- David Moyes thanked Everton fans for their massive support.
- The manager provided an update on Branthwaite’s injury.
- Moyes voiced his concern over Monday night kick-offs for Everton.
David Moyes used his programme notes for Monday’s visit of Manchester City to address Everton fans directly. The manager covered a range of topics, from fixture scheduling and recent decisions to the successful transition to Hill Dickinson Stadium and the importance of fans supporting the team as they move towards the end of the Premier League campaign.
‘Thank you for helping to sell out the stadium’
David Moyes began by expressing gratitude to the fans. “We’d like to thank all of you supporters for helping to sell out the stadium for every single home match this season, but especially during these difficult Monday night fixtures, which we’ve had seven of this season.
Everton’s game against Manchester City will be their seventh Monday match of the season, their fourth at home.
“I’m sure when you were buying your season tickets, that didn’t figure in your thinking, and you weren’t planning for so many games to be staged on a Monday evening.”
He also highlighted the impact on younger supporters. “We also must not lose sight of the fact that these kick-offs affect the ability of a new generation of fans, our younger supporters, to come to games because of school commitments the next day.
“The lateness of the kick-offs and the increased capacity of the stadium makes it more difficult for everybody to get away quickly from the area, meaning more late nights for everybody.”
Moyes: ‘Recent performances have been better than the results’
The manager reflected on Everton’s recent form. “Recent performances have been better than the results we have endured in our past two matches. We have loved the experience of scoring important late goals ourselves this season, but losing late goals is never easy and that is something we have had to experience in our past two matches.”
David Moyes also pointed to contentious decisions. “In addition to those late goals, there were decisions on both days which went against us – a penalty that wasn’t given at West Ham and another in the derby match. For some reason it feels like we have been on the receiving end far more this season with a greater amount of debatable calls going against us.”
Branthwaite injury and personal milestones
On Jarrad Branthwaite, who was injured in the derby, David Moyes offered a positive note. “Thankfully, the injury diagnosis was not as bad as we first thought. He is a hugely important player to us and we want to have him back ready for the start of next season.”
The manager also noted his 750th Premier League game as a manager. “Last Saturday I was able to mark my 750th Premier League game as a manager back at a ground where I enjoyed some really important moments in my career. Being a football manager is a real privilege.”
Moyes rallies for support at their new home
On the stadium transition, David Moyes said: “After tonight we will have just one more game at our new home this campaign. We have really enjoyed the energy and the passion in the new ground and I believe the move has elevated Everton in many ways… There have been full houses at every single match, massively elevated crowd numbers and I have sensed a greater belief from our supporters.”
He finished with a rallying cry. “Your support here in the derby match was exceptional and I believe the players gave everything they had. We need the same from you tonight and if we get that it will inspire the players to deliver a powerful performance and hopefully see us pick up three vital points.”
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