Everton fans are some of the most passionate and loyal in the country, however, the stresses of recent times have unsurprisingly seen their support come and go.
In fact, the nature of the last few years has seen both ends of the spectrum laid excruciatingly bare, with the increase in support remarkable during the end of Frank Lampard’s first season in charge.
However, the lack of it, and general disdain for the club that has been felt after some crushing home defeats, are arguably as damaging.
With that in mind, it’s worth not reacting too harshly to Sean Dyche’s recent comments on the fanbase…
Everton fans fume at Sean Dyche’s comments
Speaking after their 3-0 opening-day defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, the 53-year-old was asked about the empty seats at full-time.
He replied: ‘No, no, no, it’s all about reality at this football club. If you’re not doing well and you’re not winning, that’s what happens.’
He would seek to clarify those comments ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur match yesterday, but by that point, the damage was done…
One fan, who admitted to having backed him as much as possible, was left feeling really disillusioned with his comments: ‘I’ve backed him a lot but that’s a strange way of putting it I reackon hahaha. Not even gonna lie I got off after the red card but that’s a stupid thing to say.’
Another supporter then really went in on the former Burnley boss: ‘Not the time for sly digs Sean, your August and September record at Everton and Burnley is horrid. That second half was poor, long ball after long ball. We stopped doing the things we did well in that first half. Felt like Luton at Goodison last season.’
Sean Dyche is the realistic manager that Everton need
Ironically, this outcry came just before Jesper Lindstrom put in a baffling performance for the U21s that left Evertonians scratching their heads again.
Whilst he may not be liked by all, Dyche is the realistic manager that Everton have needed for so long throughout this desperate spell.
He may not always say things that people like to hear, but you can always count on the 53-year-old to be honest and upfront with the fans.
With the takeover, finances, poor performances, and transfer stances. If he can, he will inform supporters, even if it is what they don’t want to hear.
In this particular instance, it feels like people have taken his comments and run with them, fuming at the way in which he has questioned the fans.
However, in reality, he is merely saying it how it is.
Supporters are free to do what they please with their tickets, and should that be leaving early, then so be it.
The football on offer has been far from sparkling, but those expecting more need to really look at the state of the club and question how on earth they might achieve such progress.
There is no owner to sack the manager. There is no money to pay him off or sign his replacement. There would be no further cash to tempt a new man in with which to build a new squad.
Like it or not, the Toffees are stuck with Dyche, and frankly, he is the perfect man to lead them through such a horrendous situation. Should he leave once they are in the new stadium and have a more stable footing, then so be it.
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