Shooting yerself in the [left] foot?

Emailed this morning from Everton FC on their mailing list, and the headline was - find out who wants to bid for Leighton Baines. The link is into the Daily Mail piece alleging that Arsene Wenger is preparing a ten million pound bid for Baines this summer, as his current left back won't sign a new deal......

Now, the Daily Mail can speculate about this stuff as much as they like [they often get it totally wrong, but that's by the bye] but why on Earth does Everton FC want to add publicity for this highly speculative bit of nonsense - on match day as well?

The half wit who made this decision must be blessed with the judgement of retarded fruit fly.

Apropos of today's game, there is a bit of breeze but it is sunny and bright here on Merseyside. Villa won't be after parking the bus across their penalty box, so I expect a few goals - at both ends. Hoping for a win for the Blues, but most importantly that the luncheon is satisfactory in the hospitality area.

Champagne at 12.15 - hurrah!

Another England

Tuned in to the England game this evening, as Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka were due to play.
I have to admit, England friendly matches can be somewhat boring - but tonight's game with Ghana was terrific - both sides having a go and plenty of meaty challenges as well.
Everton content: Jagielka clearly drew number 13 in the raffle on the team bus. First half, out of position at left centre back to accommodate Cahill, who can only play on the right. Second half, at right full back to accommodate Lescott. Okay - bit of a surprise here - Jags did not have a good night here.
As for Leighton Baines, first half was excellent going forward but second half the Ghana coach paid him the compliment of having him virtually man-marked when going forward.
Ashley Young had a productive match in midfield, showing guile and skill, although Wilshere produced little of value. Barry was combative and organised in a holding role, and Johnson had a decent half before being subbed.
I thought Ghana were worth a draw, and Leighton Baines was very good indeed.
And - here's a thing: an England side without Terry, Cole and Ferdinand [two serial shaggers and a drug test dude] played really well and entertained over 80,000 fans.
Over to you, Fabio.

Now, where was I?

Oh yes.
Bottom of the League.
Well, whilst I've been not too well, Everton have stormed up to....er....15th.
Ahem.
Howsomever, the draw at Chelsea was satisfactory, and the second half a fine cameo of what might be over the next six months. I was particularly impressed by the central mid pairing of Rodwell and Fellaini, the latter being the fulchrum of so much good stuff - looking like the new Patrick Viera, breaking up Chelsea moves, shifting the ball quickly and intelligently, and in the end bullying the Chelsea six packs of Essien and company to the extent that they were chasing shadows.

And as for Little Leighton - fab fab fab! [sorry - lapsed into child talk there]

Some interesting games coming up - none more so than Scunthorpe away in the Cup, not easy but we might have a great chance of winning the old trophy given an even break in the draw.

As for me, I'll be whiling away the holiday period in the warmer climes of Hong Kong.
Eat yer hearts out.

Tough on Bainesy

Well,
After an indifferent performance for England against Mexico [partly caused by his first half left side midfielder giving him no cover and leaving him one-on-two five times - thanks Mr Gerrard] Leighton Baines won't be going to South Africa.
At least he won't be risking injury out there anyway.

Let us hope that his confidence will be recovered for next season, and Everton Captain Phil Neville can help there - the same thing happened to him a few years back under Glen Hoddle.

Chin up, Leighton.
You'll still do it for me.

And you are not cheating on your missus every week, either.