Fuente : Everton FC
http://www.evertonfc.com/

EVERTON: MOYES: IT WAS NO ONE-OFF

/noticias.info/ David Moyes has backed his Everton side to prove last season's success was not a one-off as the Blues prepare to face Manchester United in the opening game of the 2005/06 Premiership campaign.

Moyes led Everton to a fourth place finish in the top flight last season, securing a place in the Champions League qualifiers.

The sight of Everton finishing above the likes of Newcastle and Liverpool led some pundits to suggest the club over-achieved.

But Moyes refutes the suggestion, explaining his view of the season.

He told evertonfc.com: "People can say what they like, but they only need to look at the league table and they will see that Everton achieved.

"My target is to finish higher than we did last year and we want to show people it was not a one-off.

"We are an improving club, a progressive club. We may not be able to challenge the real top boys but we will certainly be making sure we give it the best shot we can.

"Maybe this time last year people didn't consider Everton a threat. But sometimes out of adversity comes strength. We need to build on that be stronger and consolidate after last season."

The prospect of facing Manchester United at Goodison on the opening day does not concern the Goodison chief, despite it coming just four days after the high-intensity contest against Villarreal on Tuesday.

He added: "Tuesday was a good preparation for this match and it will certainly bring the fitness levels on because the players worked extremely hard. Hopefully we are now close to full tilt.

"We knew before the season started we had a really hard start to the season but that is the way the draw has come out. You have to play everybody twice in the Premier League so it doesn't really matter when you get them.

"I hope it is as intense as our game against them last season. There are slight differences because last year was an evening game near the end of the season when we knew had to keep picking up the points to try and make the Champions League.

"Nevertheless, when you are playing Manchester United the first thing you have got to do is stop them playing before you can play yourself because they have got so much ability in their side." notas_de_prensa_archivo