Sean Dyche has applauded Everton supporters’ efforts to motivate his players before of the crucial encounter against Burnley.
Preparations have been ongoing for days after the prominent 1878s fan club issued a rallying cry for flags, banners, and other ideas to turn Goodison Park into a cauldron on Saturday as Blues fight once more to provide a boost for their team at a critical juncture.
Raucous shows of support have been critical in each of the last two relegation battles, and there is a renewed awareness that all must be done ahead of what could be another battle for survival. Dyche recognizes the value of Everton supporters, saying, “I know that about football – they can help.”
Everton remain winless in 13, the club’s worst Premier League drought, as they prepare to play Burnley, the last team they defeated in the league on December 16. The Clarets will travel at Goodison Park in the relegation zone, but on a four-game unbeaten streak and with the knowledge that an away win, along with a further point deduction for Everton, might bring the Blues within reach. Everton, on the other hand, has decimated Vincent Kompany’s team twice this season, winning both the league and the Carabao Cup.
While the draw against Newcastle United put Everton in unwelcome record-breaking territory on Tuesday, the manner of the point provided some hope on the long journey back from the North East. Everton shown tenacity by coming from behind and scoring a deserved late equaliser with a penalty, putting a stop to the club’s other terrible record – Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal drought.
There is hope that the comeback would provide a springboard for bigger things, which is much required given Everton’s four-month home winless streak. With that in mind, the 1878s have spent weeks urging fans to send banners and flags to decorate the Grand Old Lady and serve as a lightning rod for the atmosphere. There is also a demand for supporters to get at the stadium by 2.45pm so that they may generate an awesome atmosphere when the players emerge.
Dyche, who acknowledged the role of the 3,000 Everton supporters in motivating Newcastle’s comeback, said one of the most important lessons he’s learned in his career is the impact fans can have at critical moments. He said that he hoped that, with the players’ responsibility to motivate the supporters, they would realize that his team was still working hard despite the current hardship.
Dyche stated: “Of course, we want them to play their part. If they can maintain a cheerful attitude and voice, it will only assist. Of course, it is our obligation to provide children with positive reinforcement, but if they can begin with it, it will only assist. I know about football; they can help.”
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