At the beginning of the last season, it would’ve taken the most ardent of Evertonian’s to have believed that European football would be returning in Roberto’s first season at the club. As we all know last season was one with so many positives. The manner in which we adapted to the managers’ new philosophy, the positivity amongst the fans and most importantly the results on the pitch.

It was Sunday 30th March, down in South West London, when I finally believed that we were destined to a return to European football. We had recorded our second away win in the space of three days, we’d scored three goals, got three points and the away end was bouncing. The famous 2005 chant of ‘We’re all going on a European tour’ was bellowing out of the Putney End. I remember walking back to the station thinking, ‘this is what being an Evertonian all is about’. As a Blue who was brought up during the dark days of Mike Walker and Walter Smith it is only fair that we enjoy these days to its fullest. I remember someone once saying to me that European away days are Gods reward at being an Evertonian, how true that statement is!

We’ve been here before though as Evertonian’s, the fateful European dream ended by Standard Liege before it had even started in 2008 and then whimpering out in the last 32 against a poor Sporting side in 2010. There’s one huge factor in our favour this time around though. We have Roberto! A tactically astute and a modern forward-thinking football manager. I believe our football philosophy will suit playing in Europe. Whatever formation Roberto choses to play, the players will buy into it. Strangling teams with possession and hitting them with power and pace on the break. Hopefully gone are the days when we couldn’t buy a win away in Europe and when it comes to the knock out stages we will hopefully see an arrogance about the players and belief that we can go all the way.

We all know that night games at Goodison are great occasions, but European nights are even more special. I remember with fondness the great UEFA Cup run in 2007-2008 when Zenit, Fiorentina and the likes came to town. The atmosphere was electric but this time we have the full package. We have always had good players, great fans but this time we have a great manager!

The draw for the Group stages is a week on Friday, a couple of nice European destinations would be good but I don’t fear anyone, not at home, not away. Bring them all on, we fear nobody because ‘Roberto had a dream……’

Jamie Armstrong
Twitter: @Jamiearmstrong1