Sunday the 10th February was always going to be a special day for me as my wife and I had just celebrated our daughter Catherine's 3rd birthday, and she had a little party with all her little friends to make her day.
So after all the high spirits and being chased by little children, I was looking forward to seeing the Blues playing championship chasing Arsenal with my pal Adrian and my uncle Tommy.
The prospect of seeing our new signings playing was exciting; Friday's signings really opened my eyes and got my hopes up for the up and coming Arsenal match and remainder of the season.
I thought the boys were really up for it on Sunday and were extremely unfortunate to lose the match to a very lucky goal indeed. I agreed with the manager that we should have had two penalties but when things are not going for you these things happen. We should at least take heart from the performance and hopefully this will lift us for our games on Sunday v Crewe in the F.A. Cup and the Derby match v Liverpool the following week, although I don't think the lads will need any motivating for that one.
I feel that after Sunday, and the first half performance especially, that Everton can hold their own against anyone. It was just sheer good fortune and luck that got Arsenal the points, but hey would we complain if we were in the chasing pack and came away from Highbury with three points with a goal off the side of Big Dunc's bum, I don't think so! What I have seen of our new signings so far has impressed me.
Tobias Linderoth is the one I have seen the least of but what I have seen I have been happy with. He looks committed to the cause and given time alongside our other Swedes I am sure he will be an asset to the club. Lee Carsley, already a hit after his workmanlike performance on Sunday. He gets through a power of work and in my mind it was money well spent by Walter and the board.
David Ginola, well I am sure the Everton fan's have already taken David to their hearts and his first game for Everton was one I'll remember, as he tore into Arsenal's defence time and time again. I just hope that Everton can hold on to him for longer than till the end of the season, as I think he is a great asset to the club.
To be honest, the club would have a great chance of some trophies if we could keep all our squad like big Dunc, Gazza, Tomas and the others fit, we have had a terrible time this season with injuries. Walter has done well this season no matter what happens between now and the end of the season.
I have heard two bits of news that may be of interest to Blues fans who don't already know. David Unsworth has been granted a Testimonial by the club following his lengthy service to the club.
Also the club has given the FA formal notice that they wish to enter next season's Intertoto Cup. I feel this is the right way to go as the club has missed out on many a great European night since our Cup Winners Cup win over Rapid Vienna in 1985, and we need to get back involved in European football again.