WHAT THE PAPERS SAY - OCTOBER 14

The extracts on this page are taken from selected national & regional newspapers. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton. 

THE SCOTSMAN

Hampden hails reluctant hero - Moira Gordon
 
THE former cheeky boy has turned into shy boy. But if James McFadden was uncomfortable at the way his goal in France hijacked the headlines and overshadowed the team performance, he had better start getting used to it.

The 24-year-old visibly squirms at the thought of more publicity but continues to produce the kind of class which captivates fans and forces the capitulation of even the very best opponents. "It's unfair on the rest of the players when I get all the headlines," he argued.

If you’re such a big club, why haven't you won the title for 17 years? - Joe Bernstein

Everton bade farewell to 50 years of history last week by leaving their claustrophobic training ground at Bellefield for an impressive new complex at Finch Farm on the southern outskirts of Liverpool, complete with yoga room and hydrotherapy pool.

It was an emotional occasion for a diehard fan like centre-half Alan Stubbs, who used to wait outside Bellefield as a schoolboy to collect the autographs of his heroes, Graeme Sharp and Peter Reid.

More importantly, the move to their new training ground in Halewood is perhaps the biggest outward sign that the modern Everton are ready to mix it with the big boys again after finishing fourth, sixth and seventh in recent seasons.

That will be emphatically underlined if David Moyes's men can secure a second successive Merseyside derby victory at Goodison Park next Saturday.After being written off by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as a 'small club' and told by Peter Crouch that their 3-0 victory was 'obviously a big moment for them', Stubbs is suitably motivated for the occasion.

Cometh the hour, Cometh McFadden - Rex Graham

His boots are already in the Scottish football museum but if he keeps producing goals like this, there will soon be a statue erected of James McFadden.

His wonder in France earned the Everton man a place in folklore but his latest strike is arguably even more important.

Villa Chase Bassong - Steve Goodman

Aston Villa, Everton and Blackburn are competing to sign France Under-21 international Sebastien Bassong.

The Metz defender, 21, helped his club win the French second division title in May.

And even though they are currently at the foot of Ligue 1, Bassong's impressive form has attracted scouts from all three Premier League clubs.

Blues Art Collection

Mikel Arteta has emerged as a major Chelsea target as the Blues prepare to lose midfield inspiration Frank Lampard to Barcelona next summer.

Curbs' Andy £12m for AJ

West Ham will revive their interest in Andy Johnson with a £12m bid for the Everton striker.