Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast

Ahead of Everton taking on Leeds United on Saturday evening, the Royal Blue podcast have a number of key talking points to get into as Phil Kirkbride is joined by Adam Jones, Dave Prentice and Gav Buckland. First up on the agenda is the injury to Lucas Digne with the Frenchman expected to be out for up to three months. Marcel Brands' future is also up for discussion along with the potential return of fans to Goodison Park. Ahead of Saturday's visit of Leeds the panel also have their say on Marcelo Bielsa's side before ending with their usual predictions. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The View from the Gwladys Street podcast returns this week and so too did Everton’s winning form after a 3-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Host Ian Croll is joined by Connor Bennett and Ben Crawford for this week’s show. It’s a jam packed agenda as the lads look back at the Fulham victory, preview the up and coming Leeds game as well as touch upon individual performances of Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, Rodriguez, Doucoure and Iwobi. There is lots to talk about as ever with additional discussion on Robin Olsen’s Pickford ‘mind games’ and the latest opinion on Everton’s potential business in the January transfer window. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton finally got back to winning ways on Sunday....just about. A Dominic Calvert-Lewin double and an Abdoulaye Doucoure header were enough to secure a 3-2 win over Fulham after what was an extremely nervy second half. There were a good number of positives to take from the match but still clear room for improvement, making for some interesting conversation. Adam Jones is joined by Dave Prentice, Gav Buckland and Connor O'Neill to discuss Everton's formation change, defensive issues, Richarlison's return and Dominic Calvert-Lewin's incredible scoring run. Lots for the lads to talk about as ever! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Finally we're ready to welcome Everton back this weekend! The final international break of 2020 is done with and the focus can be back on club football right up until March. For Carlo Ancelotti's side, that means a trip to face Fulham at Craven Cottage this weekend, with Richarlison back involved and some positive injury news elsewhere. Phil Kirkbride is joined by Adam Jones and Gav Buckland to discuss whether Everton can back to winning ways and if the potential of a five-substitute rule could benefit the Blues at all. And, of course, there's more chat about Isco after the manager's latest comments... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton news is right at the top of the agenda for our podcast panel even during the doldrums of another international break! Adam Jones is joined by Dave Prentice, Connor O'Neill and Gav Buckland to discuss all the latest updates around Goodison Park during what has already been an interesting week. The panel are on hand to answer fan-submitted questions on the need for the international break after a particular Everton injury, formation concerns for Carlo Ancelotti and who the club's main penalty taker should now be. It's an interesting listen as ever! Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No win in four. Defeats in the last three. Nine goals conceded in four games. Key players injured or suspended. From first to seventh in less than a month. It’s been quite a painful few weeks. Host Ian Croll is joined by Mark Crotty and Neil Leahey for this week’s View from the Glwadys Street fan podcast to pick through the wreckage of the last four games. The Manchester United defeat is high on the agenda but the talk turns to more than that and how the Blues have ended up in this mini slump. Decisions from Ancelotti have come into question. With key players missing he’s unfortunately had to work with what he’s got, but could he have done more? The balance of the squad comes into question as the lads discuss and debate which formation currently suits the players Ancelotti has at his disposal. As with every fan podcast, the lads finish off with a positive despite what has been a torrid few weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton unfortunately fell to their third straight defeat on Saturday afternoon with a 3-1 loss to Manchester United. A Bruno Fernandes double and a late Edinson Cavani strike gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side all three points against a lacklustre Blues, who had initially taken the lead through Bernard. Carlo Ancelotti had key players back for the game, so what went wrong? Adam Jones is joined by Dave Prentice, Gav Buckland and Connor O'Neill to discuss defensive issues, a potential midfield dilemma, fitness concerns and another example of the treatment of Jordan Pickford. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Rodriguez, Seamus Coleman, Lucas Digne and Mason Holgate... Everton will be boosted by the return of four key players for tomorrow's visit of Manchester United to Goodison Park. But with Carlo Ancelotti admitting at his pre-match press conference that Rodriguez is not fully fit, the Royal Blue podcast wonder whether that underlines just how important the Colombian has already become to Everton? And if he has, do the Blues need more players of Rodriguez's calibre? That leads host Phil Kirkbride and regular guests Adam Jones, Dave Prentice and Gavin Buckland to discussing the merits of a move for another Real Madrid midfielder, Isco. Talk then turns to United and their under-pressure manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before the podcast ends with a discussion about Ancelotti's decision to recall Jordan Pickford, plus the usual predicitions. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Analysing Everton podcast is back to dissect the disappointing defeat at Newcastle United and ask whether it answered the question that, beyond Carlo Ancelotti’s exciting first-choice starting XI, has he got the strength in depth needed for a push for the top six? One player who Evertonians would have expected to be a regular in Ancelotti’s starting line-up is Andre Gomes. But the Portuguese’s struggles continued at St James’ Park leading our hosts David Hughes and Josh Williams to examine just exactly what he brings to the team and what his best role is. But while Gomes and his team-mates did not do themselves justice for the second match running, did Ancelotti make a rare misstep with his selection and formation? David and Josh talk that then focus on the performance of debutant goalkeeper Robin Olsen, before turning their attention to Saturday’s visit to Goodison Park of Manchester United, whose performance numbers should give the Blues encouragement that they can return to winning ways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton lost back to back Premier League matches for the first time under Carlo Ancelotti after being beated 2-1 by Newcastle on Sunday. The Blues were looking for a quick bounce back after their loss to Southampton however it wasn’t to be as a second half double from Callum Wilson was enough to secure the win for Steve Bruce’s side. Joining host Ian Croll to talk through the monstrosity that was Sunday afternoon is Rob Astell, John Howard and Matthew Barry. The lads discuss the Pickford omission, the Andre Gomes problem and try to figure out how Carlo Ancelotti got it so wrong against the Magpies. Despite defeat the lads look at the positives with key personnel yet to return and a big game against Manchester United up next to get the ball rolling again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton suffered back-to-back league defeats for the first time under Carlo Ancelotti with a 2-1 loss at Newcastle United on Sunday. A much-changed Blues line-up caught the eye of many before the match, but couldn't produce the necessary performance on the pitch. A double from Callum Wilson was enough to cancel out Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late strike, with Ancelotti's side struggling to create throughout. That left a lot for our panel to discuss. Adam Jones is joined by Dave Prentice, Gav Buckland and Chris Beesley to talk over Everton's formation change, how Robin Olsen's debut affects Jordan Pickford and the defensive frailties on display for the Blues. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following on from the launch of his book: A Grand Old Team To Report, Dave Prentice sits down with Phil Kirkbride and Adam Jones for a special offering from the Royal Blue podcast. The guys look through some of the highlights of the book, including the controversial sale of star striker Duncan Ferguson to Newcastle United under the nose of Walter Smith, plus Prenno's rapport with David Moyes and a number of other high profile characters during his time reporting on the Blues. The guys talk through Prenno's career covering Everton, the access to players and being involved in pre-season tours - as well as a couple of tales having gone out socialising with the players during the 90s.For 40% off and to get your copy of A Grand Old Team To Report, head to the Reach Sport bookshop by following this link: https://reachsportshop.com/book/a-grand-old-team-to-report-45-years-following-everton-football-club/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of Everton's visit to Newcastle United we talk team news, formations and fringe players looking to impress for Carlo Ancelotti. Prior to Sunday's game, Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice and Adam Jones to react to Carlo Ancelotti's press conference, preview the game with the Magpies and discuss Everton Women's FA Cup Final with Manchester City, which also takes place on Sunday. With James Rodriguez ruled out of contention for Sunday's visit to St. James' Park, the panel look at what options are open to Ancelotti, including a change of formation which may suit Niels Nkounkou with the Frenchman set to start in place of Lucas Digne. Plus, with the Women's Cup final set to take place on Sunday, the guys also look at Alisher Usmanov's latest sponsorship involvement. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the Blues suffered their first defeat of the season, Analysing Everton is back to look over the result against Southampton, why things went as they did before getting onto the weekend's visit to Newcastle United. Join David Hughes and Josh Williams as they look into Carlo Ancelotti's Alex Iwobi 'test', why he may be better suited elsewhere in the Everton system and how much Richarlison was missed. Moving on, Dave explores the underlying numbers after the first six games of the new season to get a grasp of where the Blues' season is heading. Plus the guys preview the weekend's game with Newcastle and look into why they over-perform their xG and why Everton must be wary. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s View from the Gwladys Street podcast, Ian Croll is joined by Tom Clarke from the Toffee Blues and Graham Callaghan. The Toffees' unbeaten start to the season came to a crushing end at the hands of Southampton with a 2-0 defeat. Disappointing to say the least but we must remember Carlo Ancelotti’s men sit top of the table after a strong start to the campaign. Everton not only had to contend with defeat but yet another straight red card was handed out to Lucas Digne – a decision which caused plenty of debate. James Rodriguez, who didn’t have his best game for the Blues, was seen clutching his hamstring as well. Certainly not how Everton wanted to spend their Sunday afternoon down South, but with Newcastle up next, the players must now regain their focus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unfortunately, Everton were dealt their first defeat of the season this weekend. Southampton came away with a 2-0 win from the Blues' latest match, with things compounded in the second half by Lucas Digne's controversial red card. But, our Royal Blue podcast panel weren't about to let one bad day at the office get them down about Everton's beginning to the season. Adam Jones was joined by Sam Carroll, Dave Prentice and Gav Buckland to discuss the defeat to Southampton, Carlo Ancelotti's problems in replacing both Richarlison and Seamus Coleman, and why Digne shouldn't have been sent off. And, the lads end on a positive, upbeat note - which is worth sticking around for! Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Hughes and Josh Williams return for the latest instalment of their Analysing Everton tactics podcast – and they start by taking a deep dive into the 2-2 Merseyside derby draw with Liverpool at Goodison Park last weekend. Steering clear of the controversy surrounding you know what, our hosts analyse the performances in particular of Jordan Pickford, James Rodriguez and Andre Gomes, while paying aCristiano Ronaldo-sized compliment to the on-fire Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Talk then turns to Sunday’s trip to Southampton where Everton will be without Seamus Coleman, Richarlison and possibly Rodriguez, too, although the latter’s chances of playing have improved since this podcast was recorded on Friday morning. Shorn of at least two of his key men, should Carlo Ancelotti stick with the formation that has taken the Blues to the top of the Premier League or should he mix it up? And who will come in for Richarlison and – hopefully not – Rodriguez? That’s all discussed in an Everton must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Phil Kirkbride is joined by Adam Jones, Dave Prentice and Gavin Buckland for the Friday edition of the Royal Blue podcast and they start by discussing the big news from Carlo Ancelotti’s press conference that James Rodriguez could actually be fit for Sunday’s trip to Southampton after all. Earlier in the week Everton boss Ancelotti had cast doubt on the Colombian’s chances of featuring at St Mary’s. So in retrospect was it all a clever ploy from the wily Italian to take some of the spotlight away from Jordan Pickford? The Blues goalkeeper has come in for all sorts of criticism following his challenge on Virgil van Dijk in the Merseyside derby. But has the reaction, both on social media and in the mainstream media, gone way over the top? The panel discuss that as well as Ancelotti’s decision to keep faith with his under-fire number one for the clash with Southampton. There’s also talk and condemnation of plans for a European Premier League and praise for the incredible work Manchester Untied striker Marcus Rashford is doing to ensure children have access to free school meals over half-term. Plus there’s a quick plug for Prenno’s brilliant new Everton book, which you can order by clicking on the link below, and which we’ll soon be focusing on in a special podcast. Have a good weekend, Blues! https://reachsportshop.com/book/a-grand-old-team-to-report-45-years-following-everton-football-club/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So... another eventual Merseyside derby, then. But before getting stuck into the subject that has dominated the agenda in the 48 hours since the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, Adam Jones, Dave Prentice, Chris Beesley and Gavin Buckland kick off the latest Royal Blue podcast by actually discussing Everton's performance. Talk then, inevitably, turns to Jordan Pickford's challenge on Virgil van Dijk, and the reaction to it in the traditional media and on social media. The other flashpoints of the game are also examined, including Richarlison's sending-off, while there is praise for debutant Ben Godfrey, and particularly for Lucas Digne, whose pinpoint cross was headed in by the on-fire Dominic Calvert-Lewin to ensure the Blues of the point that kept them top of the Premier League table. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a special joint edition of the Liverpool ECHO’s Analysing Everton and Analysing Anfield podcasts as we preview Saturday’s Everton v Liverpool Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. In the blue corner we have David Hughes, and in the red corner we have Josh Williams, but despite their allegiances, they remain as objective as ever as they pick apart what could be the most intriguing derby in years. Everton will go into the 12.30pm kick-off riding high at the top of the Premier League while Liverpool will make the short trip across Stanley Park with tails between their legs after the heavy defeat at Aston Villa before the international break. Surely, then, Carlo Ancelotti will instruct his side to take the game to the defending champions? David and Josh discuss that, and use the underlying statistics to explain why this is a true battle of the best two teams in the country on form at the moment, before turning their thoughts to which areas both the Blues and the Reds will look to exploit. There’s a special look at the respective under-fire goalkeepers, Jordan Pickford and Adrian, and why their performances could be the deciding factors in the game, and there’s also analysis of James Rodriguez’s influence and why Jurgen Klopp should throw Thiago Alcantara straight in at the deep end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the night before the Merseyside derby between Premier League leaders Everton and defending champions Liverpool at Goodison Park - and the Royal Blue podcast, hosted by Phil Kirkbride and featuring Adam Jones, Dave Prentice and Gav Buckland, is here to discuss all the big pre-match talking points. From the feelings in the fan base to Jordan Pickford, and Carlo Ancelotti's approach and mentality to just what a long-awaited victory would do for the whole club, it's a must-listen. Prenno even promises Adam a bottle of bubbly if his score prediction comes in. We'll drink to that! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The View from the Gwladys Street podcast returns to the Royal Blue airwaves for the first time in a long time and after a two week international break Everton return to action on Saturday against the old enemy. Liverpool make the short journey across Stanley Park to face the table topping Toffees in an eagerly anticipated match. To preview this weekend’s encounter, Ian Croll, Rob Astell, Connor Bennett and Mark Crotty take the hot seats in the first Everton fan podcast on the Royal Blue channel since March. There’s plenty on the agenda to get through with the assessment of the season so far, derby day nerves and predictions, as well as what Carlo Ancelotti’s men can achieve come the end of the season. The lads also comment on the breaking news surrounding ‘Project Big Picture’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton’s transfer business continues to dominate the second Royal Blue podcast of the week as Phil Kirkbride is joined by Gavin Buckland and Paul Wheelock. Top of the agenda is Moise Kean and whether his loan move to Paris Saint-Germain is a precursor to a permanent exit from Goodison Park. Unless the Blues sign a replacement for Kean before the domestic transfer closes next week, the returning Cenk Tosun will act as under-study to the on-fire Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Are you happy with that? And could Tosun actually thrive at long last in the new-look Everton set-up? Talk then turns to Bernard, and those links to Roma, plus whether Carlo Ancelotti and Marcel Brands will and should look to buy again when the January transfer window opens. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After another three points, and after another two new signings, the Royal Blue podcast is back! Robin Olsen followed the expected arrival of defender Ben Godfrey on transfer deadline day and host Sam Carroll, Adam Jones (after a marathon shift!), David Prentice and Paul Wheelock discuss the loan deal for the Sweden international goalkeeper and what it means for Jordan Pickford, whose critics grew louder after an error led to a Brighton goal in Saturday’s 4-2 win at Goodison Park. The panel also discuss the Everton careers of Sandro Ramirez and Theo Walcott, who have now played their last games for the club after departing on Monday. Their exits followed that of Moise Kean, and in an otherwise impressive recruitment plan, have they left Carlo Ancelotti short up front? If they have, is the answer signing Bournemouth’s Josh King before the domestic transfer window shuts? We discuss that, plus lots more. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been another hectic week for Everton! The Blues continued their brilliant start to the season with a win over West Ham to progress to the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup, while the club's women's side booked their place in the Women's FA Cup final with a win over Birmingham City! Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice, Gav Buckland, Sam Carroll and Adam Jones to look back on those performances and the injuries to Allan and Richarlison in particular that might cause some debate ahead of the visit of Brighton this weekend. Of course, there is the matter of transfer rumours to discuss as well with a deal for Ben Godfrey edging closer, while Yannick Bolasie's future was also part of the conversation. Another lively podcast to round off a similarly busy week for the Blues! Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's second hat-trick of the season ensured Everton made it through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals following the 4-1 victory over West Ham United at Goodison Park. Reacting to the win over the Hammers, the Blues' fast-start to the new Premier League campaign, and digging deep into the numbers behind DCL's blistering form, David Hughes and Josh Williams are here with the latest edition of Analysing Everton. The guys also look into the underlying numbers and suggest there's reason to stay optimistic with Carlo Ancelotti's side's encouraging defensive statistics as well as what is happening at the top end of the pitch. Plus, they preview the weekend's visit of Brighton and Hove Albion from a statistical and tactical point of view, assessing what threats Graham Potter's side may cause. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Top of the league then top of the charts! And throw in an incredible FA Women’s Cup success, too, and it really was a weekend to remember for everyone involved with Everton Football Club. Little wonder, then, that the latest Royal Blue podcast is even more ebullient than the last one. But there’s only place host Adam Jones and guests Chris Beesley, Sam Carroll, David Prentice and Gavin Buckland can start... and that’s Evertonians getting ‘Spirit of the Blues’ above Miles Cyrus, Drake and a host of other music superstars to number one in the iTunes charts. Blues downloaded the 35-year-old club anthem in their droves after it was dubbed over the top of social media videos following Everton’s 2-1 win at Crystal Palace which, for a day at the least, took Carlo Ancelotti's transformed team into top spot in the Premier League. Naturally, that win is discussed, with focus on another goal for the red-hot Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and another impressive performance from captain Seamus Coleman, before talk turns to Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at home to David Moyes’ West Ham United. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Positivity abounds in the latest Royal Blue podcast as Chris Beesley, Dave Prentice and Gavin Buckland join Phil Kirkbride to reflect on the 5-2 Carabao Cup win at Fleetwood Town that maintained Everton’s perfect start to the new season. But first up is the need to address the one negative from what was another encouraging evening for Blues – the performance of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Carlo Ancelotti and Neville Southall have given the England number one their backing, so should everyone else too? And what appears to be Pickford’s biggest problem at the moment? Both questions are discussed and answered before talk turns to three of the best performers at Fleetwood – surprise-package Niels Nkounkou, Bernard, and Anthony Gordon. Moise Kean also had a good night as he made it two goals for the campaign. But why doesn’t he look happy? Carlo won’t be happy if Kean, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all meet his goal target, that's for sure, with the panel discussing the manager’s brilliant comments before Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace – a preview of which rounds off a must-listen podcast. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Analysing Everton returns to look back on the Blues' strong start to the new Premier League season, with the wins over Tottenham Hotspur and West Brom. David Hughes and Josh Williams analyse the performances of Carlo Ancelotti's side, how James Rodriguez has changed the dynamic for the Blues in terms of attacking output, as well as the growing influence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Plus, are a 'new' Everton emerging having won away to a top-six team as well as coming from behind to beat the Baggies? Plus, the guys look ahead to Saturday's visit to Crystal Palace. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton's great start to the season rolls on! The Blues secured their third win in as many matches in all competitions with a 5-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on Saturday. Dominic Calvert-Lewin bagged a hat trick while James Rodriguez scored his first goal for the club - and they were just two of the major points for Evertonians to discuss. Adam Jones is joined by Dave Prentice, Sam Carroll and debutant Connor O'Neill to scrutinise the club's latest victory and look ahead to a crucial Carabao Cup tie against Fleetwood Town. Stay tuned for an interesting prediction from one panel member to say the very least... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Having won both of the opening two games of the season without conceding a goal, join Phil Kirkbride, Adam Jones, Chris Beesley and Paul Wheelock as we look back on a successful start to the new campaign for Carlo Ancelotti's side, who beat Salford City 3-0 in the Carabao Cup at Goodison Park on Wednesday night to follow the 1-0 opening-day Premier League victory at Tottenham Hotspur. The panel discuss the showing against Salford, including analysing the performances of both Moise Kean and debutant Niels Nkounkou. With reports emerging that Everton did not actually pay Real Madrid a free for James Rodriguez, the guys look in more depth into the move, before previewing the weekend's action as Slaven Bilic's West Bromwich Albion head to Goodison. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a buzzing Royal Blue podcast as Adam Jones is joined by Dave Prentice, Gavin Buckland and Paul Wheelock to reflect on Everton's superb 1-0 opening-day victory at Tottenham Hotspur. New boys Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure all come in for special praise, as does the match-winner Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Andre Gomes, as the panel look back on a real statement victory for Carlo Ancelotti's side, before looking ahead to Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Salford City, and wondering whether squad rotation should come into force. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just two before Everton kick-start their Premier League season, the Royal Blue podcast is back. And host Phil Kirkbride has a host of questions for Adam Jones, Dave Prentice and Gavin Buckland to answer, including: What position should Carlo Ancelotti next target to strengthen? Which of Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure will have the biggest impact? And what constitutes a good campaign for the Blues? The panel also reacts to the breaking news that David Unsworth has a new role and that Leighton Baines will be making a quick return to the club that he served so superbly as a player. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Analysing Everton podcast is back! And with the Blues having completed the exciting signings of Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure, it could not be more perfectly timed! David Hughes and Josh Williams look at what the trio will bring to Everton, where they will fit in, and where it leaves the players they are certain to replace in Carlo Ancelotti's starting line-up. Our tactics experts also preview the opening day trip to Tottenham Hotspur, and what Jose Mourinho may have planned, and wonder where Ancelotti's new-look side could finish this season. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton don’t half find a way of pulling you back in. After a demoralising end to last season left fans wondering what the immediate future held, Evertonians are buzzing again at the prospect of what could be a momentous week in the transfer market. And so, too, is the latest Royal Blue podcast, hosted by Sam Carroll, and featuring Dave Prentice and Paul Wheelock, as they react to the news that Everton are lining up an incredible triple swoop for Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Our panellists discuss each of the potential signings, wonder how and where they will fit into Carlo Ancelotti’s system, and what benefit they could have to Andre Gomes. Enjoy – and keep your eye on the Liverpool ECHO’s website for the all the latest on the deals to sign Allan, Rodriguez and Doucoure. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice, Sam Carroll and Gavin Buckland for the latest edition of the Royal Blue podcast, which starts with a look back on the opening pre-season friendly at Blackpool. Do you take Everton's performance with a pinch of salt or do you attribute something more concerning to it? And what should we make of Gylfi Sigurdsson's comments after the match about the position he has operated in under Carlo Ancelotti? Our panel answer those questions and then get stuck into the subject on most Blues fans' lips at the moment - Real Madrid midfielder James Rodiriguez. Should Everton move heaven and earth to get a player Ancelotti clearly wants? And, if they do, which players do they ship out? Especially seeing as the Blues also remain in talks to sign Allan and Abdoulaye Doucouré. Midfield is clearly an area of the field Ancelotti wants to improve, and no doubt the Italian would have liked to have worked with Gareth Barry in his prime. The former Goodison favourite has announced his retirement from football, leading our panel to offer warm tributes to arguably one of the best transfers the club has made in recent years. There's also time to talk what role Everton have in store for Leighton Baines, now that he has also hung up his boots, as well as the new third kit and the latest on the move to Bramley-Moore Dock. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Everton kick-starting their pre-season this weekend, the Royal Blue podcast returns after its own mini summer break. But before Phil Kirkbride, Adam Jones, Dave Prentice and Gavin Buckland get stuck into Saturday's trip to Blackpool, they talk the big topic among Evertonians at present - transfers, or their lack of them. What we do know is that the Blues have pulled out of a deal for Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes but are pursuing midfielders Abdoulaye Doucouré and Allan from Watford and Napoli respectively. The panel discuss the merits of all that as well as which players could and must go to help fund what would be two big-money moves if they both came off. And there's also time to talk two former Blues, Romelu Lukaku and Ronald Koeman, who have both been in the news this week. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2020/21 season has proven to be stranger than fiction for former Everton left-back Antonee Robinson after joining Wigan Athletic last summer. Just days after suffering relegation with the Latics, the United States international sits down for a candid interview with Theo Squires to share all on a controversial season at the DW Stadium, the lowdown on how a heart problem ended any chance of a dream deadline day move to AC Milan in January, as well as enlightening insight on his Everton exit before looking to the future and his hopes of playing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It’s a fascinating listen about a remarkable season so sit back and enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just how big is the rebuilding job ahead of Carlo Ancelotti at Everton? The Royal Blue podcast team get their teeth stuck into trying to answer the burning question at Goodison, in today's episode. Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice and Gavin Buckland to assess the challenge facing Ancelotti and the worrying trends that emerged from the final part of the season. The panel wonder if the transfer window, with only a handful of signings expected, will provide all of the answers to Everton's problems or, as is more likely, will Ancelotti's coaching acumen be the bigger deciding factor next term. Systems, formations, mindset and the club captaincy are all up for discussion. Enjoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emma Sanders, Kathryn Batte and Sarah Halpin join Sam Carroll for a special Royal Blue podcast focusing on women's football. Sanders, a reporter for the BBC, features on the panel alongside Daily Mail journalist Batte and Everton Women media maestro Halpin to discuss the challenge of growing the women's game and how clubs can work with the media to allow better coverage. The trio also assess the upcoming season for Everton and Liverpool as well as their route into the media and any advice they may have for aspiring young journalists and broadcasters listening. Everton finished sixth in the Women's Super League under Willie Kirk last season while Liverpool and Vicky Jepson suffered relegation on a points-per-game basis following the early curtailment of the campaign due to coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's end of season review time on the Royal Blue podcast.Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice, Gav Buckland, Adam Jones and Sam Carroll and asks them to argue their choices in four categories.The panel make their case for Everton's player of the season, goal of the season, performance of the season and disappointment of the season. And in the spirit of debate, discussion and entertainment, the lads were asked to make sure they each chose differently in every category. Let us know if you agree with their picks and, ultimately, which one was deemed the winner. The panel finish by talking about Leighton Baines' decision to retire from football. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the final Royal Blue preview podcast of the season as host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Adam Jones, Sam Carroll and Dave Prentice to look ahead to Sunday's final game at home to relegated Bournemouth. After the panel answer Phil's question about important it is to finish such a disappointing campaign on a high, they pick the players who most need to make a point against the Cherries, who must win to stand any chance of staying up. Talk then turns to the message sent by Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti in his pre-match press conference and the need to get any transfer business done early. And, as well as usual (this time wildly positive) score predictions, Phil and Co talk about the two team who have already been promoted to the Premier League and some former Evertonians now plying their trade in the Championship who have not been as fortunate. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After four games without a win and four pretty miserable performances, excuse the latest Royal Blue podcast, hosted by Phil Kirkbride and featuring Chris Beesley and Dave Prentice, for being positively upbeat after Carlo Ancelotti’s side returned to winning ways with a well-deserved 1-0 victory over Sheffield United. There is praise for Andre Gomes’ vastly-improved display while there is a question for Blues boss Ancelotti over whether he should stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation given it brought the best out of the Portuguese, along with Gylfi Sigurdsson, who also showed signs of form at Bramall Lane. The match-winner, Richarlison, is also hailed, while Phil surprises Prenno with a stat that he can’t believe but which underlines the Brazilian’s huge potential. The panel also look at the winning goal itself and wonder whether it is the latest example of a marginal gain Everton must make the most of going forward. And of course the podcast cannot fail to mention the composed display of teenager Jarrad Branthwaite. But there are also warm words for Branthwaite’s senior centre-back partner Michael Keane, who since the restart, has certainly grown in stature. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Phil Kirkbride is joined by three former Everton youth-team players for this special Royal Blue podcast – Plymouth Argyle midfielder Conor Grant, Macclesfield Town winger Ben Tollitt, and the Liverpool ECHO’s own Sam Carroll, who pulled on the shirt of his beloved Blues before moving into journalism. The trio talk about how they came to be signed by Everton, and the buzz at achieving what so many young players dream of doing, but also just how hard it is to take the next step in what, at even a young age, is a fiercely competitive environment. There is the disappointment of leaving the Blues, but also great stories of great times, friendships, coaches and parents. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been another difficult week at Goodison as Everton limp towards the end of the season and the Royal Blue podcast panel are back to try and make sense of it. Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice, Gav Buckland and Adam Jones as they reflect on a 1-1 draw at home to relegation-threatened Aston Villa and analyse why the Blues could only muster one shot on target. The fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin is discussed as are the chances of Moise Kean featuring more before the end of the season - why won't Carlo Ancelotti start him? Would having Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the team on Thursday night have made a difference? Everton want the Southampton midfielder and the lads look at how he would potentially fit into the team. One of few positives to emerge from the game with Villa was the performance of Jarrad Branthwaite and the panel talk about his potential before finishing this week's pod with a look at Monday's trip to Sheffield United who have the stinging criticism of manager Chris Wilder ringing in their ears. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue podcast returns and, unfortunately, there is another defeat for our panel to dissect. Everton were dreadful on Sunday as they were beaten 3-0 at the hands of Wolves, effectively ending any hopes of European football next season. Adam Jones is joined by Dave Prentice, Gav Buckland and Sam Carroll to discuss the problems on display in detail. Seamus Coleman's post-match comments, Jordan Pickford's mistakes and the upcoming transfer window all are included in a lively chat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue podcast returns after Everton drew 1-1 with Southampton at Goodison Park on Thursday. Carlo Ancelotti will be pondering his midfield options ahead of the trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend and Adam Jones and Gavin Buckland joined host Sam Carroll to discuss Andre Gomes, Alex Iwobi and other issues in the central area. The importance of Richarlison was highlighted by his goal against Southampton in midweek but the panel also debate whether it is time for Moise Kean to be unleashed as Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to search for his first goal since the restart. Formation changes, rotation possibilities and transfer needs are also brought to you in the latest episode as the trio build-up to the game against Wolves in what will be a short turnaround for Everton and Ancelotti. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Everton FC reporter Adam Jones got a chance to speak to former Everton favourite Kevin Campbell ahead of tonight's visit of Southampton to Goodison Park (6pm kick-off), which fans can watch for free on Amazon Prime Video and stream for free on Twitch. Adam and Super Kev talk the impact of Carlo Ancelotti and what he needs to do next; the transformation of Dominic Calvert-Lewin this season into a proper Everton No 9, which Campbell himself was; this summer's transfer priorities and those links to Brazil great Thiago Silva; the midfield, Anthony Gordon and Alex Iwobi, and, of course, a little bit about this evening's game versus the Saints. Enjoy.You can watch Everton v Southampton at 6pm Thursday 9 July for free on Amazon Prime Video, or fans can stream the game at no cost on Twitch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Analysing Everton is back once more amidst a flurry of games for the Blues to get into some of the key statistical and analytical information around Carlo Ancelotti's side. Fresh from the 1-0 defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur and prior to facing both Southampton and Wolves, Dave Hughes and Josh Williams look back on the result in London. Coming in for questioning are two of Ancelotti's midfield men in Andre Gomes and Alex Iwobi. Both have struggled to give a cutting edge to the Blues in the final third of the pitch as we delve into the data to work out whether the individuals are underperforming, or whether it is the imbalance within the Blues' squad leading to the below par showings. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twenty-four hours after Everton's dispiriting defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, the Royal Blue podcast returns to pick the bones out of a display that had all the hallmarks of so many ones that preceded the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti. Host Phil Kirkbride, along with Chris Beesley, Sam Carroll and Dave Prentice, look at what went wrong in north London, focusing particularly on the midfield. There aren't too many positives, understandably, but the performance off the bench of Anthony Gordon was definitely one of them. However, there was absolutely nothing positive about seeing the mindless damage done to the Dixie Dean statue and memorial outside Goodison Park. The panel also have strong views on that before turning their attention to the visit of Southampton to L4 on Thursday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices