Everton

The sixth episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Everton focuses on the letter F - so who else would they discuss but club legend Duncan Ferguson?

The centre-forward made 273 appearances across two separate spells at Goodison Park, scoring 72 goals and contributing 15 assists.

BBC Radio Merseyside's Phil Munns said: "Duncan Ferguson was a talismanic figure for Everton. For many fans of my generation, and even maybe some a little bit older, he was the original Everton hero.

"Even though his goalscoring record might not be up there with the Graeme Sharp's of the game, there was just something about the way he wore his heart on his sleeve.

"He was the big Scot. He was the battering ram. In his peak, he was an absolutely brilliant footballer as well as being a huge aerial threat."

Ferguson initially joined Everton on loan in 1994, but manager Joe Royle made the move permanent when he took over from Mike Walker.

The 6ft4in striker went on to score his first goal against Merseyside rivals Liverpool in Royle's first match as manager, and scooped up the one honour of his career - the 1995 FA Cup - that very same season.

BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy added: "He was a big guy so he was great in the air, but there was more to his game than that.

"One of the things that helped him hit the ground running was his derby-day goal against Manchester United. When you do that, you are almost set for life.

"He was a player for a big occasion. He scored some important goals against big sides in the Premier League. I would've hated to have had to mark him because he was such a trademark number nine figure, of old-school proportions really.

"Injuries did get in the way and he probably should've scored more goals than he did, but he had that passion about him. He gave 100% and he demanded 100% of the people around him as well."

Listen to the episode above by pressing play or on BBC Sounds here

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In the final part of Friday's Q&A, BBC radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould focuses on the manager's future as he enters the final year of his current deal and how the scouting department works at Everton.

Mark asked: Are there any talks of a new contract for David Moyes? It's very unusual for a manager to go into the last year of his contract heading into a big summer window and new season.

Giulia: The manager has made clear it isn't a concern for him. Nothing has been confirmed from Everton's side in terms of an extension, but CEO Angus Kinnear made clear at the end of the season that stability is key to continued progress, and Moyes' experience provides that. It is my understanding the manager is relaxed about the situation.

Kinnear's programme notes were a direct counter to some suggestions the manager may be replaced at the end of the campaign.

Recruitment-wise, it was always seen as a two-window approach. Kinnear added: "Our job in the coming weeks and months is to continue with what we always knew would be a two-summer window plan, and ensure the squad has enough depth to mount an even more compelling challenge next term."

So, the manager's contract would always have worked in that timeframe. I could see an extension for Moyes, especially if 2026-27 starts well.

• Get Everton score updates on your lock screen next season

Andy asked: How does Everton's scouting board work? And how much do you think Moyes really controls in terms of transfers?

Giulia: Once Kevin Thelwell left in the summer of 2025 the role of director of football at Everton was removed and there is now a "football leadership group" instead.

Back in January, the CEO revealed that The Friedkin Group looked at how it all operated when it took over and "the recruitment structures we put in place, marrying world-class analytics with industry-leading talent identification and player trading capability, have borne fruit" - referring to the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Merlin Rohl and, of course, Jack Grealish.

There was also an end to signing short-term fixes, even if it meant the squad would be low on numbers.

But who has the main say in that group? I put this to Moyes in January and he told me: "I have got the final say if we want to buy a player or if we don't want to buy a player. Obviously, I get told by my superiors how much we have got to spend and what we have got available, so I have to work off those thoughts."

Ultimately, then, the buck stops with the manager. After all, if he feels a player isn't good enough, he just won't select him on matchday.

Scroll back down this page for the other two parts of Giulia's Q&A, which look at subjects including transfers, how the club can compete at the top level and how the Burnley financial case might affect the club this summer.

Explore all Everton content on BBC Sounds

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In the second part of Friday's special Q&A, BBC Radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould focuses on how the Toffees can compete with the top clubs, which youth players could make an impact at Hill Dickinson Stadium in the future and whether the financial case with Burnley will affect what the club can do in the transfer market.

Ronan asked: What realistic path back to the top exists for Everton and which young players could define our future?

Giulia: As frustrating as it is, time is a big factor. As highlighted by the recent independent panel ruling over a compensation payout to Burnley, The Friedkin Group bought a troubled club that had been chaotically run for years.

However, after spending a full season turning Everton into a financially sound business model, now is the time for the owners to put down some markers on the pitch. There were flashes of what the Toffees can do with a first win at Old Trafford in 13 years and that emphatic victory over Chelsea in March, but the squad was just too small to grind out results for a European finish. That now has to be the aim this coming season if the club is to create that pathway to the top.

As for young players, Harrison Armstrong is one to watch. The 19-year-old went to Preston on loan in the first half of the season but had to be brought back amid an injury crisis, then once the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall returned from the treatment room and Iliman N'Diaye was back from Afcon, he was reduced to substitute appearances.

There are high hopes he has what it takes to become a Premier League regular, and the manager is a fan.

There is huge excitement around Braiden Graham. The forward was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award after an impressive campaign in the academy and now Everton are looking to reward him with a new contract.

The 18-year-old is yet to feature for the first team and the plan for him could include a loan spell at an EFL side first given David Moyes told me: "We need him to build up his physicality and speed [before he can be promoted]."

• Which players you've watched at the World Cup do you want Everton to sign?

David asked: Is Everton's transfer business going to be affected by what has happened between ourselves and Burnley?

Giulia: It is something that a lot of Evertonians were immediately concerned about. The club confirmed it will appeal against the decision and it could be months before that process is even heard.

However, I am informed there will be no impact on the summer transfer activity as a result of the ruling.

The Toffees are in a much more solid place with the finances thanks to the earning capacity of Hill Dickinson Stadium, not just on a matchday but also with the extra revenue coming in from other events such as Magic Weekend.

Whatever the outcome of the appeal, if Everton still have to pay Burnley a compensation package, the amount won't be included in PSR calculations.

Come back to this page later on Friday for the third and final part of Giulia's Q&A, which will look at Moyes' future at the club and how the scouting department works.

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We asked you to send in your Everton questions for BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould. In the first part of a special Q&A, she focuses on what the club is going to do differently this summer and whether the Toffees move slowly in the window compared with others.

Barry asked: If we need new players to get European football but can't attract them because we don't have European football, what is the club going to do differently?

Giulia: It feels a bit 'chicken and egg', doesn't it? Ending the season without a win in the last seven games and missing out on Europe felt a blow.

However, there is the context that Everton were without Jarrad Branthwaite for the majority of the campaign and Jack Grealish, who had been instrumental to the Toffees' form, was out from January. Grealish remains a strong option for manager David Moyes this summer and could well extend his stay. He would be a big draw when it comes to attracting new signings.

The manager is working at the World Cup in a media role, but is also using it as a scouting opportunity.

There will be some Championship players looked at too. Possibly the most famous to make the step up under Moyes was Tim Cahill, who came in from Millwall and went on to make 278 appearances, scoring 68 times along the way.

Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney remains a target this summer as those at Everton believe he has the ability to play at a higher level.

• Explore all Everton content on BBC Sounds

Greg asked: When are we going to start getting players in earlier? Other clubs seem to do it but, as usual, we drag our heels.

Giulia: At the time of writing this, business is slow across the whole league. The World Cup will have an impact on the start of the window as clubs assess who is available, if their own players at the tournament will return uninjured or be a target for others. Given Grealish remains at Finch Farm for his rehab, I would expect that to be boxed off soon.

Some players not in action in North America are having a well-earned break so deals will begin progressing as they return.

The pool Everton are shopping in will impact the speed of deals too. For instance, while the finances are now much more secure, the rules still stop them from throwing in a huge bid for someone.

The season is still eight weeks away, so there is time.

Keep across this page on Friday for parts two and three of Giulia's Q&A, which will look at subjects including how the club can compete at the top, whether the situation with Burnley will affect transfer plans and Moyes' future.

Barrister Gary Lewis has told BBC Radio Merseyside that Everton's appeal against an independent panel's ruling that the club must pay Burnley £35m because of the impact of their breaches of the Premier League's financial rules is "not one without argument".

The case, which was heard by a Premier League commission, relates to the 2021-22 season, when Everton were found to have broken Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) over a three-year period.

Burnley have been awarded £26m in damages and £9m in interest after successfully arguing that the breach impacted their chances of staying in the top flight and seeking compensation for their losses associated with relegation.

However, during the appeal process, the Clarets will have to "prove that the losses from relegation itself were caused by Everton's breach", which could be "difficult".

Hear the full conversation below or listen on BBC Sounds here

Everton have made a preliminary move for West Ham and England forward Jarrod Bowen, 29. (Football Insider), external

Meanwhile, Arsenal have lowered their asking price to between £20m and £25m for Brazil striker and long-standing Toffees target Gabriel Jesus, 29. (Caughtoffside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Neil: Crysencio Summerville is just what Everton need. He is skillful and fast. He and Jarrod Bowen were the outstanding players for West Ham last season and he is looking very good in the Netherlands team.

Jameson: An obvious target because of his age and quality is Ayyoub Bouaddi from Morocco - looks class and would be a great successor to Idrissa Gana Gueye. Everton badly need full-backs - and Merchas Doski from Iraq looks a talented, athletic player and presumably a bargain. I'd also love them to sign Sergino Dest of the USA from PSV Eindhoven. A proven winner at club level, just what the Blues need - although probably not cheap.

Phil: Jonathan David. Finally. Each of his goals against Qatar were examples of exactly the attacking prowess we've been missing for years. Get it done!

Keith: Johan Manzambi of Switzerland really does look like someone who could lead the Everton line, even at such a young age. Shades of a young Romelu Lukaku and certainly everything the club hoped Thierno Barry and Beto would turn out to be. Go all out for him.

Jayden: Hwang In-beom is such a class midfielder with such great vision and potential on the ball. I feel he would work well in our midfield alongside James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to thread balls through to our wingers and make the passes needed.

Tell us who you have scouted

Giulia Bould
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

It's the ultimate shop window: a World Cup with 48 teams - all packed with players eager to show what they can do on the biggest stage.

With the transfer window now open, BBC Sport journalists have been taking a look at some of the key names being discussed.

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The right-back position has been a problem for some time and West Ham and DR Congo's Aaron Wan-Bissaka is of interest to Everton - as is England and Tottenham full-back Djed Spence.

In the latest episode of A to Z, BBC Radio Merseyside have reached the letter E.

Paul Salt, Mike Hughes and Chris Coughlin discuss former Everton striker, Peter Eastoe and ex Blues' midfielder-turned coach, John Ebbrell.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here.

It is just under two months until the next Premier League season starts and there is plenty on the Everton agenda before a ball gets kicked.

David Moyes will be hoping his side can kick on in 2026-27 after a disappointing end to the last campaign and European ambitions will be at the top of most fans' goals for the next season.

There is plenty to discuss, so BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould will be on hand to answer your questions later this week.

Put your thinking cap on - what do you want to know about the Toffees right now?

Get in touch with your question here

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It is time to get your scouting caps on!

We're well into the group stage of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially as the summer transfer window has now been officially open for a week.

What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations?

Ultimately, who would you like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

The fourth episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Everton focuses on the letter D.

Little surprise then that Dixie Dean accounts for a significant part of the episode.

Dean was a prolific goalscorer during his time at Goodison Park between 1925 and 1937, notching up 349 goals in 399 league appearances.

BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy said: "Well, not many people are around that saw him play, but that stat, you have got to say that is mind-boggling. The goals per game ratio, with every club he played for, including England, is incredible."

Since Erling Haaland's arrival in the Premier League, the Norwegian striker has set new goalscoring records, yet he is still to break Dean's record of 60 goals in a top-flight season.

"People talk about Haaland these days, but I don't think anybody will get anywhere near that [record]," added Kennedy.

Instead of the largely perfect Premier League pitches, Dean had to set the standard on boggy and muddy surfaces which was the norm at the time.

But, does that mean it was harder to reach the impressive tally of 60 goals for Dean?

BBC Radio Merseyside's Carl Woodward, said: "I think it must have been hard as you have to kick a ball harder and also how muddy it was. It must have taken a toll on the body. It was hard in a different way."

Records come and go, but this record could be one which will stand tall for another 98 years.

"You can only be the best of your time and clearly, as a goalscorer, there was nobody better than him," added Kennedy.

Listen to the episode above or on BBC Sounds here

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The news Everton start the season at home with a 3pm kick off on a Saturday is cause for celebration for fans before a ball has been kicked. Last season, the Toffees had just four 3pm games on a Saturday at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

First up, Crystal Palace under new boss Pierre Sage will mean tougher prep for David Moyes and his staff as they work out how a new-look Palace will operate. Last time out on Merseyside, Everton came from behind to win thanks to a 93rd minute Jack Grealish goal.

The first away trip is a 265-mile journey to Bournemouth, who have been a problematic side for Everton in recent seasons. After three defeats on the bounce at Vitality stadium, the Blues did break the curse last season thanks to another Grealish winner.

There were no bragging rights after the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson in April, but Moyes' side can go again with the meeting coming sooner on the weekend of 28 November. The reverse sees Liverpool host the fiery match on the 30 January.

Everton's 2025-26 season fizzled out, much to the disappointment of supporters as they watched the side fail to win a game in April and May. They will hope a successful European push goes to the end of the 2026-27 campaign with the final run seeing the Toffees close the home season against current champions Arsenal and their final game will be at promoted Ipswich Town.

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Everton match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

Explore Everton content on BBC Sounds

Wayne Rooney is in conversation with Tim Cahill on the latest episode of his podcast.

The pair discuss England's World Cup chances, Australia's hopes and, of course, life at Everton.

"I had to learn what it was to be a Blue," said Cahill.

"Playing in the Premier League was my dream. I didn't want much more. Every time a club came in I signed a new contract and that was literally every year.

"It was difficult to leave."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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When Everton welcome yet another season of top-flight football, Crystal Palace's new boss Pierre Sage will be making his Premier League debut on the touchline at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Ex-Palace boss Oliver Glasner may have won an FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League with the Eagles, but the Austrian manager was unable to beat Everton home and away during his tenure.

So Sage will have to buck an ugly trend as Crystal Palace have won just one of their past 23 Premier League matches against the Toffees (D10 L12), a 3-1 home victory in December 2021.

However, the opener has not provided the emphatic start the Toffees have been hoping for in recent years.

Everton have lost their first match in each of the past four Premier League seasons – their joint-longest losing run in their first game of a league campaign.

• Read more on the matches and rule changes for 2026-27

Everton will kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign with a home game against Crystal Palace.

The match will take place on Saturday, 22 August at 15:00 BST, with the Toffees' first away fixture against Bournemouth on the weekend of 29-30 August.

David Moyes' side face Sunderland (H), Manchester City (H), Leeds (A) and Aston Villa (A) over the Christmas and New Year period.

And they end their league season against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday, 30 May, when all games will kick off at the same time.

See Everton's Premier League fixtures in full here

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With the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most.

Here are some of your replies:

Trevor: Best opening day - Goodison Park 1996 against Newcastle, with British transfer record Alan Shearer making his debut. The Magpies were put to the sword by inspired performances from 'Big Dunc' and Gary Speed. Special mention to a Tony Cottee hat-trick in 1988 on his Everton debut - again versus Newcastle. Worst opening day - newly promoted Crystal Palace were the visitors in 1997. Their new signing Atillio Lombardo destroyed us - probably his best performance for the Eagles - in a 2-1 loss.

Brian: After winning the FA Cup, we were all in good spirits inside Goodison as the trophy was paraded around before the opening game of 1984-85 season. But a surprise 4-1 home defeat by Tottenham on 25 August put a dampener on the celebrations. Despite the opening-day defeat, we went on to win the First Division title and the European Cup Winners' Cup, and then the Charity Shield before the following season.

Tony: Cottee signed for a record £2m fee and scored after 15 seconds on his debut against Newcastle, then went on to get a hat-trick. First game of the season was the highlight. Downhill thereafter as usual.

Anton: Worst opening day - 2009-10 and the 6-1 thrashing at home by Arsenal. I was at Bloodstock Festival and it did briefly dampen my spirits. Best was 1999-00 and the 1-1 at home against Manchester United with our two geriatric centre-halves - Dave Watson and Richard Gough.

Come back to this page at 10:00 BST to see how the Toffees' 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have fallen.

RB Leipzig have made contact with Everton over 23-year-old France Under-21 striker Thierno Barry. (Times - subscription required), external

The Toffees are yet to receive a formal offer for Barry, but if a bid arrives from German side RB Leipzig or any other club, Everton's football leadership group will decide how to proceed. (Liverpool Echo), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

John: Guela Doue, Ivory Coast. He's the flying full-back that Everton are desperately lacking - it's no secret. Even David Moyes mentioned we have been trying to find a replacement for Seamus Coleman for a while. I also like Breel Embolo of Switzerland. Antonee Robinson and Folarin Balogun of the United States. There's a lot of talent to choose from. We live in hope, don't we? Otherwise, what's the point?

Les: Scott McTominay would be a great shout - a big midfielder to partner James Garner as Idrissa Gueye is too slow and past his prime.

Dan: Romalu Lukaku - definitely. Please, Everton, bring him home where he was a GOD. He is the missing piece.

Ian: Everton should sign American right-back Sergino Dest from PSV Eindhoven. Great pace, strong and far better than anyone we've been linked with.

Spotted someone you want for Everton? Let us know who and why he'd fit

Everton are exploring the possibility of signing 26-year-old Belgium striker Lois Openda on a loan-to-buy deal from Juventus. (Football Insider), external

Leeds United and Nottingham Forest are also in the race for Openda. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.

And to get in the mood, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.

Get in touch with your memories here

And make sure to come back to this page on Friday to see how Everton's league fixture list has fallen.

Everton must brace for a "big" summer of transfer activity with significant changes to the first-team squad.

That's the view of supporter Baz Cass from Toffee TV when he discussed the prospect of a hectic transfer window with BBC Radio Merseyside.

In a news conference back in May, David Moyes admitted the club "struggled to attract players last summer" after not qualifying for European football - a problem which the Toffees could encounter again this summer.

"The transfer window has only just opened but I think a few people would have liked Everton to start their business at 09:01am," Cass told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I'm feeling OK about it all at the minute, but as the days go by I will get less and less accepting if we don't try to get some business done early. But I do believe the club are trying to get deals done.

"The club are in a really tricky position because they are sort of damned if they do, damned if they don't. The fans want them to get players in, but if we just pay whatever and it doesn't go to plan then the criticism comes out, so it is a tricky one.

"I actually think five or six players will go in this transfer window. I don't think we can go through each window bringing eight or nine players in, but I feel like the club will need to bring in six or seven players at least this summer.

"The midfield feels like a rebuild job to me. I'm not convinced Idrissa Gueye is going to stay, Charly Alcaraz and Tim Iroegbunam may move on, Seamus Coleman is already gone, and Nathan Patterson may go if someone comes in for him.

"That is five players out of the squad straightaway, a squad that already isn't big enough.

"It is absolutely going to be a big summer for the club."

Listen to the full clip above or listen on BBC Sounds