MAKING CHANGES
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has already made significant changes to the squad since taking over at the club in the summer.
The financial difficulties of the Merseyside outfit are well-documented, but it has not prevented the Spaniard from bringing in quality players at least on a loan deal.
Players like Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry have been influential in the season so far, and they have been bought on loan deals. They would more than repay the loan fees if Everton finished in the top four and qualify for the Champions league.
The club are just a few places below Liverpool, who occupy the final qualifying spot. Martinez is preparing to bring in a couple of players in January as well. The club recently sold Nikica Jelavic to Hull City for a sizeable transfer fee, which is expected to be reinvested in the team. Martinez has also spoken about the potential deal for Aiden McGeady, who will be out of contract in the summer at Spartak Moscow. Even with all the changes going on at Goodison Park, goalkeeper Tim Howard reckons that the spirit of the team, which has been built by Moyes, is unlikely to change.
The American goalkeeper has been at Everton since 2007 and he is regarded as one of the good goalkeepers in the league.
“The manager is right to say he doesn’t want to upset what we’ve got but I think also he’ll trust in the squad that we’ll ensure nobody comes in and acts above their station. It has never been the case at Everton. We have guys who demand everyone keeps their feet on the ground and work hard for the club. It never upset the apple cart. I’ve been here eight years. Everton is in my heart, it’s my club," said Howard.