More stories

  • in

    Everton vs Liverpool CALLED OFF due to safety fears as Storm Darragh KOs final Goodison derby and matches around UK

    THE Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool has been CALLED OFF due to dangerous weather.But Manchester United’s clash with Nottingham Forest is tentatively slated to GO AHEAD.Today’s Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool has been cancelledCredit: GettyThe high winds caused by Storm Darragh has resulted in the final league Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park to be axedCredit: PABoth clubs made the decision to postpone the match due to safety fearsCredit: PAStorm Darragh is wreaking havoc up and down the country, with several services being disrupted.The storm led to the cancellation of two Championship games on Friday.And it’s claimed this afternoon’s match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park.An Everton statement read: “Everton’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm (GMT) today has been postponed.READ MORE ON STORM DARRAGH”Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.”We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.”Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.”All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStorm Darragh has left a trail of destruction up and down the countryFlood have been reported nationwide, with a driver in Essex getting stuck in 4ft floods yesterdayThe Met Office has issued a red warningFans of both teams were quick to react to the postponement.One wrote on X: “Should of done it last night.”Everton fans say ‘I feel sick just looking at it’ as new video of Bramley Moore Dock stadium go viral Another said: “Weather can really throw a wrench in the plans, but safety comes first.”And another said: “Safety comes first. Gutted though.”One remarked: “Yeah fair enough.”Another chimed in: “Wrong time to call it off – call it off at 10.30 and give it chance to calm down.”Poor decision this because I bet it’s absolutely fine at 12.30.”The Reds’ trip to Goodison was set to be an historic one.It would have been the final league Merseyside Derby at Goodison before Everton move into their new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.Given its proximity to Liverpool, there were fears that United’s clash with Forest at Old Trafford could also fall victim to Darragh.But as it stands, the match – which is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm – will GO AHEAD.A United statement read: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned. “The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes. “We understand that fan travel will be disrupted by the weather so this fixture will not be included in the minimum number of games a season that season tickets must be used.”Aston Villa, Brentford and Crystal Palace also issued statements confirming their respective matches against Southampton, Newcastle United and Manchester City will are expected to go ahead as scheduled.Storm Darragh has so far claimed four fixtures this afternoon.Watford’s and Plymouth’s respective Championship clashes Cardiff and Oxford United have been called off.Bristol Rovers’ League One showdown with Bolton Wanderers has also been postponed.And AFC Barrow, Newport and Notts County’s respective League Two clashes with MK Dons, Carlisle United and Colchester United have also fallen by the wayside.Storm Darragh began battering the UK on Friday with winds of 92mph.The Met Office quickly issued a stay at home order for millions of people with a red warning.READ MORE SUN STORIESA red warning indicates serious danger to life. The National Grid has revealed that Darragh has left a whopping 32,600 homes in the Midlands and the south west without electricity. More

  • in

    Forgotten Chelsea star could hand Enzo Maresca huge boost in title bid this weekend… without even playing for Blues

    ARMANDO BROJA is desperate to cement his name in Everton’s history in a game he “dreamed” of playing in as a boy.The Albanian striker moved to Goodison on a season-long loan from Chelsea in August but was soon sidelined with an Achilles injury.Armando Broja always wanted to play in derbies like Everton vs LiverpoolCredit: RexEnzo Maresca’s Chelsea are seven points behind leaders LiverpoolCredit: GettyFans finally got to see him in an Everton shirt for the first time on Wednesday as he came off the bench for the final 12 minutes of the 4-0 win over Wolves.And after sampling Goodison for the first time as a Blue, the somewhat forgotten Chelsea loanee wants to play his part in the famous stadium’s last top-flight derby against Arne Slot’s Reds.Broja, 23, said: “It’s a massive win for us and we go three points clear of the bottom three. But  the games come thick and fast and we have a massive derby, so we’ve got to be ready for that.“I used to watch it when I was a kid, so it’s one of the ones that you dream of playing in.READ MORE FOOTBALL“I can’t wait to be a part of it and just see the atmosphere in the game.”Broja, who had loan spells with Southampton and Fulham, is ready to make a big impact.He continued: “I have come back from a long injury, so there’s more to come from me.“I can get even sharper, I can get even better.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I felt really good to be back out there. I really enjoyed it. I played with a smile on my face.“I can still keep going forward and giving more.”Maresca slams Madueke’s ‘ambition’ and fumes ‘I do not like the way he trained’ after Chelsea star’s goal and assistShould Broja make an impact on the game, he could help his parent club’s surprise title push.Chelsea are Liverpool’s nearest challengers heading into the weekend’s action, trailing by seven points.Enzo Maresca’s side could do with a favour from Everton before they face Tottenham on Sunday.Ex-Stuttgart midfielder Orel Mangala, 26, cannot wait to face Liverpool.The Toffees ace said: “I have had some crazy derbies in Germany. This type of atmosphere is very good . . . I love it.“But this is definitely a bigger game. We will  give everything to get the three points.” More

  • in

    Liverpool and Everton release joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh’s 80mph winds could postpone Merseyside derby

    LIVERPOOL and Everton have released a joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh could curtail Saturday’s derby.The Merseyside rivals spoke out to offer advice to fans – as the region braces itself for winds of up to 80mph.Goodison Park is expecting fierce conditions for Saturday’s big clashCredit: RexMerseyside is subject to an amber warning, meaning severe windsCredit: MET OfficeThe 12.30pm Premier League match is still expected to go ahead.But the clubs have responded to concerns over travel and playing conditions.They shared identical messages on their official websites.Both statements read: “Supporters attending Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel, and to remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.READ MORE FOOTBALL”An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am on Saturday morning, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely.”That warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday. “Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to take extra care.”Fans are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLiverpool are seven points clear of second-placed Chelsea in the Prem, while Everton are three above the drop zone.Meanwhile, Goodison is likely to escape the worst of Storm Darragh.John O’Shea says teams all over Europe will try to sign Caoimhin Kelleher from LiverpoolThe Met Office is anticipating winds of 70 to 80mph around exposed coasts and headlands on Merseyside.But the predicted speed in the area drops to around 60-70mph inland.Wales and south west England might suffer the most severe effects in Britain.The Met Office has put out a rare red alert for that region – including an emergency warning – to around 3million people.Winds there could reach a life-endangering 90mph in some places. More

  • in

    Why is Manchester United vs Everton kicking-off at an unusual time?

    MANCHESTER UNITED host Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday – but fans must factor in the unusual kick-off time.Ruben Amorim quickly learnt the level of competition in England, drawing 1-1 with Ipswich Town in his debut leaving his side in twelfth place.Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring in the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyThe Red Devils then scraped a 3-2 win over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, having fallen 2-1 down in the first half.The Portuguese manager is desperate for a comfortable victory heading into their clash with the Toffees, and could face serious questioning if his side fail to deliver a strong performance.On Merseyside, Sean Dyche is also struggling to get his side going and looks set to be in a relegation battle if things don’t improve.Currently in 15th place, the Everton hierarchy are already looking at replacements with former boss David Moyes in the running.Read more Man United newsEverton have won one of their last five Premier League fixturesCredit: ReutersA win on Sunday would be a great result for both teams, but fans should be aware of the schedule change.Why is Manchester United vs Everton kicking off at a unique time?Two fixtures are kicking off with rescheduled start times on Sunday as Liverpool vs Manchester City has also been moved. This is not the first time different kick-off times have been put in place for Premier League fixtures with Liverpool and Man City fixtures also being moved in November 2023. Police have requested the scheduling changes as a method of controlling fan movement and preventing confrontation. Most read in FootballWith four big teams and huge rivals crossing paths on the same day, police want to avoid conflict and harm.In 2022, the City team bus was damaged by fans as it left Anfield.And, Liverpool fans were faced with chants concerning the club’s tragedies. As a result, Manchester United vs Everton will kick-off at 1.30pm GMT on Sunday, December 1 – half an hour earlier than the usual 2pm kick off slot. More

  • in

    Everton had Premier League’s easiest start – now pressure is on for Sean Dyche with £600m takeover complete by Christmas

    DAN FRIEDKIN is on schedule to make many despairing Everton fans’ Christmas wishes come true.The days are passing fast on his £600million Toffees takeover that will finally see the departure of debunked majority owner Farhad Moshiri, expected by the end of next month.Everton manager Sean Dyche could face a nervy yuletideCredit: GettyDan Friedkin is on the brink of completing the long-awaited takeoverCredit: GettyWhether boss Sean Dyche will be able to mark the Californian’s arrival as a season to be merry or not remains to be seen.For he is about to start opening the windows on an advent calendar from hell.By the time he has completed it, any thoughts he might have had  of landing a new contract from Friedkin could be mere humbug.Dyche goes into Saturday’s home clash with Brentford under growing pressure.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe game will signal the end of what Opta stats suggest was the easiest start of this campaign for any Prem club.Yet in 11 games Everton have scraped together only ten points, with just two wins and ten goals.And that after kicking off with four defeats in a row to mark their worst league opening in 66 years.And now comes the hard bit.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollowing the visit of the Bees is a trip to Old Trafford a week on  Sunday in what will be Ruben Amorim’s first home league game as Manchester United’s new manager.Wolves at Goodison follows on December 4 before resurgent title leaders Liverpool come calling in the Merseyside derby three days later.Everton legend Andy van der Meyde takes busty star Charlotte Michelle for a spin in his car It is not liable to get any easier, either, with Arsenal at the Emirates on December 14, Chelsea on the 22nd then a Boxing Day meeting with reigning champs Manchester City.Were Dyche and his players still standing after that lot then he would surely deserve backing from incoming chief Friedkin. But everything points to another winter of discontent among the majority of supporters and a third successive drop battle.Fans are grateful to the 53-year-old manager for keeping the club up against a backdrop of financial crises and sales of prized playing assets like Anthony Gordon and Amadou Onana.A year ago Dyche and Co were left reeling by a ten–point penalty, later reduced by two points, over breaches of the  Prem’s Profit and  Sustainability Rules. Another two points were docked later.Throughout his near-two-year tenure, Dyche has been swimming against the Mersey tide.Transfer funds for new  players have not even been at the same level as most Championship clubs. And there is appreciation on the Gwladys Street End  for his efforts.But, increasingly, he is facing a revolt over his playing style.The faithful complain about dull, predictable, long-ball tactics, with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin — who is refusing to extend his own deal that also expires next summer — as the only attacking option.If — and it is a big if — Dyche can keep Everton up, do they really want to kick-off Prem life in their new 52,888-seater  stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock playing that brand of football?As the takeover of The Friedkin Group has gained momentum, Dyche has repeatedly sounded off about the problems he has faced.Everton hope their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will be ready next yearCredit: AFPHe said: “There seems to always be that cloud waiting around Everton Football Club — on or off the pitch.”Before the 2–1 win over Crystal Palace in September, the ex-Watford and Burnley boss stressed, “Some day the truth will come out,” on how difficult his time in charge has been.He added: “After all that’s been happening, it would be nice just to talk about football.“That’s something that’s  happened about twice since I got here 21 months ago. I’ve worked hard to correct a lot of things and I think I’ve done a very good job.”But more and more, Dyche comes across as someone who does not see himself lasting too much longer.There is also his admission that, despite the mess he has been trying to clean up, “the fans want to see a winning team, no matter what”.And through no great fault of his own, Dyche has struggled to produce winning teams, having just hit the 550-game mark as a manager.Brentford’s visit will be his 77th game in charge at Goodison, with just 25 victories.READ MORE SUN STORIESHow many more he  gets over the next sequence that ends at the  Etihad — by which time Friedkin is likely to be in charge — will almost certainly decide his future.Dyche, facing that nightmare fixture schedule, may well need a Christmas miracle of his own to survive the entrance of Moshiri’s successor. More

  • in

    Sean Dyche set to be handed January transfer war chest as incoming Everton owners put faith in under-fire manager

    EVERTON’S prospective new owners have committed to giving Sean Dyche significant transfer funds in January.Friedkin Group representatives held talks with Toffees’ sporting director Kevin Thelwell since the £500million takeover deal was revealed last week.Sean Dyche will get a transfer-kitty boost if a takeover goes throughCredit: RexUS billionaire Dan Friedkin is closing on a buy-outCredit: GettyThe American investment group, who also own Italian side Roma, are understood to have provided assurances that cash will be  available for boss Dyche.And Everton are hopeful the Friedkin Group’s takeover will be approved by the Prem before Christmas. The Merseyside outfit have no short-term funding problems as they have received most of their Premier League TV money for the season up front.But a prompt takeover would give them extra spending power in January. READ MORE TOP STORIESThe Friedkin Group spent heavily at Roma and indicated they are willing to provide similar backing to Everton, as long as the club remain within the Premier League’s PSR limits.The new owners are also committed to investing in Everton’s non-football departments and increasing the size of their executive team.Everton were docked points twice last season after being found guilty of overspending. But the club are confident they will not face charges for last term and have room to sign players in January’s window.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere is one outstanding issue relating to the previous case, with the Premier League claiming Everton’s PSR breach for the 2022-23 season was £6.5m higher than the £16m overspend the club admitted to.The Prem is alleging the breach was much higher as interest payments related to the club’s new stadium were not included in Everton’s spending and could charge them again.The mess Everton are in explainedMeanwhile, incoming TFG will look to clean up the club’s balance sheet and cut debt of about £600m.They will also oversee the opening of the Merseysiders’ new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season. More

  • in

    Everton 2 Crystal Palace 1: Dwight McNeil inspires epic turnaround as Toffees finally secure first Premier League win

    DWIGHT McNEIL’S brilliant quickfire double gave Everton their first victory of the season.Sean Dyche’s men rose out of the bottom three with a deserved comeback triumph.Dwight McNeil grabbed two goals to turn the match for EvertonCredit: ReutersMcNeil was in the perfect place to last the winnerCredit: AlamyEagles’ keeper Dean Henderson was unable to keep the decisive goal outCredit: RexMarc Guehi deftly put Palace in front after just 10 minutes.Everton failed to fully clear a corner, enabling Adam Wharton to cross, Maxence Lacroix to nod down and Guehi to smash home.But McNeil turned the match soon after the break.The winger burst through for a brilliant finish.READ MORE TOP STORIESSub Jack Harrison then raked in a tasty centre to the far post for McNeil to take well and lash the winnerEverton proceeded to push for a third strike – but had done more than enough for a pressure-easing victory.Oliver Glasner’s Eagles wee two different sides – looking assured before the break, they were close to claw-less in the second period.Palace have now picked up just three points from six games.Most read in FootballGuehi hails his early opener at Goodison ParkCredit: ReutersMarc Guehi poked a breakthrough goal for Crystal Palace on 10 minutesCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model More

  • in

    Dan and Ryan Friedkin forced to release shock statement on Roma website after announcing Everton takeover

    EVERTON’S potential new owners have released a statement on the website of AS Roma, who the Friedkin Group also own.It was announced on Monday afternoon that US billionaire Dan Friedkin had agreed to buy Everton – two months after their original £800million offer fell apart over debt concerns to Miami investment firm 777.Dan Friedkin has agreed a deal to buy EvertonCredit: GettyBut he and brother Ryan have released a statement addressing Roma – the other club the group ownCredit: GettyBut after entering exclusive negotiations, the Toffees now look set to have a new majority owner after TFG and departing owner Farhad Moshiri struck a deal over the weekend.A TFG spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club.”We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction.“We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, while TFG are set to buy Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the Premier League team, there were concerns from Italy regarding their focus on Serie A side Roma.The Giallorossi have endured a tough start to the season which prompted the sacking of club legend Danielle de Rossi.And following the news of their Everton takeover, brothers Dan and Ryan Friedkin released a statement on Roma’s website addressing concerns.It said: “Football is admired around the world as the beautiful game. Each match is filled with passion, excitement and unpredictability – and that’s why we love it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But beyond the results on the pitch, our responsibility as club owners is to make big decisions that we believe are in the best interest of the club, even when they are very difficult to make…”We remain active investors in the sports industry. We love the beautiful game. The potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma. Sean Dyche forced to bring list of injured Everton stars to press conference with only three of starting XI available “If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions. “Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished. “Our goal is clear – to see AS Roma consistently compete at the highest levels of European football.”To our incredible fans, we acknowledge the immense responsibility we bear in leading this historic club. Your unwavering loyalty fuels us as we continue building for the future. Dan and Ryan Friedkin Roma statement in fullFootball is admired around the world as the beautiful game. Each match is filled with passion, excitement and unpredictability – and that’s why we love it.But beyond the results on the pitch, our responsibility as club owners is to make big decisions that we believe are in the best interest of the club, even when they are very difficult to make.The transfer signings this summer marked the beginning of a strategic multi-year project designed to bring AS Roma back to the forefront of European football. As part of this vision, the development of a new stadium, which will honor the club’s deep history, is well underway.Let us say this; we have the utmost respect for Daniele and believe he will have a great career as a coach. Maybe even one day back at Roma. The decision to part ways with him was incredibly difficult, but we made it with the belief that it gives us the best opportunity to compete for trophies this season.We remain active investors in the sports industry. We love the beautiful game. The potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma. If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions. Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished. Our goal is clear – to see AS Roma consistently compete at the highest levels of European football.To our incredible fans, we acknowledge the immense responsibility we bear in leading this historic club. Your unwavering loyalty fuels us as we continue building for the future. We value your voices and want you to know — we hear you. You are the soul of this club, and we are determined to make you proud.Forza Roma.Dan and Ryan Friedkin”We value your voices and want you to know — we hear you. You are the soul of this club, and we are determined to make you proud. Forza Roma.”According to Forbes, CEO of the Friedkin Group, Dan, is worth $7.6billion (£6.4bn).The agreement to buy Everton, of course, remains subject to approval from the Premier League, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Football Association.That process may take up to eight weeks to complete.READ MORE SUN STORIESEverton’s debt currently stands at around £600m, something TFG will look to address.The incoming new owners will also be overseeing the grand opening of the Merseysiders’ new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.They will oversee the opening of the Bramley-Moore Dock at the start of next seasonCredit: Getty More