Gray: We will come back fresh
DEMARAI GRAY claims Everton cannot assume they will avoid another relegation battle next season.
Everton clinched survival with a game to spare at Goodison Park last Thursday and Gray admitted the last month had been nerve shredding.
The Blues finished with the Premier League’s jointworst away record with Norwich and the third highest number of losses with 21.
Gray insists Everton have much work to do under boss Frank Lampard (below) to ensure they improve significantly.
“The past month has been a lot mentally for us all and a lot for the club,” he said. “The most important thing was survival and we achieved that.
“We have a lot of improving to do, we’re not just going to come back in and think we’ll automatically have a better season.
“There is work to be done, the manager has made that clear.
“We will have a break and come back fresh-minded, ready to make sure we’re not in that position again.”
Gray, 25, was one of Everton’s few positives from the campaign. The former Leicester forward scored six goals and contributed five assists following his £1.5million switch from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
He wants to build on his fine first campaign with Everton next season after enjoying his summer break.
“It’s been hard for everyone. We’re glad it’s over,” he said. “We can breathe a bit and try to enjoy our summers and time with the family.
“It has been difficult with the circumstances but an OK season for me. I started well but didn’t finish as well as I wanted, personally.
“There are a lot of positives for me to take, personal stats I’ve improved on.”