Royal Blue Mersey - All PostsIt's a grand old team to supporthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52544/royal_fav.png2024-03-18T14:39:20+00:00http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T14:39:20+00:002024-03-18T14:39:20+00:00Nott’m Forest docked four points - compared to Everton’s six - for breaching Premier League PSR Rules
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<img alt="Nottingham Forest v Everton FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/D5bIN58JV0ZPG0eXxyzqMIvvOH0=/0x0:3903x2602/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215174/1830320149.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It drops the club into the relegation zone, with the Toffees now four points clear</p> <p id="CnppyF"><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a> are now four points clear of the relegation zone after Nottingham Forest were deducted four points by an independent commission for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.</p>
<p id="mpZfvx">It sends Forest down into the bottom three and bumps Luton up 17th, with the Toffees four points clear of Forest and three ahead of the Hatters.</p>
<p id="tK2tHK">The Toffees, of course ,were deducted 10 points, reduced to six on appeal, for a breach of PSR rules. The commission report said that Forest had admitted a breach of £34.5m, significantly more than Everton’s breach of £19.5m. </p>
<p id="WJa1TL">In Everton’s appeal hearing the commission said that a six-point deduction is “the minimum but sufficient sanction required to achieve the aims of the PSR.”</p>
<p id="3bZPUp">In Forest’s case, they were given a six-point deduction too but that was reduced to four because of their early guilty plea and co-operation with the Premier League. </p>
<p id="mqOVr0">Everton initially denied their initial breach, for the 21-22 season, when they were first charged in March 2022 before eventually admitting they had done so shortly before their first commission hearing in October.</p>
<p id="3vQkoV">Everton were also accused of behaving in bad faith, though this was later thrown out after the appeal. </p>
<p id="Jrad6S">Other pleas for mitigation by Forest, including selling Brennan Johnson after the 22-23 accounting period, were rejected.</p>
<p id="azBsDS">What does this mean for the second charge? Who knows, though the case is reportedly set to be heard later this week.</p>
<p id="NT32lk">We don’t know the numbers but it seems like the tariff for punishment is three points minimum for a breach, plus three if it is deemed a serious breach, with subsequent reductions for mitigation. We have to hope Everton can win those arguments and get any punishment knocked down significantly.</p>
<p id="PjOPdf">Of course the only surefire way of staying out of trouble is to start winning some football matches, which Everton need to do quickly.</p>
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https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2024/3/18/24104773/nottingham-forest-points-deduction-premier-league-everton-appeal-relegation-zone-luton-townTom Mallows2024-03-18T06:35:50+00:002024-03-18T06:35:50+00:00Monday’s Everton News: 777 Partners latest, Harrison, Onana & Bainbridge rumours
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<img alt="Everton FC v Aston Villa - Barclays Women´s Super League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C1v6fRuKv54n0whwoor_utChwyo=/0x0:2639x1759/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214511/2089891971.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>Recapping all the Everton news from the weekend</em> </p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Toffee Bites" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Unb4uG5UMV5M8JV_oL_aBZiF5kA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24290555/ToffeBites_C_v03.jpg">
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<p id="z9pNOI"><em><strong>Your daily dose of </strong></em><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/"><em><strong>Everton</strong></em></a><em><strong> news and rumours</strong></em></p>
<p id="uoxVCv">Check out some pictures as the Blues continue their training in Portugal. [<a href="https://www.evertonfc.com/galleries/3933799/blues-up-tempo-in-training-camp">EFC</a>]</p>
<p id="WmLemA">The Premier League ruling on 777 Partners’ potential takeover will be settled this week. [<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/mar/15/premier-league-set-to-rule-on-777-partners-everton-takeover-next-week">The Guardian</a>]</p>
<p id="3766j1">Former <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a> midfielder Don Hutchinson looks back fondly on his time with the club. [<a href="https://www.evertonfc.com/news/3934242/hutchison-on-blues-stories-embracing-the-unconventional">EFC</a>]</p>
<p id="AMooiY">Everton are reportedly interest in signing Jack Harrison to a permanent deal. [<a href="https://www.teamtalk.com/news/leeds-reach-major-decision-jack-harrison-future-double-middlesbrough-transfer-discussed">TEAMtalk</a>]</p>
<p id="Hmhqun">Amadou Onana sits down for a Q&A with Belgian compatriot and Everton Women midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet. [<a href="https://www.evertonfc.com/news/3933705/belgian-blues-vanhaevermaet-onana-qa">EFC</a>]</p>
<p id="udK7e0">Everton Women fall to <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a> 2-1. [<a href="https://www.evertonfc.com/match/105026/everton-aston-villa#report">EFC</a>]</p>
<p id="tJS9lV">Barcelona will reportedly not continue their pursuit of Amadou Onana this summer. [<a href="https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/03/17/barcelona-priced-out-of-move-to-sign-amadou-onana/">The Hard Tackle via SPORT</a>]</p>
<p id="6mKlmb">Everton have reportedly been keeping an eye on 18-year-old <a href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com">Sunderland</a> defender Oli Bainbridge. [<a href="https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/transfer-gossip-everton-send-scouts-to-cast-eye-over-highly-rated-sunderkand-youngster-reports-4558286">Sunderland Echo</a>]</p>
<p id="NMl2lO">Reportedly the incident between Sean Dyche and Nathan Patterson has been resolved, thanks to the quick intervention of stand-in captain James Tarkowski. [<a href="https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aftermath-sean-dyche-nathan-patterson-28831766">Echo</a>]</p>
<p id="c00X2R">Everton's rivals in the relegation race Nottingham Forest are expected to hear today the result of their hearing into their Premier League profit and sustainability rules breach, with a points deduction being mooted. [<a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68590654">BBC</a>]</p>
<h1 id="iwcVV1">What to Watch</h1>
<p id="RdU1qJ">Not too much action on today. </p>
<p id="kqlqXM">Full schedule of games <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/schedules/2024-03-18/"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>
<h1 id="dtWiow">Follow Us</h1>
<p id="7H9hN6"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rbmersey"><strong>Twitter</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.threads.net/@rbmersey"><strong>Threads</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rbmersey"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p>
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https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2024/3/18/24104175/everton-news-777-partners-latest-harrison-leeds-amadou-onana-barcelona-rumours-bainbridge-sunderlandPat Mariboe2024-03-16T14:33:18+00:002024-03-16T14:33:18+00:00Goals not hard to come by for Everton's Under 21 and Under 18 sides
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<img alt="Everton U21 v Leicester City U21: Premier League 2" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t5Bge91oYoYWZxWahvIU0GAx3fY=/0x0:3341x2227/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73211604/2068994665.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charlie Whitaker finishes off a great move to score his 2nd goal | Photo by Emma Simpson - Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Stark contrast to the first team yet players “aren’t ready”?</p> <p id="S40oTd">Sean Dyche has recently declared that there is nobody at the Everton academy level that makes him think they are ready for a chance in the first team in spite of the shockingly poor goals return at senior level.</p>
<p id="Kcu5OY">It could not have been more timely then that Paul Tait’s and Leighton Baines’ young charges registered 8 goals between them this weekend for the senior manager to consider changing his mind!</p>
<p id="nnNXjn">Firstly, the Under 21s edged a thrilling 4-3 game against Leicester City at Southport on Friday evening. After the Blues had fallen behind to a Leicester penalty kick converted by Thomas, almost immediately, Mackenzie Hunt’s beautifully flighted corner kick gave centre back Reece Welch the opportunity to send a towering header past experienced Leicester ‘keeper Danny Ward to equalise, 1-1. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">23' Immediate response! Welch heads <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EFCU21?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EFCU21</a> level!<br><br>Watch live: <a href="https://t.co/nt1figbAY4">https://t.co/nt1figbAY4</a> <a href="https://t.co/tPSQtWh8eu">pic.twitter.com/tPSQtWh8eu</a></p>— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvertonAcademy/status/1766183037073547638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a>
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<p id="o8FLLd">In what was to be a topsy-turvy match, Charlie Whitaker back in great form, created and finished a sparkling move. He turned his marker superbly then followed up in the right position after he had fed Metcalfe. The latter’s well struck effort came back off the post into Whitaker’s path. Great goal, 2-1.</p>
<div id="3iOn89">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">28' Whitaker puts us ahead after brilliant work down the right - superb turnaround, Blues!<br><br>Watch live: <a href="https://t.co/nt1figbAY4">https://t.co/nt1figbAY4</a> <a href="https://t.co/9OVUy4K14p">pic.twitter.com/9OVUy4K14p</a></p>— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvertonAcademy/status/1766184401199645123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a>
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<p id="wkOhl4">Midway through the second half, disaster struck for the Toffees as two further goals by Leicester, including a second penalty, left them trailing 2-3. </p>
<p id="qqjNCg">With just 6 minutes remaining of normal time, Charlie Whitaker confidently levelled from the spot for his second of the night as the game neared full time. 3-3.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">84' Whitaker draws us immediately level with a penalty of our own!<br><br>Watch live: <a href="https://t.co/nt1figbAY4">https://t.co/nt1figbAY4</a> <a href="https://t.co/2xSI9zVT6x">pic.twitter.com/2xSI9zVT6x</a></p>— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvertonAcademy/status/1766202985456005578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a>
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<p id="zYtxz9">Jenson Metcalfe, playing in a slightly more advanced midfield position following the return of Lewis Warrington to the midfield, slotted home the 4th and winning goal in the 88th minute after a lovely run and cut back by right back Kyle John. 4-3 and jubilation for the young Blues.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">88' Metcalfe turns the game in our favour AGAIN after a superb break!<br><br>Watch live: <a href="https://t.co/nt1figbAY4">https://t.co/nt1figbAY4</a> <a href="https://t.co/5eK1ryNi0E">pic.twitter.com/5eK1ryNi0E</a></p>— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvertonAcademy/status/1766203991266836527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a>
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<p id="oflbTV">Before the match Paul Tait had spoken of the boost the returning players have had on the squad:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> ️ | "We have got a couple of boys coming back from injury. They have got a spring in their step and that has lifted the whole group."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EFCU21?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EFCU21</a> boss Paul Tait looks ahead to tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PL2?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PL2</a> game live on <a href="https://twitter.com/KickStreaming?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KickStreaming</a> ⤵️</p>— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvertonAcademy/status/1766174689217421453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a>
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<p id="qHwvV4">That’s now 3 wins out of the last 3 games for Tait’s team who have hit form with the return of a few quality and experienced players. Next up, and hoping to make it 4 out of 4, is a home match against Wolves on Friday afternoon 15th March.</p>
<p id="VhcMmS">Meanwhile, as if to knock very loudly on the door, Coby Ebere continued his goal streak on Saturday afternoon with a hat trick at Leeds United. That’s 11 goals from the 10 appearances he has made since returning from injury in December. I’d say that’s pretty conclusive evidence that he’s playing at the wrong level? I make no apology for bringing Wayne Rooney’s name up again but he barely played for the Under 21s at the time in 2002, he almost went straight from the Under 18s to the first team. He didn’t turn out too bad did he?</p>
<p id="xXi4B9">We all acknowledge it’s a big step up from doing this at Under 18 level to doing it in the Premier League but, as I have previously said, Ebere is built like a man. There is a resemblance to a young Yakubu in his build and even his style. Whilst “Feed Coby and he will score” seems a little way off becoming a Goodison chant, if you’re “good enough you’re old enough”. Everyone says that, even Sean Dyche who has, somewhat defensively, been at pains to reiterate that he blooded Dwight McNeil as an 18 year old at Burnley and has nothing against youth. It might however just be the right time to consider a left field option to cure the goal-scoring malaise in the first team. What’s the worst that could happen?</p>
<p id="nkdzlF">The match itself for the Under 18s saw the Blues go 4 goals up before Leeds United pulled one back. </p>
<p id="GSGXfg">The Toffees made a determined start and Ebere netted after Blues’ ‘keeper George Pickford caught a cross from a corner and immediately released the advancing Jack Patterson who played the ball to Ebere. He did what comes natural and ran at the Whites’ backline before curling the ball low into the far-corner to open the scoring. 1-0</p>
<p id="NcjvyE">Jacob Beamont-Clark interrupted the Ebere goal show as he slotted home just after half-time after good pressure from Martin Sherif saw him dispossess a Leeds defender inside their penalty area. The young Dutchman then unselfishly rolled the ball to Beaumont-Clark who slotted the ball home. Once again, a reminder that goals are a team effort, 2-0.</p>
<p id="tpd7k3">Ebere added his second and the Blues’ third after 60 minutes, collecting the ball inside the area to fire home after confidently dummying his way past two defenders and firing into the top corner of the net. 3-0.</p>
<p id="bOpyOK">“You know who” completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute by getting into a race with a defender. He simply wasn’t going to lose that race then slotted the ball past Baird at the near post. It followed a perfectly-weighted Patterson through ball. 4-0 </p>
<p id="FmzdcA">Despite Leeds getting a consolation goal back on 75 minutes the young Blues are creating waves and a certain Ebere is riding on the crest of them! Let’s hope he surfs into the first team manager’s thoughts?</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back-to-back wins for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EFCU18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EFCU18</a>. <a href="https://t.co/05v8A8MHsh">pic.twitter.com/05v8A8MHsh</a></p>— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvertonAcademy/status/1767193299830382681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a>
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<p id="EH5ksQ">Next up is a wait until Saturday 13th April in the eagerly awaited U18 Merseyside derby. It’s a pity (wholly unrealistic as it was always going to be) that a certain Mr Ebere wasn’t able to show the others how it’s done at the training camp in Portugal! Well done Coby, your time will come!</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2024/3/16/24097015/goals-not-hard-to-come-by-for-evertons-under-21-and-under-18-sidesGeoffrey Blunt2024-03-15T19:04:04+00:002024-03-15T19:04:04+00:00Everton Women vs Aston Villa: WSL Match Preview
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<img alt="Everton v Chelsea - Adobe Women’s FA Cup Quarter Final" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uv-V5UnSR5-tU-IJpEVR7gm7sv0=/0x62:4112x2803/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73210268/2074077596.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Stenevik: ‘We go again, on Saturday!!</p> <p id="OCYZrO">Elise Stenevik wants to reassure <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a> Women fans that the team will give absolutely everything for the remainder of the season but has admitted that Brian Sorensen’s side need to step up if they are to get ‘anywhere.’ </p>
<p id="jKoMWO">The Blues entertain <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a> this weekend at Walton Hall Park and the Norwegian is looking forward to the WSL games ahead but confesses she is tired of talking about great performances with no results to show for it. </p>
<p id="bKv74z">Everton could be without nine first team players for the fixture, with Sara and Karen Holmgaard, Emily Ramsey, Katrine Veje, Karoline Olesen, Toni Duggan and Rikke Madsen all out for the clash with the Midlands outfit.</p>
<p id="792UkW">Heather Payne and Eleanor Dale will be assessed ahead of the weekend’s encounter, but both are doubtful. </p>
<p id="X2iCql">With just one win in five league games, Carla Ward’s side currently sit two places and two points better off than the Toffees, meaning a win for the Blues will see them climb above the Villains and as high as seventh. </p>
<p id="rHG4jj">And Stenevik knows that, despite a fantastic display against Chelsea in last week’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> defeat, now is the time to step up, as the defender explains:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="0EJLRL">“On the one hand, we are pleased with the performance. We dominated Chelsea first half, how many can say that? But we are getting sick of standing here every week and saying: ‘great performance,’” she said. </p>
<p id="WEN5Z2">“We could have gone through to the semi-finals.</p>
</blockquote>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Chelsea - Adobe Women’s FA Cup Quarter Final" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SD43PTp8XzmyDE3G8gpfUIwJa4g=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25337418/2074075998.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images</cite>
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<blockquote>
<p id="dYUZpi">“These matches, we need to step up. If you want to get somewhere as a team, you have to step up in these games. </p>
<p id="LxX7P4">“It’s only the league left now, and we have so many great games to come. </p>
<p id="4HqCMC">“I’m really looking forward to it and we will give absolutely everything. </p>
<p id="jJTTNc">“And to reassure the fans, our training has been amazing and we will keep up our high standards and we believe.</p>
<p id="H3X4jS">“We go again, on Saturday!”</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="bRuM19">The Opposition</h2>
<p id="sYkrhJ">Much like Everton, Aston Villa will see this campaign as somewhat an underachievement so far, having finished fifth in the WSL last season. </p>
<p id="8nwEAn">That being said, the Villains sit just three places off sixth and will be going all out for the win on Saturday.</p>
<p id="TVRPTx">To do that, the form and fitness of England star Rachel Daly will be paramount to Ward’s team. The striker has 14 goals in the WSL this campaign and accounts for over half her side’s goals in all competitions. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Aston Villa v Bristol City - Barclays Women´s Super League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q7xQxAh-j_1xzmGvwnXChxUmVIE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25337532/1982619860.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="frFPwX">One of the WSL’s lowest scorers, the return of Adriana Leon will also be of huge boost. The Canadian has not featured for a month since she found the net in her side’s win against <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com">Tottenham Hotspur</a>, and will be keen to boost her current tally of five so far. </p>
<p id="9DnTp2">But with only Brighton & Hove Albion and bottom side Bristol City having conceded more than Villa in the league, Ward knows her team will have to be sharper at both ends of the field if they are to get a result at Walton Hall Park.</p>
<h2 id="IyaaUx">Previous Meetings</h2>
<p id="OnxSsT">Everton have the advantage so far this season in their two meetings with their visitors. Daly’s strike in November looked to have rescued a point at home against the Blues only for a Nathalie Bjorn penalty to ensure that the spoils headed back to Merseyside.</p>
<p id="RY5fpu">The two sides locked horns again in the Midlands in the FA Cup in January in what was a dominant display for Sorensen’s side, who blew the Villains away with goals for Karoline Olesen and a Katja Snoeijs’ brace. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Aston Villa Women v Everton Women - Adobe Women’s FA Cup Fourth Round" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/svTI5qJHvoz1kO4eZqu6YOiHxNU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25337560/1929857475.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emma Simpson - Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images,</cite>
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<p id="G3Cslv">it was a different story last season at Walton Hall Park though as Kenza Dali’s early strike and a Megan Finnigan own goal sealed victory for the visitors in a fixture that has usually favoured the away team in recent years. </p>
<p id="LCLYTh">This weekend will be the perfect time to change that!</p>
<p id="fotLZi">Everton Women take on Aston Villa in the WSL’s early kick off this weekend. The fixture gets underway on Saturday, 16 March, at 1pm (BST). </p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2024/3/15/24101636/everton-women-vs-aston-villa-fawsl-match-preview-stenevik-sorensenJHowEFC082024-03-15T06:56:19+00:002024-03-15T06:56:19+00:00Friday’s Everton News: Branthwaite England call up, Lampard speaks out
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<img alt="Everton v Chelsea - Adobe Women’s FA Cup Quarter Final" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/02CuZ7tNhOZexEMuZehx0XflyGY=/0x0:3917x2611/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73208756/2074071781.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>Recapping all the Everton news from yesterday </em> </p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Toffee Bites" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Unb4uG5UMV5M8JV_oL_aBZiF5kA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24290555/ToffeBites_C_v03.jpg">
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<p id="c8wqZd"><em><strong>Your daily dose of </strong></em><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/"><em><strong>Everton</strong></em></a><em><strong> news and rumours</strong></em></p>
<p id="yR9Uqn">The Blues continue their training in Portugal.</p>
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<p id="hShWE5">This past Wednesday, Bournemouth secured a historic comeback win over Luton to help <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a> in their quest for survival.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What an incredible night <a href="https://t.co/kp4lGJCB0H">pic.twitter.com/kp4lGJCB0H</a></p>— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) <a href="https://twitter.com/afcbournemouth/status/1768026585272033682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a>
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<p id="pxISZi">Everton Women forward Martina Piemonte talks about her side’s season so far and the upcoming Merseyside Derby. [<a href="https://www.evertonfc.com/news/3932201/piemontes-passionate-everton-connection">EFC</a>]</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Where our passion meets our history. <br><br>Merseyside derby tickets are now on general sale: <a href="https://t.co/DLPn72GyJb">https://t.co/DLPn72GyJb</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zfr8bfvnNl">pic.twitter.com/Zfr8bfvnNl</a></p>— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvertonWomen/status/1755894311567130685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a>
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<p id="6DculA">Frank Lampard chats about his rather tumultuous time managing the club. [<a href="https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/the-problem-now-frank-lampard-28821674">Echo via JOE</a>]</p>
<p id="hW9fhN">Jarrad Branthwaite earns his first senior call-up and joins up with Jordan Pickford for England.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here we go then.<br><br>Your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThreeLions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThreeLions</a> for March camp! </p>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1768275936011513971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a>
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<p id="A9SsYv">“<em>It’s a dream come true. To represent your national team at any level is a massive achievement, but for it to be the senior squad, I’m over the moon. I found out in training. The gaffer pulled me and told me I’ve been selected, so I was buzzing when I heard the news</em>,” says youngster Jarrad Branthwaite. [<a href="https://www.evertonfc.com/news/3932964/branthwaite-england-call-up-is-dream-come-true">EFC</a>]</p>
<p id="6InhYC">”<em>He’s played consistently well. We watched him as a back-up centre-half for the under-21s. If you said a year ago he would consistently play in the Premier League, I would have been surprised. He’s good with the ball, shows good composure, good mentality. He’s a left-footer and we don’t have many left-footed defenders. Credit to</em> (Everton manager) <em>Sean Dyche. He’s in on merit. We’re looking forward to having a look at him</em>,” says Southgate. [<a href="https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-defender-jarrad-branthwaite-receives-28819467">Echo</a>]</p>
<h1 id="7belMx">What to Watch</h1>
<p id="RdU1qJ">Plenty of action from all across the globe today. </p>
<p id="nJ7gUH">Full schedule of games <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/schedules/2024-03-15/"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>
<h1 id="gM4wi5">Follow Us</h1>
<p id="7H9hN6"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rbmersey"><strong>Twitter</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.threads.net/@rbmersey"><strong>Threads</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rbmersey"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p>
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https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2024/3/15/24100901/everton-news-branthwaite-england-call-up-pickford-southgate-lampard-speaks-outPat Mariboe2024-03-14T07:00:00+00:002024-03-14T07:00:00+00:00Thursday’s Everton News: Chelsea in for Branthwaite, Gana returns
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<img alt="Everton v Manchester City - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/toMeQbc-YPaneAhbWNqZZUZP5Bw=/0x0:5342x3561/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73205998/1293500280.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>Recapping all the Everton news from yesterday.</em></p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Toffee Bites" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Unb4uG5UMV5M8JV_oL_aBZiF5kA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24290555/ToffeBites_C_v03.jpg">
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<p id="kgMzbt"><em><strong>Your daily dose of </strong></em><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/"><em><strong>Everton</strong></em></a><em><strong> news and rumours</strong></em></p>
<p id="wvZ45v">777 Partners’ bid to buy <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a> looks to be in shambles after the meeting with the Premier League, and now news has emerged that one of their first funding partners is a Russian oligarch that has been sanctioned by the British government. [<a href="https://josimarfootball.com/2024/03/13/the-russian-connection/">Josimar</a>]</p>
<p id="60XFvV">The Toffees Portugal training camp continues in earnest. Full picture gallery here. [<a href="https://www.evertonfc.com/galleries/3932180/toffees-training-camp-graft-continues">EFC</a>]</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keeping the intensity high in Portugal! ️ </p>— Everton (@Everton) <a href="https://twitter.com/Everton/status/1767883309005357264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a>
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<p id="ezqUsY">Idrissa Gueye is back on the pitch and is training with the first team squad in Portugal, as evidenced in the picture gallery released above. </p>
<p id="nYJIFn">Former Everton midfielder Davy Klaassen missed a penalty last night in the shootout as <a href="https://www.intothecalderon.com">Atletico Madrid</a> knocked out his <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com">Inter Milan</a> side from the UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>. </p>
<p id="nov8Pe">Here are three players that the writers at the Echo feel need to step it up and get the Toffees away from the relegation zone as we close in on the end of the season. [<a href="https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-three-players-need-more-28810981">Echo</a>] </p>
<p id="dizvFT">Work on the roof continues on the new Everton Stadium. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A look at the latest developments on site... <a href="https://t.co/o8YGbOlMpV">pic.twitter.com/o8YGbOlMpV</a></p>— Everton Stadium (@EvertonStadium) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvertonStadium/status/1767986986038517818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a>
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<p id="TvsBOf">Chelsea apparently are the latest club to be linked with a summer move for Jarrad Branthwaite. [<a href="https://www.football365.com/news/chelsea-rival-man-utd-interest-prem-star-scouts-instruct-moves-centre-backs">Football365</a>]</p>
<h1 id="swSS37"><strong>What To Watch</strong></h1>
<p id="TYxl6U">Europa League and Conference League matches take centre stage including <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>, <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a> and West Ham United.</p>
<p id="DKwIDj">Full schedule of games <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>
<h1 id="3S9VHk"><strong>Follow Us </strong></h1>
<p id="7H9hN6"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rbmersey"><strong>Twitter</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.threads.net/@rbmersey"><strong>Threads</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rbmersey"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2024/3/14/24100392/everton-news-chelsea-transfer-rumours-jarrad-branthwaite-man-united-gana-gueye-injury-portugal-campCalvin2024-03-13T07:00:00+00:002024-03-13T07:00:00+00:00Wednesday’s Everton News: More 777 Partners bad news, Dyche talks Portugal trip
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<img alt="Everton Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MW7ei2_v7XNf7mZ2bG6TKuHAT8U=/0x0:5870x3913/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73203130/2076439551.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>Recapping all the Everton news from yesterday</em> </p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Toffee Bites" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Unb4uG5UMV5M8JV_oL_aBZiF5kA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24290555/ToffeBites_C_v03.jpg">
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<p id="H6hms4"><em><strong>Your daily dose of </strong></em><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/"><em><strong>Everton</strong></em></a><em><strong> news and rumours</strong></em></p>
<p id="LHtyat">Check out some clips of the Blues as they train in Portugal.</p>
<div id="G4FXRQ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pL5s8ZgM4Uk?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="GxZip2">“<em>I think the first benefit is a bit of refreshing - not a physical refresh, because I think the stats are good on the team and the performances and the training schedule. With the three weeks</em> [break between games] <em>now, it’s a tough ask to just keep going in and out of Finch Farm with no outcome. There’s nothing at the end of those weeks, whereas the players are used to having that cycle of preparing, getting ready, tuning in and playing...it is good to have the whole squad and whole staff here and have that chance to breathe, assess, make sense of where we’re at and get ready for the last 10 </em>[games],” says manager Sean Dyche. [<a href="https://www.evertonfc.com/news/3931540/dyche-how-portugal-camp-can-benefit-blues">EFC</a>]</p>
<p id="IQBGAg">Hear more from Dyche on the team excursion below.</p>
<div id="TUQws5"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Ci6GWyYgvE?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="9vVREH">Check in on how <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a>’s loanees got on this past week. [<a href="https://www.evertonfc.com/news/3930301/loan-watch-tyrers-stunning-spot-kick-save">EFC</a>]</p>
<p id="6xPRzS">Latest rumours suggest that <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a> may be interested in Jarrad Branthwaite. [<a href="https://www.90min.com/posts/man-utd-real-madrid-admirers-everton-defender-jarrad-branthwaite">90min</a>]</p>
<p id="nmYfE3">Everton are not one of the ten Premier League clubs who shot down the new £900m EFL deal. [<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13188487/Premier-League-clubs-shot-EFL-deal.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=social-twitter_dailymailsport">Daily Mail</a>]</p>
<p id="44S6fc">It looks like some more information is coming out of the potential 777 Partners deal, and it's not good news either. </p>
<div id="XMUR6Q">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Football news! Everton FC bidder 777’s funding structure starts to unravel<br><br>Not just for sports fans. US insurance money was funnelled into trophy assets, throwing a spotlight on Bermudan regulators just as private equity makes the island its new home<a href="https://t.co/zMNjE4hExA">https://t.co/zMNjE4hExA</a></p>— Dan McCrum (@FD) <a href="https://twitter.com/FD/status/1767507466831491562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a>
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<h1 id="kt2DMh">What to Watch</h1>
<p id="RdU1qJ"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league"><strong>Champions League</strong></a> action continues today. Plus, Blue eyes will be locked in on Bournemouth vs Luton Town. </p>
<p id="kqlqXM">Full schedule of games <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/schedules/2024-03-13/"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>
<h1 id="GSX6uf">Follow Us</h1>
<p id="7H9hN6"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rbmersey"><strong>Twitter</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.threads.net/@rbmersey"><strong>Threads</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rbmersey"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p>
<p id="SxJlEp"></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2024/3/13/24098875/everton-news-777-partners-latest-financial-times-dyche-talks-portugal-trip-real-madrid-branthwaitePat Mariboe2024-03-12T19:51:58+00:002024-03-12T19:51:58+00:00In Memoriam: Everton League winner Jimmy Husband passes away
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<img alt="Soccer - Football League Division One - Leeds United v Everton" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/birwX38mPgVWz98EpqnoOAyerug=/0x0:2400x1600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73201975/650940388.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jimmy Husband avoiding a Jack Charlton tackle as Joe Royle looks on | Photo by Peter Robinson/EMPICS via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The unconventional forward broke the mould many years ago</p> <p id="3yRY8f">Less than 2 months after the sad death of <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a> legend <strong>John Hurst</strong>, one of his team-mates <strong>Jimmy Husband</strong> also sadly passed away this weekend. The 76 year old unassuming Geordie had his best years in the blue of Everton and he was a very popular player with supporters who watched their football in the late 60s and early 70s. I was one of them.</p>
<p id="2ZHcsm">For the record, Husband played 165 games scoring a very healthy 44 goals for Everton between 1965 and 1973 though his early appearances were infrequent due to the status of those ahead of him. His heyday was most definitely 1968 to 1970. He won the old First Division championship in 1970 and had appeared in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> Final of 1968 and also played in the equivalent of today’s Champion’s League. It remains my favourite period as an older Blues supporter and Husband was an integral part of the team.</p>
<p id="otaRNt">His trajectory into the first team had started at the tender age of 18 but then stalled as football and its formations underwent major tactical change. His debut in 1965 as an old-fashioned inside forward, inside right to be precise, pre-dated the overhaul to English football which was introduced by former England manager Sir Alf Ramsey. His England team, known as “The Wingless Wonders” of course went on to win the World Cup the year following Husband’s debut and 1966 onwards saw the gradual disappearance of conventional wingers from a lot of teams. Top sides like <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a> and <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> continued their use of wingers for a few years but Everton were an innovative club in the 60’s and quickly adopted what we would all recognise now as a 4-3-3 formation. The famous “Holy Trinity” midfield 3 of Ball, Kendall and Harvey were at its core. We did have an old-school left winger in hardman Johnny Morrissey but from 1968 onwards on the other “flank” we had Husband. Up front, as centre forward, was the legendary Joe Royle.</p>
<p id="YOEthL"><strong>What type of player was Husband and how did he adapt?</strong></p>
<p id="f2TB0n">The lost position of “inside right” for those less familiar with the term was applied to players who, as the name suggests played just inside of the outside right or “right winger” a term which is still in use today.</p>
<p id="CsL8lH">His slow start in Everton’s first team was due to the irreplaceable Alex Young known as “The Golden Vision” who had played as a centre forward in the successful teams of the early to mid 60s but had been moved wide to accommodate the much stronger Joe Royle. Young was so adored by the Goodison fauthful that a TV documentary by accomplished writer Ken Loach was broadcast on British TV. That was extraordinary for the era. Young was getting older however in 1967 and increasingly uncomfortable with the new formation. After 8 glorious years, he moved on from the club leaving Husband to come into Harry Catterick’s young team.</p>
<p id="rnpnNd">Husband wore #7 but he was anything but a conventional winger. The game had moved on and didn’t need that any more. The Blues had Tommy Wright as a marauding right back, very much in the mould of today’s attacking full back and, to create space for Wright to be effective, Husband would nominally play right when the Toffees were out of possession but, as soon as we had the ball, he cut inside. He’d be found anywhere behind or alongside centre forward Royle. These days you’d call it a “second striker” or “attacking midfield”. He assumed that role a lot as the Everton of 1968 to ‘70 had an awful lot of ball possession!</p>
<div id="hjjJiF"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TCs-ZLhnP1A?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="2T8oPq">Husband, known as “Skippy” because of his running style and probably after the “bush kangaroo” from the popular Australian TV series of the time, had pace to burn. Although he was often subjected to the brutal tackling of that era, he was very resilient and whereas today you might see players rolling around the pitch, he’d often cleverly ride the tackles or try to run on even if caught. A few brutal attacks on him did take their toll on him physically as knee ligaments were damaged. Derby County’s hatchet-man Dave Mackay and a kicking match at Goodison involving Greek side Panathinaikos were to blame for that.</p>
<p id="oN46yN">He did recover however after remarkably missing just 5 matches. It was only the general and rapid decline of the Blues team in 1971 following the heart attack of manager Catterick and departure of the talisman Ball that saw Husband out of form and favour. In 1973, at the peak of the sad dismantling of the league winning side, at the age of 25, he moved onto Luton Town. Then, after 5 successful seasons there, he spent a further 5 years in the North American Soccer League, initially with the now defunct Memphis Rogues, then, finally in the blossoming USA indoor league.</p>
<p id="QS59aX">In later years, Husband returned to Bedfordshire where he’d played for Luton and was a regular visitor to Goodison Park where fans fondly remembered him from his days as that elusive hard-to-mark forward of those great footballing years.</p>
<p id="gMxz6D">He leaves behind the surviving members of that golden era such as former Blues players and managers <strong>Colin Harvey</strong> and <strong>Joe Royle, </strong>right back <strong>Tommy Wright</strong>, left winger <strong>Johnny Morrissey</strong>, centre back <strong>Roger Kenyon</strong> and forward <strong>Alan Whittle</strong> (uncle of recent Everton player <strong>Tom Davies</strong>). Other surviving members of the squad for those 2 or 3 seasons include midfielder <strong>Tommy Jackson</strong>, full back <strong>Frank D’Arcy</strong> and left winger <strong>Gerry Humphreys. </strong>They played some part in the success although, Jackson aside, their chances were very limited given the strength of the first team. </p>
<p id="RADsPW">RIP Jimmy Husband (Skippy), you rode the tackles well and will be fondly remembered by supporters of a certain vintage like myself. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rTuDJTAHEBrbV5j6jaOEbDzJ_Ks=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25329397/1093147174.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jimmy Husband pictured 5 years ago at a half-time presentation at his beloved Goodison Park</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rUy9VL"></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2024/3/12/24096554/in-memoriam-everton-league-winner-jimmy-husband-passes-away-hurst-division-one-fa-cup-winnerGeoffrey Blunt