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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Chris Beesley

The important lesson James Tarkowski has learned from Everton fans

James Tarkowski Everton Dwight McNeil Gary Stevens Australia Sydney World Cup

James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil were the special guests as Evertonians came together for a special fans’ brunch event in Sydney on Friday.

As part of a range of supporter-led events to celebrate the Blues’ trip Down Under, the two summer signings from Burnley met fans from Everton Supporters’ Club Australia (ESCA) and travelling Toffees before answering questions on stage at Cheers Sports Bar & Grill on a wide range of topics including the club’s ‘incredible’ and passionate fanbase, hopes for returning to winning ways when the Premier League resumes after the World Cup, and their time in Australia so far.

There was also a chance for Blues to hear from title-winners Gary Stevens – who now lives in Australia – and Ian Snodin as the former Goodison Park teammates shared memories of playing in Howard Kendall’s successful 1980s side. Everton take part in the Sydney Super Cup during their tour Down Under, facing Scottish champions Celtic at Accor Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 2.45pm, (3.45am UK time), before playing Western Sydney Wanderers on Wednesday at CommBank Stadium, kick-off 7.45pm (8.45am UK time).

READ MORE: Everton Stadium target date explained as project reaches 'really big milestone'

READ MORE: Who is in Everton's 22-man squad over in Australia for Sydney Super Cup

After posing for pictures and chatting to Evertonians at the brunch event, Tarkowski told evertontv: “It’s great to come to the other side of the world and meet Toffee fans. It’s a nice opportunity for them and for us, too.

“The football while we are out here is important but so are events like this. Everton is a massive club and it’s important we meet fans and engage with them like we have done today. Hopefully they can get to the games and enjoy them as well.

“Events like this reiterate what a big club Everton is. Every day I learn more about this football club. I’m loving being here and I’ve really enjoyed getting the chance to meet our fans here in Australia.”

Everton fans meet players Dwight McNeil and James Tarkowski at Cheers Sports Bar & Grill in Sydney (Everton players James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil with Blues title winners Ian Snodin and Gary Stevens during an Everton FC Supporters brunch event in Sydney)

Stevens, who won two League Championships, an FA Cup and European Cup-Winners’ Cup with Everton, added: “It’s fantastic to be here as a representative of the club with my good mate Snods and meet passionate Evertonians in Australia. I live in a small place near Perth and I know full well how important Everton is to our supporters out here.

“Events like this are vital to embrace our fans, the community and build a connection. We’ve got a few more coming up and we’re really looking forward to meeting more Blues.”

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