James Tarkowski believes Everton’s players and supporters are united as the club heads into the crucial final weeks of the season.
Around 3,000 Blues travelled to Selhurst Park on Saturday to watch the goalless draw with Crystal Palace as dedicated fans filled out another away end in the hope of pushing Everton towards Premier League survival.
Speaking after the game, Tarkowski said the dressing room was grateful to the supporters for their backing. He added the players were not involving themselves in off-the-pitch issues surrounding the club and focused solely on the securing its top flight status.
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Everton fans took their seats early at Selhurst Park to give backing to the players as they warmed up. They then cheered on their side for another 90 minutes without an away win - something the Blues have only achieved three times in the league across the last two seasons. Despite that, thousands of fans continue to fill coaches, trains and cars to travel the country backing Everton - including almost 10,000 travelling to Manchester United in the FA Cup in January.
Plans are underway to ramp up efforts for the final weeks of the season - just as Blues did so crucially last season. Calls have already been made for fans to take their seats at 7.15pm on Thursday, 45 minutes before Everton kick-off against Newcastle United. A player greeting is also being planned.
The match with Palace was the latest to take place amid a controversial build-up as Everton chairman Bill Kenwright issued a statement in response to concerns raised by sections of the fanbase that are calling for boardroom changes at the club.
Speaking after the game at Selhurst Park, Tarkowski said the players were focused firmly on on-the-pitch matters. He said: “There is a lot of off-the-pitch stuff going on but we don’t involve ourselves in that as players. I think the players and the fans are quite united at the minute, everyone has got the same goal, which is to stay in this league. We really appreciate everyone who travelled down and every fan who turns up and we need them again on Thursday.”
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