Defence Is Key

With Joe restored to the defence at the expense of Leighton Baines, Everton have won two games on the bounce and kept clean sheets. This was key to Everton's success in the Premier league over the last few seasons and Joe hopes we can keep it going for the rest of the season.

Joey says: "We've kept two clean sheets and that is very good. We know that the Premier League is very, very difficult and we've been conceding goals recently, so now we are keeping it tight at the back. As a team we are working very hard and trying to keep it very tight because we know that if we can do that, then we will score goals - even if it is right at the end. But we know that if we keep a clean sheet, then we are likely to win the game." (05/11/08)

Rest For Joe

Having pulled out of the Nigeria squad to face South Africa with a painful ankle problem, Everton are hoping the 2 week rest will do the trick for Joe and he will be available for the next game at Stoke on Sunday 14th September 2008.

Yobo says: "I have been told to rest the leg to prevent a terrible outcome because I have been forcing it. The Nigeria Football Federation has been notified already and I must confess it hurts me to even train with it. I have been taking pain-killers and it's not great for the body." (05/09/08)

Ready To Start

Joe is confident that even with little rest during the Summer he will be ready for the Blackburn game a week on Saturday.

Joe says: “I didn’t really have a proper rest but I feel I’ll be ready for the new season. I played five internationals for my country and then I was running up and down trying to get my brother released. I didn’t put on much weight.

I’m back training now. I got 10 minutes on Wednesday (against Chicago Fire), which was good and another 45 minutes on Sunday (against Colorado Rapids). After the PSV game (on Saturday), I should be very close to my fitness level. But I’m not too worried as there’s still 10 days to go and I am sure I can be ready.” (05/08/08)

Glad To Be Back Playing Football

The Everton defender is glad to be back amongst the players training again after his traumatic time in Nigeria over the Summer.

Joe says: "It's a big relief for myself and my family. It's not really been the best summer for me. I'm just glad it's all over now and I'm looking forward to playing football. My family is fine and everyone is happy. We can all start our lives again now. I'm back here now training with the squad, so it's good. I should be ready to play some part in the game in Colorado.

"Knowing the Club and fans were behind me was a big help. All the messages I was getting showed a lot of support from them and I was delighted. It's good to know people are behind you at difficult times. I'd like to thank everybody that has been involved during a difficult period. Words can't express how I feel, now I just want to focus on football." Full interview on evertontv (02/08/08)

Thank You

Joey Yobo has thanked everyone associated with Everton Football Club after the release of his brother Norum from is kidnap ordeal back in his native Nigeria. From Blue Bill, Moyesy, the players and especially the fans, Joey has been touched by the level of support he has received from our Blue family. Joey has not penciled in a date for his return to Merseyside, but he has assured fans that he is fit and raring to go for the new season when he does return.

Joey says: "First of all, I thank God that all our prayers have been answered and that my brother is back safely with the family. I would also like to thank everyone connected with Everton for being so supportive and helping me to stay strong.

The Chairman was in touch on day one and gave me a lot of support. He told me that if there was anything we needed, we just had to let him know. I was very grateful for that. The fans have been very concerned for my brother and for me and my family and I thank them for that. I love them all and the only way I can repay them is to do what I know best...and that's to play football to the best of my ability.

I am more determined than ever to do my best for them and to help the team do even better than we did last year. The manager has been very supportive during this time and he has helped me a lot. I still have things to sort out with my family but once they are done I will be back. Nobody needs to worry about my fitness because I will be ready for the start of the season and I am looking forward to being able to thank the manager and all my friends at the club. In fact, we've had messages of support from people throughout football." (18/07/08)

Brother Released

Joseph Yobo's brother Norum has been released by his kidnappers and is now at home with his family in Nigeria. No news of how he was released or if a ransom was paid has been reported. Yobo should be back at Finch Farm on Monday to join in pre-season training.

Joe says: "I feel so relieved and better now. It was a horrible experience that really affected me mentally and physically." (17/06/08)

Kidnap

Our best wishes go out to Joseph and his family after the news that Joey's brother Norum was abducted at gunpoint on his way home from a nightclub in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Norum was one of three men taken. The two men Barry C Lakara and Ifeanyi Nwa have since been released. Joey who at the moment is on holiday in Lagos has been contacted by the club.

Everton's Ian Ross says;"We have sent a couple of messages to Joseph offering any assistance that we can provide him. He had been given leave to return late to pre-season training next week because of his international duties for Nigeria this summer. Obviously, this family misfortune means he will stay out there for the foreseeable future.

"Things like this put football and life in perspective. The thoughts of the players, management, staff, fans and everyone connected to Everton FC are with Joseph and his family at this time. We can only hope that Joseph's brother is released without harm."(06/07/08)

Pain Barrier

Joey has been playing through the pain with his ankle injury while turning out for Nigeria in the recent World Cup games, but he will be ok for the Toffeemen's start to the season.

Joey says: "I have had it for a while and I was supposed to rest it, but we had crucial games to play and we were short at the back so I needed because of injuries so I just had to force myself to play. Now I have to give it the rest it needs so I can be ready for pre-season training with my club."(26/06/08)

No Jollies For Joey

Joe isn't worried about his hols, all he's concerned about is getting Nigeria to the World Cup Finals. Nigeria play Equatorial Guinea this week-end.

Joey says "It’s the sacrifice we have to make because we need to be at the World Cup. We are not the only ones affected, and it is in the interest of our country, so all the players are ready to do what it takes to qualify, even if it means that we have no rest."(14/06/08)