Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast

In this episode of the Royal Blue Podcast, Connor is joined by Joe Thomas to break down a huge weekend in Everton’s push for European football. With the Blues sitting just a few points off the top six, the lads take a deep dive into the fixtures around them and what results could shape the race before Monday night’s clash with Manchester City.

They discuss:
Why this weekend could be decisive in the European picture
The psychological impact of results before Everton kick off
Whether Manchester City are there for the taking at Hill Dickinson Stadium
David Moyes’ team selection dilemmas, including whether Beto should return
The lack of squad rotation and what it means for tired legs late in the season
A closer look at Everton’s summer signings and how they compare across the Premier League
Transfer rumours, including links to John Stones, and where Everton really need to strengthen

There’s also analysis of Everton’s recent performances, tactical debates, and what’s still to play for as the season reaches its final stretch.

#EvertonFootballClub #EvertonFC #efc

Everton FC podcasts from the Liverpool ECHO’s Royal Blue YouTube channel.

Get exclusive Everton FC content - including podcasts, live shows and videos - everyday.

Subscribe to the Royal Blue Everton FC YouTube Channel and watch daily live shows HERE: https://bit.ly/3aNfYav

Listen and subscribe to the Royal Blue Podcast for all your latest Everton FC content via Apple and Spotify:

APPLE: https://bit.ly/3HbiY1E
SPOTIFY: https://bit.ly/47xwdnY
Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro & welcome
0:09 – Everton mood after recent results
0:38 – European race overview
1:32 – Key fixtures this weekend
3:00 – Rivals’ form & potential slip-ups
4:27 – Why this weekend is crucial for Everton
7:46 – Psychological impact before Monday night
8:16 – Preview: Everton vs Manchester City
12:50 – Predicted lineup & tactical approach
13:47 – Should Beto start over Barry?
17:03 – Alcaraz & selection frustrations
21:42 – Squad rotation discussion
22:12 – Stats: Everton’s limited squad usage
25:03 – Minutes breakdown (Diblin, Rolle, Patterson)
27:30 – Are Moyes’ decisions justified?
28:50 – Missed opportunities vs Liverpool & West Ham
29:46 – Are players showing fatigue?
31:13 – Do fringe players deserve more chances?
33:10 – Everton’s transfer window analysed
37:01 – Comparing recruitment across PL clubs
40:15 – Youth players & opportunities debate
41:15 – John Stones transfer links discussed
42:41 – Everton’s defensive depth & priorities
45:00 – Full-back issues & summer needs
45:26 – Outro
Visit the Liverpool ECHO website: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc

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Host Ian Croll is joined by Gavin Buckland and Tony Scott look ahead to a season-defining month for the Blues.

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On the Agenda: The lads give their final word reaction to Everton's 2-1 defeat at the London Stadium. Despite a late Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall strike giving the Blues a lifeline, a 90th-minute winner from Callum Wilson left David Moyes’ side empty-handed.

With the Blues now three games without a win, the panel discusses what needs to change. Is it a lack of urgency, or are the tactical decisions catching up with the squad? How does David Moyes fix the "flatness" before the season slips away?

With only four games remaining, we take a deep dive into the Premier League table. We analyze Everton’s upcoming fixtures against the run-ins of our European rivals. Who has the toughest path to the finish line?

Next up is the daunting task of Manchester City at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Can the Blues find their "big game" spirit and cause a massive upset against the champions, or is the gap too wide to bridge in our current form?

#EFC #EvertonFC #DavidMoyes #EvertonStadium #HillDickinson #RoyalBlue

Chris Beesley's Book: Spirit of the Blues: https://tinyurl.com/35yrkvdb

*Emotional farewell to Goodison Park | 16-page Everton souvenir picture special:* 

https://shop.regionalnewspapers.co.uk/liverpool-echo-monday-19th-may-2025-4583-p.asp

*Goodbye to Goodison special souvenir edition:* 

https://tinyurl.com/GoodbyeGoodisonSouvenir

*Gavin Buckland's Book 'The End' | Order your copy here:* https://tinyurl.com/GavinBucklandTheEnd

Everton FC podcasts from the Liverpool ECHO’s Royal Blue YouTube channel.

Get exclusive Everton FC content - including podcasts, live shows and videos - everyday. 

Subscribe to the Royal Blue Everton FC YouTube Channel and watch daily live shows HERE: https://bit.ly/3aNfYav

Listen and subscribe to the Royal Blue Podcast for all your latest Everton FC content via Apple and Spotify:

APPLE: https://bit.ly/3HbiY1E

SPOTIFY: https://bit.ly/47xwdnY

Visit the Liverpool ECHO website: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LivEchoEFC

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@royal.blue.everto

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolEchoEFC
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Beesley and Joe Thomas return to the studio to dissect a frustrating afternoon for the Blues at the London Stadium. Following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham, Everton find themselves sitting in 11th place, and while they remain just 3 points off 6th, the margin for error is becoming razor-thin.

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In this episode, the lads dive into: The Penalty That Wasn't: A deep dive into the controversial handball by Mateus Fernandes. With former refs and the Key Match Incidents Panel weighing in, how did VAR Michael Salisbury get this one so wrong?

With three games now without a win, we ask the tough question: Is the dream of European football next season slipping away?

Looking ahead to Monday night under the lights at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Can David Moyes’ men find an almighty effort to stun title-chasers Manchester City?

#EFC #EvertonFC #DavidMoyes #EvertonStadium #HillDickinson #RoyalBlue

Chris Beesley's Book: Spirit of the Blues: https://tinyurl.com/35yrkvdb

*Emotional farewell to Goodison Park | 16-page Everton souvenir picture special:* 

https://shop.regionalnewspapers.co.uk/liverpool-echo-monday-19th-may-2025-4583-p.asp

*Goodbye to Goodison special souvenir edition:* 

https://tinyurl.com/GoodbyeGoodisonSouvenir

*Gavin Buckland's Book 'The End' | Order your copy here:* https://tinyurl.com/GavinBucklandTheEnd

Everton FC podcasts from the Liverpool ECHO’s Royal Blue YouTube channel.

Get exclusive Everton FC content - including podcasts, live shows and videos - everyday. 

Subscribe to the Royal Blue Everton FC YouTube Channel and watch daily live shows HERE: https://bit.ly/3aNfYav

Listen and subscribe to the Royal Blue Podcast for all your latest Everton FC content via Apple and Spotify:

APPLE: https://bit.ly/3HbiY1E

SPOTIFY: https://bit.ly/47xwdnY

Visit the Liverpool ECHO website: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LivEchoEFC

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@royal.blue.everto

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolEchoEFC
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Ian Croll, Joe Thomas, and Gavin Buckland as they dive into a pivotal weekend for the Blues. After a frustrating run of dropped points—including a draw at Brentford and a narrow Derby defeat—Everton have slipped to 10th in the Premier League table. With the European places beginning to drift, the trip to the London Stadium has become a "must-win" if David Moyes’ side are to reignite their charge for the top six.

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On the Agenda is The Race for Europe: Can Everton find their clinical edge again? The panel discusses whether the Blues can leapfrog the likes of Brentford and Chelsea to get back into the mix.

Michael Keane has officially penned a new contract extension, ensuring he will reach the 10-year milestone at the club. We discuss his role this season and what his veteran presence means for the squad through 2027.

The lads analyzing West Ham's threats and how Everton can exploit a side currently sitting in the bottom half of the table.

There are the usual team selection dilemmas and bold scoreline predictions ahead of Saturday’s 3:00 PM kickoff.

#EFC #EvertonFC #DavidMoyes #EvertonStadium #HillDickinson #RoyalBlue

Chris Beesley's Book: Spirit of the Blues: https://tinyurl.com/35yrkvdb

*Emotional farewell to Goodison Park | 16-page Everton souvenir picture special:* 

https://shop.regionalnewspapers.co.uk/liverpool-echo-monday-19th-may-2025-4583-p.asp

*Goodbye to Goodison special souvenir edition:* 

https://tinyurl.com/GoodbyeGoodisonSouvenir

*Gavin Buckland's Book 'The End' | Order your copy here:* https://tinyurl.com/GavinBucklandTheEnd

Everton FC podcasts from the Liverpool ECHO’s Royal Blue YouTube channel.

Get exclusive Everton FC content - including podcasts, live shows and videos - everyday. 

Subscribe to the Royal Blue Everton FC YouTube Channel and watch daily live shows HERE: https://bit.ly/3aNfYav

Listen and subscribe to the Royal Blue Podcast for all your latest Everton FC content via Apple and Spotify:

APPLE: https://bit.ly/3HbiY1E

SPOTIFY: https://bit.ly/47xwdnY

Visit the Liverpool ECHO website: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LivEchoEFC

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@royal.blue.everto

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolEchoEFC
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Ian Croll and the Liverpool Echo's Chris Beesley dive into a somber week for the Blues following a painful 2-1 defeat in the Merseyside Derby. While the result at the Hill Dickinson Stadium stings, the long-term consequences could be even more severe.

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The headline news is the injury to Jarrad Branthwaite. After being stretchered off in the dying minutes against Liverpool, reports suggest the star defender is facing two months on the sidelines with a hamstring tear. With the 23-year-old’s season potentially over, Ian and Chris discuss how David Moyes recalibrates a defense that has looked far more stable with the England international in the lineup.

The guys turn their attention to Beto. Despite a tireless work rate, questions remain about his clinical edge. With his current deal running until 2027, the panel debates the latest rumors surrounding his future: Does he deserve a contract extension to secure his value? Or is it time for Everton to look for a different profile of striker this summer?

It’s been a tough run for Thierno Barry. After a solid start to his Everton career, his recent performances have dipped, leading to visible frustration in the stands. We explore his complex relationship with the fans and whether the young forward can prove himself as Everton’s. 

Finally, we wrap up the post-match autopsy of the 2-1 loss to Liverpool. From missed opportunities to controversial officiating, we provide the final word on a derby that leaves Everton looking over their shoulder as the season enters its final stretch.

#EFC #EvertonFC #DavidMoyes #EvertonStadium #HillDickinson #RoyalBlue

Chris Beesley's Book: Spirit of the Blues: https://tinyurl.com/35yrkvdb

*Emotional farewell to Goodison Park | 16-page Everton souvenir picture special:* 

https://shop.regionalnewspapers.co.uk/liverpool-echo-monday-19th-may-2025-4583-p.asp

*Goodbye to Goodison special souvenir edition:* 

https://tinyurl.com/GoodbyeGoodisonSouvenir

*Gavin Buckland's Book 'The End' | Order your copy here:* https://tinyurl.com/GavinBucklandTheEnd

Everton FC podcasts from the Liverpool ECHO’s Royal Blue YouTube channel.

Get exclusive Everton FC content - including podcasts, live shows and videos - everyday. 

Subscribe to the Royal Blue Everton FC YouTube Channel and watch daily live shows HERE: https://bit.ly/3aNfYav

Listen and subscribe to the Royal Blue Podcast for all your latest Everton FC content via Apple and Spotify:

APPLE: https://bit.ly/3HbiY1E

SPOTIFY: https://bit.ly/47xwdnY

Visit the Liverpool ECHO website: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LivEchoEFC

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@royal.blue.evertoFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolEchoEFC
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices