As a trio of fixtures go, they were probably the least exotic selections Evertonians could have imagined for this summer’s pre-season schedule but in truth there’s a strategy behind them that is probably far better-suited to prepare Sean Dyche’s side for their next Premier League campaign.
A week-and-a-half after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s goal secured the victory over Bournemouth required to secure the Blues’ top flight status for a 121st campaign and avoid the threat of a first relegation in 72 years which had come perilously close due to the lowest equivalent points total in the club’s 135-year history in the Football League/Premier League, three friendly matches were confirmed ahead of the 2023/24 season. An Everton XI – which will include Under-21s team players – cross the Mersey to face Tranmere Rovers on Saturday July 22 (2pm kick-off) before Dyche’s squad go to Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday July 25 (7.45pm) and then there is a trip to Stoke City on Saturday July 29 (3pm).
A change of manager at the end of January with Dyche replacing Frank Lampard and the uncertainty over which division Everton were going to be in next season until the final day on May 28 might well have not helped shape the club’s plans – fans in Singapore might be far less enthused about seeing Leicester City play there next month against Liverpool after they dropped into the Championship instead – but another long haul joint may well not have been to the new Blues boss’ tastes anyway.
