After 5 days of training in Florence, the Everton squad are back home and preparing for the start of their preseason friendlies. This saturday the team will be split into two, one to play Bury at Gigg Lane and the other will head across the Irish sea to play a Norhteen Ireland XI at Coleraine.

Be interested to see what Moyes's plans are for Jagielka, where he fits into the team. Van der Meyde has so much damn talent, but will he get his crap together and actually contribute to the team this season, I really admire his ability but I getting tired of his off the field BS. And I still haven't seen enough of Anderson Da SIlva to have much of an opinion, the boys supposed to be useful, is he gonna see more playing time this season or just warming the bench.

Although we missed out on David Nugent, I'm not too worried about our Striker situation at the moment. It's more a matter who should partner Johnson, upfront. Vaughan and Anichebe have both developed into useful players and although I prefer McFadden in the midfiled, he can do the job upfront. If Beattie could just remember where the net is, we'll be in good shape. The cost of premiership players is rediculous at the moment and after buying Beattie I think Moyes is a little gun shy at the moment anyway.

Other preseason friendlies include Preston North End and a trip Utah, to play the ever under achieving Real Salt Lake. Their one win this season, tragically against DC United, is all they have to show from 14 games. Heat may be a factor, but it really is a must win! Now if they could only add a friendly against DC United, I could head to the Barra Brava in my Everton shirt and struggle with my divided loyalties for 90 minutes!

Welcome to my new Everton blog, thanks to oleole.com. With the toffees arrival in Florence this week, it brings the arrival of a new season and another shot at Europe. Tim Cahill was up to his old tricks again for Australia after a late equalizer against Oman, saving them from utter embarrassment. His and Arteta's new contracts were probably the best business Moyes has done so far this offseason, I mean, I trust Moyes's judgment on Jagielka, and I do think he'll carry the same work ethic as the rest of the squad, I'd just like to see some bigger names. Finally, I have to say, it's vital that we make the first round robin stage of the UEFA cup, I couldn't handle another disappointment like two seasons back. Goodison Park needs to have regular European games again like I remember in the eighties. Can't wait for the first round draw!

Come on you Blues!