership this season and he's still trying to bring in quality players.

Moyesy says: "It would be sad if I agreed that it was just a two or three-horse race. We always like an open league and I would not even consider saying that Everton will not be in the shake-up at the top. You start a season intent on winning the league. That may be a little unrealistic, but I am hoping it will be very open.

We do not want it to be that only money buys you success. We want it to be that good coaching, good management, good organisation and a well-run football club can also get through at the top. It is much harder now in the Premier League. There used to be clubs who would not spend as vigorously as they have this time around, but money doesn't always by you success. Sometimes, teams who have to buy seven or eight players, that tells you they were not in a healthy position before.

The clubs who buy two or three a season are the clubs in a better condition, we hope we are one of those clubs. But now the competition will be tougher, there are a lot of teams very close together now. It would satisfy me now if we repeated what we did last season and had a good run in Europe. That will mean we have become a club who regularly qualifies for Europe. But if we hadn't bought anyone in I feel we still have a very good team. We have players who could perform for the very top clubs, and they are secured here on long-term contracts. There is a stability and continuity to Everton that has not been there for a long time. We aim to build on that again.

We have a good squad, the difficulty we have had is to improve on what we have. There is no point spending, but you have to buy better than what you have. We have not had bundles of money, although at the moment I have got a bit more than I expected at the beginning of the summer, but we must buy wisely. The market has been really difficult, but the board have given me everything I have ever asked for and we are out in the market trying to strengthen with players who could come straight into the team." (11/08/07)

Roll On August

Moyesy is counting down the hours to the big kick off against Wigan on August 11th. The Manager who is currently away with the Blues at their training camp in Italy, is hoping that his men can repeat their fantastic start of last season this season.

Moyesy says: "All the training and all the hard work is designed to help us get off to a winning start the season. We’ve got several games before that but everything we do is geared towards the Wigan game. It is important to get off to a good start at home because we’ve got a couple of difficult fixtures after that. We got off to a good start last season which was the bedrock for our strong finishing position." (12/07/07)

Spirit of The Blues

Numbers may be down, but Moyesy is delighted with the spirit in the Blues camp as they prepare for the new season. New faces seem to be at a premium, and for the ones that may come in, they will have to fit in to playing a number of roles for the Blues.

Moyesy says: "We have not got big numbers here, but what we do have is a number of lads who can play well in different roles and they have a terrific spirit about them. We have worked hard to create that spirit here, and you can see by looking at the group that they are looking forward to playing a part in a future that we hope is going to be successful." (04/07/07)

Well Done Blue Bill

Moyesy has congratulated Blue Bill and the Board for tying up deals for Micky and Tiny for the next five seasons. The two midfielders who are instrumental in everything that is great about the Blues, had been interesting other clubs at home and abroad, but Moyesy believes the message sent to other teams is hands off, were going places.

All we need know is a few new faces to join up with the lads, and it will be happy faces all around at Goodison come early August.

Moyesy says: "It is good news regarding Tim and Mikel and credit to the board. They have made sure they get the players good contracts and we now have the nucleus of a good young squad of players and we want to keep them all. It is always good to be back amongst the players. It always is busy at this stage of the year. we are working hard to get the players in the best condition we can." (03/07/07)