The Everton team celebrate in front of their fans at the final whistle at Hull last season
The long wait is almost over and Everton are closing in on a return to action, kicking off the Premier League campaign on Saturday with a clash with newly-promoted Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
It feels like an eternity since the Blues ended the 2013-14 season with a 2-0 win at Hull City - and plenty has gone on in the days and months since Romelu Lukaku threw his shirt to fans in the away end at the KC Stadium on May 11.
The Belgian has since been lured back to Goodison in a club record £28m deal, while Gareth Barry and cult-hero-in-the-making Muhamed Besic have also been snapped up, along with loan star Christian Atsu.
With Ross Barkley and John Stones signing new contracts, the Blues look well set going into the 2014-15 campaign - though the hunt for new signing continues against the backdrop of some indifferent pre-season form.
So what did you - the fans - make of the summer and what are your hopes for the new season?
We have canvassed the opinion of various Blues fans groups and supporters' websites to gauge the feeling among the EFC faithful.
The responses we had - to the same five set questions - have been published on the ECHO over the last week. A big thank you to all who took part.
These answers come from ED McCOSH of EvertonArentWe.com.
What are your expectations for Everton going into the new season?
ED McCOSH (EM): Seasoned Evertonians know that it’s not wise to expect too much, but the call from most is for more of the same from the men in royal blue after an exemplary maiden season under Roberto Martinez. Anything below last season’s fifth place would be a disappointment, yet with cup distractions and the obvious quality of the resurgent Manchester United and Spurs it will be a serious challenge to the squad. Those cups mean a lot as well; it is vital that the club ends one of the longest trophyless droughts in its history. What is undoubtedly asked of the team is that they continue to play the scintillating football that raised hopes of Champions League football for a long spell in the previous campaign.
What are your thoughts on the transfer dealings so far, and if you were Martinez what are your priorities?
EM: After initial frustration it has been a landmark transfer window for the Toffees. Signing a player of Romelu Lukaku’s pedigree on a permanent basis is a real statement of intent and provides the prolific goalscorer the club has been seeking for many years. Gareth Barry, like Lukaku, justifies last season’s loan policy and with the tenacious young Muhamed Besic provides cover in the midfield. Christian Atsu has been highly popular at his previous loan clubs and has a point to prove at Everton, who provide a big step up in quality for him. Now the ubiquitous hunger for a big money forward has been satiated, some cover would be appreciated given concerns over Arouna Kone. And it wouldn’t feel like a proper Everton window without another loan signing...
What are your opinions on Everton’s involvement in the Europa League?
EM: The return of European football to the city is nothing but a good thing. While competing in the UEFA Cup, as it was then, we were led to heartbreak in such outposts as Bucharest, Liege and Lisbon. However, the thrill of European nights under the Goodison floodlights is incomparable. It must be said that many see the Europa League as merely the next step towards Europe’s premier club competition - of course, winning the trophy would provide a direct route. Amid pre-season anticipation, anything seems possible.
Looking at the club both on and off the field do you think Everton are heading in the right direction?
EM: Unequivocally, yes. On the field Roberto Martinez’s possession-based game is certainly kinder on the eye than the backs-to-the-wall style employed under David Moyes. The ethos Martinez has brought to the club has built upon Moyes’ foundations and the progression of Barkley and Stones lends hope to youngsters such as Luke Garbutt, Ryan Ledson and Chris Long. Fans’ frustrations in the lack of investment from the board or openness from the manager have been abated, although the underwhelming Chang sponsorship deal and deliberations over a new stadium provide food for thought still. However, it is hoped that success on the pitch will perpetuate progress off it.
If you could have one wish for this season (be realistic!) what would it be?
EM: Put succinctly, either fourth place or a trophy. Ending the trophy hoodoo is the biggest priority, and Everton fans I have spoken with have almost unanimously agreed that the Europa League, with the added incentive of a Champions League place, is the best target. There is enough confidence in the manager and team that Everton’s league position will not suffer too greatly from the distraction of multiple tournaments, and if that confidence can be converted into on-field success Everton securing silverware could be more than a distant memory.
