The legacy of the scenes welcoming Everton’s players to Goodison Park during last season’s relegation battle was more far-reaching than simply helping the club retain its Premier League status.
The sight of thousands of Blues pouring every last ounce of passion into supporting the side they love in its hour of need also drew several summer signings to Goodison Park. And it is clear those who have arrived on Merseyside have not been left disappointed.
The two coach welcomes held already this season mean most of the eight new players have travelled through the tight streets surrounding the ground to the sight of blue smoke and chorus of Spirit of the Blues. While they are not set to be a regular feature, several new stars have heaped praise on those responsible for their experiences from the streets of L4 to the stands on a matchday.
READ MORE: Everton CEO addresses new direction for club after transfer window and backroom changes
READ MORE: Farhad Moshiri's post-transfer window judgment as Everton show positive signs
James Tarkowski had a number of clubs chasing him this summer after the expiration of his contract with relegated Burnley. Before the Merseyside derby, he spoke of how he viewed the support of Everton fans from a rival camp as both clubs battled for survival.
He said: “To see a team in the position they were in, and to see the support they got for a long time, showed the fanbase we have got here and the passion. When things are not going well, but then to get right behind the team and support them, was something you could only admire. I think it probably helped the lads over the line in the end.”
Asked whether wanting to be part of those scenes swayed his decision to move to Everton, he said: “There were a lot of factors in me coming to this club and that was definitely one of them. To see the fanbase we’ve got here, and I’ve witnessed a bit more since I’ve got here and played, and the support has been incredible.”
Tarkowski was on the team bus for the season opener against Chelsea, when Goodison Road was once again the centre of a stunning display of support. After the match he reflected on those scenes and said: "It was a special experience. I put my phone down and just made sure I took it all in. To see the amount of people out there cheering us on was just special. Fair play to the fans because they are really right behind us."
The atmosphere outside the stadium is not the only thing to have caught the attention of the summer arrivals. Amadou Onana was not yet an Everton player when the club hosted Chelsea. But his deal was so close to completion he attended the game and received an enthusiastic reception when supporters spotted him on his way to the directors box just before half-time. During the break he posed for photographs with fans.
Days later, when his move from French club Lille was officially signed off, he recalled the moment he was identified by thousands of Blues and said: "I get chills thinking about playing at Goodison for the first time, especially after the reaction I got when people saw me arriving at the stadium on the first day of the season. "That reaction in the stands was crazy. It’s an incredible feeling to be made so welcome and I was very grateful. The thought of playing there gets me really fired up."
Neal Maupay, another of Frank Lampard’s new arrivals, made his debut on Saturday - an occasion upon which he got to experience a coach welcome and then the famous intensity of a derby atmosphere. The passion appeared to live up to the expectations of the former Brighton and Hove Albion forward, who said it inspired the players into wanting to make the fans proud.
He added: “It was a great experience. You can just see how much it means to the fans and how much they love the club. For us as players, when you hear these people and how much they love the club, you’ve got to give everything. That’s what we did and that’s what we’ll give the whole season. We feel this support and this love, and we will work really hard to make them proud.”
READ NEXT:
Everton seek new type of player as Lampard and Thelwell close in on transfers
Everton 'ready to battle' with Chelsea and Manchester United for £15m striker
Thomas Tuchel explains how Everton made it hard for Chelsea to secure 'tough win'
Frank Lampard breaks silence on Amadou Onana transfer to Everton
Micah Richards sends Idrissa Gueye message to Frank Lampard over Everton return
