Tim Howard: Everton need a siege spirit
EVERTON goalkeeper Tim Howard has called for a return to the siege mentality which characterised Everton's unlikely charge to fourth three years ago.
The Blues have been rocked by a series of off-field crises this summer.
New stadium plans have been cast into doubt, the chief executive has quit and departing players have not been replaced.
But Howard insists the fans and players can pull together at Goodison Park tomorrow and give the club some vital breathing space by beating Blackburn.
"Pulling together is part of the club mentality here," he rapped. "It's my third season and it seems as if that's always been the mentality. It's almost better when our backs are against the wall. We kind of invite that.
"For me the situation with the stadium and chief executive is a non-issue really. We don't bother about stadiums and chief execs. We're Everton players and we don't like to hear any of the negative things.
"That's one side of it, and on the other side we're not really in a position to do anything about it. So we don't bother ourselves.
"We don't feel flat. The guys here have worked so hard pre-season - as a body of players we feel fit and we feel ready. And when a new signing does come in, and it will, that will be a big boost for everyone.
"But we don't have time to think about the negatives. We're training so hard, and we're focused on Blackburn."
Howard has been working all summer without a number two goalkeeper, following the departure of Stefan Wessels. But he insists that the lack of transfer activity has not deflated pre-season optimism in the dressing room.
"I think players always want to see player movement - unless it's in your position of course!" he added. "I think that's natural at any club. In terms of the mood . . . I think we all know that the bodies in here have to do a job this weekend.
"I don't think we have the luxury as players to overly concern ourselves with the comings and goings. If we don't get the result on Saturday people aren't going to say we can start again. We have to be bang on it from the first game."
Howard believes that the fans can play a big part in lifting the sombre mood which has enveloped the club over the past month.
"Last year, particularly on the European nights, you could just feel them pushing us forward and willing us on. Against Fiorentina it was an awesome atmosphere and it must have been frightening for Fiorentina.
"That's one of the things we have in abundance at this club. The supporters and the players have a workmanlike mentality that won't stop until the job is done. Hopefully it will be like that on Saturday.
"We know the supporters will be up for it, and the players will certainly be up for it so it should be right for a good mix. The biggest thing in the Premier League is coming out on top with three points, no matter how it has happened."
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