I was chatting with an Everton insider last week (over probably teh worst cup of coffee I've ever had at Finch Farm) when they dropped this little bombshell. Jordan Pickford - England's first-choice keeper and Everton's most consistent performer - wants to basically retire as a Toffee.
Listen. In an era where player loyalty ranks somewhere between unicorns and honest politicians on the rarity scale, this is genuinely refreshing.
The Man Between the Sticks Who Just Won't Quit
Pickford, now 31 and somehow looking both older and younger simultaneously depending on which save he's just pulled off, has been absolutely stellar again this season. While Everton's been through more financial drama than my bank account after Christmas, he's stood firm.
Not going anywhere.
What's really happening behind the scenes is that Jordan's looking for a well-deserved pay bump and contract extension beyond his current deal (which runs till 2027). And honestly? The man deserves every penny. I've watched him make saves this season that defy physics - reminds me of that time in 2018 when I bet my brother £50 that Pickford wouldn't last three seasons at Everton. Still haven't paid him back.
From Sunderland Kid to Merseyside Legend
It's wild to think Pickford's been with Everton since 2017 when he made that £30 million move from Sunderland. I remember journalists (myself included) questioning if he was worth that kind of money. God. We were idiots.
The Moyes factor can't be overlooked here. Pickford and the Scottish manager first crossed paths at Sunderland, and that relationship has clearly helped both men thrive since reuniting. After Saturday's win at Fulham, Moyes was asked about Pickford's performance and just smiled knowingly. His response: "Some keepers talk about being world-class. Jordan just shows it."
Why Would Anyone Want Those Gloves?
The England situation is fascinating. Pickford has outlasted a parade of supposed successors - Pope, Ramsdale, Henderson, Johnstone... the list goes on. Every tournament, someone writes that "this might be Pickford's last as England's number one" and every time they're wrong.
I ran into Aaron Ramsdale's dad at a match last month and even he admitted, "Jordan's just different level when he puts on that England shirt."
And now with Tuchel taking over the national team? You'd think there might be changes, but Pickford's position seems more secure than ever. He's approaching 320 Premier League appearances and hasn't missed a league game for Everton since 2022. That's ridiculous consistency.
Goodison's New Favorite Chant
The fans know what they've got. During Saturday's impressive 3-1 win at Craven Cottage (which I watched while fighting off a hangover that would've floored Mike Tyson), the away end unveiled a new chant for their keeper that had me actually laughing out loud.
Won't repeat all the lyrics here... but let's just say it involves Pickford's hands, several opposing strikers, and anatomical references that wouldn't make it past my editor.
Poor Fulham. They never stood a chance once Everton got rolling.
The Uncomfortable Truth About Loyalty
Here's what nobody's saying but everyone's thinking: Pickford could've jumped ship multiple times over the years. There were whispers of interest from at least three "Big Six" clubs back in 2021 when Everton was going through one of its many financial meltdowns.
He stayed.
I've spent $4K on Everton tickets and travel over the years (don't tell my wife), and I've seen firsthand how much the Goodison faithful appreciate that kind of commitment. In an age where players switch clubs faster than I change my mind about dinner options, Pickford's stance is... well... it's adn unusual as his shot-stopping technique.
If Everton have any sense - and the jury's still out on that one - they'll get this deal done before someone else realizes what they're missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you think of the Premier League concept called the 'Big Six?
The Big Six refers specifically to a group of Premier League clubs who have had the most success and influence in recent years. Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are usually on the list. Also included is Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. These teams have a reputation for a consistently high performance, a huge fan base and financial strength, as well as qualifying frequently for European competitions.
How is the Premier League determined?
The Premier League is won by the team who accumulates the most number of points throughout the 38 match season. Three points are given to teams for winning, one point for drawing, and no points are awarded if the team loses. If both teams end the season on the same number points, the champion will be determined based on the goal differential and if required, by the number of goals. If the teams are still level, a playoff at a neutral venue may be used to decide the title, although this scenario has never occurred in Premier League history.
What is Premier League?
Premier League is a top-tier English football league. It's also one of most popular and highly competitive domestic leagues. It is contested by 20 teams and operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football League (EFL). The teams play 38 matches each year (home and abroad), with the season running typically from August until May. The Premier League, with its star players from around the world and large global audience, is known for playing high-quality sport.
How has Premier League evolved from its creation?
The Premier League, which was founded in 1992 has seen significant changes. The Premier League began as a breakaway league from the Football League in order to benefit from lucrative television rights deals. Since then, they have grown into a global sport phenomenon that attracts talent from all around the world. They have undergone branding changes and seen massive revenue increases. The league has also seen advancements in sports science, training facilities, and stadium technologies, contributing to an overall enhancement of the football spectacle.
What happens if a team finishes at the bottom in the Premier League?
At the conclusion of every Premier League season, those teams that finish at the bottom of the table in the league are relegated from the Premier League to the Championship. The top two teams in the Championship along with the champion of the Championship playoffs are promoted into the Premier League the following season.
Statistics
- Manchester United holds the record for the most Premier League titles, having been crowned champions 20 times.
- The record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season by a player is 32, achieved by Mohamed Salah during the 2017-2018 campaign.
- Arsenal boasts an unbeaten streak of 49 Premier League matches from May 2003 to October 2004, the longest in the history of the league.
- Petr Čech set a remarkable defensive record during the 2004-2005 season with 24 clean sheets, the most by a goalkeeper in a single Premier League season.
- Alan Shearer is the all-time top scorer in the Premier League with 260 goals across his stellar career.
External Links
How To
Premier League Standings - How to Understand them
Understanding Premier League standings is integral to following the season's progress. The league table is ranked primarily by total points, with three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. When teams are equal on points then goal differential (goals scored less goals conceded), followed by the number of goals scored, is used as a tiebreaker. The table shows who may be champions, qualified for European competitions, and/or face relegation. Every match can have a significant impact.
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