Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast

This week’s fan podcast is a must listen. Over an hour long, it’s full of discussion, debate, passion and differing opinion on the current hot topic, Marco Silva. It is definitely one not to miss. The first half is good but the second half is even better. And actually shows why there isn’t an easy answer to all of Everton’s problems.Host, Ian Croll is joined by Graham Callaghan, Mark Crotty and Connor O’Neill who offer differing views on where they believe the club currently are at this moment in time. Things aren’t great, 10 defeats out of 16 games in all competitions is testament to that. A slump which dates back to December and the Merseyside Derby defeat. With an extended mid-season break due to the cup exit in full effect, what must Marco Silva do to ensure his side are fully prepared to face Cardiff at the end of the month? Are the players in the current squad good enough? Is Marco Silva getting enough from his players? What’s up with Theo Walcott and is Gylfi Sigurdsson part of the problem? Unfortunately, as the show overran, there wasn’t enough time to read out the fan questions at the end. Apologies for that in advance. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bear with us, but let's look for the positives.At least Everton don't have a game now for 17 days, and more importantly, and at least they have 33 points on the board.Because, as things stand, and by having a quick look at a daunting fixture list, you cannot see where they are going to pick up many more points from.The Blues may be ninth in the table but there is no question they are in freefall with the 1-0 defeat at Watford meaning they have now lost 10 of their last 16 matches in all competitions.And this latest reverse may have been the most painful one yet for manager Marco Silva given the taunts he faced before, during and after the game from the supporters of his former club.But what about Evertonians?Well, after we get the verdicts of Phil Kirkbride and Chris Beesley, who was alongside our Everton FC correspondent at Vicarage Road, we hear from the Blues fans who left comments on our Royal Blue Facebook page (click HERE to join), before host Paul Wheelock speaks to Max Carlyle, this week's view from the stands. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue podcast is back, and surprise, surprise, Saturday's match with Watford is top of the agenda.Now a trip to Vicarage Road will never be considered one of the biggest of Everton's season.But unless they go all the way in the FA Cup, this feels like a final for Watford given the identity of the manager in the opposition dugout.It will be the first time Marco Silva has returned to his former club - and what is sure to be a hostile reception.Troy Deeney has done little to play down the ill-feeling and our regular host Phil Kirkbride asks Dave Prentice, Gavin Buckland and Paul Wheelock what they made of the Watford captain's comments. A bit of fun? Or something more than that?But either way, it appears the Blues are going to be in for a battle, and the panel wonder which players in Silva's squad are capable of standing up to that. They also debate just how important a game it is for the Everton manager.Richarlison, another former Hornet, is cut some slack, as is Ademola Lookman, who was bombed from the squad for the midweek loss to Manchester City. However, there is no hiding place for Theo Walcott.Phil, Prenno, Gav and Wheelo are made up that Tom Davies has found his form, but what does that mean for Everton's record signing?It's an interesting discussion with a surprising outcome... For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton manager Marco Silva has just sat down in front of the media for a press conference to preview his first return to former club Watford.The travelling Watford fans made their feelings toward Silva known during the Goodison Park clash between the sides earlier this season.But the animosity is expected to be turned up a notch on Saturday at Vicarage Road.Silva gives his opinion on whether there will be a hostile atmosphere as well as Troy Deeney's provocative comments.The Blues boss talks the form of Richarlison, who will also be making the trip to his old club for the first time, and of Tom Davies, as well as giving an injury update.You can listen to Silva's press conference in full here - and we'll be back later on Friday with the Royal Blue podcast. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So, a ninth defeat in the last 15 competitive matches, but did the way Everton play in their 2-0 home loss to the defending champions and new Premier League leaders Manchester City give reason for encouragement?To answer that question we get the big-match verdict of our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride and our Everton FC reporter Adam Jones. The Post-Game podcast then continues with every word that Marco Silva had to say in his press conference after the match.Before the show rounds off with host Paul Wheelock's phone conversation with Evertonian Connor O'Neill, who gives a fans' take on the performance, the continued set-pieces woes, the players who stood out, and the Goodison atmosphere. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue podcast is back and the comments made by Everton's majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri about manager Marco Silva dominate the agenda.Silva's position as Blues boss has come into focus after his side's miserable home loss to Wolves made it eight defeats in the last 14 games.But via his usual method of communicating - Jim White and talkSPORT - Moshiri has sought to clarify the Portuguese's position.So, has Silva been given the dreaded vote of confidence? Or is it a much-needed show of support in difficult times?Host Phil Kirkbride and guests Adam Jones, Gavin Buckland and Paul Wheelock try to answer those questions, discuss what the club's supporters make of it all, and debate whether Silva is being weighed down by the burden of history.Talk then turns to the visit of defending champions Manchester City to Goodison Park on Wednesday.A City win would take them above Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.But surely Evertonians don't want to see their team lose in order to hurt their biggest rivals?The panel have their say on that and also mull over the best way Silva can get the result that he and everyone at the club desperately need. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marco Silva admits he is under pressure after yet another demoralising defeat for Everton in what is now eight defeats in 14 games. Saturday wasn’t good. That was clear for all to see. Another set-piece goal conceded. A perceived lack of desire, lack of motivation, lack of quality, a lack of tactical knowledge. Take your pick. This was as bad as it gets.This week’s View from the Gwladys Street fan podcast has been recorded slap bang in the middle of the home defeat to Wolves and Wednesday night’s visit to Goodison Park of Premier League Champions, Manchester City. Host, Ian Croll is joined by a band of regulars in Gary Callaghan, Rob Astell and John Howard. There is a mixed response when it comes to Silva’s short-term future.Everyone knows things have to improve. But how quickly can Silva turn things around? There are some differing opinions on what Silva should do to change the club’s fortunes. With Manchester City on Wednesday following on from the Wolves defeat, things don’t get much easier. That being said, Everton have played their best football, despite not getting the results when playing against the so called Big Six.A win for Silva will go a long way to winning back some sceptical fans, while at the same time giving the Red neighbours across the park a huge boost. The podcast finishes off as ever with a number of questions submitted by fans in the Royal Blue Facebook Group. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Post-Game podcast is back to reflect on another dreadful Everton performance.The Blues suffered an eighth defeat in their last 14 matches on Saturday as they went down 3-1 at home to Wolves.And such was the abject nature of the latest reverse, the podcast’s guests pull no punches.Our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride and our Everton FC reporter Adam Jones have their say before host Paul Wheelock picks up the phone to season-ticket holder Ian Croll to get a view from the stands. It’s not pretty.And what did Marco Silva make of it all? Well, you can hear for yourself with every word the Blues boss had to say in his press conference after the game. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The dust has settled on transfer deadline day and with our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride on a well-deserved day off, and our head of sport Dave Prentice also recharging the batteries, Paul Wheelock is your stand-in host for the latest Royal Blue podcast, and he is joined by Adam Jones, our Everton FC reporter, and Ian Croll, or View from the Gwladys Street podcast host.Adam is fresh back from Marco Silva's pre-Wolves press conference and he gives us all the major talking points discussed by the Blues boss, which are then expanded upon by the panel.Idrissa Gueye's will remain at Everton until the summer at least after the club stood firm in the face of two bids for the midfielder from European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain.Adam and Ian are delighted by the way the Blues refused to be pressured into selling Gueye, who is a fitness doubt for Saturday's visit of Wolves to Goodison Park.But Paul wonders whether the Senegal international's focus is right, given his well-documented desire to join PSG, and anyway, does Tom Davies deserve to lose his place given the way he played against Huddersfield on Tuesday night?Everton lost two left-backs at the John Smith's Stadium and it means that Jonjoe Kenny is set to play out of position there on Saturday.Victory over Wolves would, in all likelihood, move the Blues up to seventh. But does the club want Europa League football?Adam and Ian have their say before all three give their predictions for the clash with the men from Molineux. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Out of the FA Cup with the season effectively over. The defeat to Millwall was then followed by victory at Huddersfield.A mixed week, with plenty to discuss on this week’s View from the Gwladys Street fan podcast. The cup debacle, the Huddersfield win, a Wolves preview and Deadline Day ins and outs. That’s what’s on the agenda for tonight’s show. Host Ian Croll is joined by Gary Callaghan, Rob Astell and Connor O’Neill who pull no punches over the cup exit. The defeat now leaves Everton facing the longest period in the club’s history without silverware. Why can’t Everton just win a trophy? Despite the negatives from the cup game, Everton responded with a 1-0 win away to Huddersfield. It wasn’t pretty by any means but the three points were all that mattered. The podcast finishes off as usual with questions submitted via the Royal Blue Facebook Group. Click HERE to join. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There had to be a response - and Everton delivered one to the shock FA Cup exit by returning to winning ways in the Premier League on Tuesday night at Huddersfield TownBut, while the result was the one most certainly required, was it the right reaction and performance?It is a question that kicks off the latest Royal Blue podcast, hosted by Phil Kirkbride, and featuring David Prentice, Adam Jones and Chris Beesley.Marco Silva's starting line-up at the John Smith's Stadium then comes under the microscope with the display produced by Cenk Tosun coming in for praise.But will it be enough to reverse the striker's fortunes at Goodison?A more immediate issue for Silva to solve is who will start at left-back on Saturday versus Wolves following Leighton Baines' injury and Lucas Digne's sending off against Huddersfield.The panel debate that before talk turns to Idrissa Gueye's potential move to Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day.Opinions are split over what Everton should do if the Ligue 1 leaders return with an improved bid for the midfielder, who was conspicuous by his absence on Tuesday.But what was encouraging was how Tom Davies played after he took the place of Gueye and the lads wonder whether the youngster is now ready for a run in the side.Enjoy - and, just a reminder, tickets remain on sale for our first ever Royal Blue Live event, taking place at the Baltic Market in Liverpool on Wednesday, February 27, and featuring Alan Myers, Michael Ball and Greg O'Keeffe, as well as Phil and Prenno.Tickets cost £5 - and include a free drink. You can buy them by clicking HERE. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It wasn't pretty, and in true Everton fashion, they certainly made it hard work for themselves, but there was no disputing that the 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday evening was desperately needed, given it came on the back of the low point of a season that has badly unravelled in the last two months.It was a win secured by top-scorer Richarlison's 11th goal of the campaign and achieved in spite of the fact that substitute Lucas Digne was sent off midway through the second half after coming on for the injured Leighton Baines.Host Paul Wheelock kicks us off before handing the reins over to our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride, Chris Beesley, who was also at the John Smith’s Stadium for us, and Blues fan Tom Clarke, who deliver their big-match verdicts.We also get the latest on Idrissa Gueye, the transfer target for Paris Saint-Germain who missed the match through injury. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton manager Marco Silva sat down in front of the media at Finch Farm on Monday afternoon to preview the Premier League trip to basement boys Huddersfield Town.But, inevitably, a lot of the focus centres on the embarrassing FA Cup exit to Millwall and the fallout from it.The three goals that Everton conceded at The Den came from set-pieces, and Silva is quizzed on his side's inability to deal with dead-ball deliveries into the box, as well as their general form.He also gives an injury update on Yerry Mina and confirms that the club has turned down a bid for midfielder Idrissa Gueye.And, in a lengthy press conference, which you can listen to here, he also reveals what has been said to him by the Goodison powers that be, as well as insisting that now is not the time to panic. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bad couple of months got a whole lot worse for Everton on Saturday evening when they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship strugglers Millwall.And to react to the dreadful 3-2 defeat at The Den, we get the view from the pressbox, the stands and the dugout for a hard-hitting Post-Game podcast.Our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride kicks us off, before host Paul Wheelock speaks to Connor O'Neill, who is one of many thoroughly fed-up Blues.And the podcast rounds off with the full audio from Silva's post-match press conference. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the eve of the FA Cup clash at Millwall, and the Royal Blue panel have reconvened for the latest episode of the must-listen Everton podcast.Host Phil Kirkbride gets matters under way by asking Dave Prentice, Gavin Buckland and Paul Wheelock whether the fourth-round tie is the most important game of the season? Not just in term of the club’s long search for silverware, but the increasing scrutiny on manager Marco Silva.Paul has been to the New Den in recent years and, after giving a taster of what the Blues can expect, Phil questions whether Silva has no other option to go with his strongest starting line-up. But does that include Yerry Mina?That in turns lead to a discussion over the future of Mina’s centre-back partners Kurt Zouma and Phil Jagielka before talk turns to the story that has got Evertonians talking – the little matter of the club shelling out the best part of £750,000 a week in wages to players who are nowhere near the first team.That jaw-dropping figure is certainly having an impact on Silva in the current transfer window – no news on the incomings front is definitely not good news, according to Prenno – and Gav and the rest of the lads wonder what effect it will have in the years going forward.One player who does look money well spent is Ademola Lookman, and Phil wonders whether the young winger is better now than he was a year ago when he forced through a loan move to the Bundesliga, before the pod rounds off with predictions for Millwall. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton manager Marco Silva sat down in front of the media at Finch Farm on Thursday afternoon for a press conference ahead of this weekend's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Millwall.He was asked about the latest injuries, whether Leighton Baines and James McCarthy will play, the speculation surrounding Idrissa Gueye's future and the shock return of Yannick Bolasie.Silva also discussed the increased scrutiny on Jordan Pickford, why it has taken Ademola Lookman until recently to win a place in his side, and what the young winger has to do to stay there, and of course, the match with Millwall itself.And you can listen to the press conference in full here. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Positivity was the buzz word in this week’s View from the Gwladys Street. Host Ian Croll is joined by guests Graham Callaghan and John Howard as they discuss and react to the terrible performance at St Mary’s. Millwall, the FA Cup and the importance of a victory at The Den was also high on the agenda. The focus was also very much on Marco Silva and what he can do in order to take Everton out of this never ending slump. Change of formation, change in personnel or a general change in attitude? Something has to change and no matter how poor the players have been, the lads pull no punches when they say the buck stops with Silva. The podcast finishes off as always with the a selection of fan questions submitted via the Royal Blue Facebook group. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue podcast panel have turned into the style council this week as Everton's approach is again on the agenda.Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice, Chris Beesley and Gav Buckland to discuss if a change in formation is required to help kick-start the Blues' stuttering season.Gav has strong opinions on the shake-up and pushes the idea of a major switch in position for Gylfi Sigurdsson.The pressure on Marco Silva is next on the agenda with the lads sharing their views on the manager after another disappointing result, and performance, over the weekend.The dip in form of Andre Gomes is talked about and whether the priority for this summer is finding him a more suitable midfield partner than Idrissa Gueye - or the other way around.Yannick Bolasie's shock return is up next for debate as the lads ask if there is any way he can force his way into Silva's thinking.The response is unanimous.And we wrap up the first podcast of the week by pouring over Sam Allardyce's latest comments about the Blues' style of play during his time as manager.Sit back, relax and enjoy For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unlike last weekend, it's a sombre Post-Game podcast as our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride and Chris Beesley reflect on what was a deserved 2-1 defeat at Southampton.And after you hear what Phil and Chris hd to say, you can listen to Marco Silva's post-match press conference in full, which includes a January transfer window admission. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trip to Southampton may be just one day away, but other talking points dominate the latest Royal Blue podcast.Host Phil Kirkbride kicks things off by asking David Prentice, Sam Carroll and Paul Wheelock whether they are surprised that it hasn't worked out for Oumar Niasse under Marco Silva given he previously played for the Everton manager.While the podcast was being recorded, Niasse completed his loan move to Cardiff City, which came as no surprise seeing how far the Senegalese has fallen down the Goodison pecking order.That in part is down to Silva's decision to move Richarlison from the wing to up front, where the young Brazilian has enjoyed success this season, but from where he has also shown signs of frustration in recent weeks.And that leads to the question whether the 21-year-old is getting enough protection from the officials? And, if not, does he need to speak out?Phil also revisits a question he posed previously on Royal Blue - and that is which player in Silva's squad most deserves a new contract. We get four different and interesting answers.The panel are also asked to name their favourite ever Blues January transfer window signing, talk the immediate and long-term future of James McCarthy, as well as previewing the Southampton match.Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A man Evertonians know well is the special guest of our latest Royal Blue podcast.Sky Sports’ Alan Myers is a lifelong Blue who has served the club twice during his career and who remains hugely popular with supporters.He is well-placed, then, to give his verdict on the revolution that is slowly but surely beginning to take place at Goodison.From Marco Silva to Marcel Brands, and Farhad Moshiri to Bramley-Moore Dock, Alan gives his take on all the big Everton talking points.It’s the second time we’ve had the broadcaster on for a pod, and while the first, three years ago, focused primarily on his two spells at the Blues, on this latest offering he expands on why he left the club for the second time after seven whirlwind months.From there Alan moved on to Blackburn Rovers where, after being initially handed the role of director of communications, he became a full director, playing his part in transfers in and out of the club during transfer windows. It proved to be a little different from reporting on them, but not quite as dramatic as the famous one on deadline day at Goodison in the summer of 2013, which he recalls here.And, in an enjoyable listen, Alan also talks the relationship between fans and their clubs – and the lessons Everton could learn from Manchester City. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Something a little different for you, Blues fans.Marco Silva held his pre-Southampton press conference today - and you can listen to every word the Everton manager had to say at Finch Farm.That includes his reaction to reports linking Oumar Niasse with a move to Cardiff City and those suggesting the Blues are in for Michy Batshuayi.Silva also talks about the transfer window in general, whether he has 'sympathy' for Richarlison, his thoughts on 'spygate', and on this weekend's opponents Southampton, as well as the future of players seemingly out of his plans, like Morgan Schneiderlin. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton beat Bournemouth on Sunday to return to winning ways in the Premier League. In true Evertonian fashion, however, our Royal Blue podcast panel still find things to pick apart in the aftermath. With regular host Phil Kirkbride unavailable, Sam Carroll takes the hosting reigns and is joined by Dave Prentice, Paul Wheelock and Gavin Buckland.As the win over the Cherries is dissected and investigated, the quartet discuss the current state of Everton's atmosphere at Goodison Park with certain sections of social media claiming Blues are too expectant and too quick to turn on their side. Richarlison's form, Ademola Lookman, Nelson Mandela Syndrome and Kevin Brock are also mentioned in a fast-paced and highly contentious offering.Enjoy.And by the way, you can join our Royal Blue Podcast group on Facebook and offer your thoughts on the show - plus any ideas you may have - by following the page HERE. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s View from the Gwladys Street fan podcast is brought to you by host Ian Croll and guests, Rob Astell, Connor O’Neill and Matthew Barry. A much needed win has given everyone associated with Everton a massive boost.After a torrid couple of weeks, the 2-0 win over Bournemouth at Goodison Park has definitely stopped the rot. The lads discuss how important the win was, not just for the club and the fans, but for Silva himself. How much pressure has he really been under? The Keane and Zouma partnership seems to be thriving, but what does this mean for Yerry Mina? Is Lucas Digne to be considered the best left-back in the Premier League? And why Jordan Pickford needs to be less erratic. As ever, we finish on the fan questions which have been sent in via the Royal Blue Facebook page. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

That felt good.Admittedly, the first 30 minutes were poor, notwithstanding the difficult conditions and frankly dreadful officiating, but what came after that will have lifted the spirits of Everton fans.But, ultimately, the result was all that mattered, and second-half goals from Kurt Zouma and substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured a much-needed 2-0 win over Bournemouth at a wet, windy and wild Goodison Park.It also made for a considerably more upbeat Post-Game podcast, which kicks off with the expert opinion of our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride, and the considered thoughts of our reporter Sam Carroll, who was beginning to feel a bit of a curse.You’ll then hear the conversation between our host Paul Wheelock and our man in the stands, Ian Croll, in which they get to vent their frustration about referee Anthony Taylor’s ‘performance’.And the podcast rounds off with the full audio from Blues boss Marco Silva’s press conference.Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One man, more than most, dominates the latest Royal Blue podcast... Farhad Moshiri.Everton's majority shareholder underlined his ambition for the club when he spoke at Tuesday's General Meeting.And Phil Kirkbride and Dave Prentice, who were both present at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, as well as Gavin Buckland, analyse what Moshiri had to say - from his John Moores-like comments about the season so far, to how the club is going to fund its new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, and the main reason why the Blues have never signed a like-for-like replacement for Romelu Lukaku.Marco Silva has been linked with Lukaku's Belgium international team-mate Michy Batshuayi this week.But is there any truth in the reports? And if there is, is Batshuayi a striker worth pursuing?Marcel Brands will have a major say in Everton's transfer policy this month but will his new position as a full member of the board dilute the skills he has already shown to impressive effect?The panel also discuss Nikola Vlasic's forthright interview, and Blues boss Silva's response to it, before they actually get round to talking about the football, and Sunday's visit of Bournemouth, which includes a bold selection choice from Gav.Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hundreds of aspiring footballers pass through Everton's academy system every year - and only a tiny fraction will ever make the first-team at Goodison Park.One man who knows this better than most is Lee Molyneux.Molyneux joined Everton's centre of excellence in 2000 and progressed through the ranks at academy and reserve level before eventually training with David Moyes' first-team squad.An unfortunately-timed injury in the summer of 2007 - coupled with the arrival of Leighton Baines - reduced the Huyton-born left-back's chances under Moyes and he eventually joined Southampton in search of first-team football.Since then, Lee's career has taken in the likes of Accrington Stanley, Tranmere Rovers and Morecambe as well as an 18-month stint out of the game after falling into trouble during a testing period of his career.Lee explains all to Sam Carroll in a special edition of your Royal Blue podcast. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The View from the Gwladys Street podcast returns with stand-in host Paul Wheelock being joined by Evertonians Rob Astell, Max Carlyle and Tom Clarke.The quartet discuss the FA Cup win over Lincoln City and whether the reaction to the goal that halved the deficit, and which made for at times an uncomfortable afternoon, shows there is a mental fragility in the squad.Penny for the thoughts of Tom Davies after he, along with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, was taken off at half-time. But is a player all Blues fans are desperate to do well being played out of position?Another question is whether Marco Silva should find a place in his team for Leighton Baines after the fan favourite returned to the starting line-up at the weekend in such impressive fashion. Could it be time to follow up on Roberto Martinez’s brief experiment?Everton may need reinforcements in midfield sooner than expected if, as the rumours suggest, Paris Saint-Germain make a move for Idrissa Gueye. If that happens, should Silva and Marcel Brands be tempted to sell? And would it be hard to begrudge Gana the transfer?The FA Cup fourth-tie at Millwall is sure to be an intimidating one but sadly Goodison Park has not been at its bear-pit best for some time now and Rob, Max, Tom and Paul try to explain why that is the case. Is it down to the players? Is it down to television kick-off times? Or is it a wider problem for top-flight football?Talk then turns to Sunday’s visit of Bournemouth before the panel discuss the big breaking news regarding Brands that emerged while the podcast was being recorded.Enjoy – and thanks for everyone who suggested questions and talking points for the show on our Royal Blue Facebook page. Click HERE to join. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So Everton are on the road to Wembley.But there's no doubt they made it harder work than it should've been in beating Lincoln City at Goodison on Saturday.However, does it matter?That's the question Phil Kirkbride, Dave Prentice and Gavin Buckland ask to kick off the first Royal Blue podcast of the week.The panel also assess the 'reward' for knocking out Lincoln and why a trip to the Den could actually be a better tie than it appears on paper.With Everton now well off the pace for a top-six Premier League place, Phil, Dave and Gav discuss Michael Ball's hard-hitting ECHO column in which the former defender makes it clear the FA Cup now should be the club's sole priority.But do the Blues have what it takes to win the cup? Especially if they end the transfer window without signing another striker?This time last year Evertonians were hoping that Cenk Tosun would be the the man to replace the departed Romelu Lukaku.But Tosun's struggles continued after coming off the bench against Lincoln and Phil, Dave and Gav wonder what's gone wrong for the £25m man.And they also indulge in a bit of transfer gossip and what Everton should do if Paris Saint-Germain follow up their reported interest in Idrissa Gueye.Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well, those first 14 minutes were good, weren't they? And wasn't it great to see Leighton Baines back, as good as ever?And, on a serious note, the win was all that mattered.But, as the Post-Game podcast makes clear, Everton far from convinced in their 2-1 victory over League Two leaders Lincoln City in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie at a sold-out Goodison Park.The podcast kicks off with the thoughts of Phil Kirkbride, our Everton FC correspondent, and Sam Carroll, the ECHO’s sports breaking news writer, before we hear every word Blues boss Marco Silva had to say in his post-match press conference. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Later today, Everton will be looking to improve on a recent record that has seen them knocked out at the third-round stage of the FA Cup in three of the past four seasons.To offer the Blues some kind of defence, the teams they were knocked out by were fellow Premier League clubs: Leicester, West Ham, and the other one we've conveniently forgot...But surely there is no chance they will suffer a similar fate this afternoon?Unfortunately, Everton do have fairly recent history of being victims of a giant-killing, and as the main guest of this preview podcast explains, Lincoln are very much a club on the up, and who do know how to cause a shock.Mark Whiley is the Lincoln City writer for the Lincolnshire Echo and he gives us the inside track on the League Two leaders, their highly-rated manager Danny Cowley, their biggest threats to the Blues, and their chairman Clive Nates, who may well have mixed emotions, seeing as he's a big Evertonian who grew up idolising the late, great Alan Ball.You’ll then hear the full audio from Blues boss Marco Silva’s press conference, where he talked transfers, his team’s form, the importance of the FA Cup, and whether Ademola Lookman will return. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue podcast team have got FA Cup fever ahead of the third round - but has Marco Silva?Today's panel discuss the world's oldest club competition and where it sits on the Everton manager's list of priorities.Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Head of Sport Dave Prentice and reporter Sam Carroll to discuss Silva's team selection for the game with League Two leaders Lincoln City and how he will approach the competition.Is there any excuse not to have a good go at the FA Cup? What is the message from the top of the club about the competition? And how could an FA Cup run helped build momentum for remainder of the season and heading into the summer?The panel also chew the fat over some potential January exits as well as discussing Everton's concerning run of form and how Silva can turn it around.Sit back, relax and enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first View from the Gwladys Street fan podcast of 2019 is certainly an interesting one. This week’s show is hosted by Ian Croll who is joined by Rob Astell, Graham Callaghan and Connor O’Neill.The lads look back on the Leicester City defeat and analyze what was a dire performance. There is also a discussion and overall refection on what has been a torrid few weeks for the Blues and how Marco Silva can put it right. Are fresh faces needed in January and if so, who should Marcel Brands target?One win in eight is a dreadful run of form but with third round of the cup up next, this surely gives Silva and his men a chance to secure a morale boosting victory. We finish off with the fan questions submitted via the Royal Blue Facebook page.There’s that and plenty more…. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It may be a New Year, but there was no reversal in Everton’s fortunes this afternoon.The Blues went down to a 1-0 defeat to Leicester City to extend their winless run at Goodison Park to four matchesIt also meant they have now lost five of their last eight, both home and away, a run that includes the draws with Newcastle United and Watford, and that Boxing Day win at Burnley, which sadly is looking like an aberration in what is a worrying slide.It is a slide that is discussed in detail by Tom Clarke, who gives us the view from the stands, and who also talks the feeling among the fan base about manager Marco Silva, who probably for the first time in his short reign, is facing some tough questions.And it is with the Everton manager that we start this podcast as we hear every word he had to say after the match. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will the real Everton please stand up?From a 6-2 hammering at home by Tottenham, to a 5-1 beating of Burnley at Turf Moor, and now to this... a lacklustre and disappointing 1-0 defeat at Brighton.Little wonder, then, that the final Post-Game podcast of what's been a forgettable 2018 is not an upbeat one.It's a podcast that starts with the definitive verdict of our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride, and continues with the thoughts of Sam Carroll, who was also on reporting duty for the ECHO at the Amex.Host Paul Wheelock then speaks to big Blue and View from the Gwladys Street podcast regular Rob Astell.Before the show rounds off with the full audio from Marco Silva's press conference. He's not happy.And he's not the only one. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We debate the ECHO's big Marcel Brands interview in the latest Royal Blue podcast.Everton's director of football offered brilliant insight into his thinking ahead of the January transfer window, how he has revamped the club's scouting department and why he's appointed a "pitbull" as his new chief European scout.And today's panel give their take on a two-part interview that has got Evertonians talking.Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by head of sport Dave Prentice, Chris Beesley and Sam Carroll with Brands' vision the main talking point.But the lads also reflect on Boxing Day's 5-1 win over Burnley, Prenno is armed with a remarkable stat, Chris offers an impassioned defence of Jordan Pickford and Sam eulogises about Lucas Digne.All this and more is crammed into the podcast with the lads also offering their customary predictions ahead of the long trip to Brighton.Sit back, relax and enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As responses go, that was just about perfect.Everton came in for stick - and rightly so - after they were embarrassed in front of their own supporters by Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.But to the credit of Marco Silva and his players, they hit back in style on Boxing Day with a 5-1 win at struggling Burnley.It's a win that is pored over in our Post-Game podcast, which features the definitive verdict from our Everton FC writers Phil Kirkbride and Adam Jones.Host Paul Wheelock also speaks to our View from the Gwladys Street host Ian Croll to get the view from the stands, before you get to hear every single word Blues boss Silva had to say in his press conference, including the reasons why certain players were not involved. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the morning after the night before and Adam Jones, our Everton FC reporter, and Sam Carroll, who was on reporting duty at Goodison Park on Sunday, join host Paul Wheelock for the latest Royal Blue podcast.Sadly, the Blues’ 6-2 loss to Tottenham Hotspur dominates the agenda, and Sam, in particular, having witnessed the humiliation first hand, has a lot to get off his chest.Adam, who had the foresight to book the day off, reckons the hiding to Spurs underlines the importance of Idrissa Gueye to Everton.But were the midfield helped by Marco Silva’s tactics? Paul doesn’t think so, which in turn leads to Adam suggesting that the Blues boss was a victim of his own ambition and well-read Sam to bringing a bit of Greek mythology to proceedings.The facts don’t lie, however, and Everton currently have one point fewer than they did at this stage of last season. So have we all been going over the top with talk of progress being made under Silva?The lads debate that question before flatmates Adam and Sam have it out over whether Jonjoe Kenny should replace Seamus Coleman in the starting line-up.And the podcast rounds off with predictions for the trip to Turf Moor to take on Burnley on Boxing Day, Sam name-dropping, and waxing lyrical about Adam’s cooking.Enjoy – and Merry Christmas from everyone at the Royal Blue podcasts. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

And there we were thinking the hangovers were supposed to come after Christmas.No, ever since that heartbreaking derby defeat, back at the start of what is shaping to be a horrible month, results and performances have been deteriorating for Everton.Then came today, and a truly embarrassing 6-2 home loss to an admittedly superb Tottenham Hotspur side that stretched the Blues' winless Premier League run to five matches.Whether Marco Silva's men can bounce over the course of the next 10 days, which sees them to travel to Burnley, Brighton and then host Leicester City, remains to be seen.But this Post-Game podcast focuses on a 23rd straight game without victory against one of the big six.It starts with a pull-no-punches verdict from our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride.You then hear from Sam Carroll, who was alongside Phil in the pressbox this afternoon, and who equally does not hold back.Host Paul Wheelock then picks up the phone to Blues fan Max Carlyle, who like many, left before the final whistle.Before the podcast rounds off with every word that Everton boss Silva had to say in his post-match press conference. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham are riding a crest of wave after they drew at Barcelona to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League, beat Burnley at the death to continue their best ever start to a Premier League season, and then won 2-0 at North London neighbours Arsenal in midweek to make it through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.They also have a great recent record against Everton. They’ve not tasted defeat to the Blues since December 2012 when those late, late goals from Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar earned David Moyes’ side an unlikely victory.But could Sunday's Goodison Park clash be a game too far for Spurs? And can Marco Silva's men take advantage of what truly is a defensive crisis for Mauricio Pochettino?Paul Wheelock speaks to Alasdair Gold, who covers Tottenham for the Football.London website, to get answers to those questions.The Spurs expert also talks his admiration for Everton and Silva, why Richarlison could have been a target for Pochettino, and why a player the Blues looked like they'd dodged a bullet with has now come good.You will then hear Silva’s pre-match press conference in full, including the Everton manager's thoughts on the big news about Bramley-Moore Dock, the January transfer window, team news, and his team's record against the big six. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's only one place for the Royal Blue podcast to start today - and that's at Bramley-Moore Dock.Everton this week announced they are proposing to build a new stadium on the waterfront with a capacity of 52,000, with the potential for that to rise by an extra 10,000.It is THE talking point of the week among Evertonians and we waste no time in debating the news and tackling the issue of ambition.But in a week brimming with news, the club also released their annual accounts which revealed that Farhad Moshiri has pumped in another £100m in the form of a loan.The accounts also confirmed Everton had to pay £14.4m in pay-offs to sack Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce - and their staff - as well as Steve Walsh.We close the pod by previewing Sunday's clash with Spurs and ask if the speculation over Mauricio Pochettino's future will work in the Blues' favour.Sit back, relax and enjoy For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our View from the Gwladys Street podcast is back and with regular host Ian Croll laid low by illness, stand-in Paul Wheelock is joined by guests Rob Astell and Connor Bennett.The trio talk the Manchester City defeat and the major talking points from it, from Everton’s best centre-back system to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ademola Lookman, and to the importance of Idrissa Gueye and the two of the players – one unexpected – who could replace the Senegalese if he misses out on Everton’s festive schedule.It’s a schedule that kicks off with the visit of Tottenham Hotspur to Goodison Park on Sunday and the lads wonder whether yet another Blues hoodoo can be banished and lift spirits after what has been a testing couple of weeks. Not for the first time this season, the P words, patience and perspective, are uttered.As we were going on air, the club announced it is proposing a capacity of 52,000 for a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock – and Rob and Connor give their instant reaction.And for the authoritative take on what is a big topic of debate among Evertonians, make sure to check out our latest Royal Blue podcast, featuring Phil Kirkbride, Dave Prentice and the rest of the ECHO’s Everton reporting team, when it is released on Friday (December 21). For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're sifting through the defeat to Manchester City on the first Royal Blue podcast of the week.Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice and Gav Buckland, and Marco Silva's decision to play three at the back is top of the agenda.One of podcasters thinks it was a bad idea. Another thinks Silva was right to go with it.Buckland's pre-match wish to see Dominic Calvert-Lewin given a chance at City was granted and the lads discuss whether the young striker now needs to be given a run as the Blues face three games in seven days.Also up for discussion is the growing concern over the consistency of the squad's wingers, Seamus Coleman's performance at the weekend is talked about, as is the run of form which is the worst since Silva took charge.The lads talk about ways the manager can get Everton back to winning ways and it wouldn't be a Royal Blue podcast without talk turning to signing a new - yes, you guessed it - striker.Sit back, relax and enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a short, but not so sweet Post-Game podcast.Everton went down 3-1 at Manchester City this afternoon to stretch their winless run to four matches and continue their wretched record at 'big six' teams.The podcast starts with the verdict of our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride and concludes with the full audio from Blues boss Marco Silva's press conference. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Blue podcast team are back for a second time this week to preview the trip to Manchester City.Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Dave Prentice, Adam Jones and Gav Buckland and they are asked a simple question with a not so straightforward answer: how do the Blues beat City?The lads give share their - different - confidence levels, discuss a potential change in tactics and assess if Pep Guardiola's current team is as good as the one that romped to the title last season.Everton have picked up 1-1 draws in their last two trip to the Etihad with Dominic Calvert-Lewin one of the stand-out performers in last season's game but what is the next step for the young forward?Should he start tomorrow lunchtime? He is the answer to Everton's lack of goals against the top six teams so far?John Stones is also a topic of discussion as is Yerry Mina with Buckland offering the Colombian very high praise indeed with a prediction.Sit back, relax and enjoy For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a week that promised so much for Everton, it’s fair to say the glimmer of expectation surrounding the previous week’s run of fixtures was high. Heartbreak at Anfield and frustration at Goodison, twice, has certainly stopped that in its tracks. It really wasn’t supposed to be like this. The next run of fixtures won’t be any easier. Manchester City and Spurs await. To talk through the past week of action and look ahead to Saturday’s early kick off against Pep Guardiola’s men, host Ian Croll is joined by Connor O’Neill and Robert Astell. The lads talk through the performance against Watford, question exactly what has gone wrong and where the Blues go from here. Also on the agenda is Sigurdsson/Coleman/Walcott - And finally, the lads answer the questions submitted by you, the fans via the Royal Blue Facebook group. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A pair of frustrating draws, a highly controversial back page and the daunting prospect of a trip to Man City are all on the agenda as the Royal Blue podcast returns.Host Phil Kirkbride is joined by Head of Sport Dave Prentice and Adam Jones to pour over the events of the past week at Goodison.The panel kick-off by giving their take of the draws with Newcastle United and Watford with the discussion prompting a debate about the extent of Everton's strength in depth.This edition of the podcast then gets into the big talking point of the day - the Daily Mail's back page in which an image from Monday night's game has caused major controversy.Prentice and Jones give their opinion on an edition of the newspaper which has angered Blues fans.The podcast then moves onto this weekend's trip to Man City and the Everton penalty taker debate.Sit back, relax and enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the Post-Game podcast to reflect on a night of mixed emotions for Everton.The overriding feeling at full-time was one of relief after Lucas Digne’s brilliant free kick earned the Blues a 2-2 draw at home to Watford that some would argue they did not deserve.But there was also disappointment and frustration after a poor second-half performance saw the Hornets score twice in three minutes after Richarlison had opened the scoring against his former club with his eighth goal of the season.So to analyse the overall displa, which included another penalty miss by Gylfi Sigurdsson, you will hear from our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride and then our Everton FC reporter Adam Jones.You’ll then hear host Paul Wheelock's conversation with Goodison Park season-ticket holder, and our View from the Gwladys Street podcast host, Ian Croll.Before the podcast rounds of with the full audio from Marco Silva’s post-match press conference. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let’s be honest, a visit of Watford to Goodison Park is not one of the first matches you look out for when the fixtures are released in the summer.But this evening’s game does have extra spice attached to it as it will be the first time that Everton manager Marco Silva has faced the Hornets since leaving his former club in acrimonious circumstances earlier in the year.It’s clear that Watford, at boardroom level, are and were aggrieved by the part the Blues allegedly played in Silva’s eventual departure from Vicarage Road.But to find out whether that bad blood still exists in the Hornets fan base, and within the playing squad, Paul Wheelock speaks to Phil Spencer, who covers the club for the Football.London website.We also talked Watford’s form, which has seen them lose four of their last five winless matches, the first return of Gerard Deulofeu, Richarlison, and the prospects of Abdoulaye Doucouré joining the Brazilian and Silva at Goodison in the future.Enjoy – and we’ll be back after the match with the Post-Game podcast. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride travelled to the training ground of Watford on Friday to record a very special Royal Blue podcast.Phil spent time in the company of former Blues winger Gerard Deulofeu, who will be making his return to Goodison Park with Watford on Monday night.They talked his time at Everton, his contrasting relationships with Roberto Martinez and Ronald Koeman, his on-field partnership with Romelu Lukaku, what the Blues fans mean to him, and the player who he played alongside at Vicarage Road last season, but who on Monday will be on the opposing side, Richarlison. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices