Everton can go into the Premier League’s top four with a win against struggling West Brom tonight.
The Toffees kick off before Liverpool face Chelsea, which hands them the chance to leapfrog both clubs by collecting all three points at the Hawthorns.
The Baggies are of course managed by Sam Allardyce, who has spoken about his time at Goodison Park ahead of the game.
He believes he performed above expectations at Everton, as quoted by BBC, and wanted to be backed with more investment.
“I would have liked to have stayed and had the investment they have had since,” Allardyce said of Everton.
“I went there when they were struggling badly, rocking on the bottom of Premier League, and finished eighth. No-one at Everton expected that.
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“In the end, they made the decision to move me on. I won’t comment on whether they got it right.
“There have been more managers since I have been there and they have got it going in the direction they want to go – but it has taken a long time.”
The biggest issue with Allardyce’s reign was it was just so joyless.
He steered Everton to safety but there was no indication that anything was being built.
Compare the position Everton are in now compared to when Allardyce left.
The feeling around the club is completely different now and there is a certain irony in the prospect of seeing off Allardyce taking Everton into the Champions League spots.
Nigel Martyn speaking to Everton News: Archive