June 2008 Archives

SLAVIA PRAGUE defender Marek Suchý claims that Everton manager David Moyes is locked in a battle with his Goodison Park predecessor Walter Smith for his signature.

The highly-rated centre-back revealed last week that Rangers were keen on him and has now been informed by his agent that Everton have joined the chase.

Reports in the Czech Republic say that Everton sent scouts to Prague last season to see Suchý in action and it now appears they could try to secure a deal. Suchý, 20, is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Gambrinus liga, having made more than 60 first team appearances while still a teenager, helping Slavia to their first title success for 12 years last month.

EVERTON have been left sweating on the fate of their new stadium project - after the government asked for more time to consider the club's planning application.

The Blues had hoped to learn by Thursday whether the plan would be referred to the Secretary of State for a public inquiry - a delay which might deliver a potentially fatal blow to the scheme.

But the Government Office for the North West (GONW) have now requested an extension to consider whether to make that move or not.

EDDIE BISHOP turned back the clock on Saturday night.

A veteran of Tranmere's Cup giant-killing days - when top flight sides came to Prenton Park and were regularly demolished - he was the hero again as Rovers upset Liverpool in the final of the Mersey Masters.

Bishop struck twice at a packed Echo Arena - for a final flourish to a night of rich entertainment.

Story by Richard Down

THE Government has delayed making a decision over whether Everton FC and Tesco's bid to build a stadium and giant superstore in Kirkby should face a public inquiry.

The Government Office for the North West (GONW) has been scrutinising "Destination Kirkby" since Knowsley Council's planning committee approved the scheme on June 10.

Officials have to decide whether to recommend that Secretary of State Hazel Blears should "call in" the application for a public inquiry.

FORMER Everton loan star Manuel Fernandes has been given the green light to leave Valencia - and that could herald another stint at Goodison, the third in his short but eventful career.

The Portuguese midfielder arrived at Everton on loan in January 2007 and made a significant impact, not least with a spectacular goal against champions-elect Manchester United.

Everton thought they had an agreement with the player and his club Benfica for a permanent transfer, but the midfielder elected to join Valencia - until that move turned sour and he returned to Everton on loan once again last January.

STEVE ROUND is ready to accept the role as David Moyes's number two - although Chelsea and FC Twente are set to make late attempts to change his mind.

Everton manager Moyes interrupted his holiday to call Newcastle first team coach Round and ask him to fill the role vacated by Alan Irvine last November.

He has been given permission to speak to the club as Moyes looks to install his new assistant ahead of the return to pre-season training next Thursday, after Round's current contract at St James's Park expires on July 1.

YAKUBU'S rather touching views this week on the value of being married to a good woman harked back to a different Everton era.

"I am just looking forward to bringing her home and having her by my side. It's unbelievable, the feeling," cooed the Blues' Nigerian striker after getting hitched

EVERTON have asked UEFA to analyse their allocation of prize monies, after last week's figures revealed the dramatic imbalance in Champions League and UEFA Cup allocations.

There was a payout of just £400,000 to Everton for reaching the last 16 of the UEFA Cup last season, although they were in profit from gate receipts and TV revenue.

Champions League winners Manchester United received £33.9 million - almost 85 times as much - runners-up Chelsea £28.7 million, semi-finalists Liverpool £21.1 million and quarter-finalists Arsenal £18.3 million

Story by Luke Traynor

LIVERPOOL and Everton top brass are attending a ceremony to honour the founding father of football in the city.

An amateur historian discovered the dilapidated grave of the Rev Ben Swift Chambers, which had lain undiscovered for years in the quiet village of Shepley, near Huddersfield.

Now, a concerted campaign by a Merseyside football researcher has prompted Anfield and Goodison officials to rededicate the grave.

EVERTON have declared that striker Andy Johnson is 'not for sale.'

The Blues England forward has been the subject of fierce speculation this week.

Sunderland were reported to have bid £10m for his services, with six other Premier League clubs said to be monitoring his position today.