Out To Impress

Manny Fernandes may only have five games left as an Everton player, but he will be going all out to impress and help the Blues finish as high up the table as we can. Manny through injury and the form of the Blues midfield this season has found his chances of starting for Everton limited to say the least. He still does not know what is happening regarding his long term future, but I would be surprised if it is at Everton.

Manny says: "It’s been a little bit disappointing for me. Things are starting to get better but when you get injured it’s always a blow. I’m just trying to get past that and help in the five games ahead. The injury has been related to both my groin and the previous surgery I’ve had for a hernia. Now things are settling down so I feel much better. Nothing has been said on my own future. I’m just going to play these five games and try to do my best, try to help the team and try to produce better performances as soon as possible. We don’t have too many people to play in midfield at the moment so it’s probably going to be a chance for me." (08/04/08)

Welcome Back

Mikky is happy that Manny is back at Goodison Park.

Mikel Arteta says: “I think he is a tremendous player. He has had a bad time at Valencia with injuries and not playing regularly but in his time here he was so talented - he can make an impact. He is very young, can score goals and he has so much to learn, so hopefully he will be a really important player for us. Having players like Fernandes around makes my job easier. We player nicer football, we pass it around and I think that is a benefit for me.” (24/01/08)

Ready For Wigan

Manny is set to play in Sunday's game against Wigan after proving his fitness in training and getting international clearance.

Moyesy says: "It shows you how long these things take (international clearance) but he is available now. What we have seen in training, he has looked fine (in terms of fitness) and is in contention." (18/01/08)

UEFA Cup Boost For Blues

Everton were given a huge boost today when new loan signing Manny Fernandes was given the green light to appear for the Blues in the UEFA Cup. Some doubt had surrounded Manny's participation in the Tournament after he had appeared for Valencia in this season's Champions League, but somewhere in the small print Everton found a loophole to gain Manny's inclusion. It was the same small print that allows bald Italian referees to come out of retirement to ref one game, then retire again the next day, and gain some lucrative Sponsorship contracts from UEFA. Bitter, you bet I still am. Back however in 2008, Manny is delighted to be Blue again.

Manny says: "I am really happy. I was sad when I left in the summer but the most important thing now is that I am here and I want to help the team. I heard stories I wanted to leave but that is not true. If that was the case I wouldn't have come back now. It was difficult with a club and a group owning me - that was the difficult part in the negotiations but the important thing now is that I am back. Knowing the people and knowing the club played a big part in my decision to come here again. This is the best team for me. I hope we can consolidate fourth place. It will be difficult to get up to third but we want to stay as high as possible." (14/01/08)

Prodigal Son's Return

Manny Fernandes is back at Everton albeit on loan, and Moyesy knows what is expected and what he is getting out of his man. Manny who snubbed Everton for Valencia last Summer after his protracted ownership issues, would be free to sign for the Blues come the Summer. I am sure Manny will not make the same mistake twice.

Moyesy says: "He knows us and we know him, we're a little bit short in the midfield areas as I've been saying for a while, and he’ll give us that added competition. He did well here on loan. Maybe he’ll have something to prove as well so we always want hungry players and people who want to do well. I think Manny will want to do that and as I said he came and did well for us last year so hopefully it won't be too difficult for him to settle back in. He's a terrific talent," continued Moyes, "He's good on the ball, he's got strength about him and he can pass it." (11/01/08)

Everton Squad 2007/2008     Manny Last Season