bluekipper.com - Everton Players - Yakubu Aiyegbeni

Landon Donovan - 2009/10

Feels Like Home

Landon believes the welcome he’s had has helped him settle down quickly and goal he scored against Sunderland was a bonus. His big mucker Tim Howard says there is more to come from Landon.

Lanny says: It is a great feeling to get my first goal here especially because the team has won."They have made feel at home here.

"It was a lot different last year when I went to Germany. It took me a while there to get going but I feel better here. I have got more comfortable over the weeks learning where to be and how to run. Bainesy played a good ball to Tim and we know in most of those situations Tim is going to win the ball.

"Louis made a great run across and opened up a hole for me and from there I just hit the target."

"As an athlete when you lose you want the games to come quick. Having this game on the Wednesday meant we didn't have time to worry about what happened on Saturday

Tim Howard says: "I love this club and I was excited Landon was coming to be a part of it. Its hard to come into a team midway through the season and pick up the system and where you fit into it. But he has settled in really quickly. He’s a top player and a very humble guy who works hard He will accept criticism and put plans in place to make himself better. He’s very composed and is going to get better and better

He’s well on his way to doing some good things here in a blue shirt and long may it continue. (29/01/10)

Goodison Goose Bumps

Having tasted the Evertonians away support in the Premiership, Landon can't wait to get down to Goodison to play in front of the home fans.

The Don says: "I am very excited about playing at Goodison, I am hoping I get my home debut this weekend. Sitting in the stands at the Carlisle game made me want to play. Seeing how the fans respond and seeing their passion, I loved that! Obviously you play for yourself but you also want to play for them and show them something. It is a big game against City and they are a team that are playing very well but we are playing well too so it will be an exciting match."

The pace of the Premier League wasn't easy but it is nothing I haven't done before, I found it enjoyable as I like to be challenged and for the 70 minutes I was on the field I was constantly challenged. I only wish I was more fit so I could have played the full 90 minutes because when I play a full game I am more effective. I think I could have worn them down a little more but hopefully this weekend we will be able to do that against Manchester City. It was awesome! From day one everyone has been very welcoming. When you have that support it certainly helps you on the field so I look forward to playing at Goodison." (14/01/10)

First Impressions Are Lasting

Miles away from the sunshine of LA Galaxy, Landon looked the part as he skipped down the wing in the snow at the Emirates for an hour. He looks as though he will be as good Bake McBride was in 2004. He had the Arsenal defence all over the place in the first half and took the corner, which Ossie scored from.

Lanny says: “It was interesting. For me, a very exciting experience – at times a little hard to see, but I’m very proud to be a part of this team. On another day, we probably win, but it was a lot of fun out there. Obviously, there’s more talented players in the EPL than in MLS and it’s pretty intense here. The thing that I realized today, like playing in full internationals, is that you’ve got to be tuned in for the whole time you’re out there. If you take one play off, a team - especially like Arsenal - can make you pay, but I thought we played very well today.

I thought I did okay. It’s hard when you haven’t played for a while; this was my first game in seven weeks now so I was a little off in some ways and I know with some fitness it’ll get better. But for my first game, I’m satisfied and I just wish we could’ve won the game. In the end, we kind of look at it as giving away a couple points at the end there, but the performance I think was great. I’ve learned a lot this week; I really enjoy being here and I’m looking forward to Man City next weekend.”

Moyesy says: "He was very good today, he worked his socks off. He has got a great fitness but even he showed how tough the Premier League is. He cramped up after 60 minutes so we had to take him off. I would have liked to have kept him on but he couldn't continue." (10/01/10)

Come in Number 9

Landon Donovan is to be given the Blues prestigious Number 9 shirt, worn by the greats such as Dixie, Big Joe, Latch the Snatch, Sharpy (for a wee while), and Brett Angell. Landon is aware of the history of the shirt, and it is up to him to do it proud. Give it some Landon. COYB FTRS

Landon says: "I am aware of the history of the number nine here in the Premier League and also the history of it at Everton. I am proud that Everton would give it to me and I intend to do the jersey proud as well. It did come as a shock when I was told I would be number nine.

At the end of the day you get on the field and play but it is an honour to wear a special number, especially here." (07/01/10)

Happy To Be Here

Landon Donovan officially became a Blue for now yesterday, and met the press at Goodison Park. He is happy to be here, and is excited at helping the Blues in their quest for world domination. David Beckham was not present. COYB FTRS

Landon says: "I follow the Premier League, all the players in America follow it - like most countries around the World. It is exciting to be a part of it and I'm looking forward to hopefully playing in some games.

I watched the Carlisle game and I can tell the game is a lot faster here, which I like. I enjoy the faster pace. In Germany in the Bundesliga it was a little different in style so I will have to get used to the style here - but Tim (Howard) and I have had some discussions about it and what I can expect so I think I will be prepared.

I think the Premier League will suit my style of play. I like a fast paced game. I like to take changes quickly and I think that will suit me here. My goal is to help Everton win," he declared. "Personally, I want to get sharp and play some games and enjoy it. I enjoy it when the team wins and being a part of it. Tim Howard has had nothing but great things to say about this team so I am excited." (06/01/10)

I'm Here......at Last

Blues new loan signing Landon Donovan has finally turned up at the Blues to start his ten week stint before returning to America. Landon is due to meet the press today and it will be interesting to see what he has to say. Keep an open mind, I remember a certain fella' called Milky Arteta signing on loan, and look at him now. For now anyhow Landon welcome to Paradise.

Lanny says: "I am ready to enjoy it and I want to personally get myself sharp while I am here. Tim Howard has had nothing but great things to say about this team so I am excited. Going into a World Cup year this experience will keep me sharp." (05/01/10)

I'm So Excited

Landon Donovan officially becomes a Blues on January 1st, and the American International can't wait to get going albeit if its only for a few months on his loan deal. He has heard good things about Moyesy from his American team mate Tim Howard, and here is hoping he can become a hit with all Blues fans.

Lanny says: "I had heard great things from Tim (Howard) about the manager and I have spoken with him myself. I have to say I was very impressed with his knowledge of the game over here and of my situation personally. He was very straight and honest with me and I am really looking forward to working with him.

I am really looking forward to coming over. For any American player, or any player in the world for that matter, the opportunity to play for a club like Everton is a very exciting one. Tim and I have spoken a couple of times about it and he has told me all about the club and all about the expectations at Everton. I'll be travelling over on January 1st and I can't wait to get started." (24/12/09)

Ready For Action

The American International will be ready to play a big part for Everton over the next few months. Moyesy wants him ready for action early in January.

Moyesy says: "It's all done now. Landon will join us at the start of January, He will come in and add pace, he's a good finisher and has captained the USA national team so he has that experience. He is the first of two or three players I want to bring in in January. I think the MLS is improving as a league. I am sure it is not up to the standard of the leagues in Europe yet but there are some very good players. Clint Dempsey is doing very well. Tim Howard has done well for us. Brian McBride is another (example). I am hoping Landon goes out and shows us what he can do.

I think we need to strengthen the squad to make sure we are not in the situation we are currently in where we have so many injuries. I really need players who can hit the ground running and make an impact in the team quickly. Hopefully Landon will be able to do that."

Lanny is 27 and is the USA's leading international goal-scorer with 42 goals and is also their most capped player with 120 appearances. Donovan won the MLS Most Valuable player and the Goal of the Year awards for the 2009. Lanny has expierience in Europe with Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. (19/12/09)

How The Transfer Happened