OPPOSITION VIEW: EVERTON

Ahead of our final away game of the season, we spoke to the Unholy Trinity Everton Podcast to get some insight on how the opposition camp are feeling.

10th in the Premier League with 13 wins, 10 draws and 13 losses, what's been the story of Everton's season?

Very much a middle of the road campaign, with promising signs and a possible European adventure teased every now and then. If truth be told, we are exactly where I expected us to be, given the difficult years we had prior to this season's move to our new home. There has certainly been a few teething issues as we all became accustomed to our new surroundings, which felt comfortable for visiting sides for a fair while. Thankfully, recent performances at home have been better and there’s a real sense now that it feels like ‘our place’.

Are you happy with this mid-table security?

For this season, the answer is yes. Some like to say that is a sign for settling for mediocrity, when it’s simply realism and a true reflection of the level of our squad – especially given the injuries we’ve had to key players across the season. It certainly isn’t the aim going forward, with the owners and fans keen to ensure our club becomes successful once more. European qualification, challenging the top six and winning trophies, has to become the norm once again. It’s been far too long.

Do you think you'll sneak into Europe?

The last few results will probably cost us dearly. Dropping six points late on in our last four matches will certainly dent our hopes at the least. If we can win the last two games, you just never know but, deep down, I think the opportunity will pass us by. We aren’t alone in being unable to take what appears to be a golden opportunity but it just goes to show the inconsistency and competitive nature of the league this season.

We hate David Moyes, what are your thoughts on the Scot?

I have always been a fan of David Moyes. Someone who truly understands the football club and I feel he sees himself as an Evertonian. He came back to ensure our top flight status, which he did with comfort. He’s done well again this season, as we settle into Hill Dickinson Stadium and enjoy a season of relative calm. He does have his detractors, with some eager for a fashionable younger manager to come in this summer. I’m sure he will take us into next season, regardless of what some may prefer. With only a year left on his current deal, who knows what the longer term future holds but he’ll always be welcomed by the majority of Evertonians.

How about Jordan Pickford?

Simply the best. He’s not perfect but what goalkeeper is? Made some wonderful saves again this season and will go into the World Cup as one of England’s most important players. He is a major reason why Everton have remained a Premier League side over the last few years. A character that maybe only Scousers and Mackems can truly understand but I wouldn’t swap him and his ways. Top drawer and certainly one of us.

Who is your best player? Anyone we should look out for in particular?

Obviously, Jack Grealish was our standout performer early in the season and arguably our best player. Sadly, injury curtailed his season and we hope to get him back to the club for next season. Iliman Ndiaye is undoubtedly our most gifted player currently, although his form has dipped in recent weeks. He scored a fabulous goal at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season and that was just one of his many standout moments. A fabulous player. A good, old-fashioned best clicker. Outside of him, keep an eye on James Garner. Deservedly earned his first England cap recently and a player who has come on massively this season. Loves a tackle and is a player who sets the tone. He has become one of the first names on the team sheet and a player who will have many admirers during the summer transfer window.

On the other hand, which Sunderland players have caught your eye this season?

From what I’ve seen of Sunderland, I’ve liked the look of Enzo Le Fee. Performed pretty well against us in the cup game in January, scoring a decent goal in the process as well. I’ve always been impressed with Dan Ballard as well. Maybe it’s just because I like big, no nonsense centre halves but I feel he has adjusted comfortably to the Premier League this season. I am delighted he is suspended for this weekend’s game.

Thoughts on our campaign?

Any time a promoted side doesn’t go straight back down, it has to be deemed a success. The fact Sunderland have managed to spend a fair bit of the season in top half of the table, shows you how impressive a season it’s been. A manager who appears to be well liked and a group of players who appear to have a decent work ethic. It’s always a decent recipe. It’s refreshing to see both yourselves and Leeds be so competitive. Two clubs rightly back in the league where they belong.

What did you make of our FA Cup tie earlier in the season?

Well we were absolutely horrendous on the day. The launch of a new navy fourth shirt that was worn for the game probably set the tone for what was an awful Everton performance. It was at a time when both Ndiaye and Gana were away at AFCON, with a few other key players also unavailable, but the lack of heart and effort on display was disappointing. Our penalties just about summed the whole match up.

Seamus Coleman's Everton playing career will come to an end at the end of the season. Thoughts?

On Sunday, we say goodbye to a man who joined as a boy and will leave as a modern day legend. Rightly, legendary status is usually reserved for those than win honours, but Seamus Coleman is an exception to that rule. What he has done for our football club as a leader, during arguably our most difficult period, cannot and will not be forgotten. At his peak, he was the best right back in the league. The ultimate bargain in the history of the Premier League. Whatever he chooses to do next, he will forever be an Evertonian. What a man. What a player.

Are you going to the match?

I’ll be there. I have just about got used to the immeasurable number of steps I have to climb to reach my seat. I’m a season ticket holder in the South East corner. Just the 53 rows up. Not for the faint-hearted.

Where should our fans go for pre-match food or drink?

There is plenty of selection on Regent Road itself but the bars are mainly geared towards us home fans. I’m sure many Sunderland fans will be getting the train into Lime Street in the city centre and there are plenty of bars to choose from if you fancy a half hour walk to the ground, with a pub crawl thrown in. The Ship and Mitre and the Excelsior are a couple of brilliant pubs, not too far from the station.

Finally, score prediction and goalscorers?

I think (and hope) we will nick it and hopefully we end our home season campaign on a high. 2-1 to the blues with Beto and Dewsbury-Hall on the score sheet for us. A consolation goal from Le Fee for Sunderland.