Try GOLD - Free

TALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

Daily Mirror UK

|

February 02, 2026

'Tiny' Tarks and his big pals handle disruption

BY STEVE JUDGE JAMES TARKOWSKI has probably never felt smaller on a football pitch and he can thank David Moyes for that.

The Everton boss' decision to select four centre-halves at Brighton meant Tarkowski was the shortest player in the back four.

That despite measuring in at “6ft 3ins with my long studs in’, with Michael Keane partnering him inside of Jake O'Brien and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Tarkowski joked: “It must be the first time in history that two fullbacks have been taller than the two centre-backs!”

Moyes revealed an injury to left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko forced his hand but it is something that he has long thought about doing.

The decision had online fans reworking the Peep Show “Four naans Jeremy!” meme to “Four centre-halves David, that’s insane’.

And while the selection made Moyes look like ‘he is just a lucky Sean Dyche’ in some people's eyes, he was following a path laid by far more illustrious managers.

In fact, he wasn't even the first Everton boss to do it.

MORE STORIES FROM Daily Mirror UK

Daily Mirror UK

WOODMAN'S DEMANDING EVEN MORE

ANDY WOODMAN warned BROMLEY they still have work to do despite hailing his leaders in a thumping 4-1 win at GILLINGHAM.

time to read

1 mins

February 02, 2026

Daily Mirror UK

Daily Mirror UK

PHENOMENAL WIN SO DOM AND DUSTED

BOSS Dom Di Paola hailed 'phenomenal' HORSHAM as they booked an FA Trophy quarter-final berth for the first time in their history.

time to read

1 min

February 02, 2026

Daily Mirror UK

SUPER SUB FOORD HITS TOP GEAR

ARSENAL were crowned the inaugural Women's Champions Cup winners after substitute Caitlin Foord fired them to an extra-time victory over Brazilian side Corinthians.

time to read

1 min

February 02, 2026

Daily Mirror UK

'SLOPPY' TOON TRIPP-ED UP BADLY

KIERAN TRIPPIER admitted Newcastle lacked composure during a startling collapse at Anfield.

time to read

1 min

February 02, 2026

Daily Mirror UK

Let's keep it social by limiting phone time

During an appearance with Children in Need's We Move FWD, the Prince of Wales said he was worried for young people as we have “lost the art of debating” due to social media and texting. You say...

time to read

2 mins

February 02, 2026

Daily Mirror UK

Daily Mirror UK

TOP BANTS

Tom shines as he aims to grab slot for the T20 World Cup

time to read

2 mins

February 02, 2026

Daily Mirror UK

Daily Mirror UK

It never gets easier

Family of murdered India tell of pain 10 years on

time to read

1 mins

February 02, 2026

Daily Mirror UK

Daily Mirror UK

That fight was wigged...

Heavyweight boxing upset as Miller's hairpiece KO'd in bout

time to read

1 min

February 02, 2026

Daily Mirror UK

Daily Mirror UK

Nurseries safe sleep plea after tot death

BETTER sleeping advice for nurseries is an education minister's priority after calls from a grieving family.

time to read

1 min

February 02, 2026

Daily Mirror UK

Daily Mirror UK

Waking up to the hidden health risks behind low appetite

Low appetite is rarely seen as a health issue.

time to read

4 mins

February 02, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size