BIG CHARACTERS TO STAND UP AGAIN’

readiness – ‘DOWN’. It took two goals from Graham Stuart and a 30-yard bullet from Barry Horne to deliver a happier front page for Toffees fans.

There was another relegation escape four years later, with Bolton, who lost out on goal difference, claiming they were victims of ‘the goal that was never given’ in a game against Everton. Now, once again, the threat of dropping out of the top flight for the first time since 1951 is looming over Goodison.

Everton have won just two of their last 19 games – and 22 points from 25 league matches represents their lowest-ever haul at this stage of a Premier League season. Don Hutchison was part of the Everton side that stayed up on the last day of the 1997-98 campaign.

Watching last week’s surrender at Tottenham sparked memories of that grim season.

“Thankfully, there are more games at Goodison because away from home, forget it, Everton are far too fragile. I don’t think I have seen many worse Everton sides,” Hutchison said.

“It’s all about whether you have enough characters in the side.

“We weren’t the best team, but we could still call upon great characters like Dave Watson and Duncan Ferguson. That’s what is needed now.”