The last ever 3rd Round FA Cup tie to be held at Goodison Park is set to go ahead on Thursday evening despite vehement dissatisfaction with the timing of the fixture from Everton’s League One opponents, Peterborough Utd.
While the Everton FAB has expressed their solidarity on the scheduling, dissatisfaction among Evertonians ahead of the game has focussed more on the management, with Sean Dyche under the greatest pressure of his tenure after two poor displays that led to consecutive defeats in the Premier League against Nottm Forest and Bournemouth.
Injuries: Chermiti is going to be out for weeks, Broja has a chance for Thursday, Calvert-Lewin has an ankle problem and Dwight McNeil won’t be available.
“Jimmy [Garner] might have a chance to join in with us properly – as in the main group – next week. Tim [Iroegbunam]’s probably a week behind that, but there are positive signs from the work they’ve done with the physios and sports science group.”
Dyche admitted that he has had contact with new owners TFG, who have been very straight with him, he has a clear understanding of the situation: “We need to win more games… I know the industry I am in.”
He said he would not speak about other people’s players, when asked about links to Jaden Philogene.
“The FA Cup game is very important, a really really big game.”
Quizzed about the need to play in more of an attacking style, and in particular open-play goals, in which Everton trail substantially. When asked who takes accountability for this, Dyche replied: “I take accountability for everything.”
“I know my job and my responsibility; we’ve got to win more games.”
Dyche acknowledged that there is huge demand on him in the manager role and he continues to put everything into it. He has had knocks in this role but in two years in charge, he asserts: “So far I have handled it pretty bloody well, I think!”
He says it is up to him to “reinvent” the football side at the minute – he knows Everton need to win more games and he needs to find ways to do that. The pressure is taking its toll on the players but the buck stops with him.
Asked about the fans, Dyche observed, “The noise grows very powerful here.” He says a lot of work is continuing with the players ahead of Peterborough, a game he says is of significant importance given the state of play here.
Asked if he wanted the opportunity to stay on here? — “I have worn this badge with as much pride as I can and I will continue to do so.”
Guilia Bould wanted to know: “Do the fans back you?” Dyche replied:
“They can decide that, I have never questioned the fans here – if they choose to back me, that is obviously helpful.”