sticky problem for City

After what must seem like a lifetime of under achievement, Evertonians must feel they have a man to bring back happier days to Goodison Park.

In the 1980s, Everton were considered one of the 'big five' clubs in English football along with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham.

Even when the Premiership was conceived, these five clubs were seen as the big players in any discussions due to their status within the game.

However just a few years later and Spurs had been eclipsed by the likes of Newcastle while Everton were in a sorry mess with the end of season invariably involving a battle to avoid relegation.

Walter Smith's arrival gave the long-suffering Evertonians hope but last season was again a struggle with the Merseysiders scoring just three goals in their first 12 league games.

The capture of Kevin Campbell turned the season around with the striker grabbing nine goals in eight league games to lead Everton up to 14th.

And Smith has continued to take Everton forward this season and at home they have proved an entertaining side.

Fortunately for City, Campbell is out for the season while his strike partner Francis Jeffers will not be back until later this month when Everton face Liverpool.

Despite that, City will still face a very tough test tomorrow with the likes of Nick Barmby in superb form.

The Hull-born player has done so well that deputy chairman Bill Kenwright has urged Kevin Keegan to take him to Euro 2000.

The 26-year-old has not played for England since Glenn Hoddle gave him the last of his ten caps over four years ago. However, after a series of inspirational displays, Kenwright wrote to the England chief insisting that he should consider recalling the former Middlesbrough and Spurs star.

Keegan agreed and watched Barmby in action against Leicester last weekend, seeing Barmby create an equalising goal for Don Hutchison.

Barmby, whose confidence and form had dipped during his spell at Middlesbrough, exploded into form in February when he scored a hat-trick in the Toffees' 4-0 victory at West Ham.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.