Sean Dyche has called on Everton to start acting like a "big club" and believes there is a lot of work that needs to be done during the summer.
Everton narrowly escaped relegation from the Premier League on Sunday afternoon after a 1-0 win over Bournemouth at Goodison Park. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s winner not only secured the Blues the win they needed, but also ensured Leeds United and Leicester City will be playing in the Sky Bet Championship next season.
However, Dyche was in no mood to celebrate post-match as he knows full well what will be required to change Everton’s fortunes and he knows it won’t be easy. The Blues boss also believes there is going to be plenty of work ahead to avoid falling into a similarly perilous position again.
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"You're only a big club if you're doing big club things," Dyche said. "That's what we have to change because it is a big club but we have to get it back to being one on the pitch, not just off it."
The Everton boss added: "We've got a very difficult task done. We found enough points to get us through this season and, as I said, there's a lot to be done, a hell of a lot to be done.
"We've shown the fighting spirit that you need but, equally, I've just told the players, that we shouldn't be in this state so we've got to learn from that. Next season is going to be a big season."
Speaking after the game, Bournemouth defender Adam Smith described the atmosphere at Goodison as "one of the best" he has played in. Everton fans filled the surrounding streets with noise and flares hours ahead of kick-off before moving inside Goodison and creating a cauldron of atmosphere.
"I can't praise them enough," Dyche told evertonfc.com when asked about the support his side have received this season.
"It was a shame we couldn’t get to thank our fantastic supporters after the final whistle but it was a security-led decision for the team not to go back on.
"It goes without saying how grateful we are to them for their terrific backing for the team, not just today but home and away throughout the season, and especially for me as a new manager at this great club."
Fingernails were being chewed, nerves shredded and prayers uttered as Everton played out the final 40 minutes following Doucoure’s opener. The Blues relied on those few who have served them so superbly through the struggles right to the end, particularly goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who saved from Matias Vina as the seconds ticked down.
"They dropped out with their three centre-halves and started loading the box after putting the big, physical players on," Dyche said reflecting on the action after Doucoure’s goal.
"It's difficult. You don't want to come out of shape too early to press because then they can open that chance up and it drops in behind you. You want to consolidate. We found a way of seeing it through."
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