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

[Bala]

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

Thanks mate!

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.

Well! We just had to. right!

Money is never a problem as we still have 30 Million for transfers!

 

[Bala]

Kilbane strike knocks out Celtic

Celtic were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League as Kevin Kilbane ensured that Everton ran out comfortable winners at the Goodison. Kilbane latched on to a defensive error by Balde and drilled the ball home to give the Toffees a 1 - 0 lead in the 28th minute.

Everton started the match as the better side as they could have gone ahead as early as the 6th minute but Arteta's powerful shot was tipped away by Celtic keeper Klos. Arteta was in sublime form as he linked brilliantly with the flanks and Simon Davies his midfield partner.

Arteta was the initiator of the goal as his shot was blocked by Klos but Bobo Balde's clearance struck Paul Telfer and Kilbane readily pounced on the ball to slot it past Klos. Celtic already had to score more than 2 goals to ensure their way to the grroup stages struggled to get the ball upfield as Everton's defense were at their imposing best. Yobo and Onyewu were supremely confident and were backed up by Ferrari and Nuno Valente.

Everton made intelligent substitutions and their manager Balaji belied his inexperience as he orchestrated a brilliant Everton show as they held on to the score and came away with an impressive 2 - 0 aggregate win.

Kilbane - en route to his winning goal

Goal scorer Kilbane said "Of course, it is a great feeling. To play in the Champion's League is what every professional footballer in Europe will dream of and it is very special to experience just that. The boys were brilliant and our defense has been top class so far. The gaffer has been concentrating very hard on our defense and midfield and we clicked well."

Everton manager Ramesh Balaji paid tribute to his team "Its just fantastic. The boys put on a majestic display at home. This is what the fans want and this is what we want. To win a European match in front of the fans at home."

He was confident of the season ahead. "We are very confident! We are on an unbeaten streak and though we drew goalless in our first couple of matches, we were strong defensively. Scoring goals is a habit and the boys would just love to continue that. At this moment we are not bothered on who we might draw in the group stages. Infact we need to be ready for the best. This is the Champions League and only the best get to play here. But now. we just want to enjoy this winning feeling tonight."

His opposite number Gordon Strachan was philosophical in his side's defeat. "It was always tough when you need to score more than 2 goals away. But I have to accept that the better team won today. Everton played well as an unit what we did not do. We need to take this as a kick in our teeth and hopefully do well in the UEFA cup."

The draw for the UEFA Champions League group stages will be drawn on the 30th of August.

 

[Bala]

Launching the Lita bid...

August 25, 2005

Just one week and the transfer window closes shut. We have to get in a striker within this time. Alan had already discussed on the possibility of a transfer for Reading's Leroy Lita. I called up Steve Coppell and discussed on the possibilities of a transfer.

Leroy Lita - Wanted!
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Coppell was very reluctant to listen to our offer. His claims were that they had not looked on the possibilities of signing a new striker and Lita was very much in their plans as he wants to mount a challenge to qualify for the Premiership next season.

We tabled a bid of 1.1 Million for Lita and also placed an enquiry on his team mate Steven Sidwell.

The ball is now in Reading's court as we are very much intent on nabbing this pacy striker.

 

[MWaugh]

youve got 30 million and your only going looking for a 1.1 million striker. with 30 million you could sign a very respectable striker from an overseas club i would have imagined. maybe look at italy for possible strikers

 

[Bala]

youve got 30 million and your only going looking for a 1.1 million striker. with 30 million you could sign a very respectable striker from an overseas club i would have imagined. maybe look at italy for possible strikers

The fact remains that we have failed with our bids to land a decent striker on atleast 10 occasions. We have been courting every one from Forlan to Toni. Our bid of nearly 9 million was not enough for Forlan, anything above that we considered over exhorbitant. So we have set our sights low and are looking at promising youngsters. We also could have landed Nilmar only for the deal to go broke because of a work permit.

 

[MWaugh]

yeah you have been kicked in the teeth quite a bit. thats a valid call to look at youth. however if thats the case then you may have to look at the years to come to make an impact rather than this season. that will put further pressure on yourself as manager if the team struggles

 

[Bala]

Report

Lita going nowhere - Coppell

Everton's plans of landing a striker to partner James Beattie has taken another hit with Reading manager Steve Coppell insisting that his star striker Leroy Lita is going nowhere. Everton had been rebuffed in their search for a new striker and Reading might join the list in snubbing the Toffees' advances.

Coppell: Bullish over Lita stay

Speaking after the Royal's victory over Southampton, Steve Coppell said "We have absolutely no intentions of letting Leroy go. He is a very special player for us and we have made him understand that. We have to have as much as players who know each other in the team so that we do more as an unit. I do hope Leroy understands team values and show his commitment towards the team."

Leroy Lita - wants out

Meanwhile, Reading striker Leroy Lita spoke of his desire to join Everton. "Of course, its a great chance for me. To play in the Premiership has been my childhood dream. It is not everyday that a club with the history like Everton come knocking at your door saying they want you. I know I can prove myself at the highest level.

I have played my last 3-4 years in the Championship. I know I am at that stage of my life where I can take the leap. I am very grateful for Everton in shoing that they want me. They are doing great under the new management and they have brought in few exciting players. They know and I can see that they are building a team for the future. I would gladly be part of that.

I hope that Reading understands my dream and allow me to talk with Everton. Reading have been fantastic to me and I will always be grateful to them. But I do believe this is the time I must start thinking about a move on. But If Reading says no, I will stay - but not the same man who was keen on pulling the Reading jersey."

Everton assistant manager Alan Irvine was hopeful that a deal would be struck soon "I do believe Reading will accept our bid. Leroy would be a keypiece in the side we have been building. He is a fantastic shooter and has good pace too. We still have a couple of days in hand. Balaji and me are working real hard to get into an agreement with Reading.So watch this space for the next few days."

 

[Bala]

Lita deal concluded

August 25, 2005 [21.30]

Atlast! The long saga of our attempts at bringing in a striker has come to an end with a deal being thrashed out for Leroy Lita. Alan and me had a real long discussion with the Reading officials and agreed on a transfer fee of 1.3 Million pounds.

Leroy Lita - Done Deal!

​

I would say this is a coup of sorts and most possibly Leroy would be our last signing before the transfer window closes till January.

I called in the player and his agent to discuss personal terms. Leroy was undoubtably ecstatic on securing a dream pass to the Premiership. We had no problems in zeroing in on personal terms and Lita would be unveiled tomorrow after a medical.

This quick deal has paved way for Lita being included for our next match against table toppers Fulham in two days time.

 

[MWaugh]

well done bala. finally youve got some pace up front. hopefully lita can produce for you on the pitch. first top fullham

 

[Bala]

Lita unveiled...

August 26, 2005

Atlast our frantic searc for a striker came to an end as our latest signing Leroy Lita was unveiled to the Goodison fans this morning.

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Lita - A Toffee now

Introducing Leroy, I said

" I am very happy and a bit relieved that we were able to sign Leroy. He is a fantastic player with a clear football sense and he could only be a plus for Everton. I particularly admire his speed and his ability to hold up the ball. He would be a great addition to our squad. I wouldn't be surprized if he ends this season with atleast 15 goals.

We have got Leroy right at the time we wanted a striker. We might ask him tio get on the pitch as early as tomorrow. We are clearly looking ahead and hopefully get our first goal in this Premiership season tomorrow. Maybe Leroy could get it for us!"

Leroy Lita spoke up

"At last I am able to live my dream of plating in the Premiership. I know I can add some value to this great team. I really thank with all of my heart to the Gaffer who put his confidence on me. And I am really grateful to Reading and Steve Coppell for letting me live my dream."

 

[shravi]

Finally! You have a striker! Great news!

 

[Bala]

Game Week 3 - Preview with Andy Gray

We are in line for some brilliant games this weekend as there are going to be some high voltage clashes around.

august 27, 2005

Arsenal vs Sunderland
The Emirates Stadium

Arsenal should look for an easy win against the Black Cats. The Gunners are linking up well as a team and I would call for a 2 - 0 win for the home side.
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Aston Villa vs Bolton Wanderers
Villa Park

This is going to be one of the highly intense matches this week. Bolton are known for their hardball approach and I would cal them the favorites to nab it 1 - 0.
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Birmingham City vs Charlton Athletic
St. Andrews

Birmingham have put on some plucky displays this season. If Jermaine Pennant cuts loose on the right flank, Charlton might have some tough questions to answer. I would call a 2 - 1 victory to the Home team.
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Everton vs Fulham
Goodison Park

Everton would look to end their goal draught in the EPL as they would look to build on their Champions League success. Fulham are unbeaten so far but I would call this one a draw. If there are no goals scored, don't blame me.
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Middlesborough vs Newcastle United
The Riverside Stadium

Another high intense game. If Newcastle win this match they will move into the top 3. But a draw seems fair for these two well matched sides
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Portsmouth
White Hart Lane

Tottenham's superior squad will see them run comfortable against Pompey. A 2 - 0 win I would say.
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West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United
The Hawthorns

Manchester United would still be smarting from their defeat at home against Blackburn and this would be a stern test for Bryan Robson's West Brom. ManU has the fire power to dominate and I would bill them clear favorites with a 3 - 0 win
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Westham United vs Chelsea
Upton Park

Chelsea should run out the winners in this match. Though West ham can match Chelsea its the visitor's impressive array of player strength that would prove to be the difference. A 2 - 0 win I would say.
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august 28, 2005

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Wigan Athletic vs Manchester City
JJB Stadium

A close match again. Manchester City to edge out Wigan 1 - 0.
​

 

[MWaugh]

important to get a good result against fulham here. its important to try and get full points when at home. especially against a team that will probably be huddled around your position at the end of the year

 

[m_vaughan]

Congratulations on the successful signing of Leroy Lita. From what I have read recently, he seems to be a natural goalscorer, and is just what Everton need. I dont think the price is important, as the utility of the player is what matters.

Although I still have my doubts about Everton performing in Europe with their current strikeforce. You might have to hand the likes of Cahill and Carvalho frequent roles upfront.

 

[Bala]

Everton vs Fulham
Goodison Park

34,000 expectant fans have turned up at the Goodison keen on egging us to continue with our unbeaten run. This is certainly a heartening display by the fans who have got back their belief in their team.

It was perfect conditions for football at 11 degrees. I pressed on with the same 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 formation that has been used recently. Maniche and Daniel Carvalho are back for selection and that left Neville and Osman on the bench. New signing Leroy Lita was at the bench as well.

I opted to leave out the hero of the Celtic match - Kilbane as I asked him to take a well earned rest.

Fulham fielded a 4 - 3 - 3 formation with Boa Morte and Malbranque as the support strikers to former Everton forward Radzinski with an option of dropping back as wingers as well.

I had instructed the boys to hit the Cottagers hard and go out on an all out attack for the first 30 minutes.

The refree Dermott Gallagher blew the whistle and we are off.
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