It didn't take long for Sean Dyche to introduce a new rule that is designed to 'set the tone' and 'keep standards high' in training.
Everton confirmed the appointment of Dyche as their new manager on Monday following the sacking of Frank Lampard, who was relieved of his duties following last month's 2-0 defeat to West Ham.
Dyche promised to make the players "sweat" and bring back some of the basic principles of what Everton have stood for in his first interview as manager.
Advert
"Our aim is to put out a team that works, that fights and wears the badge with pride," he said. "There is quality in this squad, but we have to make them shine."
The no-nonsense former Burnley boss soon got his players to work in this week's first training session, where he put his new squad through a gruelling session.
In fact, he made his players do a Bleep Test as Ben Godfrey and Ellis Simms appeared to be the last players standing.
Advert
Away from the fitness aspect of training and some eagle-eyed fans noticed that every player was wearing a certain outfit.
That's because the new manager has ordered all of his squad to wear shin pads with match socks or trousers for training.
In previous regimes, players trained with bare legs and no shin pads but Dyche believes his new rule sets the tone and keeps standards high.
You could argue that players may have held back in challenges when their teammates failed to wear shin pads in years gone by, but knowing Dyche, he will want his players to show intensity in training.
Advert
The Toffees have failed to show those levels of intensity in large spells this season but Dyche is keen to bring that passion back to Goodison Park.
“I know about Everton’s passionate fanbase and how precious this club is to them," he said in his first interview.
"We’re ready to work and ready to give them what they want. That starts with sweat on the shirt, effort and getting back to some of the basic principles of what Everton Football Club has stood for for a long time.
“We want to bring back a good feeling. We need the fans, we need unity and we need everyone aligned. That starts with us as staff and players."
He added: “We want to change the shape of this club going forward, remodel it in our style, but in a way that we can win.
Advert
"That's the task in front of us - make sure we're building, tactically and technically, giving players organisation, allow them the freedom to play, to go and enjoy their football because it's brilliant when the team's playing with a smile, but we've got to win.”
Thoughts on the appointment of Dyche? Can he save Everton from relegation this season?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@EvertonTopics: Everton, Sean Dyche, Burnley, Premier League
