Grounded Everton ease flying fans’ unrest

With hawks swirling over Everton’s young players as transfer deadline day edges nearer, manager Roberto Martinez has reiterated his determination to keep his squad together following Saturday’s hugely impressive victory over Southampton.

Everton’s victory at St Mary’s was arguably the result of the weekend, inspired by two goals from Romelu Lukaku but built on the creativity of Ross Barkley and the defensive qualities of John Stones and Brendan Galloway, all players aged 23 or under. Ironic, then, that Everton supporters chose this game to hire a plane to fly over the ground carrying a banner which read ‘Kenwright and Co, Time to Go’ — a reference to owner Bill Kenwright, whose tenure at the club since 1999 has failed to produce a trophy or a top-three finish.

Martinez, who took Everton to fifth in the league in his first season before enduring a difficult second campaign, understands the sentiment but has called for trust and unity after outlining his club’s vision for achieving success.