Saturday 28 July 2012

Pienaar's Coming Home

Today, it was announced on Sky Sports that Everton and Tottenham have agreed a fee for the transfer of Steven Pienaar back to the Blues.

All along, we knew that Pienaar was only interested in a move back to Everton despite speculated interest from QPR and Sunderland. But, today was the first official word on the transfer. We believe the fee to be no more than £5m mainly because of the Blues' lack of funds. Pienaar will undergo a medical at Finch Farm on Monday and the transfer should be completed on Tuesday if all goes well.




Thursday 26 July 2012

Tim Cahill: A Modern Day Legend

On Monday night, Evertonians around the world were shocked to hear the news that our 'Blue Kangaroo' Tim Cahill, had decided to leave the club and move to MLS side New York Red Bulls. The Australian international has been with the club 8 years and with David Moyes bringing in younger players, the Aussie presumably felt his time at the club was over. The news, coincidentally, comes to our attention 8 years to the day we signed him.

I felt obliged to write this article as we feel its the least we can do for one of our greatest servants of the Premier League era.

Ever since his first goal at Manchester City and then being sent off for his celebration, Tim has had a special relationship with the club that only comes around on rare occasions. Anyone that has taken the time to watch 'Tim Cahill: The Unseen Journey' will know how Cahill and his family feel about Everton Football Club.

Personal favourite memories of Tim at the club include his magnificent overhead kick at Stamford Bridge to equalise in the dying minutes, silencing Anfield with his 88th minute header, assuring our qualification into the European places with his goal against Newcastle and all of his goals against Liverpool.

When a player makes a connection like Tim did to Everton, he always hard to watch them leave. But, we have to respect the Aussie's decision. And so, I can't put into words how much Cahill meant to Everton Football Club and us as fans. All thats left to say is we wish Tim Cahill and the rest of his family the very best of luck in the US. I will always have a soft spot for the New York Red Bulls now.

On behalf of the thousands of Everton fans located all around the world, thank you Tim for the memories and happiness you have given us over the past 8 years.

Once a blue, always a blue....#17


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2012/13 A Seaon For The Youngsters?

With the new season approaching, I've taken this time to look at our squad in detail. There have been many worries over the past few months that we are an ageing team and after looking at the squad, I have to agree. But, I don't think its any need to worry. The likes of Cahill, Neville, Hibbert, Distin and Pienaar are all into their 30's now and possibly entering their last few years of professional football. Of course, we are going to need replacements for these players. But, when you look at the squad and especially our recent pre season games, I personally am calm about the situation when I see our younger players and the ability they posses.

Firstly, I know we've had our problems with Jack Rodwell, but I believe this is going to be the season he proves himself as a quality player. We know he has the ability. Just watch the goals he has scored in Europe and that brilliant move and goal against Man Utd a few years ago. He's had injury problems but it looks like he's past that and from the game against Morecambe and Motherwell, he looks to be full of confidence.

Secondly, Ross Barkley is such a promising player. The local lad was due to break into the first team a couple of years ago but was denied the opportunity due to an injury he suffered while playing for England. He still has a lot to learn but at the age of 18, he's already looking like a quality player for the Reserves and the England under 19's.

Also, the likes of Shane Duffy, Conor McAleny, Junior and Garbutt are looking like they will be breaking into the first team next season. Duffy had a spell in the first team last season and surprised us all with some quality performances. McAleny did make an appearance last season away to Arsenal and almost equalised with a volley that went just wide of the post. His performances for the reserves are making him stand out to Moyes and co. Junior and Garbutt are playing in our pre season games regularly now and seem to be doing well. We havent seen much of them two but their performances in pre season have put them in everyone's mind and so they are two more players we could see in the first team next season.

Friday 6 July 2012

Transfer News

Just a few days into the summer transfer window and the Blues have made their first signing! 

Steven Naismith has signed a four year deal at Everton after leaving Rangers at the end of last season. The Scottish international left Rangers after the club went into administration. And so, he has joined the Blues on a free. Perfect for our lack of funds. After speaking to a few Rangers fans, the general impression we get of Naismith is that of a down to earth lad who is a quality attacking midfielder. Again, it looks like we have got a great bargain from the struggling Scottish side. 

In other news, it looks as though Pranjic will be joining the Blues very soon. According to a reliable source, the Croatian is travelling to Merseyside this weekend to hold talks with Everton officials and to undergo a medical. We don't know too much about Pranjic but we are aware he is a left sided player which raises doubts about the possible signing of Steven Pienaar. 

Another two deals that could well be completed this summer are the signings of released Wigan Athletic forward Hugo Rodallega and Manchester City man Vladmir Weiss. Everton are apparently interested in the two and as they are cheap, we can afford them. Hugo Rodallega will travel to Merseyside this weekend to discuss personal terms. But, with other clubs such as Stoke interested, the move may come down to which club can offer more money.

As soon as we hear of any other transfer news, we will post it. 

Sunday 1 July 2012

Early Business For Blues?

It looks like Everton may be one of the first clubs to do some business in this years summer transfer window. I know. I'm as shocked as anyone. 

Rumours have been circulating the past few months that Rangers man Steven Naismith could be on his way to Goodison Park and as of this week those rumours look to be true. With Rangers entering administration at the end of last season, the players had the option to stay or to leave the club. And a few days ago, Naismith made the decision to leave Rangers FC. Therefore, the Scot is available to sign for free. Perfect opportunity for skint Everton. For those who don't know Naismith, he usually plays an attacking midfield role. Another positive of the deal is the fact that Naismith has experience playing an attacking partnership with Nikica Jelavic. Hopefully, the two can use that experience in the Premier League. This looks like a done deal and could be confirmed as early as the end of the week. 

A second deal that could well be completed sooner rather than later is the signing of Croatian Danijel Pranjić. The left sided man can play basically anywhere on the left. After being released by Bayern Munich at the end of last season, the Croatians agent claimed Everton had been in contact and in recent days Danijel himself has expressed his desire to join the Blues. Again, we expect this deal to be confirmed very soon.

The interest in Danijel Pranjić has however raised doubts over the future of Everton left back Leighton Baines. Rumours that Manchester United are planning a bid for the England international have become increasingly frequent in recent days and the major interest in another left sided player adds to the worry. But, as of yet, neither Everton or Manchester United have confirmed these rumours. So, no news is good news for the moment.