Everton to recommence match-day tradition since 2019 as reaction could reveal Sean Dyche's plans

In Everton’s final home games of the previous two seasons, nerves and anxiety have been sky-high.

Match-day going Toffees and those without a ticket put on a bold showing for their team. Thousands upon thousands lined the streets around Goodison Park, clad in blue with plumes of smoke from pyrotechnics billowing. Yet underneath the ardent support, there can be no denying that angst was rife. Everton’s Premier League status was at stake.

Two years ago, in Everton’s penultimate game of 2021-22 at the Grand Old Lady, Crystal Palace were the visitors. One of the most memorable nights in the club’s history was created as the Blues battled from two goals behind at half-time to claim a 3-2 victory. The relief was palpable as supporters celebrated with a pitch invasion and manager Frank Lampard danced from the directors’ box. Safety was secured with a match to spare.

Last year, Everton’s scrap for top-flight survival went down to the last day. Sean Dyche’s side had their fate in their own hands and a sizzling Abdoulaye Doucoure strike ensured that relegation was again avoided. Not as many entered the field this time around. There was more of an anger the club had somehow found itself in the position for successive seasons and it was not to be celebrated.

But as Goodison prepares for the final fixture of 2023-24, Evertonians will have no pre-match fear in terms of league status. The Blues have well and truly avoided a dogfight. Despite being deducted eight points for two separate profit and sustainability breaches, Dyche has navigated Everton through choppy waters nonchalantly. There is an 11-point gap between the Toffees and 18th-placed Luton. Ahead of already-relegated Sheffield United, fans can soak up the rays before and after without worrying about the result. Granted, the debate over 777 Partners’ protracted takeover will rage around the L4 watering holes but relegation won’t be uttered.

It means Everton can enjoy a proper end-of-season lap of honour. Fans can pay homage to Dyche and his squad - and vice versa given how staunchly they have been backed home and away.

And as things stand, there will be several waving their goodbyes ahead of a trip to Arsenal on the final day. The Blues have six players out of contract, as well as two loanees whose deals are up. In truth, it’s difficult to see Dele Alli winning a new contract having not played all campaign. Andre Gomes has spent much of the season injured and is one of the club’s higher earners. Andy Lonergan has served as third-choice keeper for the past three years and has not made an appearance. Meanwhile, Arnaut Danjuma’s loan spell from Villarreal has underwhelmed with the forward scoring only twice in 20 games.

But for Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Ashley Young and Jack Harrison, the future is intriguing. How they react when clapping those in the stands could tell everything about what’s happening in terms of plans for next season.

Dyche has said when asked about players’ contracts that director of football Kevin Thelwell is in touch with all players’ agents. Therefore, they must have an idea of what is happening.

Coleman is without a doubt one to keep an eye on. The Everton captain embodies everything it means to represent the club. There have been few greater servants than Coleman since his £60,000 arrival from Sligo Rovers in 2009. The right-back has made 420 appearances, scoring 28 goals and has been through the highs and lows of 11 permanent and caretaker managers. He is the bedrock of Everton. Yet there is still to be an official announcement on what becomes of him next term.

Coleman has had an injury-plagued campaign. After coming back from a long-term knee issue suffered at Leicester City a year ago, where he still managed to gee up supporters despite being stretchered off, several muscle injuries have restricted him to only 11 outings so far. Aged 35, he could see it as his time to bring the curtain down. Or perhaps if he still has a desire to continue playing, Dyche may see it difficult to promise Coleman the minutes he would covet. The logical thing would be a player-coach role. We await news.

Dyche recently told of the respect and admiration he has for Gueye, The midfielder was brought back to Everton from PSG two years ago and has performed much better under Dyche than predecessor Lampard. The Blues reportedly have an option to extend the Senegal international’s deal by a year although wages could well be a factor.

Young has been a utility man since arriving from Aston Villa on a free transfer last summer. Turning 39 in July, the former Manchester United veteran revealed he does not yet plan to retire. Dyche did not give a clear verdict on Young’s future when asked if he’d like to keep him after a 1-0 win over Brentford, though, citing the club had ‘varying situations’ they were looking at.

A similar answer was given when LiverpoolWorld asked Dyche if he’d like to sign Harrison on a permanent basis. The winger has been a regular starter during his loan spell from Leeds United, recording four goals and three assists in 37 games. It could come down to the Whites’ price tag and what division they are in next term. Remaining in the Championship will likely mean they need to cash in on players.

It will be the first time since 2019 that a proper end-of-season lap of honour takes place. There were no supporters inside Goodison for the finale of 2019-20 because of Covid-19 and just 10,000 the following season as restrictions were still in place. Then followed the two pitch invasions. But after the Sheffield United encounter, supporters will stay in their seats and salute the troops. How those currently out of contract react with those in the stands could say everything about their respective futures.