The rise of a Nobody!!

This story is done from a player's point of view. I've used editor only to create myself as a player. I've made myself as a superstar striker with my finishing stat when starting the game at 18 - This has grown over the first couple of games to 19.

Anyway the character that it will be is called Simon Corner, D.o.B - 29.12.1986 and will start as a free agent, obviously receiving quite a few contract offers to start. I'm playing all available English and Scottish leagues with the Spanish Premier league on the original database. However for some reason Both Man City and Real Madrid bosses have been sacked at the start of this game.

The manager I'm using is going to be a guy called John McIllroy a former professional footballer... I've choosen Everton as the team in an attempt to buy myself (The player) and get him for Everton. However I provided he signed for a English or Scottish Club, I was going to retire and reset my manager up at that team to make the first part of the story work.

Thankfully however I managed to get the player signed. - Also note, I didn't want the player to sign for the top four teams in the Premier League as that may have become slightly easy on the game, so I added these to the players disliked teams - Which I'll admit I'd prefer other teams that will be underdogs. - Also the reason I've started a new story rather than continue on with Entering management story - That game's data became corrupt when my laptop shut down during saving.

-=- Prologue -=-

It was a bitterly cold day, the wind whistled past the window and rain pelted the glass panes. Typical British Summer in the North East of England and as always the sun was nowhere to be seen. The cream curtains closed to block out the coldness that seeped through the edges of the wooden window frame. So much for double glazing I though to myself. This is no better than any other day of the year. Work well that's just none existent anymore, not with this big recession going on in the UK.

I turned on my new Acer laptop, of which about a third of my money from my redundancy. The rest, well that went on my big T.V and my holiday. I do wish I was still over in Tobago, at least there when it rained it was still warm. It loaded up pretty quickly and I logged in and straight onto the website. I'll check the going's on in the football world. What's the latest around the place...?

I've always liked Football ever since I can remember. Then again, I've liked most sports. I've played sports too, still do. The Saturday game for my football team, a non-league team based nowhere near where I live. But then I've never lived anywhere near their ground. I've always had to get up very early to travel, at least I didn't do it alone. I had my cousin there with me.

Ahh my cousin, it's a funny story between us. We are like brothers more than cousins, and in fact we are known as the twin cousins at our team. You'll be wondering why, but its simple the two of us were born at exactly the same time, quarter past seven in the evening of Monday, December 29th 1986. It's bizarre I know, but even worse is that according to people they both went into labour at roughly the same time too. I'm not sure if there were complications in my cousin's birth but there was in mine.

Nothing serious apart from the fact that my Mother was with my Nanna playing bingo, when my Mam went into labour, and at that precise moment, my Nanna's car was being pinched. Was this just a coincidence? Probably, and very unlucky.

I wasn't the healthiest of babies either, not sure what I weighed or even what I look like, there is no pictures of me as a baby. My Gran says she has some somewhere at her house, but I've yet to see any.

The problem of when I was born was more to do with a condition that I suffered from, a condition known as Pyloricstanosis, or some thing like that. It simply meant I could digest food properly as a muscle would close in my intestine that would not allow it to pass through, in which case it had to be regurgitated back up, a bit like what a snake would do to a meal if it felt threatened.

I cant obviously remember anything from back then, but I remember hearing the story about me one time throwing up and hitting the ceiling, and then my mother tried to feed me more milk or which I regurgitated it straight back up and hit her square in the face. I always get a little chuckle whenever I recall being told that.

Finally the BBC sports website has loaded, I head straight to the football section. Ahh the biggest news from the Premier League, due to personal reasons John McIllroy has taken over the reigns at Everton.

Everton a real battling club. They have done well under David Moyes, its a shame he's left them. Oh well lets have a look at the transfer gossip.

Nothing of pure interest but ohh, what’s this... Apparently a new young forward is drawing attention from clubs around the UK... A 21year old from Sunderland called Simon Corner... Wait that's my name, damn someone has the same name from me from the place where I was born. It can't be me, I'm no longer living their.

Now that I’ve lived in Durham since I left school. If only that player was me, I'd be laughing. Nothing new to report on my hometown club or my favourite club Hartlepool... I'll leave my computer on, no new emails which isn't too surprising. I've signed in to MSN and AIM just in case any of my friends from around the world, to whom I play a creative writing game called efedding with.

I put my laptop to the side of me and resting on my bed as I reach across to my computer chair and pick up my book. I'm a keen reader too. The booked entitled Soldier O S.A.S The Bosnian Inferno. These are my favourites out of all of them... As I start to read and get more interested my concentration is broken by a familiar sounding voice.

"Do you wanna get Rocked!"

My dreadful ring tone, that of Let's Get Rocked by Def Leppard. I reach for my phone, its a mobile number calling, obviously by the display one I do not recognise, maybe one of my old friends phoning with their new number. I answer cautiously though.

"Hello?" I ask.

"Hello, is this Simon Corner?" Comes a slight Glaswegian accent.

"Yes it is, who's this?"

"Hi, I'm John McIllroy, I've just been given the new manager's job at Everton Football Club. I've been trying to get in touch with you for a couple of days. I used to be a scout for the club, but now I'm taking over from David Moyes. Can I arrange to meet with you?"

I'm dumb-founded, a real manager looking to sign me. Of course I'm going to say yes, but then back in my mind I'm a little dubious. We've a couple of Scot's at the team I play for is it one of them playing a prank. Only one way to find out.

"Yes of course. When and where?"

"I'll send one of my scouts by the name of Tony Henry, to your home address to pick you up and bring you to our wonderful place here at Goodison Park. How about tomorrow, he should be up around lunch time. Is that okay with you?"

"Yes of course, what about getting home, though?"

"Well Tony should be able to drop you off again. I look forward to meeting with you."

"Likewise."

And with a click the phone goes dead. Am I dreaming, is this real or just either McGregor or McKinlay playing tricks on me with their mates phone. I'm excited yet anxious to find out which of them is playing the trick if it is one. Suddenly a pop-up comes on my screen, Brett, a friend of mine from Derbyshire, a fellow efedder.

'Your making head-ways in the transfer rumours mate.'

'Yeah right... Somebody with the same name as me, or pretending to be me.'

I don't dare tell him about the phone call, as I still don't know if it's real or not. I better sleep on it, I'll find out tomorrow.

Tuesday July 8th.

"Jump" by "Van Halen" is the sound to which I wake up at. I open my phone to turn the alarm off. 7.30 on the dot. I quickly have a wash, breakfast of simple toast with low-fat butter, and a cup of tea with skinned milk, no sugar, although I did at one point take sugar. Don't get me wrong I'm not a man pressed on a diet. I'm very parky when it comes to food, as my mother keeps telling me. I can't eat cooked vegetables. Carrots especially, I can eat them raw, but not cooked. My dog "Dusty" takes after me on that. Which reminds me, I gotta take him out this morning, my mam wants a lie-in.

-=-Noon-=-

As noon comes I'm excited yet nervous, yet paranoid all rolled into one. I've told my mam, who is happily watching here detective programs on the crime and discovery channels, hopping between the two as they take an end of break.

"You sure this aint a hoax?" She asks bored after realising she's seen the particular episode, like a hundred times. Even though I can't remember any single one that she hasn't seen. Even before she split with my dad, she always watched the damn FBI Files.

I can't disapprove of course, I enjoy watching them too. I look out the wind, as a car rolls to a stop outside. A big black sports car, as a big car fan I notice it's a 911 straight away. I don't like them too much, nifty but can't handle for the love of god.

Who ever the driver is knocks on the front door, which sets the chain of events in motion. Dusty barking and jumping up at the door like the lunatic dog that he is, my mam shouting at him to get in the kitchen out of the way, and grabbing him back so I can eventually open the door. Stood there is a man that I can honestly say, I've never seen before, but he looks official in his Everton FC gear.

He introduces himself as Tony Henry the guy sent to collect me to go with him. I let my mam known that I'm off. Enjoy myself she says. What I'm going to Liverpool whats to enjoy about that... Sorry to those who live their but I did watch that Ross Kemp programme about the Liverpudlian gangs. Maybe the drive in a Porsche would be good.

That I don't seeing as I'm not a fan of them. If it had been a Ferrari, even a cheap one that would have been more my style. But I can't argue I'm about to meet the manager of Everton.

The trip is a long one, and the guy's music taste isn't that tasteful. The 1960's a couple of recognisable Beatles tracks, that I can't disagree with, but mostly it's not my cup of tea.

Although it could be worse, he could have played this crappy rave people listen to. You know the song's that no-one knows what the guy is saying, and songs that have no meaning behind them.At least Rock songs, my fortay, have meanings behind their lyrics, even if some are not as clear as others, take "Turning Japanese" by "The Vapors". Yip if you aint figured it out yet, nope it's not about love but actually masturbating... Hence the turn Jap's eye. Get with the times.

Finally we reach Goodison park, by which time I'm starting to get scared. It's dark. Tony leads my past the reception area, although I slow down to take a look down the top of the blonde secretary's top. What? I'm human and single, nothing wrong with looking.

We take the stairs to the second floor and walk along a small corridor and stop in the reception area to the managers office... No I aint guessing or working this out either, it clearly says "Manager's Office" on the door.

The new secretary obviously head secretary to the manager is younger than the one on the front desk, and has dark shortish hair, and is probably better looking, ahh scrap that, much better looking than the other one. She gives me a smile, to which I return.

"Mr. McIllroy is waiting for you." She announces in a soft Irish accent. Not all the people behind the scenes here are Scottish are they? I don't have anything against Scottish people at all, not when I have Scottish blood, distant I'll admit but it's there, just like the Mexican blood, and the more predominant Irish Blood with my Mam being half Irish. Yeah, she's almost as stupid as one sometimes too.

Tony leads me into the office where the new Everton Manager, John McIllroy stands up and shakes my hand.

"A firm shake. That's a good sign, at least you wont be like Cristiano Ronaldo and fall down on the slightest touch."

"Blah, that guy falls down if a fly lands on him. You've got to kick me hard for me to fall." I joke back. Not that I go down easy, after all Football is a tough and physical sport. My physiology is simple, Footballs a physical game, you dont like the physical side, then go play god damn basketball, they can't touch in that.

"Please take a seat."

I sit down, although this side of the desk is quite uncomfortable. Maybe I should become manager instead, after all John's chair looks alot more comfortable, like something you could fall asleep in.

"I'm really pleased you came here today, I've notice a lot of clubs are after you. It must be a shock to you, a person who's not known and then all of a sudden setting teams alight fighting for your signature?!"

I don't know if that's a question or a statement.

"I don't mind it. It's a chance to play professional football at the end of the day."

"Good attitude to have. I like you already."

Wait if he didn't before, why am I here? Ahh hell with it.

"Anyway, I would like to offer you a full time contract to join us here at Everton. A contract that will be on a five year term worth seven thousand five hundred pound a week."

Wow, that I was not expecting, that works out at £90k a year, which is seven and a half times what I was on at my last work place. I want to sign this straight away, but he did mention that other teams want to sign me too, maybe I'll give it a couple of days, maybe a week to see whom else comes in.

"That's a very generous offer thank you Mr. McIllroy. But since you've said that other teams are looking to sign me, do you mind if I hold off for a few days and see. It's not that I may get some big team where I wont play come in for me, but my favourite club may do."

Yes I know, Hartlepool are two divisions below the Premier, but they are my favourite club after all. Then again I do have strong ties with Sunderland, being born there and lived their most of my life.

"Of, course, I wouldn't want you to make any rash decisions."

We shake hands again, and it's time to head home.

Wednesday, July 9th.

It turns out John was right, I've received offers now from Tottenham, Middlesbrough, Rangers, Celtic, Portsmouth and Blackburn. Wait Portsmouth, their manager is Harry Redknapp, he's finally wanting to sign me... Damn when I was playing a few year back, him being at Southampton, when they were in the Premier League. He sent a scout to watch me, and at the time my work being assholes as usual wouldn't allow me an early finish or the day off on the particular day that the scout came to watch my team... The Bastards...

It seems that there is Karma in the world then. This is probably the best thing that has happened to me as a person during my whole life. Especially when I found out that Santa Claus was actually my dad... That sort of spoilt Christmas for me... Oh come on I was 7 at the time, and you can't tell me you never thought Santa was real.

Thursday, July 10th.

Damn this is getting a little carried away now, Aston Villa and West Ham, have offered me contracts. Man this is going to be a hard decision. Of course my first contract coming from Everton was much less than the latest or so I thought...

"DO YOU WANNA GET ROCKED!!"

Damn someone should remind me to change that ring tone.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Simon?" The Familiar Glasgow accent of new Everton Boss John McIllroy.

"Yes it is."

"I just thought that after receiving news of the other contracts you've been receiving I'd like to revise my offer, and make it forty thousand pound a week."

"Thanks, I'll take that into consideration."

Click and the call is gone. But damn that's a steep jump from the original seven and a half. I wouldn't even be bothered about sitting on the bench for that, fair enough it get boring, and I like to play football. I'll leave my options open a few days though.

None of the top four have come in for me, thankfully. I've always said I wouldn't play for one of them. Mainly because I never thought I'd be good enough. I still dont. I am my own worst critic. I'll admit I'd like the chance to play for a top English club, but as long as it's not a London club. Not that I have anything against Londoners. I just think there are way too many London Clubs. West Ham and Tottenham the two London clubs that offered me contracts, but then there was Rangers and Celtic, the only two true teams in Scotland as My Grandad always said. I don't think Scotland would be that much of a challenge.

Sunday, July 13th.

It's good news I'm afraid... Afraid, what am I talking about, Rubbish again. Anyway, thanks to my mam partner, I'm able to make my way down the road on a long journey. Finally reaching the ground of Goodison. Yes, I've decided to join the ranks of Everton Football Club. Then again, how could anyone reject forty grand a week, with a signing on fee of a couple, at least that would be able to get me a nice little flat on a temp basis till my first payment came through, what would that be, around the thirty two thousand a week after tax. That's going on the figure of paying twenty percent tax of course. That may go up but who cares. Just think of the amount of playstation three games I can afford to buy now.

I walk through the gates to the reception, its dead here today, maybe because it's Sunday, and its eight thirty pm. The first secretary is again sporting a tight open blouse, which I curiously nod in the direction to Dave. She looks up and says to go straight up. John is of course waiting I did phone him yesterday.

As I reach the office, Rachel that's the good looking Irish secretary of John's smiles, it's a nice smile.

"You can go straight in Mr. Corner."

Damn she makes the Irish accent sound sexy.

"Thanks, but please less of the mister, I'm only twenty one that makes me feel old."

She lets out a little giggle as I enter John's office.

"Ahh Simon, thank you for coming, and I'm hoping its great news."

"It is John, I've accepted your offer. It's not the money really, I'd have settled for less, but I've a soft side for Everton, I dunno why, maybe because I dont like Liverpool that much."

"A thing you have in common with our football club. I'll get Rachel to get the papers ready."

John left me to my own devices, like there is much I can do in an office the size of a cardboard box. I'd have honestly thought it would have been bigger than this. So there's a lesson never assume. Finally after a good ten minutes John returns with official looking documents, I have a quick look through them, before agreeing everything is in order and sign them. Finally I've made it as a professional football... Please dont wake me up yet...

"I'd like to give you the guided tour round the stadium if you would like."

Only if Rachel comes too, I've got to have something good to look at, no before you start I am not dissing Goodison Park, so John Parrott stick to snooker. Seriously though, I've been round Goodison on a tour before, a prize I won in a competition I didn't enter. That's Grandad's for you.

After a tour, I head to the club hotel, where John books and pays me a room. I won't get my signing bonus till the contract is made official by the F.A. Which is about fair I suppose. See I'm new to all this professional malarkey.

Wednesday July 16th.

I've found a smart flat, on the cost just outside of Liverpool. Its a very smart one bedroom, all my stuff has been moved it and even some new furniture for the kitchen and the main living room. It's great. All though according to one newspaper, I'm welcoming the chance to get back into football and that I've been without a club for a while. Wait, this is my first actual professional contract. I'm happy to have a chance to get INTO Football for a start. I must admit the press conference was a bit nerve racking, but at least I didn't fluff it. I simply told them that I hoped for my chance to shine and to if possible make myself a firm favourite, at the club. Which is true, why lie. Truth is I still can't believe it's happening to me. Of all the people that this could have been it's me...

"Your going to be the new Wayne Rooney." Thats what my dad said to me when he heard... I call ********. I know I'm ugly but for Christ sake Dad, please give me some credit. Although I wouldn't mind being in the England squad. Yeah, I know I'm getting ahead of myself again, but can you help it. The gaffa, although he told me not to call him that, he's not Jose Mourinho, but he tells me he'll give me my chance, and will most likely let me feature in Everton's friendlies to see how I fair. He's me thinking I'm going in the reserves. At least I don't suffer from nerves in a bad way. Don't get me wrong, I suffer from them, what I mean is I don't let it affect me in a negative way, in fact I turn them into positives. Don't ask me how, I just do, thats me in a nut shell.

But then again, I've never played in front of more than 100 people tops. This will be something different, maybe the bossman wont start me but have me on the bench, at least that may calm my nerves if they look to be getting the better of me. At least I've got another 6days of getting to know the players better and train harder to be ready for the first friendly against Preston on the 22nd.

Of course speaking of the players, there are a few that have made it easier for my arrival at Goodison. Tim Howard, Mikel Arteta and Joleon Lescott the three I've gelled with superbly well. Oh and don't forget good ol' Phil. Neville of course current Everton club captain, he's made me feel very welcome.

I'm thinking, about international status. Of course getting well ahead of myself, I could actually be a complete flop. But in the case I impress this season. I really do wonder whether I should declare myself for England, or leave it open seeing how I could class for either, England, Ireland or Mexico. There Scottish relatives are too distant to be able to class for International duty for the Scots. I'd prefer England, being my true home country. I can speak Spanish, but English my first language, and I was born in Sunderland, brought up in both Sunderland and Durham in the North East of England, so it would make sense to be an England international rather than the other two. But I'll leave it open, which ever national team want me to play for them, I probably will do.

Saturday, July 19th.

It's going well I believe, the players seem to like what I am doing in training. I am of course training hard and making sure I do as best as I can. It's still going to be hard, I've heard the boss talking to his current assistant about potential signings too, and another forward is being asked for. That's my position. It's a little unnerving to say the least, but all I can do is to try my hardest to force my way into the first team and maintain a good standard to keep a regular place. No training tomorrow being Sunday, the boss has given us the day off, he says he' got business to attend to. More new players is what it looks like.

Tuesday, July 22nd.

Earlier today, I was asked to make a recommendation for a potential new signing for Everton. I've told John that I'd think it over. Which I will. I've already been told I'm included in the squad for the friendly against Preston tonight. From what some of the key players here are saying, the Boss has managed to get Andrey Arshavin to sign with us, but apparently he's waiting for clearance on a work permit. Andrey is a good player and would do extremely well I feel. But it's further test for myself as another person to try and become just as good as, a difficult one at that.

In the away dressing room, although it's small it's bigger than the one's I've been used to, even at home games. The boss names his team sheet player a simply 4-4-2

"The team is as follows so listen carefully.

In goal, Tim (Howard).

Right back Phil (Neville).

Left back Leighton (Baines).

Centre backs are Joleon and Jag (Lescott and Jagielka.)

Right Mid will be Ozzy (Osman).

Left Mid will be Andy (Van Der Meyde)

Centre Marou and Mikel (Fellaini and Arteta.)

Up front we have Yak (Yakubu) and Corndog (ME)

The rest will be on the bench."

I'm starting, ohh Christ, thats bad. Not really it's great but now I'm under pressure, I'll do my best. But I really do hate that nickname, even though it's become somewhat more of an adopted surname for me.

Being a friendly we aint wearing the normal numbers and names kit, instead I am wearing Mikel's number 10. I'd have preferred my highly like number 8 as what I always wore for my non-league team, but I don't mind number 10. I did use to wear that for the county.

-- After the warm up I head back to the changing rooms, looking on the computer screen of the Assistant manager at the team currently, I'm the key man for Everton according to Worldsoccer.com's Predictions. How can I be the key man, I've never played at this level before. It seems people know something about my footballing skills that I don't.

- It's a good first half, not for me in particular, but for the team, we lead three nil. We took the lead through an own goal from Ross Wallace, Fellaini added a second and Yakubu with the third. I've had a few chances, but not really shown much. I'll keep trying in order to prove the reason for me being here at Everton. The manager tells us he's pleased and pulls me aside to say that there is no pressure on me tonight.

- Second half goes well too, we only add a further goal, which I did have a hand in creating, I force a decent save from their keeper which Arteta tapped the rebound home. I wish it was the other way round, but I didn't do too badly. But I've got to improve still. With Arshaven likely to play up front it'll be me, Anichebe, Saha or the Yak up front along side him. I really do have to work hard. Although Saha, might not be that difficult to replace with his history of injuries.

Preston 0 - 4 Everton.

Goals - Wallace (OG) Fellaini (1) Yakubu (1) Arteta (1)

Motm - Mikel Arteta (1)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 4-0 Friendly victory over Preston. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance by creating a goal.

That's a nice little confidence boost. Although on the coach trip back to Goodison I recluse within myself and read my book using a small L.E.D torch light I always carry on such trips.

Wednesday, July 23rd.

As I report for a light training session, mostly one where the boss likes to go over the match of last night. We find out the extent to the knock which Mikel Arteta picked up last night. He suffered a damaged foot is likely to be out for around a month. That's not the news we wanted to hear. Mikel is an influential part of the team.

News has leaked through to the players that John has accepted a bid from Man City, for Yakubu. A leak from Man City has made the transfer offer public knowledge apparently, but no news on the amount of the fee. It must be large enough for the boss to actually accept the bid, seeing as how the club is short on striking options.

We fly out from Liverpool airport today, heading for Belgium for a quick tour before a home match against Porto. Three games we are set to play in Belgium, all of which are against teams I haven't heard of. But then Belgium football isn't broadcast in England. If it is I've never seen it. The first match will be in six days against a team called KV Kortrijk. For all their transfers away from the clubs being close, both Yakubu and Van Der Meyde are joining the squad. Also two of the reserve teams young guys, I can say that as they are younger than me. One 18 the other 17 have been drafted in with the possibilities of their departure and due to the injury to Mikel.

The Boss has also told us that it's true with Arshavin and there are a couple of other targets that he is following closely to be possibly joining the side. Arshavin will of course be in attendance in our first couple of matches and staying at the same hotel. Probably to let the players and him to get to know each other.

On the play journey I have to tell the boss that I'm out of ideas on any potential signings and that I'm sorry. I mean I like the look of players but don't know if he could persuade them to join Everton. Although I do give him a slip of paper to show three people I deem as good players.

Salvdor Cabanas from Club de Fútbol América (América Mex)

Andrea Pirlo from A.C. Milan

and

Kevin Doyle from Reading.

I don't know whether they would come. I like Pirlo a lot, a very creative player too. Cabanas he's got striking the ball. I've watched him play for America Mex a few times when I've been over there and he is a Paraguayan international alongside Santa Cruz.

Yes I know I said two strikers in there possibly could have named a defender or another midfielder, but with Yak looking to leave it could leave us short stacked.

Thursday. July 24th.

News came through to us today, Victor Anichebe has signed for Moneybag Man City, at least that's some good money for the player or so we are told. With Arshavin's signing with us only a week away there's his replacement. Also Nuno Valente has also departed to go to the same team.

Van Der Meyde has also departed from Everton.

At least we have signed Elano which is a good signing for the midfield area, but I can help but think we are short on strikers, I'll be the only fit striker if Yakubu leaves. It may be better for me and easier to cement a first team place, but I thrive better when under pressure for other talent looking to get into the squad.

Friday, July 25th.

Yakubu has signed for City, it's a blow Yakubu could have been an inspiration up front. It's caused a little upset amongst some of the squad especially with Vice Captain Joesph Yobo. But I'm sure John knows what he's doing, hopefully.

John actually made a press statement in response to the comments, and he told the guardian he is planning to sign a replacement for Yakubu in the next transfer window. Although maybe one this window would be good.

Thankfully Phil Jagielka responded positively on recent comments about Harry Redknapp wanting to sign him for Portsmouth. He wants to stay at Everton, thankfully.

The title odds came up this season too. Everton are outsiders to win at 40-1 with Manchester United favourites to win at 7-4. I don't think we can we, but we could push to be in the top half of the table hopefully.

Saturday. 26th July.

Thankfully Joesph has apologised to John about his recent comments and thanked him for understanding his concerns. Although from the amount of agent meetings John's been in, I think a replacement could be coming sooner rather than later. According to worldsoccer.com we are in the chase to sign Vagner Love. I saw John in another meeting earlier with another agent. I hate agents, they take a cut of your signing on fee. That's why I dont personally have one. I deal with it myself. I may not know as much as an agent, but I know what is in the best interests of me personally.

- After a nice little stroll around the small town in Belgium, without being bothered like any of the other players have been since we arrived. It's nice been an unknown player at a time like this, I emerge into a meeting that has been called, I'm not late but slightly early. Everyone is there including a new face. Instantly recognisable to me, as I've been saying to my family Sunderland should try and sign him. John of course formally introduces us all to the newest signing that of Steven Ireland.

Fantastic another midfield to add to the ranks we are getting a few of them. Still not a left winger which we are without, with all the injuries to the likes of Pienaar. Maybe someone should tell John that's where we are short.

Sunday, July 27th.

Another new face joins us in Belgium. Striker Kevin Doyle. Someone who I said would be a good signing, lets hope I'm right in that.

Monday July 28th.

More signings, well one, another Spaniard, Nacho Novo, He's more of a winger than a striker, but can play up front, brings us up to the possibility of 4 fit strikers with James Vaughn, myself and Doyle. Add that to the likelihood of Arshavin

Tuesday. July 29th.

It's match day and John is in the dressing room announcing the squad.

"Ok so the same back four with Tim remaining in goal.

Elano will be on the right of midfield with Stephen (Ireland) coming in to replace Mikel in the centre. Leon (Osman) will switch to the left, while we await news on possibilities for that area.

Corndog you'll remain up front and Kevin (Doyle) you will partner him. Everyone else will be on the bench."

Another start, thankfully. Hopefully I can improve on last week and maybe grab a goal today.

Its a fantastic start, I have a few early chances which I spurn, but finally I manage to find the net, my first professional goal. Lescott adds a second a minute before half time, and in injury time I manage to set up Leon Osman to score our third. I'm enjoying today's game.

The second half it's all me. A freekick just outside the area two minutes after the restart and I blast it home, after that with all the subs, the game is somewhat spoiled although they can't do anything to stop us except foul. Another freekick, this time people looking would think way out of range, especially a guy no-one knows about but I thunder it... I'd like to say home at this point but can't it hits the bar, but on the rebound we get a penalty. I'm thrown forward to take it by Nev. Thankfully I keep my cool, and slot it home. My first Everton and professional goal turns into my first Everton and professional hat-trick, what a day. I also earned man of the match, which to me is just a bonus. I don't drink alcohol at the best of times, and I hate champaigne. I'll let the lads have this.

KV Kortrijk 0 - 5 Everton

Goals - Corner (3) Lescott (1) Osman (1)

Motm - Simon Corner.

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 5-0 Friendly victory over KV Kortrjik. I thought Corner was the best player on the pitch today. He scored three goals and added an assist, a top all round performance.

Hopefully I can continue this form on into the season.

Bad news comes from the game though, another injury. Another striker too. James Vaughan he's going to be out for a month. Hopefully our key injuries will be gone by the time we face our third premier league match. It's an away trip to Old Trafford.

Wednesday, July 30th.

We don't have training today, but a coach trip to Brugge for our next match, that against KSV Cercle Brugge. No more new faces joining us for that match at this moment.

Thursday, July 31st.

Bad news in the transfers, Andrey Arshavin isn't going to be joining us just yet, John spent most of the money already and asked for an extra week, Zenit refused that and Andrey is unhappy with his manager due to it. Although I don't think John's the type of play to give in just like that.

Friday, August 1st.

Another friendly, another box size away dressing room. Unfortunately we will be without Fellaini due to him travelling to the Belgium international match.

"This is a chance to capture peoples hearts Nach. You'll be replacing Elano on the right of midfield. Elano you'll be moved in field to cover for Fellaini. Apart from that the squad will remain the same."

Yeah but with no sub forwards this will be hard. If either myself or Doyley gets injured, although he could just move Elano back to the right and Novo up front. I suppose the boss knows what he is to do.

-First half goes as planned again. I score after just three minutes with a thunderbolt, yet I fail to add to that only cause their keeper seems intent on saving every damn shot. Although one of my shots is spilled and Elano taps in his first Everton goal. Two nil to the good at half time, it's good.

- Second half is not so bright, they seem intent on salvaging this match, and they do pull a goal back, but thankfully our win is secured thanks to a rocket from Elano.

Cercle Brugge 1 - 3 Everton

Goals - Corner (1) Elano (2)

Motm - Elano.

Key Man watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 3-1 friendly victory over Cercle Brugge. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

Saturday, August 2nd.

We found out today, that we will be travelling back to England, as our friendly with KV Mechelen has been cancelled for unknown reasons. Training ground back at Everton it is then.

- In some good news though, I've been given the number eight jersey. One of the two lucky numbers I have, the other being 35 which I would have settled for. I don't know why they are my lucky numbers, they've never won me the lottery or anything, not even ten pound. But at least I'll have the number eight jersey for this season, my first in professional football, and what a league to have it in.

Sunday, August 3rd.

It seems like John is making room for more new signings, Joseph Yobo has been shipped out, expensively to Real Madrid twelve million apparently, and according to sources, Saha could join him there for around nineteen and a half mill. Thats thirty one point five million for two players. One of course a crock, but Yobo is a good player and was vice captain of the side, that will probably go to Cahill or Arteta I'd assume.

Monday, August 4th.

Saha has moved, that's a further nineteen million towards our club, and a profit margin for us. I'm glad in a way that Saha has moved, what with his injury problems, means we could potentially gain a better player with less problems.

Tuesday, August 5th.

It's not all play sailing into the first team from now on. Vagner Love has signed and so to Darijo Srna. Two good players who should do well.

Wednesday, August 6th.

We were put through our paces today at training. It's sort of expected, I was made to run round the whole training complex a further two times than the rest of the team. I wasn't knackered after training came the reason. I was then made to help collect the cones in too.

Back at home I check the lastest transfer news. Everton are mentioned seven times.

Roque Santa Cruz, Tranquillo Barnetta, Landon Donovan, Razvan Rat, Andrés Guardado, Marek Jankulovski and Jaime Gavilán the players apparently being targetted by John. I wonder if its true, some predominating names there that would be good.

Guardado a good left midfielder and young too. Santa Cruz well everyone in England knows about him, and Landon Donovan plays for L.A. Galaxy with Beckham. I'll see what happens.

Friday, August 8th.

Finally Arshavin has joined the player ranks at Everton, and good news is he could be a potential filling for the left wing position, but is another striker.

Maybe though, in my opinion one more striker should be the best way to go in the transfer market, and another central defender for cover. But then I'm not the manager.

Saturday, August 9th.

Another new face and that of Salvador Cabanas. Another striker into the squad, now we've a good squad. Some great players here too. Why am I amongst them though. I was the cheapest signing so far for Everton. A free transfer.

"Ok lads, Porto will be a more difficult game for us today, but this is the line-up.

Carlo Nash will replace Howard in goal. Same back four as before.

Andrey (Arshavin) you'll be on the right of midfield, Srna on the left. Stephen (Ireland) and Mikel in the centre, with the same pair up front. Everyone else here will be on the bench. Lets have a right go at this lot."

In the wake of the two new forwards, I keep my place thank god for those four goals I've scored in the last two matches.

- First half was disappointing, I could have had three if it wasn't for their keeper, and Doyle wasted a great chance too. We did pay for it when they scored.

- Second half was much better, I scored just after the break to make it one all, and then after fifty-five minutes I scored my second. What a turn around, two one victors we ended.

Everton 2 - 1 Porto

Goals - Corner (2)

Motm - Simon Corner

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 2-1 Friendly victory over Porto. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

Friday, August 15th.

It's been a hard week, with intensive training to get read for the opening game against Portsmouth. The coach trip wasn't too far to get here, and I'm looking forward to the game.

Of course there is now pressure rising upon my shoulders, as John McIllroy announced that I am an integrate part of the team or something like that, to which means I'm vital. Not as vital as some I would have said though. In fact I wouldn't say that. At least I'm named in the team sheet for the Portsmouth trip. Rooming with Phil Jagielka tonight. Although he's down in the bar having some cokes (Hopefully.) I'm just happy sitting checking things on the web before I join them for a meal and then I'll get my head back into my book. I may have to start from the beginning being that I've not read it for some time now. Well since this whole saga about me being a professional footballer. I still believe I'm dreaming. Playing in an Everton team along with Vagner Love, Mikel Arteta, Stephen Ireland, Darijo Srna and Andrey Arshaven. It really is like living in a fantasy.

Saturday, August 16th.

"Right lads, we are slight underdogs for this match, but I have the feeling we can nick this, although don't go out there and underestimate them. Man United did last weekend in the Charity Shield and got beat one nil. Anyway my team sheet is as follows.

Howard in goal. The same defensive line up as pre-season. Again same midfield as the last game, and with the only other change being Vanger in for Doyle up front. Now go do this club proud."

- First half started good, and what a Premier League debut it was for me, scoring after five minutes, I also hit the post, unfortunately after that it was mostly Portsmouth, and they equalised through Defoe.

- Second half was much better I set up Arshavin who in turn set up Arteta to get our second and Vagner Love got the third for us. Good opening day result.

Portsmouth 1 - 3 Everton.

Goals - Corner - 5 (1), Arteta 47 (1), Vagner Lover 49 (1)

Motm - Joleon Lescott (1)

Key man watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 3-1 English Premier Division victory over Portsmouth. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

Unfortunately though, Mikel Arteta twisted his ankle after a heavy fall and looks to be out for around the two months mark. That's a blow.

Sunday, August 16th.

Another new face added to the already grown squad. That of Marek Jankulovski on a season long loan. Secures the left back position in the team. I feel that this could be a little short on the central defensive side still. Lacking any real cover for Lescott and Jagielka.

Today back at Goodison Park, well our training facilities we are looking over the aspects of the game to improve for home game against Blackburn.

Wednesday, August 20th.

Another new face. Matthew Spiranovic has arrived on a season loan, more to be cover I suppose. He's an Auzzie international so I wonder if Tim (Cahill) had any influence on his decision to join.

---After Everton’s last signing this is the current squad (Not including Landon Donovan who will join on December 1st) ---

Goalkeepers

Tim Howard - 1st Choice

Carlo Nash - Reserve

Iain Turner - Reserve

Defenders - Who will be used as defenders.

Dan Gosling - Reserve

Phil Jagielka - 1st choice.

Phil Neville - 1st choice - Right back. Captain

Joleon Lescott - 1st choice

Matthew Spiranovic - Reserve

Jack Rodwell - Reserve

Lars Jacobsen - Reserve

Marek Jankulovski - Reserve / 1st choice

Leighton Baines - 1st choice / reserve

Midfielders.

Darijo Srna - 1st Choice.

Marouane Fellaini - Reserve

Mikel Arteta - 1st choice.

Elano - Reserve

Stephen Ireland - 1st choice.

Leon Osman - reserve

Steven Pienaar - Reserve

Andrey Arshavin - 1st choice.

Nacho Novo - Reserve

Tim Cahill - 1st choice / Reserve.

Forwards

Simon Corner (Created player base for story.) - 1st choice

Vagner Love - 1st choice / reserve

Salvador Cabanas - 1st choice / reserve

Kevin Doyle - 1st choice / reserve

James Vaughan - reserve.

Players In.

Simon Corner -Free Transfer

Elano - Man City P/Ex

Stephen Ireland - Man City - £4M.

Kevin Doyle - Reading - £7M

Nacho Novo - Rangers - £1M

Vagner Love - CSKA Moscow - £11M

Darijo Srna - Shakhtar - £16.5M

Andrey Arshavin - Zenit - £17M

Salvador Cabanas - America (MEX) - £14.5M

Marek Jankulovski - A.C. Milan - Ln Fee £220K

Matthew Spiranovic - Nümberg - Loan

Total - £71M.

Players Out.

Lee Molyneux - Wrexham - Loan

Nuno Valente - Man City - £2.5M

Victor Anichebe - Man City - £15M

Andy Van Der Meyde - Man City - £3M - P/Ex

Yakubu - Man City - £17M

Joseph Yobo - Real Madrid - £12M

Louis Saha - Real Madrid - £19.5M

Scott Spencer - Hartlepool - Loan.

Please note these are not transfers made by myself. I was surprised as you probably are reading this at the amount and players involved in the transfers.

Also I got an original transfer budget of £1M but got more funds when I asked for them, first time that has ever actually happened normally they say get lost. Same thing happened for the wage budget.

--

Friday, August 22nd.

Although, I'd prefer to stop at home and have an excellent night's sleep ahead of the Blackburn game. The boss wants us to use the team hotel. It's understandable though. Rooming again with the Jag, as I've come to call him.

Of course Manolo Jiménez is at his old tricks, playing to the media about being in awe of Mikel Arteta. Anything to try and sweet talk him into going. Of course Sevilla are a big club in the main Spanish league. If I had the choice I'd rather play in England, but since Mikel's from Spain who knows. Oh and England won their friendly against the Czech's one-nil with Lampard scoring. Pretty boring match though.

Saturday, August 23rd.

Just before the kick off of the three pm games, we get introduce to another new face. This time however it's a new coach. Former Inter fitness coach, Claudio Gaudino.

With Cahill still injured and joined by Arteta on that list, Fellaini still unavailable as not yet returned from the Olympics.

"Right two changes to the side lads. One forced upon me of course. Elano you will take the field to replace the injured Arteta, and Marek (Jankulovski), you will replace Leighton Baines at left back for tonight. Matthew (Spiranovic) you'll be on the bench.

- First half went by mostly smoothly but there was a ten minute good spell for Blackburn. I managed to score the first of the game with another rocket, and I was unlucky not to add to that as I hit both posts. Damn Goal posts. We survived a penalty claim, which the referee was having none of and booked their player for diving. Thankfully the game calmed when Arshavin got his first Everton goal to put us up two-nil at half time.

- Second half was bad, they put us under pressure for most of it and thankfully Tim (Howard) was on form and man some smart stops. I had a few more chances but were smartly saved by the goal keeper

Everton 2 - 0 Blackburn

goals - Corner 2 (2) Arshavin 35 (1)

Motm - Arshavin (1)

Key player watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 2-0 English Premier Division victory over Blackburn. I was impressed with Corner today. The Striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

That's two in two for my premier league career. I don't think that will continue not away to Manchester United, which is our next game. Nobody has managed to score past them so far this season. I'd love to be the first. However they have drawn their first two games both nil-nil. Anyway, after that match, we finished the day top of the league. Liverpool go second on goal difference, well we are top due to goals scored. Arsenal play tomorrow and could regain top stop if they win away to Sunderland, but two goals, by one and we stay top, Chelsea can't go top after they drew their opening game of the season.

Sunday, August 24th.

After spending time down at the training complex watching the game against Blackburn for the coaching staff and the manager to show us where we need to strengthen I just wanted to go home, which I did, not because I didn't want to mix with my team mates but because, I had a very bad headache. I'd taken two aspirin but still wasn't too grand.

Monday, August 25th.

There's another surprise when we get to training this morning. Another signing, but again this is an addition to the staff, as Ally McCoist becomes a coach.

Tuesday, August 26th.

I get an early finish from training as agreed. Time for my driving test. The reason I didn't do it before hand was the fact that I never really felt the need to, I still don't but at least now I can go out and but a nice sports car to show off to my cousin who owns his own couple.

Wednesday, August 27th

I get a shock as I turn up for training after successfully passing my test. Another coach has been brought in. Vincenzo Pincolini. But that's not the surprise, all the lads found out I've passed my test and chipped in to buy me a brand new motor. So what if it's only a Reliant Robin three wheeler, at least I can paint it yellow and write TIT across it.

Friday, August 29th.

Euro Cup draw made, and we get draw against Napoli, first leg to be away. That will be a tough match indeed.

Further bad news as Man Utd strike four past Zenit St. Petersburg. They finally start to score and trust it to be on the verge of a match against us. Not to mention Tim Howard will be away on international duty.

Saturday, August 30th.

League cup draw made, we get a home tie against Portsmouth.

Sunday, August 31st.

My life is getting better by the minute. I've received acknowledgement from Amy (that's John's secretary) that I've been selected to be in the England squad for their matches on September 6th and September 10th. Whether or not I play will be another thing, hopefully I will.

Tuesday, September 2nd.

Transfer round-up.

With the transfer market quieter than usual, Manchester City managed to capture two of the biggest transfers before the end of the English transfer window.

In addition to signing midfielder Marek Hamsik from Napoli for £22.28M, Man city also tied up a £17M deal for Everton's striker Yakubu.

Interestingly, Man City were also the most active team during the window, strengthening their squad with no less than nine players.

Wednesday, September 3rd.

Yet another face into the frame at Everton. Cetteo Di Mascio has become the new Assistant Manager, better not cross him then.

It's only a short trip to Everton, Fellaini did return from the Olympics but unfortunately got injured in the reserves game.

"A couple of changes tonight lads. Leon (Osman) You'll play centre mid alongside Stephen (Ireland) Salvador (Cabanas) you'll get your first start tonight. Of course Iain (Turner) you’re in for Howard. This will be a tough match lads, but I just want you to make the fans proud."

I just want to you to make the fans proud.. I bet he wasn't expecting us to be leading three-nil at half time at old Trafford was he. Salvador scored first after fourteen minutes, I doubled the lead on twenty-six from the penalty spot... Yes that's right a penalty given at Old Trafford and it DIDN'T go in favour of United. Two minutes later Marek (Jankulovski) made it three.

- Second half we were merely defending the lead, especially when the ancient guy (Giggs) got a goal back for them. Thankfully we managed to keep them mostly quiet and Iain (Turner) did well for his first game, being at Man United.

Man Utd 1 - 3 Everton.

Goals - Cabanas 14 (1) Corner pen26 (3) Jankulovski 28 (1)

Motm - Simon Corner

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 3-1 English Premier Division victory over Man Utd. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

After a long journey back home, I've just got enough time to get a quick check online. **POP** straight away an instant message from Jesse Montana.

Congratulations on the win tonight.

Thanks

Check this out.

worldsoccer.com/results/evertonvsunited.html

I check the site out.

CORNER INSPIRES EVERTON WIN!!

Simon Corner impressed during Everton's 3 -1 English Premier Division victory over Man Utd this evening, according to worldsoccer.com

The 21 year-old Everton striker rounded off a good performance with a goal and was unlucky not to add to his tally.

Corner, who is valued at £6.5M, currently has 5years remaining on his £40K p/w deal at Goodison.

His recent performances on the field have earned him an international call up for England's World Cup Qualifying matches against Andorra and Croatia. This is also now understandable why the 21 year-old was attracting contracts from most teams in England and Scotland pre-season when he was a free agent. He is paying back his wages with stunning performances recently and is on a good goal scoring streak too. Having not failed to score in any of Everton's opening three fixtures.

Thursday, September 4th.

The call came, and was an early call. I thought I might have had to play exceptionally for more games than I have to earn an international call up. But I'm glad it happened. Joleon is also travelling after being selected as well. There's the two of us in the squad. Hopefully I can get a game. I doubt I'll start, not when Rooney's fit.

Saturday, September 6th

Would you believe it, I'm actually starting against Andorra.

- First half, well from what I saw of it anyway was going good four nil up after thirty-seven minutes. Lampard has two, second from the spot, and I have two goals on my debut, but is Capello a **** or what, he's replaced me with Theo "freakin' Walcott on thirty seven minutes, whats the feckin' point Capello you tit, why didn't I just wait for a Mexican call up.

Daft thing was I ended up man of the match... That's weird I only played thirty seven minutes and in that time I've played alot better than everyone else to get that... Just makes Capello look stupid.

Andorra 0 - 4 England

Goals - Lampard 2, pen 37 / Corner 10, 22

Motm - Simon Corner.

Monday, September 8th.

I receive news about the team of the week for the English Premier League, to which I've made it, along with Leon, Andrey, Marek and Phil 1 and Phil 2 (Jagielka and Neville.)

Apparently Capello says he took me off in case I got injured. I simply replied "I aint like these wusses. I dont claim some made up injury like a broken metatarsal." Someone did say that it was a made up name, till I corrected them... "It's a bloody broken toe."

Wednesday, September 10th.

Alls forgiven. At least for now, I start again against Croatia.

- First half is brilliant for me, I'm on fire, two goals again, and my second a screamer... I don't think Lampard likes me much though. I did call him a ball gready **** in the Andorra game and after my second, instead of passing I ran through the defence only to be denied by the keeper, he did call me a ball gready git at that point. I simply laughed and said at least my shot was on target not out of the Earth's Atmosphere (refering to his shot against Andorra). At least this match, I've made it till half time.

- Nothing really to report in the second half, well apart from me having a go at Lampy again for missing the target - Hey I did set him up instead of trying the shot myself. A couple minutes later he did have a go at me for missing, although my shot was saved by the keeper. At least Joe (Hart) in goal is having a good game and it stays, two - nil.

Croatia 0 - 2 England

Goals - Corner 13, 17

motm - Simon Corner.

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during England's 2 - 0 World Cup European Quallifying Section Group 6 victory over Croatia. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for the team.

Ok so I can leave Croatia and get back to England and concentrate on my League career again, although I must admit my confidence is soaring now. Two international caps and in both games I score two and earn the man of the match award. Of course the champaigne I got for this one, I gave to Lampy... Well it went over him more than in him (i.e in his mouth.) You dirty minded people.

Saturday, September 13th.

A relatively quite date. Darijo (Srna) told me he's glad I'm on the same Premier League side as him. I didn't realise till after the match that he was playing for Croatia. I really should stop saying his name with a crappy Italian accent, the guy's not Italian, but still his name is so much like Mario... Damn Mario Kart for me saying it like that.

A shock result from the League's games came as Man City beat Arsenal two - nil. Bolton won though so they go second by a point and Liverpool won so they'll stay top, although a three nil win for us would put us top on Goals scored. We're at home tomorrow against West Brom. Should be a hard match as they'll not be wishing to give us any sniff.

Sunday, September 14th

"Alright lads its game time. A couple of changes to the side that won at Man Utd the other week. Tim (Howard) will reclaim his spot in goal, and Matthew (Spiranovic) will replace the injured Joleon (Lescott) Mikel will come into the side as a substitute."

- The first half goes great and thanks to me, two freekicks and a penalty later we reach half time three goals to the good, and I bag my first ever hat-trick. It's was aided by the sending off of Paul Robinson within the opening ten minutes.

- The second half is boring to say the least, at least we don't concede and keep the victory at three nil and I can claim my first match ball.

Everton 3 - 0 West Brom

Goals - Corner 22, pen34, 45+2 (6)

Motm - Simon Corner (2)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 3 - 0 English Premier Division victory over West Brom. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with three goals for his team.

The boss tells us after the game that we did well, and that we will finish this weekend top of the Premier League on. Its fantastic, even if it is only on goals scored.

Monday, September 15th.

The boss informs me that I've made it onto the team of the week again, alongside Matthew Spiranovic.

Tuesday, September 16th.

We've great news as far as our midfield is concerned, both Cahill and Fellaini are fitting fit again.

We reach our hotel in Naples, Italy a couple days ahead of our first leg match against Napoli, in the Euro cup. Hopefully things will go well for us on Thursday.

I'm not having to stay in the same room as Phil number two tonight. Apparently he's complained about my loud music that I have on to help me sleep. It's not really music though. I've three feature length tracks on my new ipod, ones the sound of a thunderstorm, the second the sound of the ocean waves which I use more often than not, and the third well that was supposed to be the sound of the ocean waves, but I can't here anything apparently every time I choose to listen to it, the tides out.

Yes, yes that was pathetic and I do only have two. But they help me relax into a deep sleep and help me get a good nights sleep too. The others on the team joke about it being my snoring in truth, yeah I snore but it doesn't wake me up anyway. No my room mate for tonight is Amy. Wait... What's this about, I'm not comfortable with this, unless its one giant king size bed then I wont complain. - I'M SINGLE OK!

Thursday, September 18th.

"Right lads today is a big game, we could do with a goal minimum to take back to Goodison. A couple of changes to make. Vagner Love will replace Cabanas up front, and Arteta will replace Osman in midfield and Cahill will come onto the bench."

- First half is briliant I start the team rolling after just two minutes, three minutes later Stephen Ireland makes it two, and then an inspirational comentated goal from Arteta made it three.

- Second half we go four up with a goal from Arshaven but they do pull one back. At least we hang on to that and take the game four one.

Napoli 1 - 4 Everton.

Goals - Corner 4 (7), Ireland 5 (1), Arteta 29 (2) Arshavin 77 (2)

Motm - Arshavin.

Thankfully the knock I picked up isn't serious a little bruise is about all. At least I'm still in the goals. Seven goals in five competitive games for Everton, you would think that I've been playing professionally for sometime with this form, let's hope I can keep it up.

If I am to be honest....

This is a heck lot better than mine.

Thank's Ben.

Saturday, September 20th.

Although it's a reasonable quiet training a quick brief about tactics before our home game against Middlesbrough. Hopefully there will not be any tiredness from our Midweek trip to Naples and back.

Sunday, September 21st.

"The team will remain the same as last match. I want you lot to go out there and grab this match for the fans."

- The first half goes by and I must say if it wasn't for some poor shooting and a few good saves from Tim (Howard) then my god we would and should've been well behind at the break, we were awful first half.

- Second half we were the much better side although Middlesbrough did have their fair few chances, but we were the ones to get the break through thanks to Darijo. A smart sub had Cabanas replace Vagner, and a good sub it was as Salvador got our second. Of course what would an Everton game be without me scoring? I secured the cagey win with three minutes to go.

Everton 3 - 0 Middlesbrough

Goals - Srna 68 (1), Cabanas 81 (2), Corner 87 (8)

Motm - Tim Howard (1)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 3 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Middlesbrough. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

I honestly didn't think that match was too convincing, and it shows by Tim getting the man of the match award. At least we won and kept a clean sheet in the process and move ahead of Liverpool by two clear points. Top of the league at the end of the weekend again.

Monday, September 22nd.

Good news for our team, Joleon (Lescott) has returned from the injury he picked up in training for England. That's what we need to, although Matty (Spiranovic) has played well in the few games he's been in place of Lescott, it just sures up the defence more with that extra body available.

Wednesday, September 24th.

Another home game today, against Portsmouth. Although this game is in the League cup. We are hopefully that we can get a victory tonight to go through into the next round.

"Just a couple of changes for tonight’s game. Leon (Osman) will play on the right in place of Arshavin, Tim (Cahill) will start instead of Mikel (Arteta) also Lescott will come back into the squad, Matt (Spiranovic) you'll make way. Also Kevin (Doyle) you’re set to start up front."

- First half is cagey. Tim isn't as sharp as he tends to be in the middle and the plan to have Osman playing instead of Arshavin is short lived as he needs to be replaced after twenty minutes, even though their left back gets away with a warning. We manage to take the lead five minutes before the break thanks to Kevin Doyle. It's not comfortable as some would hope but it'll have to do for the building block.

- Second half is just as cagey and more consistent fouling by their team surface to say goes relatively unpunished, they score a goal through Kranjcar to pull level even though Kanu had fouled Jagielka before putting him through. More fouling from Portsmouth goes unnoticed and it's a diabolical display from Mike Dean, but finally he see's a big foul and we get the penalty. Thankfully I don't feel the pressure and score from the spot to reclaim the lead.

Everton 2 - 1 Portsmouth.

Goals - Doyle 40 (1), Corner pen82 (9)

Motm - Doyle.

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 2 - 1 English League Cup Third Round victory over Portsmouth. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

Unfortunately coming off the back of that match Kevin Doyle has suffered from a groin strain and is likely to be out for around a month.

Also the news on Leon Osman is worse, he's likely to be out for around five months with a torn calf muscle.

Thursday, September 25th.

After watching the replays of the game we are led through some paces to put right the mistakes that were made during the game. We'll have to be at our best this weekend a very tough match coming up an away trip to Stamford Bridge. A draw there would be lovely, and another win like that as against Man United would be outstanding. But again it's likely to be tough.

The only good news is that they are not exactly on form, only eight points from five games and find themselves in seventh. They are only two points better off than United who find themselves in tenth place.

Friday, September 26th.

Today we found out that that stupid big Brazilian flopper Scolari has been running his big fat mouth off. According to the newspaper I'll quote the short mention of the article.

[ "We will beat Everton!" says Scolari.

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has added fuel to the fire in the build-up to their match on Saturday by telling Everton manager John McIllroy that his Chelsea team are very confident of beating Everton.

Chelsea are currently lying in seventh place in the English Premier Division.]

Although we are first, six spaces above them and a full seven points ahead.

Our manager did respond with this article.

[ McIllroy sees discussion as unimportant.

After learning of Luiz Felipe Scolari's comments that Chelsea team are very confident of beating Everton in their upcoming confrontation, John McIllroy appeared unconcerned.

Everton manager John McIllroy has responded to the latest comments from Stamford Bridge by pointing out to Luiz Felipe Scolari that he has more important things to do that get into a discussion with him.

McIllroy declared that his only interest was in trying to ensure his team was as prepared as possible in time for kick-off.

Everton have notched up five straight wins and lie in 1st place in the English Premier Division.]

I personally feel that we can overcome the challenge of Chelsea. It will be tough to do. But if they underestimate us like Man United did, then we could get something from the game. Well here’s for hoping huh.

Saturday, September 27th.

We found out ahead of the game that we were drawn in an away match against Newcastle for the League cup fourth round.

"Ok well Mikel will come back into the squad today in place of Cahill. Arshavin you'll start again on the right. Also Salvador you'll start up front in the place of the injured Doyle."

Three changes to the squad two of course forced, although I would have through Arshavin would have started anyway.

- First half is a slight concern for us. Twisty (Drogba) is moaning everytime he gets a misplaced pass and everytime he overruns the ball he looks for a freekick. Not today though. He's not having a great impact although there is a few scares coming from other players and thanks to some good goalkeeping we manage to make it to half time all square at nil-nil. Although I must admit I'm not sure how, Lampy (Lampard) was totally free open goal and the twit hit the post. Thank god he's not on my team, I'd have blasted him for that.

- Second half is more of the same, although we do get a few breaks and some poor tackles from them lets us slow the game to our liking. Although the break-through comes when an anxious clearance from Howard sets me up perfectly and with a sweet shot I nestle the ball in the back of the net. After that it's "balls to the wall" time and some more good saves and good defending allows us to hang on to claim the three points and the ability to rub Big Fat Scolari's face in it. "That's for opening your trap pal." - I don't obviously say that though.

Chelsea 0 - 1 Everton.

Goals - Corner 67 (10)

Motm - Tim Howard (2)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 1 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Chelsea. The striker netted the only goal of the game to round off his performance by scoring a powerful effort.

- Eight competitive matches this season so far for Everton, and I've score ten. All in all a great start to my professional career, especially when you add to that four international goals in two international appearances, well not even one and a half. Plus a further six in pre-season. I'm impressing myself over my performances. No the wonder I was highly wanted back in July.

Later that day further results go our way when Liverpool who were at the start of the day only two points behind us went five behind as they didn't kick off till quarter past five live on Setanta Sports. I tuned in to watch as it looked a good game on paper as they hosted Arsenal. It was a great game especially for us in the league. Arsenal came out trumps winning at Anfield three one. Arsenal move up to second place but are three points behind us.

Yes I know it's still early in the season, only played six league games, but still after six league games who'd have thought of Everton on top and the leading goal scorer at this point to be a twenty one year old that nobody had even heard of at any given level of professional football. I'm two ahead of my former team mate Yakubu who has six premier league goals, I have eight.

Sunday, September 28th

News reached us that Tim (Howard) will be leaving to go on international duty for the U.S.A on the fourth and eighth of October. That means he'll definitely miss the match against Tottenham, in the league, but my fear is missing him against Napoli on Thursday. It looks like he'll be available for that one and let’s hope he is the best keeper we have. I must admit though Iain Turner did give a great account for himself against Manchester United when Tim was missing for that game.

Wednesday, October 1st.

Damn I've just missed out on September player of the month, I came second behind that crocked Dutchman that thinks he's better than Bergkamp but way off that guys status. (Van Persie). However on a plus side of coming runner up for that I did manage to make the grade and win the Young Player of the Month accolade for September. Go Me.

John (McIllroy) managed to pull off the victory to win Manager of the month. Ohh we know what that means some bad run for Everton, well not if me and the rest of the players have any say in that. Of course there is no way that John couldn't have won, after all we have managed to concede only one goal in the last four premier league matches and that was scored by Manchester United at Old Trafford. We as a team have also scored ten goals in the last four matches too. Three against United, three against West Brom, three against Boro' and the one against Chelsea.

I also did some searching online, only because I get bored in this hotel with nothing to do. According to Everton's website and the fans forum, they are and I'm going to quote this - it's a message written by Spokesperson, Ben O'Connor.

Ben believes the fans are ecstatic with Simon Corner's level of composure in front of goal considering his tender age. They feel that Corner could lead the line for years to come. I do hope I can.

Just then the boss' secretary comes into my room, which I now completely share with nobody. They can't put up with my snoring apparently.

"Hi Simon" Damn for some reason the Irish accent seems to be hot when it’s coming from a nice young lady like Amy.

"Hi Amy, why on Earth do you have a key to my room? That's scary."

Ok so it's not that scary a very hot young woman with a sexy accent having a spare key to my room. But I'd prefer not to be disturbed when master... No I was going to say Masterly snoring loudly... God you people and your dirty minds.

"I'd thought I'd come and give you some company"..

Oh wait let me just re-write that with the correct pronunciation of the words.

"I'd T'ought I'd come and give you some company."

"Thank's" I almost tried my crappy little Irish accent but I doubt she would be amused. Hey at least I have an excuse for attempting it.

"I've also brought your fan mail too."

Fan mail... I'd never thought about receiving any sort of fan mail. I'll check it out.

"Thanks, so can I read it."

"Maybe latter."

Suddenly she sits in my lap and pushes me against the bed and starts to kiss me. I'm definitely dreaming now, don't wake me though, I'm liking this one.

Of course I end up pulling away... I haven't woken from my dream and at this point in any dream where I've pulled a nice, nice what I'm I saying nice... When I've somehow pulled a stunningly gorgeous girl all I get too is the kiss and then wake up...

"What's wrong? I know you like me, I've seen the way you look at me."

"Sorry Amy, I can't do this though. Not when we have a game tomorrow."

"Such the modern professional aren't you."

"I'm sorry, really I am."

No I really am, how often does someone who is absolutely stunning come on to you, and at least I know she aint a hooker who'll go to the press, unless she wants the sack.

"Don't worry. I shouldn't have done t'at. But t' way you look at me I t'ought you'd like me."

"I do like you Amy, its just not the right time."

What am I saying please somebody stop me...

"Here, here's your fan mail."

She looks upset and sits on the edge of the bed. I open the first letter and read it.

"Dear Simon. I love watching you every time you play, your ass is superb and you make the Everton strip look sexier than anyone else on the team... I feel like I'm falling in love with you...

Yours dearly..

Stephe......."

WHAT THE HELL, that Irish bastard, I'll get him for this... Bloody Stephen Ireland, what a typical joker.

"Did Ireland put you up to this." Showing Amy the letter, she reads before laughing.

"It's definitely his hand writing."

"Why the son of a..."

- Later that evening - at the table for the evening meal.

"Ok Simon, what do you want for your meal tonight."

"I'll have a Chicken Fahl."

"Look I've told you before the rules are no sex, or any such food as a curry before a game."

"But if I have a Chicken Fahl, those Italians wont want to stand anywhere near me tomorrow and so I'll be free all the time."

That gets a few laughs from the rest of the players as was intended...

"Oh and Stephen, thanks for the love letter, and your right, I do look better in the Everton strip than you do."

Again more laughs, then my face drops a little as I feel a squeeze on my leg... Dammit who put Amy next to me, now this table's gonna get all wonky.

Thursday, October 2nd.

"No changes to the side that beat Chelsea. But just got to say lets put on a performance for the fans, and forget about the victory at their place. They'll want to repay us back for that one."

- First half we somehow get to half time in the lead, with me scoring the goal.

- Second half is even more cagey, I gave us a two goal lead which was cut in half when they pulled one back. I scored a hat-trick from a free-kick to make it three one, but Phil one (Neville) decides to throw them a life line. We were pathetic at the back today.

Everton 3 - 2 Napoli (Aggregate Everton 7 - 3 Napoli)

Goals - Corner 44, 53, 65 (13)

Motm - Corner (3)

Key Man watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 7 - 3 Euro Cup First Round Second Leg aggregate win over Napoli. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with three goals for his team.

Bad news to take from the game. Cabanas is going to be out for two months with a sprained ankle and Mikel Arteta is out for around two weeks with a bruised rib. Luckily though Jankalovski's injury is not bad and he'll be fit for the Tottenham game. Yes all Napoli were trying to do was injury every player on the park tonight. The referee wasn't much help either. An accidental obstruction by Lescott and Neville caused them to get yellow cards, but when their defended injured Cabanas, not even a yellow card.

Sunday, October 5th.

Ahead of the game against Tottenham, news reaches that I've been chosen to represent England on October the 11th and 15th. Also I won't be alone as Joleon (Lescott) Phil One (Neville) and Leighton (Baines) have been called up. It's a surprise that Leighton has, since he's not really been able to force his way past the experience of Jankulovski.

"A few forced changes tonight. Iain (Turner) you'll replace Howard in goal since he's on international duty. Also Tim (Cahill) you'll come in for the injured Arteta and Vagner you'll replace Salvador up front."

- First half we get to go in one nil up, with me scoring the only goal so far.

- Second half we are mostly under the cosh but fifteen minutes left I score my second. However six minutes of added time are somehow being played. That's weird only thing apart from a couple of subs is one goal, and no injuries so how can that amount be justified. Of course Tottenham score in the fifth minute of injury time.

Everton 2 - 1 Tottenham.

Goals - Corner 21, 76 (15)

Motm - Corner (4)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 2 - 1 English Premier Division victory over Tottenham. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

- Big news story in the papers today.

[ England star dropped.

England coach Fabio Capello has named his squad for the World Cup Quals (EUR) games against Kazakhstan and Belarus.

The biggest surprise is the absence of England star David James who has been left out for this game.

Everton youngster Leighton Baines could be in line to make his first appearance for England after the left-back impressed Capello in recent weeks.... HUH he aint played???!!!

Capello has also decided to recall a number of more familiar faces, including Jermain Defoe, Phil Neville, Kieron Dyer and Kieran Richardson, who had been left out of previous squads.]

Wednesday, October 8th.

The draw for the EURO Cup Group stages were made last night, we have been drawn in Group C along with CSKA Moscow, Hertha BSC, Motherwell and Vojvodina.

Of course that's not the only thing on mind today, as I've to travel to meet up with the England team for the up and coming internationals.

Saturday, October 11th.

England match against Kazakhstan, I get to start up front again.

- First half its dominating stuff as we pile on the pressure and Theo Walcott opens the scoring. I add a second from the spot before Hargreaves adds a third. One minute into the two minutes of injury time I add a second for me and England’s fourth. Apparently one of their defenders claims I was offside, funny that, I actually took the pall past a different defender before scoring.

- I don't even re-enter the field of play I'm replaced by Stuart Downing, and would you know England create one chance in the second half which is squandered typically. Apart from that the only other incidents was two red cards for Kazakhstan players.

England 4 - 0 Kazakhstan.

Goals - Walcott 12 (1), Corner pen33, 45+1 (6) Hargreaves 43 (1)

Motm - Corner (3)

- It's funny, I only played the first half and what happens ohh I get man of the match again. Maybe I should use this bottle of champagne to hit Capello over the head, as I've now become completely convinced he doesn't want me scoring a hat-trick for England. That's three international games I've played now and each one I've scored two goals in.

Wednesday, October 15th.

I start the match again for England, but who long will I play today. Belarus isn't that bad of a country to come visit.

- First half nobody seems to be passing to me, well apart from the obvious ones. Phil one (Nev) and Joleon. I decide what the hell I'll show those big names, mainly Lampy what I can do, and get the break though just before the break with a solo effort, including winning the ball from one of their players, but that in your pipe Ledley King, that’s how you lot score. - I say that because both Lampy and Ledley have had a few shots each which would only trouble a goalkeeper if the goal was at the back of the stand.

- Ok officially Capello is starting to **** me off, he replaces me with Jermaine Jenas, who’s probably the worlds worst midfielder... I don't like him, never have, but I'm the only one who’s getting shots near the goal if not on target, I've made their keeper pull off a save and hit the post. Nobody else has come close. In fact I'll change the substitution. Since Ledley King was replaced by Rooney, I'll say I was replaced by Rooney instead. That way it's not disheartening. Although second half we would have scared no team with that display, bring on Spain, Italy and Brazil...

Belarus 0 - 1 England

Goals - Corner 45+1 (7)

Motm - Joleon Lescott (1)

Key Man watch - Simon Corner played fairly well before being substituted in the 88th minute during England's 1 - 0 World Cup European Qualifying Section Group six victory over Belarus. The striker bagged the only goal of the game to round off his performance by skinning an opponent on his way to scoring a placed shot from the edge of the area.

Friday, October 17th.

So we face Bolton at the Reebok stadium tomorrow. It'll be a tough one considering most of our team was on international duty but at least there is some good news, we have Kevin Doyle, Mikel Arteta back as well as Steven Pienaar. Although both Jankulovski and Baines both got injured during international duty leaving us without one of the main two left backs.

"Unfortunately a few changes are to be made today. Marek and Leighton got injured so Darijo you'll be dropped back to fill the roll of left back today. Andrey I'll put you on the left and Arteta will come back into the team on the right hand side of midfield. Howey you'll return in goal."

- First half is a huge disappointment, and John lets us know.

- Second half is not that much better, at least I manage to score from a free-kick to give us all three points, but we just didn't have the edge we have had in the past few games.

Bolton 0 - 1 Everton

Goal(s) - Corner 80 (16)

Motm - Corner (5)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner played fairly well during Everton's 1 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Bolton. He grabbed himself a goal, fair play to the lad.

Bad news again. Steven Pienaar who's only just returned from injury came on in the second half and damaged his heel and will miss three weeks. Another blow, he's only just come back too.

Sunday, October 19th.

After the weekend's results are done the league table looks like this.

1st - Everton - 24pts G/D +15

2nd - Arsenal - 21pts G/D +15

3rd - Liverpool - 19pts G/D +12

4th - Newcastle - 16pts G/D +6

5th - Man Utd - 15pts G/D +4

6th - Blackburn - 14pts G/D +5

7th - Chelsea - 14pts G/D +4

8th - Portsmouth - 12pts G/D -3

9th - Man City - 11pts G/D +3

10th - Bolton - 10pts G/D -1

11th - Tottenham - 9pts G/D 0

12th - Wigan - 9pts G/D -3

13th - Fulham - 8pts G/D -4

14th - Aston Villa - 7pts G/D -8

15th - Middlesbrough - 6pts G/D -6

16th - Sunderland - 5pts G/D -3

17th - West Brom - 5pts G/D -7

18th - West Ham - 5pts G/D -9

19th - Hull City - 3pts G/D -10

20th - Stoke City - 3pts G/D -10

It's looking good for us at the moment, although our next actual match is an away tie to Vojvodina in Serbia for the EURO Cup. Following that we have three Premier League games against two of the struggling teams, firstly a home tie to West Ham, and then an away tie to the place I was born Sunderland. The game after that is another game against a team that is struggling, bottom of the league side Stoke City.

Thursday, October 23rd

"A few changes to the team for today. Baines will come back in for Cahill. Arshavin back to the right and Arteta into the centre, and Srna moved into midfield on the left."

- First half was goalless and pathetic, we carved a few good chances which were spurned.

- Second half went better. Four minutes after the restart we went one nil up from an own goal and I made it two from the penalty spot. We were helped further when they had a player sent off.

Vojvodina 0 - 2 Everton

Goals - Samardzic o.g49, Corner pen51 (17)

Motm - Vagner Love (1)

Key man watch - Simon Corner played fairly well during Everton's 2 - 0 EURO Cup Group C victory over Vojvodina. He grabbed himself a goal, fair play to the lad.

Sunday, October 26th.

"One change to the team, Marek (Jankulovski) will come back in at left back."

- First half went our way with two goals from me.

- Second half was boring and more towards West Ham looking to get back into the game but we hold out for the win.

Everton 2 - 0 West Ham

Goals - Corner 13, 15 (19)

Motm - Corner (6)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 2 - 0 English Premier Division victory over West Ham. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

- With that win we have broke Everton's record by winning thirteen games in a row.

Monday, October 27th.

All things went well at the weekend with Arsenal only managing to pick up a draw at Wigan and Newcastle beating Liverpool three one, it moves us clear of Arsenal in second by five points.

Tuesday, October 28th.

With a trip home to the North East for me it looks to be a hard fought game. According to SkyBet. Sunderland are going to have to set up the barricades if they want to come away with a result from this very tough home game against high-flying Everton.

Sunderland are on a poor run of five games without a victory, while we remain undefeated so far. They are sixteenth but will be disappointed to be in that position.

Wednesday, October 29th.

"Same team as Sunday's win."

- First half went well with Vagner Love breaking his scoring draught with two goals before I added a third, unfortunately Vagner was injured on purpose by Mvoto and no action taken again.

- Second half was more relaxed and Arshavin thumped home a stunning strike to end his goal draught.

Sunderland 0 - 4 Everton.

Goals - Vagner Love 13, 16 (3), Corner 31 (20), Arshavin 58 (3)

Motm - Vagner Love (2)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 4 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Sunderland. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

The only bad thing was the injury to Vagner Love, just when he seems to have found his form in scoring. Thankfully the injury isn't too bad as he will only be out for around two weeks.

Also thanks to another clean sheet Tim (Howard) has now played 390 consecutive minutes for Everton without conceding.

Saturday, November 1st.

With the home match against Stoke we want to keep the record going as long as possible and hope we can today.

"One change to the side, Kevin (Doyle) will replace the injured Vagner Love up front."

- First half goes ok, we take the lead after ten minutes and I finally score with my head... Just before the interval we go two up thanks to "The Joker" (Stephen Ireland)

- The second half is a poor half, but nothing looking like to trouble either keeper we keep the lead secure.

Everton 2 - 0 Stoke

Goals - Corner 10 (21), Ireland 45+1 (2)

Motm - Neville.

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner played fairly well during Everton's 2 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Stoke. He grabbed himself a goal, fair play to the lad.

- Unfortunately Darijo... There I go again... Anyway Srna has picked up a bruised thigh against Stoke and will be out for around 2 weeks, however with some good news, Salvador (Cabanas) has resumed full training.

Sunday, November 2nd.

Today I've been told by the Boss that he is delighted with my recent performances. I tend to agree but then again I've nothing really to compare to, this is still my first season in professional football.

Thursday, November 6th.

Another game tonight, a Euro Cup group match at home to Motherwell. Not sure how Motherwell are doing.

"A change for tonight’s side. Mikel you'll move back into the centre of midfield, while Darijo will come back to the left midfield."

- The first half is disappointing. We are clearly the best team out there but can't make anything work and the chances fall all around are squandered. The boss lets us know that it's disappointing too.

- Second half is much better. We finally make the break through, we I put the ball in the back of the net on fifty-eight minutes. After that it seems to go back to the same way in the first half, until three minutes from time when I make the result safe. In the first minute of four added on minutes Salvador (Cabanas) makes the result even more sure.

Everton 3 - 0 Motherwell.

Goals - Corner 58, 87 (23) Cabanas 90+1 (3)

Motm - Corner (7)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 3 - 0 EURO Cup Group C victory over Motherwell. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

Saturday, November 8th.

We arrive in Manchester early. The gaffa likes to get to away games with plenty of time to spare it's not known why but we really don't mind, well I don't. I'm not one of those players who has to be really truly bothered with a wife or a girlfriend... Anyway, we face the blue side of Manchester tomorrow with the possibility of playing against a few of our former team mates. Yakubu is more than likely going to be playing but Man City did also sign, Van Der Meyde, Anichebe and Nuno Valente. However we do have two former Man City players in our ranks. The Boss is more than likely going to start Stephen Ireland in his return to Man City, Elano may start on the bench but may well feature.

The big story is focusing upon Yakubu, who many still believe should have stayed at Everton, the guy has scored nineteen goals in nineteen games. Only I am doing better in scoring with twenty-three in sixteen. Hopefully I can outscore Yak tomorrow and get another vital three points for Everton.

There is of course a whole Liverpool verse Manchester deal going on this weekend, and Manchester seems to be leading one - nil with Man United beating Liverpool three - nil down at Anfield. Hopefully we can square things up.

Sunday, November 9th.

"Ok only change from the side that beat Motherwell will be on the bench, as Vagner Love is available."

- First half is a good half for us. We take an early lead after just twenty minutes when I manage to score. Seventeen minutes later we grab a second, Arteta slotting home a rebound after an initial save from Cabanas' shot.

- Second half goes by and it's mostly Man City on the attack, thankfully they can't seem to find a way past Tim (Howard) and we gain another valuable three points.

Man City 0 - 2 Everton

Goals - Corner 20 (24), Arteta 37 (3)

Motm - Cabanas (1)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 2 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Man City. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

Monday, November 10th.

After a hard fought match yesterday, the boss gave us a light training session including his infamous re-run of the match yesterday. The boss wants us to be in top form as we face another hard game on Wednesday, an away trip to Newcastle in the League cup. I definitely want to play in this match and more so score. I wouldn't have been too bothered about it, if it was not for my family a bunch of Sunderland fans than I wouldn't be bothered.

That said, I'm looking forward to being booed vastly by the Newcastle fans. The only worry is the goalkeeping department, Tim Howard has gone off to play for the United States so Scottish third choice keeper Iain Turner will come into the side.

Wednesday, November 12th.

"Ok lads, since this is for the league cup, I'm wringing in a few changes.

Vagner Love will start ahead of Salvador (Cabanas), Obviously Iain Turner will be in goal for this one, Also Tim Cahill and Elano will replace Mikel (Arteta) and Stephen (Ireland) in the centre of midfield."

- First half, as it ended, I bet the Newcastle fans were wishing it was full time, especially with the score line. I opened the scoring after just two minutes, then doubled it on eight minutes, three minutes later and I nailed my hat-trick from the penalty spot. With sixteen minutes gone I got my fourth of the game and Everton's fourth of the match. On twenty-five minutes Vagner Love made it six. Tim Cahill then made it seven two minutes later, to round up with two minutes to go till half time we were eight nil up when Srna scored. I bet Joe Kinnear's decision to play Tim Krul was giving him a head ache.

- No wonder when the second half came to be, Shay Given was brought on to replace Tim Krul. Though that still didn't make much of a difference, fair play it could well have been a cricket score by the end if Shay Given hadn't come on, but he couldn't keep us at bay either. I scored my sixth of the game just before the hour mark, four minutes went by before a superb strike from Elano made it a round ten. Vagner Love got his second on the sweetest time to score sixty-nine minute. We were then helped by Xisco as he obviously wanted on the team sheet and got his wish, though it was an own goal. That was it though as Tim Cahill managed to grab his second a minute to go to full time, and on ninety minutes Arshavin joined in the goal hunt... It may not have been a Cricket score, but it was a Rugby score at the end.

Newcastle 0 - 14 Everton.

Goals - Corner 2, 8, pen11, 16, 21, 59 (30), Vagner Love 25, 69 (5), Cahill (2), Srna 43 (2), Elano 63 (1), Xisco OG 82, Arshavin 90 (4)

Motm - Corner (8)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner turned in a performance of the highest quality during Everton's 14 - 0 English League Cup Fourth Round victory over Newcastle. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with six goals for his team.

- I'm still in shock after that result, but Newcastle's youth team are not that good then... Oh and a text sent to a former work colleague just to gloat about the result should be good. After all he did tell me that we wouldn't get any joy from St. James' Park.

I can't believe that happened myself. I wish I could play them every game.

- After the match on the team coach going home, I kindly ask the manager if I can be rested for the next six matches, as I feel I've scored enough goals to suffice during those games... (It's a joke and thankfully the Scot see's the funny side.) Although he said I must be kidding the next game is at Home to Aston Villa, but then we have a very important away match against local rivals Liverpool, which he needs all his top performers available.

Saturday, November 15th.

I've been called up for England's friendly match against Germany, I hope I can score past the Germans. I don't have anything against them, but it's just the rivalry between the two footballing nations. Although I've only got half the match to play as my manager John, only want's me to play for forty-five minutes as he said he can't risk me being injured.

I was also informed earlier today that I have become on of the Everton fans' favoured personnel. I've only been here four and a half months. That's quite an accomplishment for me, after all when I signed I bet the fans were wondering who the hell I was. Everton has become my new adopted home of football and I love it at the club.

It's funny too the league cup quarter final draw was made today, and we got drawn against the team we play tomorrow. Aston Villa, and it was with us being drawn at home too.

Sunday, November 16th.

"Ok due to the performance of this past week's game against Newcastle I'll be keeping with the same starting line-up."

- First half goes exactly to plan, with us dominating possession. We created a lot of chances but only took the lead after twenty-eight minutes when I smash home a freekick. Another few chances go begging and Villa start to get to grips with the pace and start creating a few chances but all of which is squandered and I make them pay on forty-one minutes with a sharp left footed volley.

- Second half it's more Villa obviously wanting to battle back to earn a point, but our defending is solid enough to keep them at bay.

Everton 2 - 0 Aston Villa.

Goals - Corner 28, 41 (32)

Motm - Corner (9)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 2 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Aston Villa. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

Monday, November 17th.

News came through today that with our two-nil victory over Villa yesterday, we have set a new defensive record of nine consecutive matches without conceding a goal. I must admit myself it will be a struggle to keep that going this weekend with an away trip across the border to Anfield. Although here's for hoping.

Tuesday, November 18th.

It was revelled to us today that somehow John McIllroy has signed Shay Given from Newcastle on an initial three months loan as cover for Tim Howard who is still away with The United States National side. It's a reassuring sign that McIllroy wants extra cover at the back, although Iain (Turner) has played well when he has come in for Tim. Who knows but Shay may be set for his debut against Liverpool.

Wednesday, November 19th.

The England match against Germany wasn't as good as I'd hoped for and unfortunately I couldn't score, but then again, I did only play the first half as per instructions from John McIllroy. The match ended three all.

Germany 3 - 3 England

Goals - Lampard 6, Walcott 37, Defoe 59.

Motm - Christian Neustadter.

Sorry no report on this match as I failed to watch it. Never came up as one of the matches to watch.

Saturday, November 22nd.

"A couple of changes for today’s match. Shay Given will start in goal, also Arteta will come in midfield for Elano."

- The first half couldn't go any better, for us. Darijo Srna puts us up one-nil after twenty minutes, and four minutes later I'm on hand to make it two - nil. With thirty-seven minutes gone the referee gives them a dubious penalty thankfully for us it's Dirk Kuyt stepping up and Shay (Given) makes the save, and as punishment three minutes later Vagner Love makes it three - nil.

- They fight back in the second half and a seventy minute goal from Benayoun even though he was miles offside gets Liverpool back in the game. Eleven minutes after that Benayoun once again in an offside position makes doubles his tally and gives us a nervy last nine minutes. However Daniel Agger fouls me again I must add and gets his second yellow of the game that destroyed their hopes of a draw. First decision that went for us that. A penalty which was dubious and two offside goals. Nothing like being for the home side Mr. Halsey.

Liverpool 2 - 3 Everton

Goals - Srna 20 (3), Corner 24 (33), Vagner Love 40 (6)

Motm - Benayoun

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 3 - 2 English Premier Division victory over Liverpool. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

- Another sour note from that match apart from the pour refereeing, was an injury inflicted to Arshaven from Agger who didn't at that point get even a warning.

However thankfully we managed to win the match, disappointed about the conceding two goals. But then again what can you do when both goals are scored by a player who was offside.

News report on the injury seems to be good, although he'll be out for two weeks tops it's not as bad as we first thought.

Would you believe it, after being awarded a dubious penalty in the first half when it was clearly not a penalty, Liverpool have decided to complain that they should have had another penalty for a foul by Lescott... Typical huh.

This is a great read man... KUTGW!

33 goals by the end of November.

I think you've made his attributes a bit too high. There's not much fun in reading how Corner scores a hat-trick every match.

Anyway, don't mind me, I'm an old grumble-bum.

Thanks bergtaur. And Spav, The one thing I will say that finishing pace, stamina, penalties (obviously) and freekicks where all set at 17. When I started the game it seemed to automatically change them to 18 and gradually over the first month or so the finishing went to 19 which it has remained. Oh and 33 by end of November remember that is in all competitions with a double hat-trick against a pour newcastle team, and more goals to come.

After the three o'clock games had ended, Arsenal who were at the start of the day seven points behind us now find themselves a full ten points behind after they were defeated one - nil by Manchester United. Chelsea also remain ten points behind defeating Aston Villa two - one at Villa Park.

Sunday, November 23rd.

According to some news papers and websites, Although Nihat is being tipped as the hot favourite for World Player of the Year, I have been named as a player in contention for the award. I don't think I've got a chance of winning but it is at least an honour to been in contention for the award.

Monday, November 24th.

Today we were informed that thankfully Joleon has signed a new contract with Everton, and it looks like he will be stopping at the club for the rest of the season at least.

Friday, November 28th.

Although we face a tough clash against Fulham, I've received news from the news, that I am amongst a group of players that are being touted as winners of the European Footballer of the Year award. I was asked by a reporter about this, my response was that I was proud of being talked about along with other stars that have been named, those being Miroslav Klose, Robin van Persie and Samuel Eto'o. However my first thoughts are towards Everton. All I care about is doing well and helping Everton maintain their fabulous start to the season.

Saturday, November 29th.

In the wake of this match today at home to Fulham, their manager has been sacked which should provide us with an extra upper hand ahead of the game.

"One change to the squad, Tim (Howard) will come back in goal after his rest. Apart from that no real changes."

- First half goes well, I open the scoring after just three minutes to give us the early lead, Tim Cahill makes it two after twenty-three minutes, on thirty-six minutes Phil Two (Jagielka) makes it three nil.

- Second half is more boring than the first on goals, as I get the only goal in the second half on eighty-six minutes. The bad news of the half was an injury to Tim Cahill.

Everton 4 - 0 Fulham

Goals - Corner 3, 86 (35), Cahill 23 (3), Jagielka 36 (1)

Motm - Corner (10)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 4 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Fulham. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

Also following the match with another clean sheet Tim Howard has now played seven hundred and fifty consecutive minutes for Everton without conceding.

- After the match it looks even more serious for Tim (Cahill) as he is going to be out for two months, and is being sent to a specialist at the same time. Also Darijo Srna also picked up an injury and is going to be out for a month. Not what we wanted as a team.

In a post match interview John McIllroy praised my performance against Fulham, as well as my recent form. Those are delightful and I thank him for the confidence boost.

-=-Later that day -=-

I'm slightly tired after the hard day shift against Fulham. We won comfortably but that was due to all the players giving their all. I've come to expect nothing less of my team-mates. They are a great bunch of lads, it's just a shame that we have lost two of the influential ones. At present though, I've managed to make two good friends in Tim Cahill and Joleon Lescott. Both of which I am pleased to be working alongside. I was asked at the end of the game by a fan I think it was.

He asked if I was in the situation I was in pre-season, with no professional club would I still choose to join Everton if teams who seem to be taking an interest in me (If this guy is to be believed.) Those teams include Manchester United and Liverpool. It would be hard to turn down contracts from those two with them being two of the top four in England. But with the people hear at Everton I would have to say that I would. I am enjoying playing in the Everton team, and who is to say I would have been given regular football at either of those teams.

- Suddenly there is a knock at my coastal pad door. It's a shock at first nobody really knows where I live. It's a well secured place too what with the actual apartment above the garage where I keep my two cars. I press pause on the controller as I'm playing Call of Duty 4 on my PS3. I go to the front door to answer it. To my surprise it's Amy.

"Amy, what are you doing here?"

"I've spoke with a few of the lads back at the club, the two you talk to mostly, Joleon and Tim. They said you lived here alone so I'd thought I'd keep you company."

At this point I'm speechless again. I of course don't hesitate to invite her in this time. I mean the last time when I told Tim (Cahill) what happened that day at the hotel he did let me know that Amy had just been dumped by her boyfriend, so I thought it was just a phase she was trying to make out with someone.

"Sorry about before at the hotel, I really shouldn't have tried to seduce you like that."

"Don't worry about it Amy. In a sense I was glad you choose me to have a little rebound with."

"Well that was my own fault. I'd kept going on about you to my ex and he dumped me telling me I should go out with you, since I liked you so much."

"You mean you actually do like me."

"Y..y...yes."

We carry on talking for a while, even ordering a takeaway, well a pizza anyway with me buying. Of course one thing leads to another...

Sunday, November 30th.

As I wake up, I notice Amy gone, oh please don’t say this has been a set-up so she can go to the press and release the story. I thought she wasn't the type of person to do that, and I don't really like to be touted as the New Diving Sensation (And I don't mean muff diving, I'm talking about Christiano Ronaldo.) Thoughts race through my head wondering what will happen until Amy appears in my bedroom carrying a tray with what smells like a good old fashioned Full English. Of course minus the tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and black pudding (Since she knows I don't like that stuff) I'm more than shocked to say the least. She places the tray in my lap and it’s now I notice the t-shirt she is wearing is one of my sleeveless t-shirts, she does wear it better than me I must admit.

"Sorry Amy, I'd thought you'd gone and left to sell your story to the press or something."

"I'm disappointed you thought that Simon."

"I know."

"Anyway thought you might like to read the news this morning."

She hands me a newspaper opened to a story about me.

[MOYES HAILS YOUNGSTER CORNER!

Former Everton favourite David Moyes has hailed youngster Simon Corner's recent inspired performance in Everton's 4 - 0 win over Fulham.

Moyes enthused that if the twenty-one year-old striker can play this well at a tender age then he can only imagine what the player will be capable of in a few years time once he has matured.

Twenty-one year-old Corner is thought to be among the frontrunners for the European Footballer of the Year.]

- After a short training session I head straight home, knowing that Amy will be waiting for me when I get there. This could be my best chance to get a truly serious relationship going, well after what happened to me before. Although I must say that when at training John asked if anyone had seen Amy, to which Joleon replied that he might want to check round my house, of course this led to some good old banter being flung in my direction, at least for this I didn't really care too much. I'll get them back someday.

Monday, December 1st.

Well it's twenty-four days till Christmas, but at the same time it's twenty-eight till I turn twenty-two. It's all about the twenties today...

Anyway again I'm honoured to be named second in the Player of the Month for November. Disappointed not to get first, however my dishearten is not to go down at all, as I've pulled a rabbit out of it by winning the Young Player of the Month award for November. I'm pleased to have won it... John McIllroy has also won the Manager of the Month award. He's already proven before that there is no curse as once thought that went with that, hopefully we can carry on with the top notch performances this month.

Also it was confirmed today, that we have signed another striker. That of Landon Donovan from L.A Galaxy on a free transfer. Donovan signed a contract with us before the end of the transfer window which meant he could become a part of the team today. Hopefully he will be a good addition to the squad.

Tuesday, December 2nd.

Amy brought me the paper this morning confirming that I was among the front runners for the World Footballer of the Year award. Looking at the other front runners I don't see me having a chance. The others are Miroslav Klose, Nihat Kahveci, Robin van Persie and Xavi.

Also yesterdays, third round FA Cup draw saw us grab a home tie against fellow Premier League side Middlesbrough.

According to some of the Russian Papers today, with us in Moscow preparing to face CSKA Moscow in the EURO Cup. Apparently from what was translated to me is that Valery Gazzaev the CSKA Moscow manager spoke of his appreciation of my ability ahead of our forthcoming match. It states that Gazzaev stated that his team would have to somehow find a way of containing me if they are going to have any chance of coming away from the match with a decent result.

It's good getting all this good press from managers and former managers. I like it and I want to keep plugging away enjoying my football and try to get more appreciation from more managers, even possibly one day actually taking that World Player of the year award.

Wednesday, December 3rd.

Although it’s freezing, I'm used to the cold being a North East lad. Also more news paper reports have put me down as being able to play at my best when a challenge has been laid down and that I could well put on a master class tonight. Well I hope I can do. But I must stress I give every match my all.

"Due to the injuries we picked up at the weekend a couple of changes need to be made. Both Elano and Stephen Ireland will be playing in the centre of midfield, Mikel (Arteta) will be moved to the left."

- First half is good, we are clearly the better side, and if it wasn't for their goalkeeper we would be home and dry by half-time. However it wasn't to be, but a consolation makes us go in at half time with a one goal advantage even though I managed to score the goal in the sixth minute.

- Second half is more exciting. Although the second goal of the game doesn't come till sixty-six minutes when Vagner Love gets our second. Ohh that's dodgy the minutes of our first two goals spell out the number of the beast 666. Our two goal advantage is short lived as they pull one goal back three minutes after Vagner's. But Vagner gets his second of the game and restores the two goal advantage on eighty-three minutes and four minutes later I get my second of the game to wrap up a comfortable four - one victory.

CSKA Moscow 1 - 4 Everton

Goals - Corner 6, 87 (37), Vagner Love 66, 83 (8)

Motm - Corner (11)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 4 -1 EURO Cup Group C victory over CSKA Moscow. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

With that victory we manage to qualify for the first knockout round of the EURO Cup.

Friday, December 5th.

Tomorrow is going to be another tough match. It's a match against the only team from the so called top four that we haven't played, Arsenal. It's funny how this system to generate the fixtures work out, cause including tomorrows match against Arsenal, all our games against the top four have been to play them away first. Man United was away, Chelsea's away and Liverpool's away. Hopefully like the other three we can get a shock result tomorrow.

Saturday, December 6th.

Ahead of our match against the Gunners, we were told that the League Cup Semi-final draw pitted us or Villa against either Manchester City or Fulham.

"Ok same team as Wednesday night. Only changes to the squad are the inclusions of Shay (Given) and Landon (Donovan) on the bench. Let's give make this game as sticky as we can for them."

- First half goes well sort of good. Vagner Love gave us an early lead after a fifth minute strike which he doubled on fourteen minutes. A minute later and Fabregas got Arsenal back into it. However I restored the two goal advantage on thirty-one minutes, this only lasted four minutes till Gallas scored.

- Second half was much better for us, another early goal this time I scored it, only two minutes after the restart. I got my hat-trick on sixty-three minutes.

Arsenal 2 - 5 Everton.

Goals - Vagner Love 5, 14 (10), Corner 31, 47, 63 (40)

Motm - Corner (12)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 5 - 2 English Premier Division victory over Arsenal. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with three goals for his team.

Fantastic a hat-trick at the Emirates, how many people can boast about going to the Emirates Stadium and picking up a hat-trick for the away team.

- Unfortunately on the travel back to Liverpool, we are informed that Arshavin will be out for a month with a twisted knee. Not another injury problem, things could start to get serious.

Sunday, November 7th.

I was woken up early this morning, although I'm not too bothered about that, I mean anyone waking up early to the sight of the gorgeous Amy Williams. Yes I finally found out her surname. Anyway the thing that upset me was that somebody saying that he was my agent, even though I don't deal with agents has released a statement saying that I'd be interested in joining Real Madrid in the January transfer window. Which in all honesty is a load of *****. If this so called "agent" of mine knew anything about me would be that I absolutely detest Real Madrid. They have been known to tap up players in the past to entice them to the club. More or less speak to the player without the clubs permission.

Suddenly I get a phone call, the one I was expecting.

"Simon what's this I'm reading in the paper about you and Real Madrid?"

"It's a load of ******** John, you know fine well I don’t have an agent. As far as Real Madrid are concerned I couldn't care less about them, I hate that club."

"Your telling me this is untrue?"

"It's definitely untrue."

"Well thanks for the reassurance."

He sounded Irate, well I'm not surprised as I am feeling the same too. The reason I don't use an agent is more to do with the fact that there is only one person in the world who knows what’s best for me, and that is me. Besides if I'm going to spend my wages on someone, I'll rather spend it on that someone special.

Monday, December 8th.

It's been released today that I alongside Vagner Love and Phil two (Jagielka) have been named in the Premier League team of the week.

Also John McIllroy has responded to the press regarding my position saying that after speaking directly to me that I have not said any such thing about joining Real Madrid in January. He went on to state that anyone posing as the agent of myself should always be taken as a fraud.

I was contacted about my position by the press I simply told them that the rumour and whoever this so called agent was is a load of rubbish, and I would not be leaving Everton in January. I wish to stay with Everton for as long as I can.

Wednesday, December 10th.

Tonight is an important match, the quarter final of the league cup and we have the home tie to get an early advantage. Even better news for us, James Milner and Gabby Agbonlahor are injured and set to miss the match tonight, it'll be a huge blow for Villa but then again we have our own injury problems, with Srna missing from the left hand side of midfield and also missing Cahill in the centre along with Arshavin from the right hand side.

"A few changes brought in tonight. Shay Given, will be starting in goal. Also changes in the midfield thanks to injuries, Steven Pienaar you'll come in on the left with Arteta switching to the right, the central midfield will stay the same. Also I’m resting Joleon for this match Matthew you'll come back into the centre back roll."

- The first half started good as I shoot us into an early lead after just seven minutes, but after that we didn't really get to grips much with the game.

- Second half was pretty boring with a few chances for both side being spurned.

Everton 1 - 0 Aston Villa

Goals - Corner 6 (41)

Motm - Corner (13)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 1 - 0 English League cup Quarter Final victory over Aston Villa. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

- Thankfully we came through unscaved, after the match we find out that we will face Manchester City in the semi-final, of which the first league will be played at Goodison Park. Although I was a little disappointed at picking up my very first ever booking. And when I say first ever, I mean first ever.

A note on this match, the original score was 3-1 in my favour but I had to go somewhere and when I closed my laptop down I did click save after this match but for some reason didn't save, luckily I saved before the match, so I had to play it again.

Thursday, December 10th.

A short training session just to look over our match last night. I can't leave straight away as Amy is still in the office finishing up some paper work for John. I see this as a chance to have an open conversation with the boss.

"Hello Simon, what can I help you with?"

"Well I just wanted to make sure we are ok after that falsified report last week."

"Yeah, we're straight. I thought it was strange when it said that your agent said that you'd jump at the chance. I knew you didn't have an agent."

"Yeah, the other thing though, is well I guess you know about me and Amy dating. I hope you don't mind."

"Why would I, everyone has their choices to make you two have made one and if you are both happy then I'm not going to get in between you two."

"Well since you know her better than I do at the moment, I was wondering if you knew what she would like for Christmas."

"I can’t honestly say I know of anything. But I'll ask as though I'm buying her something, which I will anyway."

"Thanks, John."

Friday, December 12th.

It's closing in to Christmas the season to jolly. For once in my life since I was a kid, I am really looking forward to it. Obviously with a game on Boxing day I won’t be able to get home and back down to Liverpool on Christmas Day so it'll be a first time that I won’t be spending Christmas and Boxing Day with my family, even though it tends to be boring anyway.

Saturday, December 13th.

A couple of early morning headlines have caught my attention today.

Firstly Newcastle Manager Joe Kinnear said that if Newcastle want to gain anything from the match that I have to be stopped.

I like this next one better.

Kannear Stop the Rot?

Joe Kinnear is hoping to finally put an end to the rot that has been occurring at Newcastle over the past month and a half. The past four Premier League games have provided Newcastle with nothing, not even a point. The drought in front of goal ended, but the leakage at the back in the defence has not been plugged.

Everything was going well for Newcastle, flying high in the league and undefeated at all in all competitive competitions. However Newcastle's Superb run came to a damaging halt when they entertained High-flying Everton at St. James' Park on November 12th in the League Cup. The result which ended like up being a Rugby score line of fourteen nil in favour of the Toffees. Since then Newcastle have failed to get a single result. A rocky one nil defeat at home to Hull City followed the shocking cup game. Since then Newcastle have gone on to lose away to both Middlesbrough and Portsmouth and then last week they lost another home match two - one to Blackburn.

Kinnear has already made it clear they need to stop Everton's twenty-one year old striker Simon Corner who is on top of his game and has so far this season bagged forty-one goals in all competitions. Kinnear thinks that they could get an upset against Everton today if they perform better than they have been since that dreadful game. Of course he wants this dreadful Baron run to end with the same team that had started it.

-==-

I personally feel that if Newcastle are on a dreadful run then we can take a sweet advantage of this especially being on home turf.

"Two changes to our midweek game, Tim (Howard) comes back in goal as Shay is ineligible to play today, Joleon comes back in at centre back. They have hit a rough spell and we should make that continue on, but be wary of them at the same time."

- First half was pretty average we were not at our best. We didn't take the lead till a minute into injury time thanks to Elano.

- Second half was much improved, our second goal came four minutes after the restart when I scored my first of the game. Nine minutes later I got my second of the game. Joey Barton got sent off after fifty-three minutes which seemed to hinder us a little that of course was till my second, after that we didn't really create much.

Everton 3 - 0 Newcastle

Goals - Elano 45+1 (2), Corner 49, 58 (43)

Motm - Corner (14)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 3 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Newcastle. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

- Well two goals is better than none and the victory gives us a further three points. Although it's a bit of a come down from the original fourteen nil at St. James' Park.

In the match though with my first goal I managed to score my twenty-fifth career league goal, and my twenty-fifth league goal for Everton. I'm having a great first half of a season in my first ever season as a professional footballer.

Sunday, December 13th.

Again another short training session with a recap on yesterday's match. Also I got told that Joe Kinnear released a press statement hailing my performance against his side yesterday. He thought I was the best player on the pitch and can only hope his team doesn't have to face players of my calibre every week. It's nice to be told that.

Also some good news regarding injuries for once. Darijo Srna is back from his injury and will likely start at home against Hertha BSC.

Today's Newspaper report after yesterdays match is interesting.

[Corner doom's Kinnear.

Twenty-one year-old Wonderkid Simon Corner secures Everton win with double strike and leaves a sinking feeling in the stomach of Newcastle Boss Joe Kinnear. Even though Kinnear told his players to stop Corner at all costs, which earned Bad Boy Joey Barton a red card, Corner still shone through it all and grabbed two goals to sink Newcastle to their sixth straight defeat, their fifth in the league. Kinnear's start to the season was fantastic but since hitting the bump in the road against Everton in the league cup, Newcastle's team just seams to be falling apart and rapidly too. With the likelihood of ending the poor run looking unlikely with an away trip to Old Trafford. ]

I would say I hope to see the bad results end, but quite honesty my whole family would kill me for saying it especially my cousin, who is more like a brother to me. He's a die-hard Sunderland fan and even turned down the opportunity to play professional football because it would have meant signing for Newcastle.

Even though the string of six straight defeats would be enough to doom some managers Joe Kinnear seems to have the boards backing even if their fans are feeling unrest. I don't know why they are still seventh in the league at the moment, although that position looks under threat with Bolton only a point behind them.

Wednesday, December 17th.

"One change to the squad, Srna will return to the left flank due to Steven (Pienaar) being ineligible for the EURO Cup"

- First half we completely dominate. Jankulovski puts us one up after eight minutes which is doubled five minutes later by Joleon Lescott. Stephen Ireland makes it three on twenty-two minutes before Lescott makes it four on twenty-nine.

- Second half it's more Hertha and they get a goal back on sixty-four minutes through Raffael. However they conceded a penalty two minutes into stoppage time which I confidently slot home.

Everton 5 - 1 Hertha BSC

Goals - Jankulovski 8 (2), Lescott 13, 29 (2), Ireland 22 (3), Corner pen90+2 (44)

Motm - Lescott (2)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 5 - 1 EURO Cup Group C victory over Hertha BSC. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker is in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

Nice.

Stupid bogey agent.

Am I right in thinking Corner's scored in every game he's played in?

English scouts must have been asleep to miss out on him before Everton came along

nice story :thup:

Thanks Aussie and Ben, Jambo you'll be right he has scored in every game - whats amazing is Salvador Cabanas has a rating of 20 for finishing thats the reason I buy him most of the time. But he doesn't seem to score all the time. Also there were quite a lot of offers made to sign the player, however the likes of the top four, newcastle didn't offer him a contract is more to do with them being in his dislike clubs section. That was to benefit the story without him signing for one of those teams.

Friday, December 19th.

Tomorrow we have another game as per usual, this time a home match against Wigan, Wigan are doing better than predicted being in twelfth. Even though we have been made favourites to record an easy home win, this won't be easy at all.

The draw for the first knockout round of the EURO cup was made today, in which we face Sampdoria with the first tie being away from home. That could be a very hard tie to win.

What was even more bizarre was the second round phase was also drawn, and if we manage to get past Sampdoria we would face either Tottenham or Paris Saint-Germain with the first tie at home.

Saturday, December 20th.

Ahead of our home clash with Wigan we were slightly anxious. A win would not only continue our great start to the season, but it would mean we could open a fourteen point game up on second place Chelsea after they could only gain a nil-nil draw at home to third placed Arsenal.

"A few changes, Steven (Pienaar) will come in on the right, Darijo, I'm switching you to the right with Mikel coming into the centre in place of Elano. Also Shay (Given) you'll start in goal."

- First half starts superbly with Vagner Love butting us up one - nil within the first minute. Four minutes later I make it two from the penalty spot and then I make it three after twenty-eight minutes. The bad thing about the first half was their right back scored to get one back.

- Second half started ok, we made it four one when I complete my hat-trick on sixty-three minutes. But with eighty-five minutes they get another one back from yet another defender. We rap the game up well into injury time when Scharner puts it past his own keeper, they then try to claim offside when they scored an own goal.

Everton 5 - 2 Wigan

Goals - Vagner Love 1 (11), Corner pen5, 28, 63 (47), Scharner OG 90+5

Motm - Corner (15)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 5 - 2 English Premier Division victory over Wigan. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with three goals for his team.

Sunday, December 21st.

Wigan have sacked manager Steve Bruce after several poor performances and off the field happenings Steve Bruce has been sacked by Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan.

Also.

Danny Wilson has been sacked by Hartlepool United chairman Ken Hodcroft.

Hartlepool will now be looking for a new manager.

Pundits in the media are already speculating that manager Graham Roberts could be tempted to take over the reins at Victoria Park if the offer is right. Other managers such as Kevin Bond, Denis Smith and Brian Little are also being linked with the Hartlepool hot seat.

That’s not really the news that I wanted to hear from my favourite club, but not surprising either as they are twenty-second in the league.

Tuesday, December 23rd.

Today, I got news that I was included in the team of the week, alongside Darijo Srna, also Andrey Arshavin is fit to play again.

Wednesday, December 24th.

Well it's Christmas Eve, Mick McCarthy was announced as the Wolves Manager yesterday. I'm getting ready for Christmas tomorrow, I wasn't bothered too much about it again, I didn't even bother putting up decorations this year, but well Amy sorted that out and now I've got the house decorated.

I start to play on Call of Duty 4 again, since there is nothing on the telly, suddenly there is a knock at the door. Probably one of the lads getting back from town early and drunk. I pause my game, making sure I save the progress before I go an answer it. To my surprise it's Amy. Although we have started dating officially, I was in the thought of her actually being at her parent’s house tonight.

"Amy, I thought you were stopping at your parent’s house."

"I was, but they noticed I was bored and not really there with them, and they said I could come over and stop here tonight if you'd let me. But we've got to be back at my parents for lunch tomorrow."

"I've no qualms about you stopping, I could do with the company... Wait, we've got to be at your parents?"

"Yeah, after I told them that I won’t be stopping long because you'll be by yourself tomorrow, they told me that you won’t and you'll be there for lunch as well."

- I didn't really want to go to somebody else's house for Christmas lunch, but how could I really refuse.

Friday, December 26th.

Christmas was not bad, I thought I would have felt a little unwelcome being with a family that is not mine, but Amy's family made me very welcome yesterday and I really enjoyed it. But now my mind is back to business. Today we are in Hull ready for another Premier League outing. I've received some stick from some of the lads asking to make sure that Amy hasn't worn me out last night.

"Right lads a couple of changes. Tim (Howard) will start off in goal. Darijo your back to the left wing and Andrey (Arshavin) you'll start on the right again."

- First half is poor the first goal of the game comes when I fire us in front after thirty-six minutes. Our lead is doubled when Stephen Ireland scored from my ball through into injury time.

- Second half is absolutely poor. With no real clear cut chances coming.

Hull 0 - 2 Everton

Goals - Corner 36 (48), Ireland 45+2(4)

Motm - Ireland (1)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 2 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Hull. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

- Apart from the disappointing game, the other bad thing to come out of the match was an injury to Darijo Srna, luckily however he will only be out for two weeks.

Monday, December 29th.

I get the day off for my birthday, and John, thankfully gives Amy the day off too. All we do is spend the day together doing things only suitable for adult eyes.

Tuesday, December 30th.

After training today, I noticed someone who looked like a football agent, it looks to me like John is looking to strengthen the side a little further, maybe it’s for the defence but who knows.

I'm really looking forward to this weekend, it’s a home tie against Middlesbrough, but more importantly for me it’s a chance to play my very first ever FA Cup match, that’s providing that I'm playing.

Thursday, January 1st.

Today's news headlines is a great shock to me.

[1st

CORNER WINS FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR!

Everton's Simon Corner has won the World Footballer of the Year award.

Miroslav Klose of FC Bayern was the runner up for the award, whilst Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o completed the top three.

2nd.

CORNER NAMED AS PLAYER OF THE YEAR WINNER!

Everton's Simon Corner has won the World Player of the Year Award.

Cristiano Ronaldo came in second place with Xavi in third, but both were some way off the eventual winner.

3rd

EVERTON PLAYER NAME IN WORLD TEAM OF THE YEAR.

Simon Corner was named in the World Team of the Year.

Gk - Iker Casillas

RB - Sergio Ramos

LB - Patrice Evra

CB - Rio Ferdinand

CB - John Terry

RM - Cristiano Ronaldo

LM - Antonio Di Natale

CM - Xavi

CM - Mathieu Flamini

CF - Alessandro Del Piero

CF - Simon Corner

4th

CORNER WINS FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR!

Everton's Simon Corner has won the European Footballer of the Year award.

Corner's victory doesn't come as a big surprise as he had been tipped by the media as the favourite.

Xavi of Barcelona was the runner-up for the award, whilst FC Bayern's Miroslav Klose completed the top three.

5th.

CORNER NAMED AS STRIKER OF THE YEAR WINNER!

Everton's Simon Corner has won the European Striker of the Year award.

Amauri of Juventus was named in second place, whilst Stuttgart's Mario Gómez took the third spot. ]

To add to that I won the Premierships Player of the Month accolade.

Also John McIllroy introduced us to the latest arrival at the club, Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

The best news I thought, well the funniest news is that Newcastle signed an Italian goalkeeper. The same Italian keeper who player all of three or four games for Manchester United, Massimo Taibi.

Although after the debut week of Taibi he did make goalkeeper in the team of the week bizarrely enough.

Saturday, January 3rd.

Today it was announced to us that another player will be joining our ranks, that of German defender Christoph Metzelder. However he won’t be available to play for us for around a month due to an injury.

Also we are in fairly good spirits ahead of our FA Cup clash against Boro.

"Three changes to the side, Landon (Donovan) will come in for Vagner Love up front. Shay (Given) will take the place ahead of Tim (Howard) and Matthew (Spiranovic) will replace Phil (Jagielka) at the back."

- First half goes pretty well. I fire us into an early lead from a direct free-kick after just fifteen minutes, four minutes later our cause was somewhat made easier when Justin Hoyte was given a straight red card for a two foot lunge on Srna. After thirty-three minutes I fire in my second of the match as we head for the break two goals to the good.

- Second half we find it harder to break Boro down, but after fifty-six minutes Robert Huth decided to kick out at Donovan and earned himself a straight red card too. Still even with Boro' down to nine men we find they stand resolute at the back.

Everton 2 - 0 Middlesbrough

Goals - Corner 15, 33 (50)

Motm - Corner (16)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 2 - 0 English FA Cup Third Round victory over Middlesbrough. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

Sunday, January 4th.

In wake of our progress through to the fourth round of the FA Cup, I manage to grab a look at the headlines in some of today’s papers, the main one the crops up is.

[CARLISLE CAUSE FA CUP SHOCK!

The main shock of the English FA Cup Third Round was a win for underachieving Carlisle United against struggling Newcastle United. ]

Seems like no matter what Joe Kinnear tries it's failing there at Newcastle. Although apparently they've signed Ronaldo. That being the big fat Brazilian Ronaldo, rather than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Monday, January 5th.

The FA Cup Fourth Round draw was made today with us being drawn at home against another North East team, this time the team being the team on the wear, Sunderland.

Tuesday, January 6th.

A few agents seem to have been going into the managers office again today, I'm not sure where John is looking to strengthen, although one of them I did notice was the agent of Lars Jacobsen the Danish player who we have playing reserve team football at the moment.

Wednesday, January 7th.

The boss announced before our home tie against Man City that Lars Jacobsen has left us and signed for Newcastle. That's a good sale since the guy hasn't really managed to displace our Capitan.

"Three changes tonight. Phil (Jagielka) will come back in for Matthew (Spiranovic) and Vagner Love to replace Landon (Donovan) in the attack the other is Elano in for Mikel in the centre of midfield"

Ok I know Arteta is somewhat of Everton's best player in real life but he has now gone past enough chances to improve his performances after the last three games getting only 5.6 on average for each match. Time for a change.

- I personally don't know if it’s the fact that there are a few teams looking at Mikel or not but he doesn't seem to be playing at his best over the last month. Maybe the rest will be good for him

- First half was fantastic. It only took us twelve minutes before we broke Man City down, with former City midfielder Elano score. It took only four minutes before Vagner Love made it two nil, and only another four before another former City player, Stephen Ireland, made it three. It was four before half time when on thirty-five minutes Jankulovski stroke home. I really, really should have made it five before the break but just to prove I'm human (I didn't mean to of course) but I crashed my penalty against the post.

- Second half was a lot quieter compared with the first, we did go five up when I managed to avoid the goal frame and netted on fifty-two minutes. Three minutes later Vagner Love made absolute that we won the game (Like there was still any doubt.) and he managed to grab a second.

Everton 6 - 0 Man City

Goals - Elano 12 (3), Vagner Love 16, 55 (13), Ireland 20 (5), Jankulovski 35 (3), Corner 52 (51)

Motm - Elano (1)

- I did pick up a slight knock in the latter stages of the second half it wasn't too serious thankfully but John (The Boss) made sure I didn't make it worse and took me off, first time I've been substituted for Everton.

Thursday, January 8th.

Although I've been given a few days off from training due to my fitness, apparently the physio has said I'm looking fatigued and heavy legged, if that can be used for an excuse on the missed penalty then I'm happy to use it. But in all honest I don't feel fatigued, but then again for the past six, seven years me, my cousin and a few other of my friends used to do what is known as the "Fan Dance". No it's not some sort of dance using a fan or something. It's actually quite challenging and very tough.

What it is the five of us who used to do it would get fully functional army style bergans and go trekking across the Brecon Beacons including a mountain called the Pen-y-fan, which is commonly used by the S.A.S in their selection process. We would use style rations and stuff like the army use when in places on missions and we would trek backwards and forwards across the Brecon Beacons for just under two weeks, surviving on these limited rations and climbing and walking for at least three quarters of the day, and mostly at night.

Of course I doubt I could do that for pre-season training, then again I could suggest it but doubt the others will like it much. I could do it as part of my holiday keep better in shape and less sluggish than the rest of the players.

Anyway, Kevin Doyle has been making his mouth go to the local press about how he should be a first team regular. Even though both I and Vagner have made a superb partnership and we are both scoring goals. It's really hard to justify saying what he is saying and backing it up. He's scored one goal and from some of the polls online he's been the worst signing made by John. I always liked him as a player, and he's probably fourth choice striker at the moment, with Salvador being out for quite a while, in fact he's out for the rest of the season most like.

With his outbursts to the press about his unhappiness it seems that he is disrupting the harmony at the club and is likely to be on the transfer market as a signing for somebody by the close of the Transfer Window. Even though that will leave us once again short stacked in the striker department with Salvador's injury.

Friday, January 9th.

Today, at training even though I wasn't allowed to partake in it, I still turned up. But John McIllroy announced that Shay Given has joined us as a permanent signing on a free transfer. I'm not sure how John swindled that but its terrific business.

Saturday, January 10th.

Well at least we won’t be running short of goalkeepers anytime soon. Following the arrival of Given on a permanent basis yesterday another goalkeeper from Spain has joined us. Antonio Adán. A twenty-one year-old Spaniard signed from Real Madrid. I do believe that this was a recommended signing by our new centre back Christoph Metzelder. He's played seven times for Spain's under twenty-one's so he must be a good up and coming keeper.

"Same team as the win against Man City. Let’s carry our form on."

- First half was pretty poor by our standards, we were a little lucky to get the goal, a huge clearance from Lescott turned defence into attack and I was taken down by the defender and we got the penalty, apparently I claimed for the penalty, I thought the defender got the ball and was asking for a corner. This time however I didn't make any mistakes and nestled the ball in the net. One - Nil.

- Second half was even worse, we did not get going at all the injury to Elano didn't help and Mikel didn't look interested when he came on as the substitute. Still they didn't make any real threats a few shots which were either straight at Shay or wide of the target.

Blackburn 0 - 1 Everton

Goals - Corner pen11 (52)

Motm - Paulo Ferreira (B'burn)

Key Man Watch - N/A was Vagner Love this match.

- Its sad news as far as Elano is concerned it’s a sprained ankle and he's going to be out for at least a couple of months.

Sunday, January 11th.

Today Kevin Doyle, didn't report to training but that is due to him not being an Everton player anymore according to John. Apparently we've sold him on to Manchester City.

Tuesday, January 13th.

A home game against Portsmouth tomorrow should hopefully get us something from the game, especially considering we play Manchester United on Saturday that match being at home too. Man Utd are on hot form at the moment and are ten points behind us in second place. We do however have one game in hand.

I was reading the paper today, apparently John is looking to splash the cash he received from the recent sales of players to find a replacement for Kevin Doyle and tried to sign Jermain Defoe from Portsmouth, However Harry Redknapp rejected the deal which caused Defoe to go public saying he is unhappy at not being allowed to discuss terms with us.

Wednesday, January 14th

"A few changes for tonight’s game. Mikel will replace the injured Elano. Steven (Pienaar) will replace Srna on the left, and Landon (Donovan) will play alongside Vagner Love up front. Also Jack (Rodwell) will join the bench due to Matthew (Spiranovic) being called up for Australia."

- I get a rest today, obviously with the game against Man United in mind, probably the same with Darijo

- Nothing much to report on the game, I knew I wouldn't be used unless absolutely needed. Only thing to report, well two, was a goal from Arteta and a tremendous save from Given in the second half which secured us another one - nil victory.

Everton 1 - 0 Portsmouth

Goals - Arteta 10 (4)

Motm - Jamie Ashdown (Portsmouth)

Friday, January 16th.

Today we were introduced to another member of the strike force, Liédson who signed late last night and should be available for the Man Utd game tomorrow.

This looks fantastic mate, I'll give it a full read when I get home later, But from a quick skim-read, Nothing short of brilliant so far!

Thanks Plucka

Saturday, January 17th.

"Changes for today’s team, Simon (Corner) will come back in up front in replace of Landon (Donovan) Darijo will return to left midfield. Also Christoph (Metzelder) will come in at the heart of the defence alongside Joleon (Lescott). Liédson will start on the bench.

- First half could and should have been better, we take the lead after four minutes when Arshavin finally breaks his goal draught. I double our lead after thirteen minutes. Four minutes we lose concentration for a split second when Evra gets Man Utd back into it. Three minutes before the break I score a perfectly legal goal only for it to be given offside, even though there was no flag. Apparently it was the referee who noticed I was offside... So running past Ferdinand to get on the end of a cross counts as offside now.

- Second half was pretty much Man Utd, but we did have a couple of chances, with me coming closest. It could have been worse if the referee didn't notice that Rooney took a dive in the box to try and win a penalty. Rooney was pathetic and played very poorly and he had to result to this sort of thing... Mind you I'm surprised Ronaldo didn't resort to that either, although only a few times I noticed him, he was just as poor as Rooney.

Everton 2 - 1 Man Utd

Goals - Arshavin 4 (5), Corner 13 (53)

Motm - Arshavin (3)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner played fairly well during Everton's 2 - 1 English Premier Division victory over Man Utd. He grabbed himself a goal, fair play to the lad.

- A sour point from the game, Lescott picked up an injury, after a late tackle from Rooney, which didn't see Rooney get a warning never mind a yellow card. It's not as bad as we thought it would have been, turns out its a stubbed toe, we'll be missing him for a few weeks, thank god we signed another defender then.

Sunday, January 18th.

After the short training session with as you guessed another re-cap of the match against United, I head straight home, I've a poker match to keep to. It's nothing serious, but every year we (I say we but the truth is I don't play for my old local side anymore.) Anyway there is eight of us who have an annual poker night. Since I can't dash up there all night and with my new home being a seven bedroom luxury mansion I'll be hosting them from now on. My cousin Brian is one of them. It should be fun.

Monday, January 19th.

Yes another victory for me, well it's expected I've always been the better poker player out of all of us who play. They all have their holidays booked at work, a full week of them so I'm letting them stay the week, in fact they've all somehow managed to get tickets for both the second leg of the League Cup Semi-Final as well as for the fourth round of the FA Cup which is at home to Sunderland. I'm surprised at a few of them, but not my cousin, he'll probably be with the Sunderland fans.

Wednesday, January 21st.

"Just a couple of changes, Phil (Jagielka) will replace Lescott due to the injury, Matthew (Spiranovic) will take place on the bench. Also Liédson you'll be making your debut alongside Simon (Corner) in attack. Shay I'm also resting you and given a chance to Antonio (Adán)"

- First half was difficult, we could break them down at all. A few chances came but were not clear cut and we failed to make an impact.

- Second half was much better and started instantly with Liédson getting his first goal for the club two minutes after the restart. After that although they had a few chances but Antonio (Adán) showed why he is a rated young keeper with some smart stops. We finally got a second goal seven minutes from time in the form of Stephen Ireland. Two minutes into stoppage time a penalty was awarded and I made no mistakes and slotted it home.

Man City 0 - 3 Everton (aggregate Man City 0 - 9 Everton)

Goals - Liédson 47 (1), Ireland 83 (6), Corner pen90+2 (54)

Motm - Liédson (1)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner played fairly well during Everton's Convincing 9 - 0 English League Cup Semi-Final Second Leg aggregate win over Man City. He grabbed himself a goal, fair play to the lad.

- We are through to the final, a chance to take get our first trophy of the season will be at Wembley. We will play Arsenal in the final as they fended off Tottenham four - one on aggregate.

- Unfortunately during the game we had three different leg wingers, firstly Darijo went off with an injury which turns out to be serious and will keep him ruled out for two months. Steven Pienaar was the second who also went off injured by that is not serious and should be ok for the Sunderland match on Sunday. Arshavin was the third as he just switched over to the left with Osman coming on the right.

Friday, January 23rd.

I've been getting it in the neck all week of how Sunderland are the team that is going to finally get a victory over Everton and knock us out of the FA Cup in the process. If it wasn't the FA Cup where form really does go out of the window then I would just remind him of who's top of the Premier League and whos staring relegation in the face.

Saturday, January 24th.

With our recent run into injuries especially at the back with Matthew (Spiranovic) still labouring on his injury and Lescott a few weeks away, John has sought after a potential filler of the position in the form of Dutch twenty year-old Dirk Marcellis on loan. He could be set to debut in the FA Cup match tomorrow.

Sunday, January 25th.

It's going to be tough today, Sunderland are struggling they are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference which when you look at it it's not that great, but this is the FA Cup, stranger things have happened, and I'm pretty sure that we don't want to be the team facing the shock. After all there was none yesterday.

"Okay I'm going to make a couple of changes, Steven (Pienaar) you'll take the place of Srna. Shay (Given) you'll come back into goal, Marou (Fellaini) you replace Ireland with Leon (Osman) you replacing Mikel. Vagner you'll come back into the starting line-up along side Corner."

- Firstly what is it with North East teams, the cup's and huge scores?

- First half is a fantastic half if you’re an Everton fan, or if you’re a Newcastle fan too I suppose. It does take fifteen minutes until Chimbonda scores an own goal to set us on the way. It doesn't take long for us to score a goal with a member of our own squad, in fact it's me that nets the second. Twenty-three minutes and we extend the lead thanks to Vagner Love, five minutes later on twenty-eight minutes, I score my second from a free-kick to make it four. It's five when we reach half time with Vagner Love scoring his second three minutes of the added four.

- Second half is just as bad for Sunderland, with fifty-two minutes on the clock up steps the guy with the big hair (Not Carlos Valderama) but Marouane Fellaini for his first ever Everton goal. Five minutes go and I secure my hat-trick from another free-kick. I got a forth on sixty-nine minutes a third free-kick (A hat-trick of free-kicks you'd have thought they would have learned after the first two.) Seventy-seven minutes gone and another free-kick from me produces our ninth goal (They still haven't learned although I cant shoot from this one) Liédson volleys home the cross. The scoring ends on eighty minutes when I get my fifth. (They still haven't stopped the fouls) However they've learned that I'm dangerous on free-kicks so this time they decide to foul inside the box and of course (excusing the missed penalty before) I'm just as dangerous on penalties as I am on free-kicks.

Everton 10 - 0 Sunderland

Goals - Chimbonda O.G. 15, Corner 16, 28, 57, 69, pen80 (59), Vagner Love 23, 45+3 (15), Fellaini 52 (1), Liedson 77 (2)

Motm - Corner (17)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner turned in a performance of the highest quality during Everton's convincing 10 - 0 English FA Cup Fourth Round Victory over Sunderland. Corner was fantastic today. When you can contribute as he did today, both scoring and providing in quantity, you're a top player.

Monday, January 26th.

The FA Cup fifth round draw was made today, with us being drawn in an away match against Wigan.

Also after yesterday's match I woke up today with a very stiff and aching back. I thought it was just the way I was lying last night but it turns out I'm having a back spasm - Probably the amount of times I had to place the ball down against Sunderland yesterday.

It's not serious enough to keep me out of the team for our match against West Brom at the Hawthorns on Wednesday, but Doctor Bone (Mick Rathbone) Our physio well Head Physio sent me to get some acupuncture on my lower back.

The acupuncture softened the pain somewhat but it still hurts. Damn my hometown club for the amount of fouls and damn John for not playing Arteta who takes the free-kicks on the right.

10-0? Feck me!

Wow, 59 goals in all competitions by January?!? Now that's a good record but I think u might have made his stats a little too high keep it going though

Ben it seems when I put Corner with a free-role he creates a lot more goals and scores more free-kicks. Also Offspring, there are more goals coming up, but with the stats, it's funny the stats are the same I've used over the past several games since SI did Championship Manager - and every game the most he scored in a season was 38 in all competitions. Dunno why this time he is scoring more.

Tuesday, January 27th.

Today we got a shock three of our four physio's have had their contracts terminated in a mutual arrangement. So we are down to only one physio, although I thought he was the best at the club anyway.

Wednesday, January 28th.

Our worries about only have one physio at the club have been terminated with the arrival of Carlo Pasini, another Italian staff member, although he is supposed to be a better physio than what is currently at the club.

"Okay, no changes to the starting line-up. Only changes for the squad is the inclusion of Andy Reid and Joleon (Lescott)"

- First half goes well, we take the lead after sixteen minutes, when I manage to fire in a volley. With thirty minutes gone Vagner Love sets me up to score my second.

- Second half is ok, we don’t create any real chances but then they can’t break us down to come back into it. I was substituted due to a knock on my knee.

West Brom 0 - 2 Everton

Goals - Corner 16, 30 (61)

Motm - Corner (18)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game before being substituted in the 75th Minute during Everton's 2 - 0 English Premier Division victory over West Brom. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for the team.

- Thankfully the injury is nothing, and I should be able for the next match. But according to Mike Rathbone (Physio) I am unfit and in need of a prolonged rest. I personally feel fine.

Friday, January 30th.

Today, we were told that Mick Rathbone won’t be our physio anymore after he signed for Arsenal. However we got more cover in the form of England physio Gary Lewin.

Saturday, January 31st.

After trying and failing to upset the locker-room after publicly deeming his weeks wage fine for not turning up for training twice, Carlo Nash has finally left us. With a move north of the border to Hearts. I don't like people who are going to try and disrupt the harmony of the club.

--

After an early visit to Carlo Pasini (The other physio) I've a meeting with John.

"Thanks for coming in Simon."

"No problem boss what's up?"

"Well after your slight knock I asked Carlo to give me a full report on your physical well being. Unfortunately, the report isn't good. He's got concerns that you are suffering from exhaustion. Furthermore he believes that you should be given time away from the game or rested for a prolonged period to avoid any long-term problems."

"I'd rather keep playing boss. I enjoy playing football and want to help us out."

"Thing is since you've been on fantastic form recently, and with the current set of injuries to the team, I am going to have to give you a period of rest in order for you to be fully fit. It's your choice, you can either leave the football scene for a couple of weeks and take a holiday or you can take a couple of weeks rest at home."

"If I take the rest can I still watch the games?"

"I'll prefer you not to be in attendance but you can watch match of the day, and any live matches on sky."

"Then I'll take the rest for a week"

---

Result.

Everton 2 - 0 Chelsea.

Goals - Ireland 52 (7), Fellaini 66 (2)

Motm - Petr Cech (Chelsea)

- For all I was banned from the ground today so to speak, I did keep checking on the score-line. I was disappointed that I missed the game but I suppose the John and Carlo (Physio) know what they are doing, and it should benefit me in the long term.

Elsewhere Newcastle slumped to a new low - They got beat one - nil at home against Stoke, who previously were on a poor run of twenty-three games without a win. Newcastle are starting to slide, and Joe Kinnear ran his mouth off slating the referee for the award of the penalty.

Sunday, February 1st.

- Although today is officially my first day on leave, I'm still interested in keeping tabs on the latest news from football. Today’s latest being that West Ham have sacked manager Gianfranco Zola. Apparently it’s due to the players losing confidence in Zola.

Monday, February 2nd.

- Although I'm on a rest period stroke holiday, I was contacted by John McIllroy. He advised me that they have accepted a bid from Chelsea, for sixty-four million. I'm not happy by John told me it wasn't his choice, the board accepted the deal due to the amount of money involved.

- After making a slow journey to Stamford Bridge to meet with Chelsea boss, apparently the bid has gone public and there are quite a few fans outside the stadium. I'm lead to the office of Scolari, where he waits with a translator to offer me a contract.

"Hello Simon, I am very keen to sign you and think you would be a great asset for Chelsea. I am willing to offer you a hundred and thirty pound a week contract with incentives as well as a five million pound signing on fee."

"Thanks, Mr. Scolari, but I have no intention of joining Chelsea, but I will consider the offer."

- That’s more than Ronaldo isn't it? Well by ten thousand a week... Too much for a footballer in my books but who's to argue. I really don't want to go to Chelsea.

Tuesday, February 3rd

- After a hard think and discussion with Amy over the possibility of moving to Chelsea, a club I dislike due to them thinking they can buy anyone they want. Well unfortunately I'm one player they can’t buy. I've asked John to send a message to Scolari stating, I am not willing to sign due to my lack of interest in wearing the blue shirt of Chelsea. I'm staying here at Everton.

Saturday, February 7th.

I know I'm supposed to be resting, I am but I'm still interested in results, and I witnessed Sunderland extend Newcastle’s Slump with a two nil win, Newcastle also had Jose Enrique and the mask of Zoro sent off which made matters worse.

-

Result.

Middlesbrough 0 - 4 Everton

Goals - Vagner Love 27 (16), Liédson 45 (3), Jagielka 67 (2), Reid 83 (1)

Motm - Liédson (2)

- With this happening, both of the strikers, Vagner Love and Liédson scoring, I doubt I'll be getting my place back. Unless I adopt a more Right sided midfielder approach with the injury to Arshavin.

The other live game being Bolton against Blackburn was boring with Bolton winning thanks to a Kevin Nolan goal.

Also after we hammered Middlesbrough four nil, Gareth Southgate has been sacked.

Sunday, February 8th.

My week's leave complete I reported back to training with first port of call being Carlo Pasini's office (Physio). He's passed me as fit and healthy and more importantly match fit. I feel ready to go and look to work my way back into the team.

Monday, February 9th.

West Brom's Tony Mowbray has become Middlesbrough's new manager following the recent departure of Gareth Southgate.

Wednesday, February 11th.

Although still out for around two months, it was nice to see the return of Salvador (Cabanas) to training today. I feel sorry for him not being able to settle into the team as much as others due to his injury.

Saturday, February 14th.

"Okay a few changes for todays cup tie. Simon (Corner) will come in up front alongside Liédson. Darijo (Srna) you'll be coming back into the squad on the left. Also Tim (Howard) you'll start in goal, Joleon (Lescott) you'll replace Phil (Jagielka) at the back with the other change coming in midfield with Andy (Reid) replacing Marouane (Fellaini)."

- First half is fantastic, I manage to get on the score sheet after just two minutes. Liédson adds a second four minutes later. After nineteen minutes we are three nil up thanks to Stephen Ireland. I get my second after thirty-two minutes. A minute later I complete my hat-trick with a free-kick from the edge of the area, and on the stroke of half-time I get a forth.

- Second half is quiet, we have most of the position and come close to adding, but we don't add another goal till the forth minute of injury time when I strike home another free-kick to secure the win.

Wigan 0 - 7 Everton

Goals - Corner 2, 32, 33, 45, 90+4 (66), Liédson 6 (4), Ireland 19 (8)

Motm - Corner (19)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner turned in a performance of the highest quality during Everton's convincing 7 - 0 English FA Cup Fifth Round victory over Wigan. Corner was fantastic today. When you can contribute as he did today, both scoring and providing in quantity, you're a top player.

- So I guess the boss and Carlo were right, I did need the break. Well at least I'm back with a vengeance.

Monday, February 16th.

The FA Cup quarter final draw was made today. We've been drawn away again, this time against either Aston Villa or Manchester City.

Thursday, February 19th.

Ahead of tonight’s clash at Sampdoria, the Italian press predicting a victory for the home side and without us scoring due to their goal-keeper, Antonio Mirante playing four hundred and fifty-three minutes without conceding a goal. Well Tim (Howard) is also on a run of two hundred and six minutes without conceding.

"Right lads, we'll be missing Christoph at the back as he can't play in tonight’s match. So Phil (Jagielka) you'll replace him. Also Andy (Reid) is another who can't play tonight so Mikel (Arteta) you'll also return to the squad."

- First half started a little cagey from both sides, they had the chance to score in the first minute, but Tim (Howard) made a smart stop. I had a chance to get one for us but I hit the post, and within the counter attack they scored to make it one - nil. It was all us after that and I managed to get on the score sheet after twenty-nine minutes with only my second headed goal, which gave us the away goal and go in level at half time, although with the chances we created it should have been more.

- Second half was a much better performance. It took just six minutes after the restart and I chipped home my second of the game from the edge of the area. Nineteen minutes later I managed to strike home a free-kick to get my hat-trick and get us three-one up. Nine minutes after that I managed to get another, my forth of the game, a powerful effort from the edge of the area with my weaker left foot. Unfortunately three minutes before the end of the ninety they managed to get a second, but that wasn't the end, with six minutes of added on time, Mikel (Arteta) managed to get himself on the score sheet to make it five-two in our favour, what a lead to take into our home game.

Sampdoria 2 - 5 Everton

Goals - Corner 29, 51, 70, 79 (70), Arteta 90+6 (5)

Motm - Corner (20)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner turned in a performance of the highest quality during Everton's convincing 5 - 2 EURO Cup First Knockout Round First Leg victory over Sampdoria. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with four goals for his team.

Friday, February 20th.

Arriving back in England after the away game to Sampdoria, some of the others are feeling jet-lagged, me with nine goals in two games, I'm feeling absolutely fantastic. Hopefully I can carry it onto the away game to Tottenham on Sunday. Looking at the schedule it's going to be tough. Tottenham away, then the second leg against Sampdoria in the Euro Cup followed closely by the League Cup Final. The only joy we can take out of the schedule is the fact that Tottenham, have had to travel further than we did, as they had to travel to Turkey to play their EURO cup game

Sunday, February 23rd.

Ahead of today’s clash against Tottenham, we were given news that Iain Turner has left the club on loan to Newcastle. It really shouldn't make much of a difference with him being forth of fifth choice keeper though.

"Only change to the side that won against Sampdoria mid-week is the return to the starting line-up for Christoph (Metzelder)"

- First half started well but we didn't play all that great. We took an early lead through Liédson on eight minutes, but that was cancelled out by Pavlyuchenko on twenty-one minutes. That's how it stayed for the remainder of the first half.

- Second half was almost as nerve racking, we took the lead for the second time when I scored on fifty-two minutes, but five minutes from the end of the match Dos Santos scored a goal which was clearly offside. However justice was done when I won the game on the stroke of ninety minutes with my second of the game, they claimed for offside but how can one be offside when taking the ball past the last defender?!

Tottenham 2 - 3 Everton

Goals - Liédson 8 (5), Corner 52, 90 (72)

Motm - Corner (21)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 3 - 2 English Premier Division victory over Tottenham. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

Unfortunately, Andy Reid who came on for Stephen Ireland in the second half was injured and he's going to be out of the League Cup Final, if he could have played.

Although we did get some good news, Tim Cahill, the club vice-captain has resumed training after his injury.

Wednesday, February 25th.

It's going good this professional football thing, I'm enjoying life much more now, and I’m doing something I love, playing football. I'm currently dating a very hot young woman, who has now officially moved into my place. I'm ok with it as long as she doesn't start re-decorating the place.

We also had some good news when we turned up for training, Salvador (Cabanas) has recovered from his injury fully and is now fully match fit.

Thursday, February 26th.

"I'm going to start with exactly the same team as last week against these."

- First half is hugely disappointing both side creating very little. John (McIllroy) lets us know it and more so Mikel (Arteta) and Stephen (Ireland).

- Second half is much better than the first. I managed to break the deadlock with a special shot from twenty yards to give us the lead on fifty-two minutes. My second of the game on the hour mark, and was another shot from outside the area. The scoring ended with me getting my hat-trick and another fantastic goal, Tim (Howard) cleared the ball and from twenty-five yards I lobbed the keeper to get the hat-trick.

Everton 3 - 0 Sampdoria (Aggregate - Everton 8 - 2 Sampdoria)

Goals - Corner 52, 60, 75 (75)

Motm - Corner (22)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 8 - 2 EURO Cup First Knockout Round Second Leg aggregate win over Sampdoria. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with three goals for his team.

After the game we found out that we will be facing Tottenham in the second round of the EURO Cup, well at least there is guaranteed to be one team going through from England.

Friday, February 27th.

Although we had a match last night, we've still been given a hard training session, mainly due to our game on Sunday being the final of the League Cup, against Arsenal. This will be my first game at Wembley at club level, and my second overall game there, my first was in the four nil victory I played in for England against Kazakhstan.

Saturday, February 28th.

Today’s Headlines.

[ EVERTON LOOK FOR HISTORIC LEAGUE CUP VICTORY.

Everton will be looking to win the League Cup for the first time in the club's 131 year history when they play Arsenal on Sunday, having previously appeared in two previous finals without success.

Whatever the outcome, Everton fans will no doubt look to thank Simon Corner, the competition's top goal scorer, whose goals have propelled them into the final.

Meanwhile, two-time winners Arsenal head into the final with the knowledge that history has seen them finish runners-up in the competition more times than they have won it. ]

It's going to be a fantastic day for all of the team.

With Manchester United's four nil victory over Sunderland this afternoon, they close the gap at the top of the league. Although we do have a game in hand over them.

Sunday, March 1st.

I'm feeling absolutely nervous ahead of today’s match. I've got more butterflies in my stomach today, then I did in my first Premier League match.

"One change to the line up tonight, Tim (Cahill) will replace Stephen (Ireland) in midfield. Apart from that it's the same team as Thursday."

- First half we pile on the pressure unable to put the ball past Almunia, however it's not all gloom we finally get the break through right on the stroke of half time when I manage to get ran through a rare gap in the defence and managed to put the ball past the keeper.

- Second half we kept the pressure up and got the second goal on seventy-one minutes when Cahill put Liédson through who made no mistakes and got our second. Arsenal's causes were not helped when Van Persie was sent off on eighty-three minutes for head-butting Jagielka in the face.

Everton 2 - 0 Arsenal.

Goals - Corner 45+1 (76) Liédson 71 (6)

Motm - Liédson

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 2 - 0 English League Cup Final victory over Arsenal. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

- I can't believe it, this dream is getting better, a goal and a winners medal for the League Cup.

- After the match we were greeted with news from the FA Cup where we will play Aston Villa at Villa Park in the fifth round after they managed to defeat Man City three - two.

Wednesday, March 4th.

"Ok one change from the team who won the League Cup, Phil (Jagielka) you'll be dropping to the bench for this one with Christoph coming in."

- First half was absolutely boring, I had one chance which caused Jaaskelainen made a terrific save. Elmander had a chance for Bolton which he put wide, apart from that there was nothing really worth reporting for the first half.

- Then again there is only a few things worth reporting in the second, it took us all of eighty-eight minutes to find the break-though a poor clearance from one of the Bolton defenders feel straight to me and I volleyed it home. The a minute into injury time when I block tackled Jaaskelainen and managed to score my second, but it was a poor match.

Everton 2 - 0 Bolton

Goals - Corner 88, 90+1 (78)

Motm - Corner (23)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 2 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Bolton. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

- We did receive some good news after the match from St. James' Park where Aston Villa won Newcastle one - nil, unfortunately for Villa Agbonlahor is going to be out for the rest of the season and will miss the game against us on Saturday for the FA Cup Fifth round.

Thursday, March 4th.

John called me into his office after training.

"Hi, Simon thanks for coming in."

"Like I could not have."

"Well I've got two things on my mind. Firstly I want to thank you for making my life easier, not just as Everton manager, with your goal scoring record, but with Amy too. Since you too have started dating she seems a lot happier than she was with that jerk she dated before, who always got on to her to quit her job. He was a Liverpool fan."

"I'm a lot happier too. My life has certainly changed for the better. My name seems to be well known throughout England now. Besides I've never really thought that I'd be dating someone like Amy. All of it is down to you though. You made it happen for me. So thank you."

"It’s a pleasure. Now the other thing that I wanted to speak to you about was your recent performances for Everton. I am absolutely delighted with the performances you've been putting in since you returned from your week's holiday. More so over the full length of the season so far."

"I'm just glad that I'm playing the way I am, I just hope to continue."

--

So John is impressed with me and my performances. With the fan mail I've been getting it seems so are the Everton supporters. I've received a few death threats too. I haven't told anyone cause I know who they are from, especially when they ask for me to get them into the Everton team.

- Also after speaking to the press John publicly announced his delight at my performances, and the Everton fans have applauded the his praises for me. According to the Daily Mirror (I only get it for the Mirrorgram) - it reports that I have been setting the world alight at Goodison and the fans are loving every minute of my recent performances.

The press asked me for comments too. I just simple answered that I agree that I'm on top of my game and I look forward in anticipation to every match.

Saturday, March 5th.

"No changes to the side."

- First half goes ok, I score a fantastic goal after just eleven minutes, only to have it cancelled out by a Villa goal on seventeen minutes. Phil One (Neville) restored our lead after twenty-one minutes.

- Second half we were cagey especially towards the end. I doubled my tally on fifty-eight minutes to put us up three-one, however out two goal lead was cut down when Villa scored a second. The last ten minutes or so where very cagey and balls to the wall stuff. Tim (Howard) pulled off some good saves.

Aston Villa 2 - 3 Everton

Goals - Corner 11, 51 (80), Neville 21 (1)

Motm - Corner (24)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 3 - 2 English FA Cup Sixth Round victory over Aston Villa. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

Monday, March 9th.

It looks like we'll be playing Manchester United for a third time this season. The FA Cup Semi-Final draw has provided us with a home game against United. With Ipswich hosting Arsenal.

Wednesday, March 11th.

With just twenty-four hours till our next match in the EURO Cup, we get to relax, albeit at the club hotel. I just get down to enjoying another one of my books.

Thursday, March 12th.

"Okay enforced change will see Phil (Jagielka) replace Christoph (Metzelder) at the back. Also since Andrey (Arshaven) is in need of a rest, he'll be replaced by Elano."

- First half was good, a foul on me from Moutinho resulted in a penalty which I made no mistakes and struck home to give us the early lead after just ten minutes. With nineteen minutes on the clock some good play from Liédson caused Bale to scuff the clearance which fell to me and I was happy to make him pay to put us up two - nil. Another foul on me, this time by Woodgate - who I felt like he tried to injury me, he did clatter me but done no damage, apart from to the score-line as Arteta scored the resulting free-kick for three - nil.

- Second half we were a lot quieter but, with sixty-six minutes A long free-kick from Tim (Howard) at the back, and as I made room for myself I struck the ball on the half volley and it landed in the back of the net to make it four - nil. A nervy last ten minutes saw Tottenham come very close to getting an away goal, but some last ditch defending, good goal-keeping and some awful striking the away goal never came.

Everton 4 - 0 Tottenham

Goals - Corner pen10, 19, 66 (83) Arteta 32 (6)

Motm - Corner (25)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 4 - 0 EURO Cup Second Knockout Round First Leg victory over Tottenham. I thought Corner was the best player on the pitch today. He scored three goals and added an assist, a top all round performance.

So being fouled and the resulting free-kick going straight in counts as an assist these days?

Friday, March 13th.

No Jason Voorhees today... No bad happenings either. I'm feeling good today and even decided to treat Amy to a meal at a posh restaurant an expensive one too. Probably go to the pictures or something after, as long as I don't get hounded by people asking for an autograph.

Saturday, March 14th.

It was a good night last night. I enjoyed the meal and Amy did too (That's what she told me). I got asked for autographs, but thankfully not that greatly. Although it's in the paper about my relationship. At least it's nothing bad in the right up. It's not like I've been caught cheating like Ashley Cole or anything.

Sunday, March 15th.

West Ham 1 - 2 Everton

Goals - Corner 31, 55(85)

Motm - Corner (26)

No match report for game - I personally played this game 5 times with the same consequences even when changing the players round. - I was always getting to 55minutes two nil up Scorers alternated, but then Neville (Every time) would be sent off for a two footed tackle. After that 6 players would become injured and four of which stayed the same - Corner, Srna, Pienaar and Lescott. - The other two depended upon the players included in the squad. Only time those players above didn't get injured was if they didn't play but still got to the same stage in the game with Neville being sent off and from then receiving 6 injuries (Which meant they had to be replaced) of course three can be replaced the other three took me down to 7 players which in Premier League rules means you cannot continue and therefore forfeited the game. - In turn each of the four named above, or the four replacements would all be out for 5months - Corner or Vagner Love (Replacement) torn calf muscle, Srna and Pienaar - Broken leg (Both challenges from Neill (Who never got a single booking.) and Lescott suffered broken collar bone) In turn I decided to put myself on holiday, with the same team as I wanted to use for the match, and the first two times the same happened - with the same injury type and length of injuries. After the third time this was the result (Above).

I'm not bothered if I lost the game in any normal circumstance but to have it happen seven times in a row, with same players / replacements getting the exact same injuries, for the same player to be sent off for same challenge and to be at that point two nil up then forfeit the game is not a normal circumstance. - Story will now continue from now.

- Unfortunately John McIllroy could not be at the game today as his wife was rushed into hospital this morning... Old Jonny boy has been busy in the bedroom. His wife gave birth to a baby Girl (Not sure John wanted a girl, but he got one.)

Wednesday, March 18th.

Today, the boss came in and made sure that we had our heads in the game, after his recent emergency holiday as he called it. With his wife having a baby on Sunday. Everyone seemed happy enough to be willing to concentrate on the football issue.

Although John did suffer from the old "********" on the coach at first. He did bring it on himself. He did say that there would be trouble if anyone of us had to rush away due to a wife or girlfriend went into labour. But I felt it was the best thing to do to be at the brunt myself, so I sat at the front and waited for Amy to get on, and in front of the whole team (who was travelling down.) I decided to give her a long passionate kiss.

John gave me a stare to say thanks and when we sat down Amy decided to elbow me for making her embarrassed. I don't know why I did that though. It's not something I'd normally do but the first thing that popped into my mind.

Thursday, March 19th.

"One change to the side this week, Salvador, will be given a chance to prove himself. Liédson will be dropping to the bench. Also for the continued abuse after I said enough, Mikel (Arteta) you'll be replaced by Stephen (Ireland)."

- Although its pretty boring first half we manage to go one up after twenty-seven minutes thanks to Salvador (Cabanas), Phil two (Jagielka) doubles the lead after forty-four, they find the net three minutes into two minutes added on time.

- Second half is just as boring. I get on the score sheet after seventy-six minutes, but Tottenham score again, this time seven minutes into four minutes added on time.

Tottenham 2 - 3 Everton (Aggregate score - Tottenham 2 - 7 Everton)

Goals - Cabanas 27 (4), Jagielka 44 (3), Corner 76 (86)

Motm - Corner (27)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 7 - 2 EURO Cup Second Knockout Round Second Leg aggregate win over Tottenham. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

- After the match, John told me after a discussion with both physio's at the club, he is given me another rest of a week's holiday.

I did also over hear a discussion between John and his assistant manager Cetteo (Di Mascio) about noticing complacency creeping into the team throughout the squad members, and it's showing more so at the back and in central midfield.

Friday, March 20th.

Since I've been given a week's holiday, I've decided that this time should be spent on an actual holiday. Amy and John agreed and after a late deal, we managed to secure a flight with Virgin to Mexico, where I recently bought a holiday home in Puerto Aventuras.

-On Flight- First Class.

"I don't think John's happy with the way the team has been performing in the last two games. He says we are simply not strong at the back anymore, and nothing has really changed."

"I thought we were not going to talk about football Simon."

"I know but it's just a little bizarre he sends me on a holiday to recharge my batteries and then I over hear him complain about the team starting to get complacent over the last two games."

--

Today of course saw the EURO Cup quarter final draw, which we were drawn at home to Fiorentina. The semi-final draw was also made, which saw us or Fiorentina pitted against either A.C. Milan or Shakhtar.

It's not particularly the draw I would have hoped for if we make it past Fiorentina. I mean A.C. Milan are favourites for the competition, I'd have rather had the possibility of facing them on the grand stage.

Sunday, March 22nd.

I'm officially on holiday, but I've brought my laptop just to check the scores.

Everton 2 - 0 Sunderland

Goals - Arshavin 15 (6), Fellaini 22 (3)

Motm - Fellaini (1)

I also received an email from Tim (Cahill) apparently I escaped at the right time as John sat every member of the first team squad and bollocked them for the last two matches, and saying that he is not prepared to play anybody, if they are going to waltz around the pitch like fairies and let complacency slip into the team.

Wednesday, March 25th.

After checking the results, I've got a feeling the hairdryer treatment will come out.

Stoke 0 - 1 Everton

Goals - Pienaar 65 (1)

Motm - Sorenson.

I've got a feeling John may have been right about complacency. Stoke have only won one match and beat every other match they've played in the premier league and for a one nil victory when we've scored more against better teams is not good.

Friday, March 27th.

I had a great time in Mexico all alone in my holiday home with Amy and the sun and sea. Private beach mind you. But I'm glad to be back. I can get back into the swing of playing football. Hopefully, I can start to play better again and stop any complacency coming into my game.

I get greeted with some good news, Fabio Capello has selected me to be included in the next England squad.

Wednesday, April 1st.

I get to start up front for England against the Ukraine.

- First half starts pretty quiet and not real chances for either team until I'm brought down in the box. I know I'm not the penalty taker for England, but since I got fouled I picked up the ball, only for Lampard to snatch it off me and actually push me away. I wish he'd missed just for that petty thing but he scored. I got on the score sheet three minutes from the end of the first half, and the lead was made to three when Lampard score a second.

- Another foul on me in the box got us another penalty again Lampard shoved me away after snatching the ball from me. To say this is ****ing me off is understating it. He scores it to get a hat-trick. Ukraine did pull one back, but by that time I just didn't care anymore. I got substitued on seventy-seven minutes and I just head straight down the tunnel and got a quick shower and change, I didn't even hang around I went straight home.

England 4 - 1 Ukraine.

Goals - Lampard pen18, 45, pen69, Corner 42 (8)

Motm - Lampard

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game before being substituted in the 77th minute during England's convincing 4 - 1 World Cup Qualifying section Group 6 victory over Ukraine. Corner put in a top performance for me. A goal and two assists for the striker, a top effort.

- Well I didn't go straight home I waited till my cousin came round to the players entrance area to pick me up so he could drive me home. With Moany having a go at me throughout the second half for not passing to him, well what does he expect when he is going to shove me away from the ball which I was only picking up.

Friday, April 3rd.

For the first time since becoming manager John decided to send his assitant Cetteo Di Mascio. The footage is shown on Evertons website.

--

Daily Post - Who do you think will win the English Premier Division title this season?

Cetteo - Everton.

BBC Radio - Do you think a lack of match practice could affect you team after ten days without a fixture?

Cetteo - It could have a good effect on the team.

The People - People are talking about a good dressing-room harmony among the players at the moment and the team are enjoying a good run. To what extent do you connect the two?

Cetteo - I believe it has had some impact.

Football365 - You could make a real statement about your intentions in this match and go on the attack from the first whistle. How will you approach this game?

Cetteo - We will be trying our hardest to dominate as much as possible.

Skysports - Robinho has been pinpointed as a possible threat to the Everton defence in the forthcoming match. Do you agree with that assessment?

Cetteo - I reckon that is a reasonable thing to say.

Skysports - Who do you intend on using to counter the threat posed by Robinho?

Cetteo - I am not prepared to answer that question.

Football365 - With not long to go until the end of the season, Man City are currently on a six match unbeaten run and lie in 6th place in the English Premier Division. Given their run of form, this could easily have the potential to be a tough encounter for you. How do you see the result going?

Cetteo - I think we have a chance if we perform well.

World Soccer Magazine - The English Players' Player of the Year is fast approaching. Who do you think will win it?

Cetteo - Simon Corner.

==

Well at least I've the backing of our assistant manager.

Saturday, April 4th.

"A few changes into the side. Joleon (Lescott) will replace Dirk (Marcellis) at the back, Darijo (Srna) will replace Steven (Pienaar) on the left. Aslo Simon (Corner) will replace Liédson up front, and Tim (Howard) will start in goal."

- First half went according to plan. An early goal from Salvador (Cabanas) on nine minutes set us up. I got in on the scoring next on fifteen minutes to make it two. On the stroke of half-time El Capitan Phil One (Neville) made it three.

- Second half started brightly when Fellaini score after fifty-nine minutes to get our forth. Liédson who replaced Cabanas got in on the act after seventy-two minutes with Elano completing the scoring two minutes later.

Everton 6 - 0 Man City.

Goals - Cabanas 9(5), Corner 15(87), Neville 45(2), Fellaini 59(4), Liédson 72(7), Elano 74(4)

Motm - Corner (28)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 6 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Man City. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

Sunday, April 5th.

I was a little shocked today when I saw the news.

[ MCILLROY COULD LEAVE EVERTON.

Everton cheifs are worried that they may lose John McIllroy when his contract is up at the end of the season.

It is believed that they are preparing to open discussions with McIllroy as soon as the season finishes but are making contingency plans in case he decides to leave.

Pundits in the media are already speculating that manager Ruud Gullit could be tempted to take over the reins at Goodison Park if the offer is right. Other managers such as Sam Allardyce and Juande Ramos are also being linked with the Everton hot seat.]

I hope he decides to stay, as he was the one who gave me my start in football.

Tuesday, April 7th.

After training John sat us all down in the changing room to give us a little pep talk.

"Right, I know everyone has heard that I may be leaving at the end of the season when my contract is up. However what I want to tell you all is, I have not decided to leave, nor have I at this point decided to stay. My future will not be decided till the season's finished. I don't even want to think about a new contract for myself, the reason being is that I want to concentrate on the things in hand. Europe, the League and the FA Cup.

Firstly I want to state that after our demolishing of Manchester City on Saturday, we remain eighteen points clear of Manchester United at the top. Now there is only twenty-one points available out of the rest of the games. Manchester United could still win if we don't win any of the rest of the games, We need to gain four points from the twenty-one on offer in order to win the league. Predominately we could do that in the next two league games.

However. I don't want anyone of you to think about that just yet. On Thursday we have a very important home game against Fiorentina in the EURO Cup. It's the first leg and I hope we can get a good starting point to take to the away tie next week. So I want you all to focus on the Fiorentina game and forget about the league for the time being.

Thursday, April 9th.

"Okay the only change comes as Christoph is not available to play. So Phil (Jagielka) will return at the back."

- First half goes ok, we are very much under pressure but the attacking play gets us a corner which is nodded home by Joleon (Lescott)

- Second half its more attacking from Fiorentina, but we get more attacks in due to counter attacking play and I put Tim (Cahill) in to grab our second of the game on sixty-five minutes. Fiorentina get on back a minute into stoppage time, but I restore the two goal advantage three minutes into injury time when I strike home a free-kick.

Everton 3 - 1 Fiorentina.

Goals - Lescott 12 (3), Cahill 65 (4), Corner 90+3 (88)

Motm - Corner (29)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 3 - 1 EURO Cup Quarter Final First Leg victory over Fiorentina. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

Unfortunately during the game Fellaini came off with an injury, although his replacement did get our second. But Fellaini is going to be out for around three weeks, so he'll miss the next leg.

Saturday, April 11th.

With their defeat against Tottenham today, Stoke have been relegated and are seemingly going to break the record for the lowest league points total currently held by Derby.

Sunday, April 12th.

"One change to the side from Mid-week - Tim (Cahill) will replace the injured Fellaini."

- First half was a little disappointing, we were not at our best but I managed to break through the defence and slot the ball past Friedel in the VIlla goal and got us into the lead.

- Second half I think nerves were getting the better of us. Everton have never won the Premier League, and we could be the first bunch of players to do it for the club. Thankfully Tim (Howard)

Aston Villa 0 - 1 Everton

Goals - Corner 21 (89)

Motm - Howard (3)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner played fairly well during Everton's 1 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Aston Villa. He grabbed himself a goal, fair play to the lad.

Wednesday, April 15th.

At the hotel in Florence John has called another team meeting.

"Right lads, we did look a little nervous on Sunday against Aston Villa. These lot will have seen the game and be thinking they can turn us over here tomorrow night. I want to make sure you are all focused on tomorrows game and that we need to get something out of the game and look to go through to the Semi-Final."

"Suppose we do win tomorrow, who will we be looking to face as it stands."

"Well A.C. Milan won their home leg against Shakhtar one nil. So that game is pretty much in the balance, but the upper hand as it stands is with Milan."

Thursday, April 16th.

"One change to Sunday's team, Vagner Love will replace Cabanas up front."

- First half goes well, although greatly under pressure we manage to take the lead thanks to Tim (Cahill) after eighteen minutes.

- Second half is exactly like that of the first half. We get a second goal through Vagner Love on sixty-seven minutes. Fiorentina get a goal finally when the German referee gives them a very, very dubious penalty.

Fiorentina 1 - 2 Everton (aggregate - Fiorentina 2 - 5 Everton.)

Goals - Cahill 18 (5), Vagner Love 67 (17)

Motm - Howard (4)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 5 - 2 EURO Cup Quarter Final Second Leg aggregate win over Fiorentina. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance by creating a goal.

- The news from the Ukraine wasn't what we wanted to here, Shakhtar had won the game, but due to away goals A.C. Milan progress, and it will be them we face in the Semi-Final.

There is one concelation, since both Chelsea and Aston Villa got through there will be one English team guaranteed in the Final.

Saturday, April 18th.

With Man United looking to turn away this season with a chance of winning the trebile. They are into the Semi-Final of the Champions League and FA Cup and still have an outside chance to take the league. We can stop them getting the trebile tomorrow if we can take the game to them and walk out of Wembley with a guaranteed chance to return their for the final. We can also stop them from getting a double with the league, all we need is one point and we will win the league.

Sunday, April 19th.

"One change will see Christoph (Metzelder) start ahead of Jagielka just for this game."

- First half is fantastic, we take an early lead in the nineth minute thanks to Arshavin. I get my first on thirty-five minutes to make it two, and four minutes before the break we go three nil up thanks to Vagner Love. Man Utd do pull a goal back three minutes into a one minute of added on time (How does that work.)

- Second half is almost the same. Two minutes after the restart I score my second of the game and the game is very much wrapped up when Ronaldo scores but at the wrong end.

Everton 5 - 1 Man Utd.

Goals - Arshavin 9 (7), Corner 35, 49 (91), Vagner Love 41 (18), Ronaldo O.G. 84.

Motm - Corner (30)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 5 - 1 English FA Cup Semi Final victory over Man Utd. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

- The final now. It will be a carbon copy of the final of the League Cup, as we will face Arsenal. Now we have stopped Manchester United repeating the famous 1999 trebile. Hopefully we can go one better and stop them from winning the League too. Our next game is going to be difficult as we face our local rivals Liverpool.

Tuesday, April 21st.

The weekends FA Cup Semi-Final was a fantastic match for us to win, it's lifted the spirits highly for tomorrows home tie against Liverpool. Although we won three two the last time out at Anfield, I'm betting that it's going to be just as tight if not tighter. Hopefully we can win the League title in a home match against the arch enemy.

Wednesday, April 22nd.

"The only change will see Steven Pienaar come in on the left of midfield with the injury to Darijo Srna."

- First half we are very much under the cosh, with Tim (Howard) putting on a fantastic goal keeping display. We lose Tim (Cahill) after twenty minutes which didn't help us.

- Second Half is exactly the same as the first, and we get another injury blow when Steven Pienaar has to go off injured on sixty-eight minutes. The games isn't all bad news as I put Liverpool to the sword and make them rue the misses right on ninety minutes.

Everton 1 - 0 Liverpool.

Goals - Corner 90 (92)

Motm - Howard (5)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner played fairly well during Everton's 1 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Liverpool. He grabbed himself a goal, fair play to the lad.

- It'll be a double party in the streets for the Everton fans tonight as with this victory comes the championship clincher as Man United cant catch us now with only fifteen points to gain from the last five games and we are still at least eighteen points clear.

- After the game we get told that even if I didn't score tonight we would still have won the title cause Arsenal managed to gain a one - nil victory at Old Trafford.

Before the season was getting underway I was thinking that it would be another Manchester United title reign, I didn't at any point back then think that I would be playing professional football never mind doing the double with Everton.

Saturday, April 25th.

Ahead of tomorrows game against Fulham, the news was hounding the ground and the board about the managerial role at Everton. With it being known that John hasn't discussed the possibility of extending his contract to stay on at Everton.

However a new name has come into the frame to become the manager, Michael Vio the former England international (Created unemployed manager).

Sunday, April 26th.

"Ok since we've won the title, and we have a huge game mid-week I'm going to makes quite a few changes. To the side.

Liédson will join Vagner Love up front and Leon (Osman) will play wide right, Andy Reid will replace the injured Cahill while Arteta will play on the left in place of Pienaar. Also a debut for Wayne (Hennessey) in goal, also Matthew (Spiranovic) will play along side Christoph (Metzelder) at the back."

Result -

Fulham 1 - 2 Everton

Goals - Vagner Love 36 (19), Liédson 86 (8)

Motm - Hennessey (1)

Thursday, April 30th.

Today is the biggest match, I've faced opponents like Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Arsenal, but to face a team with the quality that A.C. Milan possess is something else.

- We are much under pressure thoughout the first half but we do create the better chances with Fellaini hitting the bar.

- Second half we show more attacking prowess and we get the break through in the last minute of added on time when I whip in a free-kick which Liédson headers home.

Everton 1 - 0 A.C. Milan

Goals - Liédson 90+3 (9)

Motm - Dida (I dont know how he only made a few saves - Howard made more.)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner played fairly well during Everton's 1 - 0 EURO cup Semi - Final victory over A.C. Milan. He had a good game, a couple of times he ran with real drive and direction at the defence and worried them

I suppose that's why I was fouled by every single defender and Gattuso (at least three times.) Nothing like making sure I don't create anything, obviously they never saw me with free-kicks have they.

Saturday, May 2nd.

I walked in to pick Amy up from the club today, and overheard the converstation between John McIllroy and Chairman Bill Kenwright. It was over a new contract. I'm not sure what was offered, but John kindly asked if he could delay signing for at least a week.

Sunday, May 3rd.

"A few changes are in line, Wayne will start in goal again, Stephen (Ireland) will start in the centre of midfield with Mikel (Arteta) on the right, also Vagner Love will parter Liédson up front. Christoph (Metzelder) will replace Matthew (Spiranovic) at the back."

- The first half was boring with not much being created by either side.

- Second half was almost as bad as the first a few chances came our way but we just couldn't find a way past Almunia. That was until the seventieth minute when we were awarded a penalty which was tucked away by Darijo (Srna)

Everton 1 - 0 Arsenal.

Goals - Srna pen70 (4)

Motm - Fellaini (2)

I didn't play the match, presumably rested for the big game at the San Siro.

Tuesday, May 5th.

There is a little disheartened spirit going around. With John McIllroy not extending his contract with Everton, and now the press have come back saying that John may be in the line to replace Luiz Felipe Scolari at Chelsea, as Scolari has not signed a new deal.

Thursday, May 7th.

After John told everyone that he is not bothered about what is going on over at Chelsea nor any other club. He wants to focus on the matters with Everton.

Although arriving here at the San Siro is giving me more nerves than I thought I'd be suffering from. I think there will be a few other nervous players around. This match if we want to go through to the final and have a fantastic backing of being the team to knock Milan out of the competition we simply cannot afford to lose here tonight. Okay if we manage to score and lose by one we would still go through on away goals, but I think we want to be the overall winners.

"Okay, the team will be as last week with the exception of Matthew (Spiranovic) who'll be replaced by the more experienced Joleon (Lescott). Oh and thanks to the USA we are missing Tim (Howard). So the duty lies with you Shay (Given)"

- Fantastic start to the first half, I manage to put the nerves behind me and open the scoring after just two minutes. My goal was cancelled out by Seedorf after fifteen minutes, thankfully Liédson who seems to like playing against Milan managed to restore the lead on thirty-five minutes, he got his second three minutes later.

- Second half was balls to the wall stuff. We knew we had to keep it tighter at the back and stop Milan getting back into the game. Unfortunately Pato pulled a goal back for Milan after fifty-eight minutes, but a smart change in the side saw John change formation for the first time going cautious with a five man defence, this sured the back line up and we came away with a fantastic win at the San Siro.

A.C. Milan 2 - 3 Everton

Goals - Corner 2 (93), Liédson 35, 38 (11)

Motm - Liédson (4)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 4 - 2 EURO Cup Semi Final Second Leg aggregate win over A.C. Milan. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

- I can't believe we actually managed to come to the San Siro and actually win the game. The most I think we were hoping for was a draw, but a win is more than expected. After the game I had Ronaldinho and Kaká fighting over who wanted to swap shirts with me. I ended up swaping with Andrea Pirlo instead.

Elsewhere Aston Villa could only manage a one all draw with Chelsea who go through due to the two one victory of the first leg. So we play Chelsea in the final and it's the first all England final for the EURO Cup that I can remember but history shows its only the second ever time two English clubs played the final, the last was back in 1972 when Tottenham defeated Wolves in the final.

It's now come to my attention due to the two finals, we have extended our season further by one game. With Wigan, Hull and Newcastle left to play in the league, we have the finals against Chelsea and Arsenal.

Friday, May 8th.

It's fantastic to touch down in England and be hoarded by loads of fans asking for autographs, a few of which are not even Everton fans. Still it's nice to see fellow countrymen get behind and English team.

Saturday, May 9th.

Today John wasn't able to attend the press conference about our up and coming match against Wigan, but our handy assistant manager Cetteo Di Mascio was on hand and he announced that I could win the English Footballer of the Year. I just think it's an honour to be in the choices for it.

- Todays results came as no shock, but with them came the relegation of Fulham. With two games left to go its very tight between West Brom and Newcastle.

West Brom currently out of the bottom three on thirty-two points with Newcastle struggling completely are in eighteenth place on twenty seven and need to win both their final games to stop up, also need West Brom to lose both of their remaining games.

I'd just like to say that it's more likely that Newcastle will go down as their final game is against us.

Sunday, May 10th.

"Right after the win at the San Siro, I'm making a few changes to the side, to give players a rest and others a run out.

Leighton you'll remain at left back, Christoph (Metzelder) you'll partner Matthew (Spiranovic) at centre back. Antonio (Adán) you'll play in goal. Also Elano you'll replace Andrey (Arshavin) on the right with Stephen (Ireland) and Andy (Reid) playing in the centre. Both forwards will be rested with Salvador (Cabanas) and Vagner Love heading the attack."

- The first half was pretty easy going, we took an early lead thanks to an Elano strike converting a Srna free-kick on two minutes. After nine minutes we were two nil up when Cabanas played Ireland through who slotted the ball past Kirkland. We then lost Ireland to injury after a collision.

- Second half started the way the first went, Cabanas nodded home from a corner to make it three on forty-nine minutes and then a penalty was converted by Reid on fifty-five. After that we seemed more relaxed and Wigan did have a couple of chances to get a consellation goal but Adán did well to get his league debut clean sheet.

Wigan 0 - 4 Everton

Goals - Elano 2 (5), Ireland 9 (9), Cabanas 49 (6), Reid pen55 (2)

Motm - Elano (2)

Saturday, May 16th.

It was reveilled today, in a shock turn of events, that John has rejected the contract offer from Everton to remain at the club after the end of the season.

- After the results of todays games, with Newcastle only managing a draw against West Brom, the result has ensured West Brom will stay in the Premier League and that Newcaslte are relegated.

Sunday, May 17th.

"Just for this game I'm letting Cetteo choose the side."

- First half was okay could have been better, we went in the lead after Mikel (Arteta) slotted home the only goal of the first half after seventeen minutes.

- Second half wasn't much better, we doubled the lead thanks to Stephen Ireland after sixty-four and then Vagner Love rounded off the game a minute into injury time. I didn't play the match.

Everton 3 - 0 Hull

Goals - Arteta 17 (7), Ireland 64 (9), Vagner Love 90+1 (20)

Motm - Arteta (1)

- A sour note was the injury Liédson picked up.

Tuesday, May 19th.

Tommorrow is a big game for us and the Everton Website even says so.

[HISTORIC EURO CUP FINAL FOR EVERTON.

Everton will appear in their first EURO Cup Final in the club's 131 year history when they play Chelsea on Wednesday.

Whatever the outcome, Everton fans will no doubt look to thank Simon Corner, the competition's top goalscorer, whose goals have propelled them into the final.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will also be appearing in their first EURO Cup Final in the club's 104 year history.]

Also, reading the papers, Chelsea manager Phil Scolari has announced that he has a desire to buy me from Everton and would do his utmost to persuade me to join Chelsea. He failed the last time, whats going to be different.

The press contacted me about Scolari's interest and I responded saying that I have no intention of joining Chelsea, and Scolari should look elsewhere.

Wednesday, May 20th.

"This is the big one lads. So with that in mind the team will be as follows. Tim (Howard) in goal, Phil Neville right back and Jankulovski left. Joleon (Lescott) and Jagielka at centre back. Andrey (Arshavin) right midfield with Darijo (Srna) left, Marouane (Fellaini) and Mikel (Arteta) in the middle with Simon (Corner) and Vagner Love up front."

- First half went superbly well, a tenth minute goal from Vagner Love set us up with the advantage. I doubled the lead on eighteen minutes and then set up Fellaini on thirty-four to get the third. The down side to the first half was the injury to Arteta.

- Second half was more Chelsea, but we put the game to bed on sixty-eight minutes when Arshavin popped up to get the forth.

Everton 4 - 0 Chelsea.

Goals - Vagner Love 10 (21) Corner 18 (94), Fellaini 34 (5), Arshavin 68 (8)

Motm - Corner (31)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 4 - 0 EURO Cup Final victory over Chelsea. I was impressed with Corner today. The Strker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

- WE DID IT. We won the EURO Cup, and we are the second English team ever to do the treble, and we still have the chance to go on and win the quadruple.

In news after the game, I read that one fans' spokesperson was heard to have remarked that John had performed miracles with the Everton team and they would be petitioning the mayor to give them the freedom of the city.

Also Peter Reid, declared he was still struggling to believe that John had managed to get us to win the EURO Cup, he stated that he was on cloud nine following the success and that he couldn't even imagine how delighted the Everton fans are at this time.

- Only problem is we are downed by the extent of the injury to Mikel who will be out for the remaining premier league game against Newcastle and the FA Cup final.

There was surprising news as well, the next EURO Cup final will be held at Lansdowne Road in Ireland. Although we wont be there to defend our title since we won the Premier League, we'll be in the Champions League. Although if we do get knocked out of that at the group stages I believe we go into the EURO Cup so we could get the chance to defend it.

Sunday, May 24th.

"Last league game of the seaon... One change, Tim Cahill will replace the injured Arteta in midfield."

- Easy game predicted but the first half didn't got exactly to plan, we just couldn't seem to get the ball on target, that was till the forty-forth minute when Vagner Love got a goal. A minute into first half stoppage time we were two up when I scored from well outside the area.

- Second half was much easier, especially after their centre back was sent off after fifty-three minutes. Three minutes after I made it three with my second of the game. Vagner Love made it four on sixty-six minute, but that should have been about is seventh if he could head the ball on target. After seventy minutes it was five when I scored my hat-trick, and I got a forth to finish the game on seventy-seven.

Newcastle 0 - 6 Everton

Goals - Vagner Love 44, 66 (23), Corner 45+1, 56, 70, 77 (98)

Motm - Corner (32)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner turned in a performance of the highest quality during Everton's convincing 6 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Newcastle. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with four goals for his team.

- A dampener was unleashed after the game as Tim Cahill will miss the FA Cup final as he picked up a damaged heel.

Monday, May 25th.

Today I was told that I've won a few awards. They are as follows.

English Footballer of the Year Award.

English Premier Division Top Goalscorer.

and a member of the English Players' Premier Division select (Team of the Year)

any chance of a screenshot of Simon Corner?

congrats on getting the treble

Thanks Aussie - and LCFC - here is the screenshot. http://fwrestling.com/host/sjfunk/corner.jpg

Wednesday, April 1st.

I get to start up front for England against the Ukraine.

- First half starts pretty quiet and not real chances for either team until I'm brought down in the box. I know I'm not the penalty taker for England, but since I got fouled I picked up the ball, only for Lampard to snatch it off me and actually push me away. I wish he'd missed just for that petty thing but he scored. I got on the score sheet three minutes from the end of the first half, and the lead was made to three when Lampard score a second.

- Another foul on me in the box got us another penalty again Lampard shoved me away after snatching the ball from me. To say this is ****ing me off is understating it. He scores it to get a hat-trick. Ukraine did pull one back, but by that time I just didn't care anymore. I got substitued on seventy-seven minutes and I just head straight down the tunnel and got a quick shower and change, I didn't even hang around I went straight home.

England 4 - 1 Ukraine.

Goals - Lampard pen18, 45, pen69, Corner 42 (8)

Motm - Lampard

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game before being substituted in the 77th minute during England's convincing 4 - 1 World Cup Qualifying section Group 6 victory over Ukraine. Corner put in a top performance for me. A goal and two assists for the striker, a top effort.

- Well I didn't go straight home I waited till my cousin came round to the players entrance area to pick me up so he could drive me home. With Moany having a go at me throughout the second half for not passing to him, well what does he expect when he is going to shove me away from the ball which I was only picking up.

Friday, April 3rd.

For the first time since becoming manager John decided to send his assitant Cetteo Di Mascio. The footage is shown on Evertons website.

--

Daily Post - Who do you think will win the English Premier Division title this season?

Cetteo - Everton.

BBC Radio - Do you think a lack of match practice could affect you team after ten days without a fixture?

Cetteo - It could have a good effect on the team.

The People - People are talking about a good dressing-room harmony among the players at the moment and the team are enjoying a good run. To what extent do you connect the two?

Cetteo - I believe it has had some impact.

Football365 - You could make a real statement about your intentions in this match and go on the attack from the first whistle. How will you approach this game?

Cetteo - We will be trying our hardest to dominate as much as possible.

Skysports - Robinho has been pinpointed as a possible threat to the Everton defence in the forthcoming match. Do you agree with that assessment?

Cetteo - I reckon that is a reasonable thing to say.

Skysports - Who do you intend on using to counter the threat posed by Robinho?

Cetteo - I am not prepared to answer that question.

Football365 - With not long to go until the end of the season, Man City are currently on a six match unbeaten run and lie in 6th place in the English Premier Division. Given their run of form, this could easily have the potential to be a tough encounter for you. How do you see the result going?

Cetteo - I think we have a chance if we perform well.

World Soccer Magazine - The English Players' Player of the Year is fast approaching. Who do you think will win it?

Cetteo - Simon Corner.

==

Well at least I've the backing of our assistant manager.

Saturday, April 4th.

"A few changes into the side. Joleon (Lescott) will replace Dirk (Marcellis) at the back, Darijo (Srna) will replace Steven (Pienaar) on the left. Aslo Simon (Corner) will replace Liédson up front, and Tim (Howard) will start in goal."

- First half went according to plan. An early goal from Salvador (Cabanas) on nine minutes set us up. I got in on the scoring next on fifteen minutes to make it two. On the stroke of half-time El Capitan Phil One (Neville) made it three.

- Second half started brightly when Fellaini score after fifty-nine minutes to get our forth. Liédson who replaced Cabanas got in on the act after seventy-two minutes with Elano completing the scoring two minutes later.

Everton 6 - 0 Man City.

Goals - Cabanas 9(5), Corner 15(87), Neville 45(2), Fellaini 59(4), Liédson 72(7), Elano 74(4)

Motm - Corner (28)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 6 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Man City. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

Sunday, April 5th.

I was a little shocked today when I saw the news.

[ MCILLROY COULD LEAVE EVERTON.

Everton cheifs are worried that they may lose John McIllroy when his contract is up at the end of the season.

It is believed that they are preparing to open discussions with McIllroy as soon as the season finishes but are making contingency plans in case he decides to leave.

Pundits in the media are already speculating that manager Ruud Gullit could be tempted to take over the reins at Goodison Park if the offer is right. Other managers such as Sam Allardyce and Juande Ramos are also being linked with the Everton hot seat.]

I hope he decides to stay, as he was the one who gave me my start in football.

Tuesday, April 7th.

After training John sat us all down in the changing room to give us a little pep talk.

"Right, I know everyone has heard that I may be leaving at the end of the season when my contract is up. However what I want to tell you all is, I have not decided to leave, nor have I at this point decided to stay. My future will not be decided till the season's finished. I don't even want to think about a new contract for myself, the reason being is that I want to concentrate on the things in hand. Europe, the League and the FA Cup.

Firstly I want to state that after our demolishing of Manchester City on Saturday, we remain eighteen points clear of Manchester United at the top. Now there is only twenty-one points available out of the rest of the games. Manchester United could still win if we don't win any of the rest of the games, We need to gain four points from the twenty-one on offer in order to win the league. Predominately we could do that in the next two league games.

However. I don't want anyone of you to think about that just yet. On Thursday we have a very important home game against Fiorentina in the EURO Cup. It's the first leg and I hope we can get a good starting point to take to the away tie next week. So I want you all to focus on the Fiorentina game and forget about the league for the time being.

Thursday, April 9th.

"Okay the only change comes as Christoph is not available to play. So Phil (Jagielka) will return at the back."

- First half goes ok, we are very much under pressure but the attacking play gets us a corner which is nodded home by Joleon (Lescott)

- Second half its more attacking from Fiorentina, but we get more attacks in due to counter attacking play and I put Tim (Cahill) in to grab our second of the game on sixty-five minutes. Fiorentina get on back a minute into stoppage time, but I restore the two goal advantage three minutes into injury time when I strike home a free-kick.

Everton 3 - 1 Fiorentina.

Goals - Lescott 12 (3), Cahill 65 (4), Corner 90+3 (88)

Motm - Corner (29)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 3 - 1 EURO Cup Quarter Final First Leg victory over Fiorentina. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

Unfortunately during the game Fellaini came off with an injury, although his replacement did get our second. But Fellaini is going to be out for around three weeks, so he'll miss the next leg.

Saturday, April 11th.

With their defeat against Tottenham today, Stoke have been relegated and are seemingly going to break the record for the lowest league points total currently held by Derby.

Sunday, April 12th.

"One change to the side from Mid-week - Tim (Cahill) will replace the injured Fellaini."

- First half was a little disappointing, we were not at our best but I managed to break through the defence and slot the ball past Friedel in the VIlla goal and got us into the lead.

- Second half I think nerves were getting the better of us. Everton have never won the Premier League, and we could be the first bunch of players to do it for the club. Thankfully Tim (Howard)

Aston Villa 0 - 1 Everton

Goals - Corner 21 (89)

Motm - Howard (3)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner played fairly well during Everton's 1 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Aston Villa. He grabbed himself a goal, fair play to the lad.

Wednesday, April 15th.

At the hotel in Florence John has called another team meeting.

"Right lads, we did look a little nervous on Sunday against Aston Villa. These lot will have seen the game and be thinking they can turn us over here tomorrow night. I want to make sure you are all focused on tomorrows game and that we need to get something out of the game and look to go through to the Semi-Final."

"Suppose we do win tomorrow, who will we be looking to face as it stands."

"Well A.C. Milan won their home leg against Shakhtar one nil. So that game is pretty much in the balance, but the upper hand as it stands is with Milan."

Thursday, April 16th.

"One change to Sunday's team, Vagner Love will replace Cabanas up front."

- First half goes well, although greatly under pressure we manage to take the lead thanks to Tim (Cahill) after eighteen minutes.

- Second half is exactly like that of the first half. We get a second goal through Vagner Love on sixty-seven minutes. Fiorentina get a goal finally when the German referee gives them a very, very dubious penalty.

Fiorentina 1 - 2 Everton (aggregate - Fiorentina 2 - 5 Everton.)

Goals - Cahill 18 (5), Vagner Love 67 (17)

Motm - Howard (4)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 5 - 2 EURO Cup Quarter Final Second Leg aggregate win over Fiorentina. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance by creating a goal.

- The news from the Ukraine wasn't what we wanted to here, Shakhtar had won the game, but due to away goals A.C. Milan progress, and it will be them we face in the Semi-Final.

There is one concelation, since both Chelsea and Aston Villa got through there will be one English team guaranteed in the Final.

Saturday, April 18th.

With Man United looking to turn away this season with a chance of winning the trebile. They are into the Semi-Final of the Champions League and FA Cup and still have an outside chance to take the league. We can stop them getting the trebile tomorrow if we can take the game to them and walk out of Wembley with a guaranteed chance to return their for the final. We can also stop them from getting a double with the league, all we need is one point and we will win the league.

Sunday, April 19th.

"One change will see Christoph (Metzelder) start ahead of Jagielka just for this game."

- First half is fantastic, we take an early lead in the nineth minute thanks to Arshavin. I get my first on thirty-five minutes to make it two, and four minutes before the break we go three nil up thanks to Vagner Love. Man Utd do pull a goal back three minutes into a one minute of added on time (How does that work.)

- Second half is almost the same. Two minutes after the restart I score my second of the game and the game is very much wrapped up when Ronaldo scores but at the wrong end.

Everton 5 - 1 Man Utd.

Goals - Arshavin 9 (7), Corner 35, 49 (91), Vagner Love 41 (18), Ronaldo O.G. 84.

Motm - Corner (30)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 5 - 1 English FA Cup Semi Final victory over Man Utd. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

- The final now. It will be a carbon copy of the final of the League Cup, as we will face Arsenal. Now we have stopped Manchester United repeating the famous 1999 trebile. Hopefully we can go one better and stop them from winning the League too. Our next game is going to be difficult as we face our local rivals Liverpool.

Tuesday, April 21st.

The weekends FA Cup Semi-Final was a fantastic match for us to win, it's lifted the spirits highly for tomorrows home tie against Liverpool. Although we won three two the last time out at Anfield, I'm betting that it's going to be just as tight if not tighter. Hopefully we can win the League title in a home match against the arch enemy.

Wednesday, April 22nd.

"The only change will see Steven Pienaar come in on the left of midfield with the injury to Darijo Srna."

- First half we are very much under the cosh, with Tim (Howard) putting on a fantastic goal keeping display. We lose Tim (Cahill) after twenty minutes which didn't help us.

- Second Half is exactly the same as the first, and we get another injury blow when Steven Pienaar has to go off injured on sixty-eight minutes. The games isn't all bad news as I put Liverpool to the sword and make them rue the misses right on ninety minutes.

Everton 1 - 0 Liverpool.

Goals - Corner 90 (92)

Motm - Howard (5)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner played fairly well during Everton's 1 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Liverpool. He grabbed himself a goal, fair play to the lad.

- It'll be a double party in the streets for the Everton fans tonight as with this victory comes the championship clincher as Man United cant catch us now with only fifteen points to gain from the last five games and we are still at least eighteen points clear.

- After the game we get told that even if I didn't score tonight we would still have won the title cause Arsenal managed to gain a one - nil victory at Old Trafford.

Before the season was getting underway I was thinking that it would be another Manchester United title reign, I didn't at any point back then think that I would be playing professional football never mind doing the double with Everton.

Saturday, April 25th.

Ahead of tomorrows game against Fulham, the news was hounding the ground and the board about the managerial role at Everton. With it being known that John hasn't discussed the possibility of extending his contract to stay on at Everton.

However a new name has come into the frame to become the manager, Michael Vio the former England international (Created unemployed manager).

Sunday, April 26th.

"Ok since we've won the title, and we have a huge game mid-week I'm going to makes quite a few changes. To the side.

Liédson will join Vagner Love up front and Leon (Osman) will play wide right, Andy Reid will replace the injured Cahill while Arteta will play on the left in place of Pienaar. Also a debut for Wayne (Hennessey) in goal, also Matthew (Spiranovic) will play along side Christoph (Metzelder) at the back."

Result -

Fulham 1 - 2 Everton

Goals - Vagner Love 36 (19), Liédson 86 (8)

Motm - Hennessey (1)

Thursday, April 30th.

Today is the biggest match, I've faced opponents like Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Arsenal, but to face a team with the quality that A.C. Milan possess is something else.

- We are much under pressure thoughout the first half but we do create the better chances with Fellaini hitting the bar.

- Second half we show more attacking prowess and we get the break through in the last minute of added on time when I whip in a free-kick which Liédson headers home.

Everton 1 - 0 A.C. Milan

Goals - Liédson 90+3 (9)

Motm - Dida (I dont know how he only made a few saves - Howard made more.)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner played fairly well during Everton's 1 - 0 EURO cup Semi - Final victory over A.C. Milan. He had a good game, a couple of times he ran with real drive and direction at the defence and worried them

I suppose that's why I was fouled by every single defender and Gattuso (at least three times.) Nothing like making sure I don't create anything, obviously they never saw me with free-kicks have they.

Saturday, May 2nd.

I walked in to pick Amy up from the club today, and overheard the converstation between John McIllroy and Chairman Bill Kenwright. It was over a new contract. I'm not sure what was offered, but John kindly asked if he could delay signing for at least a week.

Sunday, May 3rd.

"A few changes are in line, Wayne will start in goal again, Stephen (Ireland) will start in the centre of midfield with Mikel (Arteta) on the right, also Vagner Love will parter Liédson up front. Christoph (Metzelder) will replace Matthew (Spiranovic) at the back."

- The first half was boring with not much being created by either side.

- Second half was almost as bad as the first a few chances came our way but we just couldn't find a way past Almunia. That was until the seventieth minute when we were awarded a penalty which was tucked away by Darijo (Srna)

Everton 1 - 0 Arsenal.

Goals - Srna pen70 (4)

Motm - Fellaini (2)

I didn't play the match, presumably rested for the big game at the San Siro.

Tuesday, May 5th.

There is a little disheartened spirit going around. With John McIllroy not extending his contract with Everton, and now the press have come back saying that John may be in the line to replace Luiz Felipe Scolari at Chelsea, as Scolari has not signed a new deal.

Thursday, May 7th.

After John told everyone that he is not bothered about what is going on over at Chelsea nor any other club. He wants to focus on the matters with Everton.

Although arriving here at the San Siro is giving me more nerves than I thought I'd be suffering from. I think there will be a few other nervous players around. This match if we want to go through to the final and have a fantastic backing of being the team to knock Milan out of the competition we simply cannot afford to lose here tonight. Okay if we manage to score and lose by one we would still go through on away goals, but I think we want to be the overall winners.

"Okay, the team will be as last week with the exception of Matthew (Spiranovic) who'll be replaced by the more experienced Joleon (Lescott). Oh and thanks to the USA we are missing Tim (Howard). So the duty lies with you Shay (Given)"

- Fantastic start to the first half, I manage to put the nerves behind me and open the scoring after just two minutes. My goal was cancelled out by Seedorf after fifteen minutes, thankfully Liédson who seems to like playing against Milan managed to restore the lead on thirty-five minutes, he got his second three minutes later.

- Second half was balls to the wall stuff. We knew we had to keep it tighter at the back and stop Milan getting back into the game. Unfortunately Pato pulled a goal back for Milan after fifty-eight minutes, but a smart change in the side saw John change formation for the first time going cautious with a five man defence, this sured the back line up and we came away with a fantastic win at the San Siro.

A.C. Milan 2 - 3 Everton

Goals - Corner 2 (93), Liédson 35, 38 (11)

Motm - Liédson (4)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's 4 - 2 EURO Cup Semi Final Second Leg aggregate win over A.C. Milan. I was impressed with Corner today. The striker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

- I can't believe we actually managed to come to the San Siro and actually win the game. The most I think we were hoping for was a draw, but a win is more than expected. After the game I had Ronaldinho and Kaká fighting over who wanted to swap shirts with me. I ended up swaping with Andrea Pirlo instead.

Elsewhere Aston Villa could only manage a one all draw with Chelsea who go through due to the two one victory of the first leg. So we play Chelsea in the final and it's the first all England final for the EURO Cup that I can remember but history shows its only the second ever time two English clubs played the final, the last was back in 1972 when Tottenham defeated Wolves in the final.

It's now come to my attention due to the two finals, we have extended our season further by one game. With Wigan, Hull and Newcastle left to play in the league, we have the finals against Chelsea and Arsenal.

Friday, May 8th.

It's fantastic to touch down in England and be hoarded by loads of fans asking for autographs, a few of which are not even Everton fans. Still it's nice to see fellow countrymen get behind and English team.

Saturday, May 9th.

Today John wasn't able to attend the press conference about our up and coming match against Wigan, but our handy assistant manager Cetteo Di Mascio was on hand and he announced that I could win the English Footballer of the Year. I just think it's an honour to be in the choices for it.

- Todays results came as no shock, but with them came the relegation of Fulham. With two games left to go its very tight between West Brom and Newcastle.

West Brom currently out of the bottom three on thirty-two points with Newcastle struggling completely are in eighteenth place on twenty seven and need to win both their final games to stop up, also need West Brom to lose both of their remaining games.

I'd just like to say that it's more likely that Newcastle will go down as their final game is against us.

Sunday, May 10th.

"Right after the win at the San Siro, I'm making a few changes to the side, to give players a rest and others a run out.

Leighton you'll remain at left back, Christoph (Metzelder) you'll partner Matthew (Spiranovic) at centre back. Antonio (Adán) you'll play in goal. Also Elano you'll replace Andrey (Arshavin) on the right with Stephen (Ireland) and Andy (Reid) playing in the centre. Both forwards will be rested with Salvador (Cabanas) and Vagner Love heading the attack."

- The first half was pretty easy going, we took an early lead thanks to an Elano strike converting a Srna free-kick on two minutes. After nine minutes we were two nil up when Cabanas played Ireland through who slotted the ball past Kirkland. We then lost Ireland to injury after a collision.

- Second half started the way the first went, Cabanas nodded home from a corner to make it three on forty-nine minutes and then a penalty was converted by Reid on fifty-five. After that we seemed more relaxed and Wigan did have a couple of chances to get a consellation goal but Adán did well to get his league debut clean sheet.

Wigan 0 - 4 Everton

Goals - Elano 2 (5), Ireland 9 (9), Cabanas 49 (6), Reid pen55 (2)

Motm - Elano (2)

Saturday, May 16th.

It was reveilled today, in a shock turn of events, that John has rejected the contract offer from Everton to remain at the club after the end of the season.

- After the results of todays games, with Newcastle only managing a draw against West Brom, the result has ensured West Brom will stay in the Premier League and that Newcaslte are relegated.

Sunday, May 17th.

"Just for this game I'm letting Cetteo choose the side."

- First half was okay could have been better, we went in the lead after Mikel (Arteta) slotted home the only goal of the first half after seventeen minutes.

- Second half wasn't much better, we doubled the lead thanks to Stephen Ireland after sixty-four and then Vagner Love rounded off the game a minute into injury time. I didn't play the match.

Everton 3 - 0 Hull

Goals - Arteta 17 (7), Ireland 64 (9), Vagner Love 90+1 (20)

Motm - Arteta (1)

- A sour note was the injury Liédson picked up.

Tuesday, May 19th.

Tommorrow is a big game for us and the Everton Website even says so.

[HISTORIC EURO CUP FINAL FOR EVERTON.

Everton will appear in their first EURO Cup Final in the club's 131 year history when they play Chelsea on Wednesday.

Whatever the outcome, Everton fans will no doubt look to thank Simon Corner, the competition's top goalscorer, whose goals have propelled them into the final.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will also be appearing in their first EURO Cup Final in the club's 104 year history.]

Also, reading the papers, Chelsea manager Phil Scolari has announced that he has a desire to buy me from Everton and would do his utmost to persuade me to join Chelsea. He failed the last time, whats going to be different.

The press contacted me about Scolari's interest and I responded saying that I have no intention of joining Chelsea, and Scolari should look elsewhere.

Wednesday, May 20th.

"This is the big one lads. So with that in mind the team will be as follows. Tim (Howard) in goal, Phil Neville right back and Jankulovski left. Joleon (Lescott) and Jagielka at centre back. Andrey (Arshavin) right midfield with Darijo (Srna) left, Marouane (Fellaini) and Mikel (Arteta) in the middle with Simon (Corner) and Vagner Love up front."

- First half went superbly well, a tenth minute goal from Vagner Love set us up with the advantage. I doubled the lead on eighteen minutes and then set up Fellaini on thirty-four to get the third. The down side to the first half was the injury to Arteta.

- Second half was more Chelsea, but we put the game to bed on sixty-eight minutes when Arshavin popped up to get the forth.

Everton 4 - 0 Chelsea.

Goals - Vagner Love 10 (21) Corner 18 (94), Fellaini 34 (5), Arshavin 68 (8)

Motm - Corner (31)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner had a fine game during Everton's convincing 4 - 0 EURO Cup Final victory over Chelsea. I was impressed with Corner today. The Strker was in exceptional form and capped the performance with a goal.

- WE DID IT. We won the EURO Cup, and we are the second English team ever to do the treble, and we still have the chance to go on and win the quadruple.

In news after the game, I read that one fans' spokesperson was heard to have remarked that John had performed miracles with the Everton team and they would be petitioning the mayor to give them the freedom of the city.

Also Peter Reid, declared he was still struggling to believe that John had managed to get us to win the EURO Cup, he stated that he was on cloud nine following the success and that he couldn't even imagine how delighted the Everton fans are at this time.

- Only problem is we are downed by the extent of the injury to Mikel who will be out for the remaining premier league game against Newcastle and the FA Cup final.

There was surprising news as well, the next EURO Cup final will be held at Lansdowne Road in Ireland. Although we wont be there to defend our title since we won the Premier League, we'll be in the Champions League. Although if we do get knocked out of that at the group stages I believe we go into the EURO Cup so we could get the chance to defend it.

Sunday, May 24th.

"Last league game of the seaon... One change, Tim Cahill will replace the injured Arteta in midfield."

- Easy game predicted but the first half didn't got exactly to plan, we just couldn't seem to get the ball on target, that was till the forty-forth minute when Vagner Love got a goal. A minute into first half stoppage time we were two up when I scored from well outside the area.

- Second half was much easier, especially after their centre back was sent off after fifty-three minutes. Three minutes after I made it three with my second of the game. Vagner Love made it four on sixty-six minute, but that should have been about is seventh if he could head the ball on target. After seventy minutes it was five when I scored my hat-trick, and I got a forth to finish the game on seventy-seven.

Newcastle 0 - 6 Everton

Goals - Vagner Love 44, 66 (23), Corner 45+1, 56, 70, 77 (98)

Motm - Corner (32)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner turned in a performance of the highest quality during Everton's convincing 6 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Newcastle. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with four goals for his team.

- A dampener was unleashed after the game as Tim Cahill will miss the FA Cup final as he picked up a damaged heel.

Monday, May 25th.

Today I was told that I've won a few awards. They are as follows.

English Footballer of the Year Award.

English Premier Division Top Goalscorer.

and a member of the English Players' Premier Division select (Team of the Year)

Tuesday, May 26th.

Well the season is over as far as the league is concerned, we reigned champions and now go into the FA Cup final full of confidence, its another game against Arsenal. We may have come out on top in three games against them so far this season, but they will give this match their all. It is their last chance at some silverware this season.

Also while sitting waiting for Amy to finish up, I saw Marek (Jankulovski) with his agent coming into the boss' office. It looks like he could be discussing a deal to bring him to Everton on a permanent deal. Marek, has been playing superbly well at left back and has upset Leighton (Baines) as he has managed to keep Baines out of the starting line-up.

Wednesday, May 27th.

Ahh the Champions League final, and for the second year in a row Manchester United win, and win on penalties. Well at least they got a trophy.

Thursday, May 28th.

Although Marek (Jankulovski) is due to return to Italy in a few days time, he did announce to some of the players in the players lounge after training that he has agreed to sign on a permanent basis, and will look forward to joining up with us lot when it goes through.

- It's a change of heart as he did refuse to join us full-time in the January transfer window.

Friday, May 29th.

According to the press, Arsene Wenger has said that Arsenal need to stop me in order to get something from the FA Cup Final, well hopefully they can't, cause there is nothing finer than to score in three major cup finals. I scored in the League cup final against Arsenal, and scored against Chelsea in the EURO Cup Final. I am aiming to make it a hat-trick.

Saturday, May 30th.

"OK, this is a huge game, One change will see Stephen (Ireland) replace the injured Cahill in midfield. Also a return to the squad for Liédson, although it will be on the bench."

- First half is exactly as planned from an Arsenal point of view, well if we were the Arsenal team it would be anyway. A fantastic start to the game for us as Vagner Love opens the scoring after a mere four minutes, eleven minutes gone he adds a second, and on twenty-nine minutes I pop up and score to make it three.

- Second half starts as the first ended, with me getting a goal after ten minutes of the second half. Five minutes later I was denied my hat-trick, thanks to the post which I hit from a free-kick. Arsenal do pull one back in the form of Sagna, but Vagner Love nets his hat-trick on seventy-six minutes.

Everton 5 - 1 Arsenal.

Goals - Vagner Love 4, 11, 76 (26), Corner 29, 55 (100)

Motm - Vagner Love (3)

Key Man Watch - Simon Corner was one of the players to make a real difference during Everton's convincing 5 - 1 English FA Cup Final victory over Arsenal. It's obvious to me that Corner is in top form. He was absolutely clinical today, finishing with two goals for his team.

- It's only after the game, that I'm told that my second goal was my hundreth career competitive goal.

Although the part on the field after the game with the rest of the players is fantastic and the lap of honour into the Everton fans is superb. The quadruple is ours.

Sunday, May 31st.

John officially announced the end of season break today, and that we can all go on holiday. I think I just might. Although I'll be travelling back home to the North East to see my family before I go. It's been almost a year without really seeing my mam, dad or my grandparents. It's probably the best time to introduce them to Amy.

Although I'm not due back at Everton till the twentieth of July, that will give me quite a long enough break, or at least I thought it would, turns out I've been choosen to play for England again, the matches will take place on the sixth and tenth of next month. So I'll have to wait at least another week before my official break can start.

Monday, June 1st.

Todays paper was refreshing to see. Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright had declared himself delighted that John McIllroy had agreed to renew his contract with Everton.

The extension to the contract is only a further year, that's another season.

Tuesday, June 2nd.

Today's paper was a little bizarre, apparently John is interested in signing Theo Walcott from Arsenal. To which the prospect has Everton fans drooling.

The other end of the scale produced major doubts about Andrey Arshavin's future at Everton with Roma announcing that they are interested in signing him.

However John announced that he has no intention of selling Andrey.

Thankfully too, Andrey himself has insisted he will resist any move away from Goodison. Thank God for that. Andrey has been superb on the right this season.

Wednesday, June 3rd.

The day has arrived that everyone thought wouldn't.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has decided to end his reign at Old Trafford by resigning from his position as manager.

Speculation as to Ferguson's replacement at Old Trafford is hotting up with Juande Ramos among a host of highly-experience figures being linked with the vacancy.

Other names in the mix include Roberto Mancini, Michael Vio and Victor Fernandez.

Friday, June 5th.

Simon Corner is officially Europe's most lethal finisher after collecting the European Golden Boot Award today having amassed an impressive score of 94.00 from 47 goals.

Corner achieved an impressive lead over second-placed Simone Tiribocchi, who achieved 62.00 points, while Túlio de Melo came in third place with 62.00.

The Everton hot-shot benefits from playing for a club in a top-rated nation based on the EURO co-efficients, meaning each of his goals was worth the maximum points available.

I've got to acknowledge my manager's contribution, John is the key reason for my consistent form.

Saturday, June 6th.

It's Kazakhstan today for us, An away match, one to which we should be winning. Although in all honesty. Kazakhstan does look totally different from what I imagined, I imagined big huge mountains with a football ground stuck somewhere in one of the valleys. But that's just cause of the Soldier SAS book I read, regarding the research facility which was shut down in a joint effort by Kazakhstan army with an SAS (In the book). That was a Russian research facilty which was made by the KGB, back in the red curtain days. Oh well down to football.

I get to start the game up front. Although Lampy is playing, in honesty I've forgave him for his twittery in the last match we played.

- First half starts brightly enough. Lampy gets us under way after eight minutes, I double the lead after fifteen, but they get a goal back after thirty-eight.

- Second half starts brightly, Ferdinand puts us three one up in the fifty-second minute and on fifty-nine Owen (Hargreaves) puts us four one up, but Scott Carson is terrible, and he got lobbed. Even though he was about two paces off his line...

Kazakhstan 2 - 4 England

Goals - Lampard 8, Corner 15 (9), Ferdinand 52, Hargreaves 59.

Motm - Hargreaves.

No Key Man watch was it was John Terry.

To back up my notes, Carson was the Weakest player.

Tuesday, June 8th.

Today, I got a call from an old team mate, back in my glory days as a non-professional. Any it's Michael Vio Jnr. He congratulated me on my first season as a pro and wanted to wish me luck for the rest of my career. I asked him about his dad (Michael Vio snr) the former England international (Created Manager). Junior turned round and said that his dad was suffering a little, he didn't know what to do. He's apparently been approached by both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to become the next manager.

- Also Wayne Rooney is calling for a demolition job to be done against our opponents, although I'm not sure who we play next. I'm not bothered much, its a honour to play for my country whether it be against Brazil, Spain, Kazakhstan or Hesbackistan. (Seriously how many countries does this Stan want to own.)

Wednesday, June 10th.

Another England game, and another game I get to start. Its Andorra we play and thankfully it's at Wembley.

- First half starts amazingly well. Stevie-G opens the scoring after just four minutes and the lead is doubled by six by Michael Carrick. Lampy is injured on eighteen minutes and is replaced by Rooney who instantly gets on the score sheet. Hey I'm getting in on this two and I fire home after forty-two minutes.

- Second half starts as well as the first although I'm sure Ash (Ashley Young) was aiming for my head when he scored. I somehow managed to duck out the way of it. Wayne gets his second of the game on fifty-seven minutes and two minutes later I get my second. Andorra weren't helped when they had a player sent off.

England 7 - 0 Andorra.

Goals - Gerrard 4, Carrick 6, Rooney 21, 57, Corner 42, 59 (11), Young 49.

Motm - Rooney.

Key Man Watch - N/A was Gerrard.

English Milestone No.2 - Simon Corner scored his 10th international goal.

Saturday, June 13th.

NEWS STORY

NEWCASTLE SACK KINNEAR.

Newcastle United have parted company with their manager Joe Kinnear following a disagreement over the running of the club. Newcastle United chairman Mike Ashley stated that he believed Kinnear's appointment had been a mistake and had to be rectified if the club was to move forward.

Newcastle will now be looking for a new manager.

Pundits in the media are already speculating the high-profile manager Michael Vio, who is currently without a club, could be tempted back into football management if the offer is right. Other big-name managers such as Alex McLeish, Bryan Robson and David Platt are also being linked with the vacancy.

It's come too late for Newcastle though. They should have sacked Kinnear when they had a chance to stop up.

Sunday, June 14th.

More news articles.

SUNDERLAND BOSS RESIGNS.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has decided to end his reign at The Stadium of Light by resigning from his position as manager.

Pundits in the media are already speculating that high-profile manager Michael Vio, who is currently without a club, could be tempted back into football management if the offer is right.

Other big-name managers such as Mick McCarthy, Roy Hodgson and Alex McLeish are also being linked with the Vacancy.

- Also I got a phone call from an old friend. (I mean old as in his age not he's a long lost friend). Junior Aimaasu. He's a former Samoan International, chose to play international football for Samoan rather than England due to his background. Towards the end of his career he played alongside me at my sunday league team. He's decided to quit playing football and looking to become a manager.

Saturday, June 20th.

Today it was announced that Michael Vio (Snr) was reveilled as the next Manchester United Manager, after agreeing a one year deal with the club.

Hooray! Fergie is gone!

Sorry, where were we? :o