‘Just told the players’ – Sean Dyche delivers brutal Everton message after dramatic survival

Sean Dyche called for major changes at Everton after their latest dramatic escape from relegation

Sean Dyche has called on Everton to start acting like a “big club” and believes there is a lot of work that needs to be done during the summer.

Everton narrowly escaped relegation from the Premier League on Sunday afternoon after a 1-0 win over Bournemouth at Goodison Park. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s winner not only secured the Blues the win they needed but also ensured Leeds United and Leicester City will be playing in the Sky Bet Championship next season.

However, Dyche was in no mood to celebrate post-match as he knows full well what will be required to change Everton’s fortunes and he knows it won’t be easy. The Blues boss also believes there is going to be plenty of work ahead to avoid falling into a similarly perilous position again.

“You’re only a big club if you’re doing big club things,” Dyche said. “That’s what we have to change because it is a big club but we have to get it back to being one on the pitch, not just off it.”

The Everton boss added: “We’ve got a very difficult task done. We found enough points to get us through this season and, as I said, there’s a lot to be done, a hell of a lot to be done.

“We’ve shown the fighting spirit that you need but, equally, I’ve just told the players, that we shouldn’t be in this state so we’ve got to learn from that. Next season is going to be a big season.”

Speaking after the game, Bournemouth defender Adam Smith described the atmosphere at Goodison as “one of the best” he has played in. Everton fans filled the surrounding streets with noise and flares hours ahead of kick-off before moving inside Goodison and creating a cauldron of atmosphere.

“I can’t praise them enough,” Dyche told evertonfc.com when asked about the support his side has received this season.

“It was a shame we couldn’t get to thank our fantastic supporters after the final whistle but it was a security-led decision for the team not to go back on.