DYCHE LOOKS TO FIRE 198OS SPIRIT AGAIN

SEAN DYCHE is ready to reignite Everton’s fire with the spirit of the 1980s.

The new boss believes there is still something burning within the Blues despite a horror run of one win in 14 games.

Everton have a history of success in the 1980s – including winning the old

First Division twice – thanks to the likes of Peter Reid, Graeme Sharpe, Trevor Steven and more.

It is that spirit Dyche wants to invoke as he begins his battle to get them out of the relegation zone with the visit of Premier League leaders Arsenal today.

When asked what his perfect Everton would be, he said: “A team that embraces the past and understands it, while building the future.

“I remember the mid80s team really clearly. But they weren’t just players – they had fight, they had a teamship that you could feel through a TV screen.

“Unsung heroes became heroes, some unfashionable types suddenly became these brilliant footballers. You’ve got to embrace that feel. “The

fans played their part in that by glueing it all together. I haven’t forgotten that but of course we need a future version of that kind of feel.

“I thought; ‘Can I play my part in giving some of that to it?’ I think I can.

“On top of that you want ability, and of course the game has changed, but the great feel to that time at the club we’ve got to embrace while building the future.

“Don’t forget the values of the club. I’m not saying it has been forgotten. The fire is still there, we’ve just got to ignite it.”

Dyche is hoping the fans get behind the club as they begin their battle to beat the drop.

Anger

But he is also aware that there is huge anger against the board which has been brewing for long before they failed to sign anyone in the January window while sacking Frank Lampard.

He is returning to football for the first time since he was sacked by Burnley back in April.

So he is back with a point to prove at a club that needs his skillset of invoking passion and desire as well as fight to get out of trouble but also with ambition to show he can build a club up again.

“I will have that gameday anxiety — are they going to deliver what we’ve been working on? — but of course there will be excitement,” he said.

“It’s Everton Football Club. I know about it, I know the history.

“Imagine the chance to turn it around?

“Imagine the chance I have to play my part, because there are a lot of people involved in this, in reshaping things and turning it around?

“That is exciting.”