Sean Dyche is hoping the feelgood factor gained by Everton securing their top-flight status translates into more wins between now and the end of the season.
The situation looked bleak for the Toffees following a demoralising 6-0 thumping at Chelsea on April 15 but successive victories against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Brentford means the club will play Premier League football again in 2024/25.
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Next up for Dyche and his team is a trip to relegation-threatened Luton Town on Friday night.
He said: “Very pleased, obviously. Relieved in a different kind of way after a lot of work done to get through a lot of challenges this season. So thankful to the staff and players for all of their efforts and of course the fans, who played their part as well.
“The feel-good factor has obviously affected everyone and we want to use that to our advantage. The freedom comes back into your play because our objective is achieved. It’s about using all the things we’ve learned in these last three games and delivering performances.
“We have given ourselves a platform now to finish the season strong. We want to do that. I referenced it after the win against Brentford about taking the next one on because during the tough run we had without wins I did say that over the season it balances itself out as long as you keep doing the right things.
“Well, we did keep doing the right things. Now we take on the next one and we want that mentality to stay.”
Luton are still fighting for their survival – Rob Edwards’ men are 18th in the table, a point and a place behind Forest and safety.
Dyche knows Kenilworth Road will be bouncing for the game on Friday.
He added: “We’re going against a team who are fighting and had a really tough run of results. They’re still fighting, still working.
“We have to go there with the right attitude and we intend to do so. We want to take it on, win and finish the season correctly.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Seamus Coleman and Beto have all returned to training ahead of Friday’s trip to Luton Town. #LUTEVE PIC.TWITTER.COM/NZ6ARUZVKO
— Everton (@Everton) MAY 1, 2024
Although Everton’s on-field future is secured, there remains plenty of uncertainty surrounding the proposed takeover by 777 Partners with the deal yet to be ratified by the Premier League.
It threatens to derail the club’s summer spending plans and while Dyche says he is “waiting on more news”, he denied suggestions it would force him to sell key players when the transfer window reopens.
“Not necessarily,” he said. “There are obvious questions to be answered but it’s possible new ownership might change things. Various things go into PSR [profitability and sustainability rules] not just player sales.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be monitored ahead of Friday’s game but fellow striker Beto is fit after being cleared of a head injury.
