Hibbert: "I'll Take A Pen"

[Mein blut ist blau]

http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/20...take-a-pen

Tony Hibbert insists he will definitely be on penalty duties when AEK Athens visit Goodison Park for his testimonial.

The defender will mark 10 years of first-team service when the Greeks arrive on August 8.

Hibbert is of course famous for having never scored in more than 300 Everton appearances, but that could all change with the 30-year-old revealing the pressure to take a spot kick would be too much to resist.

“The crowd probably wouldn’t leave the stadium if I didn’t take it so I think I would step forward if we get a penalty,” said the defender, who made his debut against West Ham back in March 2001.

And with more than a decade passing since a fresh-faced Hibbert played his part in that 2-0 victory by winning a penalty at Upton Park, he admits it is hard to fathom that he is eligible for a testimonial.

"It’s only when I sit down and think about it that I realise that it was such a long time ago,” he added. “When I made my debut I never considered that I’d be at the Club for another 10 or 11 years. There are a few players recently who have had testimonials but it is becoming rarer that you hear of a player being at a club for that long.”

As for Hibbert's guests, the Toffees defeated AEK Athens 4-0 at Goodison Park and then 1-0 in the Greek capital in the Europa League back in 2008/09 and they are clashes the Academy graduate recalls with fondness.

“They were good games to play in and I enjoyed them,” he said. “I played centre-half over there and we got a good result that clinched our progress from the group stage of the competition, so I’ve got good memories of them.

“It’s nice to play against a team I’ve played before and I hope it’s a good game and a good night.”

Helping to plan his own testimonial will no doubt occupy much of Hibbert’s spare time between now and August 8, but he says he has been enjoying his summer break and the chance to take in some of the Euro 2012 action.

“It’s been nice to have a rest and relax with the family but the pre-season is coming up quickly now so it’s time to start thinking about that,” he said. “I’ve watched some of the Euro games and I thought England did very well against France.”

Hibbert was also pleased to see one of his team-mates, Nikica Jelavic, find the net in the competition.

“I knew he would,” he said. “I knew he’d score goals in the Euros and it was only a matter of time before he did. I think he’ll be one of the top goalscorers over there.”


Sound Hope we get a penalty. I also hope the bubbles bring a few & join in any potential riot - best fans I've seen at GP, although them werder bremen fans a few years back were fairly amusin' (for Germans)

[OJL]

gutted that its midweek and I probably wont be able to make it up there

[Son of Toffeeboy]

AEK have a brilliant support though I doubt they'll bring as many as they did last time. Their chants were hilarious!

One thing's for sure, they'll join the RIOT when our Tony scores.

[Bluesince68]

It's Hibbo's destiny to score.

[Mein blut ist blau]

(06-15-2012 05:00 PM)Bluesince68 Wrote:  It's Hibbo's destiny to score.

Bump.

Might even go to this, and pay for it with a bet on hibbert anytime goal bet

[evertonandchelmsford]

At least theyve said the game will be competitive, hopefully the sharpness will be there and we can stuff them like we did last time.

[1878evertonian]

Hopefully it's close to a sell out although I'm not sure if they'll bring many fans with them. I know they've a decent following but can't imagine too many of them being arsed to come all that way for a friendly. If possible, we should of got someone like Celtic or a big European team to increase the interest.

[Mein blut ist blau]

The bubbles in greece are (genuinely) skinter than billox, so I imagine it'll be the greek restaurateurs from merseyside who'll turn up.

Doubt the place'll be more than half-full tbh. Can't remember the last testimonial game that got anywhere near a full-house.

[BARCELONA BLUE]

40,000 turned out for dixie deans