Seasons2018-19Everton News
Pickford returns ahead of schedule

The 24-year-old was due to take three weeks off following his exploits in goal for England at the World Cup this summer and wasn't expected back at Finch Farm until Monday.
That would mean him missing the final pre-season friendly against Valencia at Goodison Park this weekend but now Pickford is hoping to get some playing time against the Spaniards to ensure he is selected at Molineux when the Blues begin their 2018-19 Premier League campaign.
"I've spoken to the new goalkeeper coach," Pickford said in the Liverpool Echo, "so they're happy for me to come back on Friday because there's been a lot of change and I'm guessing there'll be a change in style of football, tactics and set piece stuff maybe.
"So I'll go in and do a bit of work on that with them. It is a quick turnaround but I am still fresh and raring to go.
"I couldn't go straight back into it so I had a little break and I will go back in on Friday and get cracking and see how I feel - maybe see if the gaffer will let me have a bit of game-time on Saturday. I just love playing football. I'm a football lad.
"I will go in on Friday and the first thing I will do is ask for some game-time on Saturday, hopefully to get the chance to play against Wolves the following week. I know myself that I will be more than ready so I can't wait."
Reader Comments (13)
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2 Posted 03/08/2018 at 07:09:54
Although given his comments there is no hint of that.
3 Posted 03/08/2018 at 07:14:36
We have one week now exactly to sign at least one central defender (Id say two needed) and at least one (again Id say two) forward players.
Depending on how ambitious we are I think we desperately need a striker, Im very concerned with our attacking options at this moment in time.
4 Posted 03/08/2018 at 07:19:50
5 Posted 03/08/2018 at 08:05:51
There will still be Evertonian's out there with reservations about him.
6 Posted 03/08/2018 at 08:53:22
If I were initiating a full overhaul of a team, and the sumemr panned out the way it has, I would be certainly seeking to see what JP thoughts were in relation to building a solid defence with him as a potential future captain also a factor (vocal, good attitude, and now a big reputation).
Just a thought...
7 Posted 03/08/2018 at 09:01:25
Nice thinking but I very much doubt it.
Dont you think Pickford would be banging the drum for Maguire to come here?
But theres not a chance of that.
8 Posted 03/08/2018 at 10:11:43
Small goalkeeper's need big, strong, commanding defenders to rely upon especially at set plays which have a big weakness of ours.
What did anyone make of Mangala?
I know he's injured for a good 6 months but would anyone have him back? Is he better than Keane?
I have a feeling Jags may still prove to be our best defender this season. Top professional but definitely past his peak.
I've high hopes Galloway steps up. I think the lad is a diamond.
9 Posted 03/08/2018 at 10:23:39
10 Posted 03/08/2018 at 11:53:27
Mangala wasnt a popular signing back then and wouldnt be now. Jags gave us his all and can be relied upon for a handful of games up to January when I expect him to finally leave. As it stands, unfortunately “and still” the best cb at the club...
We are weak at the back arent we. Holgate is so much better in a 3... but this has to be a breakthrough year for him.
11 Posted 03/08/2018 at 14:50:49
I was impressed with Galloway when he last stepped up to the first team and I believe he is naturally left footed and according to his stats on Wikipedia stands at just over 6'-2".
For a moment, I did envisage a possible back three of Galloway, Keane and Holgate. But again, given that Wikipedia say that Holgate is only just 6' tall, I think neither he nor Galloway will fit Silva's profile.
Both are very speedy and that may make up for their lack of height – but Keane is also only 6'-2" according to Wikipedia, so, if Steve Ferns is right, none of them fit the bill.
12 Posted 03/08/2018 at 16:41:36
Would that be Siggy, Loftus-Cheek (he..he..), Walcott, Richarlison and Tosun?
13 Posted 04/08/2018 at 04:47:48
With our poor defence I would play a back 3 but Jags in the centre for experience and order Galloway and Holgate to push, squeeze, drop off etc. Keane isn't good enough or mobile enough to play the style of play Silva wants.
We desperately need a top class experienced Centre Back to help nurture the talented youngsters.
Gibson £15m is good but in my mind too similar to what we already have rather than an upgrade although has the benefit of experience and less injury prone so maybe he is an improvement but not the Top class defender we are in desperate need of.
5 defenders with Coleman/Kenny and Baines/Digne. I think to get the most out of modern full backs they need resting and rotating. It may be the most physical and mentally demanding position. Always switched on, total focus, aware of runners knowing when to defend and space to attack. I love Bryan at Bristol City as an attacking left back. Bring him in now to compete with Baines ready for next season.
2 midfielders to support and link play. I think Drinkwater is a great shout. He's the one to distribute and start attacks from deep. Unfortunately Schnides looks like he's fooled another manager to believe he's good enough. He isn't, never has been and should be sold.
Then depending on the opposition either Gana/Davies for energy and closing down or Siggy to control and link play.
3 forwards Tosun/DCL as the natural strikers and Ricy, Lookman, Dowell, Vlassic and Walcott.
Ricy could play in the centre but he's so talented I'd give him more freedom to be the creater and get on the ball in wide areas.
Walcott just isn't a striker and the rest are all young promising players but can not be rellied upon to be consistent so play whoever is in form. Yes that means keep Vlassic.
Niasse, Besic, Sandro will be given run outs but until we get a top class new centre back and central midfielder we will not improve to compete with the top 4. I believe we have enough players that are good enough to create and score we just need to be solid and stop conceding the first goal so cheaply.
Everton defence is Porous, poor us, but hopefully that marque central defender is about to sign. Good luck Silva he's going to need it.
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1 Posted 03/08/2018 at 06:11:19