A busy Monday for Everton despite the international break, with 11 stories ranging from Jordan Pickford’s court case to transfer discussion, international duty and life away from the pitch.
Pickford provided the day’s most significant off-field development, while Thierno Barry’s emergence as David Moyes’ main striker attracted praise and Folarin Balogun discussed the Premier League after his proposed summer move to Everton collapsed.
Here’s our 7pm round-up of the main Everton news and talking points from 5 October.
Pickford court case and striker talking points
Jordan Pickford has pleaded guilty to driving without due care or attention following an incident in Knutsford, Cheshire, in April.
The England goalkeeper entered his plea in writing through the Single Justice Procedure and has requested the opportunity to appear in court to present mitigation. The case is due to be heard at Chester Magistrates’ Court on 7 December, with no sentence yet imposed.
On the pitch, former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips believes Thierno Barry is thriving under the pressure of becoming Everton’s main striker. The Frenchman has scored five times this season after being left as Moyes’ only recognised senior centre-forward following the summer window.
One of the players who might have provided competition was Folarin Balogun. The Monaco striker has now opened the door to a future Premier League move after his proposed £40m switch to Everton fell through on deadline day, although there is currently no suggestion that the Blues have revived their interest.
Everton internationals reach closing stages
There was plenty to update on the international front after Brennan Johnson and Jake O’Brien completed their latest appearances for Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Attention now turns to Braiden Graham, who could make his senior Northern Ireland debut against Georgia at Windsor Park on Monday evening.
The 18-year-old has remained unused through Northern Ireland’s opening three Nations League fixtures, with Monday providing another opportunity for Michael O’Neill to hand him his first senior cap.
Our Everton international duty tracker has also been updated throughout the break and includes the appearances, minutes and remaining fixtures for the Blues away with their countries.
Dibling, Rohl and Everton’s community work
There were some welcome stories away from the usual transfer and match discussion too.
The PFA highlighted Tyler Dibling’s work giving back to grassroots football, including the Legacy initiative linked to Millwey Rise, the Devon club where his own football journey began.
Merlin Rohl also offered an insight into life away from football, explaining how photography and stepping back from social media have changed the way he records and experiences his life at Everton.
Meanwhile, Everton in the Community and Hill Dickinson have launched the Healthy Habits programme for primary school-aged children across the Liverpool City Region, focusing on food, physical activity, sleep and mental wellbeing.
Looking backwards as well as forwards
There was room for some Everton history too. Former midfielder Billy Kenny has explained why he rejected approaches from Liverpool and Manchester United to join Everton, describing playing for the Blues as his childhood dream.
Another significant Everton departure was revisited from a very different perspective, with Joleon Lescott’s £22m move to Manchester City in 2009 considered in the wider context of City’s rapid rise and their recent financial verdict.
That makes for a varied day even without Everton playing: hard news, international football, transfers, academy and community stories, plus two very different looks into the club’s past.
With Graham potentially involved for Northern Ireland tonight and three Everton youngsters in contention for England Under-21 duty on Tuesday, there is more to come before the international break is over.
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