Everton FC – CaughtOffside

Everton ‘hope for the best’ after key defender leaves Roma friendly with injury

CJ — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 19:11:09 +0000

Everton manager Sean Dyche is hopeful the injury sustained by Seamus Coleman during Saturday’s friendly with Roma isn’t ‘too serious’.

The Toffees overturned a first-half Lorenzo Pellegrini goal to draw 1-1 thanks to a Dominic Calvert-Lewin strike in their last-ever pre-season friendly at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.

“The first half was a little bit slow, as you’d expect. It can be like that at times in pre-season. The second half, I thought, was good,” Dyche told evertontv of his side’s performance.

“A lot of the habits were on show. [It was] a soft goal from our standards, but other than that, I thought it was a decent performance and there were good signs from players who are new to the Club, as well.”

However, one negative was club captain Coleman limping out after just 32 minutes after sustaining a knock.

Coleman has spent 15 years at Goodison Park and has made over 400 appearances for Everton to date, long since establishing himself as an extremely popular and influential figure.

Losing his leadership on the eve of the 2024/25 Premier League season would be a blow to Everton, but Dyche is hopeful the 72-time Republic of Ireland international’s injury is nothing to worry about.

Seamus Coleman of Everton applauds the fans following the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Sheffield United at Goodison Park on May 11, 2024

“Unfortunately, it looks like he’s nicked his calf,” said Dyche. “We’re not sure at the moment how serious that is, but I don’t think it’s too serious – the way he came off – but we’ll just have to hope for the best.”

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BREAKING: Everton risk starting new season with ANOTHER points deduction

Magnus Eriksen — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:18:54 +0000

Everton are reportedly facing another points deduction ahead of the start of the new Premier League season.

The Toffees managed to avoid relegation last season despite being hit with a six point deduction at one point, and it looks like they’re going to have to manage something similar again in 2024/25 due to overpayments of around £6.5m going back to the 2022/23 season.

Everton are seemingly falling foul of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules again, with fans likely to be hugely concerned by the club continuing to get this wrong.

This is not the way a fine old institution like Everton should be being run, and it remains to be seen how much longer Sean Dyche’s side can continue to perform well enough that these deductions don’t drag them into the relegation zone.

Crystal Palace set to play a huge part in Everton’s salvation

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 07:39:15 +0000

The Everton takeover scenario appears to have gone on for an age, but help could be at hand which might finally bring an end to the issues that have dogged the Toffees under the ownership of Farhad Moshiri.

Fined for breaching Financial Fair Play rules, the Merseyside outfit have also been languishing at the wrong end of the Premier League table for far too long.

In short, Everton are a club in desperate need of a decent cash injection and the right owner being at the helm.

Crystal Palace part-owner John Textor could be Everton’s saviour

That’s where Crystal Palace come in.

According to The Guardian (subscription required), businessman, John Textor, who currently owns 45 percent of the South London club, is interested in steering Everton into a new era.

With a brand new stadium to move into shortly, it could be an opportune time for Textor to invest, but in order to do so, he would need to sell his stake in Palace.

2024/25 will be Everton’s last season at Goodison Park, and Crystal Palace part-winer, John Textor, could be about to take them into a new era on and off the pitch.

On the face of it, given that Palace are on the up, selling up would appear to be an odd decision from Textor, particularly if he’s to move to a club that are in dire financial straits.

However, the businessman clearly sees a way in which he can lead Everton back to their former glories, and ownership would also afford him a majority stake in the Goodison Park outfit.

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Given that, with respect, Everton have been historically considered as a bigger club than Palace too, it may well be that Textor’s potential investment will be the shrewdest piece of football business that he’s done to date.

With the 2023/24 Premier League season about to start, the sooner that any deal can be agreed, the better for all concerned.

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Exclusive: “Disgusting” – Collymore slams the Premier League over race riot silence

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:43:02 +0000

Stan Collymore has never been backwards in coming forwards with an honest and forthright opinion, and on this occasion, he’s taken aim at the Premier League.

Though the race riots that have dogged the UK over the past week or so would appear to have nothing to do with football, there’s a school of thought which says that football hooligans could join in the troubles for their own ends.

Such a scenario would only add another level of chaos to an already unsavoury series of flashpoints across the country, and Collymore believes that the Premier League’s silence over the issue speaks volumes.

Collymore hits out at weak Premier League execs

“I think that the Premier League have a massive responsibility as a big British brand, and as a big British brand that’s inclusive with all creeds, all flavours and all genders, to comment on the current riots from a football perspective,” he said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive column.

“After all, they can’t wait to tell you about No Room for Racism day.

“I would really have liked to see Richard Masters come out after last weekend and say “any supporter involved in these in this disorder, will never set foot in an English football stadium again,” and that would have done as much as potentially the deterrent effect of a six month or a 12 month custodial sentence for some of them.

“Frankly, I’m disgusted by the Premier League.If you remember, when players were getting racist abuse a while back, the Premier League were quick to tell everyone to put a the black square on their social media profiles and not tweet or post for 24 hours.

Stan Collymore has hit out at the Premier League

“The fact they’ve said nothing whatsoever during the current riots, I would suggest, is 1000 times worse. The fact that I genuinely feel like the only voice in the professional football sports broadcasting space that was willing to call it out, hour by hour, and to show people that there were good people in Walthamstow, in Birmingham, in Newcastle and elsewhere that weren’t going to allow this race baiting to happen… I think it’s frankly disgusting and disturbing.

“Football is multicultural, and not just the fan base.

“We’ve got Muslims, we’ve got Jews, we’ve got blacks, we’ve got whites, we’ve got French, we’ve got Germans, we’ve got Italians, we’ve got Egyptians… all playing in the Premier League.

“I get that a lot of players and clubs will be very reluctant to speak up because they don’t understand the politics, but for me, football needs to do much, much more.”

Collymore arguably has a point on more than one area.

It’s all very well the Premier League paying lip service to certain campaigns when it suits them, but when they’re really needed to stand up and be counted, the lily-livered executives are nowhere to be seen.

The multicultural aspect of Premier League football can’t be overlooked either.

Those muslim players that are currently plying their trade in England’s top-flight must be looking on in absolute despair at what’s happening around the country at present, and will look to the governing body to take a stand and effectively guarantee their safety.

Time for the Premier League to wake up and smell the coffee.

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Everton striker set for spell on the sidelines after surgery

CJ — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 17:51:46 +0000

Everton striker Youssef Chermiti is set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing ‘minor surgery’ on his foot, the club have confirmed.

Chermiti arrived at Goodison Park from Portuguese champions Sporting CP for £15m (per BBC Sport) last summer.

Still only 20 years old, Chermiti has had to be patient when waiting for opportunities with the Toffees, playing just 196 minutes of Premier League football last season and making 20 appearances across competitions.

Cherimti appeared to be making progress this summer, seeing plenty of minutes during pre-season and scoring twice in a 3-3 draw with Sligo Rovers in July.

However, the Portugal youth international was withdrawn at half-time in Everton’s 3-0 win over Preston North End on Saturday, with manager Sean Dyche confirming after the match it was due to injury.

“Youssef has one which will take a while. We’re a bit disappointed in that,” said Dyche (via evertonfc.com). “I thought he was going well in pre-season, and that’s not going to be a short one – not by the looks of things.”

Youssef Chermiti of Everton celebrates after the team’s victory in the Premier League match between Everton FC and Brentford FC at Goodison Park on April 27, 2024 in Liverpool, England.

Chermiti undergoes surgery

Everton have now confirmed that Chermiti has undergone surgery and despite no timescale being given on his return to action, it’s hard to see him returning soon.

“Everton can confirm Youssef Chermiti has undergone minor surgery on a foot injury,” Everton said in a club statement.

“The Blues striker sustained the problem during a training session at Finch Farm.

“The 20-year-old will now begin rehabilitation under the care of Everton’s medical team.”

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Video: ‘Wayne Rooney’ spotted at riots in Plymouth

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 06:23:44 +0000

In what surely has to be one of the more bizarre potential sightings of a famous person, someone closely resembling Wayne Rooney was caught on live TV at the riots and disruption taking place in Plymouth City Centre.

The former Man United and England international is manager of local side, Plymouth Argyle, so armchair super sleuths may have thought that they were onto something.

However, other social media posts which show a clearer picture seem to confirm that it isn’t Rooney, but a doppelganger.

No it isn’t him. I think he works for Sky as well pic.twitter.com/rKn1089DjC

— Joe Graham ?? (@J_Graham93) August 5, 2024

Pictures from Sky News

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Exclusive: Everton join race to sign former Liverpool star who left Anfield last season

Darren Looney — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 07:32:58 +0000

Everton are among several clubs showing interest in former Liverpool defender Joel Matip as the 32-year-old is still without a club having left Anfield at the end of last season.

The centre-back joined Liverpool in 2016 as a free agent and witnessed the whole Jurgen Klopp era at the Merseyside club, winning every trophy possible at Anfield.

Matip was a fan favourite with the Reds and went on to feature 201 times, scoring 11 goals and assisting a further six. The defender would have racked up more appearances but his time with the Premier League giants was plagued by injuries, which stopped him from reaching his true potential.

Having left Liverpool at the end of last season, Matip is currently looking for his next club and sources have told CaughtOffside that Everton, Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen are all competing for the 32-year-old’s signature.

The player’s agents have already met with all three clubs, who now have all the information about the defender’s situation.

The interest of Everton is particularly intriguing given Matip’s recent Liverpool history and it will be interesting to see if the centre-back opts to continue his career on Merseyside.

Joel Matip left Liverpool last season

Everton showing interest in former Liverpool star Joel Matip

Everton will make a move for Joel Matip should Michael Keane and Mason Holgate leave the Toffees over the coming weeks. The future of Jarrad Branthwaite is also uncertain at Goodison Park and Sean Dyche will not want to find himself in a situation where he is short on central defenders.

The Premier League club face competition for Matip from both Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen.

Fulham are anticipating a potential gap in their defence as Tim Ream could leave Craven Cottage by the end of the summer transfer window. Matip’s experience and leadership qualities are seen as the perfect replacement should the 36-year-old part ways with the London club.

Bayer Leverkusen are prioritising the transfer of Matip at the request of their coach Xabi Alonso and are the most serious club in the race. The Bundesliga giants hope to have a deal for the former Liverpool star completed later this week as the centre-back will be eager to join a squad with the season so close to getting underway.

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Everton favourites to sign £45 million Manchester City outcast

Andrew Walker — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 14:25:39 +0000

Everton are reportedly closing in on a loan move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The Toffees are looking to replace Amadou Onana after the Belgian recently joined Aston Villa in a deal worth a reported £50 million, and have identified Phillips, 28, as a realstic option to fill the void.

The 28-year-old has endured a tough two years at Manchester City. Despite featuring in the Sky Blues’ pre-season tour, the Englishman’s failure to provide Ballon d’Or contender Rodri with competition has prompted the six-time Premier League winners to listen to offers.

Everton favourites to agree Kalvin Phillips deal

Struggling during the second half of last season while on loan at West Ham, Phillips has seen his career slump to a new low.

Kalvin Phillips endured a disappointing loan with West Ham last season.

Now with no chance of the Hammers signing him on permanently, Everton appears Phillips’ best option.

Everton boss Sean Dyche names two big positives from Preston win

CJ — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 13:21:01 +0000

Sean Dyche was thrilled to see two Everton new boys get on the scoresheet in their 3-0 win over Preston North End on Saturday, alongside a host of key players returning from injury.

Second-half goals from summer signings Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrom completed a comfortable friendly victory for the Toffees after Dominic Calvert-Lewin had opened the scoring from the penalty spot before half-time.

6ft 4″ centre-back O’Brien lashed home a powerful volley from the edge of the box after Preston failed to clear a delivery into the box.

61' Goal! Jake O'Brien makes an impact off the bench. A fine finish!

?? 0-2 ? https://t.co/2VsWpyRq02 pic.twitter.com/c3QQqp1YMA

— Everton (@Everton) August 3, 2024

Lindstrom’s effort was arguably even more impressive, curling a beautiful free-kick over the wall and into the back of the net from distance.

70' Goal! Another debutant on the scoresheet as Lindstrøm curls home a great free-kick!

?? 0-3 ? https://t.co/2VsWpyRq02 pic.twitter.com/A7qpKjRFnM

— Everton (@Everton) August 3, 2024

Both players were making their debuts after joining Everton from Lyon and Napoli, respectively, and Dyche was delighted to see them make a fast start to life in blue — while the likes of Tim Iroegbunam and academy graduate Harrison Armstrong also caught the eye.

“I’m really pleased for the new lads, of course. Jake and Jesper getting two different kinds of goals, but both good goals. Dom (Calvert-Lewin) was looking sharp. [There were] a lot of good habits on show today,” Dyche told evertonfc.com after Saturday’s match at Deepdale.

“You want centre-halves to score, but it’s not always that type of goal. It was a great strike.

“And Jesper, you want him to enjoy that and show signs of little bits of magic. In training, he’s looked like that, whipping them in.

“Tim (Iroegbunam) locked in another 90. He’s new to us, and young Harrison (Armstrong) getting another taste of what we’re about, so I’m pleased for him, as well.”

Preston win a step in the right direction for Everton

Saturday’s victory and the manner of the performance will come as a massive relief to Evertonians, who had watched their side fail to win any of their summer friendlies previously — 2-1 and 3-0 defeats to Salford and Coventry, respectively, following a 3-3 draw with Sligo Rovers.

Dyche himself admitted the ‘mixture’ was better, especially with the likes of James Tarkowski, Vitaly Mykolenko and Idrissa Gana Gueye returning to action.

“After Tuesday, going into this game, we expected to see a difference. We did see a difference, and of course, very important players [returning] who have shown they’re very important players over time. That mixture just felt better and looked better on the eye, as well,” said Dyche.

Everton have one more official friendly to come before they open the 2024/25 Premier League season, taking on Italian giants Roma in the last-ever friendly at Goodison Park on Saturday.

How to buy tickets for Everton games at Goodison Park

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Former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare dies

CJ — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 19:07:12 +0000

Former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare has passed away aged 60.

Shakespeare was receiving treatment after being diagnosed with cancer back in October 2023.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, ‘SHAKEY’,” a statement published by the League Managers Association on behalf of his family read.

“Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family.

“Whilst the family are immensely proud of his footballing achievements as both a player and a coach, to us, his family, he will always primarily be a loving and loved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.

“The loss is devastating to us all and we would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with, and mourn, the loss of a very special person.

“The family would like to thank and acknowledge the many prayers and good wishes sent during the past few difficult months, many of which we were unable to respond to but all meant a lot to Craig and the family.”

Shakespeare represented Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Bromwich Albion, Grimsby Town, Scunthorpe United, Telford United and Hednesford Town during his playing days as a midfielder between 1981 and 2000.

After hanging up his boots, he became a coach, most famously working on Claudio Ranieri’s staff during Leicester City’s 2015/16 Premier League title-winning campaign before taking the manager’s job at the King Power Stadium in 2017.

Shakespeare, who was born in Birmingham in October 1963, also coached the likes of Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich City, while also working under Sam Allardyce at Everton between December 2017 and May 2018, and with the England national team.

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