A Toffee Dream - Everton vs Newcastle United (Game week 5) [A CM2006 Story]

[Bala]

Podolski snubs Everton

German ace Lukas Podolski has snubbed a chance to ply his trade in the Premiership as he refused to join Everton. Everton had won the race to sign the pacy German international beating the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich only to have their advances spurned on by the player.

Speaking from Cologne, Podolski said "It was really flattering that Everton were really interested in me and I am very thankful to them for showing their confidence on me. But I really feel that I need to be here in Germany as my heart and soul belongs to German football. I am preparing myself to prove myself in the Bundesliga. That would be better for me and my team."

Podolski was non committal about his futurewith Cologne. "I am not worried about the future. What I am certain is that I would like to establish myself in the Bundesliga. That could be with Cologne, or Bayern or any other team. I am now focussed only on Cologne and hopefully I can get sselected for the World Cup in 2006."

Everton Manager Ramesh Balaji spoke of his recent failure to land a striker to pair up front with James Beattie. "Of course, it is disappointing. Its not every day we get a striker like Podolski for a fee of 5.5 Million. Though the kid has said he would be open for a transfer later in his career, he will not be available for this cheap. I could understand his reasons for staying, but he could have experienced European football as we are competing for the highest prize in Europe. It could have been a win - win situation. But we certainly are not giving up our hopes."

On his quest for strikers, the Everton boss remained confident. "We are certainly looking at a few players. Our scouts are working over time to get us to new talents. We are trying to reach a deal for Leroy Lita. He is quality and I would easily say he could become the next big thing in the Premiership. We still have a week and hopefully can do something about the situation. If not, I am quite happy with my squad. Danny Carvalho can play as a striker. He has explosive pace and I would be quite happy to give Vaughanie and Vic (Anichebe) a run with the firsts."

Balaji voiced his optimism over the impending clash with Celtic which could decide who plays the Champions League group stages. "We are confident. We have defeated them away. Our defense have settled brilliantly and we can easily hold them. But I wouldn't say not to another win."

Podolski will now be viewed with interest by a host of German clubs and Bayern Munich Manager Felix Magath spoke of his admiration of the player. "He is quite the product. A great asset to have. I think he has done the right thing in staying here in Germany. If you ask me whether we would mount a bid for him, I would say we might, we might not. Nothing is decided as such."

 

[shravi]

Bad news... You nead a striker, fast!

 

[m_vaughan]

Its an understandable excuse, and now with Bayern also in the mix, it was very difficult for you to convince him

Anyways, plan B will hopefully work out now.

 

[Left_Hander]

Unlucky about Poldoski. Hope you fix the striker problem.

,
Leftie

 

[Bala]

Everton vs Celtic [UEFA Champions League Qualifier] - Preview

Everton host Celtic for the return leg of the Champions League Qualifiers. This is going to be a very important game for both the teams as the hosts hold a slight advantage having won the first leg with an al important away goal.

On paper both the teams are equally matched. Everton will be without the services of Carvalho and Maniche who are cup tied for this fixture. Andy Van der Meyde and Kevin Kilbane would be looking forward to use this opportunity to the maximum as there is a genuine fight for places int he Everton midfield.

Celtic would depend on the evergreen Roy Keane and the fiery Stilian Petrov to dominate the midfield. They have a good defensive line up. Gordon Strachan's charges would be still shocked after their defeat at home and would be gunning to get revenge in the best possible way. They still have a good deal of work to do as they need to win by atleast 2 goals.

This is where the Everton backline have worked brilliantly recently. Their manager Balaji has put together a carefully picked up defensive wall with two pacy players in Yobo and Nuno Valente who can gallop forward when needed.

It is at the front where the Toffees have struggled. After Vampeta's wonder strike at Parkhead, Everton have not scored a single goal. This would be weighing heavily on Balaji's mind as he looks to continue with the 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 formation with van der Meyde most likely to play as an attacking midfielder.

This match is going to be too close for comfort. Balaji would consider a job done even if his charges could replicate the recent 0 - 0 stalemates. Gordon Strachan would be looking forward for his team to get a 2 goal advantage.

I certainly can say this might quite not be the high octane contest that one would naturally associate with the qualifiers. What I expect is either team winning it 1 - 0. By the form sheet I would predict the home team keeping their sheets clean again and hopefully popping a goal in.

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Bookie's Talk

Everton being the home side and on a un-beaten run are favorites and are at evens.
Celtic win is placed at 5/3 and an draw can be found at 4/3.
The match being decided in a penalty shoot-out can be found at 6/3

 

[m_vaughan]

The good thing is that as long as you dont concede, you dont need to score a goal.

 

[Bala]

24.08.2005

Qualifier - Match 2
Everton Vs Celtic
Goodison Park, Liverpool.

36,000 fans had turned out to the Goodison for the return leg against Celtic. The Hoops are still smarting from the defeat we handed them at Parkhead.

As we emerged from the tunnel, a huge cheer went up signalling the fans are showing signs of belief in the squad. I named a 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 line up with Andy van der Meyde playing the attacking midfielder role. Vampeta makes a return to the starting XI as does Simon Davies. No other changes from the team that drew against West Brom on Monday.

Celtic started with a slightly defensive 4 - 1 - 3 - 2 formation. John Hartson is always a threat.

I addressed the boys,
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"Listen up guys! I know we are on an unbeaten run, but we haven't hit the back of the net. We could be crudely exposed in this front. Defend like hell! Dont let them anywhere near the D! Now go for it! Europe beckons you!"
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The German refree Wolfgang Stark blew the whistle and the match began with Beattie playing the ball to van der Meyde.

 

[m_vaughan]

Expecting Mr.Troublemaker Andy van der Medye to score the only goal of the game.

 

[MWaugh]

still yet to win at home in competition, that could be turned around here. i expect everton to get through to the next stage here. hartson looks in form but its going to be hard to break down a strong everton defence

 

[Cricket_60]

So this is where all the cricket story writer's are going

First MWaugh, then m_Vaughan now you and Brett Lee Keep up the fantastic detail and presentation Bala, it's a good read

 

[Bala]

Kilbane strike knocks Celtic out!

Kevin Kilbane's 28th minute goal proved to be the difference between the two teams as we sent Celtic crashing out of the Champion's Leaguewith a comfortable 2 - 0 aggregate win. Kilbane put in a sound show today as he commanded the left flank with intelligent runs and clever passes.

The first shot on goal came as early as the 6th minute as Kilbane found Arteta after a surging run and Arteta played a 1 - 2 with Davies before firing a shot from just outside the D which the Celtic keeper Klos tipped over the bar.
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Beattie was then played on in by Vampeta as his threading pass through the Celtic defenders released Beattie, but he screwed the shot wide from 15 yards.

Celtic came very close to taking the lead on the 25th minute as van der Meyde tripped the onrushing John Hartson at about 25 yards from the goal. From the resulting freekick, Nakamura let rip a pearler which was expertly tipped away by Frey.

We took the lead deservedly as Klos palmed away a powerful shot by Arteta inside the play area and a misunderstanding between Bobo Balde and Paul Telfer saw them getting in each other's way. The clearance by Balde struck Telfer and was immediately pounced on by Kilbane who took a couple of touches before firing it past Klos to give us a 1 - 0 advantage. A huge roar went around Goodison as we netted our first home goal. The boys streamed after the ebuliant Kilbane and I showed my thumbs-up to the boys.

Kilbane and the boys celebrating his goal

We had an excellent chance to go up 2 - 0 as van der Meyde managed to get the ball past the Celtic defence but wasted the shot with a weak prod straight to the keeper in a 1 on 1.

I made my first change at half time as I pulled out van der Meyde and sent in Leon Osman. I had it in my mind to play Andy only for the first half so that he does not get over strained on his return from injury.

Out: van der Meyde
In: Osman
(46 Minutes)

Osman's introduction proved to be a fillip as he set on a surging run and a crisp shot that was cleared by the Celtic defense. Beattie let rip a couple of shots that never bothered the keeper and was way out of target.

Out: Davies
In: Neville
(63 Minutes)
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I made the second change at the hour's mark as Phil Neville was sent in place of the impressive Simon Davies.

At 75 minutes Vampeta got on to a pass from the brilliant Yobo and sent in a screamer of a cross that was nodded in by Beattie, but was discounted as the player was found offside.

Out: Beattie
In: Vaughan
(80 Minutes)
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I made the last substituition with 10 minutes to go as I sent in Vaughan in place of Beattie and also made Phil Neville play as a defensive midfielder just ahead of the back line.

We played off the remaining time with ease as a huge cheer erupted in Goodison as we eliminated Celtic to get into the group stages of the Champions League.

Our defense were brilliant today with Yobo and Onyewu being absolutely a class apart. Arteta orchestrated the midfield with abundant ease and we came away the deserved winners.

We still are unbeaten this season and boy am I proud?


[More news to follow]
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[m_vaughan]

Glad to see the Bhoys put exactly where they belong....nowhere!!

Also good to see Everton finding the back of the net, even though there was a bit of luck involved.

Now, to the group stages!

 

[Bala]

Expecting Mr.Troublemaker Andy van der Medye to score the only goal of the game.

Van had a decent outing. Thats quite understandable as he has played very less given his injury. But he did have few good runs!

still yet to win at home in competition, that could be turned around here. i expect everton to get through to the next stage here. hartson looks in form but its going to be hard to break down a strong everton defence

Well! we just had to get through the Hoops to get that win! and Hartson was total Poo today!

So this is where all the cricket story writer's are going

First MWaugh, then m_Vaughan now you and Brett Lee Keep up the fantastic detail and presentation Bala, it's a good read

Yup! We all are holed out here! and thanks mate for the support!

Glad to see the Bhoys put exactly where they belong....nowhere!!

Also good to see Everton finding the back of the net, even though there was a bit of luck involved.

Now, to the group stages!

Yeah! Though there was a pinch of luck involved in Balde's clearance hitting Telfer, Kilbane was simply too quick to react and scored in from a tight angle.

Thanks for the excellent support guys!

Cheers

Bala

 

[shravi]

Great win Bala! I love your presenation! Sometimes, I enjoy reading the non-match related stuff more than the actual match details!

 

[MWaugh]

did you score a goal? whats up with that?

that is a good start now, hopefully you can build on beating a strongish team. things may be starting to look up for you. and if you can make it past the next round, maybe some more money for you to look at spending on players.

So this is where all the cricket story writer's are going

First MWaugh, then m_Vaughan now you and Brett Lee Keep up the fantastic detail and presentation Bala, it's a good read

common mate just join us. you know you want to. just do it