Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast

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

Following swiftly on from Everton revealing their new hummel kits ahead of the 2020/21 season, the ECHO's Everton reporter Adam Jones has been speaking exclusively with hummel Chief Brand Officer Filip Trulsson. Catch their conversation as Filip explains the lengths hummel have gone to in order to deliver a bespoke design for their first set of Everton kits. He also explains why the brand were keen to get involved with the Blues and also touches on the guided tour he was given at Goodison Park by Graeme Sharp. Plus, we ask more about the links between Everton and hummel with their famous chevrons set to don the famous Blue shirts and also how club's iconic Z-Cars anthem is the inspiration behind that idea, with its soundbar expanded and embossed in a striking manner. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Carlo Ancelotti's tactical "masterclass" to a new kit and a new signing, there's plenty packed in to this edition of the Royal Blue podcast. Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Adam Jones and Gav Buckland to look back over a win over Leicester City, look ahead to a trip to Spurs and the future in a new strip and with a new left-back at the club. The panel ask whether the midweek win has flown under the radar and praise Ancelotti's handling of a squad hit by injuries since the lockdown. The chase for Europe is talked about as is a pivotal game in that hunt - Monday night's trip to Spurs. Should the Blues be wary of a wounded Jose Mourinho, who will be smarting from the defeat to Sheffield United? Or is the Portuguese coach not the force he once was? Everton released next season's hummel home kit today, to widespread acclaim, and the lads share in their admiration for the designs. The signing of Niels Nkounkou, a free transfer from Marseille, is discussed as well as what it means in the future for Everton. Also news that Jean-Philippe Gbamin could be back for the start of next term, is also on the agenda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Having picked up seven points from nine on offer in the first three games back after the lockdown, Everton remain within reach of European-finish to the Premier League campaign. With the action now back and in full flow, Analysing Everton makes a long awaited return to Royal Blue. Join Dave Hughes and Josh Williams as they look back on the draw with Liverpool and wins over both Norwich City and Leicester City as well as discuss whether or not a European finish is out of the reach of Carlo Ancelotti's Blues. In the focus is the improvement defensive under the Italian, how set-pieces have gone from a weakness to a strength for the Blues as well as how Ancelotti continues to adapt and remain at the top of his game. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The agenda for today's Royal Blue podcast includes Yerry Mina, Fabian Delph, the visit of Leicester City, Yannick Bolasie and Jonjoe Kenny. Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Adam Jones and Sam Carroll to preview Wednesday night's game at Goodison plus discuss what Carlo Ancelotti said at this pre-match press conference, as well as all the other Blues news. Ancelotti confirmed that Mina is fit again and will be in the squad to face Leicester while Djibril Sidibe will return to training on Friday and Theo Walcott next week. But Delph remains injured and the panel talk about their frustrations over a stop-start first season at Everton for the midfielder. Confidence is high for another Everton win as the panel point to Leicester's packed start, which has only seen them draw two of their opening three league and cup games. Bolasie is also talking in a confident mood today, declaring his intention to return to Everton in pre-season and fight for his place, but the panel don't share the winger's optimism. Yet, there is greater hope that on the back of a successful season on loan at Schalke, Kenny has done enough to force his way into Ancelotti's thinking. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Buoyed by the victory over Norwich City the Royal Blue podcast team are back with a spring in their step today. Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice and Gav Buckland to look back on the 1-0 win at Carrow Road and ask how realistic Carlo Ancelotti's Europa League aims are? Also up for discussion are match-winner Michael Keane - should he score more goals than he does? - as well as the man who laid on the assist, Lucas Digne. Is the Everton left-back having a good season? The surprise social media outburst of architect Dan Meis, in which he made his feelings at no longer being "directly engaged" in Everton's new stadium project clear, is also on the agenda.The lads also discuss the news this week that Oumar Niasse and Cuco Martina will be released at the end of their contracts next week. Niasse, predictably, dominates this segment of the discussion before the pod moves onto Leighton Baines. The Blues' hero has signed a short-term extension to his contract but the club await a response to the offer of a new one-year deal. Is the wait any reason for concern? Dave and Gav have their say. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue podcast returns from home - 24 hours after the last edition! - to discuss the Premier League trip to rock-bottom Norwich City for Everton on Wednesday. Everton contested an evenly-fought encounter with top-of-the-table Liverpool on Sunday but will face an entirely different prospect at Carrow Road with Daniel Farke desperately hoping to guide his team to an unlikely escape act. Host Sam Carroll is joined by Adam Jones, Dave Prentice and Gavin Buckland as the panel pick apart Carlo Ancelotti's press conference, the line-up options available to him and the differing tactics that could be employed against the Canaries. Plus, they get into the future of Leighton Baines as that was on the agenda as Ancelotti spoke with the media ahead of the trip to Carrow Road. Norwich have enjoyed 48 hours extra rest than Everton, who will be hoping to avenge the home defeat suffered at Goodison Park under Marco SIlva in November. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue podcast returns from home to dissect the goalless draw played out between Everton and Liverpool in the 236th Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park on Sunday. Both sides were three months without football due to the outbreak of coronavirus but contested an evenly-fought encounter with Tom Davies, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin having opportunities for the home side. Host Sam Carroll is joined by Adam Jones and Dave Prentice to discuss whether Everton deserved victory, the tactics employed by Carlo Ancelotti, Seamus Coleman and the midfield performances of Alex Iwobi and Andre Gomes. The panel also talked through the impending exit of Morgan Schneiderlin to French club Nice and the news that Maarten Stekelenburg has signed a new short-term contract ahead of a summer move to Ajax, where he started his career. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Finally, Everton are back in action this weekend! The Blues welcome Liverpool to an empty Goodison Park on Sunday evening for the 236th Merseyside derby as they return to Premier League football for the first time in over three months. What a game to have first up. Adam Jones is joined by Dave Prentice and Gav Buckland to discuss just how Everton might be affected by not having the home support behind them this weekend. One player who has stoked the flames of the derby atmosphere with no fans able to be in attendance is Richarlison. The panel also discuss the Blues' injury situation and, of course, make their ever-accurate score predictions for the upcoming game! Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue podcast returned from home this week to discuss the Everton intrasquad friendly played behind closed doors at Goodison Park on Saturday. Anthony Gordon caught the eye with a goal - further strengthening his chances of being involved in the squad to face Liverpool - while Cuco Martina operated as a makeshift centre-back with Yerry Mina out injured. Host Sam Carroll asked Adam Jones and Dave Prentice their thoughts on Gordon, Martina and a host of other topics, including how a young player would react to being included for a Merseyside Derby played in front of a select crowd. With the podcast to return later in the week to look ahead to the visit of Liverpool, Luke Garbutt - who will leave this summer - and young goalkeeper Joao Virginia are also discussed. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's bumper edition of the Royal Blue podcast we discuss everything from commercial deals to selling Morgan Schneiderlin. Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice, Sam Carroll and Gav Buckland to talk through the major talking points coming out of Goodison this week. We start by assessing the club's new shirt sponsorship deal with Cazoo and the merits of ending the agreement with SportPesa before moving onto the news that players, board members and other key staff have taken wage cuts and deferrals - plus a generous donation from fans that was matched by Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright. Goodison was given the go-ahead to host next weekend's Merseyside derby and we talk about how players will deal with no fans inside the ground and how Everton can overcome the challenges of making the stadium bio-secure. Carlo Ancelotti's preparations for the game have been dealt a blow this week with the news that Theo Walcott has been ruled out and Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph are concerns. The panel discuss who should play on the right-wing and conclude the podcast by talking about the futures of Maarten Stekelenburg, Djibril Sidibe and Schneiderlin, who has been the subject of interest from Nice. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Premier League have this week voted in favour of allowing teams to use five subs when the season resumes - but which Everton player will benefit the most? We ask that question and many more on the latest edition of the Royal Blue podcast. Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Sam Carroll and Gavin Buckland to discuss the use of five subs and if Carlo Ancelotti could use the final nine games of the campaign to experiment with the team. The panel discuss the Merseyside derby and argue that for the 'integrity' of the competition, the game has to take place at Goodison and not at a neutral venue. And what is the mood among Evertonians about the season resuming? The lads debate that as well as the prospect of the club selling young striker Fraser Hornby. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton were finally dealt a slice of good news on Wednesday as Leighton Baines was offered a new one-year contract at Goodison Park. The iconic defender has been brilliant when stepping into the side this term so this might not have come as a surprise, but it's certainly a welcome boost to supporters. This is, of course, after another injury was confirmed recently, with Yerry Mina picking up a thigh issue in training. Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice, Adam Jones and Sam Carroll to discuss Everton's brilliant position at left-back - compared to the potential issues in central defence. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unfortunately, just as it seemed Jean-Philippe Gbamin might play a part for Everton this season, the opportunity has once again been taken away. The midfielder has suffered another serious injury which will keep him on the sidelines for the long term as his back luck at Goodison Park continues. Phil Kirkbride is joined by Adam Jones and Sam Carroll to discuss that situation and where that leaves both the player and the club in the long run. Also on the agenda is the potential of a Merseyside derby being played both behind-closed-doors and at a neutral venue - which causes a very interesting debate. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton are facing up to a new transfer reality because of the coronavirus crisis. Planned spending looks as though it will have to be reined in and frees, loans and swaps could dominate the market when it opens. And on today's podcast, host Phil Kirkbride asks Sam Carroll and Adam Jones how confident they are that the Blues can still find the right players to improve the squad. We also look at a developing trend in the Bundesliga where there have only been three home wins in 22 matches, since the league resumed. So how concerned are the lads about the potential impact Everton could feel when games at Goodison are played behind closed doors, too? And in the final part of today's podcast, we assess the comments from Jean-Philippe Gbamin as he sets a target of playing again this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we tackle your questions on the Royal Blue podcast. Listeners put a whole host of topics on the table for host Phil Kirkbride, Adam Jones and Sam Carroll to get their teeth stuck into. There were questions on the new kit deal with Hummel, future shirt sponsorship deals and potential pre-season tours of the US. The four key areas for Everton to target in the next transfer window, a question about the suitability of Adrien Rabiot and the future of Jonjoe Kenny. We had questions about a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, FFP, Ancelotti's system and potential rule changes. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all about the past, present and future on today's Royal Blue podcast. On the anniversary of Everton's 1995 FA Cup win, we ask why supporters are conflicted by the date and the panel discuss what has got to happen to bring silverware back to Goodison. Host Phil Kirkbride opens the podcast by talking about the day's breaking news, that Everton have struck a club-record kit deal with hummel to supply the club ahead of next season. Dave Prentice, Adam Jones and Sam Carroll shares their hopes for what the new deal could bring. And the third element of today's podcast, sees the lads talk through the latest developments in Project Restart, the league-wide testing, a return to training and the prospect of behind closed doors games. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue Podcast returns - from home - to discuss the latest talking points surrounding Everton and the return of Premier League football. Host Sam Carroll is joined by Adam Jones and Dave Prentice as the trio dissect European Cup Winners' Cup glory, the latest government comments about the Premier League and talented prospects coming through the ranks at Goodison Park. Everton lifted the Cup Winners' Cup 35 years ago on Friday and Prentice delivers his memories of the victory over Rapid Vienna while Jones is encouraged by the willingness of current players to get behind the Howard's Way documentary film. A statement made by culture secretary Oliver Dowden about the Premier League returning in June is pondered while the podcast also discusses which partnership from different eras of modern Everton history they would like to have seen turning out together. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The government has given the Premier League the green light to restart the season in June but the big question that kicks off this latest episode of the Royal Blue podcast is: should we be even talking about playing football again? Host Phil Kirkbride, Adam Jones and Chris Beesley also discuss the issues of playing out the campaign at neutral venues, and what will happen if or, in more likelihood, when a player gets tested positive for coronavirus once the action resumes. And what should Everton do about Oumar Niasse, Cuco Martina and Martin Stekelenburg, whose current contracts will expire before the season ends? And should the Blues wrap up a deal for the on-loan Djibril Sidibé? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The second part of our 1990s special begins with the appointment of Joe Royle as Everton manager. His impact was immediate, and lasting, as he kept the Blues up and then won the FA Cup. Everton would just miss out on qualifying for Europe the following season as a revamped squad, with Andrei Kanchelskis scoring 16 times in the league, looking like they would revive the club's fortunes. But the 1990s would prove a troublesome decade for the club and as the team's form dipped, a meeting between Royle and owner Peter Johnson would set about more dramatic change. Host Phil Kirkbride is, once again, joined by Dave Prentice and Gav Buckland to discuss the second-half of the decade which saw Kendall's second comeback, another last day survival job and the arrival of Walter Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our latest Royal Blue podcast special sees us tackle the 1990s at Everton. In part one of our look at the decade, host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice and Gav Buckland to look at the birth of a new decade, right up until the sacking of Mike Walker. As with our 80s specials, Prentice and Buckland provide wonderful insight, commentary and knowledge about a turbulent period of the Blues' history. This first part of the 90s would, eventually, pave the way for Joe Royle to lead the club to 1995 FA Cup success, but before that came hirings, firings and a survival battle on the final day of the season. With tales of signings that didn't happen, tales from the press box and more, this podcast is the first of two parts on Everton in the 90s. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue Podcast returns on lockdown to discuss the fall of Marco Silva at Everton and the loss of Idrissa Gana Gueye as well as the next steps for Jean-Philippe Gbamin. Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Adam Jones, Dave Prentice and Sam Carroll as they reflect on the one-year anniversary of the 4-0 victory over Manchester United at Goodison Park. The win is hailed as the high-point of Silva's short tenure and the panel assess whether the transfer of Gueye to Paris Saint Germain hindered Everton more than initially expected. Gbamin and his return to action is also on the agenda as well as assessing the performances of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as he faces scrutiny over his position as number one for club and country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton legend Graeme Sharp’s call for the Premier League to be scrapped is one of the big talking points of the Royal Blue podcast. Adam Jones, Dave Prentice and Chris Beesley also discuss the future of Gylfi Sigurdsson with reports suggesting the Blues will have to take a huge loss if they choose to sell the Icelandic midfielder. And also on the agenda is two famous FA Cup semi-finals that took place on this day in years gone by – one we’re quite happy never to talk about again, and the other we’ll never stop talking about. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A special Royal Blue podcast as we also get the view from across the park on furloughing staff, players’ wage cuts, the prospect of behind-closed-doors football, and changes to the transfer market. Days before Everton were set to welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park, the Premier League was shut down, which it continues to be. So, to replace the derby that never was, Royal Blue regulars Phil Kirkbride and Adam Jones are joined by Paul Gorst and Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool ECHO’s Blood Red: Liverpool FC podcast for a Merseyside take on the big issues surrounding our clubs and football worldwide. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton's 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the 1995 FA Cup semi-final is regarded as one of the Blues' greatest-ever displays - particularly in a big game - and the best performance of Joe Roye's tenure as manager. April 9, 2020 is the 25th anniversary of the match at Elland Road and in a Royal Blue podcast special, Chris Beesley speaks to Matt Jackson - scorer of the opening goal that afternoon. The former Blues right-back discusses why he believes his side enjoyed a psychological advantage before a ball was even kicked, his header from Andy Hinchcliffe's corner kick, the mystery behind super super Daniel Amokachi's introduction into the game and the delight of 'The Dogs of War' at denying the so-called 'Dream Final' between Spurs and the previous season's double winners, Manchester United. Jackson also offers his opinion on the current Everton side under Carlo Ancelotti and what he really thought about his old team-mate Duncan Ferguson going into management. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the second part of our special look at Everton in the 1980s. In part one, we looked at the years that came before Howard Kendall's side won league titles, European honours and domestic cups - and how a relegation fight at the start of the decade would ultimately lead to success. In part two, we look at how a changing Everton tried to live up to the expectations and standards set by that great team of Kendall's, after the manager left for Bibao. Host Phil Kirkbride is, again, joined by Dave Prentice and Gavin Buckland to talk us through the first two-and-a-half seasons of Colin Harvey's reign, the players from the title-winning era, the new ones, a British record signing and much more. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Still no football to speak of so this week we are going to do some short-term reminiscing. Thursday December 5th 2019 was the day Marco Silva’s tenure at Everton Football Club came to an end. That after the final straw of a humiliating 5-2 derby defeat to Liverpool. We all know what happened after that with the short-term appointment of Duncan Ferguson and the then permanent appointment of Carlo Ancelotti. But we are hear this week to discuss and debate on Marco Silva and where it all went wrong. This week’s podcast includes, Ian Croll, Rob Astell and Graham Callaghan. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the first of a two-part podcast special on Everton in the 1980s.But here we focus not on the great Howard Kendall side that won league titles, lifted a European trophy and won an FA Cup, but on the years before and after that.Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice and Gav Buckland to talk about Everton entering the new decade and how they began to lay the foundations to build one of the finest sides Goodison has ever seen.From Gordon Lee, his sacking, important signings, the appointment of Kendall and much, much more, the Royal Blue podcast talks through the first part of Everton in the 80s. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue Podcast returns - in lockdown - to discuss when the Premier League could return from the current hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.From their respective homes, host Phil Kirkbride is joined by David Prentice, Adam Jones and Sam Carroll as the suspension of the campaign is mulled over following reports action could return in a TV 'mega event' to boost morale and complete the season.Kirkbride also asks his guests about players who failed to fulfil their potential at Goodison Park as names such as Kevin Mirallas, Gerard Deulofeu, Luke Garbutt and Jack Rodwell are mentioned.The Royal Blue Podcast will return later this week and you can send your own questions to the panel on Twitter via @SamCarroll0 or by joining the Royal Blue Podcast group on Facebook. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Still no football to speak of due to the coronavirus pandemic so we thought it was a good time to look back over the season and rate and grade Everton’s first team squad so far. Ian Croll is joined by Rob Astell and Ben Crawford for the latest View from the Gwladys Street podcast to share their thoughts and opinions on how Everton’s current first team have rated individually. The conversation starts with the latest reports coming out on the Premier League return but stay tuned for some interesting ratings out of 10. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time for part two of us answering your questions on Everton.The Royal Blue podcast is back, from across the city once again, to discuss all things at Goodison Park in the continued absence of football.Top of the agenda for Phil Kirkbride, Adam Jones and Dave Prentice is the right back situation and whether Jonjoe Kenny has earned an opportunity next term.Under-appreciated players, midfielders and potential loan exits are also discussed by our panel - and don't forget to send your questions in through Twitter and Facebook if you want to be involved! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Croll and Connor O’Neill return to the Royal Blue table to answer your questions in this week’s Agenda Podcast. Moise Kean, Carlo Ancelotti, Leighton Baines, Lucas Digne, Coronavirus and Roberto Martinez all feature. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Royal Blue podcast is back and are answering your questions on a wide range of topics. Phil Kirkbride is joined by Adam Jones, Sam Carroll and Gavin Buckland to talk about realistic transfers, Netflix recommendations, and which Everton players you would want to isolate with. Be sure to get your questions in on Facebook or Twitter for future episodes! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The show goes on!Our Royal Blue podcast panel are scattered around Merseyside and Wirral while working from home, but there is still lots to discuss in the world of football.Phil Kirkbride is joined by Adam Jones, Chris Beesley and Sam Carroll from the comfort of their own homes to discuss the extended suspension of Premier League football and how that might affect Everton in particular.The lads also discuss Steve Walsh on his return to football, looking back on his best and worst signings during his time as the Blues director of football.Our podcasts will not be going away! So stick with us and keep safe. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The conversation in this week’s fan podcast should be centred around the Merseyside derby. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case as the world faces an unprecedented crisis with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. All Premier League football has been abandoned to the earliest date of April 3. How likely football is to return for that time still remains uncertain. Ian Croll and Rob Astell are the only two on this week’s show. The lads sit down with mic in hand to discuss the past week and what they think and should happen moving forward. Stay safe people. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices