Joleon Lescott: We need to boost numbers

Last week's resignation of chief executive Keith Wyness, the continued lack of new signings and David Moyes's comments following the alarming defeat to Chicago Fire on Wednesday sent in motion a snowball of speculation that had the Goodison manager following Wyness through the exit door.

The momentum was such that some bookmakers stopped taking bets on the Scot becoming the next Premier League manager to lose his job.

Moyes moved on Friday to ease supporter concern by reiterating his commitment to "see the job through" while underlining his determination to strengthen his squad before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.

The latter is the primary worry of fans keen for Everton to build on last season's fifth-placed finish and lengthy runs in the Carling and UEFA Cups.

And Joleon Lescott accepts there will be little chance of replicating those achievements without new arrivals.

"We want to do the same as we did last season, but we're not naïve to think we can afford to lose players, we've lost a few players this summer, and go in there with a smaller squad and push for fourth again," says the defender.

"We need to keep calm and bring in more players, and ones that can become regular first-team players.

"There's no hiding the fact that the size of the squad is an issue. Obviously, it's nice to see the likes of Yak, Steven Pienaar, Joseph Yobo and Tim Cahill back, but they haven't been back long enough for us to gel as a team yet."

Going into their game in the early hours of this morning against Major League Soccer outfit Colorado Rapids, Everton had lost three of their previous five friendlies this pre-season.

And Lescott admits that miserable run has only served to heighten fears.

"The results we've been having that are really putting the pressure on us right now," he says. "Results generate pressure and concern. I can understand why supporters might be getting a little twitchy about us signing no players.

"The squad is smaller, and if we are looking to evolve as a club and a team and we need to keep bringing in players because all the clubs around us are doing that."

There has certainly been no shortage in quality players linked with possible moves to Goodison, even though nothing has yet come to fruition.

And, for Lescott, it's a sign of how Everton have progressed under Moyes.

"Everton have become a much more attractive proposition for players," he says. "The style of football we played last season was a lot more attractive, teams are showing us more respect because we're now not just relying on clean sheets.

"Although we are still strong in defence, we're playing better football going forward and creating a lot of chances."

A knee injection at the end of last season caused Lescott to miss England's friendlies with the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.

But the defender has allayed fears over any long-term injury, and says: "I've never felt as strong as I do going into this pre-season. I've had a long rest. The knee is fine, the injection was just a one-off. I'm now raring to go in every training session.

"I'm not quite there in terms of performances yet so hopefully I can get a few more games under my belt before the season starts.

"I feel as though I'm one of the more experienced players here now and with that comes extra responsibility. I remember when I first came here the older boys had a responsibility to help me through, and now it's my turn to help the younger players.

"But I'm not the finished article yet and I've still got more improving to do myself."

A lack of available options has pressed Lescott into regular football this pre-season alongside Phil Jagielka at the heart of defence and he says: "I've been enjoying playing centre-back during the friendlies. I've made it clear I want to play centre-back this season, so hopefully I'll have more opportunities to do that."

Of the forthcoming campaign, Lescott adds: "The first aim is to do what we did last season. Obviously, if we can improve our points and our position, then that would be ideal. If one of the top four struggles, then maybe we can catch them.

"But Tottenham, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Man City are going to be looking what we are looking for, so we need to focus on those teams that are going to be pushing in the same direction.

"Teams are showing us a lot more respect and in some cases fearing us, especially at Goodison, and we need to use that to our advantage. We take it as a compliment really.

"Teams are going to look to come to Goodison and know it's going to be a hard day mentally and physically. I'm sure they'll be up for it as much as we will. But everyone is increasing their squads, and if we can do that I'm sure we can be a force."

That 'if' is the only thing on the minds of every grounded Everton fan right now.