Van der Meyde future in balance

Aug 18 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

TROUBLED Andy van der Meyde’s Everton career is hanging in the balance after he was suspended by David Moyes following a breach of club discipline.

Van der Meyde has been punished following his non-appearance at training last Sunday following the win against Wigan at Goodison.

The former Holland international has subsequently been suspended for a week by Moyes and handed the maximum fine of two weeks’ wages.

Van der Meyde, who made the bench for the opening day win over Wigan Athletic, wasn’t involved at Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening and is not in the squad for today’s Premier League game at Reading.

And Moyes yesterday hinted the 27-year-old is facing an exit after his latest breach of club discipline.

“Andy has had numerous warnings about this type of thing and we won’t tolerate it any longer,” said Moyes. “I will make a decision regarding the player’s future next week.”

Van der Meyde has failed to make the intended impression at Goodison after arriving from Inter Milan for £1.9million in August 2005. Injuries, suspensions and poor form have meant the Dutch winger has started just 14 games in two seasons and has yet to score, and has only once completed a full 90 minutes.

Van der Meyde was sent off on his first Merseyside derby appearance and has been dogged by rumours about his private life, with the player last summer being forced to deny allegations he was an alcoholic.

The Dutchman was fined last August after breaking club rules by socialising in Liverpool two days before a game, after which he was hospitalised with breathing difficulties, claiming his drink was spiked.

After the incident, Moyes had said: “It will be his last chance. If I hear of him stepping out of line again, there will not be another opportunity for him.”

Later that month, his pet dog and Ferrari were stolen during a burglary at his house.

Feyenoord have previously been linked with a possible move for van der Meyde.