Everton

THE ESSENTIAL

David Moyes and Phil Neville want Everton to reproduce the improved second-half-of-the-season form which has become their trademark recently.

Former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett has died at the age of 46 after a long battle against cancer, the LMA have confirmed.

Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has earned the praise of his manager David Moyes after the Russian's recent performances. Moyes said: "Bilyaletdinov sometimes he doesn't get enough credit."

James McFadden has said that he feared for his career when a knee injury sidelined him earlier in the year. The forward has just rejoined Everton, and said: "I was training in March and then broke down again and, when I spoke to the surgeon, he said my time might be up. That was hard to take."

Phil Jagielka has backed Jack Rodwell to continue showing his potential and putting in some meaty challenges despite his sending off against Liverpool.

Everton are to take 'firm action' against any fan who is found guilty of throwing missiles in their derby defeat to Liverpool.

Everton are contesting Jack Rodwell's red card in the Merseyside derby. The midfielder was sent off for a challenge on Liverpool's Luis Suarez in an incident that David Moyes said "ruined the game".

Everton's new Argentinian striker Denis Stracqualursi has said that he wants to emulate his countryman Carlos Tevez and make a big impact on the Premier League.

Phil Neville has signed a contract extension that will see him stay at Goodison Park until 2013. The Everton captain, who will be 36 when his contract runs out, said: "I love playing for Everton. I love the spirit in the club, I love the togetherness, and that's going to continue."

Everton have rejected a £3 million from Championship big spenders Leicester for their striker Jermaine Beckford.