We need to be fourth at end – Moyes

Jan 26 2008 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post

David Moyes

EVERTON manager David Moyes admits that his side’s current lofty position in the Premier League will count for nothing if they are unable to remain there at the end of the season.

Despite being ninth at the start of last month, Moyes’s side have surged up the table to fourth and have moved above neighbours Liverpool in the table.

Moyes led Everton to an unexpected fourth place finish three seasons ago but with strong competition not only from Anfield but from the likes of Manchester City and Aston Villa, he knows his side will be hard pushed to repeat the feat they achieved in 200405 and is taking nothing for granted as he gears up for the battle to secure the final Champions League qualification spot.

He said: “We are where we are in the league on merit, because we have been consistent for a long period of time.

“But there’s no point in being there in January, it’s in May that we want to be there.”

Everton have recorded 15 wins in their last 22 games dating back to October, and the manager has been delighted with the sustained good form.

Moyes, whose side are next in action against Tottenham on Wednesday, said: “I think that it’s terrific that we’ve got into fourth. But I think you have to say that if you are at that point with just four games to go until the end of the season then you can start to think that it’s really on, but the competition to get there is tough. What it does show is the consistent run that we’ve been on to get ourselves in this position. Our form has been good.”

Everton youngster John Paul Kissock has joined the Scottish Premier League’s basement club Gretna on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has yet to make a first team appearance at Goodison Park but has been a regular in the reserves for the past two seasons.

Reports in the Netherlands suggest that Heerenveen midfielder Michael Bradley is being linked with a move to Everton.

The 20-year-old American has made ‘tempestuous development’ this season and is a regular in midfield, catching the eye of several European clubs having netted nine goals.

Bradley’s contract with the Frisian side expires in the summer of 2009, but the American international is not keen to sign a new deal, Heerenveen are hoping to cash in on their young star.

Meanwhile, in addition to the Merseyside derby at Anfield potentially being moved, to more Everton games have been put back for Sky TV coverage.

Portsmouth’s visit to Goodison Park will now be played at 4pm on Sunday, March 2, while the trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham takes place at 1.30pm on Sunday, March 16.