Here are the Everton evening headlines for Wednesday September 16.
Everton fans respond to Neville dig
Carlo Ancelotti and his Everton side begin their Carabao Cup campaign this evening, hoping to see off League Two Salford City in the Second Round.
Salford City director Gary Neville took a swipe at Everton’s size as a club by suggesting tonight’s fixture was not the biggest match in Salford’s history.
Consequently, Everton fans have expectedly replied to Neville’s playful dig, suggesting the Toffees will dispatch of the fourth tier outfit with ease.
One supporter quipped: "You've jinxed yourself now. Getting a massive deserved hiding tonight,” while another suggested he had already given Carlo Ancelotti’s pre-match team-talk for him.
Salford made it past Rotherham United in the first round of the competition, but were defeated 6-0 by Manchester United’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy last week, which bodes well for Everton’s chances this evening.
Richard Keys made to eat his words on Rodríguez
Former Sky Sports broadcaster Richard Keys has been left rather embarrassed by his pre-season predictions concerning Everton.
The 63-year-old presenter said he was unconvinced by the signing of James Rodríguez and felt that other clubs would have been in for him if he was still at the peak of his powers.
Keys has had to correct himself in his blog, stating he was impressed by Rodríguez on his debut against Tottenham Hotspur.
Having said that, Keys did somewhat double down on his presumption that Rodríguez will not affect the game week-in, week-out, stating: “James Rodriguez will become a firm favourite at Goodison. He was neat and tidy but I don’t think he affected a great deal. That’s what I expect most weeks.”
Based on Rodríguez’s showing at the weekend, it seems there are only better things to come, as an improved understanding with his teammates is bound to help.
The Colombian only joined the Blues earlier this month and has spent just a handful of training sessions with the rest of the squad, but looked at home in the team’s 1-0 triumph over Spurs.
Southall tells story of securing book deal
Everton legend and former Welsh international goalkeeper Neville Southall has written a book, aiming to help individuals suffering with mental health issues.
In an exclusive three-part interview with the Liverpool Echo , Southall described how renowned publisher HarperCollins approached the 62-year-old about writing a book, based on the work he does helping people through social media.
“I don’t think I’ve seen many football books similar to this – basically it’s just my thoughts. What I’m interested in and what I think about.
“I thought it would be a good idea because there’s more to me than football,” Southall said.
The former Everton stopper is an advocate for mental health awareness and helps countless individuals who reach out to him with their problems on social media platform Twitter.
The book – titled Mind Games – is available to buy now.
For Southall’s extensive quotes on his life after football, writing a book and taking Open University courses to assist in his free counselling work, read the full article here .
