Recently by Nigel Martyn

IT'S an old saying but it continues to stand the test of time. The league table doesn't lie and, now that the final ball has been kicked, it shows Everton had a magnificent season.

Every plaudit and accolade that comes the way of the management and players is fully deserved and there was no better way to finish things off than with a stylish, slick success against Newcastle.

And don't for one moment underestimate what has been achieved. We would all love to be reflecting today on a successful title challenge, but finances dictate these days that you have to cut your cloth accordingly.

The top four clubs will always have the most money, therefore can attract the better players, so for Everton to emerge as best of the rest without spending the vast quantities of others is a terrific achievement.

TYPICAL Everton. Things wouldn't be normal unless we were involved in some sort of last day drama and that will again be the case on Sunday.

Though we missed a gilt-edged opportunity to end the race for a UEFA Cup place at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, I am still extremely confident that the Blues will end the campaign as the fifth best team in the Premier League.

There will, understandably, be some anxious souls who are fretting that things may unravel. But while Aston Villa are capable of beating West Ham United, I would be genuinely amazed if Newcastle United won at Goodison

TOMORROW night sees Everton's annual end of season awards take place but we are still no nearer to knowing who will be named star man.

In the last couple of years, Mikel Arteta has been out on his own but, this time around, things are completely different and, with the greatest respect to the little Spaniard, it would be a surprise if he completed the hat-trick.

The reason that would be the case is down to there being numerous contenders from front to back. Tim Howard, for one, has been in outstanding form all year and built on the promise of his debut campaign at Goodison

A POPULAR theory has it that Everton's draw with Aston Villa on Sunday means they have surrendered the initiative in the race for Europe. Don't believe it for one minute!

Things will become much clearer following the next round of games, but I am still convinced that the Blues will finish fifth, and have every confidence they will defy the odds by getting a point at Arsenal next weekend.

Sure, it was disappointing to surrender the lead twice against Villa, but there were signs that we were starting to get back to something like our best. And I would much rather be in our position than Villa's with two games to go.

THERE will not be any silverware on offer but there is no other way to say it - Goodison Park will stage a cup final this Sunday.

SO we have reached the most difficult time of year, as injuries, tiredness and a lack of bodies threaten to derail Everton's push for Europe.

The weekend draw against Birmingham City has made qualifying for the Champions League extremely difficult, but anyone who thinks that the Blues are going to allow entry into next season's UEFA Cup to slip from their grasp would be advised to think again.

Having enjoyed the adventure they had during this campaign, the supporters won't let the players stop, the players themselves are all hungry to sample the experience again and there is no chance that David Moyes will let the pace slacken.

MIDFIELDERS who can score regularly are worth their weight in gold. But defenders who can repeat the trick are priceless.

Joleon Lescott grabbed his ninth goal of the season at Birmingham on Saturday and it would be terrific if he could finish the year in double figures. Yet even if he doesn't, his return has been fabulous.

He has become a quality addition to the team from the moment he set foot inside Goodison Park and it is a testament to his fitness and durability that he has made 91 consecutive appearances - not bad for someone who many felt would struggle because of an old knee injury.

THE victory over Derby might not have been a classic but three points were the only thing that mattered and it sets us up nicely for the run in.

Saying that, we will be in for a tough time at Birmingham on Saturday. They need the points as much as we do and it promises to be another tense affair.

THERE were huge sighs of relief that winning ways were resumed against Derby County on Sunday and the identity of the match winner was especially pleasing.

Leon Osman doesn't always get the credit he deserves but he was man of the match by some distance at the weekend and he showed exactly what he is capable of with a wonderful run and finish.

He is a very good footballer and if he maintains this progress in 12 months' time we could be talking about him receiving an England call-up. At present, Ossie is doing an outstanding job for Everton.
When he first emerged, there were some question marks whether he would go all the way.

SOME will say a midfielder, others may suggest pursuing a forward but, in my view, Everton's main signing this summer must be the man who prowls the technical area.

There has been a lot of talk recently about whether the manager will put his name to a new deal, but I don't really see how there can be any doubt about him not doing so - he and Everton are the perfect match.

David is the right man at the right club. He knows the expectations of the supporters and he understands the history - I'll never forget him emphasising to James Beattie when he signed how the crowd here love their strikers and had such a great tradition.