Your Everton morning headlines for Saturday, October 1.
Everton transfer strategy about to be defined
And so it begins - six chaotic weeks of a Premier League season unlike any other. It feels strange to write of yet another 'unprecedented campaign' after the turmoil caused by the pandemic, but once again we are approaching unknown territory. In this case, the uncharted waters are significant.
The next six weeks will define Everton's season. It is not just the 24 points and the spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup up for grabs. The nine games of this period will have a major say in Frank Lampard and director of football Kevin Thelwell's January transfer strategy, and set the tone for contract discussions over the several players whose deals run out next summer.
READ MORE: Wayne Rooney's forgotten first goal vs Roberto Martinez and Alex Ferguson's son
READ MORE: Everton line-ups vs Southampton as Neal Maupay starts and two big questions answered
With all this in mind, it is difficult to overstate the importance of what happens between the trip to Southampton and the return to the south coast for the game with Bournemouth on November 12 - Everton's final league game until after the World Cup.
Read Joe Thomas' full Royal Blue column here.
Thelwell appointment departs
Kevin Nicholson has announced that he has left Everton to join an "international organisation".
The Blues confirmed the appointment of the Coach Educator in April which was seen as an integral part of the club's strategic review following the departure of Marcel Brands the previous December. The boyhood Evertonian was a junior player at Derby County and was the youngster ever Englishman to hold the UEFA Pro Licence after qualifying aged 29.
Having worked with Bangor City, Cardiff City, Derby County and Exeter City his move to Finch Farm was confirmed. However on Friday, after just a few months with the club, he revealed that he couldn't turn down a new offer that had been placed in front of him.
Adam Jones has the full story here.
READ MORE:
- Frank Lampard makes England manager job claim and discusses Everton contract
- Asmir Begovic shares X-rated reaction to Just Stop Oil protestor at Everton game
- Kevin Thelwell appointment announces Everton departure after five months
- James Tarkowski explains change in mindset as Everton next step clear
- Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree over Southampton v Everton prediction
