Howard Kendall demanded that his Everton” sophisticated” toll up their cultured sleeves and fight their way out of trouble. The Goodison manager was adamant that Everton won’t abandon their good footballing tradition as they scrap to avoid the dreaded drop but he was not prepared to see his team delight the crowds and still be relegated.
Everton had been hovering dangerously close to the premier league, “Dropping zone” after a dismal season but the light at the end of the tunnel was glimpsed on Wednesday night with an important 2-1 home win over Blackburn.
Kendall said “We will maintain the traditions the fans want to see but the game has changed and people have to accept that. I hate to say it, but perhaps we have got too skilful aside. We’ve got to balance. It is not always about playing nice football – ask Nottingham Forest this season.”