Will Wrexham be added to the list of conquerors?

By Chris Kirwan
September 30 2002

York City, Bristol Rovers, and last year Crystal Palace. All teams who have benefited from Everton’s tendency to lose to teams from lower leagues in the League Cup.

The game versus Wrexham will be David Moyes’ first cup game in charge of the Blues, and it will be interesting to see if he adopts a different approach to Walter Smith. Moyes seems like a man who takes defeat very personally, and while he may take the opportunity to test out some fringe players, he will expect and demand victory.

The league Cup is frequently mocked, but while it doesn’t have the history or glamour of the FA Cup, it is still a piece of silverware that provides a route to Europe. Last year Everton applied for an Intertoto cup place, so clearly long for any route into Europe, so surely the Worthington cup should be taken more seriously, especially as the Blues are likely to finish in mid-table. Of course the early round should still be used to get various first team squad members closer to full fitness, and by giving the likes of Li Weifang, Linderoth, Chadwick, and Naysmith run-outs Moyes can create stronger competition for places, reinforcing the league campaign as a consequence. It also provides the opportunity for the Blues to work on their away form, and for Rooney to get off the mark.

There’s a week until the Blues play United at Old Trafford, so the issue of resting players doesn’t come to the fore. And the Blues have never won the League Cup, so it would be nice to change that fact, and in the process give the Everton players and fans a chance to wipe the dust of their passports.

Team News: Carsley set to retain spot, Pembridge a doubt so possible return for Naysmith or McLeod, Campbell unlikely to be rested.

N.B. ITV’s coverage of teams outside the top 5 is nothing short of a disgrace, so some fans have started an online petition. To sign it follow this link. ITV petition .