Tranmere Beat Barrow Late Through Dramatic Norwood Winner

Image Source: The Mail

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Result: Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Barrow
Date: Saturday September 9 2017
Competition: National League
Venue: Prenton Park, Tranmere
Attendance: 4,269

It was another moment of late drama for Tranmere as they secured a 1-0 win over Barrow.

Despite endeavour and effort from both sides, the game somehow remained goal-less as the end approached, only for James Norwood to find a way through the Barrow defence to clinch the three points for Rovers.

Visit our Sport sub-page for full article by clicking here

Tranmere Secure Second Against Southport

A comprehensive win for Tranmere
over their local rivals Southport.

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Result: Tranmere Rovers 4-1 Southport
Date: Saturday April 22 2017
Competition: National League
Venue: Prenton Park, Tranmere
Attendance: 6,159

Tranmere Rovers officially confirmed a second-place finish, giving them an advantage heading into the Play-Offs, as they defeated local rivals Southport 4-1.

Lincoln City had confirmed their title win earlier in the day with a 2-1 win over Macclesfield Town, but it was still imperative for Tranmere to head into the forthcoming Play-Offs on the front foot by securing the highest possible position in the meantime.

Visit our Sport sub-page for full article by clicking here

Tranmere Looking Fine And Scoring Nine

That scoreline says it all:
Tranmere Rovers 9-0 Solihull Moors.

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Result: Tranmere Rovers 9-0 Solihull Moors
Date: Saturday April 8 2017
Competition: National League
Venue: Prenton Park, Tranmere
Attendance: 5,001

Tranmere Rovers delivered their biggest win of the season, and their biggest margin of victory in many years, as they demolished Solihull Moors 9-0 to keep up the pressure on Lincoln City.

With five wins in a row, and with the dramatic last-minute 3-2 home win over Sutton United fresh in mind, it was imperative for Tranmere to continue the momentum, and the huge scoreline suggests that they are up for the challenge as the final few weeks of the season approach.

Visit our Sport sub-page for full article by clicking here

Everton appoint Ronald Koeman

Image Source: Sky Sports

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Everton Football Club have confirmed the appointment of Ronald Koeman as manager on a three-year contract to June 2019.

A European Cup winner as a player at Barcelona and winner of the European Championship with the Netherlands, Koeman has won eight trophies as a manager including three Dutch Eredivisie titles, the KNVB (Dutch) Cup and the Copa Del Rey in Spain.

Visit our Sport sub-page for full article by clicking here

Moshiri invests in Everton

Image Source: Everton FC

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Everton Football Club today announced that the Club will have a new major shareholder who brings the promise of new investment.

Farhad Moshiri will acquire 49.9% of the Club, conditional only on the Premier League approving his investment.

Chairman Bill Kenwright commented: “After an exhaustive search I believe we have found the perfect partner to take the Club forward. I have got to know Farhad well over the last 18 months and his football knowledge, financial wherewithal and True Blue spirit have convinced me that he is the right man to support Everton.”

Moshiri added: “I am delighted to take this opportunity to become a shareholder in Everton, with its rich heritage as one of Europe's leading football clubs. There has never been a more level playing field in the Premier League than now.  Bill Kenwright has taught me what it means to be an Evertonian and I look forward with excitement to working with him to help deliver success for Everton in the future.”

ASCC officially opens after major redevelopment

Image Source: Liverpool Football Club

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Football Club

This past Thursday, Anfield Sports and Community Centre (ASCC) celebrated its official opening following a £2.3 million investment that will offer improved sports facilities and programmes to people living in north Liverpool.

Improvements at the centre include a new full-size, floodlit 3G pitch, a three-court sports hall, the refurbishment of existing artificial grass turf pitches and a new commercial office space and cafe.

Visit our Business sub-page for full article by clicking here

Everton FC release statement regarding John Stones

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Bill Kenwright, chairman at Everton Football Club, commented: "Everton Football Club has rejected a transfer request from John Stones. Since the start of the transfer window, we have resolutely turned down offers from another Premier League football club for our player. John is not for sale and he will remain a highly valued member of our first team squad."

Kevin Mirallas signs new three-year deal at Everton FC

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Roberto Martinez believes that the goalscoring threat and attacking talent of Kevin Mirallas will contribute greatly to Everton’s objectives this season, with the Belgium international having agreed a new deal to last until June 2018.

The 27-year-old forward, who signed from Olympiakos in 2012, became the second player to commit his future to the club in 24 hours after James McCarthy penned a new deal to June 2020, and the Everton manager is convinced that both players will be cornerstones of the upcoming campaign.

Roberto commented: “We all know the goalscoring threat and talent that Kevin brings to the team and it was very important to end the uncertainty regarding the next step in his career.

“To say I am delighted is an understatement. What this means is that Kevin has chosen Everton for the next chapter in his career and, as you can imagine, his potential impact and contribution will be a major part of what we are trying to achieve.

“That continuity in our squad and renewed focus will provide the strong platform on which we will build the 2015/16 campaign.”

Mirallas has scored 29 goals in 85 starts and 25 substitute appearances for the Toffees, including 11 goals in 24 starts last season.

Kevin said: “I’m really happy to commit three more years to the club. I’ve always been happy here; this is my team and my family is settled here, too, so it was a very easy decision when I sat down with the manager and the chairman.

“My goal is to help the team, and our objectives are to aim as high as we can. This is a club that wants to win trophies and compete in European competition, and the fans could not be more supportive in helping us to achieve these goals.

“The fans are a huge part of this club, and I hope they are as pleased as I am to have committed my future here.”

Blues reveal marvel-ous third kit

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Everton and Umbro have revealed the Club’s third kit for the 2015/16 season with the help of a Marvel illustrator.

Umbro and the Blues have commissioned artist and Evertonian Will Sliney to create comic book drawings of the players wearing the new third kit, which will see the team sport a green outfield strip for the first time in the Club’s history.

The kit comprises of a green crew-neck shirt with the club crest and Chang logo in a contrasting, striking orange, with black shorts and green socks.

Will has created a bespoke piece of art to showcase the strip featuring Ross Barkley, Leighton Baines, Tom Cleverley, Gerard Deulofeu, Romelu Lukaku and Blues’ boss Roberto Martinez.

Cork-based Will commented: “I've been drawing Everton players as well as comic book superheroes for as long as I can remember. There was always a Duncan Ferguson or a Tony Cottee on the fridge next to Spiderman and Wolverine, so to be invited to be part of this new kit launch is a great honour for me.”

The third strip will be worn for the first time on Saturday August 15 when Everton face Southampton at St Mary’s in the Barclays Premier League. The lightweight third shirt features shaped mesh underarm panels for optimum fit, movement and comfort. And the crew neck rib collar offers a contemporary look and the textured appliqué club crest and Umbro double diamond completes the smart appearance of the shirt.

The reverse of the third shirt, like the home and away, carries an 'NSNO' insignia on the back neck area, a reference to the Club’s famous ‘Nil Satis Nisi Optimum’ motto.

The 2015/16 third kit goes on sale on Wednesday August 26, both in-store and online and is available for men, women, juniors, infants and babies.

To pre-order the 2015/16 Everton third kit, visit www.evertondirect.com from 08.00 on Monday August 3 or Everton One or Everton Two during store opening hours.

This season, Everton and retail partner Kitbag have rolled out a new Click and Collect service that offers a more convenient collection method for supporters who order merchandise online.

As well as still being able to collect their purchases from either of the two Everton stores, supporters are now able to pick up their parcels from any of the 5,000 Hermes Click and Collection partner sites throughout the UK. For more information about the Click and Collect service, visit www.evertondirect.com.

Rooney to appear in his Dunc's testimonial

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Duncan Ferguson has described his feelings of genuine gratitude and personal delight that Wayne Rooney has agreed to appear in his testimonial game against Villarreal on Sunday August 2 at Goodison Park.

The showpiece occasion for one of Everton’s biggest heroes could yet see Big Dunc pulling on the shirt and making one final emotional appearance as a Toffee, and now it will see Rooney pay his own tribute to the man he has always acknowledged as "a big hero of mine".

The England captain and Everton Academy graduate played 67 times and scored 15 goals for the club, and the opportunity to honour both the man and the occasion by playing in Ferguson's testimonial game proved irresistible.

“As a young lad growing up in Croxteth, Duncan Ferguson was a hero of mine, as a young player at the Club he was an inspiration and when I broke into the first team he helped and looked after me," Rooney revealed.

"I cannot think of a better way to thank Dunc for all he did for me than turning out in his fully deserved testimonial match.

"Had he not asked me to play I would have gone and supported him on the day as I am sure most other Evertonians will."

For Ferguson, the gesture by his former team-mate to add his name to the team sheet for what is certain to be a memorable and impassioned afternoon has genuinely touched him and perhaps persuaded him even more to pull on the shirt himself one last time.

“I'm absolutely delighted that the wee man has agreed to play in the game," he said.

"Everybody knows that we go way back. I knew him as a kid, he's a top man and I'm proud as his friend that he's fulfilled the potential we always knew was there.

"Wayne's a world-class player and I'm genuinely thrilled that he will play on the day, just as I'm so grateful to the Club for putting on this game."

The playing of Villarreal has an added dimension, too, with Ferguson having what appeared to be a fair goal controversially disallowed by referee Pierluigi Collina when Everton trailed Villarreal 3-2 on aggregate in the dying moments of a Champions League qualifying game in 2004/05.

Everton's hopes of playing in the group stages were dashed in an instant and Ferguson retired as a player at the end of that season.

Tickets are now on sale for Duncan Ferguson’s Testimonial on Sunday August 2 at Goodison Park against Villarreal, with kick-off at 15.00.

Everton reveal 2015/16 away kit

Ross Barkley sporting
the new away kit.

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Everton have revealed the new away kit for the 2015/16 season, which the team will wear for the first time on Saturday July 18 in the Barclays Asia Trophy in Singapore.

The new kit, designed by Umbro, comprises of a white crew-neck shirt with grey detailing, black shorts and white socks.

The reverse of the away shirt, like the home shirt, carries an 'NSNO' insignia on the back of the neck area, a reference to the Club’s ‘Nil Satis Nisi Optimum’ motto.

The new lightweight away shirt is predominantly white with eye-catching grey graphic detailing on the sleeves and side panel areas. It is constructed using highly technical performance materials, including a lightweight textured mesh on the back of the shirt for maximum ventilation. Shaped mesh underarm panels offer maximum fit and movement.

The black shorts feature contrast grey panelling for an eye-catching look, together with a mesh back panel for comfort, movement, and breathability. Double welt socks in white with a grey hoop and trim complete the strip.

The new away kit is available to pre-order from evertondirect.com and Everton One and Everton Two from today, July 14, and will go on sale on Wednesday July 29, both in-store and online. The kit is available in the full range of sizes for men, women, juniors, infants and babies.

Romelu Lukaku modelling
the new away kit.

Speaking about the 2015/16 away kit, club record signing Romelu Lukaku commented: “The new away kit looks great. It's fresh and smart and we are looking forward to wearing it in Singapore for the Barclays Asia Cup, as well as in the upcoming season.”

This season, Everton and retail partner Kitbag have rolled out a new Click and Collect service that offers a more convenient collection method for supporters who order merchandise online.

As well as still being able to collect their purchases from either of the two Everton stores, supporters are now able to pick up their parcels from any of the 5,000 Hermes Click and Collection partner sites throughout the UK. For more information about the Click and Collect service, visit www.evertondirect.com.

More information on the 2015/16 Everton away kit available at www.evertonfc.com/born. To pre-order the new kit visit evertondirect.com, Everton One or Everton Two.

Gerard Deulofeu: The Everton fans drew me back

Gerard Deulofeu (Image Source:
Everton Football Club)

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Gerard Deulofeu has revealed that his strong affinity with Everton’s fans was a key factor behind his decision to return to Goodison Park.

The Spaniard has officially rejoined the Toffees on a three-year deal, following last week’s announcement that a €6million agreement had been struck with Barcelona.

Deulofeu fondly remembers how the Club’s supporters backed him when he was on loan in 2013/14.

The winger also explained how, prior to completing his transfer, he was inundated with messages from excited Evertonians keen to hear more news about his impending move back to Merseyside.

“I had a great year when I was here last,” the winger said in an exclusive interview to evertontv. “I really enjoyed my time here. I felt loved by the Evertonians and I was surrounded by really good teammates. I’m very happy to be back.

“The fans here are great and I felt really supported by them. Obviously I went back to Barcelona and then Sevilla but here, the fans live for their football.

“The Everton fans have been sending me messages all the time on social media, on Instagram and Twitter, asking me questions. If I have got 50 notifications on Twitter, 40 of them will be from Everton fans asking what is going on!

“Both myself and my girlfriend feel very supported by the fans and I just hope this year I can work really hard and give them back some of the happiness that they deserve.”

Deulofeu has disclosed that he was the subject of interest from several clubs, but he only had one intention.

“Of course there were other options, but I always said right from the start that I wanted to come back to Everton, and you can ask my agent and he will say the same,” he added.

“This is where I feel happy, this is where I feel like I am loved by the fans. The fans support me; they always send me messages, so this was where I wanted to come back to.”

You can watch the interview by clicking the link to the right.

Everton In The Community scoop international award

Ian Nuttall and Denise
Barrett-Baxendale with the
award received by
Everton In The Community.

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Denise Barrett-Baxendale has paid tribute to “the huge amount of hard work, enterprise and courage shown every day by the Club, our fans, the Community scheme and all of our volunteers and participants” after Everton in the Community won the Outstanding Achievement Award at TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2015 in Barcelona.

Everton’s Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Executive of Everton in the Community accepted the prestigious award on Wednesday evening in Barcelona’s Camp Nou Stadium, the culmination of TheStadiumBusiness Summit which brings together senior industry figures from stadium sports businesses around the world.

Now in their sixth year, TheStadiumBusiness Awards are the only awards to recognise a whole spectrum of achievements from across the global stadium industry.

Everton’s multiple award-winning charity was recognised by an international judging panel for outstanding delivery of dedicated programmes which focus on education, health and wellbeing, exercise, disability, social inclusion and community cohesion and which positively impact people’s lives daily.

As well as representing Everton at TheStadiumBusiness Awards, Denise and Everton’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Richard Kenyon, delivered a keynote presentation at the Fan Experience Forum, showcasing the Club’s work in engaging with supporters all year round.

Denise commented: “I feel really privileged to accept this award in such prestigious company and such an amazing venue. This award reflects the huge amount of hard work, enterprise and courage shown every day by the Club, our fans, the Community scheme and all of our volunteers and participants.

“While it is me who was called up on stage to accept this accolade, it really is recognition for the many people who, both now and in the past, have shown determination and ambition to help drive us forward and make these positive impacts in people’s lives.

“Five years ago we committed to being the best sporting charity in the UK. To be described as the best in Europe not only reflects the breadth and quality of our work but motivates us to continue to deliver in line with our fans’ expectations - embodied by our Nil Satis ethos.”

Hundreds of nominations were whittled down to create the shortlist, some of which were voted for by the industry and some judged by an independent panel of industry figures, including: Andrew Daniels, CEO, Adelaide Oval; Al Guido, COO, San Francisco 49ers; Marie Lindqvist, GM, Stockholm Globe Arenas; Roger Maslin, MD, Wembley Stadium; Peter McKenna, Stadium & Commercial Director, Croke Park; Julian Jenkins, CEO, Servette FC; Richard Peddie, Former CEO, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment; Ian Nuttall, founder of TheStadiumBusiness/Xperiology.

Ian Nuttall, founder of TheStadium Business Awards, added: “Congratulations to everyone who reached the podium. Winners included our industry’s leaders, achievers and stand-out venues, who should all be very proud of their achievements.

“Everton is a club that makes a real difference in the lives of people at the heart of its community every day and its accomplishments are inspirational. Denise represents that commitment in the most fantastic way and for the accolade of Outstanding Achievement, the choice was crystal clear. The work the Club does sets the standard across Europe, and probably beyond.”

The Judging Panel endorsed this in their comments: “We are recognising Denise’s ongoing work delivering outstanding results for Everton Football Club, both in the community and at club level. Denise has played an integral part in improving the matchday experience of supporters, in turn helping to increase attendances and enhance Everton’s reputation both nationally and abroad.”

Everton to sign Tom Cleverley

Tom Cleverley during his loan spell at
Aston Villa. (Image Source: BBC
Sport; Copyright: Getty Images)

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Everton have agreed a deal to sign Tom Cleverley when his contract expires at Manchester United on July 1.

The 25-year-old England midfield player will arrive on a five-year contract, becoming the first signing of the summer by manager Roberto Martinez.

Cleverley, a key figure in the team which won the Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season as manager at Old Trafford, made 38 Premier League appearances last season, 37 of which were on a season-long loan for Aston Villa.

Cleverley has been called up to the England squad for the upcoming friendly against the Republic of Ireland and the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia, having secured 13 caps since making his debut in England’s first match after Euro 2012 in a 2-1 win against Italy at the Stade de Suisse in Bern.

He went on to play a big part in England’s qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, featuring in seven of the 10 group H games.

Manager Martinez said: “We are extremely delighted to be welcoming Tom to Everton and I can think of many reasons as to why our fans will enjoy Tom representing our football club.

“The most important one is that he is a perfect fit for what we are trying to build here as he has so much experience of playing in the Premier League and he still has his best years just ahead of him.

“At the age of 25 and a player who is representing his country, Tom has experienced winning trophies and having big roles in demanding teams. Having worked with him previously, I know the type of character he is and I know that, with the Everton fans’ support, we will get a very special footballer joining our already exciting team.

“It says a lot also, when someone like Tom is available on a free transfer and he can pick his next club out of many options home and abroad, that he has chosen to play for our football club. That’s the perfect start to his career here at Everton.”

Blues leader nominated for international award

Denise Barrett-Baxendale

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Everton’s Deputy Chief Executive has become the only UK sports leader to be shortlisted for a prestigious award at the international Stadium Business Awards 2015.

Denise Barrett-Baxendale, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Everton in the Community, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Executive of the Year category alongside global sports leaders from Baltimore Ravens, LA Dodgers and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, among others.

Launched in 2010, The Stadium Business Awards recognise leadership, innovation and achievements in the global sports and stadium industry, and the winners will be announced at a gala dinner at FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium on Wednesday June 10.

Denise commented: “It is a great honour to be nominated in this category alongside such prestigious international peers from across the world of sport.

“At Everton we continually work to break the boundaries and be the first to cover new ground whether that be as a football club, as Everton in the Community, or both. It gives me great pride to be shortlisted in this category as the only UK nominee and represent my club, charity and colleagues.”

In her dual role at Everton, Denise directs the non-football operations side of the club and its direct charitable engagement with the local community.

Since her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Everton in the Community in January 2010, the charity has received a plethora of local, national and international award wins in recognition of the life-changing work it undertakes on a daily basis. Meanwhile, Denise’s Club position sees her working to improve fan engagement, the matchday experience for supporters and raising standards within the club.

Everton 2015/16 Home Kit Revealed

Romelu Lukaku, Tim Howard and
Leighton Baines.

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Everton has revealed its new home kit for the 2015/16 season.

The new strip, which has been designed by Umbro, is inspired by iconic Everton home shirts of the past and gives the shirt a unique visual for the season ahead which features a white V-neck collar with a rib insert.

The reverse of the shirt carries an 'NSNO' insignia on the back neck area, a reference to the Club’s famous ‘Nil Satis Nisi Optimum’ motto.

The new lightweight home shirt is made using highly technical performance materials, including special body mapping on the back of the shirt for ventilation.

Shaped mesh underarm panels with contrast detailing and a lightweight textured Club crest offer the players and fans alike maximum fit, movement and comfort whether they’re on the pitch or cheering on the team from the stands.

Phil Jagielka

The white shorts feature a contrast navy blue band around the waist for an eye-catching look, together with a mesh back panel for comfort and movement.

Double welt socks in white with a classic Everton blue trim offer all the protection and comfort demanded by modern players, completing a kit that balances classic Everton style with the very latest in performance technology.

The new kit is available to pre-order from www.evertondirect.com and stores Everton One and Everton Two today, before going on sale on Saturday June 20 both in-store and online.

Speaking about the 2015/16 home kit, Club Captain Phil Jagielka commented: “It’s brilliant, the lads and I are really pleased with it and are excited about wearing the kit for the first time on Sunday against Spurs.

“When the season finishes people start looking forward to next season and the new kit plays a massive part in that, so I’m sure the fans will, as usual, take great pride in wearing the new shirt and show their colours ahead of the new campaign.

“Evertonians are a really proud set of fans, so they will be really pleased with this year’s design, which has lots of great features, such as the NSNO mention on the back. I think it will be just as popular, if not more so, than last year’s.”

This year, the kit campaign is themed around #BORNefc – a nod to the ‘born not manufactured’ phrase - and fans were treated to a partial kit reveal yesterday when Umbro issued a shot of a group of babies modelling the new strip.

The 2015/16 home kit will again be available in a range of baby sizes and also women’s sizes (8-18).

This season, Everton and retail partner Kitbag are also pleased to announce the roll-out of a new Click and Collect service that offers a more convenient collection method for supporters who order merchandise online.

As well as still being able to collect their purchases from either of the two Everton stores, supporters will now be able to pick up their parcels from any of the 5,000 Hermes Click and Collection partner sites throughout the UK.  For more information about the Click and Collect service, visit www.evertondirect.com.

The new home kit will be worn for the first time by the players when the Toffees play Tottenham Hotspur in the final home game of the 2014/15 Premier League season at Goodison on Sunday May 24.

To pre-order the 2015/16 Everton home kit today, visit www.evertondirect.com, Everton One or Everton Two.

West Ham tickets to be subsidised by players and club

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Everton supporters travelling to West Ham United for our game on Saturday May 16 will have the cost of their ticket subsidised by the players and the Club.

Every ticket sold for the trip to Upton Park will be discounted by £10 to help make the fixture more affordable.

West Ham United are charging £55 for adult tickets and £32 for under-16s and over-65s.

With the contribution from the first-team players and the Club, these tickets will now be available for £45 and £22 respectively.

The players, management and club appreciate the lengths supporters have gone to this season to follow the team across the country and beyond into Europe, and are thankful for the efforts of all those who have been there to ensure packed out away ends have greeted the team wherever they have played.

Everton captain Phil Jagielka said: "Everton fans' support is always magnificent, our away fans especially, and this gesture is to show our gratitude to them for their support throughout the season."

The subsidy for this fixture comes separate to the 2014/15 Away Fan Initiative, which saw tickets for the games at Newcastle United and Swansea City reduced and the provision of free coach travel for the visits to Burnley, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers.

Tickets for the game at West Ham United will go on sale to Season Ticket holders with 6+ away Barclays Premier League credits from this season from 08.00 on Tuesday May 5.

For further on-sale dates and ticket eligibility information, visit www.evertonfc.com/tickets.

Tributes to Sir Philip Carter

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Bill Kenwright, Chairman of Everton Football Club, commented: “Words cannot describe my feelings of loss primarily as a friend but also as an Evertonian. Sir Philip was simply a giant...a great man a great leader and the very best friend and colleague anyone could ask for. I never once met him without calling him Chairman. I never will. That title was his by right. He will always have a major place in our great club's history. To his wondrous Lady Rita and his family we send the deepest of condolences together with our undying love and gratitude for his life.”

Roberto Martinez, Manager of Everton Football Club, added: “This is a sad day for Everton Football Club and for every Evertonian. Sir Philip was an incredible custodian of the Club, a pure gentleman and a man I feel really fortunate to have met, for I learnt much about the essence of Everton from him. From my earliest days here, I was able to sit down and chat with Sir Philip at Finch Farm. He was generous with his time and with his recollection of so many of the experiences he went through as Chairman. Some of those moments had been extremely difficult but, ultimately, his guiding hand contributed to some of the Club’s greatest successes and, for me personally, the conversations we shared will always give me guidance in terms of the future that we are trying to build for Everton.

“As a man, he was an example for every Evertonian. He took pride in all aspects of our Club, he loved the community in which we are rooted and he was an Evertonian through and through. I got a real sense and understanding of Everton from the time I was able to spend with him and I am especially grateful for this. He will forever be part of the history of this great Club.”

Robert Elstone, Chief Executive of Everton Football Club, said: “In the last few hours, the world of football has been moved to express great sadness, great admiration and, above all else, great respect for Sir Philip Carter. In such a short space of time, the number of people who have been moved to contact me, and the Club, and the depth of feelings expressed, sums up the great man. One text reads, ‘true gentlemen and the perfect embodiment of the values of Everton’. They are right.

“Sir Philip was part of a small family of highly respected and universally loved ‘football men’; a man who shaped the Game, a man who shaped Everton, and a man who, over the past year, almost everyone I have met has asked about.

“On a personal level, he was a mentor, a confidant, a voice of reason but more than all of that, with his amazing wife, a great friend. Sir Philip left a lasting impression on anyone who entered the Everton Boardroom. He will leave one on me.”

Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Chief Executive of Everton In The Community and Deputy Chief Executive of Everton Football Club, stated: “Today is an unbelievably sad day for everybody at Everton Football Club and for everybody at Everton In The Community. Sir Philip was the ultimate community man - a gentleman, a people’s man, someone with wisdom, character, distinction and strong, abiding principles. What he did for this Club, this city, this community, this country has left a lasting legacy. But today we feel bereft. Our thoughts are with his family - the incredible Lady Rita, his children and grandchildren. We are all devastated by his passing.”

For further tributes, visit www.evertonfc.com/news/2015/04/23/tributes-to-sir-philip.

Commissioned artwork unveiled to mark the Chang-Everton partnership

Graeme Sharp, Kevin Ng and Alistair
Parker with the artwork at
Goodison Park.

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: dot-art

An artwork commissioned through dot-art, by artist Alistair Parker, to mark the longest-standing shirt sponsorship in Premier League history between Everton and Chang has been unveiled at Goodison Park.

The artwork, which is made from over five thousand Chang Beer bottle tops, was commissioned by Chang beer and gifted to Everton to mark over a decade of friendship and celebrate the longest shirt sponsor partnership in Premier League history. The mosaic piece was revealed at Goodison Park on Thursday April 16, by the artist Alistair Parker, Club Ambassador Graeme Sharp, Richard Kenyon, Director of Marketing and Communications at Everton and Kevin Ng, Global Sales Director at Chang, on the side of the Park End Stand.

Chang has been the principal shirt sponsor of Everton since the start of the 2004/05 season and is a partnership based on mutual respect, understanding and shared goals. These key ingredients have provided the foundation for success, enabling both brands to grow internationally.

At the special event, Club Ambassador Graeme Sharp, said “The relationship has been fantastic for the Club over the years. We have not only made great friends in Thailand but reached out to a whole new fan base and help to make a difference to the lives of people both on Merseyside and in Thailand. I have visited Thailand on a number of occasions with the Club and have thoroughly enjoyed working with Chang to make a difference.”

Kevin Ng, Global Sales Director, Chang Beer, said “Our partnership with Everton has successfully launched the brand into the international spotlight. This artwork commemorates a friendship built on solid foundations and a partnership that is an ongoing success story to be proud of.”

The mosaic was created by local artist and Evertonian Alistair J Parker who described the commission as a “challenge he could not refuse”. Bottle tops for the carefully crafted mosaic were sent into Chang by waiters from Thai restaurants from all over the UK as part of a promotion.  Alistair said: “And as challenging as it was to make something appropriate for the occasion, I hope I have succeeded.”

Lucy Byrne, Managing Director of dot-art, who worked with Chang to develop the brief, source the artist and manage the project, added: “Alistair responded creatively to an unusual project and has created a striking, unique artwork to celebrate this milestone for Chang and Everton. We hope it will prove popular with fans in its prominent position at the entrance to the ground.”

For more information, visit www.dot-art.com or call 0845 017 6660.

Blues celebrate Junior Fan Day

The young participants in
Junior Fan Day.

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Goodison Park was taken over by an excited group of young Evertonians this past Saturday as the Blues celebrated Junior Fan Day.

Fourteen junior Blues rolled up their sleeves and took on various roles to form the mini matchday team for the visit of Southampton.

The youngsters got started early in the afternoon to make sure Goodison was ready for kick-off, with a trio of mini groundsmen – Nathan, Tommy and Finn - helping to ensure the pitch was in mint condition.

Meanwhile, mini club photograph Isabelle was capturing the players’ arrival, and mini Sky Sports News reporter Joseph put his questions to John Stones in a special pre-match interview.

In the corporate lounges, mini MCs Ronan and Luke entertained guests by reading out the team news and interviewing former player James Beattie, while mini stadium safety officer Abby kept an eye on proceedings from the matchday control room before taking to the pitch to shoot exclusive Junior Fan Day t-shirts into the crowd.

As kick-off neared, George, who was a mini Duncan Ferguson for the day, helped to set up the warm-up with the man himself, and stayed on the pitch to put the players through their paces. And, from the comfort of the dugout, mini stadium announcer Ben shared the mic with Radio City’s Rossie to reveal the teams to a sold-out Goodison Park.

Finally, at kick-off, mini evertontv commentator Sam took his seat next to Ian Snodin to keep listeners from around the world up-to-date on all the match action. And it seems that their participation helped steer the Blues on to a 1-0 win!

The mini matchday team is part of the Club’s annual Junior Fan Day, and all the youngsters taking part applied for their roles by entering a competition on www.evertonfc.com.

And, for those not taking up a role in the mini matchday team, there was plenty to keep them entertained before the game, with live performances from local bands in the Fan Zone, football freestylers, face painters, aqua zorbing, Match Attax tournaments and the EA Sports dugout.

In addition, hundreds of souvenirs were handed out in the form of player masks, poster books and blue noses, as well as free Easter cupcakes and ice creams.

Junior Season Tickets for 2015/16 have been frozen at £95 for Under-11s and £149 for Under-16s. For more information, including how to buy and key dates, visit www.evertonfc.com/chosen.