Everton FC News: Everton not the only club unhappy with Dan Gosling

Jul 9 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post

THE fall-out from Dan Gosling’s acrimonious Everton departure has extended to his former club, Plymouth Argyle.

After Gosling won a Premier League tribunal last week enabling him to leave Everton as a free agent, Plymouth are set to miss out on a possible £1million windfall.

The England under-21s international instigated the action last week on the premise that Everton failed to follow up a verbal agreement of an improved contract with a written offer.

The Premier League found in favour of the player’s claim enabling Gosling to expose a legal loophole and leave the club he joined from Plymouth for an initial £1m in January 2008.

That figure could have doubled for the Pilgrims depending on appearances and international honours.

Gosling made 37 first team appearances for Everton and was just three more games away from triggering a £250,000 payment to Argyle.

Like Everton, Plymouth – who recently appointed Goodison legend Peter Reid as their new manager – are said to be unhappy about the episode.

Gosling can now free to talk to other clubs with Newcastle United, Sunderland and West Ham all interested in capturing him on a free transfer.

That is unless Everton opt to appeal against the Premier League’s decision in the next week.

A Premier League statement read: “An independent hearing, convened under Premier League rules, was held last week to look into the contractual status of Dan Gosling.

“Having looked into the matter and considered the arguments of both Everton and the player it was determined that the player is unattached and entitled to a free transfer.

“This is subject to a right of appeal by Everton which must be brought within 14 days of the decision.”

Meanwhile, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov says he is feeling refreshed after his first break from football for 18 months.

The Russian winger joined Everton last summer from Lokomotiv Moscow who were midway through their season.

Bilyaletdinov went straight into a hectic Premier League and Europa League campaign with Everton.

Now, after six weeks off, he is raring to go again and is aiming to help Everton return to Europe after just missing out last season, finishing just a point behind seventh placed Liverpool.

“I had a nice holiday,” said Bilyaletdinov.

“I had just over two weeks back at home then I went to Dubai for a few weeks. I had a big season, and I have never had a break in the summer before, that was my first time.I feel refreshed.

“Six weeks off is enough. I want to work hard to go into next season with a great start. We want to get back into Europe quickly.

“I feel more comfortable, my team-mates have helped me and I am looking forward to next season. I think it will be harder than last season.”

Everton’s opening pre-season fixture, against Sydney FC on Saturday, will not be shown live on ESPN as originally planned.

Everton are currently on tour in Australia, and are set to take on the Sky Blues in the first of three warm-up games, with further fixtures with Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar to follow.

Each of these matches were due to be screened live by ESPN.

However, due to issues with the host broadcaster in Sydney, these plans have now been shelved.

ESPN wish to apologise to its viewers for this issue.