First pictures of Everton squad in training released since points deduction
Five things spotted in training from first photographs of Everton's squad since the club's 10-point deduction plunged them into the relegation zone
Everton’s squad appear in good spirits having been pictured in training for the first time since a 10-point deduction plunged them into the relegation places.
A dramatic 3-2 win at Crystal Palace in their last match moved the Blues to within two points of big-spending Chelsea and a place in the top half but the subsequent penalty – the heaviest such punishment in the 135-year history of English top flight football – after the club was found to have breached the Premier League’s financial rules, ensured they plummeted to second bottom, only above basement side Burnley on goal difference. Sean Dyche’s men, who had picked up seven points from their last three games, have the opportunity to potentially move back out of the drop zone this Sunday though when they take on Manchester United at Goodison Park.
Although interim chief executive Colin Chong issued a video message on the same day the decision was published stating: “We believe the sanction is disproportionate and wholly unjust,” until yesterday, nobody on the football side of the club had spoken out. Director of football Kevin Thelwell broke that silence on Wednesday, insisting Everton’s efforts will now have “the additional fuel of what we believe is a wholly disproportionate ruling.”
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has now become the first member of the squad to address the matter. He said: “I’ve played in a lot of games against United at Goodison, and the atmosphere is always incredible.
READ MORE: Everton points deduction: Everything being done to challenge the Premier League amid appeal
READ MORE: Dominic Calvert-Lewin becomes first Everton player to speak out on points deduction
“I expect the weekend to be no different – if not, more electric. I’m sure the fans will be ready. Us as players, we’ll prepare the same as normal and make sure we’re ready to put in a performance and collect the three points.
“I think, given the circumstances, I’ve sensed a lot of unity and togetherness. We were off on the international break when the news broke, but coming back in this week, I don’t feel like it’s fazed us players.
“We know, as a group, we can’t affect that. All we can affect is what’s in front of us, and that’s the game on Sunday, so we’re looking forward to that.”
Everton’s number nine was pictured in training with his team-mates and manager Dyche – who will face the media in his pre-match press conference at 1:30pm on Friday – in a session at Finch Farm on Tuesday and here are some observations from the photographs taken…
Club captain Seamus Coleman appears chipper as he walks out alongside the only outfield player older than him in the squad - Ashley Young - with the Irishman, who completed his first 90 minutes since March 11 this week for the Under-21s against Athletic Bilbao - looking the part in the green tops the squad were sporting for the session
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One of Sean Dyche's first directives after being appointed Everton manager was to order his players to wear shin pads in training and the competitive nature of this session is shown by this challenge between James Garner - of whom the Blues boss said: "He's a bit of a nark, I like it" after the 3-2 win at Crystal Palace and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the first member of the squad to share his thoughts on the points deduction
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Dwight McNeil does some jumping during an indoor session and the winger - who was top scorer last season but is yet to get off the mark this term - turned 24 this week and will want to cap his birthday week with a goal against Manchester United, the club where he spent several years as a youngster
(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)3 of 5![Rondos played a part in the session as players looked to keep their touch sharp and here it's Beto's turn to be 'piggy in the middle']()
Rondos played a part in the session as players looked to keep their touch sharp and here it's Beto's turn to be 'piggy in the middle'
(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)4 of 5![Like several members of the squad, Everton manager Sean Dyche and James Tarkowski have been through relegation fights before at their previous club Burnley but this will now be one battle against the drop the whole group is determined to win]()
Like several members of the squad, Everton manager Sean Dyche and James Tarkowski have been through relegation fights before at their previous club Burnley but this will now be one battle against the drop the whole group is determined to win
(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)5 of 5
