An Everton supporter group has confirmed plans for a coach greeting ahead of Saturday's crunch Premier League fixture with Southampton.
'The 1878s', who describe themselves as 'a group of fans steering Everton towards an enjoyable atmosphere', took to Twitter to asks fans whether they would be willing to participate in this pre-match and received a majority yes after the votes of over 4,000 individuals.
This is scheduled to take place at 1pm on Saturday, with a route yet to be finalised, ahead of what can only be described as a must-win fixture for both sides involved. Southampton currently sit bottom of the league table after 18 matches played and are joined in the bottom three by the Blues, who have won only one of their previous ten top-flight contests.
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Taking to social media to announce this news, The 1878s tweeted: "The fans have spoken and have voted for a coach greeting on Saturday v Southampton. With the majority 71% of fans voting yes. Route TBC later this week. See you all at 1pm on Saturday, Blues. Once again bring your voices to try and help the team get a much-needed three points."
Similar scenes were, of course, witnessed last season as Frank Lampard's side rallied to secure their Premier League status. Everton experienced the benefits of this support for the first time on May 1 as the Blues secured a vital win over Chelsea and the tradition has sporadically continued before games this campaign.
Describing the impact of this pre-match showing after Richarlison's winner versus the Londoners eight months ago, Lampard said: “It’s special. It’s not the norm, coming in today to see the fans. The understanding and feeling for the players to understand what it means to the fans is special. If it doesn’t give you goosebumps and doesn’t get you ready to go out and give everything, then there’s something wrong with you. You shouldn’t be playing the game.
“They were the 12th man, people of the match - the men, women and children who came and did it before. Also, during the warm-up, at the start of the game and to get us over the line at the end of the game".
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