Football Season Guide

An underwhelming campaign last season coupled with new ownership has seen a sea of change at Everton both on the pitch and their status as a Premier League club. Everton struggled for consistency last season and despite Roberto Martinez arriving from Wigan Athletic with much promise, the Spanish coach ultimately proved to be a misfit at Goodison Park. Though Everton ended the season sitting close to the top half of the table, a European challenge was expected out of Martinez who looked to have had lost the dressing room as the season drew to a close. Farhad Moshiri had taken over the majority share in the club and the British-Iranian billionaire acted quickly by dismissing Martinez and bringing in Ronald Koeman who has ensured that Southampton punched above their weight over the last couple of years. Koeman arrives at the club as Everton look to recalibrate their squad, shedding off some of the older players with Steven Pienaar, Tim Howard, Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman all leaving at the end of last season. There have been no major arrivals so far though, with Maarten Stekelenburg signed from Fulham and is expected to act as back-up to Joel Robles, especially at the start of the season. Idrissa Gueye is the only other arrival and one who had been identified by Koeman for his defensive abilities, with the new Everton coach admitting that the midfielder was brought for his high rate of interceptions and pressing that he displayed for Aston Villa last season. While Everton have held on to two of their most talented players in the squad, speculation continue to persist over the futures of John Stones and Roman Lukaku. Stones has been identified as a key signing by Josep Guardiola and though Everton have so far held out for a British record transfer fee, some sort of understanding is likely to be achieved with Manchester City before the transfer window shuts down. Lukaku is also a target for Chelsea who have been linked to their former striker with another huge bid. While Everton are expected to make big money should the duo leave the club, Koeman will be more concerned with the availability of quality replacements with the new season just over a week away. Everton though do have a pretty talented core of players available and while this will be a season of transition at Goodison Park, Koeman will be looking for more from Ross Barkley, James McCarthy and Leighton Baines as he aims for a top half finish this season