Nuts Nets in The First Leg

Don't Laugh We Can Do It

Blues leg end and now Soccer pundit Andy Gray believes Everton can mount a late run in the second half of the season and make a Champions League spot. He cites our current good form coupled with the impending return of The Jag and Mikky in the next few weeks.

The Blues still have to make up a massive points difference with just 17 matches left to play, and have to overhaul giants of the game in Villa, Spurs and big spending Sitteh. The shite I may add have no chance. Champions League would be superb, at this moment a Europa Cup place will do for me.

Andy says: "People may look at the table and see Everton so far behind and think I’m mad – but Everton can still make the top four. They have been crippled by injuries but David Moyes is now getting those players back and should not be discounted” (21/01/10)

The Yuletide Thoughts of Chairman Bill

Blues Chairman Blue Bill Kenwright has expressed with Best Christmas Wishes and some hopes for 2010, on the Blues Website to all Evertonians out there.

Have a gander here at what our Chairman has to say, and every night when he shuts his eyes what he also thinks of, no not our Jenny, but a billionaire for Everton Football Club.....

Dear Evertonians,

My Christmas wishes...

I wish our beloved team the continued strength and sense of purpose to battle successfully against the extraordinary odds which do seem to have been stacked up against them from day one of the season.

I wish both swift healing and a swift return to those players who have been frustratingly sidelined for so long.

I wish our Manager sufficient time in which to fully reflect upon precisely what it is he has achieved for our great club over the years - and a peaceful five minutes in which to enjoy the absolute knowledge that our thoughts and total support are with him as he plots our New Year revival.

I wish for the arrival in Liverpool L4 of the elusive billionaire we all crave.

And finally, and most importantly, I wish you all, wherever you may be, peace, joy and happiness with your families over the holiday period.

God bless you all,

Blue Bill

A Mrery Xmas From Bill

 

 

Any of These Fella's Spare

Blues Shit on Again

Ah well it should be no surprise that once again, UEFA have sided with the shite on the issue of matches to be played in this season's Europa Cup. With the shite failing miserably in the Champions League this season, they have now come into the Europa Cup. Some shitty rule in UEFA's handbook states that teams competing from the same city in the same tournament have to kick off days apart, but more frustratingly the Blues have to kick off at the ridiculous time of 5:45pm.

So then we have the shite being admitted in the Champions League years ago when they never finished in fourth spot, now the powers that be push the Blues into the grave yard shift to suit the shite once again. Some cynics say (that's me), that is is down to flight times from Norway and most shite fans would not make a tea time kick off. No wonder we fuggin hate them !!

Bobby our CEO says: "We battled Uefa extremely hard and made the obvious issues very clear indeed, trying every route to find an alternative. But the reality we were left with meant there was no other option."

Dave Harrison Blues Secretary says: "In circumstances like this Uefa have a stadium and cities clash document which quite clearly indicates the procedures that need to take place and the order of priority for eligibility. Unfortunately, as a result of those priorities Liverpool have staked a claim for the Thursday night standard Europa League kick-off time.

The same document makes it clear fixtures should be fulfilled on Tuesday with an 18:00 CET kick-off (5pm GMT) if they cannot be played on Thursday. We have managed to negotiate an extra 45 minutes beyond that time." (18/12/09)

 

 

 

Alder Hey Christmas Visit

The Blues paid their Annual pre Christmas visit to Alder Hey Children's Hospital to hand out presents and meet the youngsters and their families who are being treated there currently. The First Team Squuuuaad led by Moyesy were on hand for photo's, autographs and even the kids got a look in from their eager Dads. Well played lads, your a credit, and Get Well Soon to all in hospital over this festive period. (15/12/09)

 

Moyesy Goes Head To Head With Hawwy This Sunday

Record Turnover, But Still Not a Pot To Piss In

The Blues who finished fifth and appeared in their first FA Cup Final in fourteen years, still posted a loss of £6.7m in their accounts which were published today for season ending May 31st 2009. On the plus the point the FA Cup run and extra TV income gave the Blues their highest turnover in their history, with the cash coming into the Club just short of £80m.

The loss was credited to a higher wage bill which rose to 62% of turnover from the previous seasons 59%. These accounts do not include Roger's sale to Sitteeh for an estimated £23m, and this will be posted in next years accounts.

Blue Bill says: "Our wonderful FA Cup run quite possibly deflected attention from what was another hugely-satisfying Premier League campaign. To again finish fifth in what remains Europe’s toughest and most unforgiving league was a magnificent achievement – one which guaranteed another European campaign which continued the steady progress which has hall-marked David Moyes’ tenure as manager.

Maintaining our progress, continuing to punch above our weight if you like, will be very difficult but I stand by my assertion that we have a manager who will go down as one of our all time greats and a squad of players that is amongst our very best over the last two decades.

As has always been the case, David was fully supported by myself and by my fellow Board members. He remains the single, most important figure at the Club and we all strive – on a daily basis – to provide him with the tools he believes are necessary if we are to continue to evolve and develop into a genuine, meaningful force within both English and European football.” (01/12/09)

The Shrine

The Thoughts of Blue Bill

Blue Bill is certainly a Chairman that divides opinion. What is certain though is that he is an Evertonian through and through, and along with CEO Bobby Elstone he is reiterating his words of 'lets move on', after the Kirkby decision went against them.

He has stated that the Blues search for a Sugar Daddy will continue, and lets hope he is found sooner rather than later.

Blue Bill says: "The first thing to say in terms of Kirkby, is that the chapter is over and the book is closed. The motivation has only ever been to improve the finances of the football club.

They need to be stabilised, improved and expanded. As everyone knows, the club doesn't currently have a chairman or a board in a position to do those things. We have had some of the best financial experts helping us with our search for investment for some considerable time now – and that will continue."

Inevitably the search will throw up questions about where the club will play its football in years to come. And the response will be: 'We are happy to be at Goodison Park while we regroup, reassess and consider all options available to us there and possibly elsewhere’. At the end of the day, the club's finances will be key to everything." (27/11/09)

Blue Bill

Groundshare An Option

Blues CEO Robert Elstone is ultimately disappointed with the Governments decision on Destination Kirkby, but he feels the answer now is to look forward and not back. He will not discount any options that may be on the table for a New 'Goodison Park', and that may even involve a ground share on Stanley Park with the shite.

Bobby The CEO says: "The key message is one that we are going to look forward and look forward positively. In the very short term, it's about reviewing and understanding the reasons why the scheme was rejected. Then it's about reviewing alternatives and it's about sitting down with partners, all the stakeholders in this region and anybody who can help Everton deliver what it needs, which is a world-class stadium that's going to secure our future for years to come.

So, we're going to have to start to have those conversations, we're going to have to be open-minded about solutions. I would say though, that the solution is not about finding land - this is a solution that is about finding money; it's about affordability. And ultimately, that was the big attraction to Kirkby, that it was affordable. Anything that we have to do going forward has to be clearly affordable and clearly make commercial sense. So that's the big challenge.

There is a great opportunity for Liverpool City Council. If the City Council can find a solution that matches the criteria I have specified, either directly through their own coffers or indirectly through schemes like the Kirkby scheme, then maybe there is an opportunity.” (26/11/09)

Bobby Boy

 

The Cannon Ball Kid Thanks The Fans

Dave Hickson has thanked the fans and Blue Bill for all the cards, good wishes and kind words he received on his 80th Birthday back on October 30th. To add the Dave's great day, Everton gave Dave the honour of naming a Lounge after him, to join the greats Alex Young, Joe Mercer, Brian Labone and the Great Dixie Dean who have already hold this honour. Well played Dave you deserve it.

Dave says: ""I cannot thank the supporters enough for the fantastic memories they gave me over two fantastic days. I could not believe the amount of people who turned up for the party on the Friday night and then to get the reception I did at Goodison the following day was humbling. I have received many birthday and goodwill messages and I would like to thank everyone personally. Everton has always been special to me and the people have always been fantastic, but never more than on the Friday night and Saturday.

I would also like to thank the Chairman for his kind words in the boardroom and the gifts he presented to me but more than anything I would like to thank him for the honour of naming a lounge after me. The greats of Everton have lounges named in their honour and I look forward to visiting the new lounge on matchdays at Goodison." (13/11/09)

Dave in His Hey Day

Everton Launch International Awareness Campaign For Missing Madeleine

Everton Football Club has launched an international awareness campaign to refocus attention on the two-year search for missing Madeleine McCann. The move to re-energise the campaign to find the youngster is being made as the English Premier League Club heads to Portugal for their Europa League group match with Benfica at Lisbon’s famous Stadium of Light on Thursday night.

Madeleine went missing in the Portuguese resort of Praia de Luz in 2007 and since then huge international efforts have been made to locate the young Evertonian’s whereabouts. One of the first images released by Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry, in the wake of their daughter’s disappearance 29 months ago showed the then four-year old proudly wearing an Everton shirt. To raise awareness of the ongoing search for Madeleine, Everton has commissioned a specially-designed T-shirt featuring the message, ‘We’re Still Looking For You’ which is to be given to every supporter who has purchased a ticket for Thursday’s match.

A total of 6,000 shirts have been produced by the Club – 3,000 bearing the logo in English and 3,000 bearing a message in Portuguese.

Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright said: “I will never, ever forget that image of a beautiful, smiling child in an Everton shirt. I believe that I was one of the first people outside the family to see it and it moved me greatly. In truth, like everyone else, I have felt nothing but deep sadness and mounting frustration as the search for Maddie has continued. However, I continue to be inspired by the dignity and the faith which Kate and Gerry have displayed throughout their dreadful ordeal.

“This is just our way of reminding people – not just in the UK and Portugal but across the globe – that this child is still out there somewhere. If we can, perhaps, jog someone’s memory or breath a little fresh life into the hunt for her then it will have been worth it. I know our supporters will wear these t-shirts with pride on Thursday night,” he added.

Everton Manager David Moyes added: “My heart went out to Madeleine’s family when this awful tragedy occurred – and it still does. It is absolutely vital that the hunt for this lovely, little girl continues. People do sometimes forget that football managers and footballers are also Dads – family comes first. Everyone connected with Everton Football Club simply wishes to see Madeleine reunited with her family.”

If you are going to Lisbon and wish to show your support for the ongoing search for Madeleine, you can pick up a t-shirt from Goodison Park this week. The Club Everton lounge at the Park End of the stadium will be open on Tuesday (October 20) between noon and 9pm. It will re-open on Wednesday from 9am until late. In addition to the allocation available at Club Everton, there will be t-shirts available at Everton One and Everton Two from noon on Tuesday (October 20) The intention is for as many Evertonians as possible to be wearing the t-shirts in the Portuguese capital. Please note t-shirts will be made available free of charge to those supporters who produce their match ticket or travel documentation to Portugal.

Any supporters going on the Blue Kipper flights will be able to collect t-shirts from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. They will be available near the check-in desks. (20/10/09)

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Bobby Boy

No Bananas - We Want An Apology

Everton have rightly come out fighting in the strongest terms, regarding the 'Everton fans throwing bananas' allegations.

Ian Ross says: “I don’t think there’s a worse allegation in modern sport than racism and it works both ways. At the moment, and from my perspective, it looks like Mr Diouf is accusing Everton fans of racist behaviour. The police will tell you that is completely untrue and in such circumstances we would expect him to apologise and retract his allegations.” (26/09/09)

The Plod Not Interested in Diouf's Claims

Not content with spitting at people, then allegedly shouting racist abuse at 14yr old boys, El Hadji Diouf is now claiming that bananas were thrown at him when he played at Goodison on Sunday.

In his response to being questioned by the Police over the alleged racist remarks to the Goodison ball boy, El Hadji now says that the fruit was thrown at him by the Goodison crowd. The Blues at present are only interested in getting to the bottom of the alleged racist comments. For now we shall let the twenty odd camera's that are stationed around the ground every match day, pick up the alleged fruit throwing incident.

The Police however are not investigating El Hadji's claims, for the very simple reason that there was no incident to investigate.

How low can you stoop when you know you have made a tit of yourself Mr Diouf !!

A Blues Spokesman says: "Our only concern is a child protection matter involving a 14-year-old boy. We have spoken to the police and have been told that is the only investigation they are concerned with and that they are not investigating the behaviour of any Everton supporter." (23/09/09)

What Have I Done Now?

Well Played To All

Well played to a gang of intrepid Blues who recently completed a London to Paris bike ride in aid of The Everton Foundation. The group consisted of local businessman and woman, The Blues CEO Bobby Elstone, Foundation Fundraising Manager Rowena Finn and Businessman and one time Politician Derek Hatton. The mad mad Blues raised in excess of £15,000 for the Foundation, travelled 310 miles in four days, had 113 punctures went through a hundred weight of bananas, so they tell me anyway.

The Gang Outside Blackpool Tower - Sorry I mean that one in France

L-R Back Row: David Hewitt (Thor), David Owen (Rensburg), Nigel Payne (Everton), Jeff Gillbanks (Brabners), Derek Hatton, Lee Carroll (Crosby Associates), Paul Mallon (Airtech), Lee Silk, Don Holmes, Rowena Finn (The Everton Foundation), Sue Arscroft (Everton), Ian Smith, Robert Elstone (CEO Everton FC)

L-R Front Row: Emma Blackmore (Ampersand), Laura Doyle (Ampersand)

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With the acquisitions of Sylvian, Billy, Jonny Boy and Jo on loan the Blues have been busy in the transfer market this Summer. Admittedly most of the new faces were financed with the transfer of Roger to the Arabs, but CEO Bobby Elstone is happy enough with the dealings the Blues have done. He is keen to stress that they have spent more on players than they brought in for Roger and that the wage bill has increased by £3m. Good stuff Bobby Boy, lets tell the lads to aim for Champions League now.

Bobby Boy says: "As a board we absolutely realise that we have to support David Moyes in the transsfer market. We spent more than the Joleon Lescott money. We have spent the Joleon Lescott money plus £5m on transfers and we have taken on an additional £3m on the wage bill." (09/09/09)

Discuss on The BK Forum

 

CEO Bobby Elstone

Thats a Million Groats Please

It looks like Chairmen Ken got his way then, as the Blues will have to potentially fork out to Leeds a million big ones for the services of 16yr old Luke Garbutt. Luke was signed from Leeds in the Summer, but Chairman Ken was scathing as he believed Everton had poached (his words not ours) Luke from his club.

The Tribunal heard from all sides today, and Everton's offer of £200k was dismissed out of hand. They will have to pay half a million up front, and with add on for appearances and International honours that could rise to the million mark. Lets hope it does then, as we will have signed a good un. (07/09/09)

Shut Up Knob 'ed

Leeds United Chairman Ken Bates is seeking punishment for Everton similar to Chelski's, when a tribunal meets on Monday over the matter of Luke Garbutt's transfer from Dirty Leeds to the Wonderful Blues.

Instead of waiting to Monday for his say, Bates is doing what he does best and gobbing off in the media. He claims Everton 'poached' Garbutt from Leeds in the Summer, and he wants the Blues to have a transfer ban for the next two windows. May not be a problem that Ken, as we normally have not got a pot to piss in anyhow. COYB

Bates Rants: "On Monday we have a tribunal for Garbutt, who Everton nicked from us. I hope the ruling that has been handed down from FIFA on Chelsea will set the scene. It certainly sends a message to the Football League compensation tribunal about compensation. I'm not just talking about Leeds. Lots of smaller clubs than us have been stripped of their best kids and they should be adequately compensated.

The days of nicking Leeds players and paying peanuts are over. We are determined to be adequately compensated for the work we are doing in our academy." (05/09/09)

Get a Shave Bates You Dirt Bag

Help Out The Foundation

Do you fancy making a difference to your local Community, and have a spare two hours on your hands prior to the home game against The Arse on Saturday August 15th.

Well if you tick both the boxes, why don't you help out The Everton Foundation (Formerly Everton in The Community) who are organising a bucket collection prior to our opening match of the Premiership season.

All monies raised on the day will go directly to The Foundation and The Alder Hey Hospitals Imagine Appeal. So if your free between 3pm and 5:15pm (kick off 5:30pm) on match day, and you fancy carrying a bucket around Goodison to help the charities, give the lovely lovely Rowena an E mail at Hello Rowena Can I Help Out and she will organise you a bucket.

Or alternatively for more info click here to sign up. Tell' em you heard it on Bluekipper.

If you can't help out as you have planned a day on the lash, remember to throw a couple of quid in the buckets in the knowledge it is helping a worthy cause. (03/08/09)

A Blue Bucket, Not Dissimilar To The One You May Be Carrying

New Away Kit Revealed

The Blues today launched their new away strip (modeled by Ossie) in partnership with Kitbag and kit manufacturers Le Coq Sportif. The kit is available in Everton 1, and also at Everton 2 @ Liverpool 1 (still get a buzz from that) from 6th August or you can preorder online on Everton's Site.

Bobby Our CEO says: "We wanted to make a real statement with our playing strips this season. It was our intention to reference the Club’s past along with ensuring the designs had a contemporary modern feel. We have received many favourable comments on the style of the home strip and we are hoping for more of the same with our away kit. We wanted a much bolder design than previous seasons and our partners have been able to achieve this by integrating the pink into the black shirt design.

Whilst we know it is a move away from our more traditional away kits of recent years, we are expecting this one to be even more popular amongst supporters."

A Concerned Fan says: "Won't the pink veil bit at the back of the kit limit the players running, just never seen a kit with tassels on the back before." (23/07/09)

What The Fans Think. Click Here. Send your views to mailbag@bluekipper.com

Ossie and The New Away Strip

Big Nev

Still Up To Our Eyes In It

In a lively Shareholders Forum at Goodison last night, the Blues announced a record turnover of nearly £80m, but the level of debt within the club was still growing, but for the moment manageable. Blue Bill took questions from the floor as always, and admitted year on year it is getting harder for the boys to compete at the top end of the table.

Blue Bill says: "We can just manage our debt but we are punching above our weight all of the time and that is why something has got to be done about it. I do not understand why football clubs have such big debts, it is a mystery. Our debt is a big debt and a worrying debt, but it is manageable because of our performance on the field and because we do well each year as a business, thanks to David. But it is too much debt that every year is going to be added to.

Every summer it’s the same problem. David must think ‘every summer, how can I do it?’. He must be sitting there looking at these figures thinking ‘they have given me nothing again and they want the Champions League’. But we do manage to sustain the debt. We have a good bank and we have had to go to them again this summer.

All we can do is borrow and that’s what we are doing again this year to give David not nearly enough money to take a club that’s finished fifth in the last two seasons even higher.

When I get the texts saying ‘are we signing Kaka or Messi?’ then of course I would love to but the truth is we couldn’t even afford their wages. This club needs money. I can’t go on like this every year because the pressure is far too great. “There is no-one out there (potential investors) with the kind of money we need. If there was, the last priority would be me and the first priority would be the club." (16/07/09)

Still a Bit Skint

Any Spare Shekels Mate