Everton boss bans the booze

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Aug 23, 1998 | by PAUL HETHERINGTON

EVERTON'S Premier League stars have been hit by a booze ban.

New boss Walter Smith has introduced a hard-line regime at Goodison and players have been told they can't touch alcohol in the three days prior to a match. That's a day longer than at most clubs, who impose a 48-hour rule.

But Everton's players have even been told they must abstain from beer, lager, wine and spirits 24 hours AFTER a match, too.

Even sipping an orange juice on licensed premises immediately prior to a game will be frowned upon. Any player stepping out of line will be subject to disciplinary action.

Smith, aiming to repeat his Rangers success on Merseyside, has also ordered players to smarten up their appearance and has banned mobile phones from the training ground.

An Everton source said: "The players have been issued with a booklet of do's and dont's. Walter is very concerned that the club projects the right image."

Smith, meanwhile, is ready to step in for Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer if his proposed pounds 5.5m move to Tottenham collapses.

NEWCASTLE boss Kenny Dalglish is leading the chase for Blackburn's World Cup striker Kevin Gallacher.

Dalglish, who signed Scottish international Gallacher when he was in charge at Blackburn, is ready to make a pounds 2.5m bid.

Gallacher wants to quit Rovers as he's behind Chris Sutton, Kevin Davies and Martin Dahlin for a strking role, despite his 20 goals last season.

Newcastle, meanwhile, yesterday denied sensational rumours that Manchester United had faxed an offer of pounds 18m for Alan Shearer - on the day they signed Dwight Yorke for pounds 12.6m. Freddie Fletcher, Newcastle's Chief Executive, said no offer had been received.

Lee Sharpe stands by for his first home appearance since damaging cruciate knee ligaments a year ago when LEEDS face Blackburn Rovers in tomorrow night's televised Roses match at Elland Road.