Blues Confirm Friendlies

Everton head to Morecambe and Dundee United this summer.

Everton have confirmed the first two fixtures of their 2012 pre-season programme.

First up, the Blues will play League Two outfit Morecambe on Saturday, July 14, at the Globe Arena (2pm) in a testimonial for Shrimps player/manager Jim Bentley.

The following Wednesday, July 18, Everton travel to Scotland where they will face Dundee United at Tannadice (7.45pm).

A beaming Bentley said: "It's a dream come true for me really. Everyone knows I am a devoted Evertonian and the fact they have agreed to be my testimonial opponents is brilliant.''

Morecambe moved from their old Christie Park ground to the new £12m stadium at the start of the 2010/11 season, and they could have a couple of familiar faces on parade when they take on the Blues.

Striker Phil Jevons, who played nine times for Everton under Walter Smith and defender Laurence Wilson, a former Toffees reserve, are both key members of the Shrimps set-up.

Bentley's assistant manager, Kenny McKenna, is a self-confessed lifelong Evertonian who played in the FA Cup for Telford United against Howard Kendall's team at Goodison Park in 1985.

Morecambe finished in 15th position in League Two last season after a disappointing run-in that saw them win just one of their final eight games.

Dundee United finished fourth in the SPL last season and achieved Europa League qualification under manager Peter Houston.

Tannadice is also a former stamping ground of ex-Blues Duncan Ferguson and Richard Gough.

Ticket details for both games will be announced as soon as they are available.