BREAKING NEWS

Managerial Changes 

The football world was shaken this week as dramatic changes swept through both Goodison Park and Deepdale.

On the evening of March 13, 2002, after Everton fell to a heartbreaking 3–0 defeat away at Middlesbrough, the club decided to part ways with manager Walter Smith. At the time, Everton were teetering dangerously close to the relegation zone, with only one win in their last thirteen league games. Hopes had begun to fade, despite Smith’s best efforts over his four years at the helm.

Everton’s campaign, up to this point, had been a real slog: goals had dried up, the defense looked shaky, and the Toffees languished just above the drop zone. The decision didn’t shock many fans—instead, it brought both worry and a flicker of hope.

Just a day later, on March 14, the footballing circus turned its attention to Deepdale, where Preston’s players awoke to the stunning news that David Moyes had been appointed as Everton’s new manager. Moyes, who had led Preston to an impressive fourth-place finish in the previous Championship season and was again pushing his side up the table, was set to take the leap to Premier League management.

At the time of Moyes’ departure on March 14, 2002, Preston North End were sitting 8th in the Championship, only just outside the playoff spots and still dreaming of promotion. Their run had been a mix of gutsy wins and hard-fought draws, emblematic of the fight Moyes had instilled in the squad over the past few seasons—as well as his ability to get the best out of players like Julien.

With Moyes gone and his own contract at Everton running until 2005, it’s anyone’s guess what the future holds. Will he get his shot at Premier League football next year, perhaps under his old boss?

See you next time with the focus on Julien's 2001/02 season

Family Moments and Big Decisions

The Summer of 2001

The summer of 2001 brought a rare peace to Julien’s fast-paced world. For a few precious weeks, he, his parents, and his younger sister Léa traded football for the sound of the Mediterranean—escaping to the Côte d’Azur’s sunlit shores, far from stadiums and training grounds. Their days blurred together in a rhythm of beach walks, laughter over gelato, and lazy afternoons beside the turquoise sea.

Julien, still a young man shaped by responsibility, found it strangely easy to slip back into the role of a big brother. He swam with Léa in the gentle surf, explored narrow streets with his family, and quietly watched his parents rediscover a sense of adventure outside of daily routines. Evenings meant local cuisine: fresh seafood, crisp salads, and long sunset dinners overlooking the sparkling bay. Their favorite spot became a cozy seafront restaurant, where stories flowed as easily as the rosé, and where future decisions—both football and life—could wait until dessert.

For Julien, that summer was a reminder of everything precious: family, freedom, and the chance to dream, even as football’s uncertainties loomed just beyond the horizon.

Summer 2001 was a time of hope and uncertainty for Julien Gauthier. After a whirlwind Premier League campaign, the young midfielder trained hard, determined to convince Walter Smith he deserved more chances in Everton’s starting lineup. During July and August, Julien featured in several pre-season friendlies for the club—lining up against Tranmere Rovers, Coventry City, and Bolton, sometimes as a starter, sometimes off the bench.

But after one intense session, Smith called Julien into his office for an honest conversation. “Julien, I see promise in you, but right now, both for your development and the good of the team, you need regular competitive minutes. Our priority is survival this season, and I won’t be able to give you the pitch time you need. I think a loan move would be best for everyone.”

There were three offers on the table. One came from Leicester City, another Premier League side, where the young manager Peter Taylor saw potential—though competition in midfield would be fierce. The second, from the Championship, was Preston North End, promising a key role and plenty of match experience in a team that valued hard work and tactical discipline. The third opportunity was a leap abroad to Germany’s second division, as St. Pauli showed interest in bringing him to Hamburg. It was an exciting option, but language and adaptation would have been major hurdles.

Not wanting to pressure Julien into a decision, Smith invited Julien’s father to join them in Liverpool to discuss the options. Together, they weighed the pros and cons, and in the end, a unanimous decision was made: Julien would spend the season on loan at Preston North End. There, under manager David Moyes, he’d get the regular starts he needed in a demanding but supportive environment, close enough to Liverpool to keep him in touch with English football and his Everton dreams.

It was the best compromise—an adventure in the tough, unpredictable Championship, the chance to grow, and the hope that one day he’d return to Goodison Park, ready for even greater things.

See you next time with season 2001/02!

Big Dreams, Hard Lessons

 Everton 2000/01

Walter Smith saw something in Julien Gauthier—a spark, a football mind worth nurturing. Not just the tactical aspects, but also the ability to adapt and connect. Smith offered Julien a place among stars like Kevin Campbell, Duncan Ferguson, Thomas Gravesen, Paul Gascoigne, and young talents Francis Jeffers and Michael Ball.

Leaving Normandy behind, Julien’s transition to Merseyside was as challenging off the pitch as on it. He rented a modest terraced house in Woolton—red brick, a compact English garden, bay window with an Everton scarf proudly displayed. Life in Liverpool meant new food, new language, and culture shock, but also the excitement of a thriving football city.

Making friends wasn’t easy, but the squad included several young players. Julien quickly bonded with Francis Jeffers (just 19, a local talent with big dreams); Michael Ball (21, young defender with fire and ambition); Gary Naysmith (22, a Scottish left-back new to the north-west). Those friendships brought some comfort and comic relief in a tough year.

Goodison Park was a world away from Le Havre. The old blue stadium thrummed with anticipation and history—every match day was a lesson, every fan chant a reminder of football’s passion.

Early in the season, Walter Smith trusted Julien as a first-choice substitute, hoping his continental style would energize Everton’s midfield in the final stretch of games. But injuries and results forced Smith’s hand; established names took priority as Everton struggled. The team fought to avoid relegation, ending only 16th. Julien played frequently at first, but later his minutes dropped. The pressure for results meant less room for experimentation—with every lost point the stakes grew higher.

Julien Gauthier – Everton 2000/01 season stats

For Julien, football’s hardest truths were becoming clear. The Premier League stage was unforgiving, and a young foreigner had to fight for every opportunity.

Next: A crossroads—loan offers arrive, and Julien faces a choice that will shape his future.

Breakthrough and Opportunity

 The 1999/2000 Season at Le Havre

The summer of 1999 marked Julien Gauthier’s official transition to senior football. While the campaign began with Julien coming off the bench, his performances quickly convinced the coaching staff to give him more starts as the months passed. By winter, Julien had earned a regular place in the starting eleven—demonstrating drive, composure, and the tactical awareness that had made him a standout in the academy.

Le Havre endured a challenging year in French Division 1, ultimately finishing 17th and suffering relegation. Despite the struggles, Julien’s emergence was one of the season’s bright spots, bringing hope for the future. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him one of the team’s most reliable options; coaches and fans alike began to take notice.

Meanwhile, abroad, the interest from Everton — which had begun the previous year — continued to grow. Walter Smith, Everton’s manager, kept close tabs on Julien’s development, and as his reputation grew, so did the frequency of the scouts’ visits. By the spring of 2000, Smith viewed Julien as an ideal addition to his midfield.

1999/2000 Season Statistics at Le Havre

At the end of the season, Julien’s father received the long-awaited phone call from Everton. Led by manager Walter Smith, the English club made a concrete offer — not only recognizing Julien’s talent and growth, but inviting him and his family to set the next chapter of their football journey in England.

From that moment, Julien’s father would step forward as his official agent, ready to guide his son on and off the pitch through the exciting challenges ahead.

See you next time with Julien's first steps at Everton.

Beginnings

 Le Havre U19 (1997–99)

Julien made an immediate impact at Le Havre’s academy after joining at age 17. Throughout his two seasons with the U19 squad, he became known for both his tactical awareness and a growing ability to influence games in decisive moments.

In the 1997/98 season, Julien established himself as a starter in midfield, helping the team reach the semi-finals of the French U19 Cup. He registered several crucial assists and earned praise for his leadership—culminating in being named vice-captain for the following year.

The 1998/99 season saw further progression. Not only did he contribute vital goals in the league campaign, but he began to catch the eye of the senior staff. Late in the season, Julien made his senior debut as a starter in a Coupe de France fixture, impressing with his composure against seasoned professionals. He also appeared as a substitute in two top-flight league matches, gaining invaluable experience and confidence.

His discipline, energy, and technical qualities meant he was trusted in more important games, although as a tenacious midfielder he picked up occasional yellow cards—proof of his combative spirit.

Statistics at Le Havre U19

Season	MP	G	A	YC	RC	Senior Debut
1997/98	22	3	7	4	0	-
1998/99	27	5	9	5	1	Coupe de France (starter); 2 Ligue 1 (sub)

By the end of 1999, Julien’s performances—his vision, drive, and leadership—had not only cemented his place at Le Havre but attracted the attention of clubs abroad. Among those taking note: Everton. With scouts sending glowing reports back to Merseyside, Julien stood on the brink of a new phase in his career—the chance to prove himself on the English stage.