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Everton’s history is longer and more illustrious than that of many other top-flight clubs, although there’s a sense among fans that the side is facing something of an identity crisis despite these past glories. Recent financial woes and managerial instability have hung like a cloud over Everton’s league performance, and its inability to achieve domestic success in recent decades is mirrored by a drought of silverware from continental competitions.

While anyone can argue the toss about what can be done to gee up Everton so that it starts to get the results its pedigree commands, what’s perhaps a more pressing and challenging issue to overcome is that of the club’s relationship with its supporters. Here’s a look at what’s getting in the way of Everton’s connection with fans, and what could be done to change it.

Cohesion on the Pitch

Goals and points are all well and good if you’re only interested in the statistical side of football, but most fans click with a club because the style of play is appealing, and there’s joy to be had in the sheer spectatorship of it all. Unfortunately, Everton has found itself needing to fight against the pull of relegation in the past few seasons, and that’s led to a style of play that’s shifted heavily toward defensive pragmatism and survival tactics. Many fans felt rightly disengaged, and even neutral parties using a soccer betting market to wager on Everton game outcomes might have felt their money was safer backing clubs with more cohesive approaches.

While there’s a function to such tactics, that’s not going to give fans the satisfaction of seeing their side produce distinct performances that reflect what the beautiful game can really be. It’s as much about placing faith in the players going through Everton’s academy system at the moment, giving them a path to share the pitch with established veterans sooner rather than later, as it is splashing cash on big international names to buoy the side’s hopes in a few key areas of weakness.

Accountability Off the Pitch

As mentioned, Everton’s financial foibles have recently caused turmoil and peril, and it’s not just deducted points and the threat of relegation that have resulted from mismanagement. Supporters had their faith in the club shaken, and their ability to trust what they’re told by the top brass eroded.

Building these bridges back up will, of course, take time, and it also means that there must be meaningful communication between decision-makers and supporters, with information flowing in both directions. Likewise, transparency around the club’s finances is the bare minimum, and fans will expect to be kept in the loop on how things are progressing and what positive changes are being made at the top level, season by season.

There’s undoubtedly a long road ahead for Everton, and it’s important for fans to remember that this is a two-way street. Their support doesn’t have to be unconditional, but it does need to offer a little leeway as the side claws its way out of crisis mode and moves toward firmer ground.