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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Adam Jones

Everton fans to transform Goodison Park atmosphere for crunch Leeds United clash

Everton fans are banding together to create an electric atmosphere at Goodison Park for the visit of Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues find themselves in a difficult run of form which continued when new manager Frank Lampard was unable to win his debut Premier League match in charge of the club last time out.

A return home for the first time since the rousing 4-1 FA Cup victory over Brentford in Lampard's first game as Everton boss, however, is being seen as a great opportunity to turn things around.

Blues fan groups are uniting in a bid to get Goodison absolutely rocking once again - encouraging fellow supporters to bring banners, flags and their best singing voices with them on Saturday.

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A statement from the groups involved in the movement read: "Evertonians have always been there for our club and always will be.

"There’s been lots of off-field distractions in recent weeks, but there’s one thing that unites all Evertionians - and that’s getting behind the team. There’s never been a more important time for us to do so in our club’s recent history.

"Every Blue has their own memories of how special Goodison can be and how intimidating it can be for opposition teams.

"We need to recreate that and show how we back the team as soon as we step foot into the ground and from the first whistle to the last.

"A number of us [including The Originals, Everton Fans’ Forum, View From The Bullens and the County Road Bobblers] have come together in the last few days to think about every possible way Goodison can be the fortress we know it can.

"We’ve shared a few ideas with the club and are encouraging Blues to bring their flags, banners, rattles and voices on Saturday. It's not about telling anyone how to support their team, but finding ways to make Goodison the best it can be."

The club is understood to be facilitating these requests to make sure that the players can get as much of a boost from the stands as possible.

The ECHO understands that the price of beer will be slightly reduced in the stands shortly after the ground opens in a bid to encourage more supporters to be in the stadium earlier to generate a big atmosphere.

International fans, while not able to attend the stadium, are also expected to get involved in any way they can through social media - to shine a light on Everton's fanbase being globally together in what is a tough spell.

Large banners are anticipated at the ground with a number of flags on display, too, with supporters encouraged to bring any they have from home too.

Barry Williams, a member of the Fans Forum, spoke to the ECHO about his hopes for the atmosphere not just this weekend, but for the future as well.

He said: "Everyone always says that Everton are a reactive club.

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"But a few of us have got together and said instead of being reactive, why not be proactive?

"People saw on Tuesday when we played Newcastle the atmosphere was fantastic, even when we went 1-0 up they never lost the fans.

"Lampard said when he was appointed that Goodison is one of the hardest places to come, Declan Rice said it as well. But recently we've lost it.

"If we can just get a positive feel in the club, encourage people to shout up tomorrow, it might be the difference."

If the movement proves to be a success against Leeds, more meetings are planned between fans and the club to take it further for upcoming home matches.

In the wake of a disappointing defeat to Newcastle United last time out, Lampard was clear to get across the message of unity from everyone involved at the club.

And the manager said the same as he previewed what will be a crucial match against Leeds.

He told his pre-match press conference: "We should never just expect that that's taken for granted. When I hear things like that, and I know what that'll do for the players, then that's what makes this such a special club.

"I've found that out already, I knew from afar, but I've found out already how much the fans support, how much it's their life and passion.

"The players have to replicate that with their performances, they have to play with energy. If we work together in that sense we'll be so much stronger."

Leeds will visit Goodison on Saturday afternoon sitting one place and four points ahead of Everton in the Premier League table.

Marcelo Bielsa's side drew last time out against Aston Villa in a thrilling midweek contest, while the Blues will be searching for their first Premier League win since a victory over Arsenal in early December.

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