How do Everton reset after a disastrous campaign to date?
By Oli Dickson Jefford
On paper, there’s no reason why Everton shouldn’t be in the top half of the table pushing for a European spot.
And it’s not too long ago that they were regularly doing just that, though the past couple of seasons have not been the happiest on Merseyside.
Things have been as bad as ever for the Toffees this season, languishing down in 16th with just five wins all season and ten defeats in their 19 league matches.
Everton were giants of the English game in the 1980s but now haven’t won a trophy in 27 years, and are perhaps at their lowest point.
Amid chaos and discontent at Goodison Park, we take a look at what needs to happen to get the club moving forward.
New manager
Rafa Benitez’s dismissal after just 200 days came as no surprise, with the Spaniard never really settling at Goodison.
His association with former club Liverpool meant he was never a popular choice as manager, and he didn’t exactly endear himself to fans during his short stay.
His alienation of Lucas Digne, one of the club’s best players in recent seasons, was a low point, with the Frenchman forcing a move to Aston Villa just days before Benitez was sacked.
For the second time in recent years, Everton icon Duncan Ferguson steps in as caretaker manager in a welcome move, but they must get a permanent manager in quickly.
Former player Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are among those connected to the job, and whoever is eventually hired must get time to try and restore some pride this season.
However, they must also be able to get the fans on side and not alienate key players.
The former point is particularly key, with fans failing to connect to an Everton manager for quite some time now.
Get Calvert-Lewin fit and firing
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was hugely influential for Everton last season and has arguably become the club’s key player.
And though they have been struggling in general, there is no doubt that his absence with injury throughout most the season to date has been a huge factor as to why they’re struggling.
The England international scored an impressive 16 goals in 33 games last campaign but has only played four times in the Premier League this season, sustaining an injury against Brighton in August.
Despite that, his three goals this season still see him ranked third in the club’s goal scoring rankings this season; they don’t have another forward to rely on.
Getting Calvert-Lewin fit and firing will be absolutely crucial if the club wants a stronger second half to the season.
Change culture of negativity
Everton fans have been dissatisfied for quite a while now and events of the past five months have not exactly helped their mood.
Owner Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright have faced tonnes of criticism, and the onus is on them to turn the Toffees’ fortunes around.
Whoever the new manager is needs to be strongly backed in the summer transfer window, and allowed to bring in players they want to impose their style of play.
The club’s hierarchy also needs to make sure that no players get ostracised, with the situation surrounding Digne one of the reasons the club has had so much bad press recently.
If they can invest in the club and get them moving back up the table, the mood at Goodison will certainly improve.
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