Rumours of Umbro’s demise appear exaggerated with the announcement of Everton’s deal with the sportswear company. The Toffees will wear the famous double diamond brand from the start of next season as part of a new five-year partnership.
“He’s English on the outside, but, pure Irish on the inside.” The elderly woman in the ‘Western’ pub in Liverpool was referring to her grandson, Wayne Rooney. Most are Toffees in this part of Merseyside and Aiden McGeady’s arrival at Goodison Park to bolster the green contingent is a reminder that traditionally Everton were the Irish club in the city. The common football phrase “Taxi for” even owes its origins to a former Irish manager.
While Sky Sports are busy drooling over Ross Barkley, his Everton teammate Seamus Coleman has been making headlines of his own. A cracking goal against Swansea last week, followed by another screamer against Southampton took the Irishman’s tally to five. Could Donegal’s finest be the next Gareth Bale?
Everton have revealed the new club crest that will adorn the jersey next season, after a consultation process involving over 20,000 fans.
When Everton decided to change their club crest ahead of the new Premier League season, they were met with a backlash from fans. Among other items, the club motto ‘Nil Satis Nisi Optimum’ – ‘nothing but the best is good enough’ – was removed. Such was the reaction that the Goodison Park outfit took the decision to choose a new emblem in consultation with the fans. The voting process is almost at an end with the choices narrowed to three.
“I do regret not playing but I was embarrassed and I was so angry that I didn’t actually get on the pitch for even a second at the Euros, I just felt I couldn’t come back and play for him again.” – Darron Gibson tells the Irish Independent.
“He is a credit in the way he behaves and the way he performs. All in all, he could potentially be one of the top midfielders in European football” – Roberto Martinez sings the praises of new recruit James McCarthy as he tells evertonfc.com.
He’s been called Ireland’s answer to Gareth Bale and in their tussles in the Premier League to date, he has often come out on top. Seamus Coleman’s ability to attack and influence the play is one of the key reasons Irish fans hold some hope we can defeat Sweden at home and take a massive step towards the World Cup in Brazil next year.
If Fergie was a god in the red half of Manchester, it remains to be seen if his successor David Moyes can keep the Red Devils in the promised land. Does landing his first trophy matter? Irish Mancunian Dan Mellett explores what the Community Shield success means for the new boss, observing that even Christ himself didn’t have to follow Alex Ferguson.
Seamus Coleman and Darron Gibson show off the new Everton Nike away kit. Tipperary anyone?