The 12th Man

by Frank Wolfe  |   15/08/2024  4 Comments  [Jump to last]

We have had lots of analysis of the quality of the squad, positions that need to be strengthened, new additions, possible line-ups, expectations for the season etc. However, one factor which I believe has more of a bearing on the team than fans give credit for is the atmosphere in the stadium (ie, the proverbial 12th man).

From what I've seen, Goodison can be one of the most intimidating places (the proverbial bear pit) for teams to visit but it can also be a toxic place for the home team. There have been periods of time over the last few seasons where Goodison has been a tough place for Everton to play and our home record is testament to that.

Away teams, especially in the lower half of the league, park the bus, then the home fans get impatient, the team gets nervy, then a mistake, and bang – we're 0-1 down.

In my opinion, a lot of this is down to unrealistic expectations of the team and players. It's been noticeable that, towards the end of the last two seasons, when we have had our backs against the wall and the crowd was fully behind the team, the home results improved dramatically.

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Our team is based on a solid defence and we don't have a huge amount of creativity (or a proper No 10) so it's always going to be difficult for us to break teams down. Patience is essential and having the crowd on your back is not going to help.

Patience will also be required with new players, especially those new to the Premier League. I've seen calls for new players like Ndiaye to start ahead of Doucoure etc. Any sensible coach (and I rank Dyche as one of the most sensible coaches around) is going to start with established players and gradually introduce new players to help them acclimatise.

So, I really hope that our (home) fans can understand this and get fully behind the team right from the start of the season, no matter who is on the pitch or how the game is going. 

(ps: Our away fans are amazing!)

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Reader Comments (4)

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Paul Kernot
1 Posted 16/08/2024 at 04:37:16
I agree, Frank. I live in New Zealand now and admittedly it's been 7 long years (Allardyce days) since I attended a game at Goodison but even then, there were times it was dead quiet.

Either that or a significant enough portion of the crowd were giving both players and manager shit rather than supporting them. Ironically, that never seems to be the case when we're away from home.

Christine Foster
2 Posted 16/08/2024 at 06:41:30
I would love us to go unbeaten at home this season, no matter what else... a fitting way for the Old Lady to bow out on. Let's make it happen, boys, roar to the rafters!

Just being there is not enough, stun them, shake them, give it everything until your voice goes. Then stomp the feet in the stands – scare the crap out of them – this is Goodison Park.

Karen Mason
3 Posted 18/08/2024 at 22:16:42
Hi Christine,

I really did all the things you asked for yesterday. I sang at the top of my voice. I clapped, cheered, stamped my feet.

And although I was born Blue and a perpetual optimst, what I saw on the pitch (and the sidelines), even I was beaten into silence.

I tried but couldn't muster any more encouragement when I saw players giving up.

God, it's hard being a Blue during these times. But, yes, I will be there next home game, cheering, singing and shouting, because I'm a Blue and a perpetual optimist!

Barry Rathbone
4 Posted 18/08/2024 at 22:50:56
I think Crystal Palace fans sing come what may but before them you have to go back to WBA and Portsmouth; it's just not something modern fans do, especially at clubs as predictably dismal as us.

I think Palace & Co go for it because every Premier League game is akin to playing in the Champions League Final; they realize sooner or later descent to the lower divisions is inevitable.

Certainly all the top clubs are dreadful in terms of support and, whilst not a top club, we are a big club by dint of being an institution. Staring into the abyss gets things going but, other than that, we're the same as all the rest.

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