Turning Merseyside Blue
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MrTini23
"Top 4 is our aim" - Moyes
1 July 2012
Last updated at 14:49
Current Everton manager David Moyes has today told BBCSport that his side will be aiming for a top 4 finish in the 2012/13 season following a 7th place finish last season.
Everton, who finished just ahead of Merseyside rivals Liverpool last season have already made changes to aid their bid to claim a top 4 place and a shot at Champions League glory. Speaking to BBC Sport's Phil McNulty, Moyes revealed that with a few more signings he believes that a top 4 place is not beyond Everton.
Moyes said: "Of course there is a chance that we can get into the top 4. I reckon with a few more new boys in the team we can push Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea for that last top 4 slot. We already have a good solid team but what we lacked last season was depth in the squad. If we can get a few young guys in who can step up towards the end of the season if needed and can play the odd game in the cup then I think we have the winning formula. We are an ambitious club and we want to do as well as possible, we showed that with the signing of Nikica Jelavic last season"
He added: "Everyone here at Goodison Park is optimistic about the upcoming season and we are all certainly excited to see who we will be playing first when the fixtures are released. It's important that we get off to a good start as that gives us something to build on for the rest of the season. Last year we didn't have that and we didn't really start our season until December so it is vital that we don't have a repeat of that this time round. We know what we have to do it's just a case of us going out there and doing it."
Dan
SR67
BOWC
MrTini23
Premier League club Everton have sacked Spanish manager Roberto Martinez after three years in charge at Goodison Park.
Martinez's side, 12th in the Premier League, were beaten 3-1 by champions Leicester on Saturday and lost 3-0 at Sunderland on Wednesday. The Toffees lost in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and League Cup this season.
The club praised the Spaniard, 42, for his "utmost integrity and dignity", describing him as a "great ambassador" who played a "key role" in developing young players.
A statement on Thursday confirming the decision said Everton "would like to place on record their thanks for the dedication and commitment Roberto has shown during his three seasons".
They have won just five league games at home all season and are guaranteed to finish with their lowest points tally at Goodison Park since the introduction of three points for a win in 1981.
Former Everton player and current under-21 coach David Unsworth and ex-boss Joe Royle, who also played for the Toffees for eight years, will take temporary charge for the final game of the season against Norwich City on Sunday.
There have been an increasing number of protests against Martinez from supporters at recent home matches.
A banner saying "Time to go Roberto" was flown over Goodison during the 2-1 win over Bournemouth on 30 April, while some Everton fans remained inside the ground for more than an hour after the match to protest against Martinez and chairman Bill Kenwright. A 4-0 loss to Liverpool and FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester United at Wembley came within four days of each other. Martinez had previously stated that they would be "defining" fixtures for his side.
He promised to deliver Champions League football when he was appointed to replace David Moyes in the summer of 2013 and he finished fifth in his first season in charge with 72 points - the most achieved by Everton since they last won the league title in 1986-87. Last season they slipped to 11th.
MrTini23
Kenwright confirms Ferguson investment
5 July 2012
Last Updated at 15:26
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has confirmed that former player Duncan Ferguson will be investing in the club and taking on a co-chairman role.
Speaking to BBC Sport earlier today, Kenwright said: "I can confirm that Duncan Ferguson is joining the club as co-chairman and will be investing a sizeable sum in the football club. I am delighted that Duncan is coming in, after all he is an Everton legend following his time here. The fans love him and I'm sure they will welcome him back with open arms."
Big Duncan Ferguson had two spells at Goodison Park. Between 1994 and 1998 and 2000 and 2006. During his time at the club, Ferguson became a huge fan favourite and was known by many in football for his hard man like persona and his headed goals. His last goal came against West Brom in his final ever game before his retirement. The Big Scot saw his 90th minute penalty saved but he blasted the rebound home with his right foot.
MrTini23
Ferguson promises Everton funds
6 July 2012
Last Updated at 15:34
Everton manager David Moyes will have money to spend this summer after new co-chairman Duncan Ferguson promised to give him funds to make a top 4 finish possible.
Speaking live on Sky Sports with presenters Rachel Wyse and Adam Leventhal, Duncan Ferguson had this to say: "I'll be definitely giving David money to spend this summer. During my time at Everton we finished in the top 4 when we just pipped Liverpool in 2005. I know how much that meant to the fans and how proud they were to be competing in the Champions League. I want Everton to be back there again."
"I'm willing to give David over 25 million to get Everton in the top 4. I know it's not much when you compare it to the other sides like Liverpool and Manchester City but I believe we already have the makings of a quality squad. Jelavic showed just how good he was last season, Marouane Fellaini and Phil Jagielka were as dependable as always and Jack Rodwell can be brilliant if we can keep him fit. A couple of signings and I believe we can easily make top 4".
Dan
MrTini23
Cheers
MrTini23
Everton snap up Naismith
7th July 2012
Last Updated at 17:19
Everton have signed striker Steven Naismith after he rejected a contract transfer from the old Rangers to the new company.
The 25-year-old has moved on a free transfer and penned a four-year deal. "We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us," Everton boss David Moyes told the club's website. "He will be an excellent addition to the players we already have and we look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season."
Moyes added: "He is an established international who can play in a number of positions. He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us." Naismith began his career at Kilmarnock where he won the Scottish Football Writers' young player of the year award in 2006 and the Scottish Professional Football Association's equivalent a year later.
He switched to Rangers in August 2007 for £1.9m and scored 28 goals in 98 league appearances for the club, although his 2011/2012 season was ended in October after he suffered a cruciate knee injury.He has 15 international caps for Scotland and will join up with the rest of his Goodison Park team-mates for pre-season training as they build up to the 2012/2013 Premier League campaign.
"It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton's wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world's best league in front of such a passionate group of fans" said Naismith.
"I look forward greatly to working with the manager David Moyes and all the staff at Everton and working hard to deliver on the pitch to repay their, and the chairman Mr Kenwright's, faith and belief in me."
MrTini23
Everton make Shawcross enquiry
7th July 2012
Last Updated at 10:21
According to sources close to BBC Sport, Everton have made a formal enquiry in regards to the availability of English Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross.
According to sources close to the BBC, Everton manager David Moyes is keen to add Shawcross to his defence with the Stoke City defender likely to playing alongside fellow Englishman Phil Jagielka. Whether Stoke City will sell is another matter as Shawcross was an integeral part of their team last season.
The tall centre back has played 201 games for Stoke and scored 18 goals since his 2 million pound arrival from Manchester United in 2007. For the past two seasons, Shawcross has been Stoke club captain and last season he had a busy season, playing in 49 of the clubs 56 fixtures, helping the club reach the last 32 of the Europa League and the quarter final of the FA Cup.
PeterGriffin
MrTini23
Stracqualursi rules out Everton return
8th July 2012
Last Updated at 14:22
Argentine striker Denis Stracqualursi has confirmed that he won't be returning to Everton this season following his loan spell at the Merseyside club last season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Stracqualursi had this to say: "I won't be returning to Everton for next season. I loved my time at Everton but with the signing of Steven Naismith, I feel I am no longer required. I'll be returning to Tigre in Argentina where I hope to score many goals. I'd like to thank Everton for giving me the chance to experience the Premier League and I wish them all the best for the new season."
Everton manager David Moyes added: "I'd like to thank Denis for all his hard work last season and I wish him al the best back in Argentina. He's a good player and I'm sure he will score many goals for them. With the signing of Steven Naismith, he wouldn't really get a look in as a regular starter so it's best that he goes back."
During his time on Merseyside, the Argentine striker played a total of 27 games for Everton and scored 3 goals in the blue shirt. His first goal was against Fulham in the 4th round of the FA Cup. He also scored in the 5th round in a win against Blackpool. His one and only Premier League goal came in a 2-0 win over Chelsea. His best performance for Everton came in a game he failed to score in as he played a key role in the 1-0 victory over eventual champions Manchester City.
MrTini23
Mucha leaves Everton
9th July 2012
Last updated at 14:05
Slovakian goalkeeper Jan Mucha has left Goodison Park after agreeing a three year deal at Manchester United after the two clubs agreed a 1.7 million pound fee.
Mucha has became the second summer signing for Alex Ferguson's Manchester United and will do battle with David De Gea for the number 1 jersey in Manchester. In a statement on the official Manchester United website, Ferguson revealed his delight at the capture of Mucha.
"We are delighted that we have been able to bring Jan to the club. I would personally like to welcome him to the club. It's not every day that you can get an international player for just below 2 million pounds and we knew we had to snap him up. Jan is a quality keeper and I'm looking forward to seeing him play in the red shirt. He's the perfect back up for David De Gea"
The Slovakian international joined Everton in a free following the 2010 world cup but only made two appearances for the blue half of Merseyside. Both games came in the Carling (Now Capital One) Cup. He played in the 5-1 demolition of Huddersfield at Goodison Park and the penalty shootout loss away at Brentford. Mucha saved a penalty during normal time of the Brentford game.
Dan
MrTini23
Gueye delight at Everton exit
10th July 2012
By Dave Canham
French born Senegalese winger Magaye Gueye has joined Championship club Nottingham Forest after Forest agreed a three million pound deal with Everton.
The 22-year-old winger spoke of his delight following the confirmation of his move to the Championship side. "I'm so excited to join Forest and play regular first team football. I feel like my move to Everton has been a waste of time and I'm extremely happy to be leaving."
"To only play 32 times for a team like Everton in two years is an absolute joke for a player of my class and ability, I should have been starting every game. I am really looking forward to playing in the Championship with Nottingham Forest and challenging for titles and promotion at a domestic level."
Everton boss David Moyes has slammed the comments from the young French winger, "Unbelievable. Does he not realise that if he wasn't injured so much, he may have actually played? It's very unprofessional of him to say such things about a great club like Everton. I wish him luck at Forest but one thing is for sure, Everton will go on without him with ease."
PeterGriffin
MrTini23
Thanks, was very happy to get 3 million
Everton release six
10th July 2012
Last Updated at 19:38
Everton have released six players as their contracts were set to expire, with James McFadden, Marcus Hahnemann and four others shown the door.
The 40 year old goalkeeper joined Everton on a free transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but a year later, he has been released without making a single first team appearance for the blue half of Merseyside. This will be a disappointment for the American considering only 2 years ago his form ranked him as "the Best Goalkeeper in the World" using the Castrol Performance Index system.
McFadden, who re-joined the Toffees last October, made only 5 appearances this season, and failed to score in the process. In his first stint on Merseyside, the 29-year-old notched up 139 appearances, scoring 18 goals, but has struggled to break into the first-team after returning from Birmingham City.
Among the other faces on the way out are two players who have featured regularly for the Blues this season, with loanees Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe returning to Tigres and Real Madrid respectively. The Dutch winger, who recently hit the headlines with racism allegations aimed at Lionel Messi, has not featured since being disciplined by manager David Moyes for a breach of club discipline in April. Reserve team players Adam Davies, Connor Roberts, Aristote Nsiala and Femi Orenuga are the remaining names who have also left the club.
MrTini23
Pienaar rejoins Everton
12th July 2012
By Graham Bailey
South African Steven Pienaar has once again rejoined Everton, this time permanently, signing a four year deal after Everton and Tottenham agreed a fee of 4.5 million pounds.
The South African midfielder, 30, has signed a four-year deal after returning to Goodison on loan in January. In an interview with EvertonFC.com, Pienaar said: "It took a few weeks to sort out but I am delighted to be back and excited to play for Everton. There was no doubt in my mind that I would be back here. At the end of the season I told the manager how I felt and I am happy now it is all done."
Pienaar started just five Premier League matches for Spurs before moving back to Everton on loan and playing 15 top flight games. Pienaar originally joined Everton from German club Borussia Dortmund in 2007 and spent three-and-a-half seasons at Goodison Park before leaving for Tottenham in January 2010 .
MrTini23
Champions City in Rodwell capture
13th July 2012
Last updated at 9:47
Premier League champions Manchester City have confirmed the signing of English midfielder Jack Rodwell from Everton for £12m.
The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal and the fee could rise to £17m. Rodwell completed a medical with the Premier League champions on Sunday before signing a deal to become Roberto Mancini's first signing of the summer.
"Man City are a massive club, the league champions, so it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's a dream come true. It will be an amazing experience to make my debut in front of them [Manchester City supporters] if I am selected to play," Rodwell said.
"Obviously I knew the squad is immense with talent here but I believe in my ability. I've just got to work my way into the manager's plans and hopefully things will go well. The hard work starts today as I start to help contribute to the club winning more silverware. The season has started really well with the Community Shield win."
Rodwell rose through Everton's youth system after joining the Premier League club at the age of seven. He represented England at four junior levels before making his senior debut in the friendly win over Spain, replacing Phil Jones as a 56th-minute substitute. Three days later, Rodwell started his first full international, playing 58 minutes against Sweden before being replaced by James Milner.
"I would like to place on record my thanks to everyone at Everton. The manager David Moyes has been brilliant for me and helped make me the player that I am today," said Rodwell. "I have a special relationship with the chairman, Bill Kenwright, who did not want me to leave." Rodwell revealed that despite his long-standing ties to the Toffees, talks about a move to City had been going on for a while.
"It's been kept under wraps quite nicely. It's been going on for the past couple of weeks but the last couple of days it's progressed really quickly. I'm just pleased it's done," he added.
MrTini23
Dawson agrees Everton terms
14th July 2012
By Ben Banks
Craig Dawson looks set to complete a move to Everton, with the central defender set to take part in a medical on Monday morning.
The 22-year-old centre back has been at West Brom for two years after signing for the Midlands club from Rochdale in 2010. He didn't make his West Brom debut until the following season as he was instantly loaned back to Rochdale for the 2010/11 season. He made his competitive Baggies debut in a 4-1 Carling Cup win at Bournemouth in August 2011. He has made a total of 8 appearances for West Brom.
Everton are just one of many clubs that are reported to be interested in the 22-year-old, and appear to be the front-runner with Craig Dawson set to take part in a medical on Monday morning.
A statement on the Everton FC official website read:
"Everton Football Club are delighted to announce that West Brom have accepted a bid for centre back Craig Dawson and the player has agreed terms. He is set to take part in a medical on Monday morning. The club is very excited by the prospect of Craig joining the club and believe that he can be one of the best centre backs in the Premier League in a couple of years time."
MrTini23
Double loan departure at Everton
14th July 2012
Last updated at 14:12
Victor Anichebe and Ross Barkley have departed Goodison on loan for the duration of the season, joining Burnley and Leeds respectively.
24-year-old Nigerian striker Anichebe has spent his entire career at the Merseyside club, coming through the Everton youth system. The striker has played a total of 104 games for Everton and scored 12 goals, with the majority of his time on Merseyside being hit by injury problems. Anichebe is Everton's most used substitute after breaking Duncan Ferguson's record of 84, coming on away at Wigan Athletic in February.
In a statement on Burnley's official website Anichebe said:
"I am delighted to be joining Burnley football club. I feel like it's a new start for me in my footballing career and I hope that my past injury problems are well and truly behind me. I'm looking forward to starting games which I don't do a lot of at Everton and hopefully scoring the goals which will get Burnley into the Premier League."
The other departure sees teenage midfielder Ross Barkley join Leeds United. Over the course of his short career, Barkley has made 6 first team appearances for Everton, all coming during the 2011-12 season.
MrTini23
Anderson becomes latest Everton signing
15th July 2012
By David Berry
Manchester United midfielder Anderson has become Everton's latest signing of the summer as he joins the Merseyside club on a two year deal.
Anderson joins Everton for a fee of 4.2 million pounds from Manchester United after agreeing terms with the Merseyside club and passing a medical earlier this morning. Anderson has been at Manchester United for five years after joining in 2007. During that time, the midfielder has gone on to play 85 times for the Manchester side, scoring four goals. He has also been capped 8 times for Brazil, scoring no goals.
In a statement on the official Everton website, Anderson explained how it was Darron Gibson that convinced him to make the move to Merseyside:
"I am really excited to come to Merseyside and play for an illustrious club like Everton. At first I wasn't sure whether the move would be right for me but my former team mate Darron Gibson convinced me it was the right move. He told me all about the great Everton fans and how great the manager is and now I can't wait to get started."
Charlie M
Dan
MrTini23
Cheers. I've always enjoyed playing as Everton.
Cheers. Fingers crossed I do well.
MrTini23
Duffy bound for Liverpool?
16th July 2012
Last updated at 15:10
Everton's young centre back Shane Duffy could be on his way out of Goodison Park after being linked with a move to fellow Premier League side Liverpool.
The link comes after the Everton youngster was spotted in the heart of Liverpool city centre seemingly in a deep conversation with Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. With Jamie Carragher coming to the end of his fairytale Liverpool career, it seems that Rodgers looking for a young centre back to become the new Jamie Carragher type player.
Duffy, 20, has played a total of four appearances in the Everton first team with two of those appearances coming against Tottenham and Aston Villa in the Premier League last season. In the first half of last season, Duffy was sent on loan to League One Scunthorpe United where he played 18 games. During his time at Scunthorpe, he scored his one and only senior goal, a header against Tranmere Rovers.
MrTini23
Dawson deal complete
16th July 2012
By Daniel Jackson
West Brom defender Craig Dawson has finally made his move to Merseyside to join Everton after passing a medical earlier today.
The 22-year-old has joined Merseyside club Everton from fellow Premier League club West Brom after the two clubs agreed a fee of 4.8 million pounds earlier on in the week. The former Npower League Two player of the year looks set to join fellow Englishman Phil Jagielka in the centre of defence after Everton boss avid Moyes hinted that Sylvain Distin may be on his way out of Goodison.
In an intervew, Moyes said: "I'm delighted to be able to welcome Craig to the club. He is an excellent prospect and I think he will form an absolutely formidable partnership with Phil. With Sylvain looking likely to leave, it's been one of my priorities to get a centre back in and I'm very happy that we've managed to get Craig."
MrTini23
Duffy going nowhere
17th July 2012
By Michael Donnely
EvertonFC.com can today confirm that 20 year old defender Shane Duffy will not be leaving the blues in the transfer window after speaking to both Everton manager David Moyes and Shane Duffy himself.
In an exclusive interview, the boss David Moyes said: "We have no intention of selling Shane Duffy to anyone let alone our Merseyside rivals Liverpool. Jack is a vital part of our squad as he provides excellent back up in defence. Selling him would be an stupid move and I can assure the Everton fans that Shane Duffy is going nowhere. I've spoken to Jack and I know why he was talking to Brendan Rodgers and it has been taken completely out of context.
EvertonFC.com was also able to catch up with Shane Duffy to get his side of the story, he said: "It's been taken way out of context. The only reason why I was talking to Rodgers was to ask him directions to the Red Hot Buffet place in Liverpool One as I was meeting my girlfriend there. I have absolutely no intention of leaving Everton. Everton is in my soul and I couldn't bear to leave. Everton gave me my chance in football and I want to continue to play here for as long as possible.
Dan