Daniel Lewis

Sat 25 November 2023 7:40, UK

Seamus Coleman was the “most vocal” when Everton players held their first team meeting since being hit with a 10-point deduction, according to journalist Lewis Steele.

Steele shared details on the behind-the-scenes meeting at Finch Farm in an article for the Daily Mail [24 November].

Due to the international break, the Everton squad did not meet in full until Friday (24 November), exactly a week on from being hit with the punishment.

“Club captain Seamus Coleman was the most vocal, aided by James Tarkowski, Ashley Young, Jordan Pickford, Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure in speaking to the group,” Steele said.

Time for talking is over… for now

Coleman is the longest-serving player at the club, so it makes total sense that he stepped up and spoke to the squad.

Tarkowski has held the captain’s armband for a while, so it is also understandable that he wants to galvanise his team-mates.

Even if they have been spread out across the world during the two-week break, the Everton squad would no doubt have discussed the points deduction among themselves.

It is not known exactly what was said in this team meeting, but you would expect it was something that would help create a siege mentality.

That is exactly what is needed right now, starting with Sunday’s (26 November) visit of Manchester United to Goodison Park.

The players, and of course the supporters, will be as fired up as ever for that contest.

Plenty has been written about the shocking points cull imposed on Everton, but now it is time for the players to finally do their talking on the pitch.

In other Everton news, Alan Pardew fears what is next following the Toffees’ 10-point deduction.