The Blue Room

Warren, Adam and Liam convene to talk through Everton's next steps after a remarkable end to the transfer window.

Matt is joined by Mick and a returning Mike De Asha.We assess the potential ramifications from the weekend's chaos. Who is to blame for the Harrison Armstrong fiasco? And is there any way back for Angus Kinnear?We also look at the transfer state of play, with Iliman Ndiaye set to leave and Folarin Balogun potentially on his way in. Have Everton got lucky late in the window? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Les and Dave were on live to look back at the weekend's draw at Bournemouth and a crazy 48 hours that almost saw Harrison Armstrong leave for Forest and a flurry of transfer rumours ahead of Tuesday's deadline.#   CLAUDE AI This episode is brought to you in association with Claude.ai Claude is the AI for minds that don't stop at good enough — it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks with you...whether you're debugging code at midnight or strategizing your next business move, Claude extends your thinking to tackle the problems that matter. Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — ⁠Claude.ai/BLUE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt and Dave recorded Live on the news that Harrison Armstrong will be staying at Everton. They also react to the reports that Iliman Ndiaye is set to join Spurs and Richarlison could make a return to the Blues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt and Rob pick through yet another eventful game at Bournemouth for Everton, on and off the pitch. James Tarkowski snatched a late point for the Toffees, but the day was dominated by news of Harrison Armstrong's potential exit to Nottingham Forest.

Dave an Patric Ridge discuss the latest news that Nottingham Forest are looking to sign Harrison Armstrong from Everton...they also talk about the bigger picture in a chaotic end to the transfer window. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Warren is back on the Weekly where he is joined by Rob. The two discuss discuss the latest transfers surrounding Everton and the manager's demeanour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liam, Laura and Connor were at Deepdale looking back on Everton's 4-0 win away to Preston in the second round of the Carabao Cup. That's followed by Dave and Warren going into further detail on the performance as the Blues start their season with another victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We can't even have one week talking about a Toffees win, can we? Fresh from filing his transfer exclusive about Jake O'Brien, Paddy joins Matt to talk through the story, Why does O'Brien want out? Why do Everton want to sell? And is there any way of salvaging the situation?  There's also a look at Beto's future with offers expected. Then, finally, we get to the football. Harrison Armstrong was excellent wasn't he? And how underrated is Iliman Ndiaye? CLAUDE AI This episode is brought to you in association with Claude.ai Claude is the AI for minds that don't stop at good enough — it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks with you...whether you're debugging code at midnight or strategizing your next business move, Claude extends your thinking to tackle the problems that matter. Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/BLUE ➕ AD-FREE LISTENING Get exclusive content and all of our podcasts ad-free when you sign up to Blue Room Extra: https://tinyurl.com/yc83x2zh

Everton kick off the 2026-27 season with a statement 2-0 win over Crystal Palace — the first opening-weekend win in five years - and it's the kids stealing the headlines.Les and Dave discuss Harrison Armstrong's coming-of-age midfield display, Hayden Hackney's seamless step up from the Championship, and how Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall combined for two goals either side of the break.Plus: Thierno Barry off the mark early (a huge weight off after last season), Pierre Sage's rocky Palace debut, and what this result means heading into a transfer deadline that's about to get busy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A woeful winter has Walter wanting wins. They're not coming though, and it's clear as spring arrives that he's outstayed his welcome. Not that his Rangers old boys would tell you that. They're very disappointed by it all.From disappointment, to this appointment - David Moyes, the 38-year-old bright young thing doing bits at Deepdale waltzes in and puts a few rockets up a few sizeable arses, to quite eye-catching effect.Off the pitch, the co-hosts talk Lacoste trackies, unhelpfully emotional teachers, and an existential midnight crisis on the Eavesway.This episode is supported by The Excelsior. Thanks to Gary Lunt and Sean Ponzini for their contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a summer of silence, Everton went media-mad this week as David Moyes and Angus Kinnear both did the rounds ahead of the new season. And the two interviews couldn't have sounded more different. Les and Dave dig into the contradictions as Moyes says the squad's "got a long way to go," while Kinnear says "we're not behind where we thought we would be." So, who's right, and is there a genuine disconnect between the manager and the boardroom? We also get into the numbers behind the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Everton leap from bottom-third to top-third revenue in the league. And a stadium quote that genuinely stopped us in our tracks about how "Everton" the brand should actually be. Plus: full backs, transfer strategy, and a look ahead to Palace and the first What's the Score at the Windy at Invisible Wind Factory.  This episode is brought to you in association with Claude.ai  Claude is the AI for minds that don't stop at good enough — it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks with you.. whether you're debugging code at midnight or strategizing your next business move, Claude extends your thinking to tackle the problems that matter.  Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/BLUE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt is joined by a host of contributors to predict how the Blues will get on this season. Where will they finish? Who will be top scorer? What is your Everton hot take for the campaign?

Pre-season is DONE. Premier League football is BACK. But there still feel like a lot of work to do for Everton in the transfer window. Matt and Paddy look at the latest transfer developments ahead of the season opener against Crystal Palace. Has the right-back search become too complicated for the club's transfer committee? Will Grealish and Delap come in late in the window? We also pick out our top performers from the 1-1 draw with Lille at Hill Dickinson Stadium and break down how the side will look against the Eagles next weekend.

We talk the preseason, the forward options, do we need Jack Grealish? Key players, Moyes, predictions etc. the usual.

Matt reacts to Everton's draw at home to Lille in the last game of pre-season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everton put in a clinical display at Murrayfield, blacking out Newcastle 3-1 in the penultimate pre-season tune-up before the Palace opener. Thierno Barry, Iliman Ndiaye and Tyrique George all got on the scoresheet as David Moyes' side looked sharp, organised, and ready – particularly the younger players like Armstrong, George, and Dibling.Then we dig into the bigger question hanging over Goodison Park and the Hill Dickinson Stadium alike -  what do the Friedkin Group actually want with Everton? We compare TFG's ownership playbook at Roma and Everton side by side - the stadium sagas, the transfer window frustrations, the branding gripes, and the viral photos of a stripped-back Goodison Park that have fans asking whether this is normal reconfiguration or a sign the old ground's been quietly deprioritised. Quick profit or long-term success? Let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave speaks to BBC Radio Merseyside at full time time following a much-needed performance from the Blues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paddy has been to Germany and back - but Everton still haven't signed a full-back, nor have we heard from David Moyes. Brennan Johnson could be on the way in though, with Dwight McNeil poised to finally get his move to Palace. Is it simply a straight swap? And what will he add to the Everton side? We also look at Tyler Dibling's prospects with this move imminent. Is a loan on the cards despite his fine showing in Stuttgart?

Dave, Les and Josh react to Everton's latest pre-season friendly and answer your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2001/02 - a season that is already off to a bad start before it's begun with Everton having sold their two outstanding young players, both of them lifelong Blues. Some good results early on give way to more questions than answers, though. Such as, what does the 'Bruise Brothers' even mean? Would Nick Barmby returning to Goodison really have knocked the 9/11 terror attacks off the front pages? And who does Danny Cadamarteri think he is? Stay tuned for all this, plus an outrageous story from each of your co-hosts. This episode is supported by The Excelsior. Thanks to Gary Lunt and Sean Ponzini for their contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Les joins BBC Radio Merseyside's Phil Munns to discuss the latest news at Everton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt is joined by Dave and Aaron on a much more upbeat show this week. We look in detail at the two players potentially coming in - Christian Norgaard and Alistair Johnson. How will they change the way Everton play? And are they more that potential bandaids on big voids in the team?

Are things finally starting to look up for Everton? They have their second win of pre-season and two players look to be on their way in. Christian Norgaard and Alistair Johnston both offer relief in areas of the squad which require a lot of love. But are they anything other than stop-gap solutions? We also talk Jack Grealish's situation, pre-season press trips and Merlin Rohl making a case to start the season in the XI.

Everton lost 8 points. Nottingham Forest lost 4. Chelsea? Not a single point, despite admitting to 74 breaches of FA rules and getting hit by three separate regulators (UEFA, the Premier League, and the FA) over £47m in undisclosed historical payments. Les and Dave lay out the full timeline of all three cases - Everton's two separate PSR breaches, Forest's £34.5m overspend, and Chelsea's Abramovich-era disclosure scandal - and compare them point by point: what the breach actually was, who discovered it, who was punished for it, and what sanction followed. Are these cases really comparable? Have Chelsea been treated more leniently than the clubs who lost points? We go through the arguments on both sides before giving our verdict. Let us know your thoughts. A breakdown of each club's breaches: Everton • Case 1: 2021/22 period. Loss £124.5m vs £105m limit (breach ~£19.5m). Charged Mar 2023. • Sanction 1: 10-point deduction (Nov 2023) → reduced to 6 points on appeal (Feb 2024). • Case 2: 2022/23 period. Breach of £16.6m. Charged Jan 2024. • Sanction 2: 2-point deduction (Apr 2024). • Total: 8 points deducted, in-season, same campaign. Nottingham Forest • Case: 2022/23 period. Threshold £61m (reduced for Championship seasons). Breach of £34.5m. Charged Jan 2024. • Sanction: 6 points initial → reduced to 4-point deduction for early admission/cooperation. • Appeal: Rejected — 4 points stood. Chelsea • UEFA (2023): €10m (£8.6m) fine — incomplete financial reporting. • Premier League (Mar 2026): £10.75m fine + immediate 9-month academy transfer ban + 1-year first-team transfer ban suspended 2 years. PL found payments, even if disclosed, would not have breached PSR. • FA (Jul 2026): 74 admitted breaches (undisclosed agent/third-party payments, £47m, 2011–2018). £10m fine (halved from £20m for self-reporting). Original 6-point suspended deduction overturned on appeal, replaced with suspended two-window transfer ban. • Total: £0 points deducted. All penalties financial or suspended. Breaches self-reported by current owners about previous (Abramovich) regime. Want a little more from us? Try The Blue Room Extra for more than 20 hours extra content a month: www.patreon.com/theblueroomextra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave looks back on Everton's 1-2 win away to Hamburg and answers your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LISTEN IN FULL: https://tinyurl.com/5h2mmpx4 Matt is joined by Connor and Adam to talk through the Everton malaise. What are the Blues waiting for in the transfer window? Has the chance to seize the initiative gone this summer? And what do we do about Ndiaye's situation? ➕ BLUE ROOM EXTRA Get exclusive content and all of our podcasts ad-free when you sign up to Blue Room Extra: https://tinyurl.com/yc83x2zh ANDY JOHNSON AFTERNOON Full details for the event at the Bridewell: https://x.com/The_Bridewell/status/2081338592798912539?s=20

Matt reacts to Everton's third friendly of the summer against the Potters. ➕ BLUE ROOM EXTRA Get exclusive content and all of our podcasts ad-free when you sign up to Blue Room Extra: https://tinyurl.com/yc83x2zh ANDY JOHNSON AFTERNOON Full details for the event at the Bridewell: https://x.com/The_Bridewell/status/2081338592798912539?s=20

Fresh from their trip to Bolton, Matt and Paddy are back to talk about anything but Bolton. So Iliman Ndiaye. Is he going? Is he staying? Should Everton sell? Could they replace him? We pull it all through the keyhole. We take a closer look at whether the recruitment setup is working as the Blues wait for a new right-back and midfielder to arrive. Are there too many cooks in the Everton transfer kitchen? To finish, we react to the news that Idrissa Gueye is set to leave the club. And Paddy has a clarification to make. ➕ BLUE ROOM EXTRA Get exclusive content and all of our podcasts ad-free when you sign up to Blue Room Extra: https://tinyurl.com/yc83x2zh ANDY JOHNSON AFTERNOON Full details for the event at the Bridewell: https://x.com/The_Bridewell/status/2081338592798912539?s=20

Two games, no defeats, young players getting minutes, and a manager who loves being written off - what's not to like? In this week's episode, Les and Dave look at some reasons to be cheerful in what has felt like a pretty miserable summer for Evertonians, as the 25/26 season hangover lingers.We assess Everton's encouraging start to pre-season, from the convincing 4-0 victory over Dundee to a hard-earned clean sheet at Bolton, with particular focus on the impact of youngsters Harvey Foster, Adam Aznou, Harrison Armstrong and Tyrique George.There's also discussion around Jordan Pickford's importance heading into the new campaign, arriving with confidence high after his international exploits and once again expected to be the cornerstone of Everton's defence.The transfer window also comes under the microscope, with Hayden Hackney's arrival adding creativity in midfield, permanent deals for George and Merlin Röhl strengthening the squad. And could Moyes pull a surprising season out of the bag as he's usually at his best when expectations are low?As you'd expect, there are plenty of reality checks. Pre-season success guarantees nothing, there are still questions to answer, and positions to fill.How positive are you feeling going into the new season? Let us know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a bitesize edition of the pod, Matt and Paddy reflect on Everton's 0-0 draw in their second pre-season friendly of the summer. ➕ AD-FREE LISTENING Get exclusive content and all of our podcasts ad-free when you sign up to Blue Room Extra: https://tinyurl.com/yc83x2zh

Matt is at the Toughsheet Stadium to reflect on Everton's second friendly of the summer. ➕ AD-FREE LISTENING Get exclusive content and all of our podcasts ad-free when you sign up to Blue Room Extra: https://tinyurl.com/yc83x2zh

The co-hosts take a moment to look forward to the returning Good Times Pub Quiz, and give shout outs to some friends of ours doing outstanding achievements in their own fields of excellence.Then, it's a replay of their sit-down with Andy Burnham. Listen to the full conversation from 18 months ago, as the new PM discussed the Premier League trying to kill Everton (his words), the Fan Advisory Board and 1878s, his favourite kits, the new ground, and more.Book a Reel Tours walking tour: https://www.reeltours.co.uk/toursWatch 'The Picture of Patience': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vvc6xIj4Ws&t=3sUTFT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt joins Rob on this more compact edition of the Kick About. We start with a big look at the right-back situation. Are they really going to go another whole summer without one? How has this situation been allowed to happen? Is there a blockage in the recruitment machine? The lads also look back at the good and bad of the World Cup. ➕ AD-FREE LISTENING Get exclusive content and all of our podcasts ad-free when you sign up to Blue Room Extra: https://tinyurl.com/yc83x2zh

LISTEN IN FULL: https://tinyurl.com/ynw6ptaa Matt is joined by Patric and Mick. We start with our World Cup reflections. Was the tournament any good? Was it too big? And how will things go for Jordan Pickford after his mixed performances on the big stage? Then chat turns to the Everton squad. The squad is still significantly short in some key areas and there is still no sign of a new right-back. They couldn't really go another transfer window without buying one could they?

Fresh from wedding festivities, Matt and Paddy are back to tackle the real big event of the weekend - Dundee 0-4 Everton. The Blues are back and did the business in Scotland. Beto and Barry scored, but did Adam Aznou steal the show? And is there a place for him in the squad next season? We also talk transfers. Jarrod Bowen will not be coming to Everton, but will Morgan Rogers'£117m move to Chelsea move the needle in the market? We assess how it could work both for and against the Blues. And there's Jordan Pickford chat. Could England really move on from him after this tournament and what kind of impact could that have on Everton?

A year on from the move, Les and Dave put the new stadium under the microscope.From bare grey concrete and missing branding to toilet queues, plaza vibes, and the car park choking off Western Terrace, the fans have spoken. Is Hill Dickinson Stadium a blank canvas waiting for Everton's identity, or does it need a full design overhaul to finally feel like home?And what about £6 doughnuts vs. Everton Mints andToffees?Let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave P asks a guest to choose three of their favourite World Cup games and have a lovely chat about football history. In episode #2, Les picks games from 1986, 2014, and 2018. Let us know your favourite World Cup memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt, Mark and Dave take some time to talk Toffees after a morning at Hill Dickinson Stadum. Everton play their first pre-season friendly on Saturday at Dundee. Are they ready to come back? Are we ready? We also look back at England's World Cup exit and reflect on our experience at Upper Deck golf.

Ian joins Les to discuss the things they'd happily never see at Everton again. Let us know what you'd banish into Blue Room 101? There's also new captain chat - who should take over the armband from Seamus Coleman? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt and Paddy discard of the standard podcast format this week. It's a bit all over the show. With the players back for pre-season, we look at what individuals get up to the off-season. How much control do Everton have over individual training, nutrition and more? Talk then turns to the right-back chase. Everton have been linked with Djed Spence but he's at the World Cup. Do the club have any excuse for not getting this position sorted already?

This week, Liam is joined by his long time friend and Across The Park co-host Ian Mills.The lads discuss the eventful 01/02 campaign that eventually saw Walter Smith being replaced by David Moyes.Gazza, Away Days, “The Premiership” and other bits are all discussed as TGTEP approaches the very waters that probably inspired Kev to start this whole damn thing.Thanks to Sean Ponzini, Gary Lunt and Niall O'Donnell for their contributions to this episode, which is in association with The Excelsior. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England's players compared the hostility outside their Mexico City hotel to a night at Everton — and we're taking that as a compliment. Les and Dave dig into how we actually build that reputation on purpose: the new walk-up, the pre-match playlist, the players who can set a tone early instead of killing it stone dead. Then it's onto the new home kit — Stake shuffled to the sleeve, CMC Markets now front and centre in a deal worth £25–30m a year. Is it just gambling in a slightly nicer suit, or a genuinely different beast? Two cheeks of the same arse, or a real step forward for the club? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt catches up with Matt Correal, who was on the front row of Azteca Stadium on Sunday night to watch England's thrilling win over Mexico. We discuss the differences in culture savouring a game from Mexico City, the iconic stadium and the brilliant performance of Jordan Pickford. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt and Paddy assess Jordan Pickford's stunning performance for England at Azteca Stadium. We then turn our focus to the signing of Tyrique George and what it says about Everton's transfer plans.

This is 40, and it's not long into this landmark episode before Everton's dubious title credentials are all dead.Joe Royle always enjoyed a Derby win as manager, but the Barmby-inspired smash and grab at the Baseball Ground will be the Toffees' last away league win for over a year, and Royle's final one as gaffer.Come March, Joe, or "Moosehead" as he's been affectionately named by a couple of Kev's rogue uncles, is on the march and Peter Johnson faces a Sophie's choice of giving the caretaker role to prankster Dave Watson or the potty mouthed Neville Southall.They said no to Flo so Joe chose to go.Not many wins in Part 2 then (not for Everton anyway) but still plenty of excitement - a player/manager in charge, a fight in the Goodison derby, a star player who may or may not be in debt to the Russian mafia. Let the Good Times roll.This episode is supported by The Excelsior. Thanks to Sean Ponzini and Gary Lunt for their contributions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Les and Rob discuss Everton's apparent lack of direction. Will we ever feel any sort of new owner bounce, and is David Moyes too big a presence at the club for it to change? There's World Cup chat and a new album corner featuring two summer staples from The Cars and The Style Council. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt is joined by Dom Shaw from the Northern Echo to get the lowdown on Everton's new midfielder. What will he bring to the team? How will he adapt to the Premier League? What's he like off the pitch? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hundred up for us - a new player for Everton! Hayden Hackney is on his way after the Blues reached an agreement for an initial £16m deal. How will he fit in with Everton? And what does this mean for the future of Idrissa Gueye, Tim Iroegbunam and more? We also look at the rumours linking David Moyes with the vacant Scotland job. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Moyes is the bookies' favourite to take the Scotland job but he's Everton manager. We dig into the links, the candidates, and what it could mean for Everton's summer.Plus, still no sign of the 26-27 kit, and we explain exactly why. And with Rangers fans fuming over defective £85 Castore/Umbro shirts, should Everton supporters be worried about what's coming? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices