Chester FC v Kidderminster programme piece

Other than being a blogger, a mum and having a full time job I also enjoy contributing to a couple of social media pages. One such page is the Non-League News, on both Facebook and Twitter. On a Saturday (now I am getting a little bit too pregnant to be at the football) I will get involved in doing the match updates keeping all of our fellow Non-League fans informed on the games across the National leagues as the goals happen. What I am finding other than being the only girl in a team of boys, is that it's not so easy being a Chester fan right now. I am sure that every time I am on the goal updates I do jinx Chester somehow as we never seem to win but I think they may well be because we don't seem to be winning very much. Gone are the days when we could sit back happy in the knowledge that we will do well week in week out, we are facing a much tougher situation. 

It used to be relatively easy to be a Chester fan when we were beating our non-league competitors in the lower leagues. But I now await a smart remark from a Wrexham fan as I am sure we all do at work or on social media. It's a terrible thing to admit but I know I am not alone in this, that when we got beat in the FA cup qualifiers the first thing I did was check what Wrexham had done. What a sigh of relief when they had also been beat, work would be bearable on Monday! Obviously I always have in my armour that we did win the Derby and they can't argue that one but we will play them again and I am not wholly convinced I will have the upper hand on that one any more. 

I saw an article this week from Jim Green that said we shouldn't sniff at a mid table position but unfortunately I do. We are much better than that and in this league where teams that look like front runners, Forest Green for example can go four games on the bounce without a win anything is possible. I think we need a bit more belief in ourselves again. We rode on the crest of a wave in the Eco-stik days, let's get back to those confident ways and start aiming for those top spots once again. 

Everton Vs Manchester United 17th October 2015: Match Preview

I normally love a good match at Goodison Park against United, but sadly as I am enjoying a night away tonight there is no such chance of it tomorrow! One of my favourite games against the red half of Manchester was only a few seasons ago. In fact the first game of the 2012/13 season when we won the game 1-0. Little did we know at the end of the season the same team would swipe our then manager away from under our nose. I always joked at the time that Fergie let us win that one so the blow would be a little less painful. Although I am quite glad we got the fresh start I think in hindsight that the club needed, with the introduction of Roberto. 

Since then whilst under Spanish Bob we have still beat the side. So maybe my Fergie idea was wrong after all! Especially when we did it home and away in the following season (2013/14). Sadly no away win the season after but a thrilling 3-0 win at home (2014/15) which I thoroughly enjoyed! I fell quite lucky that day as my father-in-law couldn't get to the game, so I had his season ticket in the Upper Gwladys and what a view to watch that game from! It was unbelievable. I recall being on the bus chatting with some fellow Evertonians on the way to the game and I was a little sceptical of the result that day but thankfully not everyone had my view. As always I did surprise the other blues on the blues with my many facts to which one blue said to my husband "she should be on the telly her, she knows more than us". It wasn't long after that I decided to start my blog! So I thank those men on the bus that day! 

Anyway back to the game, so my husband is of the opinion it has been too long that we have been without a home defeat from the Manchester side, but I am optimistic as ever. I think we may have become a problem for them, a thorn in their side. I will admit their performance this season and good signings such as Mr Martial are all positive factors in their favour but look at our boys right now. We have potentially got Stones and Coleman coming back from injury, rested and ready to show what they have got as they always do against sides like United. Ross, back from England duties, buzzing from a man of the match game followed by a goal. The same can be said for Jags, coming back as the first in squad Everton player to be captain of our country, his confidence is never in doubt but we all know how it feels after you have a good day at work. Rom back after being kept on the bench with his home nation, so hopefully well rested and as always will be up for a game against a top table side. And then Mr Naismith, hopefully not too down beat about Scotland's exit from the qualifiers, will be looking to take some of his energy from those games out on another side in front of our home crowd. It would be nice to see him do what he did against Mourinho's team but I don't think Van Gaal will quite underestimate us the way Jose did, sadly! 

Chester FC programme Forest Green Rovers September 2015

Well what a game that was against Macclesfield last Saturday. What looked set to be doom and gloom for the travelling Cestrians dramatically turned out to be a wonderful away day. It has been a little while since I was able to get to an away game with Chester, but I have some fantastic memories of last minute winners away from home. 

The first and one of my absolute favourite away days has to be the cold, dreary Wednesday night back in October 2010. A packed, warm bar was followed by a very cold but goal-filled match at Witton Albion. Once again it looking quite bleak for the travelling Blue army after Neil Young's men squandered a two-goal lead, but a last gasp goal from captain fantastic George Horan made sure the trip home was an enjoyable one. It was also that memorable night that created the fans chant for Mr Horan. I am sure we have all heard that one! 

The next came in the same season on a very chilly afternoon kick on New Years Day with the trip to Prescot Cables. Again it was another very warm welcome from the club we were visiting. One very noticeable thing about that league, I felt, were the receptions we were given. They always felt warm and friendly. I digress. What was looking to be a wasted New Year's trip ended up in jubilation after a late, late goal from Stuart Jones. I remember the crowd pushing me so far forward I was hanging over the barrier of the 'hut' we were all huddled in. I nearly touched Stu as he ran past celebrating. A very (un)attractive photo of that scene ended up in the season review book at the end of the season! 

Lastly, not an away game, but certainly worth a mention was the last minute equaliser from Matty McGinn that saw us win the league in front of a 5,000 plus crowd at home on the 9th of April 2012. That strike has rightly gone down in Chester folklore. I am not one for keeping the fans' nerves on a knife-edge, but I do love a last minute victory! 

Chester FC programme Wrexham Derby Oct 2015

So this morning Facebook reminded me of a Chester FC result we witnessed four whole years ago against a rival I have spoken about before the dreaded Chorley! The picture was of the Sky Sports vidiprinter on a TV in the Blues Bar showing Chester 3 Chorley 0. Probably a night we shouldn't have headed into the Blues Bar after the game with it being a midweek fixture, but how can you say no after watching us hammer Chorley under the floodlights followed by a beverage! It was a brilliant win against a side we had developed quite a hatred for - reasons for which need no explanation! 

Talking of rivalries I can't believe it's been 12 months since we last played long standing rivals Wrexham at home. Only 11 days off a year saw the game which, with much delight, we famously beat the old foe. And after what had been a poor start by us. After only two minutes the away fans were celebrating following the goal from Hudson and their jubilation continued into half time. It looked grim for us home fans with little in the way of chances falling our way until on 74 minutes Hobson brought the game level. Chester looked like the side most likely to clinch victory but Rooney saw a free-kick hit the post and Hobson had a goal disallowed for offside. It wasn't until Mr Heneghan's goal in the dying minutes of added time that the comeback was finally sealed. Cue pandemonium. Not only the most amazing time to score in a game but an absolutely fantastic goal that will go down in Chester FC Derby folklore.

Let's hope this time of year is lucky for us Cestrians when we face our fierce rival as we do so today.

Everton vs Chelsea 12th September 2015

So it was confirmed yesterday that I can't attend Chelsea games at Goodison Park! I unfortunately had to make the last minute decision not to go and boy am I glad I didn't! Sounds odd I know but my record against Chelsea is not particularly the best! 

Not surprisingly the run up to the game was filled with talk about nothing other than Stones! Every question to Roberto was more about him not selling Stones than the tactics and the feeling before the game in the dressing room! Also, no surprise here, but nobody was predicting a win for Everton. OK, I was included in that, which on reflection was a bit naive of me. I saw many a Tweet with predictions mostly leaning towards a draw, but it felt from the beginning that nobody was considering Everton's solid start to the season and the not so good start made by Chelsea.

A consideration I don't think Jose had thought through. Although he did blame his lack of computer and tactical meeting on the morning of the game but surely the history they have had in recent seasons would require a bit more up front work than a tactical meeting in the morning of a 12.45 kick off game? I would question whether this is a lack of respect from Mourinho, the same lack he showed in the ever discussed transfer window. A respect that I think was shown to us by Pellegrini whose tactics led to our 2-0 home defeat against Man City a few weeks. That man did his homework. He put his big strong defenders and holding midfielders all over Romelu and Ross. At times when Ross had the ball in front of goal there were five players around him. Jose didn't have the sense to tell Ivanovic to stay close on the heels of a Steven Naismith who had scored against his side only two seasons before. 

I can't even begin to describe the performance of the Blues yesterday it was outstanding. I think Paul Scholes said it perfectly, it didn't matter who Everton played they were going to win, they were unstoppable. The defensive line did not allow Chelsea's front men anywhere near the goal to allow Tim to have work to do. As proven by the goal from Matic having to come from so far away. Stones proved to Jose exactly why he badgered The Toffees so much for his services, his calm resolute stance was one that put the Londoners right off their pace. At one point in the first half he allowed Costa to pass it through his legs knowing he would be able to block him from moving in front of him, a move I think defenders of the past may not have had the confidence to do. In the middle Barry was strong and Coleman found spaces well. But my stand out man in defence had to be Galloway, he looked like a different player to the one I saw against Man City. He looked confident and read spaces and opportunities very well including the cross that ended in one of Naismith's three goals! And that is where we look to the men up front, I felt for Rom he seemed to be finding it very difficult to get the ball into the back of the net. I do wonder whether the pressure of being back in front of Jose is not easy for him. But obviously our attention has to be with Naismith.  It was under sad circumstances that Naismith had to brought on with the loss of Besic. But boy fate was looking down on Goodison Park! As my husband will tell you I have been a fan of Steven even before he came to the North West (secretly because he looks like my husband and I have a soft spot for Glasgow Rangers) so when I see people moaning about him coming on it always grates. Yesterday was no different but thankfully for me he showed all those moaners what he is made of! He worked Ivanovic perfectly, read space well and clinically took the chances that were put in front of him. He was confident, strong and bloody minded. He always works hard in my opinion and yesterday his hard work paid off. To think the last person to score a hattrick against Chelsea was Dixie Dean, not bad company for the Scot to be in. I can't imagine many players will be joining him either, and not with a perfect hat trick as Mr N had! 

Match preview: EFC v CFC 12th September 2015

I can't believe another home game against the Londoners has arrived again! It doesn't feel like we have had a year to get over the drama of the 6-3 defeat at home last season, it's still stuck in my mind like it happened last week. But never the less here it is again. I would like to think we have had a much better start compared to the games we had last season before we faced Chelsea, with two draws, a mega away win and a defeat to current runaway league leaders currently under our belts. Far better than the two painful draws we had encountered before our last home game against them.

I remain positive about my beloved Everton but even more so after the transfer window slammed shut. I think the fact that Mourinho didn't get his own way will do wonders for us. The crowd can go full whack on the latest terrace song 'money can't buy you Stones' and we can all hopefully enjoy the lunchtime game in the stands of the Old Lady. 

I am also hoping that the recent downturn in Chelsea's form will help to give us a home win against a side who we last beat nearly two years ago to the day (13th September 2013 - and they say the fixtures are randomly selected). A game I sadly didn't attend in person, which does concern me slightly. When I am in attendance against the Londoners we don't seem to do so well! 

The extremely chilly 2-1 defeat in December 2012 (with my WAG experiencehttp://footymadgirl.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/pregnant-on-terraces.html?m=1 ), I was there! The 2-0 win in February 2012 I missed it. I witnessed the 1-1 draw in February 2011 in the FA cup. Ok, so I did see the end of season win against them in May 2011 but that was the last and only time I have. Maybe I should stay at home and do the ironing on Saturday! 

The confidence boost of an England goal for Ross should help the youngster going into this game, and the rest some players have had is a positive in our direction for sure. As long as we can shake the Chelsea defence up better than we did against City, we could see a few goals from our front men I reckon. Lukaku must love the idea of scoring in front of Jose! It's Stones I do slightly worry about, it would be hard for him not to feel the pressure from the Chelsea camp. I just hope Big Dunc hangs around Jose enough to ensure he doesn't try his luck with a little chat in the defender's ear! 

I am not predicting this one after my last one ended up way off the mark! Maybe stats can be wrong after all.

EFC vs MCFC Sunday 23rd August 2015: Preview

When I saw the fixtures come in for our early run of games the match against Manchester City was not one I was feeling positive about. Especially as it came after an away game against Europa League qualifiers Southampton. What a difference a game can make. Even as I sat in Lanzarote in the sunshine only a few weeks ago the future of the season looked a little bleak as an Evertonian. I do tend to be a positive Blue and did have a heated debate (we will call it) at half time of the Watford game about the abilities of Ross Barkley, but I admit a little part of me was thinking 'here we go again'. Thankfully Mr Barkley proved me right in the first two games of the season. And now I am very much looking forward to our home game against Manchester City tomorrow. 

Looking at the stats as I do, I think there are plenty of positives there as well. Everton have only been defeated twice in the last 17 home games against Manchester City. I am not sure many outside of Goodison would believe that with Manchester City's league success in the last few years. Our last win against them at home was a fantastic game to be at, back in March 2013 when goals from Osman and Jelavic saw the mighty Blues win 2-0. After a dry spell in front of goal from Jelavic the emotions ran high when he scored in added time, I recall my hubby was more concerned about me going into early labour rather than celebrating the goal that day!

As Roberto said in his press conference this week, the games between the two sides at Goodison Park have always been 'close encounters'. Looking at the last five games they look like this:

2014/15 Everton 1 - 1 Manchester City 

2013/14 Everton 2 - 3 Manchester City

2012/13 Everton 2 - 0 Manchester City

2011/12 Everton 1 - 0 Manchester City

2010/11 Everton 2 - 1 Manchester City

They may be close encounters but looking at those last five games recent results would suggest we are very much the favourites for a win at Goodison Park once again. The concern would be about Manchester City's current place in the league with two 3-0 wins under their belts and a very strong squad. But saying that a 3-0 win under Everton's belt should be considered just as significant. The goalscorers in that match, interestingly, were the same goalscorers in the 2013/14 game against City, albeit in a defeat. But if we can get those two players attacking on the break again then Everton will be potentially unstoppable, especially with a vocal Goodison crowd behind them. 

First home game of the season August 2015

With the first game of our 24th season in the Premier League looming ever so close it got me to thinking, what do we reckon the likely result might be. As always, being a statto, I had to have a look at the facts and figures to give me an idea! 

So as I posted yesterday on Facebook (Everton Page 1878) the last time we played Watford at Goodison, which happened to also be our first home game of the season, we beat them 2-1 with Andy Johnson scoring on his debut. Can we make it another win over the Southerners on the first game of the season?  Since that game back in 2006 it has been a pretty mixed bag of results for the Blues on the opening home game, from a 6-1 thrashing from Arsenal in 2009 to a very enjoyable win against Manchester United in 2012 beating the Red Devils 1-0. 

Last season and the season prior to that saw draws for the Toffees against Arsenal and West Brom respectively. Although I will say the 2-2 draw against Arsenal felt a bit like bad luck in a month where we went in front twice drawing both games 2-2! But that's the positive Evertonian in me. The most recent first home game defeat came in 2011 against QPR when the newly promoted side won 1-0. This is a statistic, along with our draw against Leicester last season after their promotion, that concerns me. These teams come up and want to prove they can play with the big boys. Getting a side like Everton as their first game in the Prem will make them want it even more. When teams that have more passion than EFC turn up at Goodison Park it tends to be when we falter. 

It seems looking at Roberto's first home game of the season statistics that this also rears its head for him as well, with a 4-0 defeat by newly promoted Blackpool beating Wigan Athletic in August 2010. Interestingly the month he signed Cleverley on loan from Manchester United. Whilst with Wigan Roberto never won any of the four first home games as manager with defeats from Chelsea (2-0, 2012), aforementioned Blackpool (4-0, 2010), Wolves (1-0, 2009) and a draw with Norwich (1-1, 2011). The same was true with his record at Swansea, with a draw with Notts Forest (0-0, 2007) and a defeat by the same team the following term (3-1, 2008). 

Spanish Bob's record next to Everton's doesn't make for much positivity for Saturday's upcoming game, however as my close Evertonian friends will know I like to be positive and I think we will be walking away from Goodison with at least a point. Albeit there have been a few defeats versus draws and wins they are few and far between for us Blues. I am hopeful we will take the full 3 points but with the prospect of a newly promoted team and the potential lack of our star striker, we could be in for a tough 90 minutes. 

Big Dunc 2nd August 2015

The day finally came that so many Blues fans had eagerly anticipated, the day that Mr Duncan Ferguson would grace the green grass of Goodison once more. Not as the coach that he has become, but wearing the badge once again on his chest as a player. As a result of his testimonial, the guys at the Everton Page 1878 and I got to thinking it would be a good opportunity to find out some of the fans views on the mighty Scot. I asked 20 fans five questions about Big Dunc and here is what they had to say. 

So the first question I asked was one that had recently been asked on the Facebook page, which Big Dunc game is the fan favourite? There was a mixed response but a resounding choice was famous games against both Manchester United and, not surprisingly, Liverpool. The United games were both the 1995 and 2005 clashes where Blues fans were treated to headed goals from Dunc at the Gwladys Street end on both occasions. The Derby games of choice came in the shape of his first and Joe Royle's as Everton manager back in 1994 when Gary from Ellesmere Port believes "he became an overnight hero". In the mix included a hat trick against Bolton in 1997, Leeds from September 2003 when Everton won 4-0, Newcastle on the first day of the 1996/97 season, and last but not least his final game against West Brom in 2006 with his last minute goal following a missed penalty. 

The second of the five questions was in relation to Big Dunc fitting into the current Everton side under Roberto. The feeling from the fans was mostly positive, one fan saying he would fit in "like he did when he played, when he was up for it (he was the) best striker around". Simon from Liverpool thought he "would suit Martinez's style of play". Margaret from Liverpool was also positive saying "he still has the skills to play with the young players". One fans view was that the current team could be positive for Big Dunc, "we'd bring out more of the quality Dunc has in his feet than in the sides he has played in over the years". Some of the negative views came in the form of, "would be more of a squad player than a first team", "average" and "not too good with the service Rom has been getting". I wonder now people have seen Dunc back playing again on the pitch whether the views would change on how they have answered this one! 

The midway question of the five asked was a little bit of provocative one, do people think big Dunc is a legend? It has been said by more than one fan that he maybe isn't quite a Kevin Ratcliffe or a Dixie Dean, so I was interested to hear what people had to say. The voting went with 13 fans saying 'yes', 6 saying 'no' and one 'almost'. Steve from Netherley, who was the almost, said "if he had helped us win a league then deffo". Of those that were positive about whether Big Dunc is considered a legend included Ian, who compared the Scot to Bob Latchford - "the only good things in their respective teams". Finally one fan said he understood the argument about the lack of medals however, "For blues of a certain age, like me, he was a beacon of hope in difficult times". Point very well made. 

Another slightly provocative question with number four was about whether people thought Dunc would be a future Everton manager one day. The sides were divided again on this one with 10 saying 'yes', 6 saying 'no' and 6 with either a 'possibly' or 'hopefully'. Robbie from Liverpool made an interesting comment which really resonated when he said: "I wouldn't want him to take the abuse from fans and media if we were struggling". I think in this day and age and with such passionate fans it is a real risk that he would be taking as Robbie so rightly points out. I think as Newcastle saw with John Carver sometimes it isn't the best thing to allow someone so close to the club to manage the actual team. David thought that "with experience from another team" he could do the job. 

The last of the five questions was 'of any striker in Everton's history who would the fans pair Big Dunc up with?'. A mixed bag on this one with the lead taken by Dixie Dean with five votes, next was both Cottee and Lineker with four, followed by Sharpy with three, Andy Gray with two, and Rooney and Alex Young both with one. A couple of people chose more than one however such as Kyle from Liverpool who said: "Dixie Dean or a smaller man like Andy Gray". Also Peter Beardsley got a mention but only as a maybe. One lucky fan in the form of Ste from Liverpool hopefully got to see his choice of strike duo on Sunday - Dunc and Wayne! 

So there it is, the fans views of the Everton great that is Duncan Ferguson. It was an outstanding turn out for him on Sunday, as was to be expected. A man that will always be in the hearts of Evertonians. 

Thank you to the 20 people who answered questions that contributed to the blog, I am sorry you cannot all be named. Look out for future surveys during the course of the new season for another opportunity to have your say. 

Footymadgirl

Chester FC Q & A 4th July 2015

On Saturday I asked a group of my Chester FC friends on Facebook if they would take part in a Q & A on Chester FC. The survey consisted of six questions, five relating to all things on the pitch and one off the pitch. Thanks to a particularly strong response to the latter, I have decided to do a separate blog on that topic so we will stick to on the pitch for today.

To get us started I was interested to find out what people's thoughts were on Steve Burr's summer transfer dealings to date. Thankfully nothing has happened since Saturday so I'm still being up to date here! In the main the fans were happy with the business we have done, although Derek felt that it was too early to tell and that he would "reserve judgement until I see them, no one can tell yet". It is more difficult with some of the players we sign in this league to have a real sense of how they play. Unless you have a vested interest in the team they come from or the team played against Chester, it is highly likely you won't have seen them play. Not like when a Premier League or even a Championship player is sold and the receiving team's fans will usually have seen the individual regularly on TV. Although on saying that, Grahame from Chester is very much satisfied with the transfer dealings saying, "they look quality", so I could be wrong in my assessment. Finally, I liked what Jim from Nantwich said when he commented that he is satisfied, adding: "I don't know too much about them but trust his judgement". Well said that man! 

The second of the five on the pitch questions asked the fans which of the new signings are they most looking forward to seeing in the blue and white next season. There was a firm fan favourite in the shape of striker Ross Hannah, with half the votes going his way. One fan said of the signing, "we need a goal scorer and he is proven". George from Chester concurred: "goals, goals and more goals", could not have summed it up better myself. The other half of the votes were divided evenly across three players, Ian Sharps, Jordan Chapell and Luke Geroge, who all received two a piece. To begin Mr Sharps seems to be viewed as the next potential George Horan or Matty Brown, with Steve from Flint choosing  the defender because "a leader was lacking last season" and another fan adding, "if he stays fit, will be a big player - make a good captain". Hopefully his 6ft 3in stature will be something to put the opposition off at least! Next up the 23 year old Jordan Chapell saw one fan say of the Sheffield born player, "sounds a quality winger rated by his previous clubs". Eric from Chester showed some further confidence in Burr that we had seen in the previous question, "seemed to lose his way at Torquay after a bright start. Got a feeling Steve Burr will get the best out of him". Last but not least we have former Southport FC man Luke George. Graeme from Deeside was first up with this choice describing the player as an "exciting talent". I think David From Bromley had guessed my next question with his answer "might be the combative midfielder we seemed to lack last season". 

Which leads me nicely onto question number three. This was about what fans believe was missing last season that can be improved upon in the next. The most consistent answer was about getting a "good fast start to the season" with one fan saying, "the last two seasons we had poor starts" and another saying they need to improve on "first half performances". There were a few who thought they knew how to get that good start, George thought it was by having "a strong holding midfield player to protect the back four". Other fans felt it was up front that was lacking. David referred to a "lack of another target man to supplement Hobbo is a worry". He also felt that "consistency" was something the team needed to improve on, concurring with the initial feeling among the fans. Jim from Nantwich feels Chester FC need "a fox in the box". With a goal difference at the end of last season coming in at -12 and goals scored against the blues being 76, you would think there had been more people answering about the defence, but only Ed from just outside Chester gave that as his improvement. 

Moving swiftly on, my fourth question moved the fans attentions towards the fixtures, specifically the Derby games. With the relegation of Tranmere Rovers FC, this season is set to be an exciting one where these four games are concerned. So I thought I would ask if people were with me on that excitement and they sure are! Nine out of the twelve people asked said Tranmere Rovers, with varying reasons. Steve and Grahame both chose the Merseysiders as "it's a good while since we played them". David thought it would be a bit better on the soul as we "can enjoy it a bit more as Wrexham is just too important". When you work at a place full of Wrexham fans I am inclined to agree with him! I quite enjoyed the next two reasons with Jim saying "Wrexham are so last year" and George commenting that "Wrexham are easy to beat". Let's hope they are this season. Of the three who didn't vote for the Wirral side, one of those didn't go with the "goats", as Eric put it, either. Ed says he doesn't "look forward to either. Prefer when they are out of the way". I can certainly see where he is coming from there, and I bet I am not the only one Ed. 

So, finally, of the five on the pitch questions the last was a bit of a provocative question asking fans did they think promotion is a realistic target. There was a resounding sense that they don't believe the blues can do it with only one fan saying "yes". One fan did state however, "possible if Steve Burr can wave his magic wand, but I'll be happy with a top half finish". Both David and Jim did think that the "play offs" could be a possibility, with George joining them in that belief on the basis that "much will depend on whether SB (Steve Burr) can strengthen the squad in January". Steve is certain that a "top 10 finish" is a realistic target with Grahame saying that he doesn't think Chester have "the budget" for promotion but he would "be delighted to keep out of trouble again". Ed had a similar view saying he "would like to see us further progress from last season. Think we can then have a real go the season after". And finally one of the last respondents said that they would be happy with "building a strong team"' adding "if that happens then promotion maybe". Let's watch this space.

So there you have it. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you who contributed and look forward to some more Q&A sessions in the future! For anyone who would like to be involved in the future, please get in touch.

Footymadgirl  

Q & A 27th June 2015

A few days ago we asked fans on the Facebook page Everton Page 1878 to answer some questions about the mighty Blues, all mostly topical to get their current thoughts and feelings. Here is a round-up of what they said: 

So, we asked firstly about fans feelings on the signings we have made so far, free agent Tom Cleverley and of course the one and only Gerard Deulofeu. A resounding positive view on this one with one person referring to them as "exciting" and another saying that it's "nice to see some more youth added to the team". The fans were all happy with Cleverley which honestly surprised me as there were a few moans and groans I heard pre-signing. One fan felt that "Cleverley will surprise a lot of people". I couldn't agree more and I really hope he does. Scott from Walton seemed extremely positive about Tom, "he wanted to play for us so he's very likely to give 110% and I've said it before it's all about the strength in depth so for Tom to come in on a free was a no brainier for me and happy to have him at Everton". Another fan felt "we need to be patient with Cleverley. He's clearly got bags of technical ability but is a confidence player. Goodison can be an unforgiving place if performances aren't up to scratch, but I expect us to get behind him. On a free, it's a good deal".

Again the feeling was positive for Mr D, "everyone loves Gerry" was the opinion from John in Liverpool. Scott again sums up the signing perfectly, "Deulofeu has the potential to be great and for him to turn down better offers to be an Everton player shows what we are as a club. He already has a special bond with the fans so I think we will see the best of Geri in our royal blue". Cardiff-based Evertonian Ian is "impressed by Geri as he gives us the X-factor we sadly missed last season". Gary from Ellesmere Port said of the Spanish signing, "Delighted to get Deulofeu back and on a permanent basis, although I think we need to be patient with him. He was effective off the bench during his loan spell when teams were tired and stretched. He now needs to translate that into 90 minute displays. If he does, then we've got a potential matchwinner". Only one person included Mr Henen when giving their views about the new additions, although the signing has not yet been officially announced, and this fan felt there are, "so many positives from him in the under 21's this season so more work with Unsy and he can break into the first team and hopefully he will get a game in a cup if we get a lower league team". However I have seen some speculation about Everton sending David out on loan once we close the deal, so time will tell whether we see him so soon in the royal blue (for the first team anyway).

The second question was about the topic of the 'new ground' and whether it would ever materialise. As was to be expected the answer was a resounding 'no' from all the fans who answered. Mike from New Brighton said he didn't "think that we'll move but will maybe look again at redevelopment of Goodison". Another two fans concurred with Mike about redevelopment with one stating, "we have too much history at that place" but questioned "if Liverpool can rebuild then why not us?" One supporter was concerned that, "given the amount of money coming into the game shortly we'll never have a better opportunity". A fair point I would have thought for the board to be considering. Another question for them from our fans was, "Who's going to pay for it? I'm afraid I can't see anything other than the board making it a hat trick of failed ground move attempts". And finally one blue raised his concerns of what we will do without a new ground, "I can't see us moving anytime soon but until we get a new stadium we won't be getting investment as nobody will want to give the stadium money and transfer money as soon as they join the club so hoping we can get a new stadium sorted soon".

Our third line of enquiry was about the boss Roberto Martinez and whether people still think he is the right man for the job. The group of supporters seemed relatively happy with Bobby saying, "Roberto Martinez is the man that will take us forward". Although some fans raised their concerns, especially around his ability to face reality at times and be honest about the shortfalls of both him and the team. John from Liverpool said, "I would like him to be honest and not talk s***, Evertonians are not soft". Mike picked up on his weakness stating, "Roberto is a confidence manager who struggles when he gets doubted". As Ian from Cardiff says, "I think he learnt a lot last season when the going got tough, I'd like to see that step change this season where he is proactive not reactive" and I could not agree more. Last season was his biggest test, he went from the high of winning the FA Cup with a team he had built up, to a top 5 finish with Everton in his first campaign. We could only expect it was going to be much more difficult last time around, particularly with Europa League. People were generally confident he can turn things around though and one supporter thinks he knows how he can fix it, "Needs to be more flexible when facing different types of opposition, and get back to pressing high up the pitch and having wide players playing out wide to support the full backs. Too narrow last season". Scott from Walton is also confident, "The man got the record points tally so why the hell he was booed at the end of last season was a disgrace in my opinion". With Gary concurring, "Deserves our backing after his debut campaign, and I'm confident he'll get it right next term". Come on Spanish Bob, you can do it!

Question four and we are back on the topic of signings, this time it was about what is still missing still from the signings we have already made to strengthen our beloved Toffees. Half of the respondents felt we need a new goalkeeper, and one fan has even chosen who he would like in the form of Kasper Schmeichel. Daniel from Liverpool felt that, "Tim is doing a fine job don't get me wrong but he is getting no younger so I think we get someone else (and) let Tim show him the ropes". Ian thinks it's not "desperately needed just yet but definitely in the next 12months we have to find a replacement for Tim." There was a full house for a striker, one supporter felt that we should offer Chris Long a bit more game time than just "10 minutes here and there" and another would like to see "Hernandez from United" gracing the pitch of the Old Lady. If I was answering the question I would be looking to see how we are going to cover the hole that Distin left but not all answers included a centre back in their list of signings. One who did, stated, "I would have Scott Dann but not for 15 mill". I am also in the sign Aaron Lennon camp joined by two of our respondents, one of which would like to "offload Mirallas" as part of the deal! I am not entirely sure I believe the nonsense printed in the Daily Mail. The man I met at the Hilton in Liverpool seemed particularly happy with Everton and Martinez, I mean to say, why would he encourage his best friend to join a team that has supposedly 'lied' to him? The other suggestions included a "Right Back to cover Seamus", "another wide player" and from two of our fans "a playmaker", as one them put it "oh for a young Arteta again".

A topic of contention it seems arose from the next question about fans opinions on the Kitbag deal. All of the fans asked were not happy with the deal describing it as, "a disgrace", "sh**e", "a terrible deal" and "very poor". One of my own bug bears is about the accessibility of other clubs kits, you can see this everywhere you go. I know we may not be as well known as some clubs, but even so close to the ground as Ellesmere Port (20.9 miles to be exact) you still see far more of any other team than our own. This fan sums it up nicely, "It's poor when you compare it to commercial deals secured by lesser clubs in our division and also very restrictive.". Both Ian and John both think they know why, "A classic example of the naivety that flows through our club- short term quick fix with no foresight", "it's like the club can't play the long game and they have took the quick money we're losing money hand over fist". Two blues are both concerned about, "how are we meant to develop internationally if the club kit isn't sold in shops world wide!" "For me, the marketing of Everton globally is poor. How have we not taken advantage of the hype surrounding the likes of Howard after the World Cup and Cahill before him?" Well said boys!

Lastly to round up our Q&A with the fans was the question, would you rather a top four finish or a trophy? All of our fans answered a trophy but I particularly liked the one who also asked for a week off after for the hangover! I may need a week off to get over the shock! Although Daniel from Liverpool thinks if we keep hold of the likes of Romelu, Stones, improve Ross and sign Luke Garbutt that we could do both!  Another fan more or less concurred with Daniel's thinking, "Trophies bring Europe which in turn will bring better players and therefore we can get into the top 4 so trophies is the most important thing right now." Two of the other views both aligned to the impression from the outside that a trophy can bring, "history in football doesn't record you finished 3rd or 4th, you win a trophy and it lives long in people's memory and club history", "This club should be winning cups. Despite the financial rewards, there is no guarantee CL qualification would turn us into a force. Look at Spurs. Also, a cup win would give the young core of our side that winning mentality we desperately need."

So there you have it. Six questions to six fans, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you who contributed and look forward to some more Q&A sessions in the future! For anyone who would like to be involved in the future, please get in touch.

Footiemadgirl 

Lioness effect

Ok, so I tweeted on Saturday night with a bit of a rant at my Mother-in-law over her views on women's football and I am still reeling from it. My hubby and I love watching football whether it be our own teams, a team from another country or the ladies. In my opinion it doesn't matter who is playing it, it's still football and that is my passion! So maybe I am taking it slightly more personally than I should be but I do think a comment like "football is a man's game" really resonates deeper than just football. What about all those women that fought for us to have equal rights in the voting system, what about all of those ladies who have fought so hard for equal pay? It isn't just about the 11 ladies on the pitch in Canada it's all of us who want to be treated equal to our male counterparts. 

I mean let's be honest how many of us tune in to the World Cup and watch 11 blokes usually from teams we don't particularly like most Saturday afternoons and end up disappointed by the time the referee blows his whistle at 90 minutes? The passion I see in this World Cup is one I don't see from the blokes, from the minute they walk on the pitch they are somehow divided, they stand their like it's their God given right to represent their team, not because it is the one thing they have wanted to do their whole lives (I know not all of them are like that, I am generalising). I just don't sense that from the girls. Let's take the national anthem as my example of this. How many male England players do you see (or hear) singing the anthem of our country? When was the last time you saw them standing united, arms around one another in chorus? I can't remember a time so feel free to correct me if I am wrong on that. What I saw from the women's team was a whole new picture, a team united in chorus and visibly in their spirit. They looked like a team happy to be next to one another. Is that because of the media hype before the tournaments tend to make us all believe that the boys don't get on or is it that they actually don't. Maybe they are such mega stars they don't feel the need to be one team, who knows.

One thing that is for sure and cannot be contended is the results. Let's imagine Roy Hodgson's boys are playing at the World Cup in Canada and in the quarter finals they draw the hosts, what are the odds they knock them out? The girls did it. When did the men last get to this stage in the same competition of their own game as my mother-in-law put it, 1990 that's when. A child born in 1990 is now 25 years old. So maybe it's not just for men is it now? 

One positive I would take from this tournament as a plus to my concerns about sexism in the world today is the fact that these girls are setting an example for today's generation. A generation who will be able to see, maybe not the game, but the results the next day on their Twitter feed or on Facebook. I am glad to say the many people I follow on Twitter are very positive about it. I saw Gabby Logan tweeted saying her children were asking to stay up to watch the next game which is such a positive that children want to watch it. This is where I feel it is more than just about the game. If the women's England football team can be the catalyst for a step change towards equality then now is the time. They are showing the male and female population that it doesn't matter what sex you are, if you are willing and able to represent your country then you damn well should. And the manner in which those players in Canada have done it so far is inspiring. 

Being Footymadgirl

Seeing as we are out of season it does not leave a lot to go with football wise other than talking about the transfer rumours, some of which are now truths, but there is not a lot more that can be said on that topic. So, I thought I'd take it back to my original Footymadgirl roots and talk a bit about me. Being a girl who likes footy has its ups and downs and I reckon I can sum them up here.

1. Being a girl in a man's world

So recently someone described me as having the ability to be a girl in a man's world! You can probably take that one of two ways but I was quite happy with the statement, thankfully. I work for a company called Airbus, they are a manufacturing company who build aeroplanes for those who don't know with the site I work at concentrating on the wings. Anyway I digress. I spend a lot of my time around blokes and as a member of the management team you have to have the ability to be 'one of the lads' at times. I think being a footy fan helps a lot with this, the site is full of Evertonians I am glad to say but obviously being situated where we are there is a mix of Liverpool, United, Tranmere, City and tons of Chester and Wrexham fans! If you can break the ice with a bit of football banter it seems to stand me in pretty good stead. It seems to gain you a certain type of respect I don't see a lot of other females (and some males) get. Our Senior Trade Union team are a fearsome bunch to behold but being as most of them are Blues and those that are Red know how to take my teasing, I am on the right side of them shall we say when I need to deal with them in a work situation.

2. Shocking blokes with footy chat

I am in a queue at the sun beds (now he is a man in a girl's world surely!) and the bloke in front of me is wearing an Everton shirt. I can't help but bring up the mighty Blues, "what do you think about the Cleverley signing then?". The shock and dismay on the face that turns to greet me is hilarious. They start to engage in conversation and I usually get the impression they are dubious at first until we get chatting and they trust that I know what I am talking about and relax into the conversation. On a recent trip to Ibiza I ended up getting chatting to some guys who were stockbrokers from France. One of them was a PSG fan, he thought it was awesome that I could chat football with him! I was also pleased when they took us to a suite where they had the Champions League final on with a free bar and a pile of pizza (ok so being a girl helped in this situation!). Result.

3. Watching the footy with my girly friends

As you have just heard I managed to squeeze in a watch of the Champions League final whilst on a girls holiday and also at Ushuaia (a nightclub for those who don't know, in the above pic haha). I had warned the girls I would be watching it but I am not sure they believed me. On a previous girls trip away I hadn't been so successful in this type of situation. On a trip to Cardiff for a friend's birthday back in 2011 I had really wanted to watch the Conference Premier Semi-final when AFC Wimbledon played Luton to try and 'regain' their League status once again. Truth be told I had a little soft spot for the story of Wimbledon as it was so close to that of the reborn Chester FC who had won their first of many league titles to come only three weeks before to edge a little bit closer to where they'd been prior to the old club's well documented financial issues. My request to stay in the Wetherspoons we had just enjoyed a late breakfast in was met with much distain by the rest of the girls I was with and I had no choice but to leave at 0-0 and miss the excitement of a penalty shootout finish. How annoying! 

4. Blinding people with science

Although I sometimes enjoy surprising them, one of the tricky bits about being a girl who likes football when you are talking to blokes, in my opinion, is feeling like you are going to be tripped up. What I mean to say is that I sometimes feel I have to know all the facts to ensure they truly believe I know what I am talking about. I am a little bit like that anyway. I like facts, data, figures, information, it gives you what you want and it tells no lies. So I like to get myself geared up with facts, luckily nowadays you don't have to buy every Match magazine going to get hold of this information because it is readily available on the Internet and even better with Twitter. I was on the bus on the way to the United game this season and I was having a conversation with a long standing season ticket holder (feel the pressure) so I threw in a few of my usual facts about the players we were discussing and their performance for the team. At the end of the conversation he turned and said to my husband "bloody hell she knows more than me, she should be on the telly with her knowledge" - BINGO! My ploy worked, well it's not a ploy I do know a lot about my topic of choice but only because I sometimes blind people with science!

5. Being at the match

As I have said in my previous blogs I don't get to as many live games as I used to but now my little girl is getting older that is becoming a bit easier. One thing I have always noticed at both Everton and Chester is there are a lot more females than I expected to see. Usually these females are hardcore match goers not the occasional come to the Boxing Day match with the family types but season ticket holders who also know their topic of choice well. I am obviously in good company. This does not stop the reaction I get from blokes around me being one of hilarity. On the same day at the United game I took up my father-in-law's seat as he had been dragged to a family occasion he couldn't get out of. I had never sat by these two blokes in my life but we got chatting none the less. By half time the bloke to one side of me said he thought I was a very passionate fan! My father in law has at times said I swear like a trooper with a look of shock on his face. Maybe I give off a look that says meek and mild but as soon as the whistle blows for the start of a match I turn into Footymadgirl again and my whole alter ego changes. I love singing at the game, as you will know if you have read my other blogs, but I am also not afraid of a good shout (and a swear) but why should I not? Because I am a girl some would say but I think that may be a bit unfair. At another game this season, the Derby no less, I had been awarded a ticket in the lounge from work. There were four of us together who had all received the award. Me and three blokes. At half time one of them turned to me and said they had been chatting when I was away and had noted that they were expecting me to be quiet and reserved, as I was a female from HR, but found the complete opposite! There were no complaints but I do enjoy surprising people. 

EFC transfers May 2015

So there have been a lot of names spoken about already and we are only a week from our last game of the season! I am sure there will be even more to come but I thought I'd try and give a round-up of the ones I've heard about so far!

1. Moses Odubajo

So the first of the six names I have come across is Odubajo. This one is the name I have heard most spoken about so far. The 21 year old is currently playing for Brentford as a right winger/right back having racked up 48 appearances with three goals since signing back in June 2014. Prior to Brentford Moses played for now League Two side Leyton Orient and in the 2013/14 season netted 12 goals in 57 appearances. Whilst in the team he won the Leyton Orient player of the year in 2012/13. He also won Football League young player of the month in April 2014. So far Odubajo has made two appearances for the England U-20 squad and has been called up for the 2015 Toulon tournament. Could he be the competition Seamus needs? Definitely would fill the void left by Atsu.  

2. Moussa Dembele

Another name that's been filling the pages of the press linked to the blues is Dembele. The 18 year old forward is currently playing for Fulham, interestingly his first Premiership start came against Everton in a game that saw the Toffees win away 3-1. He had only one other appearance in the Premiership before Fulham were relegated and ten in the Championship. There have not been any goals to note in those league appearances but he has scored two goals in his one appearance in the league cup. Moussa has been playing in the French national team since his debut in the U-16 squad up to his present place in the U-19 side and has made 24 appearances and scored eight goals. As a young up and coming front man you do have to wonder what he could bring us that one of our current youth team would not bring, which leads me nicely to my next Everton hopeful.

3. David Henen 

Forward David Henen has been on loan this season with Everton's youth squad. The 19 year old had come across the waters from Greek side Olympiakos. Whilst with the Everton U-21 team he has scored nine goals in 17 matches. So some would say we have been able try before we buy which would not be the case with some of the names linked to us in the media this week. David Unsworth has done a lot of work with Henen and told the Echo only a couple of months ago, "his willingness to run in behind and work for the team is fantastic so I am delighted for David". Not only is he showing his talent here on our soil but also for his country in his 25 appearances for the youth teams spanning U-15 to U-19 he has netted 10 goals, not a bad return rate. Maybe just the thing we need up front with Rom next season. 

4. Scott Dann

So unless you have been living under a stone (or you have a life) you will have read the press about Dann being linked with EFC. As most will know the 28 year old centre back is currently playing for Crystal Palace following a promotion in each of his career moves. After joining Palace in January 2014 he made 34 league appearances with two goals in that time and three FA cup appearances with two goals scored. Before the move to Crystal Palace Scott was with Blackburn Rovers and in March 2013 he became Captain of the side. Whilst with Rovers he was not shy of 'breaking his balls' to score from his defensive position, as he proved when he netted his first goal for the side in December 2011 and ruptured his testicle leaving him out of action for six weeks. Ouch! My only issue with Mr Dann is his openness to being a fan of our neighbours on the other side of the park, maybe I need to get over it but we didn't see Jose Baxter pulling out the stops for the blues did we? His track record would say that he could be a good replacement for departing Distin and Alcaraz so let's wait and see.

5. Jonny Evans

The 27 year old defender has been linked in the last few days with Everton from Manchester United. He has made 127 league appearances for the Red Devils in a total of 192 appearances in all competitions for the side with seven goals in that period. Although he has been a member of the senior team since 2006 this time has included loan spells to Sunderland and Antwerp. Although his record has been a relatively consistent one my concern with Evans is his ability to behave himself. A potential liability? Maybe I'm being naive and a bit of fire is what we need in our well behaved side (well not quite as behaved as West Ham and er Liverpool) but three serious occasions of being sent off are not to be sniffed at. Especially when one was only this season, with his spitting incident the issue. The other two including a late tackle on last man Balotelli and a tackle that resulted in a Bolton Wanderers player being out for 22 months because of the injury he sustained. Another contender for the centre back role but for me the gain does not outweigh the risk.

6. Cheikh M'Bengue

Cheikh has some similarities with Evans in the sense that he has been suspended in both his Junior and Senior career for dangerous tackles. The 26 year old was French born but has qualified to play for the Senegal national team. His current role as a left back is with Rennes where he has been since 2013, in that time racking up 55 appearances. Prior to this move M'Bengue was with his birthplace side Toulouse from the age of seven, he totalled 141 appearances and scored one goal in this time. I am not sure why we would look to sign this player with the introduction of Galloway and hopefully the improvement of Baines' injury next season. Not to mention Oviedo being a key player in the squad. 

There are two players I've heard mentioned in our transfer news (or rumours). Claudio Beauvre a 27 year old striker who scored five goals in the Europa League this season, although the link seems much stronger with Hull and Tottenham Hotspurs. Also the forward Nolito from Celta but it looks as though Althletico Madrid have nipped in their with a £7.1 million offer. Although of the two I would be bidding for the latter as well. 

EFC vs THFC 24/05/2015

Ok, so my match preview didn't end up with the correct prediction but one thing I did say was that it would be a close call in terms of scoreline! I had said 1-0 or 2-1 to us so I was right in one way, or I'm telling myself that anyway. To be beaten at home on the last day of the season after 12 years going without defeat on this day really sums up the season that we have had. I didn't see anything of Spurs that told me they finished in 5th position in the league. Nothing other than having one of the best goal scorers in our league this season. Everton just seemed to lack the desire to want the glory of a win on the last day of this campaign in front of a packed stadium of fans who have been through the wars this season. With highs that saw us hammer a German side who only a few seasons ago thrashed us in a pre season friendly to lows of being sat so close to the relegation zone we could smell it. The season has not been the easiest on the dedicated fans of Goodison Park. 

I normally get the bragging rights after a visit to the Old Lady but in the few games I've been to this season I've seen us beaten twice, draw once and only win once! Although the win was a 3-0 victory against Man Utd and the draw against Liverpool so it isn't all gloom and doom for me. What has happened to our team had we donned our flip flops and shades and got our towels out too early? I'd like to say we let them win to stop our loveable neighbours taking 5th spot but I am not sure Roberto is quite as bitter as I am! Neither are the majority of our fan base, thankfully, as I found to my dismay at the end of the game yesterday. I was very publicly shamed at my cheering of the 6-1 Stoke win by a man who clearly had seen one too many defeats this season, and felt just because our team had been poor we should not cheer at anything at all whilst in the confines of the Lower Gwladys. I still stand by my cheers and my argument, I have my own reasons for cheering the Kopites' defeats and that's a life time of family members rubbing me up the wrong way. I get that people were annoyed at the defeat, but some of us just love being at Goodison in the sunshine on a bank holiday weekend, I was about to cheer my team as they paraded around the pitch of our home ground and I had something I could wind the red side of my family up about. Why not cheer? Or at least let me crack on in my own little world and carry on in your angry one. Sorry rant over. 

A positive I did take from the game was Mr Galloway. His work rate looked the highest of the entire team, maybe not the greatest feat when everyone else was slacking but I liked what I saw from him. We need an injection of something new, I've heard many Evertonians say they think teams have got on to us which I completely agree with and we need a Brendan Galloway to put them off their stride. We need to be realistic about our ability to make purchases on ready-made good players and I think continuing to bring stars like Galloway, Garbutt (if he stays) and Stones to name a few through to the first team is our USP and the only way we are going to take Everton forward. Elstone's piece in the match day programme is not screaming out that we are planning to spend millions of pounds on new players and my gut instinct is that he has had a spot in this weekend's release to try and put us all in the 'positive' mindset before we receive the news that little money will be spent in the summer. 

I actually had a really good day yesterday and one thing I thought is a step change in recent times for the mighty blues was the preview of the shirt. I always see our neighbours putting their new kit out there and think why are we not doing the same? Although I'm sure when we were with Nike we were at the bottom of the pile of teams for them to get the kit to, but I just thought it was a positive bit of business for us. The kit itself is reminiscent of the 2009/10 season's kit which I am not the absolute biggest fan of but I actually think it is a much improved version. I am more an away kit fan and I love the away kit in that season so I'm hoping we may get to see a bit of that again! I absolutely love the last game of the season and as I said earlier not even a defeat was going to spoil it. We had a rare chance to be able to enjoy a few beverages before the game at the Elm Tree with our fellow blues, taking in the banter and footy chat in the warm spring air. A chippy on the way up to the ground and then the game, ok so it was actually the one thing that kind of got in the way of what else was a good day but that was what I was actually there for. Then came the habitual lap of honour, maybe not as much honour going on this time but I love seeing the players with their children and seeing them up so close it is like for those few moments they let us into their world. A sneaky last drink and some match chat (moaning) on the way home and back on the train. A brief encounter with a drunk Man United fan who clearly was not as up on his footy as the girl he was trying to have off allowed for a few train go-ers a giggle on their journey home. All in all I had a good day, I will miss match day and football in general but in all honesty I think Everton need a break. 

EFC vs THFC 24/05/15 Match preview

So all of my previous blogs have been a little bit of me mixed with the odd bit of the match snuck in there for good measure. This one is my first attempt at writing like a football blog. You may have to bear with me! With the last game of the season coming up at the weekend I thought I would have a go at a match preview. My history with Spurs at home has so far been favourable, this being the case for quite a few younger Evertonians in recent seasons I imagine seeing as they have not managed a victory at Goodison Park since the 2006/07 season when they won 1-2 on the 21st of February 2007. A win that saw goals from Berbatov and Jenas for Spurs and a goal from Arteta for the home side. Since then there has been four draws and three wins for the blues. 

I always have a good feeling against Spurs, mainly because of that emphatic last minute win against them back in the 2012/13 season. A win that made it a 12th consecutive win for Everton at the Old Lady. And Steven Pienaar's header becoming Everton's 1000th goal in the Premier League. Can they match what the under-21 team have done tonight and beat them 3-1? I hope so. I am not sure we will beat them that comfortably, more likely a 1-0 or 2-1 win with the previous games in mind, they have always been a much closer encounter. 

Last season's 0-0 draw saw the two teams have nearly 50/50 possession, Everton edging it ever so slightly with 52%. Interestingly it was a game that could have seen either team take second spot at that point in the season (03/11/2013). Actually noting that date we haven't played the White Hart Lane club at our home at all in 2014. Everyone's mate, Kevin Friend (awful pun sorry) was the referee that day and failed to give a penalty for Everton after Seamus was tripped by Vertonghen. We had actually never won a game with that referee until our victory against West Ham at the weekend! 

Skip two seasons back to the 2011/12 campaign and again a home win over Spurs but another close one with a 1-0 score line, on the 10th of March 2012. Jelavic netted the only goal of the game on his full debut and ended up our top goal scorer that season despite only signing in the January transfer window. Possession that game was not in our favour with only 39% to their 61%, an indication of David Moyes' style of play. One of the things I remember about this game was how annoyed I was about Redknapp bringing Saha on despite a gentleman's agreement with Moyes. The corresponding fixture that season was delayed after the London riots and was moved from the first game of the season back to the 11th of January 2012. Unfortunately it was a defeat for the Blues with our current loan signing, Aaron Lennon, who can't play against his parent club on Sunday, scoring one of the goals in a 2-0 win for the home side. 

Going back to my favourite game against Spurs back in 2012, possession like last season was close with Everton having 49.7% to the away team's 50.3%. This coupled with our (normally) similar position in the table leaves me thinking even more that it is going to be a close game on Sunday. We haven't lost at home on the last day of the season since a 1-2 defeat against Manchester United on the 11th of May 2003 so recent history would suggest that Everton are likely to sign off with a positive result at the Old Lady, here is hoping! 

My prediction: 2-1 to the mighty blues

I'd love to hear your predictions!