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An Englishman, a Scotsman and a Dutch man. A Xeno-tastic tale from Goodison Park
So, Everton stories really are like buses. You wait ages for one, then two come along at once. I'm shamelessly taking inspiration from Nadessico here - have been toying with the idea of doing an Everton story again, and his thread has tipped me over the edge.
The one thing that needs explaining is that some of the beginning part of this story is lies. I had a save game that i was really enjoying on the go, near the end of Season 1, and didn't want to start a new one.
Going back over the whole season to figure out stuff for the narrative would have been a pain in the backside, so, for the purposes of the story, i take over as manager towards the end of 04/05. This of course means that David Moyes gets credit for my signings and for having the team doing well, but I can live with that.
So, are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin...
03-24-2005, 04:50 AM
An Englishman, a Scotsman and a Dutch man. A Xeno-tastic tale from Goodison Park Post #2
Despite leading Everton to an incredible 2nd place in the Premiership with 3 games of the season remaining (along with a Carling Cup win, and a place in the FA Cup final to boot), David Moyes today left the club to take over the vacant managerial position at his boyhood club Celtic. Speaking to the assembled press, Moyes said, "We've had an incredible season at Everton this year, and in any other situation, there is no way I would even think about leaving. However, it has long been an ambition of mine to manage Celtic, and the opportunity might not come around again."
"I hope the Everton fans understand my decision, even if they aren't very happy with it. I very much enjoyed my time at Goodison Park, and wish them all the best for the rest of the season, and for seasons yet to come. And who knows, perhaps I will be back at the club one day."
With so little of the season remaining, Chairman Bill Kenwright said that he did not want to rush into making an appointment to the position of manager, and confirmed that highly rated Youth coach Jamie Mellor would take control of first team affairs at least until the end of the season.
"Jamie, with help from Assistant Manager Alan Irvine, will take charge of the first team, for the final three league games, and the FA Cup Final. After that, we will re-evaluate the situation in the summer."
Speaking for the first time as Everton boss, Mellor stated, "This is like a dream come true for me. I've been an Evertonian my entire life, and to be given the chance to manage the club, for however long - and of course to take them to a major cup final - is an incredible honour."
"I will be looking to do the very best I can for the club, and to continue David's good work for as long as I am here. My first concern is staying ahead of Chelsea, who have been closing quickly of late. Going into the last 3 games, we have a 5pt cushion, but with matches against Arsenal, Newcastle and Bolton still to come, that is FAR from a comfortable lead."
When asked whether he thought he had a chance of actually retaining the job past the end of the season, Mellor responded, "All I can do is my best for whatever time I have. Hopefully the players will react well to me, and we'll finish the season as strongly as we have performed for the rest of it. Obviously I would love to have this job permanently - but that isn't at the front of my mind right now."
03-24-2005, 04:51 AM
An Englishman, a Scotsman and a Dutch man. A Xeno-tastic tale from Goodison Park Post #3
As I sat down behind my desk for the first time, I could scarcely believe this was happening. 24hrs earlier I had just been coach of the U18 side at Everton, and now, here I was, sitting in the Manager's seat. When I had discovered that I was to be given the role of caretaker manager (on David Moyes' recommendation) I didn't know what to say. This truely was my dream, and I knew that I had to make the most of it.
Knowing that this was probably only a short term appointment, I turned my attention to the match against Arsenal at Highbury in two days time. Talk about a baptism of fire! Arsenal had already run away with the league, sitting 11pts ahead of us, AND with a game in hand. First thing first, and I took a closer look at the first team squad now available to me.
Goalkeepers
Nigel Martyn
Age: 38
Caps: 23
Nigel had been first team goalkeeper throughout the season, and I wasn't about to change that. Despite his advancing years, he had performed admirably, playing in almost every game the team played, and conceding less than a goal a game. He orchestrates the back four as well as any goalkeeper I've seen, and would remain in place (barring injury) at least until the end of the season.
Richard Wright
Age: 27
Caps: 2
Despite arriving at Everton with a big (if marginally tarnished) reputation, Wright has struggled to make an impact since Martyn came into the side midway through the previous season. Questions have been raised in the media about his handling, and his confidence has taken something of a battering. Has yet to feature in a first team game this season, and I would not be surprised to see him leaving Goodison this summer (whether I am still in charge or not).
Iain Turner
Age: 21
Caps: 2 (U21)
This young Scottish stopper was very highly rated by Moyes before his departure, and I expect him to be making a push for the first team within the next season or so. Has performed impressively for the reserves this term. I shall probably use him as backup for Nigel Martyn (if any is needed) for the remainder of the season.
John Ruddy
Age: 18
Caps: 0
Another fine young goalkeeper. This England U19 international worked with me in our youth set up before my unexpected promotion. One of the stars of our run to the U18 title, I firmly believe he has what it takes to make a top notch goalkeeper, who could play at any level. Too early for consideration for a first team spot right now, but maybe not for long.
03-24-2005, 04:53 AM
An Englishman, a Scotsman and a Dutch man. A Xeno-tastic tale from Goodison Park Post #4
Club Captain, and defensive stalwart, Stubbs has featured in most games this season (barring a month's spell out injured) and his presence in the first team has been a great influence. Not the paciest of players, but his reading of the game makes him an important player for us. Possibly his final season as a first team regular, but has signed a year's extension, taking him to the end of 2005/06.
Joseph Yobo
Pos: D/DMC
Age: 24
Caps: 27 (1 goal)
Will become the second Everton player within a year to make the move to the Bernabau, when he leaves for Real Madrid at the end of this season. If I am still in charge, I will need to make it my number one priority to adequately replace him for the next campaign. Quick, strong and almost unbeatable in the air, Yobo has been an absolute fixture in the first team this season. Will be a great loss - a player I would have liked to try to build a team around.
Tony Hibbert
Pos: D/DMR
Age: 24
Caps: 0
Has had the best season of his young career this term. An ever present in the right back squad throughout the season, this tough tackling local lad has played himself into contention for an England call-up, only missing out earlier in the season due to a slight injury.
Alessandro Pistone
Pos: DRLC
Age: 30
Caps: 1
This versatile Italian has made the left back slot his own throughout this season, turning in solid performances throughout. Will face greater competition next season, with the expected return of former Blue Michael Ball from Rangers.
David Weir
Pos: DC
Age: 34
Caps: 43 (1 goal)
Has functioned mostly as backup this season, Everton's longest serving current player (arrived from Hearts in 1999) is reliably solid, good in the tackle, and in the air. However, time is starting to catch up with him, and he is a little slower across the ground than he used to be. Contract expiring at the end of the season.
Steve Watson
Pos: D/MR
Age: 31
Caps: 12 (U21)
Another out of contract player. Has featured only sparsely this season, and expected to leave at the end of the term. Decent back up for Tony Hibbert - however, first team opportunities limited by the youngster's form and reliability.
Eddie Bosnar
Pos: DLC
Age: 25
Caps: 4
The Australian was brought in strictly as backup by Moyes, and backup he has remained. Yet to feature this season, and leaving for Sydney in the summer.
03-24-2005, 04:54 AM
An Englishman, a Scotsman and a Dutch man. A Xeno-tastic tale from Goodison Park Post #5
The Australian has been an absolute revelation since his move from Championship side Millwall last summer. What can you say about a player who so far, in his first Premiership season, has grabbed 16 goals from midfield. Has been attracting interest from some of England's (and Europe's) top teams, but I have absolutely no intention of letting him go anywhere.
Mikel Arteta
Pos: AMC
Age: 23
Caps: 4 (2 goals)
The young Spaniard was signed by David Moyes just before the start of the season from Real Sociedad. Along with Cahill, has formed two thirds of Everton's central midfield trio. While Cahill has been banging in the goals in the league, Arteta has been laying them on, setting up 13 goals in the league so far this season, while knocking in 9 himself. One of the two dead ball specialists in the side. A mainstay of the team for some time to come.
James McFadden
Pos: AM/FLC
Age: 22
Caps: 23 (5 goals)
This young Scottish left winger has been one of many stars of the side this season. Has had great success both scoring and providing goals, while his willingness to run at players has caused many a defence serious problems. A rising star on the international scene with Scotland too, where he has been mostly playing upfront.
Sebastian Deisler
Pos: AMRC
Age: 25
Caps: 27 (3 goals)
Once the rising star of German football, Deisler fell out of favour at Bayern Munich, and was picked up for just £2.9m at the start of the season. Since then, barring the occasional injury he has picked up, he has been a fixture on the right wing, and a useful asset from dead balls. So far this season, he has scored 5 goals, and set up 13.
Scott Parker
Pos: DMC
Age: 24
Caps: 4
Another Moyes signing from the beginning of the season, the former Young Player of the Year's Chelsea career never really got off the ground. Began the season on the bench, before supplanting Lee Carsley just before the turn of the year. Since then, he has patrolled the midfield, breaking up opposition attacks, and getting his team's own forward momentum going. Has also chipped in with an astonishing number of goals for a (essentially) defensively minded player - 12 in the league so far. Most of these have come from outside of the box - his rasping right footed drives have given many goalkeepers cause for concern.
Peter Luccin
Pos: DMC
Age: 26
Caps: 7
This French midfielder was brought in during the January transfer window, as backup for Scott Parker. Has performed this role well, even being called up for the French national side on several occasions. Not a world beater, but good, solid backup.
Leon Osman
Pos: AMRLC
Age: 23
Caps: 0
This product of the Everton youth system has taken longer than he would have hoped to break into the first team, but finally made it this season. Has mostly started from the bench, but has had extended runs in the team due to injuries, mostly to Seb Deisler, but has also provided backup for Cahill and Arteta at times. Has performed this range of roles fairly well. His versatility is a great asset.
Kevin Kilbane
Pos: AML
Age: 28
Caps: 60 (4 goals)
Has featured in most games this season, but almost all as substitute - McFadden's high intensity role on the left wing often necessitating his withdrawal before the end of games. I expect Kilbane to remain at the club for the forseeable future, as he provides more than adequate backup for the young Scot.
Christian Seargeant
Pos: AMC
Age: 16
Caps: 0
Has featured only very sparingly for the first team this season. However he has been THE star player of my U18 side this year. This lad is destined for a great future, and I sincerely hope that I will be around to see him make the grade.
03-24-2005, 04:59 AM
An Englishman, a Scotsman and a Dutch man. A Xeno-tastic tale from Goodison Park Post #6
Has contributed a MAJOR goal threat this season, scoring 27 goals so far in all competitions. Has broken back into the England set up, scoring his first international goal against Northern Ireland in March. Despite attracting the attention of both Man Utd and Chelsea, he will be going nowhere if I have any say in the matter.
Marcus Bent
Pos: SC
Age: 26
Caps: 2 (U21)
Has provided backup for James Beattie since joining the club for just £450k. Has only started a handful of games, but has contributed some vital goals throughout the campaign.
Duncan Ferguson
Pos: SC
Age: 33
Caps: 7
Has not featured so far this season. This Everton "Legend" is out of contract in the summer, and it is expected that he will move on. Losing his £35k p/w from the wage bill will be a large weight off the club, especially given his appauling injury record.
Paul Hopkins
Pos: FRC
Age: 19
Caps: 1 (U21)
Another decent youngster, who has been putting in some fine performances for the reserves throughout the season - currently the second string's top goalscorer with 16 goals. Remains to be seen if and when he will be able to make the step up to seriously challenging for a first team berth.
03-24-2005, 05:01 AM
An Englishman, a Scotsman and a Dutch man. A Xeno-tastic tale from Goodison Park Post #7
David Moyes had spent the majority of the season playing a "flat" 4-5-1 formation, and I did not want to stray too far from that, given how well the team has performed. However, given the high standard of our upcoming opponents, and the fact that it is an away game, I have decided to move Scott Parker into the "hole" between midfield and defence, allowing him to track at least some of the many runners that Arsenal are likely to throw at us.
We received VERY bad news however, when James Beattie pulled up with a calf strain during the warm up, and he was replaced in the starting line-up by Marcus Bent.
FA Barclays Premiership
Arsenal 1 - 3 Everton
Starting XI
Martyn, Hibbert, Stubbs, Yobo, Pistone
Deisler, Arteta, Parker, Cahill, McFadden
Bent
In Jamie Mellor's first game in charge, Everton pulled off a truly remarkable victory, beating Arsenal at Highbury just two days after the sudden loss of former manager David Moyes.
Arsenal came out of the traps at pace, forcing veteran Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn into several fine saves in the first 20mins. However, it was Everton who struck first. The goal came from a familiar source, with Tim Cahill, so often a threat this season, taking the ball past Kolo Toure and stroking past Jens Lehmann on 37mins, after fine work around half way by Mikel Arteta and James McFadden.
This provoked a period of intense activity. Everton had barely finished celebrating their unlikely lead, when Arsenal hit back. On 40mins, Touré played a long raking pass from the right wing, finding Reyes on the far side of the penalty area. The Spaniard took the ball down with a deft touch, before cutting inside Joseph Yobo, and firing low into the bottom corner.
Arsenal thought they had levelled things up going into the break, but 2mins into added time, Everton grabbed a second. Marcus Bent picked the ball up on the right side, made it to the byline and crossed. Lehmann was on hand to punch the ball away, but only as far as Scott Parker, who took control on the edge of the box. The England international took one touch before lashing the ball into the top corner past the despairing keeper.
The second half consisted of Arsenal pounding on the everton defence over and over, with Martyn saving well from Pires, Reyes, and Henry twice. However, the Toffee's defence stood firm and, in injury time, the match was sealed. Leon Osman picked up possession on the edge of the box, playing it outside to fellow substitute Kevin Kilbane. The Republic of Ireland international ran at Cesc Fabregas, but then cut a pass back inside to Osman, who calmly shot past Lehmann.
The final whistle blew shortly afterwards, and Mellor sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate with his new charges, who certainly seem to have taken to the young boss quickly.
In his post match interview, Mellor said, "Well, I couldn't really ask for more than that, could I? When I saw what our first match together was, I have to say I was worried, but that performance showed just why this team is where it is in the table. Every player out there played out of their skin. Our defence were rock solid, and Joey Yobo showed why Real Madrid want him. Those 3pts have left us needing only 2pts from our remaining two games to ENSURE 2nd place, even if Chelsea win all three of their games."
03-24-2005, 02:40 PM
An Englishman, a Scotsman and a Dutch man. A Xeno-tastic tale from Goodison Park Post #8
The team had been buzzing in training the last few days, after our unexpected away win against champions Arsenal in midweek. There were a couple of changes for my first home match as manager, with a fit-again James Beattie returned to the starting lineup in place of Marcus Bent, who dropped to the bench, and Leon Osman coming in for Tim Cahill, who was rested.
Everton put in another stellar performance under rookie boss Jamie Mellor today, completely outclassing Newcastle, and restricting the Magpies to just a single shot on goal. However, in spite of their dominance, it took until the 82nd minute for the goal which would ultimately settle the contest.
After a period of sustained Everton pressure, Aaron Hughes was forced to thump the ball out for a throw-in, deep inside Newcastle's half. Sebastian Deisler took the throw, and hurled it long towards the goal area.
Andy O'Brien missed what should have been a routine header, and the ball dropped at the feet of Mikel Arteta, no more than seven yards out. The Spaniard used some nifty footwork to give himself just enough space, and slotted the ball past the helpess Shay Given to give Everton the points, and ensure that they will end this season in a remarkable 2nd place in the Premiership.
"Another great performance from the lads today - they're really doing everything I'm asking of them at the moment. I think it would be fair to say that we really deserved to win by more than a goal, but I'll certainly take it." said a delighted Mellor after the final whistle, "Those points mean that we now KNOW we'll stay ahead of Chelsea until the end of the season, and maybe we can start to focus on the FA Cup Final in a little under three weeks. This is truly turning into a remarkable season for Everton, and I'm so thrilled to have played some part in it."
Thurs 12th May
McFadden to Miss Cup Final
Bad news today, as influential young winger James McFadden broke down in training with a shin injury. The Scottish midfielder is expected to be out for around 2-3 weeks, and will miss Everton's first FA Cup Final since 1995, along with our final league game away to Bolton on Saturday.
Saturday 14th May
And so to the final game of the Barclays Premiership season. With my team knowing that whatever today's results we were guaranteed to finish in 2nd place, where we started the day. Due to the injury to James McFadden, Kevin Kilbane was drafted into the starting XI, and Tim Cahill came back in for Osman. Ideally I wanted a win from this game, but didn't really mind, so long as I didn't pick up any injuries going into the Cup Final.
A surprisingly exciting match, played out between two teams who essentially had nothing to play for. Everton had already secured 2nd place in the Premiership with their deceptively comprehensive victory over Newcastle last weekend, and the spectre of relegation had vanished from Bolton's horizon, with the three promoted sides all making an immediate return to the Championship.
The Toffees must have thought they had this match sewn up, as they were leading by two goals with an hour gone. Firstly, on 30mins, Scott Parker picked up possession in midfield. He slipped a sublime through ball to James Beattie, but the England striker was dispossessed by Hunt. The loose ball, however, dropped to Parker inside the box, and he finished confidently, beating Jaaskelainen at his near post.
The score remained at 0-1 until 58mins, and it was again the combination of Parker and Beattie which was Bolton's undoing. Again, Parker found Beattie with a nice through pass, but Beattie's first time shot was stopped by Jaaskelainen. However, the Finnish keeper could only parry the ball, which left him hopelessly out of position when it dropped kindly at Parker's feet, and he passed the ball into the unguarded net. The Everton fans were jubilant, breaking out into song, "We're going to win the Cup" amongst them, in anticipation of their Cardiff match up with Chelsea in a fortnight's time.
However, Bolton were not going to lie down so easily, and hit back just 3mins later. Jaidi's long ball found Giannakopoulos on the right wing. His cross was met by Pedersen, whose first time shot was headed straight for keeper Nigel Martyn, when it took a wicked deflection off Tony Hibbert and trickled past the stranded goalkeeper.
Then, with 13mins left on the clock, Bolton were level. Nigel Martyn's goal kick was met by the head of Nicky Hunt, a little inside the Bolton half. The ball arrived with Pedersen, and he slipped a neat pass thru to Ricardo Vaz Te, who advanced on Martyn's goal, and slid the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. Now it was Bolton's fans' turn to celebrate, as their team rescued an unlikely point.
"Well, that wasn't one of our better performances," conceded Jamie Mellor after the match, "but I still felt we had probably done enough to win. However, when you defend like we did at times today, you're always going to have trouble, and Bolton made us pay, so fair play to them. We'll certainly need to be more organised at the back against Chelsea."
An Englishman, a Scotsman and a Dutch man. A Xeno-tastic tale from Goodison Park 
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