The Blue Room

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

We've had enough of the Good Times bobble hat telling us what to talk about. The Wembley derby will have to wait.In the summer of 1996, Everton may not have been Cup holders anymore (the loveables having let the city down and sent the trophy back to Manchester), but were now being touted as outsiders for an even bigger pot - their first league title in 9 (NINE) years.Gary Speed looked like just the missing piece of Joe Royle's jigsaw, a marauding all-round midfielder (which was the style at the time), and a lifelong Evertonian to boot. Someone that would undoubtedly spend his many remaining years at the club he loved.After a dream first day of the season, August optimism gives way for a bumpy autumn then, naturally. But at least we don't go out of the League Cup to York.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

After a good finish to 2024/25, the emotion of leaving Goodison, and the excitement of moving to the new ground, last season finished pretty flat. It feels like there's not a great deal of optimism as Everton enter a(nother) big summer and the second season at Hill Dickison - Les and Dave join Matt to try and work out if there's anything the club can do to lift the mood. Let us know what you think might help improve things. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A brand new show where host Dave Phillips is joined by a guest to choose three of their favourite World Cup games. That's followed by a chat on football history in the tournament over the years. In episode One, Ian Rowland takes us back to Mexico 86 and Italia 90. Let us know your favourite World Cup memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt and Paddy take some time out from the World Cup and the heatwave to talk Toffees. We look at Thierno Barry and assess whether Everton should or could sell him this summer. There's a wider chat about the transfer plan too and whether are stuck in the past with their recruitment strategy. Finally we look at a couple of blows for the academy, with two of its brightest stars set to move on.

New stadium. New owners. New era. Same old Everton. After a dreadful end to the season, Moyes' latest comments that he's not sure Everton can make "big huge strides” haven't gone down well. We compare these comments to some he's previously made and ask three questions: Is Moyes being a realist, or is he already setting the bar too low? Does the new stadium change what Everton should expect? Is Moyes the right man to take Everton to the next level? Let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's 2026/27 fixtures day - Les and Dave react to the announcement, dive into a bit of transfer news, and question the ambition of Everton's largely silent owners. Is there a succession plan and do we need to reset our expectations of what type of club Everton is? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An early edition of Byline this week. Matt and Paddy look at last week's ruling against Everton and whether this is the end of the PSR pain. When can we expect a decision on the Blues' appeal against the £40m fine? We also assess the latest transfer rumours around Liam Delap and Jarrad Branthwaite. Then it's a look at the World Cup - what's gone well and what is irritating us?

As World Cup fever sweeps The Blue Room, Foxy and Liam join Les and Warren for a Weekly/Mailbag mash-up. On The Weekly, we discuss Burnley's £40m compo claim against Everton and the start of the 2026 World Cup. Then head over to YouTube or Patreon for Mailbag to continue the World Cup chat and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back in August 2024, Liam caught up with top blue and writer Jim Keoghan.The pair discussed 96/97, the late 90's at large and the wider implications on the Toffees to this very day.The duo talk Joe Royle, Peter Johnson, transfers, the lot. And apparently, if Liam's slip of the tongue is correct, we signed Foster not Oster the following summer...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

A bumper two-parter this week. Firstly, Matt and Patric look at the recent ruling that means Everton will have to pay £40m to Burnley over their PSR breaches in recent years. Is the ruling fair? And why are the Blues fuming? Rob then joins the conversation for the second part, as we look at the new contract for Vitalii Mykolenko and interest in Hayden Hackney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave joins Carl Woodward on BBC Radio Merseyside to give his thoughts on what Everton should be looking to do in this summer's transfer window. They also discuss how the news that they were told to pay Burnley might have a big impact on their plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the World Cup imminent, it's no surprise to see a flurry of transfer news. Even Everton are getting in the mix. Matt and Paddy look at the links to Hayden Hackney and the current state of play. Everton want him, he wants Everton, but is there too big a chasm in terms of Middlesbrough's valuation of the player? We also analyse Vitalii Mykolenko's new deal. It's a three-year contract for the left-back - is that the right decision? We finish with thoughts on the Friedkin Group after 18 months at the helm. Do we want to hear more from them? And how ambitious are their plans for the club?

Les and Dave discuss Everton's squad and ask four key questions: Most important player in Moyes' system? Most replaceable starting player? Least likely to be at Everton next season? Player Everton would be doomed without?  Let us know your answers in the comments.  Dave also dives into the incredible life-saving tech that meant Christian Eriksen could walk off the pitch despite collapsing with chest pains.  Blue Monday is partnered by Invisible Wind Factory - find out what's on over the summer at https://www.invisiblewindfactory.com/events/  And for more information on the Oliver King Foundation, go to https://www.theoliverkingfoundation.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete returns to the Weekly where he and Warren talk about the end of the season and the hopes for next. The pair also discuss the highs, lows, over and underachievers of the Premier League, plus World Cup chat as the international spectacle draws closer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Les joins Phil Munns on BBC Radio Merseyside to look at Everton's current position as we move forward from the end of the season and casts an eye on potential transfers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Les and Dave look at the pros and cons of keeping Moyes for one more season and give our shortlist of four replacements. Who's on your list? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The season is over, so Matt and Paddy go down some rabbit holes this week. We talk Anthony Gordon's transfer to Barcelona and what it means for Everton's academy on a big day for the youth setup, as Dean Rastrick begins his role as the academy director.  Paddy also fills us in on the Blues' transfer plans with the World Cup looming. We also debate the merits in bringing Tyrique George and Jack Grealish back again next season. We're also looking for your thoughts on the Friedkin Group's tenure in charge so far. What have you liked? What can be better?

A season that promised so much for so long fell so flat right at the end. To make matters worse, Sunderland, who were content with a mid-table finish until about an hour into the penultimate game of the season, finished in a Europa League spot.But what went wrong? Was it the players? Was it the manager? Was it the new ground? Was it the fans' fault for hoping that Everton could, for once, make us all dead happy?Blue Monday/Toffee Tuesday/Thursday is brought to you in partnership with Invisible Wind Factory - get down pre-match next season for food, drink, music, and What's the Score? at the Windy live show.Help us hit 10,000 subs on YouTube before the 2026/27 season kicks off - head to https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueRoomEFCAnd our mate Laura has got a new book coming out. Head over to https://www.lauragatesphotography.co.uk/ and get a discount with the code ‘TBR25' at checkout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a dreadful end to Everton's season, Warren, Liam, Paul and Dave discuss the momentum shift against David Moyes as Everton manager and ask if there are still any merits to keeping him. The lads also chat through their Everton season highlights and with the World Cup on the horizon, discuss their favourite World Cup memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt and Paddy look back and forward on an episode that has less structure than an Everton back four. Why have things unraveled so spectacularly in the last seven games and will there be any accountability for it? There's also a look at David Moyes' - who was very spiky in his post-match presser - situation and the three avenues Everton could potentially explore with it. And if Moyes is to move on, do the Blues need to revamp their recruitment team?

Matt is joined by Rob, Les and Jon as Everton make it easy for Spurs on the final day of the season. We look at the selection, the performance and the future of David Moyes?

As Leicester City march on unopposed to their first ever league title, Everton have got their eyes on the other two domestic trophies.Sadly, our friends from down the East Lancs have got other ideas, and Roberto Martinez's rapidly receding hairline becomes a stark metaphor for his remaining time at the club.And to this day we don't know just what inspiration he took from the creative mind of Jason Derulo."Bobby, try Bryan Oviedo at right back.""Okay that's quite unique, thanks Jase."All that plus the coach ride to Hell (via Walsall) on the podcast that knows The Dixies should've gone ahead.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

LISTEN IN FULL: https://tinyurl.com/ycnu83tw Matt, Patric and Adam return to assess the latest Everton debacle. To start, Matt and Adam seek solace after leaving before Seamus Coleman's farewell on Sunday. Then we get into what's gone wrong this season, with a particular focus on David Moyes and his squad utilisation. We finish off with a look ahead to Tottenham. How will the Blues fare being on the other side of a last-day relegation decider? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Les and Dave are joined by Ian to discuss whether 25/26 has really been a bad season or whether inflated expectations have contributed to our feelings of frustration. Is the club where it should be? Would you stick with Moyes, or is it time to twist and look for a new manager?Find out more about Laura's book, On the Banks, here - https://www.lauragatesphotography.co.uk/shopGet 20% of Everton clobber with the code BLUEROOM20, here - https://forevereverton.co.uk/And see what's on at The Windy, here - https://www.invisiblewindfactory.com/events/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Warren is this week joined again by Weekly stalwarts Rob Vera & Paul McParlan. They discuss the impact of another fruitless season and the mood around the club. They also discuss the breaking news of Southampton's expulsion from the Playoff Final Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices