Another Ferguson in the Premiership

[JackRodwell26]

Preseason Update

Preseason Round-Up​

AWARDS

Phil Jagielka retained the Fan’s Player of the Year award for the second time in a row. The England international was in good form for the Toffees this season, playing 44 matches and ending up with a solid 7.09 average rating.

Matt Jarvis got the vote to be inducted into the Everton Overall Best Eleven this season. Despite missing three months through injury, the voters agreed that his performances were all around impressive and deserved recognition.

TRANSFERS AND CONTRACTS

Following qualification for next season’s Europa League, it was no surprise that Toffees boss Dunca Ferguson was linked with a number of players, but opted for ones that he was not linked with.

Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill completed a £12.5m deal that sees him become part of the Everton set up until at least 2016. West Brom’s young right-back Shane Dunne, who Everton favourite David Weir has tipped as the next Phil Neville, signed for a fee of £1.1m. Manager Duncan Ferguson also signed young American striker Jon West, whom he describes as the “across the Atlantic version” of himself in his playing days.

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Stuart Taylor signed a three year deal with Everton following the release of his contract. Thought to be a reserve keeper, Taylor will stay Goodison Park until 2014.

Moving out the other way were Nigerians Victor Anichebe, who went to Doncaster for £2.4m, and Joseph Yobo, who completed a £3m move to Burnley. Chelsea completed their swoop for Irish winger Seamus Coleman, who was reluctant to leave Everton, but the board had accepted a £16m bid from the London club on behalf of Duncan Ferguson.

Louis Saha announced his retirement from professional football at the end of his contract on 30 June 2011. Phil Neville and Sylvain Distin also left the club following the expiration of their contracts.

Andy King signed a new contract worth £25,000 a week which will see him stay at Goodison Park until 2017. Jose Baxter and Alex Smithies both signed an extension through to 2016.

OTHER

After Phil Neville’s departure at the end of his contract, Duncan Ferguson has entrusted England centre-back Phil Jagielka as the club’s captain for the next season. Midfield man Charlie Adam is given the vice-captaincy.

MATCHES

Plymouth 0 – 3 Everton
Scorers: Nolan Roux, Phil Jagielka, Charlie Adam

Sheffield Wed. 0 – 1 Everton
Scorer: Apostolos Vellios

Ipswich 1 – 4 Everton
Scorers: Franck Songo’o, John Fleck, Nolan Roux, Jose Baxter, Matt Jarvis

Swansea 1 – 0 Everton
Scorer: Cedric van der Gun

Everton 1 – 1 Rangers
Scorers: Nolan Roux, Spas Delev

Ajax 1 – 3 Everton
Scorers: Nolan Roux (3), Mounir El Hamdaoui​

Youth’s Time is Now – Ferguson

Everton manager Duncan Ferguson has stated that it is time to start looking past the stars and main-stage attractions of recent seasons and focus on building teams up with youth.

Last season, then-19 year old winger John Fleck started the majority of matches for Everton down the left flank, and French forward Magaye Gueye enjoyed a breakthrough into the side in the closing stages of the season. England goalkeeping prospect Alex Smithies also bagged himself a small handful of starts for the Toffees, thus proving Ferguson’s faith in his youthful players.

“In the past, we have brought in many young players and built them into great ones,” Ferguson said. “Rooney would obviously be the one most people would remember, but also Tony Hibbert, Leon Osman, even Francis Jeffers in some respect.

“Under Moyes, the fans saw the likes of [Jose] Baxter, James Vaughan, [Victor] Anichebe, and others be nurtured into the side. It’s come to that time again where the youngsters can add something to the team. In preseason already, those who saw the matches so far will agree that Jose [Baxter] is looking sharp, as well as Vellios.”

Ferguson went on to say that the forthcoming season will see a number of youngsters make a breakthrough into the Everton first-team. He listed Irish centre-back Shane Duffy, Greek striker Apostolos Vellios, and Jose Baxter as three players who have not fully staked their claim for first-team football, but will definitely get the opportunity to do so.​

Fleck Insistent on Everton Future

Breakout star John Fleck enjoyed a positive season last time out for Everton where he impressed in the majority of matches that the 20 year old started. It came as no surprise when some of England’s top guns came knocking for the Scottish winger when the transfer window opened.

Despite the continued interest in the man, Fleck has pledged his allegiance to the side and to boss Duncan Ferguson, who he credits with giving his career a push in the right direction.

“I felt we actually had a pretty decent season last time out,” Fleck said. “We’re in the Europa League next season and we’re all looking forward to the challenge.

“The Champions League was a bit early for us and for Dunc, but the Europa League is just where we need to be right now. I want to put a stop to the rumours and repeated interest in me by saying that I am happy at Everton. There’s no way I want to leave right now. It is a great club, the fans are fantastic, and the staff here are some of the best.”

Fleck, who joined Everton from Glasgow Rangers in the summer of 2011, had had bids put in by clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, and even reigning Europa League champions Olympique Lyonnais.

“We’re really building something here and I want to continue playing a part in that process. Unless something drastic happens and I’m forced out of the club, Goodison Park is where I want to spend my playing days.”​

 

[Wilko]

will do mate! and yeah that was probably the most nervy match of the season haha. bet you're kinda ****** that it was Jarvis' cross for Roux's second..

yep, and he seems to be doing well for you £8.5m for him aswell? thats a bargain for the season he's having! :O

 

[Giggles]

Excellent story, really enjoying this one- Thought you'd signed Berbatov though, after seeing that picture of him & Cahill XD

 

[JackRodwell26]

yep, and he seems to be doing well for you £8.5m for him aswell? thats a bargain for the season he's having! :O

i know! was good in my first season as well as the second. training him to be on the right because of how good Fleck was last season. and yeah, 8.5 is a bargain haha but that was in the first season of the game.

---------- Post added at 03:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:31 PM ----------

Excellent story, really enjoying this one- Thought you'd signed Berbatov though, after seeing that picture of him & Cahill XD

thanks mate! and yeah i can see where you could've gotten that conclusion hahaa but i just couldn't find a celebratory picture so i thought a good tackle on berbatwat would be a good inclusion

---------- Post added at 01:47 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 03:33 PM ----------

Europe Begins With a Bang

Teplice 0 – 5 Everton​

Europa League
3rd Qualifying Rd. Leg 1

Duncan Ferguson will surely be pleased to see his side’s preseason form carry into Everton’s first competitive match of the season as they travelled to Czech side Teplice.

American winger Clint Dempsey got the Blues off to a flyer as he buried Leon Osman’s through ball into the back of the net. Ferguson’s hotly tipped rising star Jose Baxter rewarded his manager with a goal six minutes later in what was his first competitive start under the Toffee legend. This time it was Dempsey’s cross that met the outstretched leg of Baxter at the far post, giving Everton a two goal lead.

Man of the Match winner Clint Dempsey then went it alone on the 19th minute mark when he dribbled past three defenders until he slid the ball into the bottom corner. Teplice defender Frantisek Kalivoda got his name on the score-sheet, but for the wrong reasons. As Leon Osman’s corner was whipped in, the ball was met by Phil Jagielka’s head, which in turn propelled the ball off of Kalivoda and into the net. The final goal of the match again came in the first half when Clint Dempsey completed his remarkable hat-trick with a screamer from 25 yards out.

With no goals in the second half, it was a very one-sided affair as Everton took a five goal advantage back to Goodison Park for the return leg.​

Everton Progress in Europe

Everton 3 (8) – (0) 0 Teplice​

Europa League
3rd Qualifying Rd. Leg 2

“Little Dunc” made his debut tonight as Everton hosted Czech side Teplice to Goodison Park in a match that was tipped as a mere fitness warm-up for the home side leading up to the new Premier League season.

17 year old American striker Jon “Little Dunc” West, as manager Duncan Ferguson describes him, made his debut a memorable one as he found the back of the net as his curling effort from just outside the box flew past the goalkeeper to make it 1 – 0 on the night.

Clint Dempsey scored his fourth goal in two games as he smashed the ball from 25 yards out right into the top corner. Matt Jarvis was the last man to score in the round when he met Clint Dempsey’s far post cross for a simple tap in, leaving the score at 3 – 0 on the night, 8 – 0 on aggregate.

With the win, Everton progress to the next round of the Europa League, with the draw scheduled a week away.​

Ferguson Wants Good Form in Season​

Everton boss Duncan Ferguson has issued his expectation for form from his Merseyside team leading up to the new Premier League season.

“It is well known that we never have a good start to a season,” Dunc commented. “In recent memory we’ve lost 6 – 1 to Arsenal, 3 – 2 to Blackburn, and of course other results which certainly did not reflect the performances in the rest of those seasons.

“This time around I expect our form in preseason and Europe to carry over into the league. Villa at home on the opening day is a good challenge, but I definitely want a performance from the lads. They know what we’re capable of, and so do Villa. I am not underestimating them, because they are a good side, but we can get the win on Saturday, for sure.”

Everton have already played two competitive matches this season, both resulting in wins, giving them confidence heading into the Premier League season.

“Obviously, there are some players that fans and pundits would say have to perform well for us to be successful. I agree with that in some sense, but not entirely.

“You’ve got your Jags, your Baines, Adam, Roux, etc. who they would say should be leading this team. Some people forget some of our stars in recent times, like Fleck, Jarvis, even Gueye at the end of last season.”

Ferguson went on to say that he expects good performances from every one of the players he puts on the pitch, or they could find their position under threat.​

Premier League Season Kick-Off​

Everton TV
Comments by Neville Southall

As part of a new deal with the F.A. and Barclays Premier League, Everton TV is one of many club TV partners allowed to broadcast every match of the season for their respective team through their TV partners.

Our beloved Toffees are up against Aston Villa in the opening match of the season at Goodison Park. Everton have been in good form leading up to this day, with a fine preseason and strong performances in the Europa League. Duncan Ferguson has not announced his team yet, and with a couple new additions and promises from the man, it will be interesting to see who makes the first XI.

Villa have been a bogey team for the Blues in the past, especially under the David Moyes era as they went a good five years without winning against the Birmingham side. Obviously, Big Dunc will be hoping for a good start against a strongly built Villa side today.

Clint Dempsey has been a star for us in preseason, so it would only be justice if he is on the team-sheet for today. Jack Rodwell and Alex Smithies are unavailable due to international reasons as they’re with the England Olympic team, who have already beaten Iran 4 – 0 in the group stage so far.

It looks like Dunc has actually just announced the team right now:

As we called it here at Everton TV, Dempsey does start, with new man Gary Cahill alongside Jags. Good to see that Ferguson is taking this one quite attacking for the opening day. Gueye was in good form at the end of last season, and Roux has shown in capability in preseason.

We also got the subs bench listed as well, with Boy Waterman, Mark Wilson, Eric Pieters, Andy King, Leon Osman, Matt Jarvis, and Jose Baxter occupying those seven spots. Now we will take you to the match.​

Everton Get Winning Start

Everton 3 – 1 Aston Villa​

Premier League
Matchday 1

Everton make a successful start to the 2012/13 Premier League campaign when they hosted Aston Villa at Goodison Park on the opening day of the season.

Aston Villa found the net first after 20 minutes as Darren Bent capitalized on a miscommunication between new defensive partnership Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill as he slipped between the two and curled the ball into the bottom corner.

It took Everton until the second half for them to find an answer to Darren Bent’s strike when Scottish star John Fleck struck level on 68 minutes as he buried Charlie Adam’s stunning through-ball that slipped right by Richard Dunne. Everton were able to take the lead in the match six minutes later when the architect of the equalizing goal Charlie Adam struck a brilliant free-kick which fizzled past Brad Friedel to put his side up 2 – 1.

Jose Baxter came on for Nolan Roux and delighted the fans as he wrapped the match up with a clean strike of the ball that went through two players before finding the back of the net, leaving it at 3 – 1 to Everton.

Duncan Ferguson said after the match that he was pleased with his side’s efforts and thanked the fans for getting behind their team when time was wearing on.

“The fans win the games, especially at home. We were looking good attacking, but the goal did not look like it was going to be scored. The supporters never gave up and I think that really spurred the team on to grab the equalizer.”​

Good Performance in Europa League

Stabaek 0 – 2 Everton​

Europa League
4th Qualifying Rd. Leg 1

Everton travelled to Norwegian side Stabaek in midweek for the next round of qualifying for the Europa League group stages.

John Heitinga got his head to a Leon Osman corner at the far post to make it 1 – 0 shortly before halftime. Welsh international Andy King doubled the lead in the 80th minute with a 30 yard screamer, giving Everton a 2 – 0 lead as they head back to Merseyside for the return leg next week.​

Late Gueye Prevents Draw

Sunderland 0 – 1 Everton​

Premier League
Matchday 2

Everton’s breakout star managed to rob two points from under the nose of a battling Sunderland side this past weekend at the Stadium of Light.

With the match looking like it was heading towards a draw, Magaye Gueye wandered into the area unmarked when Matt Jarvis’ cross came in to the near post where the Frenchman was awaiting the ball’s arrival, tapping the ball into the net for a priceless away victory.

Sunderland are still yet to secure a point in their opening two matches thanks to Gueye’s late goal. Duncan Ferguson’s Everton side are lying in 2nd place in the league following the win, behind only on goal difference to Manchester United.​

Everton Move on to Groups

Everton 2 (4) – (1) 1 Stabaek​

Europa League
4th Qualifying Rd. Leg 2

Everton managed to secure a seeding in the Europa League group stage draw following their 4 – 1 agg win over Norwegian club Stabaek.

In the return leg at Goodison Park, Tim Cahill managed to earn himself a straight red card following a vicious tackle on an opposing player. Nonetheless, Everton took the lead in the 40th minute as Phil Jagielka connected with John Fleck’s in-swinging corner to nod Everton ahead on the night.

Shortly after the restart, Matt Jarvis went on a dazzling run down the right before cutting inside and finishing coolly to make it 2 – 0. Stabaek striker Kim Andre Andersen managed to beat John Heitinga to a long clearance and strike the ball past returning keeper Alex Smithies, leaving it at 2 – 1 on the night, 4 – 1 on aggregate.

With the win, Everton have secured a place in the Europa League group stages with the draw taking place sometime in the coming weeks.​

Monthly Round-Up

The Toffees enjoyed a great month as they saw their preseason form carry into competitive fixtures early in the season.

Everton progressed to the group stages of the Europa League with wins over Teplice and Stabaek, and also made a 100% winning start to the Premier League season following wins over Aston Villa and Sunderland.

In international news, Jack Rodwell played all but one match for the England Olympic team, who were crowned winners after beating Brazil 2 – 0 at Old Trafford in the final. Alex Smithies was also called upto the side, but failed to make an appearance.

Coming up in September for Everton is the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park this coming Sunday. The Toffees then travel to Fulham on the 15th. The Europa League group stage draw is scheduled for September 20th. Two days later, West Ham come to Goodison Park, and the Blues wrap up the month with a trip to Burnley.