How a pre-season pow-wow got Everton back on track: Dwight McNeil lifts the lid on pivotal ‘discussion’ with Sean Dyche that has got the in-form Toffees ‘in a good place’ 

• Things are looking up for Everton – and key meeting in the summer played a role
• Dwight McNeil has revealed how a pre-season pow-wow united the entire squad 
• Big debates on Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal on It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

Everton’s Dwight McNeil has revealed a pre-season pow-wow involving players and staff has helped Sean Dyche’s side better expectations so far.

Everton, who escaped relegation in May on the final day, meet Brighton at Goodison on Saturday looking for their sixth win in eight across all competitions.

‘It was a difficult time last year. We wanted to take that resilience and win more games because we don’t want to be in that position again,’ said McNeil.

‘We had a discussion and all came together. We all said we wanted the same thing and the team we’ve got this year, we have a good chance.’

On the pivotal ‘discussion’, McNeil elaborated: ‘We had a meeting before the season with everyone, players and staff, about what we wanted as a collective so everyone knew what was required.

A pre-season pow-wow helped galvanise Everton following a difficult season in 2022-23

Sean Dyche’s side are looking for their sixth win in eight across all competitions this weekend

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‘It was a bit player-led and a bit the manager. It is good for everyone to have that input because everybody’s input matters.

‘We want the best for each other, for ourselves, for the club and fans.

‘I think we are in a good place now but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We have to build on it in the next two games before the international break.’

Curiously, Everton were hammered 4-1 by Brighton at Goodison in January but McNeil starred in a 5-1 win in the reverse fixture later on.

McNeil has got his Everton career back on track after struggling at Goodison Park upon joining

After a tough start to his Everton career, McNeil has become a fans’ favourite and major reason why they have climbed clear of the relegation zone and into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

‘We have definitely got more confident in the squad, but we know we have got to keep level-headed because we know how tough the Premier League is, and we have got to take it a game at a time because we know the Premier League is the hardest league in the world,’ added the winger.

‘Every game is a tough game, and so we know on Saturday that Brighton are a top side, and we have got to be right at it.’

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

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