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Kristian Walsh will be here from 10am to ensure constant coverage of all things Blue, including news, great photos, nostalgia, live interviews and much more.
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Slight technical hitch – please refresh and everything should be back to normal. Pesky gremlins in the system.
Alan Stubbs’ reign at Hibernian got off to a pretty crazy start when his goalkeeper scored. Best of luck to Stubbsy up there in Scotland!
WATCH: Goalkeeper Mark Oxley scored for @HibsOfficial in a 2-1 win over Livingston at Easter Road.
https://t.co/OLYvssNwUb
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 10, 2014
Sunday ECHO columnist Lee Carsley believes the Blues are starting to see the benefits of their youth-led philosophy – and that the rest of the Premier League see them as a benchmark.
Lee writes: “There has been a strong foundation in place and we’re all seeing the benefit of it now.
“And it’s that stability that sees us able to tie down such promising young talent in the shape of John Stones.
“His extension, added to Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman, tie down not only our most promising players but ones that are pivotal to the team right now.
“They are the players that would have attracted the most attention from other clubs because of the way they performed last season.”
The former Blues midfielder also writes about Besic, pre-season results and Naismith’s generousity.
Excellent interview with one of the country’s most exciting young defenders, John Stones. The 20-year-old says the pressure of expectation, especially after being called up as standby for England’s World Cup squad, doesn’t bother him.
“I guess you have to embrace it, but I really don’t feel any extra pressure,” he says.
“I have my team-mates and the staff behind me that allow me to go out and play my game.
“The good thing around here is you never have that pressure on your shoulders.
“We are a team and take things as a team. I hope to go out pressure free and play my football.”
John Stones in action against Celta Vigo
Pre-season really doesn’t matter – but that doesn’t stop some fans from having a bit of a wobble over it, and it’s only natural. Vote in our poll and tell us if you’re worried by Everton’s winless run this summer.
It’s worth beginning with the marooned Greg O’Keeffe’s match verdict of the Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Paderborn, which sees the Blues finish pre-season without a victory.
Final scoreline for Everton was 3-1 against SC Paderborn at the Benteler Arena in Germany
Greg writes: “Just keep telling yourself – pre-season results mean nothing.
“Then remember Everton were without influential trio Seamus Coleman, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas in Germany.
“Better still, bear in mind they conceded a soft penalty and fell behind to a goal which looked suspiciously off-side.
“Got all that? Good. Now really convince yourself, because in truth Everton were far, far from convincing against SC Paderborn.”
Good morning and welcome to the Everton FC liveblog. Our man Greg O’Keeffe may not be with us yet…
Back at Paderborn airport for our second attempt at flying home. Hope it works this time
— Greg O’Keeffe (@GregOK) August 10, 2014
But we most certainly are. Or, at least, I am. We’ll be bringing all the reaction from the Blues’ defeat in Germany against SC Paderborn, as well as all the news and views coming out of Goodison Park. If somebody gets back in time to open up the shop, that is.
More football news here in a few hours, just as soon as Ive gone for some food. This site is here for all fans, so please interact by leaving a comment on any article, or by writing on the fan wall (thats the wall over there in the top right. For great special offers visit the shop, or click here to compare prices of Everton flags.