I love the layout of these updates; and that formation is doing wonders for you! keep up the awesome work mate

Ross Barkley is absolutely awesome isnt he! awesome update and I am loving the layout and story

Great Story so far cant wait to see what youve got hidden up your sleeve

TAT: Thank-you very much. The formation has been brilliant thus far, UCL beckons!

Jason: Damn right he is, England future superstar! Thanks v. much mate.

Sponge: Cheers mate, who knows what is up this sleeve!

Everton have set-up an FA Cup Semi-Final date with Newcastle United after beating Tranmere Rovers 4-1 at Prenton Park in the last 8.

The date for the highly-anticipated cup clash is the 12th April, and this will be the third time in the space of a year that Everton manager Roberto Martinez has taken charge at the national stadium.

After leading Wigan to a Wembley semi-final and then cup triumph over Manchester City last season, and now taking charge of an FA Cup semi with Everton, Martinez is relishing the opportunity to relive the experience he endured with Wigan last year.

"It of course will be different," he said.

"Wigan were a smaller club, and it was just an incredible victory and an incredible few weeks for the club, to beat Manchester City at Wembley, we thought we were dreaming!

"It is sure to be a tight game and we will have to be at our best to reach the final.

"We have a had a good season so far and there is no reason as to why we can't defeat whoever we may face in the final should we progress that far."

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says he will seek answers from the board of directors over the direction of the club before committing his future.

Spaniard Martinez has just 3 months left on his contract at Goodison Park and has been linked with moves to Arsenal and the Spanish national team in recent weeks.

The 40-year-old is set to discuss his future at the end of the season.

"It's up to the board to discuss with me the new project that will be in place for next season," Martinez told BBC Merseyside Today.

"It's not up to me to decide when those talks will happen."

Martinez must now decide whether or not to lead the club into the next phase of its development, as it looks likely that they will qualify for the UEFA Champions League and also have the opportunity for silverware with the FA Cup.

"When the season ends against Crystal Palace in May my twelve month project will have come to an end," he said.

"The club overall needs to explain to me what this new project is going to consist of and how it is going to start next season."

When pressed on rumours linking him with a move elsewhere, the former Swansea and Wigan manager did little to ease fans' fears.

"I am not the person to be talking about that," he said.

"There is an owner of the club, there is a chairman of the club and I am just a football manager.

"There is nothing to decide.

I have three more months on my contract and I have not spoken about it. I don't really get it because it hasn't come from me, it's come from outside that these rumours are propagated.

"I think that will be spoken about in the future - I don't think it will be wise for us to get ahead of ourselves.

"Right now, we need to focus on the amazing season we have had and the supporters need to congratulate the players for the amazing season they have had."

He added: "I don't think you can live in fear of the future. I think that what is important right now is to enjoy this moment. To enjoy the present and this amazing season we have had.

"I think our next game against Liverpool is a very good chance to create an amazing atmosphere and in the future, things will be spoken about."

Everton have confirmed that they will not be offering long-serving defender Tony Hibbert a new contract.

Hibbert, who has been with the club since July 1991, breaking into the first-team for the 2000/2001 season

The Evertonian born and bred full-back has never scored in 260 competetive appearances for the Premier League club and has been skipper on many occasions.

"It's a bit of a shock to be honest. I was shocked at the time and it's not quite sunk in yet," said Hibbert.

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“He wants to carry on playing and playing regularly. He has that desire to continue and this is the best move for him.”
- Everton manager Roberto Martinez

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He told talkSPORT: "I've had a couple of sit downs with the manager. I've been here for so long and you want to get a feel of what's happening next season, whether it's here or not.

"They have made that decision today. It's surprising to be honest because I've been here for so long and it's home. I thought I'd be at the club until I retired and maybe do coaching afterwards."

Hibbert has only made 4 appearances for the club this term, with young Irish starlet Seamus Coleman taking the stage at right-back.

"Tony Hibbert is and always will be an Everton legend," manager Roberto Martinez told the club website.

"I want to be fair to him as regards his future, as he deserves it. This decision means that he is now free to sort himself out with a new club in plenty of time for next season.

"Being the type of man Tony is, we sat down and had a chat about the future. He wants to carry on playing and playing regularly. He has that desire to continue and this is the best move for him.

"I would like to thank him for his complete support and utter professionalism since I arrived. He never gives anything less than 100% in training, or when called on for first-team duties.

"He will continue to be available for selection for the remaining games of the season."

Hibbert, who admitted he could leave the club on loan before Thursday's deadline, will be rewarded with a testimonial, after more than 23 years on the books at Everton.

"I'll be having another testimonial at Goodison," he added.

"It will be nice to have one as a thank you from the club for what I've done. I've given my all but that's just the way it's fallen: no contract, but another testimonial.

"Right now, it's really difficult to take and I will try and keep my head up for the rest of the season. I think it's going to be hard but I will just have try my best."

Alongside his commitment to the club, the goal drought has contributed to his cult hero status among Everton fans, to the extent that a banner reading "If Hibbert Scores, We Riot" was displayed at the 2009 FA Cup semi-final.

I'm really loving this series! I hope that the Everton man, Bill Kenwright would offer you a new contract at the end of the season!

April saw four Barclays Premier League ties against Liverpool, Fulham, Newcastle and Aston Villa. There was also the opportunity of reaching the FA Cup Final, with an FA Cup Semi-Final tie against against Newcastle United.

Match Results

Liverpool Goals: Steven Gerrard (61 pen)
Everton Goals: Jose Paolo Guerrero (75)
Man of the Match: Sylvain Distin (7.4)





Everton Goals: Romelu Lukaku (8, 20), Jose Paolo Guerrero (59)
Fulham Goals:
Man of the Match: Romelu Lukaku (8.7)





Newcastle Goals: Dan Gosling (13), Steven Taylor (72)
Everton Goals: Romelu Lukaku (29), Gerard Deulofeu (39)
Man of the Match: Gerard Deulofeu (7.6)



Everton Goals: Leighton Baines (30 pen), Seamus Coleman (45), Jose Paolo Guerrero (48)
Aston Villa Goals:
Man of the Match: Seamus Coleman (8.3)






Everton Goals: Jose Paolo Guerrero (12), Sulley Muntari (22)
Newcastle Goals: Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (6)
Man of the Match: Sulley Muntari (8.5)

On The Whole

Another great month for us, April was full of thrills and few spills. We're heading into the final two Premier League matches against Southampton and Crystal Palace in 2nd, with Champions League football somehow still not in the bag - before embarking on yet another FA Cup final for myself. Hopefully I can do the same as I did with Wigan last year.

Premier League Table

Still in second place, somehow not sealed UCL football for next season, but confidence is high and it seems we'll have no problems. FA Cup is a priority for us as well!

Player of The Month

The young right-back has been in tremendous form all throughout this season, and I cannot fault his effort even when form has deserted him a tad. A wonderfully gifted player with all the promise to be a great in the future. His performances this month have aided our campaign for Champions League football as they have all term.

Coleman's April Highlight: Helping us reach the FA Cup final with a sterling performance.

Injury List

• All players are fit.

This story is absolutely incredible! You're doing great in the league and your updates are sublime, keep it up man.

Former Everton manager David Moyes will face current Toffees hero Roberto Martinez in the 2014 FA Cup Final, as he prepares his Manchester United team to ruin Robbie's dream of successive Wembley triumphs, after famously winning the competition in charge of Wigan Athletic last year.

A wonderful occasion it will surely be, and despite Moyes holding a special place in his heart for Everton, he will be desperate to secure silverware in his first season at Old Trafford.

"Of course there is always a little more pressure when it's your old club you're trying to beat, but we'll be up for it more than ever and we certainly won't let them walk over us." said Moyes.

Everton are second in the table heading into the cup final while Manchester United remain in fifth with two games each to play.

"Roberto has continued with the foundations I put in place.

"It wasn't a particularly difficult job to take on as the foundations for success were already there - but take nothing away from him and Everton, they've had a magnificent season, the best in their history."

However, Martinez was seemingly all for continuing the verbal spat, claiming that Moyes took over the easier job.

"It's just a little fun I think from David Moyes. This was a very difficult job to take on, as any is.

"The easiest was probably Manchester United, 27 years of foundation were in place for him to be successful.

"If fifth is success to Sir Alex Ferguson, congratulations go to David Moyes."

May saw the final two Barclays Premier League ties of the season against Southampton and Crystal Palace. There was also the FA Cup Final against Manchester United to look forward to, though that result will be confirmed in a 'Special Update' later on.

Match Results

Everton Goals:
Southampton Goals: Victor Wanyama (12)
Man of the Match: Seamus Coleman (7.0)





Crystal Palace Goals:
Everton Goals: Jose Paolo Guerrero (8, 64)
Man of the Match: Jose Paolo Guerrero (9.0)

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On The Whole

May was a dodgy month as we hadn't quite sealed UEFA Champions League football for next season, as even with a game left 5th could catch us - which tells you just how tight this season has been. But despite stuttering and giving every Toffees fan a heart attack, we beat Palace on the final day and finished 2nd in the league. Now, we look to the FA Cup Final and hope to bring some silverware.

Premier League Table

A magnificent season on the whole, Robbie Martinez's men have secured UEFA Champions League football for next season, and the highest position and points accumulation in the clubs history.

Player of The Month

Paolo earns his second POTM title, his double at Palace helped secure us a place in the top 2 in a short month of football.

Guerrero's May Highlight: Scoring a brace on the final day of the season eased fears that Everton may not finish in the top 3, his performance against Crystal Palace sealed 2nd spot.

Injury List

• Romelu Lukaku is a doubt for the FA Cup Final, suffering with an ankle problem.

FA CUP FINAL: Everton stun Manchester United in five-goal thriller

Everton have won their first piece of domestic silverware since a similar triumph in 1995 under the leadership of Joe Royle - that day their opposition was indeed Manchester United, and the Toffees won it 1-0.

Roberto Martinez dared to dream of winning the FA Cup twice in two years with two different clubs and his dream became reality in what was an unbelievable game of football.

Everton, in their first final since defeat to Manchester United in 2009, made the most of their numerical advantage in the closing stages, after ex-Toffee Marouane Fellaini had seen red for United in the 31st minute.

It was a deserved triumph for the Blues, for whom Ross Barkley was outstanding, and completed a personal triumph for chairman Bill Kenwright, who has always wanted to oversee his team win a trophy at Wembley.

But for United, it means a trophyless campaign, and raises further questions over the future of David Moyes, who it is rumoured will be replaced by Louis van Gaal in the summer.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez came up with an ingenious way of trying to overcome the attacking threat that became apparent against his team. In leaving Romelu Lukaku and Gerard Deulofeu upfield even as City pressed, he forced the Red Devils to temper their attacking instincts, denying them the width which adds to the obvious danger their flair players pose.

Everton became favorites when their former midfielder Marouane Fellaini was sent off for a vicious two footed lunge on Ross Barkley - who we should mention did not make a meal of the challenge and was back on his feet within seconds of going down. Andre Marriner, in agreement with anyone who has seen the tackle, showed Fellaini the red card and United were down to 10.

However, the scoring was opened on 38 minutes, and it was first blood to Moyes and Manchester United, Robin van Persie lashing a 25-yard strike past Tim Howard, a pained expression growing on the face of Roberto Martinez - but give up they would not.

The half-time whistle blew and Everton could claim most of the best chances. But in David De Gea, United had a keeper in form. The Spain Under-21 star turned away an early effort from Romelu Lukaku and denied Phil Jagielka and Ross Barkley later in the half.

In the middle was the best of the lot as Everton's notoriously stern defence parted to let Van Persie through again, which allowed the Dutch international to set up Juan Mata.

The ex-Chelsea star looked certain to score as his effort headed to one corner as Howard plunged towards the other. Somehow though, the USA man kept it out with his legs, in one of those moments that ends up being etched in final history.

And Everton had chances to get their noses in front during that opening period too. Barkley was a constant threat, but first after running onto Gareth Barry's pass and then electing to check inside and curl home with his left foot rather than shooting first-time with his right, then embarking on a Ricky Villa-like slalom and driving a shot against Vidic, he wasted the best of them.

Not that he could be blamed 9 minutes after half-time when he embarked on a bewitching run into the United box and was scythed down by Jonny Evans, penalty to Everton.

England left-back stood over it, calm as you like - and slotted home his seventh penalty of the season to see Everton level.

Moyes executed a tactical rejig to counter Martinez's attacking intentions, but it was Everton who hit the woodwork, albeit unintentionally, as Barry's intended far post free-kick bounced off the bar with De Gea stranded.

Incredibly, sending the blue half of 90,000 spectators into pandemonium was Everton's Ross Barkley, who again embarked on a wild run, beating 4 players before rounding De Gea and side-footing the ball into the back of the United goal. Absolute scenes. Everton lead 2-1 and there is 21 minutes left on the clock. Can United salvage something? Extra-time perhaps?

But it was time for another Manchester United assault, and with six minutes remaining Everton fans could barely watch - and so they shouldn't, Juan Mata brilliantly equalizing with a superbly hit volley from the apex of the 18 yard box, dipping beyond Howard almost in slow-motion. Heartbreak. Advantage United, at 2-2, all the momentum was with the still energetic looking Reds.

Everton re-started the game on 85 minutes, Martinez screaming encouragement from the sidelines. The ball fell at Phil Jagielka's feet, and stood inside his own half, he spotted Lukaku causing havoc among the United back-line. The England defender hit a 70 yard ball, Big Sam style, all the way forward to Lukaku who chested it sideways to an on-running Steven Pienaar who hurdled over a Vidic lunge and slotted past De Gea to send Wembley into raptures. Pure ecstasy was being witnessed for anyone inside the ground, Roberto Martinez running the full-length of the touchline to celebrate with his players. It was an instant reply from Everton, and United were down and out. 3-2 the final score.


Hero Pienaar was sent-off dubiously for his part in a hustle and bustle melee between a group of players from each team in injury time - though that must not take the shine off what is an incredible achievment for Martinez and Everton - who look like a team who could dominate Europe next term, nevermind just England.

A second place finish in the Premier League and an FA Cup victory - Roberto Martinez is statistically the greatest manager Everton have ever had.

Congrats for winning the final! Great result against United

great work with an amazing win. after reading this from the start, it seems you have found the tactic that works with the 4-1-1-2-2. Great work in the Premier League and FA Cup and you should be able to secure Champions League football at Goodison Park.