This summer, ten clubs from the Premier League have sought financial opportunities, integrating the US into their pre-season plans. Three teams have ventured east to Japan, and Tottenham has also made a stop in South Korea to cater to fans eager to see Son Heung-min. Meanwhile, six clubs are capitalizing on the high altitude and training facilities in Europe for their preparations, which leaves one club opting for a different approach. As Sean Dyche might say, they are keeping it real.
On Tuesday night, Coventry’s Building Society Arena was the stage for Everton’s latest pre-season “tour,” where Dyche’s squad struggled significantly in a 3-0 defeat to the Championship side. This represents three consecutive matches without a win against lower league opponents this summer. Their pre-season kicked off with a 3-3 draw against Sligo Rovers, held to commemorate Séamus Coleman’s career and raise funds for his former club after a training camp just outside Dublin.
The previous Saturday saw a brief trip to Salford City result in a 2-1 loss at the Peninsula Stadium. Up next is an away fixture against Preston, followed by a home match against Roma on 10 August. Overall, Everton’s pre-season journey covers approximately 1,350 miles, starting from their Finch Farm training base for each friendly match. And that is precisely what Dyche aims for.
Everton’s well-publicized financial difficulties and the uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership may explain why they are the only Premier League team not to travel to mainland Europe. The match against Roma would have showcased two clubs under the ownership of the Friedkin Group, had it not been for the unexpected collapse of the American company’s planned takeover of Everton on 19 July.
In reality, Dyche believes that prioritizing training time, minimizing travel, and simulating the challenges of domestic football during pre-season is more valuable than exploring opportunities in places like California or Tokyo, even if such trips might be financially beneficial and appealing to the club’s broader fanbase (there are nearly 50 Everton supporters’ groups in the US, indicating a sizable audience). Ultimately, Dyche has the final say. This summer, as was the case last year with trips to Tranmere, Wigan, Bolton, and Stoke, Everton’s interim board is focused on more immediate concerns, like selling the club and completing a stunning new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
Everton’s straightforward itinerary has given Dyche the chance to further cement his reputation as a strict taskmaster this summer. Following daily double-training sessions at the Dublin camp, there have been similarly intense sessions at Finch Farm, sometimes even triple sessions. His notorious “Gaffer’s Day”—a demanding day of continuous running drills for two hours while Dyche observes and laughs—had a twist last week. After keeping the team guessing about when “Gaffer’s Day” would occur, he announced it was happening last Tuesday, with an added challenge this year: the squad had to repeat the drill again on the Thursday.
On the mornings of their friendlies against Sligo and Salford, Everton held training sessions, which may have contributed to their lackluster performances. Dyche remains focused on “getting the sharpness in them” and building fitness ahead of their first game of the new season against Brighton on 17 August. While pre-season results may not be the primary concern, Dyche expressed disappointment regarding the team’s performance at Coventry, particularly with six first-team regulars absent. “Beyond the result, which is important, we are trying to get players through these games,” he stated.
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“We are attempting to accumulate minutes while avoiding overexertion due to existing injuries. My only real disappointment is that you hope for players to come in and truly make an impact. I don’t believe we had enough of that. Regardless of the outcome, you’re still searching for that spark from the players and desirable habits, and I thought those habits were noticeably lacking in the first half and for most of the game, to be honest.”
Despite the rigorous nature of Dyche’s pre-season training, there have been minimal complaints from players regarding their workloads, whether at Everton or Burnley. Many acknowledge the long-term advantages of such intense training. Under Dyche’s leadership, standards have risen, and Everton’s injury record improved last season, with the team proving more durable and resilient both mentally and physically. They successfully navigated the unprecedented challenges posed by two separate points deductions to secure their Premier League status with three matches left. There is merit in keeping things grounded, no matter how unfashionable it may appear.
