Big Dunc declares: They know now what it means to play for Everton

Published date22 January 2022
The former Blues striker started his second spell in caretaker charge this week following the sacking of Rafa Benitez on Sunday

The Spaniard was relieved of his duties thanks to a dismal run of just one win in 13 Premier League matches, culminating in a frustrating defeat to Norwich City last weekend.

Speaking about his message to the players in training this week, Ferguson had a simple response.

He told his pre-Aston

Villa press conference: "What's needed to be an Everton player, what the fans demand.

""hat's what I'm banging on to them. In the past, it's not been good enough, but we need to show the fans what they're all about."

" When asked if the players know what it means to be an Everton player, the caretaker boss cofidently responded: "I think they do now.

"I think they should know [already] - but they know now, put it that way.

"I think it's been a good week, the players look upbeat and the sessions have went well.

"I think it's just a different voice as well, isn't it? That's probably the big difference when you lose a manager and somebody else is speaking - you always get a big reaction from the players.

"But I've certainly pushed them as hard as I could possibly push them.

"I think obviously if the results don't improve very quickly, things can go the other way and we can start dropping further down.

"But I think at the moment if we can pull a little bit of form together we'll be OK. I don't see it quite like that [a relegation battle] but if we don't improve very quickly things might not be too good for us."

" Speaking about player availability ahead of this weekend's game, Ferguson revealed only longterm injuries afecting his selection.

The caretaker manager is expected to make changes, but that is something he was willing to do last...

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