IT was with much satisfaction that Everton secured UEFA Cup football next season.
At the end of a season when money will be swilling around the transfer market like beer in a brewery it was essential to have continental football making us able to attract the bigger names.
I think we are in a much stronger position compete in Europe than when we got through to the Champions League qualifiers and I think lessons have been learnt.
But it means we need quite a few players in the summer, which has the potential to disrupt what seems a very close squad. Signings must be made early – we reaped the benefits of having our three major signings in before pre-season last time around.
I cannot pass up this opportunity to praise Mikel Arteta who I think is one of the best players in the leagu e- possibly the most under-rated.
He’s got everything you want and has produced on a regular basis – him Cahill and Johnson will scare most defences next season so it is imperative we hold on to him and I think we will.
He loves the adulation of the crowd and the crowd loves him.
He’s a special player.

On a different subject I’m delighted to see Glenn Roeder leave Newcastle I can’t stand him. I don’t know what it is but he seemed to be too nice and was always offering excuses – I think he was pushed rather than he resigned. If they do get Big Sam I can see Newcastle becoming a force again if they give him time – on the lip side I can see Bolton struggling.
I will be looking forward to our trip to Stamford Bridge knowing and savouring the last game of the season because it’s going to be a long summer with no tournament to break up the close season.