Jeff Stelling shares thoughts on Everton fan unrest before West Ham clash live on Sky Sports
Jeff Stelling believes Everton fans must not lose their “passion and desire” despite the club’s declining fortunes in the Premier League this season.
The Toffees dropped level on points with Southampton at the foot of the table following defeat to Southampton – a day which was marred in controversy as Everton fans lined the streets in protest at the board.
Stelling admitted he thought the fans must stick with the team to help Lampard’s team reverse their league fortunes, and drew comparisons to their opponents West Ham – who went through similar turmoil in 2020.
Speaking live on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (January 21, 12:09 pm), Stelling said: “The passion of Evertonians, look, it’s their strongest suit, isn’t it in many respects?
“I know my Twitter feed this week has been swamped by them for many things I said about the bus arriving last week.
“But one thing is for sure, Sue [Smith]. This football club cannot afford to lose the support, passion and desire of these fans.
“I remember when that happened at West Ham a couple of seasons ago, and it became so toxic the side could not play there, and that can’t happen at Everton.”
Toxic
Everton’s one saving grace last season was their supporters, with the Goodison Park faithful roaring home Lampard’s side in the relegation run-in. After the sacking of Rafa Benitez, it was the relationship between the fans and Lampard that helped spark a miraculous return to form.
This season, however, feels very different, and the unrest amongst fans has trickled down onto the pitch in recent weeks. The Southampton match was a perfect example of this. Despite backing the team in their protests prior to the game, the toxic atmosphere around Goodison Park wouldn’t have done the players any favours.
Toffees fans have the right to be angry after Farhad Moshri came out, basically blaming the fans for his decisions to change managers over the years and refusing to take any of the responsibility himself.
Lampard has attempted to remain positive despite the turmoil in the club, but the pressure is finally getting to him, and a loss to West Ham could prove terminal.